Chapter 227
Chapter 227
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 227
Chapter Title: Temporary Contract Instructor (1)
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After that, Demian headed to the territory of the nearby Alpen Count family with the three others.
The Alpen Count family, which could be called the master of this region, was actually one of the houses secretly supporting the Demon Extermination Unit.
"...Your two companions' injuries are severe. Come in quickly."
The Alpen Count generously provided all the healing potions his family had on hand for Rainy and Wilhelm.
Due to the nature of the Demon Extermination Unit, which had to conceal its existence, they couldn't carelessly call in priests or doctors.
Fortunately, the healing potions provided by the Alpen Count family were all expensive and highly effective. Rainy's and Wilhelm's conditions improved rapidly.
While Roger nursed the two, Demian met with the Count.
"Fighting a Giant Evil and not losing a single person... All four of you are truly remarkable."
When Demian roughly explained what had happened that day, the Alpen Count stuck out his tongue in astonishment.
"As requested, I sent word to the Sword Saint. He's on his way now."
As he said, the Sword Saint arrived at the Alpen Count family before the sun set.
"What in the world happened? Rainy and Wilhelm are critically injured?"
Having rushed over, steam rose from the Sword Saint's body along with intense heat.
Demian told the Sword Saint everything that had happened in the lab.
As Demian's explanation continued, the bewilderment on the Sword Saint's face grew thicker.
"...You took on Salik and Barche by yourself?"
The Sword Saint asked again in disbelief. It was a natural reaction. Those two were big shots even the Sword Saint knew by name.
Salik was one of the infamous concubines of the Giant Evil Sla. Sla's concubines were each renowned for possessing power equal to a Giant Evil.
Salik in particular was someone who had once risen to the rank of Giant Evil. He was among the top three in strength even among the concubines.
Barche was no one to underestimate either. He was a direct disciple of a Weapon Master who commanded forces rivaling the Giant Evil Sla.
A direct disciple referred to those who received their master's full favor and all techniques. Though Barche wasn't the Weapon Master's prized disciple, he was one of the strongest among the direct disciples.
"If you don't believe me, go check for yourself. The three bodies are still in the lab."
At Demian's words, the Sword Saint pondered for a long while before speaking.
"...No, thinking about it, you have no reason to lie to me."
Perhaps because it was too outlandish. Instead, the Sword Saint quickly accepted Demian's words.
"But... how did you beat both of them at the same time? Those guys are on a different level from the Dark Knight who attacked the tournament. They're on par with Giant Evils."
This was exactly why Demian had tried to hide his abilities as much as possible.
Demian's experience was too short compared to his skill. It made him perfect for drawing suspicion.
But it was already out, so nothing to be done. Demian decided to play it off a bit cheekily to dispel the Sword Saint's doubts.
"Well, I'm pretty talented."
At Demian's words, the Sword Saint made a dumbfounded face. He even looked at Demian as if wondering if he was joking now.
"Didn't the Empire's Greatest Swordsman or you yourself hear similar things in your youth?"
At those words, the Sword Saint made an "ah" expression.
Not to Demian's extent, but the Empire's Greatest Swordsman and the Sword Saint were also geniuses among the greatest in human history.
It was obvious their daily lives were filled with people's shock, praise, and suspicion.
"...So this is what they felt like. I thought they were paranoid, but I need to change my mind."
The Sword Saint muttered while scratching his forehead with a finger.
"Thinking about it, I got the order wrong."
The Sword Saint crossed his arms over his chest and knelt on one knee. Then he said to the flustered Demian.
"Thank you for saving my disciples."
It was a plain thanks, but because of that, it brimmed with sincere emotion.
Demian was once again swept by complex feelings.
In his previous life, Demian had killed the Sword Saint and massacred the Demon Extermination Unit on Dorgo's orders.
It wasn't Demian's will. When he was remade into a Death Knight, Demian lost all rights to control his own body.
He was trapped inside his own body and could only move according to Dorgo's commands. But the fact that Demian had ultimately killed them didn't change.
"I'd love to spread word of the feat you accomplished far and wide. But all Demon Extermination Unit activities must be conducted in secret."
The Demon Extermination Unit was a militant group created to counter Pandemonium's schemes.
The most terrifying thing about Pandemonium was that it operated in the shadows. Thus, the Demon Extermination Unit had no choice but to hide their identities as well.
"Besides, it wouldn't be good for you if this got out. You might become a target for the other Giant Evils."
That didn't scare him much. Demian actually hoped the Giant Evils would come to him. Then he wouldn't have to go hunting them down.
However, since Demian wasn't the type to obsess over fame, he had no complaints about the Sword Saint's decision.
"Instead, if there's anything you want, I'll grant it. Along with my apologies for covering up your achievement, I want to repay you for saving my disciples."
The Sword Saint, along with the Empire's Greatest Swordsman, was a pillar of the Empire.
Opportunities to request something from someone with such immense power and authority were rare.
'What should I ask for?'
At the Sword Saint's words, Demian fell into brief thought.
Having reached Master Class, next he needed to aim for Grandmaster realm.
Of course, becoming a Grandmaster was never easy.
One had to overcome multiple walls of enlightenment. Physical capacity and mana depth were crucial too.
'My enlightenment is sufficient. All that's lacking is body and mana.'
Demian's current body was unrivaled even among Master Class. Thanks to pushing the Berserk Earthlight Pill to its limits when ascending to Master Class.
But it fell short for Grandmaster. He needed a tougher body and more mana.
"I'd like an elixir. Ideally something that strengthens both body and mana at once."
"Hoo... You're aiming for Grandmaster, aren't you?"
Demian nodded. The Sword Saint looked at him with an amused face.
"Perfect timing. I happen to have just the elixir."
"What is it?"
"Dragon Heart."
Demian paused and looked at the Sword Saint. The Sword Saint added playfully.
"...a fragment of one, which I possess. A gift from His late Majesty."
Even a fragment was an extraordinary elixir.
"But it's not with me right now. It's too precious, so I keep it stored separately. I'll have someone deliver it to you later."
"Understood."
He could wait as long as it took for a Dragon Heart fragment.
No greater elixir existed in this world.
"And one more request."
"Speak."
"Please use your influence to get me into the Imperial Academy."
At Demian's request, bewilderment appeared on the Sword Saint's face.
"...You want to enter the Academy? Don't tell me you plan to become a student?"
"As if. How could I become an Academy student at my age?"
Those entering the Academy were all teenage boys. Demian was too old.
"Staff, guard, guard knight—position doesn't matter. As long as I can stay there long-term."
"Is there a special reason?"
"Sla is there."
The Sword Saint's pupils dilated hugely.
"...The harlot Sla is there? Where did you get that information?"
Demian knew Sla's location because he'd seen Salik's memories.
But he couldn't say that directly. So Demian mixed in a lie.
"Salik let slip some info while fighting me. He mentioned the Academy a lot."
"So Sla might be at the Academy."
The Sword Saint fell into thought again.
"...Honestly, it's still just speculation. No solid proof."
Just as Demian thought he'd be rejected, the Sword Saint added.
"But those Pandemonium bastards never show their tracks. We can't miss even a clue like this. I'll grant your request."
The Sword Saint's eyes changed. No longer the eyes of a drunkard or a master overjoyed at his disciples' survival.
They were the eyes of a hunter pursuing prey.
"But why go this far? You're not even Imperial. Why are you after Sla?"
"I've saved the Mercenary King before