Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: Home - 2
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I gathered my thoughts and spoke up.
“Anyway, if we can recruit even Serein this time, we’ll be bringing in two party members at once.”
“I see. Risel’s already on our side.”
“Yeah. If everything goes smoothly, Kaild will be left all alone.”
“That’s the turning point.”
I nodded at her sharp grasp of the key issue.
A hint of tension appeared on everyone’s faces.
If we take out Kaild before the oracle comes down, the oracle will have no choice but to recognize me as the hero.
I’ll become the true hero in name and fact.
“So? Where are we headed right now?”
“Huh?”
“Whether it’s recruiting her or whatever, we have to meet them first. How do you know where Kaild’s group is at this point?”
“Hmm. Give me a moment to think.”
I leaned back against the chair as I said that.
Then I spoke to Trail.
‘Show me the map.’
[Oh? Sure.]
Soon, a screen window popped up.
[Maide Mohan Cumulative Fame: 85,760]
[Kaild Wake Cumulative Fame: 45,170]
As expected.
[What’s as expected?]
‘Last time, Kaild’s fame was 27,980. If it’s risen this much in such a short time, it means he pulled off something big recently.’
I said that and examined the map closely.
Southern territories on the continental map.
A new black fog was rising from there.
‘Hasfil Territory, as expected.’
He probably didn’t treat the lord of Dronoer Territory, just like in the original timeline before regression.
Assuming they’re moving from there...
I rolled my eyes around.
Further south from there, the area was already thick with Kaild’s black fog.
Rather than revisiting a marked territory, he’d head somewhere the smoke hadn’t reached yet.
‘Hmm. West is the ocean, so east or north.’
Going north would bring him closer to the capital.
Right now, my fame was literally shining in the capital.
‘He’ll avoid getting close to the capital. Clashing with my fame there would be too disadvantageous.’
[Heh heh. At first, you couldn’t head south because you were overwhelmed by Kaild’s fame. The tables have completely turned.]
‘Yeah. So that leaves east.’
The problem is that heading east leads to Hasfil Territory.
[Why’s that a problem?]
I scratched my head.
Suddenly, I felt like dropping everything and retiring.
Seeing my darkening expression, Adwin asked.
“Bro. What’s wrong?”
“Kaild’s group is probably heading to Hasfil Territory.”
“Hasfil... Hasfil...”
Jenia and Opense chimed in.
“It doesn’t have any notable specialties, and it’s not a transportation hub. Why go there?”
“It’s also an extremely poor territory with very low yields.”
“I heard it has a lot of mountains and rough terrain.”
“Definitely not much to see.”
Ugh, it’s awkward to bring up in this atmosphere.
I let out a light sigh and spoke.
“Still, it does have one famous person from there.”
“Huh? Who?”
“The Unyielding Sword Emperor.”
Everyone’s eyes turned to me.
“It’s my hometown.”
Silence fell over the carriage for a moment.
Soon, they all spoke in unison.
“Hasfil. I’ve heard it’s a very beautiful place.”
“The herbs there are supposed to have amazing effects.”
“The people are all so kind. I’ve always wanted to visit—perfect timing.”
What a quick pivot.
Neril said to me.
“I didn’t say anything?”
Kaild thought he could finally relax after treating Dronoer’s lord as per the public notice quest.
He leisurely gazed at Serein, who was grumbling while eating across from him.
“Tastes awful. Risel was really great at cooking.”
“Stop talking about someone who’s already gone.”
She turned her head toward her bowl without responding.
‘She’s got a lot of pent-up dissatisfaction.’
The incident where Opense betrayed him and took the fake hero’s sword.
The earthquake he stopped, but his fame dropped instead.
Up to that point, it was manageable.
‘But.’
Somehow, Maide had even captured the heart of Risel Bindt, whom he believed would never waver.
That must have been the decisive blow for Serein.
She’s probably thinking, ‘Can this guy really fulfill my wish?’
He had to prevent his last remaining party member, Serein, from leaving.
While Serein focused on her meal, Kaild checked the public notice.
‘What now?’
Just following these quests—can he really beat Maide?
As that thought crossed his mind.
Crackle.
A new line appeared on the public notice.
[Essential Quest. Kill Maide Mohan. Without fail.]
‘Oh.’
It perfectly matched his own thoughts.
‘But killing Maide doesn’t seem that easy.’
Just then, as if knowing exactly what he was thinking, another line began to appear.
[Warning. If both parties clash now, your chances of winning are low.]
[Hint. Unseal Hasfil Territory and activate the Jewel of Destruction.]
[Crush Maide’s group with the Jewel of Destruction.]
This is why he couldn’t distrust the public notice.
Whenever he had concerns, it provided a perfect solution like it was waiting.
‘Jewel of Destruction, though? Never heard of such a thing in Hasfil Territory.’
Well, he’d find out when he got there.
It seemed the public notice was determined to kill Maide Mohan too.
Once he arrived, new lines would probably appear.
He needed to hurry.
He was about to tell Serein to get up.
That’s when it happened.
[Warning. If you unseal the Jewel of Destruction, Serein Magnus’s heart will completely turn away.]
Kaild nodded in understanding.
‘Of course. Her wish can only be fulfilled if I become the hero.’
No matter how eccentric Serein was, she wouldn’t go as far as accepting a hero unsealing a demon king’s seal.
‘Should I part ways with Serein temporarily?’
As if anticipating that thought, a new line followed.
[Warning. Risel Bindt is waiting for a chance to persuade Serein Magnus.]
[Make sure to firmly secure Serein’s heart so she doesn’t waver.]
Risel was waiting for a chance to persuade Serein?
No, Serein wouldn’t be swayed.
Maide, who walked the hero’s path so uprightly it was obvious, would never abolish the priestly class across the continent.
‘Still, better prepare for it.’
He thought for a moment and spoke.
“Let’s disband the party temporarily.”
“Huh?”
“I have some business to attend to. Let’s meet up again later.”
“What on earth is it?”
“It’s personal. You’re free to spend your time as you like.”
“......”
“Let’s meet back here in this territory in about a month.”
Serein stared blankly at Kaild.
Kaild shrugged and continued.
“Don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten your wish. I will definitely abolish the priestly class across the continent.”
“......”
“You look skeptical. Well, you’ve seen me getting pushed back by Maide all this time, so it’s understandable.”
“I won’t deny it.”
“But Maide and I have a crucial difference.”
Kaild lowered his voice a bit.
“When I heard the northern hero was the Unyielding Sword Emperor, I did some research on him.”
“You’re good at background checks.”
“I looked into his appearance, age, skills, history—everything. Some of it was useless info.”
“......”
“The Unyielding Sword Emperor was a guy who donated to the priests every month. Seems like he has deep faith. I can kinda guess why he sticks to ‘no killing.’”
Serein was listening to him quite attentively.
Kaild continued.
“That guy won’t fulfill your wish. He might even get mad at you if you tell him.”
“......”
“On the other hand, I curse the priests just as much as you do.”
“Why?”
“I’ve been screwed over by them in so many ways. Want to hear a few stories?”
For the next ten minutes, Kaild passionately explained how hypocritical the priests were and all the rotten things they’d done to him.
Serein listened very intently.
Kaild checked her expression now and then, convinced he’d secured her heart.
But in reality, Serein was thinking.
‘Boring... Hurry up and finish.’
We traveled for over a week and arrived at Hasfil Territory.
Extremely rundown roads.
Small, shabby castles and houses.
Territory folk in worn clothes you couldn’t call prosperous even if you tried.
Everything was just as I remembered.
Adwin spoke in a very awkward tone.
“W-Wow, Hasfil’s scenery really is spectacular!”
“Enough. Don’t force it.”
“Ahem.”
“Even without the forced hype, our territory will become plenty famous. It’s about to produce a hero, after all.”
Neril smirked and spoke.
“What do we do now?”
“First, find a place to stay. Then we plan our strategy.”
“Any inns you recommend? You should know this place well.”
“No clue. I left the territory when I was eight.”
At those words, everyone’s eyes widened.
More precisely, they sparkled.
Jenia bounced in her seat as she spoke.
“Come to think of it, we don’t know much about your past, Maide. You stepped out into the world at eight.”
“You can just call it running away from home.”
“I was trying to phrase it nicely.”
“Anyway, nothing impressive about my past. I wandered around doing odd jobs for a few years, joined a mercenary guild for the first time at ten. Been a mercenary ever since.”
Opense spoke up.
“Who’d give requests to a ten-year-old kid?”
“Mercenaries don’t just roam battlefields. I made pocket change as a guide or porter for parties. First time I picked up a sword was at twelve.”
“That’s still plenty early.”
“Anyway, rolling around like that, I handled some big jobs, and before I knew it, I was a top-grade mercenary. That’s my whole past.”
An awkward silence fell.
I scratched my head and spoke.
“So yeah, I don’t know any good inns here either. Let’s go somewhere else.”
“Where?”
“Our house.”
If it’s still there, that is.
Fortunately, our house was right where I remembered.
But calling it a house was generous—it was more like a ruin.
Spiderwebs draped the ceiling, as if the spiders were claiming ownership.
The old, creaky door looked ready to collapse any second.
It was a bleak scene no one would enter even if paid, but the party settled in without a care.
‘Are they being considerate of me?’
My chest warmed for no reason.
“Sorry I couldn’t bring you somewhere nicer.”
“It’s fine. You picked a place with no people on purpose, right?”
“Huh?”
“You’re trying to recruit Serein, but Kaild won’t just sit still. We’ll end up fighting, so a remote spot makes sense.”
Neril had read my mind perfectly.
The other party members nodded with gentle smiles too.
I scratched my head and spoke.
“Thanks. Anyway, let’s get to business.”
“Wait a sec.”
Adwin raised his hand.
“What?”
“Gray is poking my side nonstop.”
“Say that again?”
“He must have something to say.”
I gaped in disbelief.
“No way—that guy did the same last time, asking why he had to open the gates of the afterlife first! How is that even possible!”
“He says don’t get excited. Anyway, should I summon him?”
Soon, Adwin’s arm glowed.
A moment later, Grade Ban Handman, the first hero, spoke.
“Long time no see.”
“Good to see you. Farewell.”
“Still as impudent as ever, my vassal.”
“That’s why I’m asking—why am I your vassal?”
“Take it as an honor and quit yapping.”
Grade looked around.
“Is this some kind of barn?”
“It’s my house.”
“Hmm. Sorry. Anyway, I was rude because I had something to confirm.”
“Go ahead.”
“Isn’t this Hasfil Territory? Pretty sure that’s what it’s called in your era.”
Interest lit up in the party’s eyes.
Even I was surprised that someone of emperor status knew this rural territory’s name.
“Yes, it is.”
“Leave this place immediately.”
“Pardon?”
“This is where the Demon King of Destruction’s Jewel is.”
I tilted my head.
Before and after regression, I’d never heard of a Jewel of Destruction in Hasfil.
Not even when I was in the hero’s party.
Opense asked.
“What do you mean? Didn’t you destroy the Jewel of Destruction, Grade?”
“Heh heh. Destroy the Demon King of Destruction’s Jewel? Where’s the logic in that contradiction?”
“But the history books say...”
“The continent couldn’t live in peace knowing the demon king’s core was intact. So I smashed a random gem as a show and declared it the Jewel of Destruction.”
I pressed my forehead.
“Lies are having a bumper crop.”
“You wouldn’t understand the situation back then. Humanity was drowning in despair from the first demon king ever. Suicides numbered in the thousands daily.”
“......”
“As the first emperor-to-be, I had to soothe them. I’d do the same if I went back.”
We fell silent for a moment.
Neril asked.
“Why couldn’t you destroy the Jewel?”
“It was too big.”
“Come on, for heroes and legends like you, is that an excuse?”
“Follow me.”
Grade stood up.
We quietly followed him.
Outside, a massive mountain reaching the sky came into view.
Baharma Mountain.
If Hasfil Territory—truly devoid of anything noteworthy—had one famous thing, it was this, the continent’s tallest peak.
Eternal snow at the summit, lightly wrapped in clouds, created a breathtaking vista.
Grade pointed right at it.
“That’s the Jewel of Destruction.”
“Hahaha.”
“Why laugh?”
“Can’t take a first emperor’s joke seriously. Such is the sorrow of the underling.”
“I wasn’t joking. Such an impudent vassal.”
He continued in a somewhat melancholic tone.
“What you call Baharma Mountain is the Jewel of Destruction itself.”
“......How’s that possible?”
“The Demon King of Destruction couldn’t contain its core in its body. Obvious, since it was too massive.”
“......”
“We defeated the demon king but couldn’t find the core in its body. One of my party members, the priest, sought revelation from the heavenly god. And we learned.”
He said quietly.
“The mountain itself is the demon king’s core.”
“I see.”
“Back then, Hasfil was untouched wilderness to humanity, not a soul around. We rushed here. The core was wriggling, trying to revive.”
Gulp.
Jenia’s swallow was vividly audible.
“So we sealed it. My priest party member cast the grand spell ‘Purification’—in exchange for his life.”
“......Hermes Meim, right?”
“Yes. We announced he fell in the final battle to the demon king.”
He couldn’t hide his bitter expression.
But soon he shook his head.
“Well, he’s kicking back comfortably in the afterlife now, so no need for those faces.”
“......”
“Sorry to your knightess, but I don’t think you’re superior to Hermes. If that seal breaks again, no one can stop it.”
Jenia didn’t deny or resent it.
“I’m happy just to be compared to Hermes.”
“Positive one.”
“But why assume the seal will break?”
“Dense one.”
“Pick one—praise or insult.”
Grade clicked his tongue.
“A demon king already descended in your era.”
“The Demon King of Lies...”
“Yes. That one could probably break what Hermes sacrificed his life to purify. If he learns you’re here, what do you think the Demon King of Lies will do?”
“......”
“If it were me, I’d unseal it immediately and crush you with the Jewel’s power. Stay if you think you can withstand the Demon King of Destruction’s authority.”
He yawned widely there.
“Anyway, that’s all I have to say.”
“Ah, thank you so much. Farewell.”
“I didn’t say I was leaving yet.”
“Huh?”
Grade scratched his head and asked.
“H-How’s Risel doing?”
Serein, on a long vacation with nothing particular to do, spent a few days rolling around on her inn room bed.
But even lounging has its limits.
After a week, she burst out of her room.
‘Come to think of it, I’ve been on this self-imposed sobriety for image management.’
Today, she’d drink like crazy for the first time in ages.
As she headed out with that in mind.
An unexpected, nostalgic voice called.
“Serein.”
“No! I’m not going drinking.”
“......”
“Whoa, what?”
She’d responded without thinking and spun around in shock.
No presence at all, yet Risel was just a couple steps behind her.