87
My Villains Chapter 87
23. Mother's Warrior (1)
"On the night of the 4th, 22-year-old First Class Private Moon committed suicide by jumping from an apartment in -------. Having made this extreme choice on the day of his discharge, malicious rumors about Private Moon have been spreading across various SNS platforms—"
Click.
"...That's about Moon Jung-hyuk, right?"
"I think so."
"This is going to blow up now? Damn, stepped in shit at the last moment."
Dozens of pairs of eyes gleam white. My shoulders instinctively shrink.
The barracks turns upside down.
Flicker flicker—
"The light's out. Tell the duty officer to change it when you go out later."
"Yes, understood."
"So, did you understand everything the company commander explained?"
"Yes, I understood."
"Our Seung-soo is so good at repeating orders. Any questions?"
"...No, sir."
The company commander's office turns upside down.
"So, you're saying you're the sexual harassment victim?"
"...Yes, that's correct."
"The investigator confirmed that you were the first one to post on what, Bamboo Forest?"
"...Well."
"No?"
"I said, is it not?!"
BANG!
The table shattered.
The snake-like sergeant was gone, and a large private first class—no—
"Faalata!" The large Indian grabbed my collar. His black eyes were filled with hatred.
"Faalata, Darrve!"
No, that's not it!
I screamed while tears streamed down my face. The scream I let out at the top of my lungs echoed in my mouth.
Last dawn. The conspirators were eliminated, and the witch, who was the mastermind, had her neck severed by my hands.
Whether she was a monster or not, the witch's status was that of a Countess. Moreover, since the lord was furious and ordered my death, I was worried something might go wrong.
It was needless worry.
Prince Ulkar went even further and tore the witch's corpse to pieces. Then he hung the human remains at the city gate and the monster's remains at the lighthouse.
...Crazy bastard. No wonder he becomes the King of Slaughter in the future.
Regardless of my opinion, the city's morale soared sky-high.
Not only was morale high, but compared to the original scenario, our side was definitely at an advantage.
Naturally, it was thanks to Prince Ulkar.
The prince saved the city from the crisis caused by the earthquake, and whenever opportunity arose, he attacked the bandits, proving his reputation wasn't groundless.
A thousand soldiers were under his command, and this time he even threw the lord in prison, completely taking control of the nobles.
This merciless prince had essentially become the master of the city.
"Nngh—"
The summer sun high in the sky tickles my nose. After tossing and turning in bed for a while, I finally got up.
Ugh, so stiff.
Because of getting hit and broken all over during the dawn battle, everything aches.
The really strange thing is, even though I fought until my body was in tatters, it didn't hurt much yesterday. Is this the power of adrenaline?
If I'd known it would hurt this much, I should have gone to the church for treatment right after the battle. Well, with so many injured people, it's questionable whether I could have seen a priest anyway.
"Sigh."
If a normal person was injured this badly, they'd need months to recover, right? No, they might have died before that.
Fortunately, Phoenix's body was far from normal. With a Health stat of 21 and passive skills.
And Sister Olga's brief healing helped too.
Probably after resting well for two days, I'll be able to recover my condition.
"Nngh."
Whatever happens in two days, there's nothing I can do about the pain right now. If I'd known this would happen, maybe I should have invested the level-up bonus in Health.
I reached level 16. I used the bonus points to increase Strength and invested the skill bonus in 'Thirst'.
Considering the fierce battle I fought at dawn, leveling up was actually natural.
Just the 'Unveiled Witch' alone gave 2,000 experience points. Add to that 700 from 'Ironborn', 120 per guard, and 40 from each thug enforcer...
Just calculating the experience gained from kills, it's close to 6,000 points.
Including quest completion experience, it would be around 9,000. I guess you could say the hard work paid off.
Wait. Come to think of it, wasn't the first 'cap jump' point at level 16?
In Dark World, the experience points required increase dramatically at certain level intervals. This phenomenon was called a 'cap jump', and the first point was at level 16.
In other words, to level up at level 16, you need a whopping 10,000 experience points, and the experience requirements continue to increase significantly after that.
This is serious trouble. It's about time my level starts falling behind, but I can't farm, ugh.
My thoughts scattered at the shy squeak of the hinge. The one who opened the door and came into the room was-
"...Daria?"
"Shh."
Daria glanced at the soundly sleeping Ellen and tiptoed in. Then she started putting down the things she brought next to the bed.
A water basin, towels, an ointment jar, clean bandages, clothes...
"What's all this?"
As I raised my upper body, Daria pulled up the hem of my tunic without warning and whispered.
"Take it off quickly. Let me see where you're hurt."
"Ugh, I'm fine. You don't need to-"
"Quickly!"
When I pretended to give in and took off my clothes, Daria began tending to my wounds with skilled hands.
"It's already healed a lot? You really do have an amazing body."
Her technique of washing my body with lukewarm water, applying ointment, and wrapping bandages had become quite skilled by now.
As I noticed when she was sewing too, Daria has very deft hands. Meticulous, caring, gentle, and warm.
When applying ointment, giving massages, and doing... Um, other things. There was a charm that made me close my eyes naturally.
Sometimes when I lifted my heavy eyelids, I would meet green eyes filled with warmth. At those times, even my chest would feel warm, and I would find myself grinning like a fool without realizing it.
But... I wonder what Daria looked like in the game? I suddenly became curious.
One question led to another.
What is this world? Is it the game world that has become reality? Or is it reality that was put into the game?
Just then, a stabbing pain shot through my shin. A sensation pulling my daydreaming mind back to reality.
"Ow, it stings."
"Ah, sorry. Did it hurt a lot?"
"No, no. It's fine."
Daria's eyes went wide, and after letting out a small sigh of relief, she unwrapped the bandage around my shin.
"Hmm... I think we can remove the splint now? I'll just apply medicine and change the bandage here."
"Yeah, do whatever you think is best."
Her now more careful hands caressed my firm calf. Though I closed my eyes again, through the sensitive touch, each movement of her fingers was drawn in my mind.
The questions fade, and worry raises its head.
If I fail to clear the campaign... This kind woman will also turn to dust.
The cute magician, the responsible mercenary, the chatty archer, they'll all die.
Can I do it?
"There, done."
After tending to my wounds, Daria even helped me change into fresh clothes. Then she left the room saying she would bring some simple food.
The worry that had briefly scattered takes shape again.
If this world resembles the game, the enemies we'll face from now on will become drastically stronger. How should I deal with those enemies?
In my opinion, there was only one answer.
Increasing our numbers. Not just adding more people, but making allies of those who have the potential to become stronger.
"Now, say ah-"
Daria brought a bowl of stew with rye bread and dried fish pieces. And despite my strong protests, she's forcing me to open my mouth as she tries to spoon-feed me.
"Hey, it's fine. I'm not a child-"
"Be quiet and eat."
...She's being quite firm today.
I quietly accepted the stew while glancing at Ellen.
She was sound asleep, oblivious to the world. Well, she hasn't been able to rest properly, and she used up all her magic since dawn, so it's natural she's tired.
After finishing the meal and lying down, Daria covered me with a blanket and spoke.
"Is there still anything uncomfortable?"
"Hm? No, I feel completely refreshed and good."
"...Really? Your expression hasn't been good for a while."
"Ah. Um..."
Ugh, I must have failed to manage my expression while lost in thought. Daria must have been concerned since I had a gloomy face while she was caring for me so attentively.
"Just... I have some worries."
"What worries?"
"Well, various things. About the city, about Hatanka..."
Daria nodded slightly at my carefully chosen words.
"Phoenix."
"Yes?"
"When all the thieves leave... Will you go too?"
Her words full of hesitation and slightly trembling eyes. I looked at those sea-green eyes and kept quiet for a moment.
If we're struggling this much just in South Harbor, can I handle the journey ahead?
I unconsciously looked at Ellen.
As I always feel, Ellen sleeping obliviously was beautiful like an angel. Today she even had a small smile on her lips, making her look even more so.
Even if I stay, Ellen will leave. Because that's the fate given to her.
Can Ellen pass through the 'Dark Lodge' alone? When she reaches 'Crow's Cliff', can she avenge her master and clear her name?
And can I let her go alone?
"I have to leave."
"Yeah, that's right..."
Daria kept her head down, fidgeting with the empty bowl.
"Um... Where will you go?"
"Well, we're heading north."
I searched my memory for a moment to recall a place name.
"We plan to cross the Gradil Mountains."
"Gradil? Don't you mean 'Graduel Mountains'?"
"Ah, right. Graduel Mountains."
At my positive response, Daria's expression brightened a bit.
"Then, we'll be passing through 'Longville'?"
"Longville? Where's that?"
"It's a territory at the foot of Mt. Graduel. It's a cozy and peaceful place, like it's nestled in the mountains."
Longville... Wait, Longville?
"Wasn't that a thieves' den?"
At my question, Daria frowned as if she'd heard something strange.
"A thieves' den? It's a peaceful place ruled by a kind lord."
"...Is that so? I must have heard wrong."
In Chapter 3, 'Longville' was a thieves' den with a nasty quest. Ugh, since I don't know the detailed story, I can't tell what's what.
"But you seem to know a lot about that region? Have you been to Longville?"
"Of course. Longville is my hometown."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes. I lived there until I came here at twelve. It was such a nice neighborhood."
Daria seemed lost in memories for a moment before sighing.
"I used to exchange letters with my uncle in Longville once a month, but the communication stopped because of the thieves. He must be very worried."
"Don't be too sad. It'll end soon."
"...Yeah, I suppose so."
Daria nodded quietly and then silently clapped her hands.
"Ah, when are we going to pick up Mr. Hatanka?"
"Lord Ariad said he'd send a messenger, so let's just wait." Thanks to my request to Prince Ulkar, Utequais's life could be saved.
However, he wasn't immediately set free. Lord Ariad stepped in, saying he wanted to interrogate Utequais, the foreigner.
Since the prince said not to torture him, it should be fine...
Ah, whatever. It'll be okay.
"I'll let you know right away when the messenger comes. For now, get some rest."
"I think I will."
As I closed my eyes at Daria's suggestion,
Rustle.
"...What, what are you doing?"
"I'll help you fall asleep."
"Huh? Ah,"
Daria gathered her abundant red hair into one bundle and crept under the blanket.
I looked over at Ellen in surprise, but,
"...He"
That kid was grinning with her mouth half-open as if having a good dream. Perhaps she was reliving the moment of flying through the sky spreading fireballs?
I was able to fall into a peaceful sleep, forgetting both the throbbing pain and worries about the future.
It was late afternoon when Lord Ariad's messenger arrived. Permission had been granted to take Utequais.
Ellen and I finished our preparations and left the inn.
"Hey, stop that. It's distracting."
Despite my scolding, Ellen, perched on my forearm, kept wiggling her toes incessantly. As if she couldn't hear anything, she focused on her toes while resting her arm on my crown.
"...Sigh."
I was about to say something more but ended up just sighing.
Before leaving the inn, I had Ellen take the covenant. Fortunately, like when she first took it and regained some sensation, this time too it seemed quite effective.
Poke
"Eek!"
When I poked her thin calf with my finger, Ellen straightened up in surprise.
"What are you doing? You scared me!"
"That's because you weren't answering."
"Can't you see I'm concentrating on my toes?"
"Why are you doing that even on the street?"
"What does being on the street matter? You said to move them habitually, whenever."
Thanks to the covenant, Ellen had regained a bit more sensation in her lower body and could twitch her big toe.
Though there was still a long way to go... I think it'll get much better after drinking the remaining four bottles.
"I said to do it habitually, unconsciously, not to space out staring at your toes like that."
"Concentration is one of a mage's most basic qualities. Rather than doing several things shoddily, focusing intently on one thing-"
"What's so great about wiggling toes that needs such focus? What about, you know, isn't multitasking also a basic quality for mages?"
"...Multicasting? You mean multiple incantations?"
"Not casting but task- anyway. The city's still unstable, so don't space out too much."
While bickering with Ellen, we had entered the market street. Since it was also the way to the square, we looked at the stalls to see if there was anything worth buying.
Despite the city being under siege for nearly two months, quite a few merchants remained. They must be really stubborn people.
Of course, having merchants around didn't mean the market was functioning normally.
Notably, items like military equipment and food supplies had skyrocketed in price. When you can't even get a piece of bread for one silver coin, that says it all.
Everything else was generally in a similar situation.
"So, how much did you say?"
When Ellen asked in disbelief, the middle-aged merchant replied with a blank expression.
"Mint is one silver per ounce, silverbell flower is two per ounce- and we're out of jester's mushroom and pagoda tree."
"...Ha."
Most of the alchemy materials Ellen wanted to buy were herbs, and they were priced absurdly high.
We ended up having to pass through the market empty-handed. Though we did manage to get three sets of used clothes for one silver coin, it wasn't much consolation.
"Sigh, even if we earn money, it's awkward to spend it."
Looking in the money pouch while carrying the bundle of clothes, we had 3 gold coins and 3 silver coins in public funds, and 3 gold coins and 3 copper coins in emergency funds (my money).
Though this is supposed to be quite a sum, I can't really feel it.
I want to clear this chapter quickly and bid farewell to these crazy prices. Really.
After entering the square, we headed toward the gallows past the military tent camp.
Around that time, Ellen, who was sitting on my shoulder, activated her feather ornament.
"Why waste magic? Just sit normally."
"The prince and knights might look down on us. Don't worry about it since I need to practice anyway."
Though she said that, without the spirit's help, she could barely manage to keep her balance at best.
So Ellen was floating in the air while firmly gripping the hem of my cloak. Perhaps because it was a magic-resistant cloak, the magic from the feather ornament didn't flow to me.
"Are you still unhappy?"
"About what?"
"About bringing in Hatanka."
Ellen, who was trying to maintain balance in mid-air while twitching her arms, answered with furrowed brows.
"Of course I'm unhappy. Who would want such a barbarian as a companion?"
"Well..."
"But since what you said isn't wrong... I guess we have no choice."
Hmm, seems my persuasion worked. Well-
If I were to describe Ellen's current state... Wouldn't it be something like a 'stationary glass cannon'?
She was already frail to begin with, and now with her lower body disabled - it's a harsh but accurate assessment.
Of course, she can fly using the feather ornament. But to fly properly, she needs the spirit's assistance, which consumes too much magic. Just yesterday, she ran out of magic after a short flight and two fireballs.
Unless she becomes more accustomed to using the feather ornament or her magical power increases, it's difficult to expect stable mobility from Ellen.
An elemental mage with a paper-thin body who can't even run? That means zero survivability.
In this situation, we needed Utequais even more. A berserker with tank tattoos is perfect as a meat shield.
-Thanks to this logic, Ellen seemed to have accepted it to some degree.
After considering her words for a moment, Ellen spoke.
"But even if we travel together..."
I smiled slightly and gave her the answer she wanted.
"If anything seems off, tell me right away."
"And if I do?"
"We'll abandon him. The whole point of bringing Hatanka along is to protect you. What's the point if you feel unsafe?"
"...Well, fine then."
Saying that, Ellen turned her head away.
The setting sun in the west beautifully tinged her white face.