Ch.153153. Resolution

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The unprecedented incident of both the Prime Minister and the Princess fainting simultaneously was resolved without much commotion, considering the gravity of the accident.

“This damn, darn, daaaaarn-!”

“…”

Of course, Atalante, with a demonic expression, did continuously let out inhuman screams while dragging both Elnore and Sullivan to the infirmary.

Our Chancellor is in a position where she gets swept up first and has to handle the aftermath when such incidents occur. Let’s be understanding.

Fortunately, neither of them showed any signs of external injuries, and thanks to Elia’s remarkably clean work, both Elnore and Sullivan had fainted without knowing what happened.

It’s quite fortunate that the victims themselves don’t even know who to blame or what to question.

Atalante, with a stiff expression, has already conveyed that neither Elnore nor Sullivan showed any direct intention to clash further with each other.

“The Petronus family and the Tristan Dukedom were never on good terms to begin with. But they’re at least aware that if the fire spreads this large, it won’t be good for either party.”

Of course.

“That’s when you’re not involved in the problem, Darwood. There’s no guarantee they won’t clash again like this in the future.”

Such a condition would naturally be attached.

I nod at Atalante’s words with a bitter smile.

“…I should find a solution quickly, shouldn’t I?”

I respond with a sigh.

The problem isn’t simply the clash between Elnore and Sullivan.

Conflicts between demons will inevitably intensify in the future. Those two are just the beginning.

Especially if the number of demons entangling around me continues to increase, the possibility of such incidents occurring grows exponentially.

Elia may have brought the ability to directly strike at demonic fragments, but that’s quite an unstable restraint.

It might work for demons before they “rampage,” but it would be impossible after their powers start to unleash, like in Elnore’s case earlier.

“Do you have something in mind?”

“…”

I do have something.

If we can’t prevent such incidents from happening, the best we can do is to prepare means to resolve them when they do occur.

And there’s only one thing that can “mediate” fights between demons.

A warrior wielding the Holy Sword.

The strongest human in humanity after completing their final growth.

One of the top two overwhelming combat powers in the Sera world, along with the Grey Demon.

“Judging by your expression, it doesn’t seem like a method you’re particularly fond of.”

That’s also correct.

The risk is too high.

Not for me, but for Elia, who will be swept up in this event.

“…But it’s also clear that we have no other options.”

I answer and summon a window before my eyes.

< System Log >

[ The starting point of 〖 Chapter 4 – Red Night 〗 has been changed! ]

The start of Chapter 4 should normally come several months from now, as far as I know.

But as always, thanks to the twisted scenario, the starting point has moved right in front of us.

‘…Not giving him the Holy Sword doesn’t make any sense.’

A warrior wielding the Holy Sword is as important to the scenario progression as the Grey Demon, who is designated as the “final boss.”

If nothing else, this must happen. The moment this part goes wrong, this entire world will collapse.

Later antagonists like the “False God” or the “Mark of Ill Omen” have their strategies fundamentally premised on the existence of Elia wielding the Holy Sword. Without that, there isn’t even an option to defeat them.

But.

‘The risk is too high.’

Being acknowledged by the Holy Sword of the First Warrior sounds easy, but one wrong move could cost a life.

In the original work, Elia passed such a test admirably, but…

“…”

Most of the trials that guy was supposed to overcome in the game have been handled by me so far.

So.

The key is whether I’ve filled Elia’s “growth points” required by the original work.

Of course, he suddenly acquired the crazy ability to directly hit demonic fragments, but being acknowledged by the Holy Sword is a separate issue.

But.

“When did you say the warrior selection begins, Chancellor?”

“I heard they’ll be selecting candidates from academies in each country in a few days. The Holy Sword can’t be wielded by humans past a certain age.”

I nod at Atalante’s words.

As expected, there’s no time this time either.

If it’s just a few days away, it means the main event will arrive immediately without any time for preparation.

Then.

There’s only one option left.

“…Would you grant me one favor, Chancellor?”

“What is it?”

“I have two requests. First, I need the contact information and permission to meet with the senior professor of the Sacred Studies Department.”

Atalante narrowed her eyes and stared at me.

“I won’t ask why you need it. It’s not a difficult request anyway. But you do know that person is a bit… peculiar, right?”

“…I’m well aware.”

In fact, if it weren’t for his position as a senior professor, he’s someone I wouldn’t want to get involved with.

As Atalante said, calling him “peculiar” is quite an understatement…

He’s a bit crazy, that guy.

“Second.”

Anyway.

I continue with a sigh.

“Please let me participate in the warrior selection event.”

“…”

Atalante looked at me with a hardened expression.

“…There’s only one student from Elphante who can be a candidate.”

“I know.”

To be nominated for such a selection, one would need to have been called a “warrior candidate” by those around them beforehand.

But.

“Not as the warrior candidate himself, but as an ‘attendant’ to support him. Every country will send attendants with their candidates, won’t they?”

“That would be possible… but with just that, it would be nearly impossible to exert any influence during the selection process.”

Atalante continued with a disgruntled expression.

Indeed, that’s true.

Considering how the warrior selection event progresses in the game, overcoming the “trials” given to candidates is ultimately something they must do themselves. Attendants can at most serve as coaches.

But.

“It’s nearly impossible, not completely impossible, right?”

“…Pardon?”

“Among all the things I’ve succeeded in so far, has any of them ever been possible before?”

It’s the same thing I’ve always done.

The butterfly effect caused by me is my responsibility.

So.

While ultimately being acknowledged by the Holy Sword is a challenge he must overcome…

“I will make that guy a warrior, Chancellor. No matter what.”

At least paving the “path” for him.

That’s my job.

●

“…”

I survived another day.

As soon as I return to my personal room in the dormitory, I rub my face with that thought in mind.

I look at the small bracelet wrapped around the top of my amulet.

It’s a gift Elia bought from the Tribal Union.

In my mind, the conversation I just had with Elia was replaying.

-Warrior selection? I’ll do it!

-…

I was at a loss for words for a while due to his cheerful response, then barely managed to speak.

-…Do you even know what you’re getting into?

-Hmm, from the way you’re talking, it sounds dangerous?

-Yes, kid. You could die if you mess up, so please think carefully-

-But it’s something that helps you, right, teacher?

-…

As I closed my mouth, at a loss for words.

The guy answered without a hint of hesitation, with a bright smile.

-Then I’ll do it.

-…Hey.

-And, above all.

As if that wasn’t the only reason, he continued with a bitter smile.

-If I become a warrior, I might be able to find my brother.

In that voice uttering such a sentence.

There was also a determination that seemed unstoppable by anyone.

Come to think of it, the reason he had been carrying around titles like “warrior candidate” despite disliking them was ultimately to find his missing brother.

“Calivan.”

[…]

“I know you’re awake. Let’s talk for a moment.”

I don’t think this person has been this quiet since being attached to me.

With that thought in mind, Calivan spoke in a low voice.

[…You’re just playing dumb, kid.]

“Excuse me?”

[Whether sooner or later, it was already certain that my brother would be thrown into such a place. Why didn’t you tell me about this in advance?]

“…”

That’s true.

After all, this person would eventually find out about it.

[…He’s the only blood relative I have left.]

Calivan spat out.

[If anything happens to him-]

“Calivan.”

I slap the Soul Linker.

This won’t harm this person, but it should at least draw his attention.

“I told you because I’m certain nothing will happen to him.”

Do you take me for a fool?

Do you think I’m stupid enough to let the Prime Minister speak but not the Chancellor?

[…]

A bewildered feeling rose from within the Soul Linker.

[…So.]

Calivan continued, trying hard to speak.

[You’re saying there’s a sure way for him to be acknowledged by the Holy Sword?]

“There are ways, of course.”

[…What method are you planning to use? Forget being acknowledged by the Holy Sword, even passing the selection seems impossible-]

“Oh, that’s easy.”

I say, summoning a window before my eyes.

< System Log >

[ The ‘Survival Helper’ rule is activated! ]

[ Target ‘Elia’ reacts sensitively to your crisis situations. ]

[ Target’s abilities are greatly enhanced! ]

[ Target awakens the ‘Eye of Truth’! ]

This is the window that appeared when Elia struck the back of Elnore and Sullivan’s heads.

Among other things, there are two points to note here.

The fact that Elia reacted sensitively to “my crisis situation” and that his “abilities were greatly enhanced” as a result.

‘…Even if he improved his specs under Authority.’

It’s impossible to land a blow on two Demonic Vessels without them even being aware.

Especially against Elnore, whose basic specs have reached the point where she can compete with the Margrave of Kendrid.

In other words, logically.

It’s more accurate to say that the ability boost this guy receives when I’m in danger is insane.

And that will be the means for him to gain an absolute advantage in the selection.

“Calivan.”

I continue, taking a deep breath.

“To be precise, passing the selection isn’t something Elia does alone.”

And, quite naturally.

“We do it together, Calivan.”

[…What?]

“It’s a bit difficult to explain the method, but if I constantly live under life-threatening situations, his… abilities increase accordingly.”

[…]

So.

This is a bit of a funny story.

To constantly provide such ability enhancement, I need to be continuously exposed to situations like being sandwiched between Demonic Vessels on the verge of rampaging.

“And it’s not that difficult to do.”

The warrior selection will be an event where the leaders of each country, the selected warriors, and the enormous forces accompanying them will all appear at once.

Even without going as far as demons, creating situations that threaten my life isn’t particularly difficult.

[…So.]

Calivan responded with an incredulous voice.

[At a gathering where powerhouses from across the continent will appear.]

“Yes.”

[You’re saying you need to continuously attempt something akin to suicide?]

“Yes.”

[…How are you going to do it? Are you going to pick fights with each one of them?]

“Not quite.”

[I thought so-]

“I need to make everyone there rush at me as if they want to kill me. Just picking fights won’t be enough.”

[…]

In my opinion.

For Elia to safely pass the selection and be acknowledged as the owner of the Holy Sword, we need to go at least that far to be safe.

Becoming the public enemy of everyone there.

For that, I need to do what I do best.

My specialty that everyone acknowledges I have expertise in.

“I’m going to become trash, Calivan.”

[…]

“I’ll show how morally bankrupt a person can become.”

I’ll leave the clean and upright image to Elia.

Meanwhile, I’ll scrape the bottom of humanity.

[And you’re going to do this against powerhouses from across the continent.]

“Yes.”

[…]

After a long silence, Calivan barely managed to continue.

[…Right. I’ve seen you being pushed around a lot lately. I momentarily forgot.]

“Pardon?”

[That among all the crazy people I’ve seen, you’re the craziest.]

“…”

I’ll take that as a compliment for now.

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