Chapter 40
Chapter 40
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 40
Chapter Title: The Elf and the Coffee Farm (17)
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The southern plains were exactly what one would expect: vast expanses of grassland with hardly any obstacles in sight. While the southernmost tip of the continent near the equator bordered the sea, the area around the Pallan Empire's southern border had a fully continental climate, making it a bit dry and the grass slightly withered. Still, it remained a true grassland without question.
It took three full days of riding eastward at a relentless pace that even the horses could barely keep up with.
During that time, Julius never showed any signs of fatigue as he kept pace with the nomadic elves. He quickly grew close to them as well. They had been wary at first, but his skilled horsemanship in matching their movements, his easygoing and sociable personality, and—let's be honest—that damnable good looks of his helped him melt completely into the group.
Even though their numbers had dwindled somewhat from the clash with Karsys, the nomadic elves still formed a substantial group, and Julius managed to get on friendly terms with every single one of them. Kis, who watched from the sidelines, was genuinely impressed.
"You've got a real knack for getting along with people."
"It's just my social persona. Truth be told, I prefer being alone."
"Persona?"
Some kind of acting, maybe? Kis knew that everyone was a little different when alone versus when dealing with others.
Even his voice changed slightly when taking calls on the communicator compared to normal.
Having a rough idea of what Julius meant, Kis nodded and brought up a new topic.
"Anyway, based on our experience, this spot is pretty much the last safe zone. The moment we cross it, those damn hawks will spot us right away somehow."
"Hard to say for sure, but since Karsys uses a lot of blood-based magic and miracles... maybe it can sense areas tainted by the blood of sacrifices or elves?"
"Ugh, just thinking about it makes my skin crawl."
Kis grimaced as he eyed the darkening soil growing more ominous toward the horizon, sighing inwardly. Could they really restore this land after slaying that monstrous demon?
The only method that came to mind was light magic, but that rare ability manifested in only a select few among the clans guarding the World Tree. Where were they supposed to find someone like that?
"Is there any way to restore the soil to its original state?"
"Probably light-attribute magic."
"That's hard to come by. Even among elves, it's the domain of the lofty ones who couldn't care less about our lands or outsiders, so getting their help is no easy task."
Julius let out a pained groan at that. It wasn't a sigh of hopelessness, but more like he knew a way but desperately wished he didn't have to use it.
Kis had no intention of pressuring the half-outsider further, but after much deliberation, Julius spoke up in a rare, uncertain tone.
"Right now, there's exactly one person in the Imir Kingdom who can wield light-attribute magic properly and isn't tied to any faction, so they can move freely."
"...Huh? Is that even possible?"
"Not usually. But most of it's just rumors, but while attending the Royal Academy, it's officially forbidden to recruit them into any specific faction. If we can just get hold of them now as a student..."
Julius let out a deep sigh, pondered for a long moment, then asked Kis,
"Do you know anyone inside the Imir Kingdom?"
"I do, but not in a good way."
"Ran into them while raiding?"
"Yeah."
"How often did you hit them?"
"Only during droughts or when the Pallan Empire tightened control in the south, so not that often."
"Then there's still a chance."
In the end, Julius handed Kis the crystal orb he hadn't used much since joining the elves.
He emphasized that it was extremely important and gave strict instructions.
"For now, I'm planning to head back to where I originally stayed. Once I get there, I'll contact you through this."
"Sounds like you've got a plan."
"Yeah. I have a big sister acquaintance connected to the Magic Tower. I can probably resolve this by having her put in a request to the Academy. As for how the Tower would know..."
He rolled up his sleeve to show the bracelet and finished his thought.
"We'll say I heard about the elves from Big Sister Mina."
Huh? I've never even met Mina Elcart. But it was a pretty plausible excuse, so Kis nodded.
He had wanted to ask about whatever Julius had hesitated over earlier, but since the guy rarely showed dislike openly and had clammed up, Kis let it slide.
He'd find out later if it came to that.
"Oh, and usually we're the ones giving pep talks before big moments to boost morale. Want to give it a shot this time?"
"...I doubt my words will do much for morale."
"You never know."
He'd suggested it half in jest to tease, but Julius, who looked a bit reluctant, surprisingly nodded.
Slender and delicate as he appeared, the guy could be refreshingly straightforward when it counted. Kis gave his back a hearty slap and gathered the comrades who had been gazing worriedly at the horizon.
"Everyone! Gather 'round before we head out—I have something to say!"
It was the usual routine. They all got the idea and dismounted, clustering together. Though short on men, the mixed group showed a variety of faces and expressions, but as survivors who had stuck together this long, they all looked reliably steadfast.
Once everyone was assembled, Kis turned back to see Julius, his expression now composed, slowly beginning to speak.
"Kis, Mike, Nia, Eddie, Blue. Calling out every single name here would be too many, but three days was more than enough time to memorize the faces, names, and quirks of everyone gathered.
In truth, before heading into battle, meeting people requires great caution. Human bonds can cloud the mind at critical moments when cold composure is essential, and after the fight ends, the longing for those who departed can make it hard to stand again for a while.
Yet here I am, on the eve of what may not be an easy fight, spending time with you all, memorizing names, learning faces, sharing stories and laughter. Ultimately, it's because I've deeply committed to seeing this decisive battle through, and as that responsibility, I intend to remember for life those entering this perilous land alongside me.
It's no simple task. Speaking only positively before battle risks turning a blind eye to reality, while pessimism might scatter resolve into hesitation. I worry.
But if we set aside both hope and despair to face reality squarely: We will fight. Surrender is not an option in that fight. We have no choice but to advance and bury our foe beneath this earth.
Yes, this land. This land where elves, living scattered across tribes unlike humans in their nations, have endured despite systemic and numerical disadvantages.
Some may question why a human descendant, locked in endless sporadic conflicts over this vast territory, dares speak of elven ancestors and their home.
Yet I dare say this: As one raised in human society and nations, this land symbolizes long, bitter defeat for humans and irrefutable proof of victory for the elves living now and their forebears. Without recounting past defeats, we cannot discuss future triumphs. Without acknowledging the pain of loss, we cannot learn the victor's pride and resilience.
To me, you are those who have claimed victory over long ages, their descendants, and the warriors of this generation.
Thus, it is my honor to stand with you against the enemy that defiles this land, insults the bodies and souls of its warriors, and seeks in the end to summon something unspeakable.
The Butcher Karsys.
We will remember this name. We will not forget the arrogant, vile one who polluted the land inherited from proud ancestors and desecrated its warriors.
We will not forget, and we will pass his name to our descendants.
Our children will hear this tale in an age of peace and safety. They will despise his vile deeds, revere the noble pride of their courageous ancestors who rose to strike him down, and inherit that pride and courage. So that when new threats arise, they will once again unite and rise together.
Our will endures. No matter the threat, we advance without fear. Even if we are ensnared by their despicable schemes and meet divergent fates, our comrades and descendants will remember—and carry that will for eternity.
You, gathered here from different races but with shared purpose. My race differs from yours, as do our lifespans, upbringings, and futures. But now, we become one by fulfilling our duties.
That duty is shared by all on the battlefield. It will not falter amid any trial, and even alone amid the fallen, it becomes trust that comrades uphold it rightly.
I will fight to the end.
No matter what, I will stay until the end.
Until we sever the enemy's head and deliver the punishment their crimes deserve."