The Herald's Report

“What do you mean by that?”

Odelia asked, taken aback. A single report like that offered little information. The Herald, seemingly aware of this, immediately began to explain the *Full Story*.

“After Beled left, we immediately entered the *Kingdom*.”

It was a land already ruined, abandoned by its people. There was no reason to hesitate to enter.

The scene they witnessed was said to be utterly desolate, bloodstains everywhere, burned or *ruined buildings*.

“We expected many bodies... but there were fewer than we thought. Thanks to that, there wasn’t much to make us frown, but...” “Even that monster couldn’t have carried out a massacre in just two days. That *Country* fell because its king died, not because it suffered severe damage.”

That’s why many *people* from the *Ruryeon Kingdom* were already moving to rebuild it. Though the king and his *family* had mostly been beheaded, a great many of the *people* who formed the foundation of the *Kingdom* had survived. Frankly speaking, a king could be replaced.

“No, it wasn’t just that. The *Street* was almost clean, as if someone had cleared away the bodies.”

But the Herald’s words were just the beginning.

“Feeling suspicious, we ventured deeper and found a massive *Pit*. It exuded a very *Ominous Aura*... I suspect Beled threw the bodies in there.”

Now that I think about it, there were rumors that Beled had taken bodies somewhere. I wondered why he would do such a thing... but he had a purpose.

“Did you say strange things are coming out of there?”

Perhaps his purpose was to open a gate connected to somewhere.

At the unsettling news, the faces of those listening hardened. It wasn't just the content, but the fact that *Human Sacrifice* had been offered that truly shocked them.

Even if these *Medieval People* were barbaric enough to execute *Manifestors* at the age of 10, they still had a line they wouldn't cross. *Human Sacrifice* was definitely beyond that line for them. As silence fell, the Herald continued.

At first, we wondered what it was. We thought maybe *Wild Beasts* had gathered nearby. But as we got closer, an *Ominous Aura* surged. That's how we knew they were the same *Kin* as that *Demon*. Did you capture any? Yes.

The Herald nodded briefly at Serena’s question.

The fortunate thing is that those *Demons* aren't very strong. Even ordinary *Knights* and *Soldiers*, let alone the *Commander*, could easily defeat them. But their numbers are so vast. I came to report first.

Having said his piece, the Herald briefly described the scene he had witnessed. Small, grotesque *Demons* filled the *Horizon*. And *Demons* were still pouring out from that massive *Pit*.

...This is serious.

Odelia muttered softly after hearing the entire story. Her face was quite contorted, perhaps because it was news that meant more work.

"It hasn't even been a day since we exterminated a *Demon*, and now there's this news." "One problem after another." "We need to come up with a plan, but there's a mountain of things to do..."

Odelia, lost in thought for a moment, then looked at me and spoke. From her cautious demeanor, it seemed she was about to ask for a favor.

“So, Yor, can you look after the *Refugees*?”

“...Me?”

“Yes, it was originally my responsibility, but as you can see... something urgent has come up.”

It was a rather sudden request, and a slightly burdensome one. I shook my head and said, "Oh, what can I do there? I don't know how to *Command*." "Don't worry, my *Subordinates*, the *Knights*, will handle that. You just need to go and *Mediate* if there's a serious fight. If there are any troublemakers, just filter them out appropriately."

In short, she was asking me to take charge of security. Since it was a gathering of emotionally vulnerable *people*, the likelihood of fights breaking out was high.

Of course, *Knights* would be dispatched to *Control* them, but it was highly probable that they would be insufficient. Even though the *Kingdom* had fallen, there wouldn't be a shortage of influential *Humans* from within it. They were trying to dispatch *Personnel* with high combat power for such situations.

“Hmm...”

I couldn't help but ponder for a moment. Indeed, that much was manageable. I wouldn't have to directly step in and *Control* everything; I'd just *Mediate* if fights broke out. And honestly, I also wanted to observe the *Russians* a bit more.

“Don’t worry, the *Refugees* will actually be happy if you go. Go and bask in their *Gratitude* for once. It’s surprisingly pleasant.”

In the middle, Odelia encouraged me with these meaningful words. At her words, I tilted my head for a moment.

After some thought, I readily nodded.

“All right.”

After all, there was nothing for me to do if I went back anyway.

A few days later, I headed to the *Refugee Dwelling*. The reason for the delay was that I also needed some time to rest. Going straight after catching Beled would have been quite tiring.

And those few days were enough time for the news of Beled's *Extermination* to spread. Just because the *Kingdom* had fallen didn't mean the *Otherworlders* on the *Russian Server* had quit. In fact, some *Otherworlders* from that side had participated in the *Extermination*.

No one would miss the chance to witness the *Extermination* of the *Culprit* who ruined their server.

Thanks to that, as soon as I arrived at the *Refugee Center*, I was met with countless *Handshake Requests*.

“I heard. Thanks to you, the *Demon* who ruined our *Kingdom* was caught.”

“Thank you very much.”

Several *refugees* who spotted me came over to greet me. Their eyes were full of goodwill. Many *refugees* also sent glances my way, even if they didn't approach me directly.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I still accepted each greeting.

Now I see why Odelia said that.

She had anticipated this situation. These days, information often spreads faster than *People* themselves, thanks to *Otherworlders*. Still, I hadn't expected such a warm welcome.

“You were the most noticeable, after all, Yor. The tide of battle turned because of you, so, of course, they’d know.”

As I stood there, bewildered, Chaerin, who was beside me, explained.

I hadn't come alone this time. With many and too few Personnel to manage them, they had gathered Adventurers who were willing to participate. This kid had also volunteered then. Thanks to that, she could come with me.

Anyway, she told me that the battle had spread everywhere as a Popular Video. Some videos uploaded by People on YouTube had already surpassed a million views.

Especially notable were the enthusiastic reactions from Russian Users.

“Hmm...”

Listening to all that, I nodded with a complex expression. It was subtly unsettling to have my story circulating in places I couldn't see.

Just in case, I quietly asked Chaerin.

“Do the *Refugees* here know I’m a *Manifestor*?”

“Hmm... I’m not sure. But since there was no mention of it at all, perhaps they don’t know that yet?”

Of course, since it was already a publicly known fact, it wouldn't take long for the information to reach the *Russian-side Users*. But for now, it was a relief that they didn't know. I didn't want to receive fearful glances from the *Refugees*.

“Phew...”

Although I was getting used to these rumors, I couldn't help but feel bewildered each time I realized the extent of them. My story was probably still popping up here and there in the *Community*. I wished I could see it just once. At least it was a relief that no bad rumors seemed to be circulating.

[Fucking Russians are sexually harassing Yor on the internet right now?] [No, protect our *Older Brother*!!] [But don't we do that every day too? lol] [That's a privilege only we have, yeah.] [Privilege my ass! lol]

For now, I had to be content with just looking at the chat room. And so, I began to walk around the *Refugee Dwelling*.

Though called a *Residence*, it was essentially just a large plot of land where *Refugees* were left to fend for themselves.

Even a *Shack* was considered quite luxurious. There were *Tents*, of course, but many *People* simply lay on mats on the ground. Since the *Country* itself had collapsed, the number of *Refugees* was overwhelming.

Can all these people even be accommodated?

Thinking of the *Public Officials* who had to handle this directly, I felt a bit sad. But since it wasn't my job anyway, I decided not to think too deeply about it.

So, for several days, I walked among the *Refugees*, maintaining order. Indeed, perhaps because they had all lost their *Country*, they seemed to have little regard for others.

“No, I just got plain broth, but why does that guy get meat chunks?” “Hmph, I’m a man, shouldn’t you be considerate of that? A woman being petty about meat...” “What? You rascal!”

Fighting during meal distribution was common.

“Damn it, hey, please sleep quietly. I can’t sleep with your snoring.”

“What? I can’t even sleep how I want?”

Even during sleep, friction would arise at least once or twice. Each time, the personnel in charge had no choice but to step in and mediate the fights. At this point, it was almost like working in the service industry.

The fortunate thing was that I rarely had to intervene. I had decided to step in only for major fights, not minor conflicts.

Thanks to that, my usual routine was just walking around and observing the *Russians*. Occasionally, I'd exchange a few words with *people* who approached me. To be honest, I was a little disappointed.

*They're not that different from what I imagined...*

I had imagined tall, curvaceous blonde, white-eyed women. Perhaps because eye and hair color customization was possible in the game, there weren't many blonde, white-eyed women.

Still, there were differences in skin tone and bone structure, so there was some enjoyment in observing those differences. Ultimately, no one's chest size surpassed Haneul Im's, though...

Anyway, while I was living like that, the day of *Sak* eventually arrived. Fortunately, what was triggered was *Berserk State A* this time. I immediately went into the *Tent* assigned to me and gulped down holy water.

“Phew...”

A languid sensation spread, and all strength drained from my body. At the same time, the blood that was ready to rage calmed down.

The biggest advantage of getting to know the *Knights* was definitely the holy water. Thanks to it, I always experience a *Comfortable Berserk State* these days.

Now, all that remained was to drink holy water again at intervals of a few hours. Since it needed to be supplied periodically, sleeping tonight was out of the question. If I carelessly fell asleep and missed a dose, I would have to experience waking up in agony, writhing in pain. I had experienced that once before, and it felt absolutely terrible. Because of this, *Berserk State A* was like a battle against boredom these days.

I'm a bit bored...

So, I left my *tent* and decided to go for a stroll.

Since there was nothing else to do anyway, I might as well *people*-watch.

As I stepped outside, the dark night sky greeted me.

Some people were trying to sleep, while others were still awake, chatting.

Not wanting to attract attention, I walked quietly in the darkness. This was one of those aimless walks.

“Kuh-eup... Heup...”

A sobbing sound came from somewhere. It was very faint, as if someone was trying hard to suppress it. It was a sound as small as an ant crawling, but I could somehow make it out with my good hearing.

“?”

Feeling curious, I immediately headed towards the sound. Something might have happened.

The source of the sound was located in a particularly *peripheral* part of the *Refugee Dwelling*. From inside a small *Shack*, just big enough for three or four *People*, came a woman’s delicate voice. I pushed aside my manners and entered.

And for a moment, I couldn't help but be surprised. A small girl with red hair was sitting in the corner, trembling, as if she was trying hard to endure pain. There were no visible injuries, but I knew instinctively.

She's a Manifestor.

There weren't many reasons to endure pain in the dark of night. The girl, sensing my presence, slowly lifted her face. Our eyes met.

“...!”

Immediately, her eyes widened.