Chapter 187
Chapter 187
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 187
Chapter Title: Starlight Jellyfish (1)
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“Young master, I’m back.”
That evening, Victor returned from the Holy Church.
“What did they say at the church?”
“As per your request, young master, they sent a messenger to the main headquarters to request the dispatch of a Master Class.”
“Well done.”
Victor beamed with pride at Demian’s praise.
“At first, when you told me to relay such words without any evidence, I thought you’d lost your mind for a moment.”
“You cheeky rascal.”
“But I was surprised that the church so readily believed your words, young master.”
That went to show just how solid Demian’s ties with the church were.
They hadn’t harbored even a shred of doubt upon hearing the utterly far-fetched claim that Hedoniac was targeting the city.
“When did they say the Master Class would arrive?”
“They said even the branch doesn’t know for sure. It depends on when the messenger reaches headquarters and they dispatch the Master Class, so they couldn’t estimate the time.”
It was about the response Demian had expected.
Even the Holy Church couldn’t dispatch a Master Class on such short notice.
‘At least Hedoniac won’t arrive for a good while. That’s a relief.’
Hedoniac’s two Transcendents aimed to shatter the joy of travelers reveling in the festival.
As such, they likely had quite some time before reaching the city.
But Demian knew better.
The world rarely unfolded as smoothly as one hoped, and one must always prepare for the worst.
‘I might have to buy us some time myself.’
If Hedoniac arrived before the Holy Knight, Demian would have no choice but to step in.
Facing a Master Class and a Grand Black Wizard at once would be daunting, but he could at least stall them.
“You’ve worked hard. Get some rest.”
Victor bowed and left the room.
Once Victor was gone, Demian pulled a travel bag from his subspace and summoned Munch.
-Kreeeeng!
The moment he emerged, Munch slobbered all over Demian’s face.
“Alright, alright, I get it.”
Demian pushed Munch’s head away. A wolf the size of a calf charging at him was no small burden.
-Master! So cold!
“Try to understand.”
-Got it!
Munch plopped down on the floor, awaiting Demian’s orders.
“From today onward, patrol the outskirts of the city. If any dangerous presence appears, report to me immediately.”
Munch was perfect for this job.
Demian didn’t know exactly from which direction Hedoniac would approach.
Moreover, their two Transcendents were surely concealing their power.
Demian might sense them, but other undead would likely fail to notice even if they stood right in front of them.
Munch was different.
With his innate ability ‘Dark Assimilation,’ he could create clones to monitor a wide area, and his animal instincts would sniff out the two Transcendents.
-I’ll do as you say, Master!
With that, Munch melted into the shadows.
“I should make my move too.”
He had preparations of his own to face the two Transcendents.
* * *
From that day on, Demian led a hectic schedule.
By day, he spent time wandering the city with his family. By night, he prepared to confront Hedoniac.
“Mother, look at this! It’s a brooch made by the city’s jewelers.”
“Oh, how lovely.”
The first morning after arriving, he tagged along for the women’s shopping.
His mother, sister, and sister-in-law Olivier browsed shops all over the city.
Demian followed the three women, carrying their baggage.
“Wouldn’t it be tiring for the ladies to tour the city alone? I happen to know a fine restaurant…”
“We’re all spoken for, so buzz off.”
“What do you think you’re… Ugh, aaagh!”
He also handled the men who approached them.
At first, there were plenty of persistent pests, but after dealing with a few, not one dared show his face.
“Oh, Demian’s here. Care for a game of chess?”
When shopping wrapped up and they returned, the men were playing chess.
“Play against Ballard. You’ll learn a lot.”
“Brother! Brother-in-law’s no pushover! He could represent the city.”
“N-No, it’s not that great…”
Ballard, Luise’s fiancé, blushed at Abel’s praise.
“What if you both lose? The Haksen name will ring out.”
“Look at you. Why don’t you give it a try?”
“Brother won’t have it easy either.”
That evening, Demian played chess with the three men or chatted idly.
Thereafter, he continued spending time with his family through various activities.
They attended plays in the city or watched festive street parades, reveling in the joy.
As night fell, Demian roamed the city, preparing for Hedoniac.
Thus time passed until the night the starlight jellyfish took flight.
The family sat on the rooftop, awaiting the jellyfish while enjoying drinks and food.
“Demian, remember what you said as a child? You threw a tantrum that you’d marry me.”
“That was ages ago. Why bring it up now?”
“Look at him blushing.”
As the alcohol kicked in, they traded silly banter, laughter blooming.
“So, Demian, when will you find someone?”
The conversation turned sensitive. At their mother’s question, the family’s eyes fixed on him.
Demian pretended to eat while gauging their reactions.
They all gazed at him with eyes brimming with expectation.
“Well, it’ll happen when the time comes, right?”
“How can you be so lukewarm about it!”
“Exactly. Abel’s married, and I’ll wed Ballard soon. You’re the only one still single.”
Demian kept pretending to eat, checking their faces.
Their expectant, clingy stares hadn’t wavered. Brushing it off wouldn’t be easy.
As Demian agonized over his response, gasps of awe erupted across the city.
-Wowwww!
-Ooooh!
The sudden noise puzzled the family. But they soon understood why.
Something soared into the dark night sky.
It resembled inverted flower buds floating in the heavens. The buds drifted slowly through the air, scattering light.
The starlight jellyfish had risen en masse, circling the skies in search of mates.
The family stared, speechless at the sight.
Demian was no exception. He’d never witnessed such beauty even in his previous life. He couldn’t help but lose himself in the spectacle.
“Beautiful.”
His father had sidled up beside him unnoticed.
The man could scarcely tear his eyes from the jellyfish.
“Thanks to you, we get to see something this wonderful. Truly grateful.”
Demian gave a wry smile at his father’s words. The man tilted his head.
“What’s wrong? Some worry on your mind?”
“No.”
“Don’t hold back—tell your father. You’ve looked troubled these past few days.”
Demian touched his face at those words.
Truth be told, he’d been constantly vigilant, never knowing when Hedoniac might strike.
He’d thought he hid it well. He hadn’t realized his father saw through him.
“I don’t know what’s bothering you, but try telling this old man.”
Demian’s mouth opened slightly, then closed.
He couldn’t reveal he was preparing for Hedoniac. He needed another excuse.
“…I’ve been having nightmares lately.”
Perhaps the trip had loosened him up.
Before he knew it, Demian had spilled a real worry.
No time to take it back—his father asked with concern.
“What kind of nightmares?”
“Everyone… leaves me behind… and dies.”
It was a lie, actually.
That wasn’t Demian’s true nightmare. His real one was killing his family himself.
It hardly qualified as a dream.
It was all events that had truly happened. Not dreaming, but reliving past memories.
His father burst into hearty laughter.
“You worry too much. Why would we die leaving you alone? Ridiculous.”
It had happened.
Precisely, it had.
That was why Demian couldn’t escape his nightmares.
Uncertain when it might recur.
Because the black wizards who ruined him and his family still spawned across the world.
“Demian, focus on this moment.”
His father said, gazing at the family.
They oohed and aahed at the starlight jellyfish.
“Demian, I’m happy. And you?”
Of course he was happy.
Time with his family was precious beyond words. He hated how it slipped away.
Yet Demian couldn’t simply bask in joy.
Anxiety gnawed at him.
The world brimmed with damnable threats. He went mad with dread, not knowing when they’d shatter this bliss.
Thus, happiness didn’t come easily to his lips.
That was when something tugged at Demian’s sleeve. He looked down to see Munch’s head poking from the shadows.
-Master, big trouble.
Munch tugged and spoke.
-Two humans reeking of extreme danger have appeared.
The happiest moment of his life.
The most unwelcome guests had arrived.