Ch.128128. Confession (1)

Anti-Demon Power.

While it doesn’t match the power of demon extermination that Sione possesses, this ability is still quite remarkable. Anti-Demon Power literally grants resistance against Magia. When facing those who possess Magia, it serves as a sufficient advantage.

‘It’s not an exceptional card yet.’

Perhaps because I’ve only just acquired this power. I can instinctively tell that the Anti-Demon Power I possess isn’t particularly strong yet.

However, if I continue to develop this Anti-Demon Power, while I might not be able to completely extinguish Magia, I should at least be able to repel and disperse the opponent’s magical energy.

‘With time, this could become a decent asset.’

I’ve gained a worthwhile ability from this reward.

And that’s not all.

Besides Anti-Demon Power, thanks to my high understanding of spirit arts and excellent magical manipulation abilities, it also significantly improves the efficiency of spirit magic in recognition of those accomplishments.

‘I should check later how much it has improved.’

I planned to verify exactly how much the efficiency had increased through the use of simple magic.

After the war, Siabel had said she would formally teach me swordsmanship. Since I had asked if magic could be imbued into a sword, she would likely have me handle magic at least once. I could try using magic then.

I carefully stored the letter paper in my desk drawer and shifted my attention.

‘What should I do about the remaining quests?’

Currently, there are two quests left.

One quest requiring a dramatic reconciliation between Sione and Sion, and another requiring an increase in Sione’s reputation.

‘The reputation should work out somehow.’

Sione has been fighting diligently on the walls, and many have witnessed this.

In fact, recently, thanks to these events, her excellent archery skills and her silent dedication to facing enemies on the walls have become topics of conversation among others.

If these stories spread well, her reputation should improve considerably.

Sione, once known for being incompetent and sharp-tongued. It seems like just yesterday when even servants would gossip about her in front of the dining hall. It’s quite moving to see recognition for her now being passed from person to person.

Probably, if I spread these rumors and create more heartwarming stories about her, I should be able to clear this quest.

‘The problem is Sion.’

The reconciliation between Sione and Sion.

This still feels quite daunting.

When Sion finally came up to the wall and was healing an injured soldier, a monster once targeted him. At that moment, Sione timely shot an arrow to protect Sion…

But even after that, they didn’t exchange any words. Given how much he looked down on his sister, it would be difficult to see him express gratitude for her help first and ask for reconciliation.

‘Though the seed of power offered as a reward is tempting.’

I also don’t want to see Sione bow her head to him unnecessarily.

The seed is merely a potential held within oneself until it germinates and blooms, and while it’s inferior to actual power, I’ve already gained Anti-Demon Power.

It would be better to take more time to think about this.

“They said a torrent would engulf the Count’s family, but…”

The cultists have failed in this major surprise attack.

Whatever they were trying to do, now that their plan has failed, they’ll likely stay quiet for a while and build up their strength.

Since things should be relatively peaceful for now, I still have quite a bit of leeway left.

I gathered my deepening thoughts and lay down on my bed.

The comfort, incomparable to the makeshift bed in the barracks, pulls my consciousness below the surface of sleep.

Slightly intoxicated by sleep, I whispered.

“…Spirit.”

Clearly, the ability to summon spirits had been unlocked earlier…

But somehow, during the summoning, the power scattered and disappeared on its own.

I tried summoning a spirit again after a long time.

Whoosh!!

Cold wind enters through the gap in the window and swirls slightly in the room.

The whirlwind gathered together and then…

Poof…

“Tsk.”

As expected, it eventually disperses.

‘A spirit archer who can’t use spirits.’

Despite having this much pure spirit energy within me, I can’t even summon a low-level spirit.

If those damned elves saw this, they’d snicker and say it’s the inevitable limitation of a short-lived race.

I couldn’t understand why the spirit wouldn’t be summoned.

“If possible, I should find the reason for this too.”

Having concluded that I should also look for information about elves and spirits, I quietly closed my eyes. Sleep overtook my mind.

* * *

It feels like I just blinked once.

Yet a considerable amount of time has passed.

Ainel focused particularly on stabilizing the territory. As a result, the territory finally began to function normally, and she also started repairing the walls that still bore the scars of war.

That’s not all.

She finally announced that I, a man who wields magic, would have the full protection of the County of Sianella.

Because of this, before Sione’s heartwarming stories could spread, tales about me as the continent’s first male magic user spread widely throughout the territory.

“Bronte, why are you staring at me like that?”

“No… it’s nothing. No, I mean… can you really use magic?”

“If it’s something simple, I could show you right now. Would you like to see?”

“Can you show me?”

“Of course.”

A small flame blooms above my palm. Then, a magically created breeze follows, gently ruffling Bronte’s hair.

Well, thanks to my story spreading throughout the territory and the Count’s residence, I’ve even had the chance to fulfill Bronte’s request like this.

After that, the noble guests from the Marquisate of Allenar.

Aria and Lavi Cournel, along with the other mages, finally returned to the Marquisate of Allenar.

‘Aria was rather straightforward, but Lavi Cournel was quite troublesome.’

I had a brief conversation with them when we met briefly in the Count’s residence.

Unlike Aria, who was surprised but showed a relatively straightforward reaction to my magic afterward, Lavi Cournel, true to being a mage, showed deep interest in the mysteries I handled. She clearly wanted to ask something but was holding back. Mages are deeply immersed in their curiosity and pursuit of truth. Judging by her gaze alone… if Ainel hadn’t declared her protection over me, I might have been kidnapped and dissected.

Besides the Marquisate of Allenar, as the situation was resolved, those who had come to support the County of Sianella were gradually returning to their places.

And now I—

“Aren’t you curious?”

Sione, who today was eating fewer cookies and enjoying the aroma of tea, sat across from me.

“Hmm…”

Gulp.

Perhaps because the tea today is quite sweet.

Sione, who had been holding the tea in her puffed cheeks, swallowed and tilted her head at my question.

“If you suddenly ask if I’m not curious… I don’t know how to answer…”

Munch.

Then, with her gaze fixed on me, Sione picked up a cookie and took a small bite.

It left a cute mark on the cookie, as if a rabbit had taken a nibble.

“I’m talking about the source of my power. What I displayed on the wall isn’t something that can be easily forgotten or overlooked. I’m surprised you haven’t asked any questions.”

A single strike that sent a lower demon back to hell.

The wind that helped ensure a safe landing while descending from the wall.

The brilliant flames that exploded massively, sweeping away enemies and driving away the cold darkness of night.

While I occasionally hear discussions about how I could possibly handle such high-level magic, let alone magic at all, Sione hasn’t shown any curiosity about the abnormal power I possess.

Previously, Sione had demanded explanations about the source of my power. And since Sione is so consistent, it’s obvious that she’s still curious deep down.

Yet she simply spent her days with me as usual.

Greeting each other in the morning, sitting across from each other at the table during leisure time to chat, sometimes suddenly rushing over to hug me tightly before running away, and occasionally playing pranks—these were her main daily activities.

“Ah, about that—”

Sione smiled brightly.

The sunlight filtering through the bars gives her white skin a benevolent aura.

“You said before that you’d tell me when the time was right. So there’s no need for me to ask first. You’ve never lied to me, so you’ll tell me when the time comes, just as you said.”

“…”

“There’s no need to feel burdened. I’ll wait patiently until you’re ready to tell me. Besides—”

Sione pointed at me.

Her fingertip pointed directly at my heart.

“There’s the mana oath in your heart, so there’s nothing to worry about.”

Saying that, Sione smiled playfully.

She popped the remaining cookie into her mouth.

Munching happily, as if enjoying the sweetness spreading in her mouth, Sione pulled her chair closer.

Placing her elbows on the table and resting her face in her hands, she looked up at me with bright eyes.

“So, the reason you brought this up now… is it perhaps because now is that time?”

A forced reaction.

But I could tell from the expectation melting in her eyes.

Because of what she had just said herself, she was acting in this playful manner to hide her curiosity and anticipation.

“Well, even if not today, someday I’ll definitely—”

I quietly watched her and then gently opened my mouth.

“Tell you.”

“Huh…?”

Sione’s eyes widened into perfect circles.

“Have you heard of… a Possessor?”