Chapter 108

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Whoo, Phew!

The blade accurately dug into the vital point.

Even amidst flesh scattering and bodily fluids splattering, Laurea swung her sword calmly.

Her sword was nothing special.

She couldn’t create new sword techniques to match the situation like Ivella, nor could she display the unpredictable swordsmanship of Ian Marcus.

But still, she had talent.

Even in her first battle with a monster, she managed to gain the upper hand with just the defensive sword techniques she learned for self-defense.

Of course, she occasionally made mistakes.

“Ah…!”

A surprised voice rang out for a moment.

A spider monster had sprung out from a blind spot she hadn’t noticed.

It was too late to block it with her sword.

Laurea had no choice but to attempt a divine spell. But that wasn’t necessary.

Crack! Brrrrr!

Suddenly, the spider monster was split in half.

Thanks to Ulan’s axe that had flown in just in time.

From then on, he furiously swung his axe in places where Laurea’s sword couldn’t reach.

This feels strangely familiar.

Today was her first time fighting alongside Ulan.

They hadn’t practiced together separately or discussed tactics for combat. Yet somehow, it felt incredibly comfortable. It was as if they had been together for a long time.

It wasn’t this synchronized when I fought alongside Ian.

So, the entire time she swung her sword, she felt a sense of wonder. Of course, she had a rough idea of why.

According to the story, her future self had supposedly roamed the battlefield alongside him for more than a decade.

In other words, his adaptability to her combat style was what made this possible. While she was feeling increasingly amazed,

Boom! Splash!

The last remaining spider’s abdomen was pierced.

“Phew.”

The sight of all the monsters meeting their demise.

Gazing at the completely chaotic battlefield, Laurea steadied her ragged breaths.

On the other hand, Ulan remained unscathed.

Despite having moved quite vigorously, his breathing was perfectly composed. Instead, he looked blankly at the corpse of the spider monster.

“This should do.”

He chose a relatively intact corpse.

This would be dissected later by Professor Stella. It should have been quite heavy, yet Ulan bore the spider monster with an unfazed expression.

“Our business is done. Let’s head back.”

After securing it with a vine to keep it from falling, Ulan turned his body toward the edge of the forest.

Just then.

“Hey, Ulan.”

Laurea suddenly spoke up.

With a curious expression that had come out of nowhere, she tilted her head and asked,

“What kind of person was I in the future?”

“Why are you asking that out of the blue?”

“I’m just curious.”

What would her future self look like?

It’s a topic everyone would be curious about.

Especially someone who had spent a long time with her future self would surely know a lot.

“Do you really want to know?”

“Yeah, tell me.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely!”

With a lively response and sparkling eyes.

Facing that strange expectation-filled gaze, Ulan nodded with a serious face.

“Well, first….”

“First?”

“Your personality was much worse than now.”

“What?!”

Her brow furrowed in an instant.

If she had even a hint of awareness, she would have surely stopped her answer right here. No, she would’ve refrained from saying anything negative altogether.

But unfortunately, Ulan wasn’t very perceptive. He was once told by former comrades that he had dunked his awareness into the abyss.

“You were irritable, and your drinking habits were poor too.”

“……”

“Especially when you threw hysterics or complained, there were times I felt the urge to abandon you on the roadside.”

Thus, he rambled on about all the misdeeds and flaws displayed by her future self, completely unaware of Laurea’s crumpled expression.

Her expression was increasingly twisted.

However, her discomfort wasn’t solely because Ulan was badmouthing her.

It was because everything he said was—

The truth.

“Ugh… how annoying.”

If I’d known this, I shouldn’t have asked.

Feeling frustrated, she regretted her curiosity.

Before long, Laurea’s complexion completely hardened like a rock, and it was only then that Ulan felt the sense of unease rising.

Perhaps because of that, he added another explanation.

“But you were a good person.”

“Hmph, I don’t need your comfort.”

Crossing her arms, Laurea turned her sulky face away. She was completely pouting. But Ulan, unfazed, continued speaking.

“Though you may have annoyed your comrades, you never once spoke unkindly in front of those truly in need.”

“Comfort is….”

“You never ignored a helping hand, and in fact, you were the one who approached to help first.”

Ulan spoke calmly.

Laurea fell silent at that steady reply. Because this was also the truth.

“Also, among us, you cried the most.”

No matter the reason, when someone was left behind, Laurea often shed tears in secret.

Whenever there were dying soldiers, she always stayed until the end, mourning their last moments with sorrow.

She cried so sorrowfully that often the dying soldiers would end up comforting her instead.

“From what I remember of your future self, you always stood by the side of the powerless, listening to their voices and protecting them.”

And for that, she wouldn’t hesitate to fight against monsters stronger than herself.

Recognizing her true nature, Ulan in his past life was finally able to resolve misunderstandings and grow closer to Laurea.

“So, to summarize what I want to say…”

“Ahem! Ahem! Hmmm!”

“Your future self was more than qualified to be called a saintess.”

“Cough!”

Just as Ulan was elaborating further.

Laurea suddenly made a loud coughing sound.

With slightly flushed cheeks.

That was roughly a signal to stop talking, but Ulan, oblivious, continued.

“Also, as a hero…”

“Ah, that’s enough!”

His comments finally ceased when Laurea intervened. Waving her hands wildly, she shouted in a slightly flustered face.

“That’s enough! You don’t have to say any more.”

“But there’s so much left.”

“No! I feel weird, so I don’t want to hear it.”

It was indeed a strange feeling.

This referred to Ulan’s experiences with the future Laurea.

In other words, it was a virtue that she had yet to fulfill. Hearing such praise made her feel embarrassed and odd.

So she turned away suddenly.

As if she no longer wanted to engage in conversation.

Meanwhile, Ulan quietly gazed at the back of Laurea. To be precise, he fixed his gaze on her nape.

‘She seems embarrassed.’

Ulan immediately caught on to Laurea’s mood.

The reason this was possible was simple.

Whenever her emotions changed, like feeling embarrassed or shy, her nape would always turn red.

Just as things settled down.

Laurea spoke up again.

“Ahem! Now that I’ve had my fill about myself, let’s move on. So, how were the other heroes?”

“How were they?”

“I meant my relationships with the other comrades. Specifically, who did I get along with the best?”

Ulan understood what she was saying.

Nodding, he answered her inquiry without hesitation.

“You were closest with Ian.”

“Hmm, I thought that might be the case.”

Laurea nodded her head.

That made perfect sense.

Even now, as the next saintess, she continually stuck by him like a dedicated escort, so how much more would it be after becoming an official saintess and after several years?

Even before she loosened up to Ulan, Ian was the only one to whom she could comfortably relate.

So, it was completely plausible that she would have gotten along with Ian just as smoothly in the future.

“Next, you got along well with Fertisha too.”

“The bard you mentioned earlier?”

“Yeah, at first it was awkward, but after about two years, you two suddenly clicked and became fast friends.”

To the point where it would be believable if someone claimed they were real sisters.

After Ulan finished his explanation.

“Ugh, now I’m more curious.”

Laurea’s eyes sparkled with bright yellow.

Her eyes were glowing with curiosity.

That would be understandble.

Hearing about someone who she only knew by name being so closely tied to her, anyone would likely have the same reaction.

But her excitement didn’t last long.

After all, just because she was curious didn’t mean she could meet them right away. Instead, Laurea voiced a new question that had come to mind.

“By the way.”

“……?”

“Saying you picked out a close hero means there were comrades I wasn’t close with?”

Sharp deduction.

Ulan grinned.

“That’s right.”

“Who is it? Ah, could it be Delia?”

“It’s me.”

“……Huh?”

Laurea showed a blank expression for an instant, perhaps due to the unexpected answer.

After a moment, she shook off her confusion and asked again.

“So you’re saying I didn’t get along with you?”

“Yeah, you openly hated me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m a barbarian.”

It was a simple and clear reason.

But Laurea looked confused. She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head in puzzlement.

“Hmm, that’s weird. I don’t really like barbarians, but I wouldn’t hate them enough to go that far…”

“You probably think that now.”

“Huh? Now?”

Her eyes widened slightly.

Seems she picked up on the hidden meaning in Ulan’s words.

“So that means there’s something that happens in the future that makes me hate barbarians?”

“Spot on.”

In her past life, Laurea had said.

When she was young, the mentor who had cared for her and raised her met her end at the hands of barbarians.

That wasn’t the only reason.

She had also heard about an incident where one of the saintess candidates destined to inherit her role was lost due to a barbarian raid.

Of course, Ulan had no involvement with those barbarians. At that time, he was busy fighting the Abyssal Monster on the battlefield.

However, shortly after that incident, Laurea had joined forces with Ulan. Perhaps that’s why she couldn’t provide emotional closure.

As she recalled that past memory.

Suddenly, Laurea chuckled.

“It’s okay.”

“Huh?”

“This time will be different.”

“What do you mean?”

“Before that incident happened, I already met you like this, right?”

With a bright smile.

Laurea beamed at him.

“In other words, even if that incident occurs, I won’t come to hate you. So you don’t have to worry.”

Now that she mentioned it, that was true.

In her past life, she had met the future Laurea just after that incident occurred.

On the other hand, this time was different.

She met Ulan much earlier than that incident took place, meaning she would know that Ulan had no connections to the barbarians.

‘Of course this time…’

She would have to prevent such an event from happening altogether. With fierce eyes, Ulan nodded silently.

“Then I’m relieved.”

“Yeah, me too.”

After they exchanged smiles, they promptly turned their bodies.

With their business concluded, they planned to exit the forest.

Just then, Ulan spoke up.

“Laurea.”

“What now?”

“What will you say to Ian?”

Laurea had a close relationship with Ian.

Thus, Ulan presumed she would share the secret he had just confessed today.

However, the response he received was unexpected.

“I’m not going to say anything.”

“What? Why?”

“Did you forget the promise we made earlier? That story is our secret.”

Laurea narrowed her eyes.

Turning around, she suddenly extended her finger, poking Ulan’s chest.

“This is your story.”

An intimate connection known only to Ulan.

A precious memory that belonged exclusively to him.

Thus, the only one qualified to share this story with others was Ulan himself.

“So, when the time comes, you should tell everyone yourself. That seems better for you and everyone else.”

Until then, she would keep it a secret.

Laurea said that, while Ulan just gazed deeply into her eyes.

“What are you looking at?”

“You really are a good person.”

“……!”

Her eyes flickered with confusion.

But that moment was short-lived, as Laurea abruptly turned her head and pushed Ulan’s back.

“Stop saying pointless things and lead the way!”

“All right.”

Ulan resumed moving his previously halted feet.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

For some reason, he felt that this time he would become much closer to Laurea.

As Ulan walked in step with the current Laurea, he reminisced about her past life.

And in that moment.

Suddenly!

Ulan stopped in his tracks.

His expression also hardened, as if he had recalled an unpleasant memory.

“Ulan?”

Did he suddenly stop?

Laurea looked his way.

At the same time, Ulan stepped forward, suddenly gripping her shoulder and leaning in.

“……Laurea.”

“What, what?! All of a sudden?!”

The sudden movements took her by surprise, and Laurea shouted in confusion at the face so close to hers, where she could feel his breath.

In contrast, Ulan’s expression was eerily serious.

“I just remembered something I need to tell you.”

“……?”

“If a moment comes when you can no longer hear the voice of the stars, when the touch of the divine is absent, don’t hesitate to call for me.”

Out of the blue, Ulan offered such advice.

“Remember, when the power of the holy fades, don’t wait to recognize the change; just call my name.”

Ulan spoke repeatedly, urging her.

Meanwhile, Laurea reacted in total disbelief. After a pause, she frowned and challenged him.

“Do you even realize how irreverent that statement is? Especially in front of the next saintess?”

“This is a hypothetical scenario.”

“Hypothetical or not, the divine exists everywhere! Just calling your name won’t change anything!”

Even if she graciously conceded that such an unlikely scenario actually occurred, there was no way for an ordinary human to resolve a situation even the divine couldn’t handle. That’s why Laurea asked with indignation.

And in that instant.

Ulan answered without hesitation.

“I will help you.”

With a solemn expression.

He continued without faltering.

“I remember the future. So, if the situation I mentioned arises, don’t think for a moment you can handle it alone; just call for me.”

His words were filled with sincerity.

Feeling a strange sense of strength in his tone, Laurea fell silent. Ulan continued whispering, keeping his gaze fixed on her eyes.

“I will definitely save you.”

After a brief resolve of determination, Ulan let go of her.

Then, he lightly patted her shoulder and gestured toward the edge of the forest.

“That’s it. Let’s head back.”

Just as the hunting time was about to end.

Ulan turned his body.

Meanwhile, Laurea silently watched from behind, her expression slightly dazed, as she took in Ulan’s retreating figure.

“……”

Beyond the irreverence she felt from his words,

The seriousness of his expression and voice lingered in her mind.

「I will help you.」

For that heartfelt declaration.

No matter what situation arose, he promised he would never give up on her.

That’s how it resonated in Laurea’s heart.

So she felt glad in some way.

As if a dependable older man had sworn to protect her. And just as she was unconsciously twitching her lips,

“……So smug.”

The last shred of her pride pulled her lips back to their original position. She uttered with a pout.

“What’s with him, seriously.”

Why does he look so much more mature, even though he’s just a year younger than me?

As those thoughts crossed her mind,

“Huh?”

Suddenly, something brushed against her mind.

Shortly after, she narrowed her eyes.

“Wait a moment.”

Ulan had clearly said he came from thirty years into the future. The moment he opened his eyes was about a year ago in the summer.

“That means……”

Now that a year has passed, Ulan’s real age would be a year younger than his current age, plus twenty-nine.

The calculation ended in an instant.

“……Forty-six.”

Ulan’s true age before going back to the past.

It finally made sense why he seemed so incredibly sensible and mature for a seventeen-year-old barbarian.

Now it made sense why his gaze felt so deep.

And why she felt such a sense of reliability and security was suddenly striking her mind.

At that moment.

“Laurea?”

Ulan’s voice reached her ears.

It seemed he found it strange that she was lagging behind him.

On the other hand, Laurea was caught off guard.

‘What’s this voice…’

It was different from what she had heard until now.

It resonated with a profound depth.

Perhaps she was realizing Ulan’s true age. And the way his eyes looked at her seemed unusually deep.

“What are you doing back there?”

“……Huh?”

“Did something happen?”

A continued stream of questions reached her.

Unconsciously, Laurea tugged at her dress hem. It felt as if soft feathers were tickling her heart.

‘What’s this feeling?’

Feeling flustered and surprised, just then, Ulan turned his body.

As if he was coming this way. Witnessing this, Laurea shouted with a startled expression.

“I’m fine! I’ll come over there!”

As she hurriedly moved her feet.

Shortly after, when she joined Ulan, she walked with a bit of distance between them, unlike before. The closer she got, the more her heart fluttered.

A completely unfamiliar feeling, but not an uncomfortable one. Perhaps that’s why a bright smile bloomed on Laurea’s face.

“Hehe.”

Just as she let out a short laugh.

Her nape flushed a bright red as she stepped out of the forest. She wasn’t sure whether it was due to the hot sunlight or something else.

Shortly after.

They returned to where they originally were.

Chapter 27: Friendly Mock Battle

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