Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 160: Ashen (4).

The appearance of a demon.

It was a bit earlier than expected, so Allen was slightly puzzled. However, it wasn’t an impossible occurrence, so Allen thought about how it could have arrived here.

One thing was certain, it wasn’t through the Gates of Hell. Securing the necessary sacrifices for that was no easy task, and that was something that would occur only after Chapter 4.

Nor did it seem like a demon from the World’s End. That place was already well guarded by the four gatekeepers.

Then there was only one possibility left.

…A possession…

A descent through a spiritual form.

Strictly speaking, it was a half-baked demon. Its true form hadn’t fully crossed over.

However, it wasn’t just a minion infused with demonic energy; it was a vessel containing the demon itself, entirely different from the beasts faced before. Even a half-demon was still a demon.

To be honest, whether a demon appeared or not, it had nothing to do with Allen. No one was paying him to solve the issue.

…However, the demon appeared in none other than the South. Regardless of everything, that was Allen’s homeland.

The place where his family lived…!

If he left it alone, the South would surely be devastated. Just considering the chaos caused by the necromancer incident in the West, a demon would be far worse.

Furthermore, the South was the most underdeveloped region in the mercenary business among the four regions: East, West, South, and North. Although many mercenaries moved to the South due to the peace treaty in the East, it didn’t lead to a rapid improvement in standards. The heretics who summoned demons probably knew this and chose the South as their destination.

Allen pondered a little. It was a situation where going or not going was ambiguous. If he moved, it would definitely be a financial loss, however…

He had to go.

No matter how much he loved money, he couldn’t abandon his family for it.

Money can always be earned again, but once people are lost, they cannot be regained.

Having made that decision, Allen solemnly declared to his members that they would head to the South.

“We might end up fighting demons. So, everyone, brace yourselves.”

Of course, they willingly followed the orders of their revered Group Leader. It was trust and faith forged through overcoming hardships and adversity together.

The very next day after deciding to head South, Allen informed Group Leader Viola of his decision. He was leaving to defeat the demon that appeared in his hometown.

“…Is that so?”

“Once I leave this time, I won’t see you for over half a year again.”

“Do you need any support, perhaps?”

“It’s alright.”

In truth, Allen did entertain the thought of gaining some assistance from Viola, but ultimately gave up on it. If anything were to happen to that person, how could he ever face her?

Anyway, this matter was entirely due to his personal circumstances. He couldn’t ask for excessive help from others because of it.

However, Group Leader Viola couldn’t send him away empty-handed, so she gave him a small sum of money. About five hundred gold coins. He didn’t refuse that much.

“I pray to see you again in good health.”

“I will pray for the same.”

And so, the two parted ways.

Three days after deciding to leave for the South.

The Allen-Mercenary Group left Vermandois in the early morning by carriage. It had been about two months since they returned to Vermandois from the capital.

Allen’s feelings as he watched the city recede were quite complex… but it wasn’t despairing. Unlike before, he now had the strength to overcome this challenge.

We have grown to a degree incomparable to before…!

Natasha, the Itty Titty Swordsman, who was developing rapidly day by day under the direct tutelage of the Sword Emperor.

The Milk-Jug Mage, Elena, who opened the Mana Gate and approached the realm of an archmage.

And the Blind Saintess, Ordnung, who felt a sense of competition ignited by the rapid growth of the two women.

Not only those three, but the other members also had their stats significantly increased during that time. Along with countless experiences!

Allen could now confidently claim that they were one of the top ten mercenary groups in any region—perhaps even in the top five in the South.

Whew.

He let out a long sigh and closed his eyes.

Now, only the rattling sensation stimulated him in the darkness.

The Allen-Mercenary Group passed through the Iron Fortress Kalstadt, traversed the Lüttenbake Gorge, and arrived at the Eastern metropolis, Laplaus. After spending two days there, they headed south again.

And finally, they arrived at the Southern trade city, Levala. From here on, it was Southern land.

Rumors of the demon’s appearance had already spread throughout the city. Especially being a trade city, the speed of information dissemination was tremendous.

According to the rumors, two cities had already been devastated by the demon.

-The whole world turned ashen!

Ashen?

Hearing about the ash for the first time, Allen quickly deduced the identity of the demon.

The Ash Demon, Pamalious.

He commanded minions known as Ash Soldiers, and it was estimated that a considerable number were amassed passing through the two cities. Necromancers had the limitation of needing corpses, but he could command anything that had burned down to ash, whether living or non-living. Unlike necromancers, who were vulnerable to sunlight, he could create a domain of ash, eliminating such temporal limitations.

However, more terrifying than anything else was that it wasn’t in the position of a minion borrowing dark mana, but was a being that could generate it by itself. In other words, it was fundamentally different from a necromancer who had limits on what they could command.

If there was almost a sole weakness, it would be holy power. Yet, it was uncertain how effectively that could be used against.

In any case, having clearly identified the demon, Allen left the trading city and headed to his hometown, Berge. Although this wasn’t the final destination, he still needed to check the atmosphere of the city.

As the Allen-Mercenary Group moved southward, they frequently encountered refugees heading north. Naturally, as the number of refugees increased, so did the number of bandits.

Allen didn’t go out of his way to hunt down such bastards, but those who attacked him were all beheaded without a shred of mercy. Even if they were young.

After many twists and turns, he arrived at his hometown, Berge.

Though it was still quite a distance from the demonic beasts, it wasn’t entirely free from the fear sweeping through the South. The atmosphere was tense, and security forces frequently patrolled the city.

Allen headed to the Count’s castle first. The sudden appearance of the mercenary group was unexpected, but of course, permission was granted. In such a major crisis, it was obvious to anyone that having more hands was beneficial.

Shortly after, a group of guides came out to greet them. The members were taken directly to their lodgings, while Group Leader Allen and Old Dog Kalisman were escorted to the Count’s castle.

Waiting for them in the reception room was none other than Charlotte.

She, exuding a bit more maturity than before, seemed a bit surprised to see Allen, who had suddenly appeared without any notice… and within her, there was an undeniable sense of relief.

“Long time no see.”

“Indeed.”

“What brings you here?”

“I heard rumors that a demon appeared in the South. I came because I’m worried about my hometown.”

Ah.

With that one sentence, Charlotte felt an inexplicable and strange emotion from Allen.

Did this man have such a side…?

“Still, it’s a relief that you’re safe for now.”

“…For now, yes.”

“Are you hiring a mercenary group?”

Upon asking that, a sigh escaped from Charlotte’s lips.

“Mercenaries have dried up now. Even those who remain have all moved to the big cities.”

Allen understood the situation.

…Honestly, it can’t be helped. Who would trust their life to such an insignificant, midsized city? Unless you offer an irresistible amount, but that’s not easy for a lord either.

“…And, my grandfather, he has difficulty moving now. He fainted recently and has just barely regained consciousness.”

“Are you referring to His Excellency, the Count?”

“Yes, he’s quite old, you know.”

Adding insult to injury.

With internal chaos and now an external threat, Charlotte must be at her wit’s end.

A brief silence followed.

Charlotte, fidgeting with her fingers while stealing glances at Allen’s pensive face, cautiously spoke again.

“I’m honestly a bit relieved that you’re here… The situation is really bad right now.”

He held back his words. She felt the atmosphere had become too heavy and awkwardly laughed.

“Have I kept a tired person for too long? Go and get some rest. If you need anything, just let me know. I’ll provide whatever I can.”

“Understood. Thank you for the hospitality.”

They parted with a light handshake.

Allen did not return to his lodgings but left the inner castle. Kalisman asked if he was going somewhere. The Group Leader looked back at the Old Dog and smiled faintly.

“You’ll know when we get there.”

He walked a somewhat familiar path.

Familiar streets, familiar signs, and familiar people caught his gaze… and then he arrived in front of a certain building.

Pomwell Trading Company.

The name Pomwell caught Kalisman’s eye with interest. He knew well that Allen’s surname was Pomwell.

Allen paused briefly at the door before entering. Inside, he saw the bustling staff moving about.

“Young Master!”

An employee who recognized the Group Leader jumped up. Naturally, the entire establishment was in an uproar. Employees stopped what they were doing and gathered around.

With a long scarf fluttering like a cape, Allen walked confidently down the corridor, no longer resembling the wayward young master. He had returned home as a mature adult.

Upon reaching the office of the merchant leader, he knocked on the door to announce the arrival of Group Leader Allen.

-Wait.

At his father’s unchanged demeanor, the son chuckled and stood waiting at the door.

After a long wait, permission to enter was finally granted.

Despite his son’s return after a long absence, the father did not spare him a glance, focusing solely on the documents on his desk.

However, unlike his busy gaze, Baron Pomwell’s hands did not move… Seeing this, Allen smiled faintly.

“Father.”

Allen’s call.

Only then did Baron Pomwell slowly raise his head.

The son bowed deeply in greeting.

“Have you been well all this time?”

The father and son met again after almost five years.