episode_0089

Since ancient times, demons have been divided into two types: plant-type and animal-type.

Animal-type demons are creatures that live their lives as clear prey and predators, just like normal animals.

His plant-type demonic creatures are creatures born from plants imbued with mana.

In other words, plants, which were inanimate objects that could not create mana, were transformed into living things for some reason.

Therefore, it could be said that the life of a plant-type demon is an unfortunate one, as it must permanently consume magic stones to replenish its mana.

Of course, for us, whose goal is survival.

The pitiful story of the plant-type demon was no different from a simple promise law.

People use plant-type magic to find strong magic stones. Their magic stone finding performance is better than that of any other magic.

however.

‘Why do they keep coming in here?’

Bam!! Bang!

“Keep them out of the village!”

An empty plain where what appear to be town guards and mercenaries are fighting.

The green blood of the plant-like demons that rushed forward, ignoring the magic stone visible in the distance, splattered in all directions.

I was just curious about the plant-type demons’ strange behavior of not even looking at the magic stone like any other ordinary stone. Well, I was just curious.

“Aren’t you going to help me, Master?”

“You can tell at a glance that he’s doing it well. In times like this, the intervention of beginners like us can actually be a hindrance.”

“I just found out.”

“Yeah, if you’re going to live in the future, you should know these things…”

“Doesn’t it feel like there are a lot of pages today!?”

“I don’t know! Just block it!!”

“…”

“It seems there has already been an intervention, Your Majesty.”

“…Can I help you a little?”

***

Phew!

The dead demon lay on the floor, stabbed to death. I looked away from his body and looked around.

“Is this the end?”

“Yes, thank you for your hard work.”

“…Didn’t you catch me with the devil?”

“We caught them together.”

“But why are you handing me a towel so casually?”

“Because it wasn’t a very large number.”

I hated Steven for giving me relative deprivation without a second thought. Yeah, I envy you for being strong.

That means the chances of getting injured are lower.

I sighed in relief and looked at the wyrm that had helped us with magic from afar. He was shivering as usual.

I guess there are no injuries.

After checking the safety of the two, I turned my gaze to the guard walking towards us. Despite his good physique, his armor and sword were rusty.

If it were me, I would have abandoned that black thing and the village a long time ago.

Even though it is my destiny to be a knight, I still have to fight dozens of demons with a sword like that.

I wouldn’t even try to fight.

“Thank you for your help. I’m Gary. That…”

The man who extended his hand to me.

I took that hand.

“A passing temporary mercenary…I’m Zgro.”

“I didn’t know that mercenaries would help me like this without compensation.”

“Haha… This isn’t a place where people live either. Of course I shouldn’t help you.”

In the first place, the mastermind behind this incident was me, and if this village disappears, my place to sleep today will also disappear.

The guard, unaware of that fact, looked at me with dilated pupils.

“What a peculiar mercenary.”

“I’m not a mercenary. I don’t have a mercenary badge.”

“Well, if you’re good at using a sword and fighting well, you’re not a mercenary. These days, there are people who don’t have that.”

“I would be grateful if you would see it that way.”

“It’s cold outside, so come in first.”

“Okay.”

The place we followed the guards to was not a tavern or a guild.

I don’t want to act like trash when I’m lying about my identity. But why are you going to the village chief?

I want to rest!

Passing by small farms and temples along the way.

We arrived at the house where the village chief was believed to live.

“Do I really need to see the village chief?”

“Temporary mercenary doesn’t mean you’re a mercenary. Since you’ve become like this, you should find a job.”

‘…It’s really so shameless.’

The guard, who was casually spouting out such outrageous words, smiled and pushed me into the house. I was pushed inside without even having time to refuse.

Inside, there was an old man sitting alone, reading a book, on the opposite side of the room from where we were.

“What’s going on, Gary?”

An old man who hadn’t even checked on us called out to the guard next to me.

“I brought one of the mercenaries who helped us today.”

“Mercenary? Mercenaries should know best that they are barely holding on to the personnel they have now.”

“I know. But this person’s skills are different from other mercenaries.”

“…If you say so.”

An old man stood up from his seat, closed the book he was reading, and approached us. A man with a different strength and aura than Stephen called out to me.

“Young mercenary.”

“Yes.”

“Looking at your expression, it seems like you were dragged here against your will… Are you really going to work for our village?”

“…To be honest, I was dragged here against my will. So I have no intention of working.”

“Yeah, I thought so. You seem to be a passing mercenary. Get some rest.”

“Thank you.”

Unlike me, who was worried that he might suddenly insist on working, the old man coolly let me go.

Of course, only the old man gave up on me.

“Why, why did you refuse? If you do something of this scale, you could become a full-fledged mercenary in just a few months.”

“No matter how much I want to become a full-fledged mercenary…is it more important than my life?”

I glanced at the sword and armor the guard was wearing. He lowered his head without showing any sign of anger at my gaze.

I couldn’t see the face, but it was definitely disintegrating.

There must be a reason why this guard is acting like this.

But that reason had nothing to do with me at all.

“If you follow me any further, I won’t stay still.”

Wyle and Steven stood between the guard and me.

He just stared at Logs as he left without saying anything else.

***

After arriving at the inn, I went to the room with Steven.

The wolf was so big that he decided to sleep in the empty lot next door.

‘I was wondering what I would do if you said no.’

Although he is a special class with a lot of fear, Wildo is originally a demon.

Fortunately, he went to the empty lot without any hesitation.

anyway.

After finding a place to sleep, I lay down on the bed with a comfortable mind.

“Steven How much longer do we have?”

“We’ll arrive in just 3 more hours.”

“Really!?”

“Yes, Sir Wail’s speed is so fast, even though I relaxed my strength a little, this is my first time with something like this.”

“Hey…you mean I picked up a jewel?”

“That’s right.”

“Aren’t I so lucky?”

“That’s right.”

“…”

Conversation is an action in which two people exchange stories. However, this was not possible in general traffic.

As our conversation continued without any connection, I covered myself with the blanket and fell asleep more quickly than usual.

Steven kindly turned off the lights, and I closed my eyes.

A few minutes passed.

Strangely, I couldn’t sleep well. Is it because I changed my sleeping position?

As the sleepless nights continued, random thoughts began to pop into my head. The first thing that came to mind was the security guard I met today.

Why did you hold on to me so desperately?

Why does he fight with such a broken weapon?

I wonder if I spoke to him too coldly. But I think it’s also the fault of the person who didn’t think of going if I hadn’t done this.

Or…well, that’s not it.

Steven, who sensed my distress like a ghost, spoke to me.

“Your Majesty.”

“Why.”

“Looking at the state of this village, it seems like all the plant-type demons in this area are gathering here.”

“…”

“As you know from fighting today, animal-type demons and plant-type demons are completely separate entities. For example, plant-type demons can become infinitely stronger by eating magic stones. However, their appearance does not change, so their strength cannot be confirmed with the eyes.”

“So you want me to help you with the mercenary work? I’m busy too?”

“That’s not what I meant. You know, Master, that’s not what the people of this town want.”

“…”

Just by eye, I estimate there are 10 mercenaries and 20 guards.

The guards didn’t know, but when they saw the mercenaries’ magical powers, they could clearly see how much they were being paid.

And all that money comes from the people of this town. This is obvious.

The money they earned by working hard.

Would anyone be okay with that kind of money going to mercenaries on a whim?

What these people need right now is not temporary help. What they need is a long-term solution.

“There is no one anywhere who would blame the young master for ignoring this village. Neither I, nor Wyle, nor the guards would blame the young master, but they would not blame him.”

“Okay, then I won’t help you.”

“If that is your will, I will follow.”

Logs, who had been looking straight ahead, clicked his tongue, turned his body toward the wall, and covered himself with the blanket up to his head.

Steven looked at the sight and thought.

‘The young master is not a person who ignores evil.’

Because you are his son and a priest I acknowledge.

***

“Master, why are you staying here one more night?”

“There’s a reason for everything. Now, let’s start by looking for the guard we saw yesterday.”

“Isn’t that all!?”

“Just find it if you want!”

“Yes, yes!”