Miracle Healings and the Demon's Grudge
If only things had continued like that. But honestly, the shortcut training method was excruciatingly painful. Even for me, who'd thought I'd grown numb to pain after living in this frail body for so long. Sorry, I was bragging! I writhed in agony, even apologizing to Sibylius mid-suffer-fest, seriously considering just quitting. But like how a hard-earned meal tastes all the sweeter, the greater the pain, the bigger the reward.
"Hup!"
I hefted a log stockpiled at Sibylius's house and split it clean in half. It tore straight through like grilled squid on a stick, then I went for a light jog. My body sliced through the wind—had to be at least 40 kph. Strength. Speed. Everything had skyrocketed to levels that would shock an Olympic gold medalist.
But that was still nothing to the four standing beside me now.
"That's enough."
Viol grabbed me just as I was about to punch the wall. Her grip was so strong, even my new strength couldn't budge it.
"I get that you're thrilled to be stronger, but don't test it by wrecking your body."
"My body's fine now, though?"
"You might be, but I'm not. I'm scared you'll collapse again."
I was stunned. Her eyes were drained of energy, pleading with me to stop— so unlike her. Glancing around, the others looked the same, so I hesitated. Arios, who'd been watching me worriedly, finally relaxed.
"Still, it's a relief you got even a little stronger. No more pain from now on, right?"
By Arios's standards, my superhuman level was just "a little" stronger. They were surprised I'd improved, sure—but more like how you'd marvel at a sick kid getting healthy, not taking my power seriously.
Made sense. They were all top-tier powerhouses in the entire nation; someone like me wouldn't register.
It stung my pride a bit, but whatever—priorities.
"Guess it's time to head to the Arsen Kingdom."
I'd pushed through months of training in a insane shortcut just to go there, so no backing out now.
"Can't we skip it?"
Viol eyed my unwavering resolve with exhaustion but still offered help.
"I'll contact them and arrange a transfer gate for you."
Transfer gate. A magic space-teleport device, restricted to a select few—but the emperor's approval fixed that.
"This'll cut your travel time short. I'm approving it so you can go quick—hurry back."
"You not coming?"
"How's the emperor supposed to tag along all the way there?"
Just checking, but her sensible reply eased my mind. I'd worried she'd forget her status and follow anyway. Relieved, I patted my chest—
"Instead, I'll assign the entire Imperial Knight Order as your escort."
"No need."
Taking a whole knight order to another country? Might as well bring just you—that'd be less threatening!
"The Arsen folks'll freak. They'll think we're invading."
"You need protection."
"I doubt I do now."
"No. I won't send you anywhere without proper guards."
Hmm, this felt familiar. Like when Ares blocked me from going out because it was "dangerous." Time for the same trick.
"Come with."
"Gladly."
I said the same words to Arios as last time, and she replied the same.
"No knights, but a Sword Master is fine? She's way more dangerous."
Viol grumbled but didn't object. Arios as escort was reliable enough.
She did block Hames, though, who was packing to join without a word.
"A priestess would be useful, and I'd love to bring you, but the temple keeps protesting. They keep asking how long I plan to keep you here."
"...Understood, then."
Hames accepted reluctantly. Even I knew I'd overstayed at the temple.
She'd helped me so much, so I thanked her as she left.
"Thanks. I'll send a gift later."
"No need. Your feelings are enough."
Did she want to stay longer? Her eyes lingered on me with regret as she vanished.
"Sibylius, thanks to you too. Won't bug you anymore since we won't cross paths again—rest easy."
Sibylius hates dealing with people unless they oppose Seres. So I gifted her an eternal farewell instead of something physical.
"...Thank you. I never wanted to see you again either."
I flinched for a second, but her quick reply confirmed my read.
And with that, preparations roughly done, I headed to the Arsen Kingdom.
Me and Arios. Stepping through the transfer gate, who greeted us but the King of Arsen herself.
"Oh, you actually came!"
Arsen's king was a middle-aged woman with brown hair. Waiting with her retainers, she lit up at the sight of us.
"That face—no mistaking it. The empire's top beauty, Seres Huferion, in the flesh!"
"An honor to meet you."
As the count family heir with official status, I gave the Arsen king a formal noble greeting.
"I've come because you needed my help."
"Indeed. Your aid in curing every sick person in your territory—we're desperate for that here. My heart's been burning for it!"
Her eyes mixed joy and confusion as she asked,
"I begged the imperial emperor to send you, but she refused. I even resented her a bit. Why the sudden change?"
"Truth is, I wasn't well back then. Your Majesty had no choice but to deny it."
"What? Is that so? You're better now?"
"Yes. Once she saw I was recovered, she figured it was safe to let me go."
I spun a white lie. Couldn't exactly say Viol didn't care if your people lived or died, right? Polishing the truth keeps their mood good and diplomacy smooth.
"So Emperor Viol cares that much about our kingdom?"
"Makes sense. Seres Huferion and Arios Graviuss—the empire's biggest names, both sent."
I overheard whispers from the king's retainers. They bought my story, naturally. I'd come on my own whim, Arios just as my guard—what could they do about that absurd truth?
Completely fooled, the Arsen king even teared up.
"I'll never forget Emperor Viol's grace. Nor your efforts, coming right after recovery."
"Just doing what needs doing. Your Majesty, please guide me to the plague victims at once."
"So eager to help! Not just a pretty face—you've got the heart of an angel."
The king praised me while explaining. The plague hit a major territory near the capital; they'd quarantined everyone there.
"We've locked it down, but who knows how long they can hold out like that. Us outside, them inside—we're all at our limits."
"I imagine. Food's running low inside, and desperation breeds escape attempts."
"Some retainers even said to let them all die. Leave it, and the whole kingdom's at risk."
"Rest easy. Now that I'm here, I won't let it get that far."
I headed to the plagued territory with Arios. Hundreds of soldiers, assigned by the king as attendants, marched alongside.
"Everyone, gather here!"
"This isn't an execution—relax! The empire sent a savior!"
"It's Seres Huferion—the famous top beauty and saint!"
The soldiers' job was crowd control, just like back home. Shouting my name at the frightened masses worked wonders.
"It's really her—no one else is that beautiful."
"The rumors didn't do her justice!"
"Seres herself is here. They're not tricking us plague victims for a purge!"
My looks served as ID, earning trust and easing suspicions. Soldiers herded them orderly to me for treatment.
I scanned the gathered crowd. Their ragged breaths screamed poor health—the plague's symptoms. Stomach pain, breathing issues, then blood from the mouth in late stages till death.
No one knew what it was, not even me. I'm no doctor. The original story called it a mystery illness, no name given.
But do I need to know?
"Healed. Yes, this one too. Next—already done, bring the next quick!"
A touch heals them—disease name irrelevant!
"Wh-whoa, insanely fast. Even terminal cases, all cured!"
"At this rate, we'll wipe out the plague in no time!"
I saw the shock on patients' and soldiers' faces. Yeah, even I thought it was quick. At this pace, the whole territory in under a week.
Divine power's a cheat for healing, plus they weren't that far gone yet. Novel described the territory as hellish, but we'd come before total disaster—thanks to calling me early.
"This'll wrap up nicely."
Things going smooth, even escort Arios lowered her guard a tad.
"Yeah. Let's finish quick and head home."
I agreed—no issues ahead.
...Yeah, if only it'd stayed that way.
"Arios, I'll repay that humiliation you dealt me last time!"
On the third day. If only that demon targeting Arios hadn't shown up out of nowhere.