Chapter 278: The Story of Dekan and His Companions |
A town in the northern part of the Holy Kingdom.
At dusk, the sky was dyed a light purple. Smoke rose from a large tavern, along with the aroma of dinner.
The tavern was packed with people, so noisy it was almost deafening.
The tavern owner brought out his secret-recipe fire wine for everyone to drink. Many warriors, their bodies wrapped in bandages, took a sip—and their eyes widened as the burn hit their throats.
In the aisle, soldiers were dancing a strange dance, livening up the banquet atmosphere.
The waitresses in the tavern were as busy as spinning mice, running around.
Laughing, singing, drinking, and then another round of revelry.
And the most eye-catching must be the knight captain in heavy armor in the center of the tavern.
He raised his wine cup high and shouted with passion:
The knight captain's gaze swept over the group of wounded city-state warriors gathered in the tavern.
“And, for the heroes who rescued the Saintess of Darkness, cheers~!”
Led by the knight captain, knights, mercenaries, and adventurers cheered in unison and raised their wine cups one after another, drinking them empty.
This was already the fifth or sixth toast, but they did not mind.
The blood that had splashed on them in the great battle had not yet dried, but they had gathered in the tavern to celebrate wildly.
This was a great victory.
They, who had originally been weary and fearful of the demons.
Suddenly received an inspiring piece of news today.
The Saintess of Darkness had been miraculously rescued.
The Saintess of Darkness not only possessed Rank 8 combat power herself, but was also one of the top researchers in the Holy Kingdom.
She was not only proficient in dark magic and poison magic, but also had a superhuman understanding of magic engineering.
With their morale greatly boosted after a long period of decline, they had actually advanced all the way today and repelled the demons' assault troops.
A surprise attack force composed of more than a hundred demons was completely routed.
Although there were various high-level species, they were no match for the city defense army with high morale and sufficient numbers.
Of course, the city defense army was not without casualties.
There were always some who were unlucky.
It was precisely for this reason that they celebrated even more wildly, also to mourn those who had died in battle.
Because since everyone had voluntarily thrown themselves into the battle against the demons, tomorrow it might be their turn.
But none of them seemed to be afraid of the arrival of that day.
Not only them, but also some civilian officials and merchants came to the tavern as usual, and the banquet was held very grandly.
And in an inconspicuous corner of this lively tavern, at the long table against the wall, sat several young men and women.
They were enjoying the cheerful and lively atmosphere and a sumptuous dinner.
The last day of the Shadow World was also running out.
Unknowingly, it was time for the Demon Realm rescue team to part ways.
After leaving the Shadow World, Morion and Clay would return to the portal where they entered the Shadow World.
That is, the territory of the southern kingdoms in the real world.
And the trio of capital city bullies and the Cat Teacher would return to Heavenlit Academy.
This guy Clay unexpectedly got along quite well with them.
Except that both Dekan and Morion felt that Clay was too honest.
It was worth mentioning that Morion, for a rare occasion, had no intention of causing trouble.
He peacefully enjoyed the leisurely time after the mission was completed with them.
It even made Dekan feel a little unaccustomed.
Happy times always feel too short.
But the atmosphere of this tavern might be a good scene for them to part.
Dekan sat on the bench against the wall, holding a holy gold coin, and through its brilliance, he looked at the lively banquet.
Before coming to the tavern.
They still had a lot of extra holy gold coins left from their journey of escaping the Demon Realm.
Unfortunately, the northern border was vast, the war was chaotic, and due to the harsh weather, transportation was difficult.
Dekan could not find anyone trustworthy to help him store or bury the holy gold coins in a suitable place.
So, as the Shadow World was about to end.
After the team unanimously agreed, they pretended to be traveling merchants and donated the remaining huge amount of holy gold coins to the military of this city-state.
However, the military was shocked by the team’s generosity.
And seeing that they were even willing to donate all their belongings.
The military firmly stated that they could not accept so much.
In the end, after some communication between the two sides, and at the military's insistent persistence, the military only agreed to accept their donation after Dekan agreed to keep one holy gold coin.
Later.
The Beautiful Mind Squad was treated as righteous merchants and was inexplicably invited to this tavern to attend a celebration banquet.
It was unknown whether it was a coincidence or fate.
Listening to the people in this town singing praises of the "heroes who rescued the Saintess of Darkness" with excitement, Dekan also felt unexpectedly good.
To leave after accomplishing the deed, hiding one's achievements and fame.
Just leave like this.
A relieved smile appeared on Dekan's lips.
“Whew… whew…”
The faint sound of breathing made Dekan shift his gaze from the holy gold coin in his hand to his side.
If one had to say who was the most hardworking among them in these ten-odd days.
It would definitely be Cornelia.
Because she was the only girl in the team.
So the work of taking care of the Saintess of Darkness was all given to her.
Sometimes she could not even sleep well.
Dekan gently placed this holy gold coin into the palm of Cornelia, who was sitting beside him.
Cornelia, who was still smiling when she first came to the tavern, had now rested her head on Dekan's shoulder and was letting out a faint snore.
“She must be very tired, meow.”
The Cat Teacher, who was standing on the table, gently stretched out his front paw and waved it in front of Cornelia's eyes.
“Mm.”
Dekan's words became unexpectedly few, and the sound of his voice was much lighter than usual.
It seemed that because he was too close to Cornelia, he was worried that his every move would wake her up.
“By the way, meow, are you going to confess something to her when you get back to the real world, meow?”
The Cat Teacher also lowered his voice and asked with a mischievous smile.
At this moment, Morion also looked at Dekan as if a radar had been triggered.
Cloix also looked over with some curiosity.
Dekan quietly shook his head:
“Same as usual.”
“…I see, meow.”
The Cat Teacher saw through it but did not say it out loud.
Sometimes Dekan could be stubborn.
And his mouth was particularly stubborn.
Dekan just did not want the Cat Teacher to follow him and disturb him.
Seeming to feel several gazes focusing on her, Cornelia let out a low hum, her brows furrowed slightly as she slowly opened her eyes.
What came into view.
In the tavern, whether they were injured or not, whether they had achieved merit or not, whether they had been able to perform at all. All the survivors were happy for the courage of humanity.
This group of people, perhaps in the future, many of them would also be saved by the Saintess of Darkness.
This was Cornelia's first reaction in a daze.
Although Cornelia was awake, she did not move her head from Dekan's shoulder for the time being.
“…Thank you.”
She said this softly, half-asleep.
“Thanks for what?”
“Thank you for working so hard to fight from the first level to the ninth level to rescue the Saintess of Darkness.”
“…It was just a mission.”
Dekan said very coldly.
“Hmph hmph.”
Cornelia smiled and sat up straight.
In fact, after coming all this way.
PART 2
In a daze, they would actually have a hard time distinguishing between the Shadow World and the real world.
Even if this was a projection of a period of history.
Was it really fake?
At least their journey, every minute and every second, was extremely real.
And in the history of this world, there must have been some people who risked their lives to rescue the Saintess of Darkness.
There was a moment of silence between the two of them.
It was not an unpleasant silence.
They both believed they understood the thoughts in each other's hearts.
“I finally know. The reason why a Rank 8 Saintess of Darkness could be described in the background introduction of the Shadow World as being able to turn the tide of battle is because she can greatly promote the magic engineering and technology of the Holy Kingdom. No wonder…”
Morion had only heard about the Saintess of Darkness today and could not help but exclaim.
Looking at his expression, there seemed to be a hint of regret.
It seemed that letting go of an excellent employee like the Saintess of Darkness was a great loss.
Unfortunately, this was a Shadow World.
There was no point in exploiting her.
“Accumulate some merit once in a while! Just treat it as accumulating merit for your sister!”
Dekan suddenly patted Morion on the back and said.
“Tsk.”
Whenever Morion thought about Dekan pulling his sister to become an idol, he would get angry.
What was most unacceptable to him was.
This guy Dekan, on his way back from the Demon Realm, had used the popularity of the live stream to intensely promote the new song of the girl group.
Morion's feelings were extremely complicated as he listened.
What was even more terrifying was.
The genius Clay seemed to have become a fan too.
Later, he would even follow Cloix to do fan chants, and was particularly addicted.
And when Morion asked Clay with great concern "who is your oshi,".
Clay actually answered with great pain: “It's impossible to choose just one!”
Fortunately, when Morion finally asked Clay about his mate selection intentions, Clay hesitated for a moment and answered that he might be a little moved by a super-rich woman who was as rich as a country.
Only then did Morion feel relieved.
It seemed that Clay was just a pure and enthusiastic fan.
Unlike that guy Cloix who wanted to turn his favorite oshi into a future countess.
“By the way, did you already know about the Saintess of Darkness' characteristics?”
Morion suddenly seemed to have remembered something and looked at Dekan beside him and asked.
He recalled Dekan's performance on the way back from the Demon Realm.
He always felt that Dekan seemed to have known for a long time.
But it was a little strange.
According to Dekan's personality, if he encountered a research expert, he would definitely not be able to resist discussing or even arguing with her about magic engineering.
He might even start torturing her to extract information.
But Morion did not know why Dekan was so kind and polite to the Saintess of Darkness all the way.
It was as if, just as Dekan had said when the group parted ways with the Saintess of Darkness, he treated the Saintess of Darkness as a friend.
“Mm, of course. Cornelia, you saw it long ago too, right?”
Dekan turned his head to look at Cornelia and deliberately winked mischievously.
“Is there anyone who doesn't know?”
Cornelia asked with a feigned look of confusion.
All along the way, Cornelia and the Saintess of Darkness had been living together every day, spending their days and nights together.
Although the Saintess of Darkness' attitude was rather bad.
But Cornelia not only did not find the Saintess of Darkness annoying, but on the contrary, felt very close to her.
As if she had once traveled and lived with her like this.
It was just that she did not recognize her now.
Unknowingly, Cornelia had already treated the Saintess of Darkness as a good friend.
Morion: “??”
Shouldn't I be the intelligent character?
Did I miss an episode somewhere again?
Morion looked at his childhood friend Cloix as if looking at a savior.
The two earl's sons exchanged a look.
Morion was certain.
Even Cloix had roughly guessed the characteristics of the Saintess of Darkness.
Not to mention the Cat Teacher.
He definitely knew too.
Then he must have missed an important plot.
Fortunately, he was not the only one in the dark.
Clay, the outsider, certainly did not know either.
However, Morion found that Clay did not express any opinion as he listened to their conversation.
He was exceptionally calm.
Morion's heart skipped a beat.
His voice trembled slightly as he asked Clay: “Don't tell me you know too?”
“Mm. You didn't see the Saintess of Darkness' characteristics?”
Clay asked back in confusion.
“How could you possibly see it!!”
“She feels a lot like a friend of mine. Hmm… is she a friend? I guess so. After all, she lent me money, and she's the only one among those bastards that I don't dislike. At least I unilaterally consider her a friend.”
Clay thought for a moment and answered, then seemed to be recalling something as he muttered to himself.
Morion held his head.
What was with this situation where everyone knew but me?
Was I the outsider?
Morion was plunged into a state of questioning his existence for a moment.
Dekan and Cornelia looked at Morion like this, exchanged a glance, and could not help but laugh secretly.
“Just honestly return to the team, meow. There are some immersive experience plots that I can't tutor you on, meow…”
The Cat Teacher raised his paw and patted Morion, persuading him earnestly.
Dekan thought for a moment, took out a 【Team Card】 exclusive to the Beautiful Mind Squad and handed it to Morion.
“Here.”
Dekan had a "take it or leave it" look on his face.
“Hmph.”
Morion did not hesitate much and snatched the card from Dekan's hand.
As for Clay…
Although Dekan also wanted to give him one.
But considering that after this guy Clay disappeared from his sight, he really could not guess what he would do.
So Dekan still did not dare to hand the 【Team Card】 to Clay for the time being.
【Remaining Shadow World time: 25 seconds.】
Looking at the countdown of the Shadow World.
“Clay, see you again if fate allows.”
Dekan said to Clay.
“Heh, I don't hope to see you guys again, to avoid fighting to the death then…”
Clay began to sneer again.
However, Clay had not finished his words.
“Clay, goodbye.”
Dekan repeated in a firm tone, interrupting Clay's words.
“…”
Dekan's attitude made Clay slightly stunned.
But soon Clay seemed to have figured it out, shook his head with a helpless smile, and showed his usual arrogant smile:
“Then I look forward to our next meeting, my enemy, my friend!”
The two waved and high-fived.
The next second, the scene before both of them changed.
Finally, the Shadow World entered the settlement stage.