Chapter 91

Skin as white as marble.

In stark contrast, a heavy panuello cloak.

His appearance and attire were similar to those from at least a few centuries before the current era.

Like the days of the old Great Empire, not the present Berke Empire.

He was leisurely observing the village from the makeshift barrack he’d set up.

“Why didn’t you finish it there?” he asked.

Was it because there was too much to think about?

His reactions had slowed down.

The temporary adjutant accompanying him was a man with dark skin, almost like an antithesis to Barco himself. Though tall and lean, his muscles and scars clearly told the story of a perilous past.

Perhaps due to sitting on a small chair, the height difference between Barco and the black adjutant was even more pronounced.

“It’s something the followers who’ve prepared themselves for anything expected. Back then, disposing of his child would have been easier…”

“Don’t judge lives so carelessly.”

“…”

“We are neither arrows nor targets. Following righteousness doesn’t mean we get to use lives recklessly.”

“However…”

“We fight to live, and die to continue living. If I were here just for revenge, wouldn’t I have thought he’d be in this position?”

“…”

“What’s my purpose for being here?”

“To see the warrior who is also a Demon King, as the prophecy foretold, right?”

“Yes. And judging by the flow so far… it seems somewhat accurate.”

Ruelde’s son learning Grandeus’ swordsmanship and yearning for his blade has led to this situation.

But amidst all this, traces of Him were detected.

“…”

Reflecting now, there are more than a few odd aspects.

But…

“That brat won’t be saved by that alone.”

“If so, why let him go back then?”

“I wanted to test him.”

If prophecies are true, and fate really chose him, if the Demon King of Wisdom arranged it…

“A chance to find salvation through a single reprieve.”

“…Do you intend to spare him?!”

“Not at all.”

I will kill him.

“But isn’t the fact that a Warrior and Demon King are born simultaneously rather intriguing?”

Especially when that condition involves drawing Grandeous’ sword—could it make him the greatest enemy of Ruelde?

If we can just break down Ruelde’s barrier—or at least trip him up somehow…

“Unfortunately, it happens to be done by his own son. How lamentable.”

“Does that guy have any reason to oppose his father? Instead, it only increases the possibility of creating bigger enemies…”

“Even so, they’re not our enemies. We’re lower-tier compared to them. If they were truly so dangerous, why are we still alive?”

“…”

“Just one thing: Elves are still struggling to kill us because of their pride. They exclude others’ interference and keep trying their hardest to eliminate us after years.”

Had we killed Carriel back then…

By now, forces across the continent might’ve expanded against us. The empire would’ve stirred, cooperating out of fear of unnecessary wrath.

“We would’ve been long gone by now. Realizing that too late was the problem.”

“But… your actions brought you to where you are today. Don’t forget that.”

“I know.”

No regrets.

But regrettable.

At least try to shine through fighting and winning, instilling pride in successors. Initially, I threw myself into it for such purposes only…

I learned too much.

I should’ve died ignorant.

Still… so naive.

“If humans foolishly fought each other, maybe that wouldn’t have been bad.”

Barco shook his head, seemingly disappointed.

“Even if he draws that sword, without the skill, he’ll die anyway.”

To begin with,

Can someone who couldn’t overcome it themselves possibly affect Ruelde or the world?

Besides,

Ruelde could arrive anytime.

Even if we handle Carriel, we need time to escape. At least a few days, or even a day, to create some distance.

We’re currently holding back due to political and diplomatic disputes, but moving secretly.

Would he, even after losing his son, remain calm enough to track us logically?

…Probably not worth thinking about.

“Or…”

Maybe, lost in grand ideals, seeing even his own son merely as a tool for fulfilling them…

“…Fits his character.”

He’s the type who can’t abandon humanity. He grew stronger embracing humanity, becoming powerful by protecting it.

“It’s hard to imagine him abandoning humanity now.”

Above all, can sacred relics or holy swords favor someone who abandoned humanity?

…Not sure about that, though.

====

Among the guards, I noticed a man I saw last time. A scarred face with a menacing look.

His expression was rigid, showing no compromise or flexibility.

Yet, these guys were merely watching and following Carriel’s group. During the riot, they didn’t side with the chapel or join the rioters either.

That alone makes their intentions and objectives crystal clear.

“So, Reil? Or Carriel? Which name should I use?”

With Leo’s support, heading back to the top, the fourth tier, was quite exhausting. What should’ve been a quick journey in normal conditions felt like it’d take half a day in this state.

“Heartily depends.”

Despite appearances, their age gap is only a year.

“I’m confident in my stamina since I’m a forest keeper.”

“Forest keeper?”

“Yeah. It’s not huge, just lush enough. You might not know, but forests left untouched often degrade unexpectedly.”

Huh, first time hearing that.

“Not everyone, but ours did. So, we timely prune trees. Too dense and sunlight struggles to reach smaller plants and animals. Without sunlight, small plants struggle, which affects animals too. Old trees become twisted and difficult to manage, they say. Still, I don’t fully understand yet.”

Me neither.

Rare content even in books.

“Depending on the season, we sometimes prune branches near the village. Otherwise, it harms the trees, right?”

Leo kept talking casually, making the journey less boring.

“Is this kind of talk new to you?”

“…”

Instead of answering, I just shook my head.

Originally, I was interested in everything.

Everything was curious.

Even after memory issues arose, I wasn’t too bothered because I thought there was more to learn than lose.

…I used to think that way.

Vaguely remember that.

“Why… are you helping me?”

Because Louilin asked?

“Isn’t helping those in trouble natural?”

“Because of that, I’m in trouble now, aren’t I?”

One misstep could’ve endangered my life. And resisting with violence or joining the riot would’ve caused another misunderstanding and disaster.

“…That could’ve happened.”

“In our village or country, various races live together besides humans. Occasionally, small misunderstandings escalate into big fights.”

But usually, upon talking, most issues turned out to be trivial.

It’s the lack of communication that piles up misunderstandings and mistrust, leading to problems.

Leo continued,

“When we went to rescue Rio at Lady Ludines’ request, didn’t Reil lead without hesitation? No payment, just a simple request.”

“…”

“Now, strictly speaking, this is the fault of the remnants of the Demon King’s army, not Reil’s. So… I acted according to my heart.”

“And…”

“Our grandfather once said he owed his life to Reil’s father. As humans, we must fulfill our duties. Also, ignoring what’s right shows a lack of courage, as my father always said.”

Humans…

Sometimes, they surprise you.

Even in places where everything seems lost, occasionally, flowers bloom.

Suddenly,

A snowy landscape appears before my eyes.

No, it’s different.

Starting from the ground, everything is frozen stiff.

Dirt, plants, common weeds, houses, livestock…

Even people.

The boy, Leo, looked around helplessly at the world turned white overnight.

Everything froze solid suddenly.

As if peacefully asleep in their beds or homes, they were all frozen.

Only a few were outside, either in the warehouse or leaning against walls.

The boy,

Leo, wandered around, unsure if it was a dream or reality.

Nothing changed.

Neighbors and family disappeared overnight.

Everyone was buried in ice, sleeping.

Even under the blazing sun at noon,

The frost-covered area emitted continuous white coldness like smoke from burning firewood.

After waiting for several days,

Nothing melted.

They never woke up.

“Shall we rest a bit?”

“…”

Carriel shook her head. We’re almost at the destination.

And that vision just now…

“Previously, there was a major tragedy in the village, right? This seems like its aftermath.”

“…”

Is it due to deep connections?

Whatever situation or calamity this is,

The Demon King probably knows everything.

“…”

Usually, she’d quickly detect my mood and start chattering,

But now, surprisingly quiet.

My head spins.

Ludines healed me recently, yet my whole body aches and feels unbearably weak.

Chills and helplessness.

Persistent pain.

Even minor movements hurt like being beaten all over.

Being still feels like rotting away.

An indescribable absurdity threatens to collapse my mind since facing the Demon King.

This isn’t a dream.

Reality means one wrong step could reveal my limits instantly.

“…”

Death looms near.

Yet, life pulses strongly too.

All swallowed by suffering and hardship.

“Finally arrived.”

Again.

That damn sword.

Standing before this cursed holy blade.

“You mentioned wanting to converse?”

“…”

And.

The question I’ve held back until now.

Why I didn’t reject Leo’s offer to support me earlier.

“Didn’t you say you heard the voice of the sword?”

Also, why Leo found me early in the morning and guided me here to the chapel.

“Yeah. Though it mostly teased and dismissed me.”

“…”

Teasing from a sword, huh?

Guess even Venus never got such treatment.

Or maybe everyone else just didn’t show it, quietly receiving comments all along.

“…”

Thoughts won’t organize or connect.

Maybe mental strength does have limits, as the Demon King said.

Is enduring pain consuming so much energy?

Even forming simple thoughts feels like wringing my brain dry.

“Please achieve the results you desire.”

“…”

Slowly placing me down in front of the sword, Leo offered encouragement with determined eyes, perhaps noticing I lacked the strength to extend my hand.

Supported by Leo,

I barely grasp the hilt of the holy sword.

“…Phew.”

I hold my breath.

Even getting answers here won’t improve the situation.

But.

…That’s no reason to not try.

Holding the sword, I cast the ability I’ve used so far—not on a living thing, but on the sword itself.

Thus, again…

[You will die soon.]

Damn holy sword.

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