Luna 2

+++

In the World Tree’s garden grounds – an area temporarily restricted, leaving this verdant sanctuary peaceful and devoid of others.

It was here that Doyun, savoring Elroar’s special brew, questioned his guest.

“A procession?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Dokkogamuyong, arriving shortly after concluding Luna and Tia’s magic lessons, chuckled as he addressed Doyun.

“A form of ‘hero-making,’ you could say. Held whenever a promising new hero candidate emerges, where the existing Heroes and said candidate jointly march through Muspelheim’s capital.”

“I see…”

As a preeminent war strategist himself, Doyun quickly grasped the implication.

The Alliance was formally initiating his ‘hero-making’ process.

Doyun fulfilled all criteria for heroic enshrinement.

The third Boss Monster Killer who had also accomplished the unprecedented feat of subjugating a Warlord – his symbolic significance could not be clearer.

Moreover, there would be no tangled vested interests from nations, facilities, or guilds vying for influence over him.

He currently enjoyed the overwhelming backing of Dokkogamuyong, Heineken, Bryhildr, and Rei, with even the mighty Dragon Lord supporting him from behind. The Rockenmyre and Skeletonia guilds, along with Bilren’s royalty, also ardently endorsed him.

None on the continent dared attempt suppressing this rising star through petty obstructionism.

‘The public growth buff revelation was the deciding factor.’

An obvious hero candidate with an unshakable foundation and now a growth buff – numerous continental figures would seek to align with him or install their people on his team.

With this momentum established, Doyun’s support base could solidify further. From the Alliance’s perspective, strengthening his faction was advantageous.

Above all, the prime opportunity to fortify internal unity was immediately after subjugating the Warlord.

To Doyun as well, this ‘hero-making’ seemed a timely strategy borne of careful calculations.

‘Come to think of it…’

Not much time had passed since his exploits were properly acknowledged. Merely 10 days since returning from the journey where his growth buff was revealed.

Four days after that return, he had brought Luna, making today one week later.

‘So much has transpired in that short span…’

It had felt like months, yet only four days had passed.

‘Some respite is warranted.’

Too much stress had accumulated.

Rather than training, combat, or incident resolution, it seemed an opportune time to focus on solidifying internal matters through a more relaxed schedule.

“Yes, let’s proceed accordingly.”

“Understood. Then I shall make preparations for one week from now.”

Rising from his seat, Dokkogamuyong respectfully bowed to the considerably younger Doyun.

After bidding him farewell, Doyun watched Dokkogamuyong’s retreating back until he disappeared from view.

‘…He did not notice.’

Doyun inwardly suppressed a sigh of relief.

Turning around, he saw a dark-skinned, night sky-haired dark elf girl – now appearing appropriately healthy with a bit of weight gained.

Just a week since bringing Luna, a mere frail child too feeble even for basic motor functions that day.

Yet now, she had just demonstrated flawless concealment, evading even Dokkogamuyong’s senses.

Without leaving Doyun’s side or ceasing their conversations.

‘As Tiamat said, her growth would accelerate once matured enough…’

Demonic races tended to benefit more slowly from mana exposure compared to other species, even if mana was generally panacea-like.

However, Luna was an exception – her constitution meshed exceptionally well with Doyun’s mana, even outpacing the celestial Tia in its absorption.

The result was her current state.

The [Mana Deficiency] and [Growth Disorder] traits in Luna’s status window had vanished, her appearance rapidly maturing from a 7-year-old to resemble a 9-year-old, her frame filling out with newfound flesh and muscle.

“…Will you be accompanying me this time as well?”

She had concealed herself and tailed him on every outing. Likely this time too.

Instead of answering, Luna simply stared intently at him.

Most of their conversations proceeded this way – Doyun would speak, and she would silently regard him, a stark contrast to her surprisingly talkative first night.

Yet strangely, this dynamic still facilitated mutual understanding.

“…Very well.”

Sensing affirmation in her eyes, Doyun reluctantly nodded.

If she could evade Dokkogamuyong’s detection, she could likely follow wherever the Heroes convened as well.

Though unable to evade Heineken currently, that would change within the week.

‘Should I welcome such rapid growth…?’

A thought that frequently crossed Doyun’s mind whenever regarding Luna lately.

“…”

“…”

For a moment, they simply gazed at each other.

Soon after, Doyun wordlessly turned and headed back inside.

As always, Luna followed silently behind.

+++

One week later, the procession commenced in Muspelheim’s capital.

While the underlying intent was heroic publicity, the stated purpose celebrated the recapture of Metapolis roughly a month prior – a battle where Doyun and the Heroes had played pivotal roles.

As preparations were underway, Doyun sensed Luna’s location; she had indeed come along this time as well.

Heineken approached and extended his hand.

“You clean up quite nicely.”

Using telepathy due to the crowd.

Doyun grinned in response.

“Boasting about an expensive gift, are we?”

“Bilren’s designers are the continental finest. That attire isn’t something money alone can buy.”

“Yes, yes. I shall wear it mindfully.”

Shaking Heineken’s hand, Doyun sensed no unease from him.

Heineken had failed to detect Luna’s presence as well.

‘…’

Doyun momentarily broke out in a cold sweat at her alarming growth rate.

Eventually, the procession commenced.

Waaaaaahhhh—!!!

As the carriage convoy exited the city gates, Alliance citizens packed into the square, streets, alleys, and rooftops erupted into deafening cheers.

An enormous event drawing crowds from across the continent, not just Muspelheim’s populace – their raucous roars shook Doyun’s carriage.

Doyun and the Heroes ascended a raised platform atop a large carriage, waving to the exuberant crowds.

Their diverse personalities yielded varied responses – Heineken remained nonchalant about the festivities while Rei’s shoulders swelled with sky-piercing vigor.

Among them, Doyun consistently waved with refined gestures and a charismatic smile, showcasing the most polished demeanor.

“Kyaaaaahh–!”

“Han Doyun! Han Doyun!”

His stunning appearance, dignified aura, and sophisticated conduct as this procession’s central figure ignited fervent cheers, particularly from female onlookers.

‘Hmm…?’

‘Hoho…’

The Alliance branch organizers inwardly marveled and admired Doyun’s unexpected poise.

Having never participated in public events, they had assumed the young Apostle only knew combat. Yet he exhibited such veteran flair.

The three Heroes privy to Doyun’s identity smiled inwardly at the reactions.

‘Ah, so that is who he is!’

Enoch had endured over 200 years of warfare. Naturally, he had participated countless times in such morale-boosting ceremonies for Alliance citizens.

In fact, through repeated regressions, had he not played the lead role in ‘hero-making’ during each debut?

Combat was merely a fraction of warfare.

As the Alliance’s de facto supreme commander, Enoch had consistently led and prevailed in all aspects of ‘war’ – purging malignant elements, fortifying unity, politics, morale enhancement, and more.

This time too, Enoch’s veteran prowess would undoubtedly shine through once more.

His emergence as a heroic figure wielding public influence marked that very starting point.

However, even as Doyun waved to the crowds, he inwardly suppressed a tinge of disappointment.

‘Hmm…’

As he scanned his surroundings, Heineken telepathically inquired,

[Is there any discomfort, Your Grace?]

[Are there no other Heroes present?]

[Pardon?]

[I did not expect the Dragon King or Lion King to attend, but I had inwardly anticipated some fresh faces.]

[Ah…]

[I had heard of one additional Hero I have yet to encounter.]

[Th, That is…]

Heineken faltered momentarily before contacting Dokkogamuyong.

Observing this, Doyun furrowed his brow. Like Dokkogamuyong previously, just what sort of individual was this that they were so reticent to introduce?

Shortly after, Dokkogamuyong responded telepathically,

[My apologies. I had received firm confirmation of attendance… But it seems interest has waned.]

[…I understand.]

Though he claimed as such, Dokkogamuyong inwardly felt relieved by the absence.

Originally, she had intended not to participate. However, being the willful existence she was, this was hardly surprising.

Yet upon learning of Doyun’s attendance, she had abruptly notified them of joining as well.

‘It’s better that she did not come…’

An unpredictable woman – hence her ‘Mad Woman’ moniker despite holding Heroic status.

Dokkogamuyong worried what antics she might pull upon encountering the esteemed Enoch. At the very least, this event under the continent’s scrutiny was ill-suited for such a meeting.

[I shall endeavor to facilitate an encounter next time.]

[I ought to meet her once, at least. I appreciate your efforts.]

Yet he could not refuse Enoch’s request either.

If arranging a meeting, ensuring a quiet setting away from the public eye would be advisable.

Thus, putting aside his disappointment, Doyun continued the procession.

However, shortly after,

“…Hm?”

‘…?’

Something registered in the senses of Doyun and the concealed Luna tailing him.