Ch.573573. Complete Annihilation (1)

After arriving at the county, preparations for the operation toward the demon realm and Tasha’s new advancement proceeded at lightning speed.

All the supplies needed for the complete eradication operation in the demon realm had already been sent from the county to the pioneering base.

Even Diolia, who spoke comfortably like before in private settings, said:

“There’s nothing special to prepare. Everything we need is already overflowing at the pioneering base. The condition of the demon realm is completely different from before. The vice-captain will feel it immediately when you go there.”

“Is it that different?”

“Of course! The World Tree is truly the World Tree. The areas with the densest Magia have long been purified. Other places are being sprinkled with Divine Power by the priests who have gathered there. Even knights at the Expert level can move around without priests.”

She asserted that once the county soldiers recovered from the fatigue accumulated during the march, preparations were already sufficient to head straight to the demon realm.

‘So Sword Experts and above can operate somewhat independently without priests.’

The condition itself—starting from Sword Expert—proved just how dangerous the demon realm was.

‘Still—’

Previously, venturing outside Sione’s magic range was practically a death sentence.

Fortunately, the well-rooted World Tree seemed to be absorbing the Divine Power that had deeply permeated that vast land. Diolia added that the central area was completely purified, becoming incredibly fertile land.

‘That’s excellent.’

The increase in secured safe zones and greater exploration autonomy could only be beneficial.

With confidence that this operation would go well even before it began, we waited several days for the soldiers to recover from fatigue.

Meanwhile, Tasha, who had come to the county at Ainel’s suggestion, made the first move.

“I will personally take command of introducing a new religion to our family.”

“You’ll personally lead this, Count?”

“Of course. The county’s religious order is one of the largest in the kingdom, and we’ve shared a long history together. Whether they like it or not, they already play a crucial role among our territory’s residents.”

Ainel, who had been overflowing with interest in the Morning Star and the new Divine Power, took command of this matter.

“Just as the residents need a religious order to lean on in difficult times, no matter how much an order proclaims poverty, a group of this size inevitably needs numerous believers and donations to maintain itself. Moreover, they wouldn’t like their position diminishing.”

Ainel, without any religious faith, had viewed the religious order as a business partner from the beginning.

She understood better than anyone that while individual clergy might be frugal, the order as an organization was deeply immersed in worldly matters. She even perceived how they were deeply entrenched in the power derived from the name of the Sky God.

Her weighing of the friendly relationship with such an order against the newly appeared Divine Power and the county’s roots had already tilted to one side.

“If one enters with a light heart, it’s easy to face headwinds and run aground. In such matters, isn’t it better for me—someone untouchable even by our territory’s church—to act as a windbreaker?”

She chose to explore her family’s roots.

‘Ainel has a point.’

As one of the greatest family heads in history, Ainel was not only the most powerful but also enjoyed strong trust and support from the territory’s residents.

Within her territory, she was like a king who could do anything. It would be a waste of her reputation not to step forward at such a time.

Accordingly, Tasha, beyond having me and Sione as guardians, received Ainel’s support and certification, allowing her to slowly spread new ideas from within the lord’s castle.

‘I’ll leave the baronial and county matters to the people here.’

I just needed to take responsibility for what I do best.

The special task force now led by Siabel instead of Sione, along with the baronial forces, headed to the pioneering base without delay. Sione and I couldn’t help but marvel at how the base changed with each visit.

Especially now, the pioneering base had:

‘Moved beyond feeling like a frontline advance base.’

True to its name, it was transforming into something closer to a small city of engineers and scholars built to reclaim the wasteland.

It was amazing how much it had changed since we left the county. As I was absorbed in this sight, Siabel, who had been with the special task force, approached and spoke to me.

“So, quite different from the last time you were here, right?”

“I’m surprised. It used to have a more stern and sharp atmosphere…”

“We succeeded in opening a path connecting the World Tree area and the pioneering base. The land near that ancient city has become even more fertile thanks to the World Tree, beyond just purification. It’s valuable land in many ways.”

They had succeeded in opening paths to its depths and entrance.

I couldn’t imagine how much blood and sweat had been invested in this achievement.

“Thanks to that, proper pioneering has begun beyond purification. The atmosphere of the base is changing little by little to match.”

Thanks to their sacrifices, the old demon realm was entering a new era. The abandoned ancient city was gradually regaining its past vitality as people began to come and go again.

“And if this complete eradication operation ends in success…”

Siabel, through our joint complete eradication operation:

“This place will be called a proper settlement rather than just a base.”

She was looking toward an even grander future.

Sione and I responded to Siabel’s excitement with small smiles and nods of agreement.

When our eyes met, we realized we were showing identical reactions. What was so funny about that small similarity?

Eventually, we both burst into laughter without either of us starting first.

“…Wait, what’s so funny? Can I know and laugh too?”

“Ah, it’s nothing. Just Ray’s reaction was funny—”

“Brother-in-law?”

“Same for me.”

“…So it’s some family thing that only you know? How exclusive…laughing just among yourselves.”

Finally, Siabel raised one hand.

“Still, since Sione is family with the same blood, even if not brother-in-law, at least you should tell me.”

“Ah…! Your hair is tangled there…!”

After ruffling Sione’s hair and seeing her disheveled appearance with satisfaction, Siabel noticed a group slowly approaching from the distance.

She suppressed her cheerful and playful emotions, adopting a dignified expression that revealed seriousness melted into composure.

With a polite yet precise gesture, she pointed to them.

“They’ve arrived just in time. Those brave warriors over there—”

As I followed Siabel’s gesture, my attention was immediately drawn to their muscular bodies and scars, their tall stature, animal-like ears, and eyes containing a unique noble spirit.

I realized immediately:

“They’re the Beastkin special forces who will carry out combat operations with us.”

These were the Beastkin special forces that the duchy had sent, who had been investigating the slum relief project sites for some time.

‘Beastkin…’

When I was a slave in the slave market, I had never met any Beastkin except for the one in the cage next to mine.

Meeting them directly now, they had an even more intense aura than I had imagined.

They stopped in front of us.

“And this is the commander of the special forces.”

At Siabel’s brief introduction, the commander extended her hand to me for a handshake.

“I am Sharenne, commander of the Beastkin special forces. It’s an honor to meet the baron known for his outstanding knighthood.”

“I am Ray Carpel, head of the Carpel Barony. I’m also pleased to meet such a valiant warrior.”

The moment I took her strong hand and shook it, I was shocked by the status window that appeared.

Because—

「You have encountered Sharenne, one who has lost her place.」

Despite the rough handshake, there was a genuine sincerity in her careful movements.

Though still somewhat awkward, her voice showed meticulous consideration as she tried to show respect in the human way.

But unlike her demeanor:

「Be careful not to let her fall into corruption.」

This was the first time the status window had so explicitly warned me about someone.

‘One who has lost her place…’

A phrase I’d never heard before. Yet I immediately understood that its meaning couldn’t be taken lightly.

As I quietly held her hand, I thought about the Beastkin before me.

‘Whatever kind of corruption it’s referring to…’

I would need to remain vigilant about this special forces commander, no matter what.