Ch.260260. Aftermath (2)

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Searching through my memories, Gideon’s death is the biggest turning point that leads Elnore into the corruption event.

“…”

To be honest, the concept of “corruption” doesn’t really hit home until you experience it.

From someone who has ‘directly experienced it,’ if someone close to me were to change like that, I’d want to prevent it even at the cost of my life.

Considering how far a Vessel whose reason has been stripped away by demonic energy can fall—just reflecting on my own actions makes me shudder.

[…You mean that thing, right?]

‘What?’

[Back then, when you were resolving the Red Night incident, doing inhuman things without batting an eye—that.]

That’s right.

I clearly remember the sensation of not being myself until Elnore brought me back to my senses.

So, I should at least know how to repay that debt.

In that sense, fulfilling Gideon’s ‘lifelong wish’ seems like the surest ticket to prevent Elnore from falling into that state.

It feels that way, but…

“What do you think?”

“…”

“It seems I still need a bit more training…”

After watching the sword dance that Gideon performed before me as a ‘demonstration.’

Looking at Gideon saying such things, I’m left speechless.

‘You need more training?’

Don’t talk such nonsense.

Of course, I occasionally gave him remote instructions like ‘train this, practice that.’ I wanted to help him reach his ultimate strength faster, based on the diary he left behind.

As a result, the person standing before me now is…

‘…Isn’t he at a level where he could fight against Rad?’

He seems capable of going toe-to-toe with that monster who’s not just the modern sword saint but approaching the position of the strongest in history.

After all, Rad was the one who taught Gideon the basics of swordsmanship, and given Rad’s hidden special abilities, Gideon might not win, but…

“…Why don’t you share some thoughts?”

And why is someone like him looking at me with an anxious face like a test-taker waiting for results?

“…You pass. It’s sufficient.”

I feel self-contempt for evaluating someone like him, but what I’m saying is undeniably true.

“You’ll be able to cut what you intend to cut. Without fail.”

When I said that, Gideon closed his eyes briefly and let out a deep sigh.

Relief, accomplishment, and determination.

It was clearly an expression with all those emotions mixed together.

It’s natural, given that he’s facing the ‘lifelong wish’ he’s committed to.

‘…His wish is definitely…’

To sever the source of the curse that has been passed down in his family.

It’s related to Elnore’s mother. Someone who passed away long ago.

The question of ‘who’ killed her is fundamentally connected to this person’s wish.

“…”

To investigate that, one would need to trace back to the darkest, most sinister corners of Imperial politics.

And the people who would become entangled in that process are…

‘…His Majesty the Emperor, Chancellor Sullivan, Elnore, Gideon, and…’

Faynol Leiphec, Elia Krisanax, and this person too.

Thinking about this, I look at the Soul Linker.

[…What?]

‘Nothing.’

It’s no coincidence that all the Guardians were deployed and torn apart during the Red Night incident.

Half of them might have volunteered, but creating such a ‘situation’ in the first place would have required some kind of ‘operation.’

“…Well then.”

While quietly pondering these thoughts ‘without letting them flow to Calivan,’ I change the subject.

“Then, I’ll bring ‘what you need to cut’ right to you.”

“…”

Gideon’s eyes widened slightly.

“…You knew about that too.”

“You don’t seem surprised at all.”

“I’ve gotten used to it being around you. You always seem to know even the secrets I wanted to keep most hidden.”

I nod with a bitter smile.

“…No one but me could find it anyway.”

Right now, they’re probably lying low, keeping their head down.

Thoroughly concealing themselves, forming layers upon layers of social and political protection networks to avoid revealing themselves until the end.

But the Imperial Civil War is a massive event that will force even such a person to emerge from their ‘shell.’ The opportunity will definitely come.

“By the way, there’s something additional I’d like to discuss.”

Suddenly, a chill runs down my spine.

“Once this is over, regarding Elnore’s marriage—”

“…Let’s discuss that later.”

With that, I send Gideon away.

What marriage? What damn marriage at this timing?

The Empire is about to be torn apart by war with massacres breaking out everywhere, and you’re concerned about marriage? Really?

[To be honest, though?]

“…”

[I think you’ll somehow prevent the civil war, but marriage seems like something you’ll fall victim to even if you see it coming, so I’m really excited—]

“…What exactly do you take me for?”

Darwood Campbell.

A man who can prevent an Imperial civil war but is helpless against a woman squeezing him in bed.

“…”

I’m not sure if that’s a compliment or an insult.

“And there are people even I might not be able to stop if I’m not careful.”

The face that immediately comes to mind is that of a certain Count.

The face of a madman who lectured about human hunting without changing his expression.

[…I’ve been hearing talk about resurrection and such. Is that guy really coming back to life?]

“Yes.”

I answer decisively.

“He will come back to life.”

The most important character in this chapter is that guy. I may have hastily removed him from the scene according to my whims, but as long as this world is built on the foundation of being based on a game, he will definitely return.

In a much more… ‘monstrous’ form, though.

“In that sense, this time will be historically busy.”

I need to prevent the civil war, deal with Gideon’s issue, and face Count Nicholas along with Marquis Bogart.

Even having multiple bodies wouldn’t be enough.

Under such conditions, I need people who can help. Absolutely.

“…Honestly, this gave me the most confidence.”

Elia with the Holy Sword would work, and Elnore probably could too, but it’s better to have someone with as little connection to the Otherworld or Pandemonium as possible. The structure of the stage seems to impose massive penalties on them ‘as we progress.’

And the sight before me now is…

“…Among all the people who meet those conditions right now, I don’t think there’s anyone stronger than this.”

Saying that, I glance at what Gideon just ‘cut.’

“Calivan.”

[Hmm?]

“Could you do something like this?”

[Could I?]

I think he probably could.

Of course, in battles between adults and near-superhumans, it’s fairly accurate to describe them as fights between natural disasters in human form.

But what Gideon just did was clearly bizarre even by those standards.

“…That person just cut the ‘sun,’ didn’t he?”

The sun in the sky was…

Clearly distorted, as if someone had sliced through it.

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So, if everything is in place, there’s no reason to delay anymore.

I need to take action right away.

And there’s always someone who suffers first whenever I display such initiative.

“…What is this?”

Principal Atalante glared at the document I handed over with sharp eyes.

“You know very well.”

“Yes. I know that the moment I sign this, all hell will break loose.”

“It’s just a club external activity request form.”

“From the moment you bring it directly to the principal instead of the faculty advisor, you know it’s just an excuse, don’t you?”

“See? You understand perfectly.”

“…”

Should I smack this bastard’s skull, or should I smack my own jaw for partnering with him?

Such an expression seemed to flash across the principal’s face for a moment.

“…Darwood.”

The principal, after rubbing his face dry, spoke in a rather serious tone.

“The regions you’re requesting to visit for ‘external activities’ are all military strongholds of the Council of Elders. If you, who already attracts attention, enter these areas, you’re walking straight into danger.”

“Principal.”

“What?”

“Do you know what’s most effective against those who are hell-bent on starting a war despite having deterrent power?”

In fact, even after nuclear weapons were developed on Earth, conflicts large and small never ceased.

Wars continued even right after nuclear weapons were developed.

But how did those wars end?

“It’s showing them directly. Why deterrence is deterrence.”

“…”

The principal clutched his head.

“…You look like you’re about to say something crazy again, but I’ll listen. What is it?”

“I won’t explain it to you.”

The principal’s face went blank as I smiled and dropped my statement.

“I’ll show you through action.”

“…”

“Someone of your authority can insert me here under any pretext. If you let me and my club members roam around here, the civil war won’t happen. I’m serious!”

“…You goddamn lunatic…”

“…”

Please maintain your dignity, Principal.

“…I’ll review it. I can’t promise anything though.”

In general terms, that would be a rejection, but for this person, it’s acceptance.

This person is surprisingly easy. If you push like this, they’ll grant everything while grumbling.

Of course, it’s also because I’ve proven results with everything I’ve done.

[…Come to think of it, this person is really like your mother.]

‘What?’

[Seeing how they accept all your unreasonable demands…]

‘…’

Ignoring Calivan’s sympathetic words, I clear my throat.

“Since we’re on the topic, may I ask where the other Exorcism Club members are? It’s strange that I can’t see any of them.”

I left them with Professor Astrid Campbell, but normally they should have come to me by now, making a noisy fuss, yet they’re nowhere to be seen.

“Professor Astrid said she had something to discuss and took them away.”

“…Really, she never learns and keeps bothering those kids—”

As curses involuntarily spilled from my mouth, Atalante tilted her head and asked:

“…Do you know each other?”

“…”

Come to think of it, quite a few people don’t know that this person claims to be my mother.

Actually, as Atalante said, it’s a bit awkward to describe her as someone I know.

I do know her, but not personally. We’re not close.

So, my voice asking about the next matter wasn’t particularly gentle.

“Did you hear what she wanted to talk about?”

“…Well. She said something about needing to conspire together.”

Atalante scratched her head with a puzzled expression as she continued.

“That large steel golem said they needed to give advance notice for ‘The First Daughter-in-Law Selection Contest’ and took them away.”

“…”

They’re doing what?

No.

Were they seriously going through with that?

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