Chapter 140: Arcana (2)
Time was running out, but the preparations were thoroughly completed.
Even if it was only to avoid dying on the Arcana continent under the pressure of pride. One of those preparations was to join forces with the dwarves.
I understand your grand intention.
As expected, it was shameless of me to adjust the timing
No, Haiel was reliable.
She took after someone so I was certain she would get the job done.
I didnt violate any procedure.
By the way, I hadnt even thought about this message.
[You have entered the Arcana continent that is heading towards destruction.]
Below the entry notification.
Messages appeared one after another.
[Youve met the conditions.]
[You will be rewarded.]
First of all, I could tell just by looking at the first two lines.
This was a quest-related message.
Including class quests.
There were several quests currently being carried out, but I could only think of one quest to reward me.
[Demon King Flauros vs Dwarves].
It was clearly the war quest where I accumulated millions of contributions.
How is it? Is it correct?
[The oath with the corresponding force is valid.]
[The relationship with the corresponding force is already at maximum.]
[The influence in the corresponding force is already at its maximum]
Indeed, that was the answer.
I looked at the message without feeling flattered.
The corresponding force was, of course, the dwarves.
The oath must be between Akshan and the dwarves.
I had expected this message thus far.
So what kind of reward would I receive instead?
I secretly started counting chickens before they hatched.
However.
[You have obtained command of the flying machine, the Iron Castle.]
This was a reward that exceeded my expectations.
I had taken command several times.
So I couldnt help but make a fuss.
I can command the dwarves decisive battle weapon?
I, Lee Hoyeol, also had a conscience.
Even if I was called the last demon hunter.
I wasnt so shameless that I would continuously use Akshans oath that I hadnt even been aware of.
At most, one dwarven weapon or armor.
I had expected that as a reward.
If they gave me this kind of reward, my conscience would be shaken!
Who were the dwarves?
Although they had a different direction from the Mage Tower, they possessed technical skills comparable to the Mage Tower. Iron Castle was the culmination of that technology. That flying boat would be my backup.
They really bring it all.
Demons, monsters.
Apart from when [Natural Enemy Relationship] was activated.
Would there be anything that could stop Iron Castle besides bad weather? Well, even now, it could take out a hundred enemies.
From the ground to the sky. Iron Castle was flying leisurely even on the Arcana Continent that was filled with demons.
But I knew.
This tiring personality.
This damn pure integrity.
I cant use it against my pride.
I had a rigid personality.
How could I use the Iron Castle for something that wasnt related to the oath?
But today, for this moment, it was okay.
At the end of the day, the goal is to hunt demons.
This, too, was like an extension of the Holy War.
Okay, weve arrived.
While I was diligently thinking about it.
I finally reached the entrance of the mansion.
As expected, its size was huge.
A mansion like this not far from the capital of the Empire.
Marcelo, you are from a very wealthy family, arent you?
Unlike our smart-ass Grandfel.
The garden is managed thoroughly.
Haha. Its an honor that you recognize our hard work. For the Simuard family. I, Seo, and other employees are doing our best.
I, Lee Hoyeol.
Suffering from Grandfels pride, I cleaned the house every day.
At the time, I was worried that I might be getting housewifes eczema.
I realized one thing.
Its not normal to do housework properly.
It used to be such a hassle just to tidy up my office in my studio apartment.
The hard work of the employees who manage these mansions.
I couldnt ignore it.
I acknowledge your pride.
Your praise is too much.
Did my words make him feel better?
Seos gaze turned to the lake.
The scenery of Lake Narnia is just as beautiful as the garden. If you dont mind, I will show you to a room with a beautiful view of the lake.
A beautiful view of the lake.
So you mean the lake where the demons pupil shines in the sky? If I didnt know anything, I would have been horrified. I would have wondered if he was seeing the same thing as I was.
Status abnormality, hallucination.
But I knew what was going on.
I also knew that the culprit was the demon.
I knew it was not Seos fault.
I see.
What came out of my mouth was an appropriate answer.
At the same time.
Seoh laid his hand on the door of the mansion.
Then welcome to Simuard.
Creak!
When the door opened, I felt the energy of the demon.
Even if you werent a demon hunter, you would have no choice but to stop in your tracks.
First of all, it was too dark inside the mansion.
It was hard to find a single light.
To the point that it became difficult to do activities.
Thank you for your hard work. Miss Emma.
Ah, Butler. The person next to you?
He is a guest. Please make another seat for us to eat.
However, Seo and the other servants were not aware of this.
As expected, it wouldnt be strange if it was a status abnormality.
The demons belly.
When I came in and checked the scenery in person, I was a little concerned.
It must be a high-ranking demon at least.
This was the demon who swallowed up an entire mage family.
Considering that not only Belliere but also Marcelo was suffering from a status abnormality Rather than a high-ranking demon, it must be at the level of a demon king? I really did something I wouldnt have dared to do if it werent for [The Last Adventurer] effect.
But even if I realized that
My confident attitude didnt change.
I opened my mouth calmly.
Thank you for your hospitality.
No. It is time for the head of the family to come down soon
Seo beckoned as if guiding me.
If you dont mind, will you sit down first?
Following his suggestion.
I sat down at the table.
Tablewares were arranged neatly.
Servants moved without breaking formality even in the dark. I didnt want to say this in a situation where I walked into the demons mouth, but
For some reason.
I was very satisfied at this moment.
No, beyond feeling satisfied, I felt at ease.
Born as the successor to a great family and having experienced the end of prosperity
Yeah, it must be because of that damn setting!
For that reason, a medieval-style mansion should be unfamiliar to modern people.
But I felt comfortable as if I was in my own home.
Even when they put down the tableware, they didnt clatter and make a sound.
My mouth that couldnt even let the slightest mistake pass by was staying still This meant that the servants of the Simuard family truly had no fault whatsoever.
Of course.
[Skill, Natural Enemy Relationship will be activated.]
Except for that one.
A presence felt from upstairs.
Devouring the Simuard family.
The culprit behind the curse of terminal illness.
The demon was coming.
I heard her voice.
Have you introduced the mansion to the guest, Seo?
I will give him the details after the meal.
Yes, do as you please.
She knew my existence.
Well, she must have noticed my approach since the moment Seo came out to meet me.
But she would never imagine that I was a demon hunter.
Until I activated the [Exorcism].
Soon, a shadow approached the table.
Countess Simuard.
The demon greeted me.
Oh my, I am late for introduction. I am Yula Simuard. Unintentionally, I take on the role of the head of the Simuard family. By the way Youre wearing an unfamiliar dress, arent you?
On the topic of unfamiliar clothes.
She was talking about the suit, which was essential for me.
Yes, even in reality, my outfit got some strange looks.
It was only natural that I got the same reaction in Arcana.
But I didnt answer her back.
The reason?
It was simple.
I didnt engage in unnecessary conversations with prey.
?
Silence
Did the servants notice the sudden silence?
The hands filling the glass paused for a moment.
But Noblesse Oblige.
I had to thank the servants for their hard work.
Thank you.
I thanked them despite the silence.
N-No.
I didnt answer the madams question and thanked them instead.
The servants looked perplexed, but there was no way this mouth could remain silent once it opened.
Lift
I lifted the glass and waved it in the air.
Ripple.
A wine with a subtle red color.
I had never even had a glass of wine in my life.
I shamelessly spoke.
It has a heavy, non-sticky scent.
I didnt know what made it different from the smell of grape juice.
A ripening period that is neither too short nor excessive.
Of course, I didnt even know how old this wine was.
Its the perfect wine for dinner.
Are you a sommelier or what.
(TL notes: Sommelier = someone whose job is to serve and give advice about wine in a restaurant.)
Even though I just said that, I couldnt help but feel doubtful. I had added all kinds of rhetoric while having green tea bags that cost a few hundred won each.
I put down my glass and continued.
I know it will be great even if I dont drink it.
TThank you.
Not only the servants, but this time even the butler Seo looked flustered.
I had chattered away while ignoring the really important things.
Again, Yula Simuard.
No, the demons question flew in.
Youre quite knowledgeable about wine. Did you come from the South by any chance?
But this time, I didnt respond.
I told you, right?
Nobeless Oblige.
It was just for the servants who served Marcelos Simuard family. I was just following the procedures.
So, what Im saying is, dont cross the line, inferior race.
Cold silence flowed again-
I opened my mouth only after the food was served in front of me.
Its a cooking method suitable for excellent raw materials.
By the way, even if I didnt drink, I needed to eat.
Well, a ghost who dies after eating has color and charm.
(TL note: A ghost who dies after eating has color and charm is a proverb used to express the importance of eating.)
No, even if we said the same thing, lets refine it.
Before and after strenuous activity.
Protein intake is a necessity, not an option.
.
.
.
The Simuard family.
Godmother, Yula Simuard.
When did she claim to be the mother of the Simuard family?
No one knew exactly.
Even members of the family didnt know.
But no one doubted Yula.
A condition engraved down through the generations of the Simuard family.
That was what the demons curse was.
Over the window, Yula looked at the night sky reflected in the lake.
Its a spectacular view.
Who would have thought that the scenery seen only in the demon world would also unfold on the Arcana Continent.
Indeed, it was worth spending decades rotting away in the body of an insignificant human.
From now on, stay as peaceful as it is now.
Yula had no intention of leaving.
She didnt want to be thrown into hell like the foolish demon kings and the poor great evil Greed. Unlike those foolish ones, she knew how to build strength without having to step up.
It wont be long before you too, Marcelo.
Human beings were foolish.
Even the humans that were called mages, the smartest among humans, were no exception.
They had a deal that allowed them to develop their talent at the expense of their lifespan.
I am not even a God. Is that possible?
It was a trick.
It was thanks to the status abnormality that made them believe that the deal was real and that it really worked. They traded life for a little bit of confidence. Yula let out a smile.
Weak human being. Well, thanks to them, I have grown so much.
Yula knew.
Quality was as important as the amount of sacrifice.
In that regard, the blood of the Simuard family was the highest level of offering.
Among the offerings, Marcelo Simuard was an ecstatic prey.
If I take his life, I!
At last.
She would have the power to change the rank of the demon kings.
She could also stop being covered in human skin.
Compared to the time that had passed, there was only a short time left.
Luckily, entertainment is rolling in.
Why did she greet guests while acting as the head of the family?
Like she said, it was a simple play.
It was always a pleasure to look at a human being in fear.
So she played with her little hands and feet.
To welcome the guest.
And now.
What is this?
Yula was in a state of discomfort.
The silver-haired mans reaction was unusual.
If he was an ordinary human being.
He should be in fear even before she revealed herself.
There had to be a sign of agitation.
A house buried in darkness. Hands and feet who didnt feel out of place in such a mansion. Being overwhelmed by the atmosphere coming from there was a natural response for humans.
But how could he behave so naturally in a mansion like this?
He looks unfamiliar.
Yula thought hard.
Currently, the Arcana Continent was distorted due to tectonic shifts from the Demon World.
Could this be a man who was washed away from a distant region in the aftermath of the tectonic shift?
Was that why he couldnt even grasp his situation?
To find out how the man felt, Yula spoke to him.
Youre wearing an unfamiliar dress, arent you?
However, no answer was returned.
She wondered if he didnt hear her.
That wasnt the case.
!
She was ignored.
It has a heavy, non-sticky scent.
A ripening period that is neither too short nor excessive.
Its the perfect wine for dinner.
The man was talking and waving his glass in a straight, upright posture.
It wasnt just one time either.
Just having a good conversation with the insignificant servants.
He was blatantly ignoring her words.
As if he wouldnt talk to her.
How dare a human being. To me.
For a moment, her anger flared.
Yula suppressed it.
This is a good thing.
It had been a long time since she had destroyed such a human being.
In that regard, she actually became interested.
She imagined how that arrogant face would crumple and crumble.
You may clear my seat. Emma.
Yula put down the tableware and looked at the man.
This time, she blatantly unleashed her aura.
To a level that no ordinary human being could endure.
But the man emptied his plate cleanly.
Seo, can you tell the chef that it was a great meal?
He didnt forget to say thank you, too.
What the hell?
The sense of discomfort grew bigger.
Yula also couldnt hide her emotions forever.
Did they notice her discomfort?
We will step aside for a moment.
All the insignificant limbs retreated.
She didnt need to act anymore.
The moment Yula was about to talk.
The acting is over.
She heard a cold voice.
At the same time, the silver-haired man raised his head and looked at her.
Putting the aura that was blowing out to shame.
!
There wasnt even the slightest wavering in the mans eyes.
Ill move you to a suitable place, you inferior race.
Inferior race?
Before she could understand the meaning of his words.
Yulas vision changed.
!!!
She could recognize it because she was in a mage family.
This was magic, a portal.
So she couldnt help but feel surprised.
I didnt let my guard down even for a moment?!
But when did the portal emerge?
Yula woke up and looked around.
Fortunately, it was a familiar place, on Lake Narnia near the mansion.
By the way
The enchanting scenery had changed.
The surface of the water should be illuminated by the evil eye of the night sky.
However, the only thing that emerged above her was the silver-haired man.
The evil eyes disappeared?
No, that couldnt be.
Even if the evil eye had closed its eyes, it made no sense that the only thing reflected in the lake was the man. So was she looking at a hallucination?
Dont tell me?
At the same time, Yula noticed.
It was intuition,
A forgotten instinct of a hunted prey in front of a natural enemy.
Demon hunter!!
However, what came back was a question that was neither positive nor negative.
Are you done talking? You ugly demon.
A cold voice followed.
From now on, the only thing you can say is an apology to the Simuard family.
!!
Soon, mana rose from the man.
It was only then that Yula realized it properly.
It was him!
This was the man.
He was a survivor of Akshan who had sent one of the great evil and four demon kings to Hell.
.
.
.
[The first World Tree recognizes your existence.]
[The first World Tree blesses you.]
[Your vitality and mana regeneration will increase significantly.]
The source of this c𝐨ntent is fre𝒆w(e)bn(o)vel