Chapter 179

While lazily passing the time, the moment eventually arrived. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely against the idea of giving up everything and going into seclusion. But if I left things as they were, it was certain I’d die, so I decided to strike before I got struck.

However, there was an even bigger problem looming.

“…I warned you to leave those pathetic pieces of luggage behind.”

Damian kept grumbling about how dissatisfied he was that the others had brought the kids along. For someone who seemed like a quiet character, he sure complained a lot—like a grumpy Smurf.

Of course, Rachel, who was reacting emotionally, also had her issues.

“I won’t be a burden to you, so shut up, okay?”

“Since you ignored my warning to stay put, don’t expect me to lend a hand anymore. No matter what happens, I won’t help you.”

“Don’t act all righteous when you’ve abandoned most of the magic our parents taught you and turned to selling your soul to demons.”

“Tsk… Remember, I’ve always been the one cleaning up after you.”

“Anyone listening would think you’ve been sacrificing yourself for your siblings.”

“Ha… Say whatever you want.”

If only we had stayed in the carriage until the end… Getting out because the mountain path got rough led to this mess… I should’ve separated them no matter what. This is my fault.

Inside the carriage, Lorcha mentioned that since Damian arrived, 50 bodies of wanted criminals had been discovered in the capital. Of course, that was only counting the ones whose faces could be identified. There were also criminals who weren’t on the wanted list and bodies that were unrecognizable.

Because of this, everyone else was sitting next to their future mothers, creating a picnic-like atmosphere… while Lorcha sat far away from Damian, glaring at him with murderous eyes.

“Maybe it’d be better to kill that murderous brat when we get the chance.”

Yeah, that’s pretty intense.

“At this point, it’s almost pitiful. Even if he committed treason, he wouldn’t be treated like this.”

Ares, this guy, never stopped talking. I even considered ripping out his tongue, but since it would just regenerate, it’d be a pointless effort, so I stopped.

Camelian Peony was carrying Violet, who had fallen asleep again, while Airi had already become close with her daughter, Aila, showing her how to play cat’s cradle. Glacia was giving Rachel advice on swordsmanship.

Most of them had good relationships with their future children, so why was it only like this here…?

Of course, Damian had a knack for provoking people and then coolly ignoring them when they retaliated. If he were on the internet, he could probably destroy an entire community with this kind of keyboard warfare.

Though, even his mother, who had 50 years of experience as a professional swearer, could probably out-curse him.

“….Hey, you.”

Look at this guy. Even if he’s from the future, he’s still ten years younger than me now, and he’s addressing me like this?

“Could you fight if someone you loved betrayed you?”

I had no idea what he was talking about. None of us would betray me, and it’s not like we’re in some midnight horror story. But if I answered such a serious question with a joke, it might lead to actual murder, so I answered seriously.

“Being human, I’d probably hesitate a little. It’s inevitable. Betrayal, confusion, anger… Humans are easily swayed by emotions.”

“…I know.”

“You know?”

“Not you… My father said the same thing. He told me not to be swayed by emotions.”

I don’t think I’d say something like that, so I wonder what happens in the future. But every time I ask, he just says, “I can’t answer” or “I have no obligation to answer.” It’s like some doomed game story where only he knows what’s going on and refuses to share… Not some green cat doctor or some detective brat.

“So, are you faithfully following that advice?”

“Yes. And…”

“And…?”

“I’ve heard your answer. So, I’ll take all necessary measures.”

“Wait, what are you…”

“I have no obligation to answer… No, I mean I’ll take measures to ensure you’re not swayed. Don’t worry, it won’t harm you.”

So, explain it to me, you grumpy Smurf brat. What are you even doing, drumming up all this drama…?

“And everyone, as much as you’re enjoying your childish games, how about staying alert?”

“What?”

Everyone immediately went on guard. Then, bandits emerged from the trees surrounding us. No, judging by their hands and posture, they seemed more like skilled mercenaries.

“Kukuku, I didn’t expect to be discovered so quickly… Bad luck, huh?”

Damian, this brat, answered unnecessarily. This talkative, grumpy Smurf.

“Yeah, it’s your unlucky day to fall into hell.”

“Well, I guess we’re lucky. We can kill the men and sell the women… That’s enough fortune for us. We even got an advance for this job.”

“Getting paid for your trip to the afterlife is lucky, I guess.”

“You’ve got a sharp tongue, you brat. Kill the men, and the women…”

At that moment, Damian threw a dagger, creating a gruesome scene as blood gushed from the top of the brat’s head.

“What? Say the next word, you trash.”

Honestly, I think that’s justified murder. If I had heard the next word, I would’ve smashed his head without hesitation.

“Alright, let’s start crushing these brats…”

Just as I was about to channel my inner Broly and start a blood festival, Damian stopped me. I don’t know why he’s suddenly against killing now.

“Those guys have already coated their weapons with poison. The Black Round Table hired them, aiming to poison us in the chaos of battle.”

“You know a lot, huh?”

“…I have no obligation to answer. And as I said, we should avoid a melee, so I’ll handle this alone.”

“We don’t have time for you to take them all on by yourself. Can you even stop all of them…?”

He’s not some legendary warrior. How’s he going to kill them all? And on their home turf? There’s a limit to arrogance. These greedy brats…

“10 minutes… No, 3 minutes is enough. I’ll clean this up neatly.”

“What?”

“Enok, unleash the seal. Demons of the seal, this is our contract. I’ll give you a part of my soul in exchange for your power.”

Every time, it’s a terrifying incantation. In the original story, most who made contracts with demons either went berserk or had their bodies taken over. It’s impressive he can control that power.

[Abaddon, transform my body into a swarm of locusts.]

Damian’s body turned into a swarm of black locusts, which then flew at the bandits. What followed was…

A living hell.

“Kyaaah!!!”

“Sa…save me! My body…!”

“Get away! Get away!!!”

“My leg! My leg…!”

The swarm of black locusts began devouring the bandits alive. Airi covered Aila’s eyes and ears, Glacia gagged at the sight, Rachel watched with disgust, and Camelian Peony turned away.

Even I found it hard to watch. No matter how much they swung their swords, they couldn’t kill the locusts. Killing one locust made no difference. Only Ares watched with interest.

In less than 3 minutes, the locusts finished their meal, leaving not a single bone behind. The swarm then gathered and transformed back into Damian.

“Let’s go. We have a long way.”

Everyone froze. Sure, I think those bandits needed to die, but being eaten alive was a bit too much.

“Are you dissatisfied with my method? You’re all looking at me like I’m trash.”

Lorcha seemed a bit upset. Well, everyone was a little, but they just didn’t say it out loud. The method was a bit brutal, but they were enemies, after all.

“I’m not complaining about killing the enemy. We were in danger, and I was planning to kill them too. But what was that method? That crossed a line.”

“Funny. I’m not a priest. I’m a black sorcerer who made a contract with a demon.”

Lorcha seemed even angrier at his bold attitude.

“So, you’re not against killing, but you’re against being eaten alive by bugs… That’s not it, right?”

“Then let me ask you this… What’s the difference between burning someone to death with magic, stabbing them with a sword, or having them eaten alive by bugs? Do courts give different sentences based on the murder weapon? I just prioritized efficiency.”

“So, you really feel nothing?”

“I just felt it was a waste of time dealing with those bugs.”

Lorcha snorted in disbelief.

“I tried to understand you when you said you’d fight alone. Maybe you had your reasons. But I don’t like that you made a contract with a demon, and after that answer, I realized you’re just inherently messed up.”

“…Maybe.”

“I don’t think I could have a child with you.”

“…Suit yourself.”

“Either you go your own way, or I will.”

At that, Damian turned his back.

“You’re valuable. If that’s all you want, then go your own way. But before that, let me ask one last thing.”

“…What?”

“Is begging a choice or an obligation for a beggar? And is bowing their head without pride a habit?”

“What kind of nonsense are you spouting, you lunatic…?”

“If that’s your answer, then fine. Do as you wish.”

With those words, Damian turned back into a swarm of locusts and flew toward the destination.

Thanks to Damian, the slightly uplifted mood was completely shattered. And now, I had to calm down a very angry Lorcha.

—

In the shadowy depths of the forest,

Damian quietly took out the necklace his mother had left him.

It was a necklace that, when gripped tightly, would heal his body slightly, so he always carried it.

“…Harsh.”

Damian quietly recalled his parents’ backs.

“…You liars.”