Chapter 157
Chapter 157
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 157
Chapter Title: Annoying Attention
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Three days before 'that incident'.
"As expected, his rewards have been decided from both the academy and the royal palace."
The Cardinal of the Holy Kingdom of Narnia.
A stunningly beautiful woman of a sacred status that no one could dare ignore clasped her hands politely.
The man before her was worth that kind of respect.
The hero Kaiz.
He had been kneeling in silent prayer beneath the light pouring through the cross-shaped window.
Kaiz, eyes closed in silence, finally spoke.
"Soon, the Armaments of Light—and the sword at their forefront—will be decided. The Lord God has decreed it so."
"Yes."
"Before that, there's something I need to confirm personally. Marie. Could you divert His Holiness the Pope's attention for a moment?"
"...Yes."
Marie's response came a little late.
She believed the hero was always right above all else in this world, but the resistance came from the idea of deceiving the Pope she'd known since childhood.
But the hero's words were the words of the Lord God of Light.
Marie didn't hesitate.
"You're saying you want to test if Dre will walk the same path as us."
"No. That's not it."
"...Pardon?"
Kaiz smiled, said something, and Marie's face twisted in confusion, unable to grasp what he meant.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The day after Poise visited.
The guy sent a list right away as soon as he got back.
I'd figured it'd be by mail or some magical means, but it was a messenger bird.
Did he tame this bird with a skill or something?
"Kiek. Kick."
"......"
Its size rivaled an eagle.
It looked ridiculously strong.
Perfect for guarding a letter.
Then it rubbed its head against me like, Did I do good? Yeah, I did good? Hehehe.
It was so cute I petted it and even gave it some meat I was eating. It chirped like thanks and flew off.
...Should I get a pet?
I stared at the sky until the bird vanished, then finally glanced over the list.
He'd said it'd be rough, and it really was—just bare-bones info.
Still, from my ignorant perspective, it was pretty intriguing stuff.
I skimmed Rena and Makia's entries, then spotted their nicknames.
"'Japanese Sword' girl? One of the two shrine maidens?"
I got the gist of 'Japanese Sword' girl right away.
I could picture a Japanese sword-wielding girl in my head without even seeing her.
Looks like Rena was the demure or sharp-edged type I'd imagined.
But why emphasize the 'Japanese Sword' part so unnecessarily...?
Makia, ranked first, had notes on her being one of the two shrine maidens and some skill she used, but it felt like a ton was omitted.
"And all the top foreigners are women."
Almiraz too. Spots 1, 2, and 3 were all female.
The ones below were harder to tell gender-wise. Weird gender ratio.
In a fantasy world with magic and skills, the physical gap between men and women is basically gone, so maybe that's why.
This time, I scrolled through the Elryunar locals' list.
A bunch of names jumped out.
Raman. Gariun.
Nothing really stuck in my head, but each of these guys was Poise-level—or maybe even higher, per that woman.
Short descriptions, but I checked each one carefully.
[Raman Pashultz.
Fist Saint. Name sounds Southeast Asian, but he's your typical burly Western musclehead. Uses fist strikes infused with shockwaves.]
[Gariun.
One of Elryunar's Six Sword Saints. Favors heavy swords. Possesses Intrinsic Ryunar.]
[Mantia Bredir Fruit.
One of Elryunar's Six Sword Saints with Fist Saint potential too. Wields ultra-heavy swords, body extremely tough.
Less swordsman, more brute-force tank.]
[Apiz Leisia.
One of Elryunar's Six Sword Saints. Famous for clean technique and tons of skills, but less renowned than other Sword Saints.
Intrinsic Ryunar? Maybe, maybe not.]
[Clak Ermia.
Archery Saint. Can snipe targets from anywhere regardless of distance; each arrow packs small-missile-level power.]
[Kaiz Hiro.
Hero of the era.
Seems to be hiding his power now, but strong enough to crush everyone above.]
"Rough as hell."
Especially Apiz—what the hell is that?
Has it or doesn't?
Poise, you bitch, my fist might punch you or it might not.
......Calm down.
I'm a dandy guy who doesn't swear.
Anyway, Apiz is one of the Six Sword Saints...
Sword Saint is a title proving top-tier strength anywhere.
Only six in all of vast Elryunar, and she's one.
Apiz is seriously impressive.
But this list— the more I read, the lazier it seems.
Poise said excluding real monsters, there were over twenty human strong as her, but foreigners and Elryunar locals combined, only nine listed.
At the bottom: Only those with current ties to Entiaer Kingdom. More later in tiny font.
Annoying.
Should've just fought her straight-up.
My grumbling eyes nailed to the end of the list.
[Mage Killer.
True name unknown. Skills unknown. Definitely has Intrinsic Ryunar.
Freakishly strong in close combat.
Probably on par with Almiraz or Dre—or stronger.]
She put that 'stronger than me' bit on purpose.
Mage Killer.
The name Poise mentioned from my ambush.
No more info; monster details coming soon. That was the end.
Is she messing with me?
If she's still treating me like a sucker, next meeting's her last.
[Scary stuff.]
Shut up.
No big deal to get heated over.
Investigating this world's powerhouses was half curiosity anyway. What I really need is two things.
One's obviously 'HQ,' the other my livelihood.
In a week, the academy fully reopens.
Paralyzed by Gejier's bullshit and the floating island incident, the semester finally functions properly.
Oh, and I still have no students.
Principal said they'd take sign-ups for my class over the week.
So in a week, I gotta teach someone.
And Principal said she'd toss in some problem kids on purpose.
I say it hurts my jaw, but I'm an introvert.
Overwhelmingly solo time means I'm not confident in communication.
Other kids like Meiyal or Asita? Fun chats. They're good, polite, and total beauties—so convo flows no matter what.
But teaching or awkward in-between relationships? Honestly, no confidence.
Don't even know what to teach.
'Incomprehensible Sense' lets me do Severing Sword, Space Sword, etc.—probably unique to me. Can't teach my techniques.
For now, basing it on dad's self-defense lessons...
.....
...Huh. Thinking back, Dad just beat the crap out of me.
Makes me mad now.
Unconsciously gripped harder, felt wrongness in the paper.
"Huh. This..."
Felt faint at first, but blamed the eagle-bird's aura.
Now? Some trick on the paper.
Mana or Ryunar?
Focused a bit: mana infused.
I think Ryunar's way more versatile, convenient, stronger than mana.
[Only you'd feel that way.]
Huh?
[Foreigners have no choice but mana. Their bodies are built that way.]
News to me.
...Wait.
This could solve my class content easy...
I grinned, like I'd found the answer.
First, see the hidden message.
Infused mana, hidden text appeared.
Monster info and skill details.
[Recently confirmed tremors in 'Mana Stone Forest'.
Sighting of 'Askatorop,' but witness went mad soon after.
Witness recovering in hospital.
Reported giant deer's head before madness.
More info via letter if available.
Rumors Hero Kaiz Hiro received revelation on that Monster King.]
Monster King sounds big, but doesn't hit home, so next info grabbed me more.
[Vengeful Spirit.
Skill that contracts with a 'demon.'
Rank ? because unknown which demon appears.
Based on your actions so far, expect a very powerful one.]
"I see."
[You kinda suspected.]
Yeah.
Didn't know it was demon contract specifically, but sensed shady origin.
How? Felt different from other system windows.
Like during Yulis incident or Sora's framejob. Thought this skill gave unique start.
[Good demon contract boosts forces.]
What's with the constructive advice?
[Succubi or illusion types especially help with fu—]
Knew it.
Fuck off. Block.
Cut off Mangsin's voice.
Thought about HQ.
Need to confirm if those leading that giant clan are the ones I know.
If yes, no need to prioritize survival and return home like original plan.
Of course, even if they are here, 'cleanup' remains, so gotta go once.
Sudden flash: past memories.
Countless evils, shitty glares.
And... blood smell. Pleasure.
Knock knock knock.
The knock shattered the unfamiliar swirling emotions.
"Yes."
"May I come in?"
I opened the door without answering.
Gold stood there, with my squire Rena politely clasping her hands beside him.
"Oh my."
I bowed humbly, and Gold chuckled.
The heir of a great family coming personally? So honored.
"What's up, Gold?"
"Mm. Followed Rena."
Rena met my gaze, her mature expression polite.
"Instructor. You have a visitor."
"Visitor?"
"Marie, comrade of the hero."
"?"
Why's she here?
"She asked for me? Not Hart family?"
"Yes."
"Mm... Kaiz?"
"Absent."
Then no reason to meet?
As regressor, my knowledge has value, worth hearing out. But no need for hero fanboy hysterics.
She hates me anyway...
"My guess: Armaments of Light talk."
"?"
"Explain on the way."
Couldn't refuse Gold.
Nodded quietly, pocketed the folded paper, followed him.
Honestly, awkward.
I'm at Hart family estate now.
Planned month here then find place, but Gold and Repelt begged me stay till term start. Couldn't leave.
Worried that bitch Charl might hassle, but Repelt said Gold kicked her out.
She bawled.
Serves her right.
Of course, not penniless—Hart heir's kid, so comfy.
Repelt said she'll suffer but not suffer.
Probably luxurious poverty.
Out of sight, good.
If she strutted around, I'd have left Hart estate.
Not for me, but cute lil Rena getting hexed? Unforgivable.
"Miss Rena. How's studying lately?"
Thinking of that geezer Gejier always summoning my squire, Rena's mature face crumbled.
"It's so fun! Thought Instructor Gejier only knew contracts and manipulation magic, but deep in saint ranks and theory too... Sorry."
Her bright chatter turning polite was adorable.
Why stop? Heartwarming.
"Ho. Rena caught strict Gejier's eye? Impressive talent."
"N-no."
Blushing Rena, so cute.
Almost petted her head, stopped.
Rena tilted at my hand, Gold hummed amused.
Embarrassing.
"Shall I explain Armaments of Light briefly?"
"Yes."
Gold started with his clear, memorable voice.
"Holy Kingdom worships Lord God Nanar. Hero is God's apostle and proxy, recognized there."
God's proxy.
Fancy.
"Hero's role: Erase evil demons and Demon King from human realm, build world for the good. Tough, dangerous alone. Demons base stronger than humans."
"I see."
Demons aside, Demon King appears in human world...?
"Thus, aides for hero and comrades inevitable. That's Armaments of Light."
Hero's lackeys, basically.
"Among them, Shield, Staff, Dagger of Light. True comrades directly approved by hero, Light's proxy. Marie you've seen called Cross of Light."
"Cross..."
Then Raven's Dagger of Light?
"My thought: Cardinal Marie wants to recruit you as Armament of Light."
"I see."
Reasons to recruit me solid.
Floating island heroics spotlighted me and Kaiz.
I basically solved it, so absorb me, claim hero party did it all, boosts hero's face. All good.
But too bad.
No intention of serving under Kaiz.
“Armaments of Light honored beyond Holy Kingdom, world-recognized. Fine if you take it, brother...”
Gold trailed, then continued.
“Personally, think only Sword of Light suits you.”
"Sword?"
Gold and even Rena nodded.
"If hero's overall leader, Sword of Light's real power holder. Tons of authority, basically equal to hero, head of armaments."
"Huh."
Swords popular, look cool, so special treatment.
Weapons superficial too...!
"Only that level fits you."
Dunno details, but feels overhyped.
Honestly, Armaments or Sword—zero interest.
Gonna refuse anyway.
Then.
Someone running from afar: Repelt.
Repelt panted, urgent for Gold, spotted me, gasped.
"?"
Repelt fidgeted.
Clearly not usual shyness.
Something he can't tell me?
Gold glances at me.
What's up.
Colluding?
"What's wrong?"
"Uh, well..."
"Repelt."
Urged, he groans awkwardly.
Gold hums, cautiously speaks.
"Don't get mad."
"?"
"Probably about Blan."
"Blan's? Why hide from me?"
"You seemed swamped... Sorry."
"No, no need to apologize..."
Done for my sake, can't get mad.
And whatever happened, can't ignore.
Blan's my benefactor.
Sounds like trouble—gotta go.
"What happened?"
Gold approved already. Repelt spilled: his prosthetic arm hit snag. Needs help.
"I'll go."
"Mm? What about Cross of Light Marie? She's waited awhile."
What kinda question.
Answered instantly.
"Send her back."
Payback for her snippiness. Fuck off, cardinal bitch.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"So, only Hart family heir came?"
"Dissatisfied with me?"
"No, not that."
Marie inwardly fumed under Gold's stern gaze.
What does this Dre think of Holy Kingdom, hero, Light?
Urgent business? Come later?
"...Haa."
"Speak, Cardinal. I'll relay."
Even more pissed.
Wanted to snap at Hart heir playing messenger, but not bold enough—political mess.
Gold acts goofy around Dre, but he's secured Ten Great Families' Hart heir seat young, famous abroad.
Not to trifle with, even as youngest cardinal.
"Relay this to Dre."
"Mm."
"Light—hero says."
Gold casual, Repelt gulps, Marie spoke.
"Show your past."
"......"
Silence.
Gold broke it.
"...? What bullshit?"
Marie speechless.
Her thoughts exactly.
What the hell was Kaiz saying?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Address from Gold for Blan's place.
Midway between Wolf and Lion districts.
Hart-provided house for Blan's convenience: charming 3-story wooden mansion.
In average resident area, this sleek upscale-ish building stood out.
Confirmed Blan's name on plaque, knocked.
And.
Creeeak.
"......"
"Oh my."
A woman answered.
Stunningly beautiful.
Sensual curves.
Fully covering clothes, yet couldn't hide massive bust and hips.
Nay, emphasized bursting chest—more erotic.
Beautiful slit-eyed woman: Blan's wife, Claire.
"Oh~ Dre? Long time no see~"
"Uh, yes, hello."
Past memories flooded.
Accidental? Intentional? Those naughty touches.
Steadied myself.
Afternoon—nothing weird.
"Come in."
Grabbed my wrist.
Touch burned hot.
House inside dim.
Cozy daytime solar glow.
Claire fit vibe, teacup and magazine-like book on table.
"Heard Hart folks coming today. You instead?"
"They'll come later. Just me now. Daughter and Blan?"
"Hehe. Work and school."
"......"
Oh. So...
She's alone?
...Not alone.
With me.
.....
"I'll come back later then..."
"Nuh-uh."
Grabbed hand.
Soft.
"Send you away, husband scolds. Let me treat you a bit."
"Ah, mm. Sure."
No choice.
Released, Claire smiled.
"I'll treat you properly fun."
"......"
Gulp.
Swallowed unconsciously.