episode_0014

I move my hand.

Following suit, the gazes of the beings in the darkness also moved along with my hand.

Soon, what my hand was pointing towards was Argo, a being who created a dark church and one of the beings in the darkness.

“It’s you. You roam around reeking of foul blood and disgusting energy. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

“…I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

Argo seemed rather puzzled, as if he didn’t understand what was being said.

But I can tell.

It’s about the residual magic power left within him.

Although at a very subtle level, it was clear that even with that subtlety alone, he was connected to the demons.

Slowly drawing my sword, I spoke.

“If you don’t understand, there’s nothing I can do. You’ll have to realize it on your own later.”

“Do you think this is possible without any evidence? Even if these facts were to be revealed, it wouldn’t benefit anyone outside.”

He’s not a fool.

If I desired, knowing that he would die even without evidence, he would reveal this fact to the people supporting me to tarnish my reputation.

However, amusingly enough,

It was a futile threat to me.

Just moments ago, while I was already spreading unfavorable rumors about myself, his threats were hardly intimidating.

“I don’t care about such threats.”

Swiftly swinging my sword to cut his throat,

Swish!

The wind parted as the sword swiftly moved forward.

As the blade of the sword aimed towards Argo and touched his neck,

Suddenly, a massive surge of magic swept through.

Watching the surging storm, I smiled.

‘Just as expected.’

If I wanted to stop it, I could have, but I chose not to.

After all, it was as I intended.

‘From the demon’s perspective, they won’t give up.’

Being a figure with significant influence among the beings in the darkness,

From the demon’s point of view, he was an extremely important figure not to be missed.

Therefore, even though revealing himself before dying, he had no choice but to seek refuge.

‘He might not even realize my intentions.’

The reason I’m just leaving this be is simple.

It’s for a decisive blow.

Instead of capturing him completely right here and letting the demons escape,

It’s better to leave him be and capture him all at once later.

Of course, by saving him, the demons might withdraw completely, but…

At least from what I know of the demons, that wouldn’t happen.

Unless they get angry that humans like us dared to touch them.

Of course, they’re not fools either, so we shouldn’t underestimate them too much.

‘But they won’t know.’

Although the demons’ hideouts are all different and scattered,

At least regarding the demons involved in the current incident, it was possible to know where they were located.

‘Moreover, they won’t know such facts.’

It was a perfect situation to catch them all off guard.

Of course, to ensure none escaped completely, it was difficult for me alone, and considering the uncertainty of when the protagonist and his party would arrive, I had to ask for help.

‘Manpower that won’t be outsmarted by demons.’

The problem was finding such manpower wasn’t easy.

Demons aren’t just some neighborhood puppies; most ordinary folks can’t even fight them, let alone engage in an equal battle with them. Requesting manpower capable of fighting on par with such demons right now?

Frankly, it was a tough situation.

‘There is only one place…’

It felt awkward to ask for help from that place.

However, the current situation didn’t allow for pickiness.

I reluctantly contacted Lena through the communicator.

The dial tone rang, and soon after, Lena answered.

“Lena. Get ready.”

Lena, as if pondering the meaning of my words, stayed silent for a moment before her usual conversational tone with me involuntarily slipped out, seemingly flustered.

[Could it be… you’re preparing to call that guy?]

“Yes.”

[The last time you called was three years ago. You promised you wouldn’t call again after that.]

“That’s true, but there’s no other choice.”

I myself had no intention of calling unless necessary, but when it came to matters involving demons, there seemed to be no better alternative.

Truly, the world is harsh.

Why am I being subjected to such trials?

It was a situation that truly left me in despair.

[In that case… I’ll call him immediately. Where should I send him?]

“Send him to Serad. Just tell him he’ll find out where to go without any further instructions once he arrives there.”

[Understood. I will convey that message.]

Returning to her usual businesslike tone, Lena said no more and fell silent.

I grasped my throbbing head, anticipating the events that would unfold next.

***

Lena recalled the recent conversation over the communication device.

‘Even though you dislike it so much.’

There was a voice filled with what seemed like utter disgust.

Despite her reluctance to call, she anticipated an unusual situation arising from the decision to do so.

With her sharp mind and her usual role as Karriel’s assistant, she could quickly speculate on what was happening.

‘Could it be demons?’

Three years ago from now.

It was when she first encountered demons.

Just recalling their overwhelming power and presence made her shudder even now.

However, those beings who effortlessly vanquished such demons with a single stroke.

The sight of the Paladins who served as aides to the heroes, also known as the Holy Knights, was still etched in her mind.

‘Yet Karriel still dislikes them.’

The reason being the obsession of one Paladin.

While Paladins assisting heroes typically held strong loyalty, one of them displayed an especially blind devotion and fixation.

Hence, Karriel had not called them even once since then.

For a period of three long years.

‘Seems like something quite unpleasant.’

Though she momentarily worried about Karriel, she quickly sent a message to the modification unit to carry out the task assigned by him.

[Hmm?]

A woman’s voice flowed through the modification unit.

The enchanting yet captivating voice seemed to mesmerize even the woman herself, but Lena, recognizing the true identity of the voice, composed herself and spoke.

“Long time no see.”

[Huh? Oh? Could it be Lena? Right? It’s Lena, isn’t it!? Long time no see, Lena!]

The owner of the welcoming voice.

With the tone reminiscent of a troublemaker, Lena once again doubted whether the owner of the voice was indeed the esteemed Paladin.

‘No matter how much I think about it, it seems far-fetched for them to be a Paladin.’

Paladins, by nature, were charismatic individuals who showed loyalty to heroes.

Individuals with such a mischievous demeanor were unlikely to be considered Paladins by anyone.

As if seeing through Lena’s thoughts, the voice’s owner remarked.

[Lena. Are you saying that contacting me after a long time makes you think I’m not a Paladin? Am I hurt?]

Truly bewildering, but Lena let it slide.

What mattered now was not this.

“I have important news.”

[What is it? What is it? If Lena is speaking like this, it must be very important, right?]

Indeed, it was important.

However, the issue was not the importance of the news but rather your excessive joy and excitement that might trigger a seizure.

Struggling to swallow those heated words, Lena finally spoke.

“I do have important news.”

“What’s the matter? Trying to make people curious or something?”

“So, may I have a moment to speak?”

“Sorry, sorry. So, what is it?”

Lena let out a deep sigh, already feeling weary.

Unable to avoid it, she gathered her thoughts and spoke after mustering up her courage.

“Lord Cariel has requested assistance. I don’t know the exact reason, but it seems to be related to demons. He mentioned a place called Serad. He said you’ll understand once you get there.”

“…Am I hearing things right? Isn’t this just a hallucination or a dream? In reality, all of this was created by my imagination, right?”

In a rare serious tone that contrasted with her mischievous demeanor just moments ago, she inquired.

Not finding such behavior incomprehensible, Lena calmly replied.

“It’s not a hallucination, dream, or imagination. It’s a clear, living reality. So, rest assured. However, if you make Lord Cariel uncomfortable or cause harm as you did before, I won’t stay silent either.”

Lena may be powerless, but she possesses other abilities no less potent.

Hence, if anyone causes harm to Cariel, regardless of who they are, she would not tolerate it.

It seemed the other party understood this meaning as there was no visible resistance.

“Then, when the time comes, scold me, Lena.”

Rather, asking to be reprimanded.

To which Lena replied curtly.

“I will cut off.”

“It was nice meeting you after a long time~”

Lena cut off without another word.