Ch.4444. Approaching (1)

The demonic beasts were persistent.

Each time Duke Quenore’s sword flashed, it cut down countless white wolves, but the legion commander—the werewolf—who stood in the Duke’s way alongside those minions was blocking the Duke’s attacks quite effectively. The white wolves would fall, then more would spring out from somewhere, making Quenore increasingly anxious each time.

“Damn these beast bastards.”

Quenore muttered as he slashed his sword sharply. The werewolf, ‘Gut’, blocked Quenore’s sword strike by swinging his claws like a blade while smiling cunningly. Indeed, he possessed strength befitting someone who called himself a subordinate of the giant and a legion commander of demonic beasts. Moreover, he didn’t blindly trust in his strength alone.

“Yes, you’re strong as expected. But you must feel it too, don’t you?”

Literally tying down his feet.

A strategy to waste Quenore’s strength and prevent him from rescuing other patrol units. The beast never came in for deep attacks. He simply repeated hit-and-run tactics with the sole purpose of enduring, maintaining a defensive posture as much as possible.

Of course, if this situation continued, it wouldn’t take long for Quenore to behead Gut. But the problem was that there was no guarantee the other patrol units could hold out until then. Rather, the greater possibility was that they would fall and other demonic beasts would join Gut.

“The longer this takes, the more advantageous it is for us, human.”

Gut said, baring his teeth. It was no time to conserve strength. Quenore drew up more mana and ignited his aura. Quenore’s form became blurry as he collided with the legion commander. Gut faced him with confusion, confronted by Quenore’s strength, which was far greater than expected. Quenore’s sword seemed to become sharper and faster rather than weaker as time passed.

‘This guy… is a monster.’

But victory would be his if he could hold out just a little longer. Look, even now his sensitive ears could clearly hear the sounds of slaughter echoing from deep within the forest. Those sweet human screams…

Yelp. Whimper. Screech.

Huh?

Gut’s eyes wavered in bewilderment. No, had he misheard? Why, why were only the death throes of wolves reaching his ears? Gut barely deflected Quenore’s next strike and focused all his senses toward the depths of the forest.

Light. The sound of a sword being swung. The smell of fear.

“Impossible…”

Thwack.

Distracted by that sight, Quenore’s strike pierced Gut’s body. Quenore stomped on the head of the werewolf as it collapsed forward with a deep gash, and raised his gaze.

“…You did it, Hero Ilroy.”

Quenore’s eyes were looking at the same place Gut had been staring. Light was flashing. A pure white and silver-shining aura. The ominous presence of demonic beasts that had been engulfing the entire forest was gradually being erased by that light. It was hope, a wind igniting the embers.

“Don’t talk nonsense. Such a thing couldn’t possibly happen!!”

Quenore looked down at Gut struggling beneath his foot. To Gut who claimed it was impossible, Quenore raised one corner of his mouth and said:

“There are people in this world who make the impossible possible. Though you wouldn’t know that.”

Quenore’s aura pierced through Gut’s head. The light grew increasingly intense, approaching where Quenore stood. Quenore grinned as he faced the hero holding swords in both hands.

“Patrol units 2, 3, 4, and 5 have arrived.”

Duke Quenore nodded and declared in a loud voice:

“All patrol units! Return to Evernode!”

==

Fortunately, incredibly fortunately, I was able to rescue patrol units 3, 4, and 5 before it was too late. I and the 1st patrol unit swept through the demonic beasts like a whale cutting through a torrent, combing through the forest, and gathered all patrol units.

Duke Quenore reached the location of the 5th patrol unit when I had rescued all patrol units, and thus we were able to complete our first battle with difficulty and return to Evernode. I maintained my focus until the end, watching until the outer fortress gates closed and the soldiers returned safely. And finally, after they had all returned, I…

‘Ilroy?’

‘Hero!’

Hmm. I don’t remember anything after hearing their voices and everything going dark. I must have fainted. And now I’ve woken up. I opened my eyes in an unfamiliar room with dark curtains drawn. Despite having slept for quite a while, pain remained throughout my body. It seemed I had sustained injuries that couldn’t be quickly healed even with the recovery ability granted by the Holy Sword.

“[Of course. You overexerted yourself to the point of tearing and bursting blood vessels and muscles throughout your body. They actually did tear and burst. Consider yourself fortunate that your heart didn’t burst in the process, Ilroy. It was an extremely dangerous attempt. The fact that your body could endure it was sheer luck.]”

As soon as I woke up, I heard the Holy Sword’s nagging voice. It sounded somewhat gruff, but nonetheless, it was a voice I was incredibly glad to hear. I fumbled for the Holy Sword’s scabbard and sighed with a smile. The touch was reassuring.

“I’m glad you’re here.”

“Eh?”

“Huh?”

I slightly raised myself and looked to the left side of the bed at the familiar voice. Blink, blink. Oh. At the foot of the bed, where my legs were, I made eye contact with Daphne who had been sleeping with her head on my bed and just woken up. About three seconds of silence passed, and I could clearly see Daphne’s face gradually turning red even in the dim room. Her lips and eyes began to quiver in an indescribable way.

“Um, uh. Well.”

What should I do? She seems to be malfunctioning.

“[Fix it yourself.]”

The Holy Sword spoke no more after that. I awkwardly scratched the back of my head while looking at Daphne. After remaining frozen for a while, Daphne slowly regained her composure, turned her eyes away from me, and twisted her flowing hair while looking at the bed sheet.

“It’s been a day since Ilroy collapsed.”

Daphne answered before I could even ask how much time had passed. I awkwardly nodded. When I slightly lifted the curtain by the window, light pierced my eyes. Through the gap, I could see soldiers moving busily. Somehow, the streets seemed a bit empty.

“There seem to be fewer people.”

“The evacuation has begun. Luke is leading the refugees, and they’ve allocated one knight order to escort people along with the adventurer’s guild.”

Daphne’s cheeks were still red as she explained.

“The boundary line stopped at the lake front. It seems the demonic beasts are using the lake as a forward base to prepare for invasion. Regular patrols have stopped, and now they’re focusing all efforts on preparing for war. The Duke said an invasion could begin at any time.”

Ah, and he also asked to be notified when Ilroy woke up.

Daphne said this and looked at my face again, then turned away. I waited a moment for Daphne to recover her composure before asking a question.

“Are George and Marianne alright?”

“Yes. They sustained minor injuries, but they don’t seem to hinder their activities. Both are preparing for defensive and offensive battles with the knights of Evernode.”

I nodded and tried to get up from the bed, but was stopped by Daphne’s hand. Daphne gently pressed on my chest and laid me back down on the bed. Daphne’s face was close. Her light pink hair flowed down, tickling my cheek.

“Stay lying down. The war hasn’t started yet, so just focus on recovering completely until then.”

Daphne’s breath touched me. Our noses were almost touching. When I turned my eyes away, Daphne, who had been looking directly into my eyes, suddenly raised herself like a cat that had seen a cucumber. I let out a bitter smile and put the back of my head on the pillow again.

“Are the other returned people okay?”

“…Yes. Everyone who returned is safe. Those with serious injuries are being treated in the ward downstairs. The rest of the knights have all returned to duty.”

I see.

Of course, there must have been those who didn’t return safely. A corner of my heart grew heavy again. Daphne looked at me quietly for a moment, then got up from the bed.

“I’ll go call Duke Quenore. He asked to be called when Ilroy woke up.”

I watched Daphne leave the room. After the door closed, I let out a long sigh and stretched my arms and legs. I know. Unless I really become a god, it’s impossible to save everyone in a war. I understand that their deaths are not my fault, and I know I shouldn’t collapse because of their deaths.

‘You’re pathetic and weak. You’re no different from all the other knights I’ve devoured.’

‘All you have now is just that strange and ominous white light.’

I recalled what Robo, the white wolf leader, had said to me.

“…Still, if I had defeated those beasts faster.”

“[You could have saved a few more.]”

The Holy Sword responded to my words. I preferred this to awkward consolation. I raised the Holy Sword with both hands and frowned.

“If I had unlocked your second stage.”

“[You could have saved more people.]”

Somehow, I felt as if the Holy Sword was staring at me intently.

“[I won’t tell you to forget. I won’t say it’s okay to collapse. However, if the sacrifices made that day ultimately lead to the salvation of this land and its people, it might serve as some small repayment.]”

The Holy Sword’s voice was as always, gentle yet firm. My hands gripping the Holy Sword’s hilt tightened slightly.

“[Become stronger, Ilroy. As you once told the Iron-Blooded Princess.]”

I chuckled and nodded. Yes, ultimately I need to become stronger. To achieve the salvation that wasn’t realized in the original story and to move one step forward.

At that moment, the door to the hospital room opened. I put down the Holy Sword and raised myself to look at the opening door. Standing at the doorway was none other than Duke Quenore. I quietly nodded to greet the Duke, and he returned my greeting with a nod.

“How are you feeling, Ilroy?”

The Duke closed the door and walked over to sit in the caregiver’s chair. The Duke’s blue eyes were calmer than ever, exuding a solemn presence.

“I’m aching all over. But not so much that I need to lie here like this.”

I subtly hinted that I wanted to leave the hospital room, but the Duke pretended not to notice and shook his head.

“Don’t overdo it. Just lying quietly in the hospital room is the best way to help us right now.”

I never expected to hear that staying still is helpful. When I frowned deeply, Duke Quenore laughed heartily and folded his arms.

“If we send an injured hero to the front lines now, the soldiers would be too concerned about you to focus on their duties.”

…He’s not wrong. I needlessly pulled back the curtain to let sunlight into the room. Dust scattered in the sunlight as it billowed from the curtain.

“I’ve heard the general situation from Daphne. I heard the demonic beasts are forming a forward base.”

“Yes. We’re preparing for a defensive battle accordingly. Your companions have been quite helpful. George is generously sharing his rich battlefield experience, and Marianne is fulfilling her role as a cleric rather than a warrior.”

Duke Quenore turned his eyes toward the window and smiled faintly.

“Daphne is actively participating in discussions with Evernode’s mages. She’s not only a powerful mage in practice but also doesn’t fall behind scholars as a theorist.”

She supposedly mastered theoretical books continuously at the magic tower. Experiences from a past she’d rather forget are proving helpful in ways she never could have anticipated.

“…And, I’m late in thanking you.”

The Duke said in a serious voice.

“While my feet were tied, you rescued all the remaining patrol units by breaking through hordes of demonic beasts.”

“Anyone would have done the same. It’s not something worthy of your gratitude, Duke.”

“There’s a world of difference between saying that and actually accomplishing it. The Fourth Calamity’s forces must have suffered a significant blow then. They lost one creature called a legion commander and several named beasts. It can be considered a great achievement for this war.”

My expression clouded. The Duke looked at me questioningly. A catalyst for becoming stronger. I thought about what I needed.

“Duke.”

“What is it?”

I took a deep breath and looked straight into the Duke’s eyes.

“Would you spar with me?”