Ch.204NPC and Spirit Keeper (1)

Evening, when everyone is asleep.

It’s just like before, when Ira and I were attacked by the Follower of Jealousy in the carriage. But I’m not doing anything foolish like blaming myself or getting depressed, thinking that Luxuria’s death or the Saint nearly dying or everyone being in danger that day was my fault. I just…

‘I need to fix this.’

I reflect and think about not letting it happen again next time.

Back then, it was the normal status window that put a time limit on me. But without even that, I wouldn’t have known when to return, let alone been able to use my skills freely.

So I can’t blame the status window, nor can I consider the time limit as unfair.

That’s why I’m fixing myself. Any enemy that can kill me immediately, I’ll eliminate quickly, and even after they’re dead, I’ll make sure to confirm the kill.

I won’t kill just anyone, but demons… especially those that seem connected to “that thing”—I won’t bother extracting information or worry about surrounding circumstances anymore.

Clearly, the tentacle that sprang from the ground was a mindless demon. But they said that afterward, an eyeball-ghost-like tentacle launched an additional attack, which means it was definitely different from the tentacle I killed. Probably, [that bastard] was hiding in the ground.

At that time, I think my biggest mistake was not striking the ground because I was worried about a potential landslide. What’s worse, the weapon that pierced the Saint’s body was the machete I had borrowed.

‘…So you’re determined to make me into a complete asshole, huh.’

The broken status window. Something that knows I’m a “reincarnator” while interfering with the normal status window trying to help me. It even reduced my thinking speed to worse than a Windows 98 shitty computer. I have no fucking clue what it is or why it’s messing with me, but one thing is certain.

*Crack*

‘Next time, I’ll kill it.’

That bastard is the embodiment of all the unfairness in my life. Perhaps even Luxuria and the Seven Deadly Sins, said to be the strongest among demons, are merely its pawns.

When I think about how it took over Luxuria’s body… Ah, come to think of it.

“I should have brought that diary.”

The diary that spouted incomprehensible things to me. And Luxuria said her body was taken over when she touched it… Damn. Because the cabin was smashed during the fight, I completely forgot about it.

“…There’s too much to think about.”

It’s time to seriously consider things. There’s no protagonist in this world, and certainly no savior. Right now, I’m too busy dealing with the unfairness thrown at me, and I don’t particularly want to save the continent either. Above all, this has grown too big for me to keep thinking about alone. So…

“…When everyone gathers, I’ll have to talk to them.”

About my past life, the status window, and the “enemy” targeting me for whatever reason. In the past, I wouldn’t have even thought about confiding in them. Not because I was afraid they’d think I was crazy and distance themselves…

“Sigh—I really didn’t want to involve them.”

Clearly, they’ll all actively try to help me, and that could put everyone in danger. But I no longer believe that keeping secrets will keep everyone safe.

Especially after hearing about the god who tried to prevent the Saint’s resurrection—it really means that in this world, the only ones on our side are “us.”

“…I wonder how they’ll all react when I tell them.”

As I closed my eyes, imagining how each of the girls who follow me around would react when I revealed everything, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Ragni and Rey’s reactions—it felt like a natural phenomenon.

*

“I told you we could wait in the village?”

“How can we do that? You said it might be dangerous.”

“That’s right. And we just met after a week—I don’t want to be apart again.”

“…Haah.”

Early morning.

As soon as I woke up and went straight to Salt Non, I was caught by the two sisters who had waited at the hospital before me… No, they had actually slept at the hospital yesterday. Wait, why did I mention it might be dangerous?

“…Why are you looking at me like that? I just answered when they asked.”

“I wasn’t planning to say anything to Salt Non.”

When I slightly turned my head toward Salt Non, whom I was carrying on my back, he immediately noticed and spoke first.

To be honest, I want to say something, but because of me, it feels awkward to speak to someone who’s still seriously injured.

“We’re busy. You said we need to go to Ponia too.”

“That’s right, let’s hurry, Jack.”

“…Sigh.”

The two sisters, trying to walk ahead of me, began urging me as if they had no intention of waiting, and I had no choice but to accompany them on the path to the Spirit Tree.

I carried the still-recovering Salt Non on my back and moved at a slow pace. The two sisters kept up with me, running alongside, and after about an hour, we could see a large, thick log wall in the distance.

“Is that the elven village?”

“Yes, precisely that is [Siltra]. In the past, this entire forest was Siltra, but from your human perspective of naming places as villages or cities, only that village is Siltra now.”

What I’ve learned from talking with him these past few days is that Salt Non possesses various knowledge about humans.

More specifically, whenever Green Dol returned to Siltra, he would bring stories from outside or books written by humans, and Salt Non would read them all before they were destroyed.

Actually, that was against the law in Siltra, but since he was stationed as a guard at the forest entrance for 50-year shifts, nobody knew about it anyway.

Haha. To be honest, the 50-year shift system was more mind-blowing than his knowledge of humans.

In my past life, I felt like I’d go crazy after just a 2-hour guard duty, but 50 years? The time perception of long-lived races is truly terrifying.

As I carried him a bit further toward what appeared to be the gate in the wall, I could see a blonde elf standing guard. But, hmm…?

“Halt!! If you come any closer, we’ll consider you an enemy and cut you down immediately!!!”

“It’s me! Salt Non! I’ve come with humans to guide them to Siltra under Elder Green Dol’s instructions!!”

Salt Non, riding on my back, immediately shouted to identify himself, but the two elves guarding the gate visibly intensified their killing intent, drawing their swords and shouting even louder.

“Salt Non!! Have you forgotten that you’re currently a criminal!!”

“We cannot allow you, a criminal who accompanies the human who killed the Grand Elder, to pass through this gate!! Turn back immediately!!!”

“…What are these elves saying?”

“Sis, I feel dizzy. Are these really people from the same country as us?”

Before I could say anything, the two sisters, understanding the guards’ reaction, spoke with bewilderment, and even Salt Non on my back began to sigh.

Good grief. It’s been over two weeks since the battle ended, and the normal knights of the forest had already returned to the village, right?

Could these bastards also be possessed by rage?

“…No, that’s impossible. Those two are the youngest among the guards. They wouldn’t have even come to the beastkin village that day.”

“Then, do they still not know the truth?”

“That can’t be it. They just mentioned the human who killed the Grand Elder. It’s obvious they heard the truth from the elven knights but are still acting like this.”

“…Yes, the fact that they mention my criminal status but don’t try to capture me or attack immediately suggests the knights explained properly. Those youngsters must know that guards have the authority to execute criminals on the spot.”

“So basically, these are just elf-supremacist assholes picking a fight?”

When I summarized the three people’s combined analysis in one line, Salt Non sighed again, and the two sisters looked at me as if they couldn’t believe it.

Well, can’t be helped.

“Miho, please take care of Salt Non for a moment.”

“Oh, okay.”

“Wait, what are you going to…”

“Ah, don’t worry. I’ll make sure no one gets hurt.”

After transferring Salt Non to Miho, I slowly approached the elven guards emanating killing intent. They intensified their aura as if ready to swing their swords at any moment and started shouting again.

“Human!! Get lost!!!”

“You demon-like bastard!! You who killed the Grand Elder and other elves are subject to immediate execution!!”

“Hehehe! They say weak dogs bark a lot and lunge at you, but these are dogs that can’t even lunge, huh?”

“What?!!”

“H-How dare a mere human…!!!”

Despite my continued approach, they only intensified their killing intent without making the first move, even showing signs of backing away.

Right. If the knights explained properly and these guys heard it, they must have also heard about my strength.

“I am a friend of Green Dol, a kind elf, and an acquaintance of Salt Non, a sensible elf. If you open the gate now, this will end quietly without incident. Your barking will just remain as barking. How about it? Isn’t that an appealing condition?”

“D-Don’t come any closer!!”

“I-In the name of elven pride, if you take one more step, I’ll cut you down!!!”

Oh. One of them finally jumped forward a step, seemingly ready to attack. Good, this way I can handle it as mutual fault…

“What kind elf?! Green Dol is a criminal who killed all the elders who have protected Siltra and fled!! Salt Non is trash who cooperated with him!!! Bringing in humans like you to kill innocent elves, they’re trash… Hik?!”

When the one who stepped forward started running his mouth again, I inadvertently made eye contact with him, and he let out a shrill scream as if he sensed something.

“Haah. I’m really trying to handle this nicely, but… Fine, I understand what you idiots think.”

I raised my already clenched fist, stepped back as they suggested, and walked toward the massive wooden wall instead of the gate.

Was it because I suddenly started walking away from the gate, or did that bastard read my mind and know I was about to smash his head if he said one more word? Either way, they fell silent and just watched me.

Honestly, I don’t care which it is.

“By the way, I think I’ve seen this tree before in Aigram. Salt Non, is this a millennium tree?”

“Huh? Oh, y-yes, it i—”

*CRASH!!!*

“Eek?!!”

“Kyaa!!”

Before he could finish speaking, I swung my fist with full force. The wooden wall, thicker than five adult men, snapped like a toothpick and collapsed into the village with a thunderous sound.

“If you have any more reason why I should listen to the bullshit from you pointy-eared bastards, let me know. Hmm?”

“H-Hieek…!!”

“M-Monster!!”

When I employed my lawyer-accompanied conversation method, the two elven guards who had been radiating killing intent fell on their butts and began trembling like girls.

Oh? The one who was talking shit even wet himself?

I began to approach them very slowly, really taking my time, clenching my fist to make them feel the fear. And then…

*Swish!*

“Stop, what are you doing?!!”

“…What does it look like I’m doing?”

The one who blocked me wasn’t the two pathetic guards but Salt Non, who had escaped from Miho when I briefly turned my head due to the dust.

Despite his injured leg, he stood firmly on both feet and glared at me, and I just smiled, raising the corner of my mouth.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but stop. As you said, they’re just slightly deficient elves who’ve been indoctrinated with human-hating ideology. There’s no need to kill them!”

“Do you really think so?”

“Yes, and if you kill a truly ‘innocent’ elf here, I won’t guide you to the Spirit Tree.”

“……”

Looking at him standing up to me so boldly, I chuckled and then continued walking toward the guards.

Though he tried to block me, Salt Non lacked the strength to do so. He frowned and reached out his other hand toward me. I easily avoided it and raised my hand toward the one behind him…

*Pat*

“Kyaaak?!!”

“Shut up.”

I gently grabbed his shoulder. Just really normally, not even painfully. But the guy screamed as if he thought he was going to die, and I lightly slapped his cheek with my palm before continuing.

“Idiot. You have no pride. The ideology you’ve learned is garbage that even sewer rats would avoid, and the reality you want to believe in ended long ago. Don’t understand? Then look behind me. This is Salt Non, an ‘elf’ with real pride and guts. You fake pointy-eared bastard.”

“Ugh…!”

“And if Green Dol is a criminal for killing elders who colluded with demons, are you demon followers? You pieces of shit who invoke elven pride can’t forget those trash who sided with demons, so you label the person who saved you a criminal? How are you any better than demons?”

“Urgh…”

After lightly slapping both their cheeks alternately, I stepped on and broke all the swords they had dropped.

“You stubborn bastards. Before barking about pride or whatever, look at the reality in front of you and accept it. Shit, if you’re going to live with your eyes and ears closed from the start when you have thousands of years to live, why bother having them? Just cut them all off.”

After saying that, I pushed their cheeks to knock them over, then turned my back to Salt Non, who was glaring at me, and nodded.

“You are really…”

“Come on. Why is someone with a bad leg running around? I was walking slowly on purpose.”

“……”

After cutting off his words, I waited, and he slowly approached and climbed onto my back again. I headed toward the “gate” I had created.

Since those bastards wouldn’t open the gate for us, we’ll use a different entrance.

“Idiots, you said you wouldn’t let us in through the gate on your pride. But you’re not stopping us from walking in!”

I raised my voice so they could hear, but felt nothing from behind.

And so, we entered the elven village, receiving the stares of elves who had poured out like a pack of dogs when the wall suddenly collapsed.