NOVEL NEXT Chapter 46
Chapter 46
As Eri had expected, the Order of the Holy Knights sent a request for support to the Adventurers Guild in Chelinno City. Since the required personnel were quite numerous, Seere and Cecili, who had AA-grade adventurer badges, as well as Eri, who had significantly raised her adventurer rank while operating in the human realm, successfully joined the commission.
“Why are you AA?”
The tone felt as if Seere were questioning how someone as weak as Eri could be of a higher rank than her. Eri, slightly embarrassed, explained to Seere.
“The adventurer rank is influenced not only by strength but also by the number of quests completed. I worked hard to gather information here.”
Then, she added something that would please Seere.
“It’s for Nahun.”
“…For the Teacher?”
Eri, wanting to maintain a friendly relationship with Seere, deliberately showed her loyalty to Nahun, hoping to gain her favor. However, for some reason, the situation did not unfold as Eri intended.
“You have feelings for the Teacher, don’t you?”
“Pardon?”
“…Hmph. From now on, I won’t believe you. You’re the Teacher’s pawn, so I won’t kill you, but it would be wise to be cautious.”
Eri looked severely flustered. Her slowly trembling eyes betrayed her feelings.
‘Did… did I say something wrong?’
She expected that expressing her desire to work hard for Nahun would naturally make Seere happy. However, it seemed that Seere had misunderstood something and was now baring her fangs at her. With her stiff expression and cold gaze, Eri lowered her head.
Was there something she said incorrectly? While Eri pondered this, Cecili spoke up.
“Eli is saying that out of loyalty to Nahun, right?”
“Ah… Yes. That’s right.”
“…Is that so?”
Hearing Cecili’s words, Seere’s expression softened slightly. Seizing the opportunity, Eri vigorously nodded her head.
“Yes, it’s true. I didn’t have any other intentions.”
“…Really?”
Seere seemed to be in a better mood, and Eri, grateful for the change, slightly bowed her head toward Cecili.
At that moment, someone came down from the second floor. While Eri couldn’t see much else, the first thing that caught her eye was the letter “S” on his epaulet. He was Benedict, the guild master of Chelinno, an S-grade adventurer. The best warrior in the Holy Kingdom.
Eri whispered softly.
“We need to be careful not to be discovered by that man. Being the guild master here, it could become extremely troublesome if he finds out, regardless of skill.”
“Even if I kill him without anyone noticing?”
“Yes.”
“Sounds like he’s a man of influence.”
Seere nodded as if she understood.
Benedict, who had come down from the second floor, surveyed the adventurers gathered for the Holy Knights’ support. He held up a piece of paper that seemed to be a list.
“I will confirm the list of support personnel. When your name is called, answer briefly.”
As Benedict called names one by one, each adventurer began to respond. Seere and Cecili waited, recalling their aliases.
“Eli.”
“Yes, here.”
Since they started with the higher ranks, Eri was called first. After a while, Benedict called Seere’s alias.
“Seira.”
“Yes.”
“Silvia.”
“…Yes.”
Eri felt a slight tension, but Benedict showed no signs of suspicion. Since Dein was using the identity of an adventurer from another region, the possibility of being discovered was low, but…
‘Still, it would have been troublesome if he recognized me.’
Adventurers often knew each other from afar. Just when Eri began to feel reassured, Seere asked her.
“Do we just stand still now?”
“Yes. Once the list is confirmed, we will move.”
“Hmm.”
As Eri said, once the list was confirmed, Benedict introduced one of the adventurers. He wore a white robe with a cross on it, unmistakably a Holy Knight.
“This time, we will be joined by Sir Geoffrey, the chief Holy Knight of the Lilyum Holy Knights.”
“Nice to meet you, everyone. I am Geoffrey of the Lilyum Holy Knights. I need your assistance in rooting out the evil demon race.”
With a friendly smile, Geoffrey spoke.
“I won’t put you in any undue hardships. Our holy knights will handle the difficult tasks, and you just need to assist us when truly necessary. And when it’s all over, you’ll receive compensation in return. Any questions?”
“Could you tell us specifically what kind of work we will be doing?”
It was a question from an adventurer. Geoffrey answered cheerfully.
“You will help us in drawing out people from the village.”
“Are you asking us to assist in their eviction?”
“Yes. After that, if we uncover any remnants, we will categorize them, and the innocent citizens will be protected separately. That’s all.”
Seere thought something felt off upon hearing Geoffrey’s words. Whether to protect humans or not was not her concern, but according to what she had heard from Nahun, she had expected it to be a bit more reckless.
‘Are there really other Demon Kings who have sent spies, and are we going to find them?’
While Seere pondered this, Geoffrey asked.
“Any more questions?”
“……”
Though Seere was reluctant to ask something from a human, she recalled Nahun’s teaching that curiosity was not something to be ashamed of and that asking about what one didn’t know was not wrong.
Thus, she raised her hand. Both Eri and Cecili were quite startled, but Seere spoke without hesitation.
“How exactly will you find out the infiltrating demon race?”
“You’re… an A-grade adventurer. I understand your curiosity, but this is classified information, and I can’t disclose it before our arrival. Once the eviction is completed, we will conduct our own search, so don’t worry.”
“Is there really a demon race present?”
“Indeed. It’s been a while since His Holiness issued the statement… you’re rather slow on the news.”
Seere didn’t ask further. Noticing that she had stopped her inquiries, Geoffrey was about to move on to the next item. However, his eyes suddenly caught Seere’s face, slightly visible beneath her hood, and he asked her one more thing.
“Hey, you.”
“Hmm?”
“How old are you?”
Seere felt a moment of panic inside. Although she didn’t show it outwardly, it was certainly a totally unexpected question.
“Why do you ask that? My age should be listed on the sheet.”
“…Ah, I see. I meant no offense, but you look younger than expected. I see you’re not of pure human descent?”
Not of pure human descent. That meant she had mixed blood with other races living in the human realm. While the majority of the human population was indeed pure humans, races like elves, dark elves, and orcs also existed.
Believing it wasn’t worth answering, Seere decided not to respond, so Geoffrey stopped his probing. Of course, he ceased his inquiries, but other adventurers’ gazes were inevitably on Seere.
Eri observed the situation and frowned slightly.
‘Attracting unnecessary attention is not good.’
Getting attention would naturally impose restrictions on their actions. It meant that someone who became curious might be watching from somewhere.
With Eri’s concerns in mind, Geoffrey addressed the adventurers.
“Alright, let’s move out. We will begin the ‘Purification Operation’ from now! All adventurers should follow my orders!”
#
“Eviction means driving them out, right?”
Just before they reached the village, Seere suddenly asked. Eri affirmed Seere’s statement.
“Well, if we kill one as an example, won’t they all come out in fear? Humans are inherently weak, aren’t they?”
From the Demon King’s perspective, humans appeared weak regardless of their strong spirit, but it was unclear if this was an attitude born from hatred of humans. Eri shook her head slightly.
“That’s not true. There are surely people who refuse to submit to tyranny. That’s why they’re trying to forcibly draw them out.”
“I don’t quite get it.”
“You’ll see.”
Though this was Eri’s first time participating as support, she had seen how things unfolded from afar a few times before. She had not gone to witness the entire process as a support role….
‘Still, it didn’t seem like things were progressing smoothly.’
There must have been similar clashes in every village. And that outcome would have been the men Eri first encountered upon returning to the human realm—men who had lost their homes and resorted to banditry. By the time Eri visited them again, they had already vanished completely.
‘……’
It felt unfortunate. After spending five years in the Demon World, she thought she had grown blunt, but it seemed she still had a human heart. As Eri bit her lip, Seere displayed concern. She had her own questions but chose not to ask further, averting her gaze. Only Cecili noticed and smiled gently.
“We’ve arrived. Let’s wait here for a moment!”
Geoffrey guided the adventurers slightly away from the village into the nearby forest. He then went a short distance away towards the Holy Knights visible in the distance and returned shortly after.
“Alright, let’s get started.”
Geoffrey divided the adventurers into fixed groups. Pairs, trios, and up to four members. After dividing everyone, only Eri, Seere, and Cecili were left.
Eri, puzzled, asked Geoffrey.
“Can we form our own group?”
“You three will be acting with me.”
“…Pardon?”
Eri felt a little taken aback. So she replied to Geoffrey as if rebutting him slightly.
“If you’re concerned because there are three women, you don’t need to worry. I am an AA-grade adventurer, and the two here are also A-grade adventurers.”
“Oh, that’s not it. Judging by your classes, you are a magician, while these two are different magic swordsmen and wizards. They all seem to have jobs that utilize magic, right?”
“Yes, that’s true, but what does that have to do with anything?”
“I have a special request for those of you who can handle magic at this level.”
Hearing Geoffrey’s words, Eri tilted her head. She then subtly glanced back at Seere and Cecili. Seere closed her eyes briefly and opened them to signal that everything was fine. Understanding the hint, Eri quickly responded to Geoffrey.
“What is that request?”
“I’ll explain it as we go. Now, everyone, let’s move as groups and help our Holy Knights. I’m counting on you.”
As the adventurers dispersed into their respective groups, Geoffrey gestured for them to follow him.
“Just follow me.”
“Yes.”
#
Geoffrey took the three of them towards the village hall. Eri asked him.
“Why did you bring us here?”
“Actually, it seems that heretics have been barricading themselves inside since a little while ago.”
“…Heretics?”
“Yes, these are people who dare to refuse the investigation carried out in accordance with His Holiness’s orders.”
Geoffrey was convinced.
Eri, not a believer of the Celestial Church, couldn’t understand this, but having worked as an adventurer in the Holy Kingdom, she had seen blind followers like Geoffrey before. Considering Geoffrey was a Holy Knight, she merely thought of it that way. Yet, Geoffrey added one more thing.
“I would like you to open the door here.”
“…Us?”
“It appears there was someone in the village capable of using magic. They attempted to forcibly break down the door, but couldn’t due to the barrier.”
There was a reason Geoffrey had brought the highest-ranked magic users Eri, Seere, and Cecili with him. It was easiest to break down a barrier with magic. In other words, he was asking them to break the barrier with stronger magic.
Eri hesitated slightly. She knew she had to comply with Geoffrey’s request to gather specific information as per Nahun’s orders, but she felt uneasy about the unknown situations that might arise if she opened the door herself.
Yet, judging that Nahun’s order was more important, Eri was about to respond when…
“Is it because of the barrier that it can’t be broken?”
Seere jumped in with a question. Geoffrey nodded in acknowledgment.
“It seems you have a good understanding of barrier magic.”
“Step aside. I’ll try breaking it with my sword.”
Seere stepped forward confidently, but Geoffrey stopped her.
“Now, now. I’m not underestimating your abilities as an A-grade adventurer, but even our captain couldn’t break that barrier. Merely breaking it with a sword…”
“Are you saying I can’t even attempt it?”
“……”
Geoffrey had no words. Honestly, he thought it was a waste of time, but there was no reason not to try if it wouldn’t create any risk, as she said.
“Okay… do as you wish.”
Seere smiled satisfyingly and drew her sword. She couldn’t bring the Blood Moon Sword due to its appearance, but she had a sturdy sword in her hand. Seeing that sword, Geoffrey thought it was quite a fine weapon.
Seere effortlessly lifted the sword with one hand. Geoffrey watched the display with a slight furrow in his brow.
‘Our captain couldn’t break it, and neither could I. How can you possibly break it with one hand?’
It was impossible. Geoffrey watched Seere without much hope. But he was proven splendidly wrong.
Creeeak!!!
“…?”
Geoffrey’s eyes widened in surprise. However, Seere herself looked unfazed, pointing at the broken barrier with a relaxed expression and voice.
“See, it broke.”
“Ah, no… how?”
Seere brushed aside the flabbergasted Geoffrey and reached for the doorknob. When she yanked it open aggressively, something flew out from inside.
Thud!
“Whoah!”
What had come flying toward Seere was a sharp farming tool. She barely managed to catch it, but if she hadn’t reacted, it might have hit her head. Eri, Cecili, and even Geoffrey were all surprised. Ironically, Seere seemed completely unconcerned by the threat.
“W-What’s going on in here…!”
“Ahhh!”
“Get, get away! Go away!!”
Inside the village hall, there were quite a few villagers. As Geoffrey saw them, he regained his composure and remembered his mission. He clapped a hand on Seere’s shoulder.
“You did well. That was an excellent swordsmanship display.”
Geoffrey only intended to commend her. However, no one could have predicted that this would irritate Seere, who had been holding back.
“Hey.”
“Excuse me?”
“Don’t you plan to clean this up?”
At that moment, Geoffrey felt his whole body stiffen. The same sensation spread to Eri and Cecili beside him.
‘…Magic Power?’
Seere had unleashed her magic power, asserting dominance over the area. While Geoffrey and Eri wondered why they were being treated this way for merely placing a hand on her shoulder, it turned out that what bothered Seere most was being condescended to by a human.
‘Only the Teacher is allowed to touch me…’
With glaring eyes, Seere shot icy daggers at Geoffrey and declared.
“Clean this up.”
“…Uh, umm…”
Geoffrey shook his trembling hand, finally taking his hand off Seere’s shoulder. Seere still seemed agitated, and she exclaimed irritably.
“Just get it all…”
“Seira.”
At that moment, Cecili called her from behind. Seere glanced back at her for a moment, sighed slightly, and withdrew her magic power.
“I opened the door, so you take care of it.”
Geoffrey was left speechless. He merely nodded to comply with Seere’s order. As she swiftly turned and left, Cecili followed her closely. She whispered softly to Eri as she passed.
“I’ll leave this to you. Please observe how it’s handled and come back to us.”
“…Sure.”