Chapter 104
Demons. Now a familiar name, they can largely be summoned in two ways.
First, one can find an Altar and directly offer mana. While finding an Altar is troublesome, it has the advantage of not requiring a Manifestor.
Second, as is commonly known, a Manifestor can become a Demon-person and massacre people. The Humans who die this way are then used as material for the Demon's descent.
The methods are different, but they share one commonality. Both have a clear, visible cause. In any case, both methods involve offering a type of 'energy,' and directly at that.
Therefore, before a Demon descends, certain signs are noticeably visible. Lemegeton might suddenly move busily, or a Demon-person might appear and cause a tragedy.
However, no such cause was found this time at all. As the 2nd Knight Commander showed a shocked expression, the 5th Knight Commander Serena continued.
“You know, right? The 3rd Knight Commander and I were dispatched to investigate Lemegeton.” “That’s right.” “Midway through, we heard about the Demon’s descent, and even the Lemegeton guys seemed flustered. They were asking why there was no explanation when there should clearly be someone in charge of the Altar.” “Perhaps you just didn’t find the cause? Maybe a Demon-person appeared, but it happened in such a remote area that news didn’t reach us?”
It was a reasonable question. Serena replied to the 2nd Knight Commander Odelia’s words.
“No. I investigated as thoroughly as possible. Of course, it did emerge from an Altar... but it doesn’t seem like any other group was involved. It literally just revived naturally.”
Upon hearing that, something suddenly came to my mind. In the Forest where I live, it was the Demon named Barbatos. Come to think of it, that guy was also preparing for his own descent by gathering spirit herbs.
Perhaps this newly appeared Demon is a similar case. However, unlike Barbatos, this one wasn't discovered until it was released from the Altar.
“Hmph... So, who is this demon? Usually, they introduce themselves when they appear.”
“Well...”
The others continued their discussion: who this new Demon was, where it came from, the extent of the current damage, what abilities it possessed, and so on. Serena, who had conducted the investigation, seemed to know quite a lot.
Vivian, who had gone with her on the investigation, merely picked at her food. As I listened to their conversation, a question suddenly arose in my mind.
*But why are they discussing this in front of me?*
This was supposedly confidential information. I wondered why they were deliberately sitting me at the table. Was it because the information would spread quickly anyway, so it didn't matter? Or were they busy people who decided to handle everything at once since they were already gathered?
As I pondered this, the 2nd Knight Commander Odelia spoke.
“So, we need to quickly form a team and go... What about you, Manifestor? Will you come with us?”
She had suddenly offered me a recruitment invitation. Upon hearing that, I clapped my hands together internally.
Aha.
I had been wondering, but now I understood their intentions clearly: the reason for the prompt Extermination Order, the Emperor’s friendly demeanor towards me, and the sudden gathering of the Knight Commanders for this discussion.
It was all to scout me.
Since they were going to accept me anyway, they wanted to utilize me as a full-fledged force for the Nation. Well, it might sound like bragging, but I am quite a useful asset. In a way, it was a natural reaction. They could silence the dissenting Nobles with tangible results right away.
“Of course, we won’t make it uncomfortable for you. If you participate and achieve merit, you’ll receive the same rewards.”
I listened to her words and pondered for a moment. In the past, I wouldn’t have cared whether a Demon descended or not, but now, Demons have become important to me.
If I caught them, my Berserk State A might be released. Of course, the probability was extremely low, and it wasn't even clear if it was true in the first place.
But if there was even a sliver of possibility, I had no choice but to cling to it. I couldn't suffer from Berserk State A my entire life. In that sense, I would welcome additional Forces. After all, Demons were all strong opponents. But...
“Unfortunately, I have no intention of going with you.”
What came out of my mouth was a refusal. Joining the Knight Order without question wasn't an option, as our relationship wasn't exactly good. And honestly, I hadn't yet shaken off all my ill feelings towards the Empire. After all, how could I get over more than ten years of persecution so quickly?
Moreover, if I joined the Knight Order, the atmosphere would be uncomfortable, and I would not be confident I could endure that discomfort.
I continued speaking.
“Instead, I will pursue the Demon separately. If the Knight Order is midway in combat, I’ll even provide assistance.”
“Really...? Hmm, alright.”
Odelia nodded, though she showed some disappointment. She didn't seem to have any intention of trying to persuade me further. After all, the discomfort was mutual, wasn't it?
But I still had a request.
“And before I leave, provide me with some supplies.”
“...What?”
“Why? I’m participating in your operation, after all, aren’t I? You all work for a salary, so you wouldn’t send me out empty-handed, would you?”
“No... Hmph, fine.”
Serena glared at me, clearly displeased by my words.
“Just so you know, Knights act out of honor, to protect the Nation and its Subjects.”
“Oh?”
“It’s not simply for money. If that had been all I cared about, I would have just become an Adventurer.”
It seemed my comment about “working for a salary” had really struck a nerve. Did she take pride in being a Knight? I said sarcastically,
“My apologies. As a Manifestor, honor is quite far from my concerns.”
Honestly, I wanted to rub it in that those Knights got beaten by me when they tried to gang up on me. But I held back, fearing it would actually start a fight. As I kept silent, Serena sighed and asked,
“Anyway, what kind of support do you want?” “Nothing too big. Just some light Guard and a few Holy Waters.” “Hmm...”
At the mention of “Holy Water,” Serena tilted her head for a moment. But that was only for a brief instant; she soon nodded, as if to say that much was certainly possible.
I cheered inwardly. I was already feeling Berserk State A approaching, and I never expected to get Holy Water like this.
*How lucky.*
Grinning, I left the meeting room with the Holy Water.
It had been a surprising day, but quite a productive one.
*
“Honestly, I’m speechless. That guy who looks like a Back Alley thug actually defeated Reilly?”
“Well, he is handsome...”
“Calm down, Serena. But his composure is real, isn’t it? To not be intimidated at all, even with three Knight Commanders in front of him... His heart must be made of iron.”
After Yor and Hanbyeol left, the Knight Commanders remained and continued their discussion for a while.
They had gathered for the meeting, but also to evaluate him.
Of course, since they hadn't witnessed the battle directly, they could only judge him by his demeanor. And from what they observed... he was certainly not ordinary.
Normally, people would naturally shrink back when faced with Commander-level individuals. It was normal to feel intimidated, whether due to their status or the subtle aura they exuded. Even the strong-willed Hanbyeol Shin was stiff.
But perhaps, having been chased to death by the World once before, he didn't bat an eye.
Instead, he calmly demanded his due.
“This is because you, Vivian, look too easygoing. It’s because you’re always so down!”
“I-I’m sorry...”
While each had different thoughts, they all highly valued his courage. At the very least, he wouldn't run away when faced with a Demon, would he? With the Empire already suffering from a shortage of Personnel, every single person was desperately needed. Even if there was some noise from the surroundings, they had to embrace the Manifestor.
We must prevent him from going elsewhere at least.
Each of them thought this as they looked at the door Yor had exited.
*
Another week passed like that. Having endured Berserk State A cleanly, I prepared for a journey.
This time, it was a journey to catch Andras, the 63rd Demon, who appeared. Naturally, I didn't wear a hood this time. I had amazing credentials, after all. I deeply felt the fact that I could leave the Forest without covering my face with a hood, and the corners of my mouth subtly curved upwards.
My Companions for this trip, as always, were Chaerin and Haneul.
I couldn't go alone because I didn't know the geography, and I had become too accustomed to the information provided by the Otherworlders.
“Ah... I thought things were quiet for a while, but it seems another one appeared. But where did you hear that?”
“Yeah, we just heard about it recently.”
“Well, it just sort of... happened.”
The Destination was the Split Plains in the southwest. It was the place where it was first discovered, and the creature was still rampaging there.
Honestly, I didn't have much thought beyond that.
I just wondered what kind of creature it would be this time...
“First, we should find a Caravan.” “Right. But would there be a Caravan going that far right now?” “...Hmm? Didn’t we just hire a Coachman last time we moved?”
Chaerin answered my question.
“The southwest is quite far. It’s cheaper to just find a caravan and escort it while traveling together.”
“How far is it?”
“Well... at the very least, it’ll take over two weeks just to get there.”
“...That long?”
I gaped. It seemed this trip would take quite a while.