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The moment I heard those words, my ears perked up.

“The expedition to the Land of Death?”

“That’s right. It’s a legend that everyone has heard of at least once. The one about forming an expedition to defeat a ‘terrible being.\'”

“A terrible being.”

Loren asked,

“Does that mean a demon?”

“Yes.”

I quietly looked at Fichte and said,

“I told you not to mention absurd stories like legends.”

Fichte’s eyes lit up.

“I believe it was a real event.”

“Is that so?”

“I’m almost certain of it in my heart.”

“Why do you think so?”

Fichte said,

“There are indications that our clan participated in the expedition. The time when demons are mentioned in our clan’s ancient texts almost coincides with the time when the legend of the Land of Death is set.”

“You say there are indications that we participated?”

“Yes, Swordmaster.”

“In which document is such a record?”

“That’s…”

Fichte was about to speak, but then looked around.

“It’s alright, go ahead. We need your cooperation in this matter.”

“Yes, then.”

Fichte continued,

“There is no specific record. Rather, the problem is that the records are empty.”

“What do you mean?”

“The expedition legend is set about 300 years ago. Strangely, there are no external records of our clan during that period. In all documents, the records of the Lotus Swordmasters are completely blank. Not just for a few months, but for nearly 10 years. Such a thing has never happened in the history of Ardehain.”

“As if someone erased it?”

Fichte looked at me with a slightly surprised face.

“That’s right. It feels like someone deliberately cut it out. It happened 300 years ago, so I was just wondering, but I didn’t expect you, Ruin, to mention the demon tribe.”

At this point, I supported Fichte’s opinion.

“It’s the same with Samael.”

“Really?”

“Our clan also has indications of participating in the expedition. The expedition was indeed a real event.”

Fichte’s eyes sparkled as he quickly grasped the situation.

“So that’s why you asked. You think this incident is really the work of demons.”

“That’s right. Because there’s evidence.”

I showed Fichte the demon’s fang.

“It’s a demon’s tooth. It matches the evidence of the demon that appeared through the records. Moreover, even demonic soul humans appeared.”

Blair, unable to contain his curiosity any longer, intervened.

“There was such a record in our clan?”

“It’s a secret passed down only to the eldest son.”

“That’s why you haven’t seen it.”

Arin asked,

“That dog-like thing back then was a demon, right?”

“That’s a metaphor.”

“Mine is a metaphor too.”

“Let’s move on.”

Loren suddenly smiled as she watched Fichte, who was lost in thought.

“…So this is the true nature of the Third Military Corps. To think they’d be looking into documents from 300 years ago. Besides, it’s not something you can figure out just by reading the documents.”

I agreed inwardly.

Fichte was looking at the evidence with childlike curiosity.

‘He’s an interesting guy.’

As Loren said, it’s not something you can understand just by looking.

Doubt about the records in the documents, the flexibility of thinking to connect it to the expedition legend, and tenacity.

Suddenly, Blair muttered,

“Assuming everything is true, then Urgon was just a shell. Elder Parin was after our Samael. In the end, a demon or whatever is after the Samael Clan. If we also participated in the expedition… Something feels strange.”

‘Look at this guy?’

I looked at Blair, who was deep in thought, with renewed eyes.

Was he influenced by Fichte?

Blair also grasped the core of the problem at once.

Loren brought everyone’s attention back.

“It’s not good to make hasty judgments. Nothing is certain yet. But.”

Loren’s eyes gleamed.

“We need to look into it. Military Commander?”

Fichte immediately straightened his posture and replied,

“Speak, Swordmaster.”

“I’ll talk to the Military Headquarters. From now on, the Third Military Corps will track down everything related to Elder Parin. Also, find out more about that expedition. If you need anything, request it directly from me. We need to prepare for any contingency.”

“Understood.”

“If you need cooperation, contact Samael. Would that be alright, Commander of the Crazy Mage Squad?”

“Of course.”

Suddenly, I said to Fichte,

“Was there no mention of Samael in the legend that the Military Officer read?”

“There wasn’t.”

“What was the content of the legend?”

“It’s simple. The heroes of the continent went on an expedition to the Land of Death, and the three divine clans, especially the Balthar, defeated the terrible being and brought peace. That was the content.”

“…It’s the same.”

Fichte, who had been observing my reaction, exclaimed,

“Do you think there’s something strange about the legend too?”

“That’s right.”

“Tell me.”

I shook my head.

“It’s just a guess. It’s not the right time now. There will be a chance to talk later.”

Nothing has been revealed yet. There’s no evidence either.

I had no intention of recklessly exposing information at this point, when everything was full of questions.

I said to Fichte,

“I have one question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Have you ever heard of a ‘Calling’?”

“A Calling?”

“It’s a word that came out of Parin’s mouth. It seems to be related to the Demon Realm.”

“…Hmm, well.”

“It seems like it’s the first time the Military Commander has heard of it too.”

Seeing that it was completely unfamiliar to him, I asked something else.

“Do you have to get permission from the Magic Tower Alliance to enter the Demon Realm?”

“Yes. For lower-level Demon Realms, it’s enough to register in the registry. But for higher-level ones, the competition is fierce.”

“Why is that?”

“Because it’s an opportunity to obtain rare weapons or build a reputation. Usually, the competition is cut off based on merit points. If you show excellent results in lower-level Demon Realms and increase your merit points, or if you have a high reputation, you can get special permission.”

Fichte looked at me.

“You’re thinking of going there yourself, aren’t you?”

Loren said,

“Shall I send a letter? Special permission should be easy to obtain.”

“It’s okay. I’ll let you know if I need it later. From what level are the Demon Realms considered higher-level?”

Fichte replied,

“Generally, they are classified as higher-level from 2nd level.”

“Is Ardehain interested as well?”

“If it’s not because of the demons, no. You’ll probably find out later when you see the merit points, but Ardehain has already obtained everything it could from the Demon Realm. Now, it would have to be a special level for them to be interested.”

“I see.”

I looked around, made eye contact with each person one by one, and said,

“Let’s drink now. I’ve been talking a lot, and my mouth is dry.”

As I raised my glass first, everyone else picked up their glasses one by one.

Everyone seemed to have more to say, but they didn’t bring it up.

I also had things left unsaid.

But every word has its time to ripen.

This is enough for today.

There was no conversation while the glasses were exchanged several times. I also organized my thoughts for a moment.

An uncomfortable tension and a strange excitement were swirling in the glass at the same time.

We continued to drink.

It was that kind of night.

When the liquor ran out, the servants brought other alcohol along with snacks.

People started to get drunk one by one. Only then did I start asking Loren about the situation on the continent.

Loren spoke more candidly than I expected.

As expected of a Swordmaster, she had a lot of information.

Loren also asked me about Samael. But I didn’t say much about Samael.

It’s not that I don’t trust Loren, but it’s a story I still have to keep to myself.

I don’t know if there will ever come a day when I can open up my heart to someone.

Blair, whose face was flushed, went into the room, and later only Fichte, Loren, Celestine, Arin, and I were left exchanging drinks.

At some point, Loren suddenly said,

“When are you thinking of returning?”

“As soon as possible.”

Loren nodded.

“I think that would be good. I’m sure you have a lot to do, Ruin. Ardehain will take care of the remaining matters.”

“Alright.”

“Don’t worry, Samael’s contributions will be properly recognized.”

I nodded and continued drinking. Once again, after a period of silence with only the glasses clinking, Loren spoke.

“I’m indebted to Samael.”

“I’ve heard quite a bit about that already. That’s more than enough.”

A subtle smile played on Loren’s lips.

“He’s an intriguing person. Both Ruin and Samael.”

“That’s not the first time I’ve heard that.”

“Well, a debt incurred should be repaid. Consider this a promise: I, Loren Ardehain, will regard Ruin Samael as an ally from this day forward.”

Celestine and Fichte, who had been silent until now, exchanged surprised glances. Loren’s declaration hung in the air, leaving a strange taste in my mouth.

“…An ally,”

I echoed, the word feeling heavy.

“Did you expect something different?”

“Not at all,”

I replied, though I wasn’t sure if that was entirely true.

Loren’s smile widened.

“Of course, actions speak louder than words. Expect a token of my goodwill soon.”

I smiled too.

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

“I should get going now. It’s late.”

“I’ll drink a little more and then go to sleep.”

“Okay. Then, Celine, will you stay?”

Celestine, who had been listening quietly, shouted for the first time.

“Mother!”

“Oh my, look at her. Can’t you even take a joke?”

For some reason, I suddenly felt even more depressed.

Loren looked at me again.

“Ruin, I know you’re busy, but please spare a moment. The other clan members who attended the banquet are all waiting. Let’s say hello before we leave. Finishing things properly is important.”

Loren winked and left the room. Celestine hurriedly followed her, and Fichte quietly left the room as well.

Loren, who left the private room and walked down the quiet hallway, looked back for a moment.

“Why are you following me like you’ve committed a crime?”

“I’m ashamed.”

“Oh, Military Commander. Want another drink?”

Fichte bowed his head without a word.

“Celine, come along too.”

***

In a large private room next to the courtyard, the three of them exchanged drinks and conversation for a while.

Fichte bowed his head with sincerity.

“I apologize for causing trouble, Swordmaster.”

“Don’t think that way, Military Commander.”

“It was my negligence. I’ve caused trouble for the clan. Because of me, you had to lower yourself and ask for a favor.”

“Ask for a favor?”

“…The part where you said you acknowledge Ruin as an ally.”

Fichte knew the weight of those words.

Loren suddenly stopped drinking and smiled.

“You misunderstand, Military Commander.”

“Pardon?”

“That was entirely my own will. How did you see the Crazy Mage Squad Commander?”

“There are many unclear aspects. And some… unsettling ones.”

“Did you see it that way too?”

“Yes, but I cannot deny that he is a remarkable man.”

Loren looked at Celestine, who had been listening quietly.

“Celine?”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Don’t be competitive with Ruin for the time being.”

Celestine looked at her mother with a puzzled expression.

She didn’t understand what it meant.

“You’re not at that level. Rather, I’m the one feeling competitive.”

“Pardon?”

“Hoho, just a joke.”

Loren didn’t offer any further explanation to Celestine, who was looking at her in disbelief.

It was something difficult to explain.

Even for Loren herself.

Although she hadn’t told anyone, Loren felt it.

Another presence left on Parin’s corpse.

Loren felt the same chilling sensation she had felt when Ruin healed Fichte.

‘He’s definitely hiding something.’

“Military Commander, investigate Samael as well.”

“Understood.”

“Do it personally. Don’t show it outwardly.”

“Should we look into Ruin as well?”

“There’s no need for that. As you said, there are unsettling aspects to him. But it’s not a bad feeling. It seems we’ll need to maintain a strategically good relationship with Ruin Samael in the future.”

Fichte smiled and bowed his head.

“I agree.”

“Military Commander, first return to the clan and convey my words to the Military Headquarters. Tell them I want to retrieve the item I entrusted to them a long time ago.”

Loren briefly beckoned Fichte closer.

She whispered softly, and Fichte’s pupils suddenly dilated.

“…That thing? Even if it’s a strategic relationship, isn’t that excessive?”

Loren cut Fichte off with a gesture. Her eyes twinkled playfully.

“Even if it weren’t a strategic relationship.”

Loren chuckled, thinking of the Crazy Mage Squad Commander who remained confident even in front of her.

“He’s a man I like.”

* * *

I spent two days recuperating in the private room.

I didn’t bother going outside.

Staying in the room, feeling the moderately cool breeze, eating the delicious food the servant brought me, with one foot propped up on the bedding and patting my full belly, isn’t this a small happiness, a small piece of heaven?

This is what recuperation is all about.

It took a full two days for the damn stubborn thing to recover.

Even that was only possible because it consumed three of those expensive special-grade potions.

Chief Healer Rachel and Loren said they wouldn’t accept payment, but I had no intention of forgiving Taylor.

“I paid for the special-grade potion you used. Pay your debt.”

Even that stubborn brat, who usually glared at me, lowered his head in front of money.

Money was that scary.

“Stop lazing around and let’s go.”

I prepared to return to the clan estate with the Three Musketeers of the White Horse Unit.

I’d love to enjoy recuperating more, but I couldn’t.

As I stepped out of the private room, I saw women busily moving around.

Each and every one of them had an extraordinary aura.

They seemed to be personnel dispatched from the Ardehain main clan. With this many people, Urgon’s matters would be settled within a few days at the latest.

After exchanging final farewells with Loren, Fichte, and Celestine, I was about to return to the clan estate, but…

“Waaaaaaaaaah!”

“Whoa, what the heck is that?”

I almost instinctively threw a fireball at the approaching monkeys.

“Wow…”

The monkeys, who had spotted us from the annex, poured out and cheered.

“Thank you for your hard work!”

“Samael! Samael!”

“Mad Dog! Mad Dog!”

“Extraordinary Genius! Extraordinary Genius!”

Looking at their faces, it seemed most of those who attended the banquet had stayed behind.

I didn’t think it was pure cheering.

With Urgon collapsing, they were all looking for a new power to cling to.

Not that it’s a bad thing.

I don’t know if Taylor is pure or just lacking, but in the midst of all this, he was shaking hands with each and every one of them in response.

Anyway, we couldn’t just ignore them, so we were inevitably stuck there until evening.

Suddenly, while enjoying the evening feast, I asked a man next to me something I was curious about.

“By the way, what does ‘Extraordinary Genius’ mean?”

“Pardon?”

“It sounded like they were talking about me.”

“Haha, that’s right. It’s your nickname, Ruin. It means Samael’s ‘extraordinary genius mad dog’.”

“Extraordinary genius, that’s right. But what’s with the ‘dog’? Monster?”

“What else could ‘dog’ be but ‘dog’?”

“‘Dog?”

“‘Dog.”

“Ah.”

I didn’t say anything more.

After that, I focused my attention on one place throughout the dinner banquet.

Looking at it this way, you never know what will happen in life.

Suddenly, I thought it was a good thing I stayed.

Late at night, when the monkeys started to disappear from the banquet hall one by one, I spoke to the Three Musketeers of the White Horse Unit outside the annex.

“Let’s wrap things up. Return to the clan estate first.”

“What about you?”

I nonchalantly glanced at the main gate.

Just now, I saw a man quietly slipping out the main gate.

“I’ll follow soon. I have somewhere to stop by.”

———-