Chapter 22
Chapter 22
The Sub Protagonist Does Not Obey the Orders of the Weak
On the forest path leading to Alfheim—
Two men in cloaks walked forward, crushing grass beneath their feet.
One, wearing glasses, studied a grimoire as if it were a map.
The other, with messy hair, cleared vines and branches using wind magic.
“We’re almost there.”
“Already? What a pain.”
“Don’t complain. This is a request from Atarak, who’s sustained the Magic Tower for five years.”
“I hate working for that old weasel who doesn’t even show his face.”
“…What can we do? Orders are orders.”
“After this, I’m retiring.”
Lloyd, the man with glasses, didn’t respond.
Retirement—
Meant nothing.
The Magic Tower never lets its mages go.
Leave—
And you’re killed.
Simple.
“Then at least submit a formal request after this.”
“…Yeah.”
Soon—
The World Tree came into view.
Massive.
Majestic.
And—
To them—
Disgusting.
Because the Magic Tower believed:
The World Tree hoarded mana.
Weakened mages.
And its branches—
Turned into weapons that nullified magic.
“Are we sure?”
“That capturing the last saint will make it wither?”
“No idea.”
“But worth testing.”
Greed filled Lloyd’s eyes.
“I’d like to take some elf women too.”
“…You’re disgusting.”
“It’s for research.”
“That’s worse.”
“Coming from someone who fights for fun?”
“Fighting is entertainment.”
“…Idiot.”
Opposites—
But united in one thing.
Using magic—
To kill.
“Let’s begin.”
“Yeah. I want a drink after this.”
Back in the temple—
“Did you find the restroom okay?”
“Yes… thanks.”
Standing before me—
Was the elf.
Now that I thought about it—
She was likely female.
And—
A saint.
Her outfit was… barely clothing.
Leaves and vines covering only what mattered.
“Were you planning to kidnap me?”
“…No?”
“…Really?”
“Yes.”
She tilted her head.
Confused.
“Then why are you here?”
“Do kidnappers politely ask to use the bathroom?”
“…Fair point.”
“…You’re very trusting.”
“If escape is impossible, it’s better to accept it.”
“…You could’ve at least called for help.”
“That would only create more victims.”
“…You think I’m that strong?”
“Yes.”
“…You’re the saint, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I’m Marianne, one of the twin priestesses.”
“I see.”
That explains everything.
“Nice to meet you.”
“And you’re not here to kidnap me?”
“No. I’m here to rescue your sister.”
“…Ah.”
She smiled gently.
“Then I misjudged you. I’m sorry.”
“No, I came in unannounced.”
“Then we’re even.”
Smart.
Calm.
Not like Rene—
But still a bit naive.
“So why were you here?”
“Avoiding a party.”
“…I understand.”
She looked me over.
“…Now I get it.”
“…What?”
“Elf women like strong bodies these days.”
“…I see.”
“So someone like you is… popular.”
“…That explains everything.”
“And personally…”
She leaned slightly closer.
“I’d like to lick your collarbone.”
“…What?”
“…Just kidding.”
She stuck out her tongue playfully.
…Not entirely innocent.
“…Anyway.”
“I’m glad someone like you is protecting me.”
“Actually—”
I stopped.
Something felt wrong.
I drew my sword—
SLASH!
A spell shattered midair.
Glass-like sound.
Danger gone.
“So you noticed.”
A man stepped forward.
Flames in his hand.
“You’re the kidnapper.”
“Yes.”
“I took the other twin.”
“And came back for this one.”
“Too bad.”
“Return policy expired.”
“…Funny.”
“And the one hiding above?”
“…!”
The second mage revealed himself.
“Both mages, huh.”
“Sharp.”
They whispered.
Planning.
“I’m bored already.”
But—
I couldn’t rush.
Marianne—
Was here.
“First—sorry for attacking.”
“We’re from the Magic Tower.”
“Move aside.”
“No.”
“…Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
“You know what the Magic Tower is?”
“Yes.”
“Then why—”
Simple.
The Magic Tower—
Causes half the problems in this world.
And Bern—
Suffered because of them.
So—
I smiled.
Just like the first day.
And raised my middle finger.
“Tell your old men—stop messing around and go clean their dentures.”
That day—
I declared war—
On the Magic Tower.