Chapter 397
Chapter 397
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 397
Chapter Title: 2-19. Counterattack (6)
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#19
"Hiya... You've turned this place into something amazing in no time. It's unrecognizable."
"Hehe. I started tending it to make the daily rituals more enjoyable. Now it's come along quite nicely, hasn't it?"
Navardoje smiled with her eyes.
She was in her human form, with only her horns protruding from the top of her head.
I nodded, keeping my gaze on the flower beds.
"Impressive, Sis. Really."
The colorful wildflowers were breathtaking.
With the warm sunlight and the soft earth cushioning every step, it was hard to tell if this was indoors or out.
At the center of the lush green lawn, a massive stone floated in the air.
"What have I done? It's all thanks to you and the heart of the world... no, Seniel."
"What did I do? That stone would still just be a rock without you, Sis."
There was no trace left of its former barren state.
The sanctuary deep within headquarters, dedicated to Seniel, had transformed into a space rivaling the imperial palace gardens in beauty.
Seniel's constant emission of life force, combined with Navardoje's sun magic, had turned even artificial structures into part of nature.
She took my hand and proudly showed off the life she had nurtured.
Now, holding hands when it was just the two of us felt natural.
We were strolling side by side when it happened.
"So... you're really going to the invaders' world?"
Navardoje asked, her expression turning serious.
The operation was right around the corner.
I nodded firmly as I turned to her.
"Yeah. It's time to end this. We've seized the advantage, but if we don't uproot them, they'll keep coming."
"Yeah... I think you're right. I know it's what has to be done, but... honestly, I'm so worried."
Navardoje let out a sigh.
Her grip on my hand tightened.
Her eyes, brimming with concern, tugged at my heart.
This must be how it feels to worry a mother.
"Aw, come on, not again. I told you it's fine."
"Still..."
"We've fought them all before anyway. The Bald King is a tough bastard, but not unbeatable. You don't doubt me, do you?"
I thumped my chest for emphasis.
I wanted to reassure her, even if it meant hamming it up.
Navardoje cracked a faint smile at my antics.
"I trust you. More than anyone in the world."
"Heh, that's the spirit. And I'm not going alone, so relax."
"True. Who would've thought the day would come when you'd join forces with the leader and executives of Nebula Clazier... If it weren't for you, I couldn't even imagine it."
She was genuinely impressed.
Even I found it surreal.
Those vermin I would've torn apart without mercy in the original world, and now we're fighting side by side.
Suddenly, Navardoje's horns flickered briefly.
"Hm. Looks like preparations are complete. Who knew Abel would actually keep his word."
"I'm a master persuader, after all. Let's get going."
"Nothing left behind? How's your condition? We could always delay a bit. What if rushing leads to a mistake..."
"Don't worry. I've checked everything."
I waved it off with a grin.
Honestly, there wasn't much to pack.
Some simple rations and a single sword—that was it.
"Alright. I see."
Navardoje gave a complicated smile.
For some reason, she seemed a bit melancholic today.
Right before the teleportation magic activated.
"Ronan."
"Yeah?"
"Once the invaders are completely gone... you'll leave, right?"
Her voice trembled subtly.
It was an enigmatic question.
I scratched the back of my head.
"Uh... I don't know. Honestly."
"What do you mean, you don't know?"
"After killing the Bald King, I still have to deal with that guy called Akasha. Remember? The crazy sorcerer. The rifts seem to have stopped for now, but ultimately, it ends with him... and I haven't figured out how to move to the next world yet."
"...So you'll stay in our world until you get Akasha?"
"Pretty much."
I nodded casually.
Navardoje's face brightened.
Her unintended mutter reached my ears.
"Right, that mage is still out there...!"
Her excited tone suggested she'd genuinely forgotten.
Makes sense—she must be pretty anxious.
Thinking about that monster still alive and kicking.
She cleared her throat a few times before continuing.
"Ahem, got it. It was nothing, really—just curiosity. Yeah."
"Didn't strike me as a weird question."
"Oh, r-really? That's a relief then. What was I even saying? Let's head out right away."
"You okay? Your face looks a bit flushed."
Navardoje ignored my question.
Her sensual fingers snapped in the air.
The familiar queasiness of spatial teleportation kneaded my stomach.
Snap!
My vision darkened for a moment, then a completely different scene unfolded before us.
"Nice weather."
The wind whipping my face was cold.
Under the clear sky, light snow flurries danced.
Over a hundred resistance fighters had gathered on the vast white plain.
All personnel not assigned to other missions.
Rtanhie spotted me and let out a shrill scream.
"Eeeek! Y-you really came!"
"You're late, Navardoje."
Beside her stood Orse and Pantasion, both in human form.
They were the key players in this operation.
Orse narrowed his eyes and scolded, his usual foul mood on full display.
Pantasion simply nodded silently.
His massive, ornate horns made him look like a nettle tree sprouting in the middle of a field.
"Everyone looks good. Where's Abel?"
"Over there."
Orse jerked his chin.
Sure enough, at the center surrounded by resistance fighters stood a man in pristine white.
With arms crossed and chin raised arrogantly, he exuded haughtiness.
Excited people hurled insults at him.
"Ugh, you trash!"
"Fucking bastard. If it weren't for orders, I'd kill you right now."
"What makes you so smug?!"
They looked ready to throw anything if he stepped even an inch closer.
His popularity couldn't even compare to Rtanhie or Pantasion.
Amid the storm of abuse, Abel maintained his composure unfazed.
Crazy bastard.
He wouldn't even make that face in his own home.
"You're here. Shall we depart immediately?"
Suddenly, Abel's eyes met mine.
All eyes turned our way.
The crowd finally noticed me and surged forward.
"Lord Ronan!"
"Do something about that scumbag! Is that the attitude of someone who's repented?!"
"We should cancel now. He'll surely sabotage us if we take him along!"
The resistance fighters were mostly worried for me.
Their distrust of Abel had reached a peak.
It was understandable.
Unlike Rtanhie or Pantasion, he was directly responsible for summoning the Bald Legion.
I smiled and calmed the crowd.
"It'll be fine."
"B-but...!"
"Alright, how about this? If he pulls any tricks, I'll dismantle him piece by piece and share the meat. Happy now?"
"Gasp."
Everyone froze.
Silence fell.
It was a bit extreme, but they'd only relax after hearing something like that.
At Abel's feet lay the creepiest magic circle I'd ever seen.
It writhed like a living thing.
He'd demanded all sorts of grotesque materials to draw it.
No time to delay any longer.
At my signal, Orse and Pantasion strode forward.
Rtanhie wriggled, tucked under Pantasion's arm.
"Eeeek! Let go, Pantasion! Why are you doing this to me?!"
"We are sinners. Sins forged in blood must be washed in blood."
"Ugh... ughh. Fine. I get it. I'll walk on my own, so put me down."
Rtanhie finally gave in and trudged over.
With her in place, the five of us stood atop the magic circle.
The resistance's top elites.
The strongest, Navardoje, stayed behind to guard Seniel and headquarters.
Everything seemed ready.
Navardoje watched us line up.
Her large eyes still brimmed with worry.
But duty called.
I knelt on one knee before her.
"Then, Mother of Fire, grant us your blessing."
"...Very well."
Navardoje smiled.
We'd agreed on this beforehand.
It wasn't just for show.
Having shared two lifetimes with Adeshan, I knew how much a general's review or praise boosted morale.
Pantasion, surprisingly quick on the uptake, knelt beside me and prodded Rtanhie with his horn.
"Ow! I know!"
Rtanhie hurriedly dropped to her knees.
Now only Orse and Abel remained.
Orse predictably hated it, but his subordinates mouthed encouragement from the sidelines.
Chief, you need the blessing.
"Hmph. If you don't hold the line properly, I won't forgive you."
"Don't worry. I'll protect everything you hold dear."
Navardoje chuckled.
Orse started to retort but bowed his head in frustration instead.
This was his best effort.
Orse showing respect—who knew I'd live to see the day.
"Hey."
Abel was the only one who did nothing.
No reaction even to hints.
Damn uncle...
Even with two people who could kill him easily present, this was just who he was.
"Hey, you."
"Pathetic. I don't bow my head to anyone."
Abel sneered.
The crowd's reaction intensified.
Sporadic cries to drag him out and execute him erupted.
Before someone lost control and loosed an arrow, I had to act.
I sighed and reached for my sword.
"Guh!"
Suddenly, Abel pitched forward.
He face-planted with arms still crossed.
It looked painful.
The jeers cut off abruptly.
Abel pulled his face from the ground and growled.
"Rtanhie, you dare...!"
"Have some shame. Seriously."
Rtanhie spoke without even looking at him.
She seemed thoroughly embarrassed by her former boss's behavior.
His ears peeked red through his hair.
"Pfft."
Navardoje burst into laughter at the sight.
I joined in, chuckling.
It was hilarious—I'd been holding back.
His face imprinted perfectly in the dirt—how could you not laugh?
The tense atmosphere melted away.
Navardoje said,
"You must come back. Got it?"
"Of course."
I bowed my head.
A warm palm rested on my crown.
A benevolent yet powerful voice rang out.
"I bless you all. May you eradicate the wicked invaders and restore peace to the world."
A gentle blessing spread.
I felt the primal fire's warmth seep into my body.
Abel, who had been grumbling, began chanting.
The magic circle at our feet glowed.
A white radiance enveloped the five of us.
When I opened my eyes, we had arrived in an entirely different world.