Chapter 133. Red Demon (1)

Joshua expressed discomfort with the situation he found himself in.

'Damn it, because of my unnecessary meddling...'

He couldn't understand why he, an acknowledged noble in the capital and from one of the four great families, had ended up in such a predicament.

To explain this, he had to go back to the time when Herand had been nominally beaten up by "Ornn" through the 'Advancement Test'.

'Grandfather, isn't this enough?'

Joshua's attempt to defend Herand turned out to be the problem.

'Joshua, I shall also give you an 'Advancement Test'. Defeat a demon of the single-horn class and submit its horn to me.'

Rather than direct scolding, "Ornn" decided on the 'Advancement Test'.

Originally, the test was supposed to be conducted later, but Joshua's mistake sped up the plan.

Up to this point, it wasn't considered a bad situation for Joshua.

A single-horn demon was as strong as an ordinary knight, making it an easy opponent for Joshua, who could wield a sword.

Moreover, although he had help from family members, he had experience in subjugating them several times.

'I spoke and behaved in a manner undeserving of grandfather's trust. As a reflection, I will handle this matter alone, without any assistants or escorts.'

This additional vow, made in an attempt to recover "Ornn's" trust, was the root of the problem.

He meant to appeal to 'Ornn', who liked brave, manly acts.

'Damn scammers...'

Having tasted bitterness, Joshua cursed inwardly.

"So, you approached demon hunters in the city to obtain information and ended up being dragged here?"

"Yes..."

"And then you consumed a drink laced with drugs and passed out, resulting in being tied up like this?"

Yes, that's exactly what happened.

Finally understanding the situation, Yulian looked down at him with an apathetic gaze.

Joshua felt humiliated by Yulian's nod, but what choice did he have?

He knew that Yulian was the only one who could resolve this situation, and thus, he had no choice but to act subserviently.

"What an idiot."

Despite the harsh criticism, Joshua's demeanor became even more pitiful.

He knew it all too well.

This situation was truly a wretched one.

Honestly, during the journey to this village, he had been confident he could take on everyone, even if they all attacked him.

However, he had not anticipated that something had been spiked in the food.

This was the limit of a noble who had grown up like a hothouse plant with little real-world experience.

"To casually consume something given by strangers, that's truly foolish."

"...... Indeed, it is."

Agreeing with Yulian's words, an unidentified giant nearby nodded along.

Then, looking at the giant, Yulian's gaze morphed into the same look he had given Joshua before, while clicking his tongue.

***

"Th-thank you, elder brother Yulian!"

Once freed from his bindings, Joshua greeted me politely.

Remembering my first encounter with him, the sudden change in his attitude left me flabbergasted.

In fact, I could have left him here, but I chose the unexpected decision to release him because...

'Building a debt isn't a bad thing.'

The effectiveness of the previous replica incident seemed to be nearing its end.

And most importantly, I valued that when Herand was getting beaten by 'Ornn', the lad at least attempted to 'mediate.'

He was the kind of guy who would do anything to get into "Ornn's" graces.

To think he had a conscience...

"So, what were you doing here, elder brother Yulian?"

"Personal matters."

I gave a perfunctory reply, not keen on explaining.

After all, Joshua wasn't going to accompany me...

"Would it be okay if I accompany you, elder brother?"

... What is he talking about? Why would he?

I wondered for a moment what he was saying.

Ah, is it because of the demon subjugation? He could have done it alone, why bother?

After hearing his reasons for being here, I got a bit of an idea.

"Do you think Yulian-nim's power is required to capture a single-horn demon? Isn't it too obvious?"

Even Felkhor, sensing it, mumbled while glancing at Joshua.

It seems Felkhor thought of Joshua as a low-level member of the Cryphart family based on my actions toward him.

Ordinary people wouldn't dare, due to the prestigious name of the four great families.

Kor, Kor, Felkhor.

This guy is a successor to the Cryphart family.

Also known as the next family head.

After glaring briefly at Felkhor, Joshua confirmed my gaze still rested on him and sank into a prostrate position once more.

"I-I'll compensate, elder brother Yulian."

"Compensation, huh. That's good. But now, in this situation?"

"I will cover all expenses for the upcoming journey, elder brother!"

"Hmmm."

I let out a short sigh.

While it's good, it doesn't quite hit the mark.

"It's alright, Joshua. Do you think I'm venturing somewhere with a lack of funds?"

Money was not an issue at all.

The reward money from escorting Prince Eulsis was still left, and I had sold some antiques, leaving me financially comfortable.

"Th-then I-I'll support in combat!"

"Haha. Joshua, support me? Is that what you're saying?"

In spite of my sarcasm, Joshua, perhaps desperate, was sweating and appeared earnest.

"Does it embarrass you to think about returning empty-handed after boasting so much?"

"...... Ugh."

Did I hit the mark? Joshua's expression was filled with despair and hopelessness.

"If it's an affair beyond your control, you shouldn't have undertaken it in the first place."

"So they say, he's like an idiot with no sense of his own limits."

Felkhor criticized sharply once again.

Though the latter part of his words was almost inaudible.

Did he have some sort of issue with the Cryphart family? Why is he so sharp?

'Yet... taking him along might not be a bad idea...'

That thought popped up.

There wouldn't be any danger of a battle breaking out in the Firente Gorge.

I had already cleared it long ago as 'Yulian'.

Any remaining stragglers wouldn't be enough to acquire the 'demon's horn' he's seeking.

I'll handle my affairs and then part ways with him there.

"Very well, Joshua. I will take you along."

Upon my permission, Joshua's face brightened, while Felkhor's bore a puzzled expression.

"Where exactly do you intend to use such a person?"

I have my reasons.

"Joshua, do you have experience in cooking? Actually, that's not necessary."

"Excuse me?"

The guy looked at me with bewildered eyes.

His eyes screamed, 'What exactly are you talking about?'

Perhaps he imagined he would take part in combat but that would never happen.

"Felkhor, bring the supplies and hand them to Joshua."

"Huh? Aye, aye!"

Seeing his beaming face as he brought the horses and supplies, it seemed my orders had put Felkhor in a good mood.

"Elder brother Yulian... This doesn't align with our agreement! I am a member of the Cryphart family! Such menial tasks do not suit..."

"Joshua, isn't the answer simple? If you manage it alone and return to the capital, wouldn't it be resolved?"

At my brazen words, Joshua gritted his lips in frustration.

Facing a single-horn demon is within his capability alone.

But knowing the paths, locating the monsters, and avoiding getting conned again as before are not guaranteed.

'He will eventually follow along.'

His pride locked him in an impasse, unable to make a choice.

***

After spending the night in the 'Village of Vagabonds,' we headed straight for Firente Gorge.

It wasn't far from the village.

However, as we went further north, the biting cold began to sting our skin.

'I didn't expect it to be this bad.'

Although it's not entirely the north, with no snow or ice visible, the wind was quite intense.

Even with additional layers of clothing, it wasn't possible to completely block the penetrating cold.

"Yulian sir, here's the merchant group."

Fortunately, while heading to Firente Gorge, we encountered a merchant group traveling to another city.

After purchasing a few more clothes from them, I spoke to the merchant leader.

"When you cross that ridge and turn right, you'll see a forest. There's a village inside. Could you transfer the ones tied up there to the city?"

The merchant leader showed some initial reluctance.

He creaked—!

But seeing the emblem of 'Blind Eyes', his demeanor immediately shifted to one filled with servile laughter.

"Oh, of course. We'll handle it."

As expected, he didn't lead a merchant group for nothing. His quick adaptation was admirable.

In the capital, my face itself was an emblem.

But as I ventured into frontier lands where my face wasn't as known, it felt somewhat bittersweet.

Thankfully, the "Blind Eyes" emblem resembled a universal pass, making me feel somewhat relieved.

After parting ways with the merchant group, it wasn't long before we arrived at Firente Gorge.

Though the presence of green grass created an illusion of a 'normal forest', the steep terrain revealed the reality.

As we entered, a chill ran down my spine.

A sensation different from the norm.

'... Am I afraid?'

In a way, it's not wrong to say "Yulian" died here.

Having lost consciousness after battling a higher-rank demon here, marking the end of 'Yulian', I then came into being as me.

This body of 'Yulian' seemed to involuntarily dread the air here.

I had assumed it was merely a misconception, an overreaction.

'Angelica senses something too.'

The shadow writhing at my feet enveloped me to avoid the others' eyes, blinking as if concerned about the fear permeating "Yulian's" body.

'It's alright.'

Handling 'fear' was something Yulian excelled at.

Even as the emotion of 'dread' welled up from deep within my heart, I did not stop.

'What doesn't kill me only makes me stronger.'

Like an idiot carving such lofty words into his very being.

"...... Is this the place?"

Though my own two eyes had never seen it, my intuition screamed that this was where "Yulian" had battled the higher-rank demon.

"Huff... Huff."

Just as I attempted to survey the surroundings, the sound of laborious breathing from behind turned my attention.

There, straining to keep up with a load full of baggage, was Joshua in view.

"El-Elder brother Yulian... How about a little rest?"

Slick with sweat, the guy looked ready to collapse as he gazed at me with a worn-out expression.

"Tsk tsk, getting worn out over such a little. The future of the Cryphart family looks bleak."

Looking at the sluggish Joshua, Felkhor clicked his tongue in disdain.

Filled with anger, Joshua seemed on the verge of retorting against Felkhor but silently held back.

"In that case, we shall rest here. For this is our destination anyway."

With my words, Joshua collapsed to the ground as if he had waited for the word 'rest'.

Breathing heavily, he muttered indistinct curses while I, ignoring him, slowly took in the surrounding scene.

===

The trait, 〈Amnesia〉, recalls the events that took place here.

===

A trait I noticed when I first discovered the trait window, the negative trait 'Amnesia', seemed to have unlocking conditions linked to arriving here.

Before my eyes was a scene that began to unfold like an old movie, showing a man slowly walking.

'A physique identical to mine.'

An identical gait.

And then, as the vision cleared, his face became just as recognizable.

Not 'I', but 'Yulian' was walking towards something.

― Who do you think you're looking down on, you trash?"

The way he spoke was so arrogant that the phrase 'overbearing' naturally came to mind.

While the opponent indeed was a 'demon', it seemed 'Yulian's' arrogance was even more pronounced because of that.

For even against a demon who couldn't understand words, he was flaunting his ego.

'The opponent is...'

A tri-horned demon.

The mucus running more abundantly than on other demons suggested a relation to this demon's characteristics.

'Cut it.'

With that thought, the "Yulian" who kicked off from the ground slashed the waist of the 'tri-horned demon' with his sword.

Simultaneously, my eyes caught the Moonlit Sword infused with aura.

Unlike myself who needs a "Moonstone Sword" to hold the aura, he wielded the simple sword with such ease.

'Indeed... the original is strong.'

The Moonlit Sword, as wielded by 'Yulian', harmonized so perfectly with the magic it contained that it seemed the sword and magic were in complete sync.

However, I didn't think that my current 'Moonlit Sword' was lacking.

It would only differ in genealogy depending on the user's sensibility.

'Hmmm...'

The battle between the demon and Yulian continued.

Once more, breaking through the mucous form, he attacked the demon's body.

The battle's advantage was firmly in the hands of 'Yulian'.

So decisively that it seemed there wasn't a way to lose.

'Indeed... the sophistication in swordplay, it surpasses my own that relies solely on bodily memory.'

After all, he retains the teachings of 'Hayden Reich' perfectly.

Thus, I would also gain the 'Sword Saint's' teachings this time.

'The teachings are before me, observing this should grant some understanding... Hmm?'

It was then, a massive shadow intruded into the blurry 'memory.'

A demon of a different species compared to the 'tri-horned demon' he had been fighting until then.

Even that demon was crowned with three horns.

'Did he return alive after facing two, tri-horned demons?

A monster among monsters.

I was pondering such thoughts when—

'Wait.'

The late-entering tri-horned demon had an eerily familiar silhouette.

But what's more crucial—

'The horns are dyed red?'

It wasn't just stained with blood.

The color was sinister enough to evoke a primordial anxiety...

A demon's horns turning 'red' like that occurred only under one known circumstance.

'Red Demon.'

An omen of 'danger' that began appearing from the latter half of 〈Let's Kill the Demon King Now〉.

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