Chapter 136. North Watch (1)

Moonlit Sword Energy.

Obtaining this was a highly encouraging event.

Though it was achieved by reaching the stage of 'Single Stroke', upon reflection, it doesn't quite sit well.

The responsibility fell on me as I filled the void left by 'the Black Knight' due to Sword Saint Hayden's negligence and dereliction of duty.

With this, the future storyline related to it is unpredictable. Damn it!

'Many things might change.'

I accomplished the purpose of training to compensate for my lack of strength...

'I guess I have to go back?'

On the way back to the capital.

Having passed by the 'Village of Vagabonds,' we had no choice but to opt for camping.

Well, one might consider it romantic, but even in such a moment, Yulian's instincts continuously complained to me.

Uncomfortable, dirty, inconvenient. Filthy!

What can I do? There's no village nearby.

After finishing dinner, I left the campsite and stepped out into the moonlit plains to survey the surroundings.

Fireflies flickered, performing a magnificent dance.

Countless stars, unseen in the capital, seemed like they would pour down and caught my gaze.

'Things you don't see well in a city.'

Saying such things even in this world.

I began to walk.

Into a place so dark that even the campfire's light couldn't reach.

Relying solely on the sculpted moonlight, the scenery visible to Yulian's eyes was as vivid as bright morning.

I arrived at a nearby rocky mountain.

Though not high, the spot untouched by the flame's reach felt ominously like a tomb.

'Moonlit Sword.'

Muttering inwardly, I drew the sword, which started to glow softly, embracing the moonlight.

When I infused it with aura, the gentle glow became saturated, transforming it into the 'Moonlit Sword'.

"Indeed... This is different from 'Yulian's'."

Yet... why does it feel so awkward?

Referring to myself as 'Yulian' in Formal Speech, perhaps.

Now, I've somewhat, maybe extensively, adapted to the fact that I am Yulian.

I speak in Formal Speech comfortably and without awkwardness now.

And... the image of myself on screen.

"When I killed the tri-horned demon, there was a bit more of a storm-like feeling then."

A current of intense aura that seemed ready to sweep everything away.

Simultaneously, as if pursuing aesthetic sense, Yulian's Moonlit Sword's subdued reflection mirrored his ego.

In comparison, the 'Moonlit Sword' I wield lacks the flaunting 'ego' it wishes to display.

Despite that, the reflection caused by mana converted into aura is the same.

'Launching this like sword energy is...'

'Moonlit Sword Energy.'

Standing on the rocky mountain, I sought to test the complete sword energy again after receiving Zahard's advice.

'Build a pillar.'

Engraving his advice, I swung the Moonstone Sword broadly, and the moonlit-imbued sword energy struck the distant rock mountain.

Crackle──!

A dreadful sound, like stone being ground, erupted, scattering fragments everywhere.

Though leaving a strong mark was unsuccessful, the power significantly advanced compared to the initial use.

'Once more.'

I prepared to use the Moonlit Sword Energy again.

Though I grasped the hint of 'a pillar', I was not seamlessly familiar with this technique enough to use it unconsciously.

Therefore, constant honing is necessary.

Even if not perfected, I need to utilize it naturally without conscious effort.

One never knows when or which enemy might be encountered.

Crackle──!

Fortunately, with each use, the control of mana became more fluid.

I repeated it over and over again.

Feeling my mana gradually diminishing and eventually depleting, my back was drenched in sweat.

Just as the emblem of cleanliness, I wrinkled my nose in discomfort.

'Huh? Fireflies....'

They gathered around the gentle glow of the Moonlit Sword.

"Hmm."

Seeing this, a clarity seemed to emerge in my mind.

'Arranging mana this way... and placing the pillar...'

Although I was instinctively completing the 'Moonlit Sword Energy'.

'Ah....'

Interrupted by trailing thoughts, the sudden epiphany vanished.

Though disappointing, I couldn't help it.

'One-armed demon...'

Could Zahard handle it quickly?

In past works, despite the paternal affection, swift solutions occurred, but many failures triggered disastrous events.

The 'Red-Horned Phenomenon' with horns turning scarlet is ongoing, and if left unattended, it could become a 'quadra-horned demon', which is troublesome.

Furthermore, that demon serves as a catalyst—stimulating aggression in other demons.

If Zahard fails to subdue the one-armed demon and it triumphs, smoothly achieving a 'quadra-horned' rank, it complicates matters immensely.

If it were a game, I could simply reset and start over, but.

"Hehe. Life indeed forces confrontation as you attempt evasion."

I strived to avoid going to the Northern Front, yet an unavoidable reason necessitated it.

Fortunately, it was merely a brief visit, not requiring a full eighteen-month service.

***

"... N-Northern Front... Are you saying?"

The following day, after organizing my thoughts.

Upon revealing that my destination wasn't the capital but the 'Northern Front', Felkhor noticeably panicked.

"Why, why so?"

"It's where I must go."

More precisely, the 'Blizzard Forest', but.

"But wasn't our destination Firente Gorge?"

"Plans have changed."

"Changed... how...?"

Felkhor's face exhibited bewilderment, distress, even resembling a citizen who lost his country.

It's understandable, unavoidable.

Knowing perfectly well what that place is like.

In fact, the northern regions of the Rozen Divergent Continent are contaminated due to remnants left by the Demon God.

The Empire's citizens have been taught that not just the Northern Front but most of the 'north' is 'desolate', unfit for human habitation.

"Felkhor, you may return. Kindly convey to Pintel that you returned by my command."

"S-Sir Yulian. Please, spare me. You know! If I say that to Sir Pintel, what actions do you think he would take?"

Actions, what actions?

Would he actually beat you up?

Though considering it...

Given Pintel's recent demeanor... it's possible, indeed.

'Why didn't you guard until the end when tasked with 'escort'?'

He might say while brandishing his staff as if casting a deadly spell... Quite plausible.

"I'll personally inform when I return to the capital. So, if you wish to go back, feel free."

Truthfully, whether or not an escort accompanies me is of little consequence.

Protecting myself is trivial now, and I'm inclined to avoid cumbersome arrangements.

"Ah... No, sigh, I'll accompany to the Northern Front as well."

As expected.

Though a slight sense of pity arose seeing Felkhor's lowered head, it wasn't by my coercion!

He expressed his desire to accompany!

Honestly! Truly! I don't mind if he returns.

"Joshua, there's no need for you to follow either. You might as well head back."

Throwing him a glance, I said to Joshua.

'Just go back. There won't be much to gain from tagging along, will there?'

Conveying through suggestion.

The goal of obtaining horns was achieved, and though pretending otherwise, our relationship wasn't amicable, leaving before things worsened seemed reasonable.

However.

"N-Northern Front..."

Contrary to expectations, Joshua seemed to be contemplating.

"I-I'll accompany as well, elder brother Yulian."

Hmm? Why is he tagging along?

There's nothing of significant value... Ah!

On closer inspection, Joshua appeared to be weighing his options internally.

Due to recent adverse experiences leading to cowardice, he likely determined that visiting 'the Northern Front' with me was safer than returning alone.

Moreover.

"You wouldn't integrate this as part of the 'advancement test' by visiting the Northern Front?"

"... Ugh."

He subtly averted his gaze to avoid eye contact, exuding slyness.

In tagging along to the Northern Front, he saw an opportunity to inflate the significance of 'the horns' acquired.

Generally seen as trivial if acquired from an ordinary demon, citing it from the 'Northern Front' would enhance its prestige.

"Well, suit yourself."

Though bothersome, he can handle his life.

Besides, losing a porter would also be inconvenient.

"Then, I assume no objections regarding the journey to the Northern Front."

"Yes."

Concluding as such, I stood and began preparations to leave, noticing Joshua gazing absently.

As if uncertain of what to do.

I should instruct kindly, shouldn't I?

"What are you doing? Haven't you packed the tent yet?"

***

To enter the Northern Front of the Adratan Empire, a 'pass' is necessary.

To obtain this, one must undergo an assessment at 'North Watch', a city right before the route to the Northern Front.

The problem is...

- '... Phew, it's fortunate. 'Blind Eyes' must remain neutral at all costs. Unless it's a mission, meeting royalty is....'

Ordwin's words just before departing from the capital.

She expressed a strong desire to avoid compromising 'Blind Eyes' neutrality without a direct imperial order.

Understandably, indeed.

Imperial exclusive institutions are tasked with executing the imperial family's duties.

If such an institution favors one royal member openly, it transitions from being 'exclusive' to being under their sovereignty.

"Next person, please enter the assessment room."

Therefore, today, the fact that I'm obtaining a pass for the Northern Front must remain undisclosed.

"I go alone. The rest, please wait."

Instructing Felkhor and Joshua to stay back, I headed towards the assessment room alone.

Upon entering, I found an assessor responsible for managing North Watch's passage seated inside.

He didn't appear noble but seemed to be a state official.

Initially welcoming with a dignified face, his head slowly tilted.

"Nice to meet you. Heading to the Northern Front, you said three people... um? Why only one entered?"

The assessor, now appearing perplexed, started scrutinizing my face.

"Wait a moment..."

Furrowing his brows, he began observing me intently.

"H-Hiii...!"

With a strangled sound, the assessor's face contorted, and 'fear' visibly engulfed the air above his head.

The Smiling Executioner.

In the Empire, there's none unfamiliar with this name, though fully recognizing the face are only those who have lived in the capital.

In brief, this assessor resided in the capital at some point.

"Y-Sir Yulian!"

"Oh my, you recognize my face... A person from the capital, it seems?"

"How, how could I not! Th-those... res...resplendent looks!"

Just now, weren't you about to call them... a damned face?

Maybe it's just my imagination?

"W-what brings you here, Sir Yulian...?"

Failing to mask his bewilderment, the assessor rose and began rubbing his hands with a servile smile.

"Why would I come here... What else could it be?"

To head to the Northern Front, surely.

I applied for assessment for that purpose.

Thinking this, I started reaching towards my waist.

To present the 'Blind Eyes' insignia and claim a royal mandate for being here.

'To discreetly obtain a pass, asserting a royal command is a sound strategy.'

If not insane, no one would dare disclose it recklessly.

While absorbed in this thought.

Whimper────

"F-forgive me....!"

The assessor, having risen, came forward, prostrating and begging forgiveness.

Wait, what's going on?

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