Chapter 18
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: Regrouping (1)
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Kainzel Kingdom's military camp.
As the supreme commander of this war and the third prince of the Kainzel Kingdom, Wolfran was currently in a foul mood.
He had tried to turn the enemy's ambush against them and annihilate their main forces, but it had failed.
"Aldin Marquis, speak. Who exactly killed him?!"
"W-Well, suddenly an unidentified monster appeared..."
"Are you trying to make excuses with that?!"
Wolfran bellowed, and the Aldin Marquis felt truly wronged.
He had only reported the facts, yet no one believed him. It was frustrating.
"Prince Wolfran, that's enough. The fact that Kario is dead remains unchanged anyway."
"Hmm, if Duke Veil says so, then there's no helping it."
The man standing quietly behind him spoke up, and Wolfran glanced back cautiously.
The one behind him now was a mid-level demon, a far cry from the low-level demon Kario.
A monster that even a Sword Master couldn't confidently face.
Thanks to the blood pact, he wouldn't act rashly, but caution was never a bad idea.
"But there's something bothering me. According to Aldin Marquis, there was a priest of Altair in the Talua Kingdom army. And recent information I obtained indicates that priests on a saintess pilgrimage in this area headed to the Talua Kingdom's camp."
"You're saying that priest was one of the saintess pilgrimage priests?"
"The chances are high. It's famous that a descendant of Saintess Gransesia is among the pilgrimage."
Saintess Gransesia was extremely well-known among demons. The rumor had even circulated during her lifetime:
"If you encounter the saintess, bow your head to the ground first."
Even noble demons had been beaten countless times, so to regular demons, she was like the grim reaper.
The demon king of that era only resumed activities ten years after rumors of her death spread, thinking it might just be a false rumor.
Her reputation among demons was that immense.
Even knowing her descendants lacked special abilities, they still hesitated to attack.
'Dealing with the saintess's descendant now wouldn't be a bad idea.'
Veil was relatively young among demons, so his fear of the saintess was lesser. Around the time he was born, she had just vanished.
Having risen to mid-level demon at a young age, Veil was brimming with confidence and eager to prove himself to higher demons.
A saintess descendant was perfect prey for him.
* * *
"Ah, so stiff."
I sat up and did some light stretching.
Having lain in bed for over a week, my body was in terrible shape.
'Still, it turned out fine in the end.'
What I'd done this time was serious enough to warrant severe punishment. I'd ignored Duke Gail's orders as a commander, after all.
But since Duke Gail believed I'd volunteered as bait to evacuate our allies, the violation of military law was overlooked, thankfully.
"But can I really keep this?"
I stared blankly at the ring on my finger.
The Eye of Simosa, a relic and heirloom of the saintess.
This incident had shown me just how incredible it was.
Its performance was on another level from ordinary magic equipment.
Especially the ability to borrow Gransesia's eyes—it was downright cheat-level.
[Michel must have told you. If you're chosen as the ring's owner, you become my successor.]
"I have no intention of becoming your successor."
[I never chose you either? But you clung to it, even lying!]
"Well, yeah."
It was a bit noisy, but it was worth the racket.
"But why is it called the Eye of Simosa? You made it, right? Simosa sounds like some unheard-of name. For someone who's seventy, your naming sense is..."
[It's my mother's name.]
"No wonder it has that old-fashioned flair. I've never heard such a cool name."
Flustered, I cleared my throat and quickly changed the subject.
"Ahem. Anyway, shouldn't you at least tell him about the disaster?"
I'd reported the incident to Duke Gail, omitting anything about Riya Asktalin—the Dragon Calamity.
I'd accepted Gransesia's opinion that it was best to hide it.
[No, better to keep it hidden. Just a feeling.]
I wanted to ask what feeling, but if she was that firm, there must be a reason.
"Whatever, I don't care if it gets out or not."
I finished stretching and stood up.
Now that my body was better, it was time to check the things I'd only thought about in my head.
'Byan is dead, and the Dragon Calamity is gone. It's completely different from the original story.'
No other synopses were visible in this area now.
Originally, the war would have ended with the Talua Kingdom army annihilated by the Dragon Calamity.
'But the war isn't over yet.'
No time to slack.
Now that I knew the Kainzel Kingdom had allied with demons, preparations were needed.
'Their ambush failed, and most were slaughtered by the princess, so it must be a huge blow to the Kainzel army.'
Normally, Duke Gail would exploit this and advance the entire army.
The demon variable had prevented that.
But that wouldn't last. Once intel was secured, they'd move.
Whether Duke Gail or the demons acted first.
The war would end soon.
* * *
"Let me see..."
I checked the 'Setting Addition' section for recently viewed abilities. Starting with Duke Gail's, then other knights and soldiers.
Some were useful, but most weren't necessary for me.
'The King of the Battlefield is one thing, but I should grab Appraisal Eye first.'
Fortunately, the plausibility required wasn't too hard. A bit of time would suffice.
The King of the Battlefield, however, matched its grand name with tough plausibility. Seemed impossible for now.
'The rest are mostly meh...'
So many recent views made the list long.
As I scanned them, my eyes caught on Princess Riya Asktalin's and demon Kario's abilities.
The princess's were dazzling. Only Gransesia had better settings so far.
'Dragon abilities and magic...'
The magic was impressive, but the dragon abilities tempted me more. I'd felt firsthand how strong she was wielding them.
But the plausibility requirements were absurd.
To acquire them, I'd need to reach top mage of the kingdom level.
'At best, maybe Dragon Eye.'
The others like Dragon Word showed no path, but Dragon Eye had a sliver of possibility.
Still impossible right now.
'Tsk.'
I clicked my tongue and turned to demon Kario's abilities.
Even a low-level demon should have something useful.
After a quick scan, one stood out.
"Blood Magic?"
[Oh, looking at that demon's abilities? Shadow clan, so Blood Magic isn't surprising. They have plenty of vampires.]
"Yeah? But the level's low. Only four or five spells usable."
[If he could wield it well, he'd have used it then. Low-level demons rely on clan abilities, so it's expected.]
Nodding at Gransesia's words, I slowly spoke.
"But what if I used it?"
[Huh?]
"My blood is Divine Blood. What happens if I use it for Blood Magic?"
[W-Wait...]
Finally understanding, Gransesia panicked.
Who would use Divine Blood for demon magic?
No one had even thought of it. Possessing both was impossible until now.
Until someone like me appeared, who could learn any ability with mysterious power.
[Wow, holy crap. This is cheating!]
"You called me a con artist, so yeah?"
[Ugh, so annoying. Crossing species lines to transcend god-demon boundaries? Ridiculous.]
Blood Magic was demonic, Divine Blood saintly.
Incompatible powers could unite in me.
Her reaction confirmed it.
I had to learn this.
"Hey."
[What now.]
"I'll have to fight demons soon, and even low-level ones are iffy now."
I'd fought the princess who one-shot a low-level demon, but only with preparations.
Head-on, I'd die easily to one.
[...]
"I'd prefer to play it safe. Anything else worth learning besides this?"
Blood Magic was good.
But as a trump card only—not enough alone against demons.
"You have tons of abilities. Especially..."
[Ugh, fine, take them all. It's not bad if you get stronger...]
If I die, the ring breaks.
Gransesia had a duty to preserve my life.
"Didn't realize at first, but I think we're gonna be great friends."
[People don't call this friendship, you bastard.]
I grinned at her grumbling.
My words were sincere.
* * *
"Oh! Come in, Sir Banheart. You look fully recovered."
Arriving at Duke Gail's tent, the duke's furrowed brow smoothed into a smile.
"Yes, mostly recovered now."
"Good. I'd love to let you rest more, but time's short."
He sighed, pointing to a large map on the table marked with red spots everywhere.
"The enemy's movements are suspicious."
"Suspicious how...?"
"Too obvious."
I examined the map closely.
Recent skirmish sites showed the Kainzel army's movements were odd.
"The skirmishes are spread out?"
"And they leave the center open. Like they're inviting us in."
The center was Ritma Plateau, where the conflict started and the Kainzel camp was.
Ritma Plateau bordered Kainzel and Talua Kingdoms, infamous for its barrenness.
But massive magic stone deposits were discovered, leading to this war.
'It is weird.'
Surprised by the sudden summons, but getting intel fast was a plus. Probably trusted me after my exploits.
Perfect for me.
But no complacency yet.
"So, what do you think, Sir Banheart? Your insight might spot something."
Duke Gail asked subtly, expecting an answer from Clay Banheart, solver of past incidents.
'But what do I know?'
I'd skimmed strategy and tactics, but superficially. Even the kingdom's hope, Duke Gail, was stumped—how could I know?
Saying so might dent the trust I'd built.
'Damn, what do I say... Wait.'
Wracking my brain for a plausible response, a thought flashed.
'No way, is this it?'