Chapter 153

“The escort knight of Fertisha.”

As soon as Rimer Yen Lapis stepped out of the restaurant, she frowned.

“Something seems off.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“That barbarian we just saw.”

She recalled Ulan Bator, a beast who had broken two of the Empire’s legendary swords, owning a territory so vast it was almost absurd.

“Didn’t we run into him twice before? It’s strange to see him again like this.”

Two months ago, Fertisha had left the Imperial Castle to prepare for her academy entry. She had encountered Ulan back then as well—once in a restaurant and once at the night market. She muttered with a stern expression, “What if he’s tailing the princess on purpose…?”

“Oh please, that can’t be it.”

Fertisha immediately shot that idea down, as if it were absolutely absurd.

“Actually, I was the one who approached him first this time.”

Thinking back, Rimer realized that was true. Ulan had just been standing at the restaurant entrance to have a meal with his companions.

Rimer closed her mouth. But then she remembered something that sparked another question.

“By the way, how did you know?”

“Huh? Know what?”

“About the barbarian inside the hotel.”

Before Fertisha could approach Ulan, she had walked down the main road and headed straight for the hotel where the restaurant was located. Fertisha shrugged as she answered.

“I saw them, obviously.”

“What? But…”

Rimer trailed off mid-sentence.

It made sense—when they were walking earlier, the restaurant was surrounded by thick outer walls.

‘Meaning, the inside of the building was out of sight.’

If she had some kind of x-ray vision, that’d be one thing, but Fertisha didn’t have such powers.

At that moment, had she guessed Rimer’s thoughts? Fertisha, walking silently, suddenly added with a smile, “I actually have pretty good eyesight.”

This was a known fact to Rimer.

Thanks to her connection with spirits, she was far more observant than the average person. However, that didn’t mean she could detect someone beyond the thick outer walls.

‘But how did you pinpoint Ulan’s presence?’

Rimer kept tilting her head in confusion. Little did she know, one significant fact was at play here.

Fertisha’s eyesight and hearing had indeed surpassed what she had imagined.

“Hah.”

Immediately after exhaling a short breath, a swarm of whispers tickled her ears.

Also, closing her eyelids allowed the scenery around her to flow like a river. It was a natural phenomenon that occurred when sharing sensations with spirits.

Through this, Fertisha could see and hear everything within a 1-kilometer radius from her current location.

A little while later, she focused on the imagery she desired.

She spotted Ulan and Noa, who had just left the restaurant, heading toward the eastern castle gate. Staring at their backs, her expression twisted.

‘…This is disappointing.’

It had only been two months.

To think someone changed so much in such a short span of time.

She definitely remembered a different girl from before. Retrieving old memories made her uneasy, and her lips puckered involuntarily.

‘But it’s too early to jump to conclusions.’

Just seeing with her eyes alone didn’t constitute truth.

One had to engage in conversation and observe closely to truly understand someone’s essence.

This was a realization she had come to at an age of reason.

Fertisha blinked.

Whoosh!

The wind blew, and the world in front of her changed.

As the scene returned back to normal, she continued her walk alongside Rimer.

Today, she had come to the capital to find items she hadn’t procured last time. Just as they were moving toward their destination, Fertisha suddenly stopped.

“Princess?”

Rimer asked with a hint of confusion.

But no answer came. Instead, Fertisha fixed her gaze on a specific spot, provoking Rimer to join her stare.

“That’s….”

A luxurious black carriage.

After seeing the emblem engraved on the side door, Rimer quickly deduced who the carriage belonged to.

“It’s from Count Dermore’s family.”

“Dermore family, you say?”

“They are historically famous for producing talented mages. Just recently, they’ve become part of our lord’s retinue.”

As information about Count Dermore poured out effortlessly, Fertisha’s attention fixed on a blonde girl who stood nearby.

A girl who seemed somewhat emaciated.

Fertisha, gazing at the girl with pitch-black eyes like the night sky, exclaimed in awe.

“There sure are many wonders outside the Imperial Castle.”

“Huh? What do you mean all of a sudden…?”

“I can’t believe she’s alive in that state.”

With eyes sparkling as if seeing a curious creature, Fertisha’s interest waned just as quickly. She then smiled brightly at the puzzling Rimer.

“It’s nothing. Let’s go.”

“Oh, right. I’ll escort you.”

Rimer replied kindly and followed behind.

Thus, the two resumed their steps, heading towards the shopping district—their intended destination.

Meanwhile, at that moment.

The blonde girl Fertisha had her eyes on, wide-eyed, gushed repeatedly.

“I-I can’t believe this is the Southern Plaza?!”

“That’s right, Yurfe.”

A middle-aged man kept close to her.

Count Dermore nodded, watching the girl survey her surroundings with wonder, offering a patient smile.

Yurfe Dermore.

She was the Count’s daughter, recently revived through the Power of the Abyss.

Having transitioned from slumber to consciousness, she finally emerged after weeks confined to bed, excitedly venturing out today.

As she surveyed with wide eyes, Yurfe’s mood suddenly darkened.

“Phew, I’m finally feeling the passage of time.”

After releasing a short sigh, she murmured reluctantly.

“I’ve really been asleep for three years.”

When she first heard this, she had a hard time believing the Count.

Who wouldn’t be surprised? Waking up for a short nap only to discover three years had slipped by was definitely astonishing.

But coming to the capital and witnessing the altered streets confirmed her suspicions.

Indeed, three years had passed.

Had it been an instant? A strange emptiness settled over Yurfe, darkening her expression. At that moment, the Count took her hand.

“It’s alright, Yurfe.”

“Father….”

“Even though three years have passed, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re my daughter. So, you can live doing whatever you like.”

He whispered with a solemn face, the sincerity washing over her brought a smile to Yurfe’s face.

“Thank you, Father.”

With her beaming smile, she continued to take in the sights. As she happily gazed at the surroundings, she suddenly noticed….

Flap! Flap!

A pigeon flew down abruptly and landed on the top of their carriage. So far, so normal. But then things took a wild turn.

“I greet the Apostle of the Abyss.”

The voice that escaped the bird’s beak was a clear, human tone, sounding robust enough to belong to someone around the Count’s age.

“The hunt squad has arrived at their destination.”

“If they’ve reached there already, then it must be the Arpen Duchy?”

“Correct. It’s a distance to the Eastern Jungle; they’ll take a bit longer to get there.”

Count Dermore naturally continued the conversation, conversing with the speaking pigeon. Following the report, he nodded in understanding.

“Understood. I’ll inform my master.”

“Yes, I await orders.”

After that polite exchange, the pigeon flew off.

Then it rejoined a flock, happily pecking at the seeds scattered on the ground, looking just like an ordinary pigeon.

On the other hand, after receiving such unexpected news, the Count placed his hand over his left chest.

“…My master.”

One muttering escaped his lips, filled with reverence.

“The worshipers sent to the Arpen Duchy have reached their destination.”

After the brief report had finished, a slight headache hit, and a mysterious voice began rattling in the Count’s head.

【What is the scale of the worshipers?】

Rakus Clanman Duratus.

The Lord of the Abyss who had revived Yurfe Dermore as his Apostle in exchange for her life. The Count resumed his report respectfully.

“There are thirty-three in total. Thirty elite guards and three leaders, two of which are mages, and one is an expert swordsman.”

Detailing the report, the Count reminisced about the past events.

‘After Yurfe was revived….’

A group of mages had come knocking at his mansion’s door.

They were none other than the Abyss Worshipers.

Upon seeing the seal branded on the Count’s chest, they prostrated themselves on the floor in worship.

“We present ourselves before the Great Apostle of the Abyss.”

The worshipers bowed repeatedly to the Count.

Some of the worshipers even cried tears of joy, overwhelmed by their newfound leader’s presence. Just like that, Count Dermore now boasted a massive cadre of Abyss Worshipers under his command.

Soon after, instructions from Rakus followed.

They were to select the best among the Abyss Worshipers and divide them into two squads.

Then each squad would be dispatched to the Arpen Duchy and the continent’s Eastern Jungle.

‘There is only one objective.’

To completely eliminate the “ targets” at each location. The Count relayed Rakus’s orders thoroughly to the Abyss Worshipers.

Only he, as the Apostle, was allowed to hear Rakus’s voice.

‘And then….’

He had just received a report from a worshiper borrowing the guise of the pigeon. Once he recalled that, the Count’s lips parted once more.

“Great master. I must be so daring as to ask one thing.”

As soon as his question ended, his head echoed again.

【I allow it, my Apostle.】

【What do you wish to know?】

“While I understand the Arpen Duchy, I can’t grasp the target in the Eastern Jungle.”

【What do you mean by this?】

“The opponent is a mere subhuman. It could easily be dispatched using an assassination squad instead of needing worshipers.”

Rakus had designated two targets for elimination.

The first was a royal of the Arpen Duchy, someone the Count had heard rumors about, so the motive for elimination was somewhat clear.

‘But for the second target….’

It was a name he had never encountered before.

Not surprising since he was a lowly mercenary operating in the Eastern Jungle. Moreover, he was not even human but rather a despised subhuman.

It left him wondering why there was a need to mobilize the Abyss Worshipers to eliminate him. It felt as absurd as using a cow to slaughter a chicken.

【A mere subhuman, is it?】

【That is not incorrect.】

After the Count’s inquiry came to a close, Rakus burst out laughing.

【Let me just inform you of one thing.】

【The “mere subhuman” you speak of—】

【Will one day transform into a bothersome threat.】

Hearing those words, the Count’s eyes widened.

Rakus was the first to mention the word “threat.”

【Sven Isaac.】

The second target to be eliminated.

Rakus mumbled his name, filled with deep disdain.

【He will one day hunt thousands of monsters.】

【A hunter who will threaten the Abyss.】

【It is only right to stamp out the sprout.】

【Above all, decisively.】

The Count clutched his head.

With each word Rakus uttered, a fierce headache thrummed in.

As low groans escaped from his lips, Rakus continued speaking.

【The same goes for the Arpen Duchy.】

【They are beings favored by mana.】

【The Star Witch, Delia Arpen.】

【She too must be assuredly eliminated.】

Ending his lengthy speech, Rakus momentarily fell silent.

As the Count’s pained expression returned to normal, whispers returned.

【Two of the six darkness have disappeared.】

【Meanwhile, the star that brightens the Abyss remains intact.】

【And now the eighth star has revealed itself.】

After that cryptic mumbling, Rakus finally threw out his last words.

【Therefore, my Apostle.】

【According to the revelation, extinguish the starlight.】

【Only that can be—】

【The path to victory for the Abyss.】

Without a word, the Count bowed his head.

It was as if to show he would obey the command.

Shortly after, after enjoying the sights, Yurfe returned to the carriage. The father and daughter mounted it amicably, and soon set off toward the mansion.

As the carriage departed, the pigeons gathered in the square flapped their wings and took off.

However, not all of them flew away.

Just one. The pigeon that had been sitting on the carriage and talking with the Count had suddenly turned into a cold corpse lying on the ground.

Crunch! Squish!

The pigeon that got crushed under the carriage wheel turned into a crimson stain. Just like that, the pigeon’s remains vanished swiftly from the world.

Without attracting anyone’s attention.

And that night.

Once the sun had completely set, Ulan and Noa arrived at the carriage stop. They were to board a carriage heading back to Arsen Academy.

“Phew, we actually made it in the end.”

Noa sighed in relief.

The two had spent the entire day searching the capital from morning until night.

And as a result…

Noa had gathered the remaining fifteen Hidden Pieces and even most of the materials necessary for healing potions.

“The remaining herbs can be found at the academy, so let’s just head back and look for them.”

“Yeah, sounds good.”

With Ulan’s response, Noa slightly slumped her shoulders.

Perhaps it was the relief of finally being done with their affairs in the capital? She let out a short sigh, stretching her arms with a tired expression.

“Ugh, it’s still about 10 minutes left.”

The last carriage to Arsen Academy departed at 8 PM. If they missed this one, they’d have had to stay out for another night.

‘Of course, that wouldn’t have been a problem.’

With the Marquis Gorphant’s seal, she could spare another day in the capital.

After two days of hunting for Hidden Pieces, she found herself wanting some more rest.

‘And also….’

She also wanted to spend more time with Ulan.

As thoughts of last night crossed her mind, Noa’s cheeks turned a bit rosy. However, it wasn’t just her cheeks that flushed red.

“Noa.”

Ulan suddenly spoke up, his face serious.

“What’s that?”

“Your chest is turning red.”

What in the world does that mean?

Noa tilted her head in confusion, following Ulan’s finger to where he was pointing.

And her eyes widened.

“…Huh?”

Her chest wasn’t just reddening; her pouch was actually going red.

Wait, what is going on?

While Noa was startled, something even more shocking happened. Suddenly, smoke erupted, and bright red flames ignited.

“…!”

The sudden turn of events shocked Noa, and she shouted.

“Fire! Fire! I…!”

However, her startled scream was cut short.

Just as the spark was about to spread to other areas—

Womp!

Ulan’s massive hand completely covered the source of the fire. Before long, the flames were extinguished, and Ulan said reassuringly,

“It’s okay now. I put it out.”

“….”

Noa, on the other hand, had a rather mixed reaction.

Covering her chest with both hands, she shot Ulan a look that seemed a bit sullen.

“You sure look like nothing happened.”

“Nothing happened, because it didn’t.”

With the only loss being a slightly singed clothing, it was clear to say nothing had occurred.

Yet, Noa shook her head in denial, as if to say that wasn’t her point. Then, suddenly pushing her chest out, she pressed further.

“B-but how was it?”

“What was?”

“Don’t you think I surprisingly have some too?”

“Whether you do or not?”

“Do you have to say it to understand?!”

“I can’t know if you don’t say it.”

“Geez! This is so frustrating!”

Noa pounded her chest in frustration. Meanwhile, Ulan shifted his focus onto another matter.

“More importantly, why did it suddenly catch fire? Was there something in your pouch that could burn?”

“No. Just a talisman….”

As she shook her head to answer, Noa’s eyes lit up. The moment she mentioned ‘talisman,’ realization struck her.

With a look of disbelief, she rummaged through her pouch, and soon found a half-burned talisman.

“T-This is!”

The talisman had initially served as her protective charm.

It had once been a counterpart of the one she gave to Delia for her return to the duchy.

However, the effects were vastly different.

Noa’s protective charm turned to ashes to alert her if the counterpart had been used.

‘Meaning, the fact that it burned…’

Delia must have used her protective charm, which indicated that something was amiss regarding her safety.

As she grasped this fact, a sudden alarming notification arrived.

[Warning]

[Trial of the Hero—Partial Failure]

[Challenger: Delia Arpen]

[Remaining time until trial failure]:

*71 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds

The system notification appeared out of the blue.

After encountering this message, Noa’s eyes filled with shock.

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