Chapter 29
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: Galahad
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“Hmph-.”
Galahad came to his senses with a throbbing headache.
It felt like his head was about to split open, as if someone had struck it with an axe. As he exhaled a cough-like breath, a nauseating stench filled the air.
The smell of rotting meat, of filth, of smoldering ash—.
Muttering a curse, Galahad put a cigarette to his lips.
*Flick, flick.* He snapped his fingers twice, and mana swirled. The scent of lemon filled the air.
[Smells like lemon? Is that an insult? You son of a bitch.]
He laughed like a cough at the harsh curse. The cigarette in his mouth fell with a soft *tick*. His eyes slowly unfocused.
Damian picked it up and placed it back in his mouth. Damian was meticulously covered in blood.
“Want me to kill you?”
“I’m fine. Got too much to do.”
“Yes, sir.”
Replying obediently, Damian squatted down next to Galahad.
Galahad silently puffed on his cigarette.
Ironically, the remaining pyre was still sharing its warmth.
Beside it stretched a long line of corpses and piles of ash—. It was horribly quiet.
‘My body’s not going to hold up.’
Galahad winced at the pain radiating from every inch of his body.
‘It wasn’t even this bad when I was getting knocked around in the Intelligence Bureau—.’
*Tsk.* Galahad clicked his tongue and spat. The saliva was red and thin.
“Ah, I’m hungry—.”
Galahad smiled bitterly at Damian’s impassive whine.
“Didn’t you eat a lot earlier?”
“I moved around just as much.”
“That’s true.”
Galahad replied, observing Damian.
Damian was looking up at the sky with his mouth open. In the hazy night, snowflakes that looked like ash fell into his open mouth.
‘Amanda’s mental interference had no effect on Damian at all.’
Amanda’s mental interference was high-level. It was so potent that Galahad had been prepared to let his brain burst.
But it hadn’t worked on Damian, not even once.
It wasn’t something you could avoid just by having simple thoughts.
“You, what are you?”
“I’m Damian.”
“I see.”
Galahad chuckled.
Damian stared intently at Galahad, his cheeks moving.
“Spit it out.”
A piece of bread, so rotten it had turned to mush, fell from Damian’s mouth. Who knows when he’d eaten it—.
“Eat this. It’s beef jerky Tom made.”
Damian’s mouth fell wide open. The jerky Galahad tossed flew right in.
“I think Tom is the best.”
“I agree.”
He nodded at Damian’s pure admiration.
“We’ll have a team dinner as soon as we get back. Sir Gilberton agreed to pay, so eat as much as you want.”
“I’m really hungry.”
Damian blinked, a rare sight.
“Looks like Sir Gilberton is in for it.”
The two of them quietly watched the fiercely burning pyre.
Galahad replayed Amanda’s words in his mind.
‘“That person”—.’
For a demon to use such a respectful term, their target had to be someone of higher standing.
Amanda had said to bring him back alive. It wasn’t a simple mission to eliminate Galahad.
It was a shame he hadn’t had the leeway to try and win Amanda over.
‘Is it Dawn? Or just another demon?’
A high-ranking demon targeting him—.
‘I’ll have to contact Palho separately.’
Even if he didn’t, they were bound to make a move.
Just then, the Egg of Pain quivered.
‘The Egg of Pain drank the demon’s blood.’
The Egg of Pain vibrated as if it were struggling.
After a brief vibration, something familiar emerged from the Egg of Pain.
‘…Mana?’
It was definitely mana. And highly concentrated at that.
Galahad doubted his own senses. The Egg of Pain, which had feasted on a demon’s blood, was now spitting out mana?
He hastily gauged its concentration.
‘The concentration is higher than normal mana, but lower than when I drank the demon’s blood directly.’
However, there was none of the searing pain that felt like his blood vessels were on fire, which he experienced when drinking a demon’s blood.
To drink a demon’s blood and spit out mana. It felt as if the Egg of Pain had digested it for him.
Though it seemed to be taking a hefty cut for itself in the process—.
‘Fascinating.’
Galahad let out a gasp of wonder and manipulated the mana.
The mana gained from demon blood was volatile. If he lost focus for even a moment, it could consume him.
In contrast, the mana produced by the Egg of Pain moved obediently, following Galahad’s will.
‘What is this—.’
Forgetting the pain, Galahad focused on the unidentified mana.
He manipulated it to form a mana arrow. Due to its high concentration, the arrow formed using very little mana.
If this was the case—.
Galahad swallowed hard.
He had used demon blood for single, powerful bursts before, but he had never stored the mana derived from it.
It was because its nature was far too volatile. Storing it risked having it consume Galahad’s own mana.
‘But with this mana—.’
His hesitation was brief. He pushed the mana to a point just below his heart. It settled without any resistance, just like when storing ambient mana.
“It works!”
Galahad shouted in spite of himself, shooting to his feet.
The fact that this mana could be stored meant he could accumulate the power from demon blood instead of just using it for one-off attacks.
Of course, the efficiency was lower than drinking the blood directly, but even considering that, it was an astounding ability.
Any deficit could be solved by simply drinking more.
‘First, I need to confirm.’
Galahad desperately maintained his composure.
For a mage, excitement was poison.
He had to check if he could use the stored mana.
Galahad looked up at the sky. It was still snowing.
Not the best weather, but if the mana concentration was high enough—.
“I should call Sir Gilberton.”
A wide grin spread across Galahad’s lips.
****
“Sir Gilberton.”
Tom called out to Gilberton, who looked thoroughly displeased.
Gilberton had been in this state ever since the captain had disappeared with Damian. He was clearly worried about them.
“You don’t have to worry. The captain will be fine.”
“Worry?”
Tom flinched at Gilberton’s sharp retort. If he wasn’t worried, then why was he so sulky?
“Why did he take Damian and not me?”
He seemed upset that Galahad had taken Damian instead of him.
“He must have had no choice. Sir Gilberton, you are far too famous. If you had gone with him, the enemy might have fled in terror.”
At Tom’s words, Gilberton’s expression softened slightly.
Gilberton cleared his throat with a *harrumph* and tapped the hilt of his sword. Tom sighed inaudibly with relief.
Just then, Henry, the commander of the 7th Company, approached, spinning his axe.
“There seems to be something over there.”
The place Commander Henry pointed to was a mountain of snow.
An avalanche caused by the heavy snowfall. He seemed to think the missing 4th Company had been caught in it.
Gilberton shook his head.
“No, it’s this way. The captain found a clue.”
Commander Henry’s face took on a peculiar expression.
“Are you trusting the word of a mage? If we don’t start digging now, the soldiers will freeze to death.”
Commander Henry’s argument was quite reasonable.
Since the avalanche had occurred right on the company’s path, it was natural to suspect that location.
To refute him, they would have to reveal they had received a letter from a demon, which would make the situation awkward.
Tom wondered how to resolve this predicament.
Just then—.
From the sky, a thick bolt of lightning split into hundreds of branches and struck the ground. Tom’s jaw dropped at the sight of the lightning that embroidered the heavens.
A momentary silence fell in the wake of the lightning.
“Let’s go check it out first. A little time in the snow won’t kill them, will it?”
“Understood! Everyone, move out!”
With clear proof, the persuasion was over in an instant.
****
‘It works.’
Galahad looked at his tingling fingers and grinned.
The mana had been stored successfully. There was no problem drawing it out either.
In fact, it was cleaner than his original mana.
While its concentration was lower than what he got from drinking demon blood directly, the ability to store it was what mattered.
Using magic with raw demon blood had too many risks. Besides, it was a one-time use.
If he could store it like this, the lower concentration wasn’t a major issue. He just had to drink more.
Of course, there was the minor condition that his heart would be devoured if he didn’t kill Adrianna, but there were other ways to solve that.
He felt genuinely grateful to Korton.
‘Was it because it was a byproduct of a high-ranking demon—. If a byproduct’s ability is this potent, then a high-ranking demon must be a completely different class of being.’
If a byproduct had this kind of effect, he couldn’t even begin to imagine what a high-ranking demon might offer. He couldn’t help but salivate.
Galahad shook his head.
He had just won a life-or-death battle against Amanda. It wouldn’t be wise to face a high-ranking demon that Amanda herself revered right now.
*Throb!* A pain flared around his heart. It was a harsh urging to fulfill his vow.
‘There are some minor side effects.’
Galahad licked his lips.
Just then, one side of the area grew noisy.
In the distance, Gilberton, the squad members, and the northerners were running toward them.
Their momentum was quite menacing.
“Slaughter the filthy demons! Rip out their throats and drink their blood!”
The man named Henry bellowed, brandishing his axe. Behind him, the northerners charged, letting out bizarre war cries. Snow flew wildly with every step.
They looked as if they were heading off to war.
‘Hm. It’s already over.’
Galahad let out a low groan.
Gilberton was at the forefront. Perhaps influenced by the others, he too let out a strange roar.
“Knight— Gilberton!”
Gilberton raised his sword high. The brilliant cerulean aura flaring from the blade was quite a spectacle.
Was he always like this? Galahad clicked his tongue softly.
Their shouts reached a crescendo as they entered the village.
“Filthy demon scum! Hiding in fear, are you!”
With Gilberton leading the charge, they stormed straight into the square.
They finally fell silent upon arriving.
Spotting Galahad, Gilberton rushed over.
“…Where are the demons?”
“Over there.”
Galahad pointed to a pile of ash.
Gilberton squinted.
“What happened?”
“Can’t you tell by looking?”
At Galahad’s reply, Gilberton surveyed the square.
Gruesome corpses and piles of ash were scattered everywhere—.
Anyone could see that it was over.
Clearing his throat softly, Gilberton sheathed his sword. He looked rather sheepish.
“You’ve worked hard. Are you alright?”
“Do I look alright?”
“All your limbs are attached, so you seem fine.”
Galahad chuckled.
“Care for a drink? It’s the best for pain.”
Gilberton offered his waterskin. The aroma wafting from it was quite potent.
So that’s where his hefty salary went—on good liquor.
“I’m good.”
“Yes, well.”
Gilberton nonchalantly brought the waterskin to his own lips.
“What have you done to earn a drink?”
“I ran here very hard.”
“Damiaaaaan—!”
A small scream erupted. Gwen was hugging the blood-soaked Damian, sobbing her heart out. She didn't seem to realize he was just sleeping.
“This is ground mugwort extract. It should help you recover if you apply it.”
“Oh, thank you.”
After handing the crushed herbs to Galahad, Tom headed toward Damian.
The moment he took out some jerky, Damian, who had been lying still as if dead, shot up. Gwen, who had been crying, stared with wide eyes.
Just then, the man named Henry approached.
His face was twisted like a demon’s. The northerners behind him wore similar expressions.
They looked like they wanted to beat someone to death.
Gilberton stepped in front of Henry to block him.
“……What happened here?”
Henry asked, his voice strained. The hand gripping his axe trembled.
The evidence was scattered all around them. He wouldn't be foolish enough not to grasp the situation after seeing it.
The missing company had become minions of a demon and attacked those who came to rescue them. Could there be a more terrible disgrace?
The man named Henry must have realized it too.
Galahad flicked the ash from his cigarette and answered.
“They were taken by a demon. I used my magic to break the demon’s hold, and we all fought bravely together.”
“……I see.”
Henry nodded, his voice sounding forced.
It was a foolish lie that deceived no one.
“I will carve this grace into my bones.”
‘Carve it into his bones—.’
A grim expression, just like a northerner.
“Thanks to you, they will be remembered as honorable warriors. Their families will receive some compensation.”
“You have a way of making the obvious sound so plausible, don’t you?”
Gilberton’s brow furrowed at Galahad’s remark.
Just then, the northerners began to gather the bodies, talking and laughing loudly. There was no gloomy atmosphere at all.
A few of them brought wood from the surrounding area. It was all done so naturally, as if it were a matter of course.
A pyre even larger than before was built. The scene was as boisterous as a festival.
A massive flame shot up. They all put their waterskins to their lips, dancing and boasting of their fallen comrades’ valor.
It was an even grander celebration than before.
Then, Henry approached again.
“Let us dance.”
“No thanks. I detest dancing.”
An invitation to dance from a hairy man—. As he refused with distaste, Henry laughed as if he’d been stabbed in the gut.
The strong smell of alcohol filled the air. But the man’s focus was sharp.
“If you wish, I would even offer you my wife.”
“Not necessary. I am already engaged.”
“Ah! That’s right!”
The man laughed again as if a hole had been punched through his stomach. The sound suited his rugged appearance.
“Call for us, and we will come running anytime.”
Henry said, gesturing behind him. The men, their faces flushed with drink, let out meaningless roars.
“By the way, are you married?”
“Not yet.”
“I see.”
Henry cackled and returned to the pyre.
Galahad just puffed on his cigarette.
The northerners didn’t cry. Instead, they talked, laughed, and danced loudly.
Amidst that cheerful atmosphere, one person was crying. It was Gwen.
“Why are you crying?”
Galahad asked with genuine curiosity. He couldn’t understand why she was crying for people she didn’t even know.
“P-people died.”
Galahad let out a small groan at Gwen’s answer.
Right, that was a plausible reason.
Still, tears held little meaning.
“If I had been stronger, they could have lived.”
“……What?”
Damian nodded in agreement.
Gwen looked bewildered for a moment, then began to cry even harder.
“It’s not your fault, Captain! The demons are the bad ones!”
“Hm, what are you talking about? Of course it’s not my fault.”
Galahad said, forcefully prying off the clinging Gwen.
Gwen’s face went blank for a moment. Reflected in her eyes, Galahad’s expression was impassive.
“I’m talking about what happens when you lack strength. That could have been Damian lying over there.”
Damian nodded once more. Gwen’s crying stopped abruptly. She looked as if she’d been punched in the face.
The soldiers continued to talk and dance loudly.
Galahad smoked his cigarette and watched them. Gilberton kept sipping from his waterskin, and Tom comforted Gwen.
“We’ll have a team dinner when we get back. Of course, you’re paying.”
“Yes, well.”
Gilberton nodded reluctantly.
Just then, Damian clutched his stomach and said.
“I’m so hungry.”
For the first time, a look of terror appeared on Gilberton’s face.
****
‘Hoo—.’
James let out a soft breath.
Today was his first day of assignment to a new department.
‘The Operations Division!’
He’d been assigned to a place with a cool name. Even the agent name was ‘Galahad,’ a name James had always admired.
It felt like everything was finally going to work out.
Opening the door, James immediately bowed his head deeply.
“Starting today, I’ll be working in the Operations Division. I’m Ja— no, Galahad!”
“Oh, so you’re the new recruit.”
A gentle voice greeted James. When he looked up, he saw a woman with a kind face.
“My name is Henette. I’m your senior.”
“Ah! It’s a pleasure to meet you! I’m Galahad!”
“Full of spirit, aren’t you? It’s okay. The Operations Division is busy, but the atmosphere is good. Just don’t cause any major trouble and you’ll be fine.”
James nodded vigorously at the gentle explanation from the woman who introduced herself as Henette.
Behind her, he could see others sitting at their desks. In the dim space, they were reading or writing something, relying solely on mana lamps.
They didn’t even spare him a glance. No, it looked like they didn’t even have the leeway to lift their heads.
James swallowed hard.
“Everyone’s busy with their own work. Come on, this way. Let’s go greet the division chief.”
“Yes! Understood!”
Sharp gazes shot toward him. Hollow eyes poked at James.
“Shh, raising your voice is forbidden here.”
“Yes— Understood—.”
“Good. You’ll adapt well. I’m a good judge of character.”
James grinned at her gentle smile.
To meet such a nice senior, his life in the Intelligence Bureau was sure to go well.
Henette led James to the innermost office. It was a door with all its windows completely sealed.
“The division chief is a sensitive person, but he’s known as the core of the Operations Division. As long as you handle your work cleanly, he won’t bother you. And his skills are beyond question.”
Henette’s voice was filled with respect.
The division chief was clearly a formidable figure.
“Knock on the door and state your agent name. Say you’re the new recruit.”
“Yes—.”
James checked his uniform and cleared his throat.
‘Alright, my life in the Intelligence Bureau starts now, James—.’
Muttering to himself, James knocked firmly on the door.
*Thump, thump!*
“Who is it?”
A weary voice came from inside. Henette quietly whispered, ‘State your agent name—.’
At that, James shouted energetically.
“It’s Galahad! The new—.”
As he said the name Galahad, James found himself unconsciously lowering his voice.
Just as he thought he’d done a pretty good job—.
“Galahad?! There’s no way Galahad is here! Don’t lie to me!”
A sharp scream erupted from beyond the closed door. The man vehemently denied the name Galahad.
“Fuck! Why me! You bastard! Retirement! I worked so damn hard! Fuck!”
He then began to shout in a rage. *CRASH!* The sound of something hitting the door and shattering echoed.
“Galahad! I was trying to help! I was even putting together a special team! For real! I… I’ll accommodate you as much as I can! I’m telling you I’ll help!”
Suddenly, his voice became cloyingly sweet, like a merchant proposing a deal.
“Aah! Galahad! You know I worked really hard—. Please, retirement, from here of all places.”
Now, he was on the verge of tears. His voice sounded like it was dripping with them.
Something was clearly wrong.
“Um… something seems off…”
James turned his head and couldn’t believe his eyes. Henette was fleeing into the distance.
Just then, the room inside fell silent.
“Right, Galahad. Now that you’re here, I suppose retirement is unavoidable. It’s an honor to be retired by you.”
The voice, which had been sobbing moments ago, was now calm.
The door slowly opened.
It was a man with dark circles under his eyes. His dazzling uniform and the medals on his left breast emphasized his importance.
At that moment, James had a premonition.
“Who are you? Where’s Galahad?”
That his life in the Intelligence Bureau was fucking screwed from the very start.