The Grown-Ups Are Busy Too
The adults must be awfully busy too.
"Master, snap out of it! If you go down too, we're all dead!"
"Hahh... Apis, what do I do? Dad's collapsed, and Teacher's collapsed too. Can I really do this alone...?"
"I believe in you, Master. So hold on just a little longer. Just a little more — hang in there!"
"Okay... okay."
"Hoh? Now there's fire in your eyes, little one. But it changes nothing."
In that instant, Albert used magic to blind Killion's vision. The moment Killion panicked, Apis struck from behind.
"What was that supposed to be? I only looked away for a second and the best you could come up with was a sneak attack? But what can you do — it's blocked~? Looks like that's all you've got, so I'll kill you slowly and painlessly."
As Killion advanced on Albert, Apis raked at him with her claws while Albert hurled attack spell after attack spell — but Killion strolled toward him as if none of it existed.
"Your face is my type, I'll admit, but humans really are weak. Still, you amused me, so I'll grant you a painless death."
The moment Killion's hand closed around Albert's throat, Apis lunged for him — only to be swatted away with a single blow. And little by little, Albert's consciousness began to fade.
I'm sorry, Apis. Because of me, you're going to die too... I'm sorry. Next time, find yourself a better master...
No... Master. If only I'd been a little stronger... if only I'd had the power to protect you... I'm sorry, Master...
And so, Albert and Apis slowly resigned themselves to death.
"Jack! Al! Tiny! Mommy's here!"
"My... what impeccable timing. A hero's entrance, is it? But how odd — this boy is about to di—"
In that instant, Sarah blew Killion apart at full power, then swept Albert into her arms.
"Al... Albert... wake up! Mommy's here! Al... please, open your eyes, please..."
As Sarah sank into despair, Apis let out a cry, so small it was barely a whisper.
"Nya...ong..."
Wait. If Apis is still alive, then Al might still be alive too. Calm down. I have to stay calm. Sarah Shadow!!! If you don't want to lose your son here and now, pull yourself together and THINK.
"Everyone who can still move, carry the wounded out. The demons outside have all been exterminated. Move the injured out of here, quickly."
Demons this powerful launching a simultaneous assault? That makes no sense. Someone summoned these things and sent them here — that much is certain. And I swear I'll find that bastard and use every last thing I'm capable of to kill him slowly. But first... I have to save Al and Jack.
"Nyaong, nyaaa~ong."
That's strange. Why is Apis being so noisy today? Is she hungry? Odd — Lara should have fed her... Huh...? Hold on. Why does my body feel so heavy...? What is this? What did I do yesterday again...? Huh? Yesterday?
In that moment, Albert remembered the demon's attack — and realized he had woken up four days after Killion struck him down.
"Ha... haa... I survived? How am I even alive?"
At the sound of his voice, Apis flung herself against him.
Master... you're finally awake. I truly thought you might never open your eyes again. I'm just glad you came back to me.
Apis, were you waiting for me all this time? Aigoo, you're adorable. But — what happened? Is Dad okay? Tiny? Teacher? Everyone's safe, right?
Mm. The humans are all fine. Your mother showed up back then and slaughtered the demon in the blink of an eye.
Ah... so Mom made it in time... Thank goodness. By the way, Apis — how long was I out? My body feels so heavy.
It's been four days since you stopped waking up. I was worried sick, you know.
Haa... four days? I must have worried my parents half to death. Sorry, Apis — could you call everyone in for me? They'll all be beside themselves with worry.
Got it, Master. Be right back!
The moment Apis turned to leave, the door swung open and Lara walked in.
"Apis, are you still in the young master's room? Come on out alrea... huh?... Young master?"
"Yep, it's me. It's been a while, Lara. You been doing okay?"
"KYAAA! Young master, you're awake! I'll go fetch the lord of the house right away!!"
Hmm... the house is about to get very loud, isn't it? Wait, has Lara always been that fast? She's quick as lightning... Well, either way — this gives me my excuse to learn the sword. It's time I got stronger than I am now!
While the entire household buzzed with worry, Albert alone was lost in thoughts of an entirely different kind.
Two weeks had passed since Albert woke. At this moment, in the head of the Shadow family's private chamber, the eldest son and the head of the house sat facing each other.
"Mom, there's something I'd like to ask of you, so I've come to see you."
"Oh? Our Al coming to see me of his own accord — it's been ages. So, what did you come all this way to say?"
"Teach me the sword!"
At those words, Sarah released her mana and bore down on her son.
"I'll ask you one more time. Al — no, Albert. What did you just say?"
"Ngh... please teach me the sword."
Her mana swelled again, and Albert staggered under its weight.
"And you actually believed I would agree to teach you swordsmanship because you asked nicely?"
"Yes... no — I'm not finished yet. I have to get stronger. When the demons attacked, I couldn't do anything. I never want to watch the people I love get hurt again. I don't want to be the one protected anymore — I want to protect others! So please, Mom... teach me the sword!"
"Haa... can't you just grow up as you are, marry a nice woman, and live a quiet life? It's the thought of you stepping into danger that frightens me..."
"Mom, you don't need to worry. Whose son am I, after all? I want to protect the people precious to me with my own two hands — starting now!"
"Haa... fine. But I have conditions of my own. You will never push yourself past your limits, and you will never throw yourself into danger. Do you understand? If you can't even keep those two promises, then I won't teach you a thing. Understood?"
"Yes, Mom! Thank you so much. I love you, Mom."
Albert kissed his mother on the cheek.
Now I can finally learn the sword. Just wait a little longer, Yujin. I'll get strong fast — and then I'll come find you.
And so, the Shadow family went about their peaceful daily life once more.
To the north of the Arceus Kingdom lay the Sliph Mountain Range. Deep within those mountains lived a witch — and right now, that witch was losing her mind.
This is impossible! There were TWO high-ranked demons! And both of them were cut down by a single strike from that woman who calls herself a Hero's descendant? This cannot be happening... What do I do? What can I do to kill that woman? How, how... Hoo... Yes. Calm down. Calm yourself! If I stay calm, I can still win Erich back. Start over from the beginning. The ancient documents — there may be an answer hidden in them somewhere. I have to find it quickly... Even now Erich is suffering at that woman's hands, searching for me... Hold on just a little longer, Erich. I'm coming.
Meanwhile, while Noah spiraled toward madness, Shiina Secree, head of the ducal Secree family, was in an excellent mood — for the simple reason that she was having a meal with her husband.
"How's the food, Erich? Does it suit your taste?"
"Yes... the food is delicious. Though eating it with you rather ruins my appetite."
"Haa... Erich, do you still hate me that much? Well, of course you do. But remember this, Erich — you can't do anything. The only things you're capable of are giving your love to me, and lying beneath me moaning while you spill your seed. Isn't that right? So stop fighting it. Be honest. Learn to be comfortable."
Having heard quite enough, Erich rose and left the dining room, making it plain he could not bear another minute there.
Haa... well, Erich's stubbornness is part of his charm. Honestly, the resistance is half the fun of conquering him. Things have been going so smoothly lately, it puts me in a wonderful mood. Iris is training hard to succeed me as head of the family, and since our second, Vic, is a son, I have no worries there at all. Everything keeps falling into place. This — this is true peace. Yes, this is all it takes. Soon Iris will be grown, I'll pass the family on to her, and there won't be long to wait before Erich and I live the rest of our lives together, just the two of us. Excellent. Everything is going exactly according to plan... Ah, now that I think of it — the Summit of the Heirs isn't far off either.
Shall I start preparing?
The Summit of the Heirs — a gathering born of the descendants of the six Heroes and one Porter, meant to deepen the bonds between their bloodlines. It was held once every five years, at the Arceus Royal Palace.
"Jack, now that I think of it, the Summit isn't far off. Are you coming along again this time?"
"My... has that much time passed already? Al depends on Teacher Hirdy so much on a daily basis, so this time I'll go as well."
"There's no need for you to come. Why not simply stay home?"
"Oh dear, husband. Could you perhaps be... jealous? How utterly adorable. But don't worry — I'm yours and yours alone. Besides, the whole reason our Albert has grown up so well is that Hirdy introduced Yurien as his teacher. No matter how much you dislike it, failing to pay respects to our benefactor would be poor manners! And you're the one who asked for the introduction in the first place, aren't you? So as your wife, I absolutely must attend!"
"Haa... do as you please. I've given up arguing. But Isaac — remember this. You are mine."
"Yes... of course. I'm yours alone. I love you, Sarah."
"Mm. I love you too."
Meanwhile, in the capital of the Arceus Kingdom stood the Mage Tower — and its Tower Master was, at this very moment, deep in an agonizing dilemma.
Ugh... I have nothing to wear! Isaac is definitely coming this time... It'll be the first time I've seen him in five years. He wouldn't skip it, would he? No — he WILL come. There's Yurien's matter too, and knowing Isaac's personality, he'll absolutely come to pay his respects. I need to prepare, and fast. And it'd be awkward going alone, so I'll bring Yurien along... I miss Isaac... I wonder if he's gotten even more handsome? Ah — no time for daydreaming! I have to get ready...
And so, in their own ways, the grown-ups too went about their preparations.