Chapter 35 - Before the Fruits of Choice (10)

It was a sewer I had breached without difficulty even with an exhausted body. But now I was in a situation where the injury penalty was gone and fatigue had been deleted.

My level had even gone up, increasing my stats to a certain extent. So, perhaps.

Although I couldn't expect an increase in combat power from skills—I had prioritized leveling up Treatment because I didn't want to suffer from injuries again—this much was still plenty.

I easily advanced through the inside of the sewers.

"A human...?"

"That's the Demon Knight..."

"Are all Iron Ranks like that?"

Aside from me being somewhat strong, isn't this too easy? They said they had dragged this out due to a lack of manpower, but just how little manpower did they have?

At this point, it almost feels like they left it alone just to put the player to work. Not that there's any game that isn't like that.

"Ugh, the smell."

Just then, DeB, who had followed me all the way into the sewers, blocked his nose. He hadn't voiced a single complaint until now, so complaining only after the job was done was quite professional of him.

Separately, it's a mystery why he followed me when he knew it would be like this.

"Are you alright, sir?"

As if I'd be alright. DeB was at least staying in the rear, but since I fought in the vanguard, filth had splattered all over my clothes. If not for the automatic laundry function on my clothes, I would have shuddered quite a bit.

"You've done nothing, yet you complain about a mere smell? How amusing."

"And what exactly have you done yourself?"

"What did you just say?"

'You guys fight. I'm leaving.'

Being able to endure it without showing it and wanting to stay in a space were two different things, so I immediately turned around. There was no need to hesitate further, as I had used every means to confirm that there wasn't a single demon left.

The hem of my clothes, which had been stained with filth and then become clean again, fluttered and flapped.

"Right, I've always been curious, but where did you obtain those clothes? Ah, you don't have to tell me if you do not wish to. I only asked because I was amazed that high-level magic for automatic restoration was cast upon them."

I unknowingly cast a glance at that question. It was just an item I got thanks to the Deluxe Edition, but this is high-level magic? This?

"Come to think of it, you possess quite a lot of bizarre items. The spatial expansion bag as well..."

The options for the starting gear weren't as bad as I thought, and I had been keeping them to maintain my concept's image. I was planning to switch out later once gear that looked good and had higher-tier options appeared.

But looking at her tone, it seemed as if only the starting items came with the automatic laundry and restoration option. No, at the very least, it seemed like shop-tier items wouldn't have such functions.

"... How many times must I tell you to mind your own business?"

While fiercely growling with my mouth, I was clutching my head internally.

If that's true, I can never switch gear. Beyond just looking cool, automatic laundry was my number one priority for convenience.

"I have said something useless. Let us get going."

Despite dropping a bombshell on me, the Archmage trotted toward the exit.

It was better than not knowing and suffering terribly later, but even so, her back only felt detestable. It was the price of being the one to inform me of such a cruel fact.

"... However, the one joining them is me. Not you."

"That's...!"

Meanwhile, those two are still fighting. Can't they see the Priests' respect for the Hero disappearing?

"I cannot understand it in the first place. Why did you follow us all the way to the sewers?"

However, it wasn't as if that dispute was completely useless. The Inquisitor asked the question I wanted to ask on my behalf.

"..."

DeB kept his mouth firmly shut. The sewers instantly grew quiet.

"Ah, come to think of it, Inquisitor. I did not mention this to you."

No. The silence was broken as the Archmage, who was walking ahead, looked back. Her silver mane, faintly illuminated by the lantern, shone exceptionally brightly.

"How about that young man as our next companion?"

"Pardon?!"

I had wondered what would happen since DeB joining seemed awkward no matter how you looked at it, but they're resolving it like this?

"W-W-What."

"A-Are you talking about me right now?"

However, both the Inquisitor and DeB broke down at the Archmage's suggestion. Since they were both following from behind, it was impossible to check their expressions, but I could tell they were doubting their own ears just from hearing their voices.

"Indeed. Provided you accept, of course."

"I am against it! What help could this man possibly be...!"

"I'd probably be more of a help than you."

"You bastard!"

"Why, did I say something wrong?"

"G-Grr...!"

Around that point, I felt an intuition bordering on precognition.

*'That, that right there. It looks like he'll get swept up in a fit of anger and somehow end up joining.' * It was a case I had seen often not only in fictional works but in reality as well.

"Inquisitor. Please think without personal feelings. Consider how many things were resolved thanks to him this time, and how outstanding his performance was."

"T-That is..."

Separately, it wasn't something for me to care about, so I just sped up my pace.

Whether DeB joins the team or not, there's absolutely nothing I can get involved in. Even if he joined, I wouldn't be able to treat him well because of my concept anyway.

"I offered it to you for the same reason. Our goal is to drive the demons out of this land, but we must undergo many hardships and trials to achieve it. If you, who possess eyes that pierce the truth and the ability to find hidden things, join us, it will surely be of great help."

"I-It's a bit troublesome even if you flatter me like that."

"Of course, since it is a journey where even your life, let alone your safety, cannot be guaranteed, I will not force you. However, I do not believe we will ever meet a talent like you again. Therefore, won't you please reconsider, if only for this old woman's sake?"

I advanced through the sewers while listening to the sly Sage gently coax DeB with her words. Making the time we spent exploring pale in comparison, the exit quickly approached.

"... Do you also believe that man is necessary, Demon Knight?"

But right as we reached the end of the sewers. The Inquisitor approached and asked with a sullen face. It was a troublesome question.

'No matter who joins, I wouldn't care due to my concept. Of course, it's about time I find the two of you showing excessive goodwill to be annoying. Strictly speaking, it's time to become anxious over how you won't back down even when pushed away.'

"I have no interest."

Aware that DeB was listening closely from behind, I picked out a line fitting for my concept.

"If he becomes an obstacle to killing demons, I will simply abandon him."

'Hssss. This improvised line was a bust. It's too lame.'

* * *

After finishing the purification, we returned to the Temple and took a short break. Though it was called a break, it was just a command to wash off the filth, but anyway.

"By the way, Inquisitor. You mentioned going to the Hwiosta region before, did you not? In my opinion, the Porzen region seems better than Hwiosta."

The next step after washing up was a slightly late lunch. Shoving salad into my mouth, I quietly listened to the Archmage's remarks.

"If you mean Porzen... do you mean the southwest?"

"Yes."

The Archmage, who had finished her meal first among us—even though her portion wasn't exactly small since she was a Shaggy—slowly laid out the reasoning for her statement.

"Aside from the fact that unusual rumors are circulating in that area... do we not need to seek out more companions as well? Even if that young man joins us, four is not enough."

"I haven't decided yet, though."

"Then it is all the more necessary."

The Inquisitor glared at DeB once. DeB didn't pay a single bit of attention to that gaze.

"Above all, I have judged that Hwiosta is far too dangerous in our current state."

"Why is that?"

"It is precisely because of this recent incident. Inquisitor. Do you truly believe those despicable demon worshipers caused this incident just to bring about the downfall of a single city?"

"...!"

The reason for her judgment was meaningless to me since I had heard it earlier. But where is Hwiosta and why is it dangerous?

Even as I fumbled through the hazy original setting, I couldn't guess anything. I wasn't smart enough to remember the map of a game from a few decades ago.

"Is your desire to go to Hwiosta not ultimately to lend a hand at the Northern Front located there? However, the Northern Front is the closest place to the Demon King's Castle, where Satan resides. If we go there now, we might be targeted yet again."

'What's the Northern Front, and where's the Demon King's Castle?'

I tactfully examined the map they had laid out. Unlike the world map shrouded in fog, the shape of the world was drawn out, albeit roughly.

The overall circular continent and the Demon Domain marked in black at its center particularly caught my eye.

As did the border surrounding the Demon Domain and the name 'Frontline' attached to that border.

Among them, Hwiosta was the region directly above the Demon Domain, and Porzen was the region situated exactly to the west.

"But if you say that, isn't it the same for other regions? There is nowhere that isn't dangerous if you approach the frontline."

"There is a great difference between a distance where Satan can send an army directly and one where he cannot. Furthermore, the number of Satan worshipers spread across the continent must have decreased significantly due to this incident. Unless we go to a place where the Demon King can act personally, they will have no capacity to target us."

"That..."

"Even assuming they do have the capacity, we must head further west. So that we can receive help from the Main Temple if push comes to shove."

"..."

Because the Archmage's remarks were quite well-structured and valid, I realized a lot of things as much as the Inquisitor felt disappointed.

'So, isn't this just a build-up to make us run around the continent in the order of West, South, East, North, and finally the Demon Domain?'

"I admit you may be somewhat reluctant to receive the Main Temple's help. However, Inquisitor, did you not realize it through this incident? That you need to equip yourself with more experience and wisdom."

"... That is, indeed, true. Yes. You are right, Sage. I... am still lacking in many ways. Even if I were to go to the Northern Front in my current state, I wouldn't be able to provide proper help."

Except, there's one big problem right now.

Now that I had learned of this setting, I also realized there was a critical error in my concept.

「※ Two Steps for the Demon King Subjugation ※」

Regardless of whether the Main Quest updated following the Inquisitor's agreement, I grew grave.

'No matter how you look at it, it would be weird for a guy who hates demons so much that he disregards his own life to know of the Demon Domain's existence and not go!'

'No, it's already ruined the moment I didn't go!'

"This is for your sake as well."

'H-How do I cover this up? What setting is there to cover up this error!'

Just as I was about to seriously ponder it, the Archmage looked at me and spoke.

"I know these words may touch upon a sensitive area. However, it would be better for all of us to tie up these loose ends decisively."

Her tone sounded like it could somehow save me, but also like it could throw me into an abyss.

I reflexively clenched my fists.

"While contemplating our next destination, such a question occurred to me. Why did you, who hates demons so much, not go to the Northern Front? No, it doesn't even have to be the Northern Front. You are a person who wouldn't refuse any place as long as it is the frontlines."

'Here? Like this? You're pointing out my concept error? This is just something that happened because the inevitable progression typical of a game and my setting got tangled up...!'

"And yet, you wander the frontiers..."

'Don't tell me I'm going to be suspected of being a demon again for breaking character here—'

"It must be because you are Gretchen."

'Huh?'

"You need not wonder why I know that. Did the Demon Contractor in Somon not call you Gretchen?"

I distorted my face even more at the sudden appearance of that word. At the same time, my mind was spinning intensely.

'I don't know what it is, but it seems like some information that can cover up my setting error is about to come out...!'

"During the two weeks you were asleep, I contacted the Magic Tower and received related materials. As a result, I was able to find the same name appearing in ancient texts."

I grabbed my weapon with my right arm, and gripped my right arm with my left. My fate depended on what words would follow after that.

"The one offered as tribute to 'Wrath' among the seven Great Demons, or the one who possesses 'Wrath', Gretchen."

"...!"

"W-What..."

Although it was my own business, the two Dumpling idiots were making more surprised faces, but I focused on the next words.

The Archmage's attitude, which I desperately observed, showed no trace of hostility. If so, the next words to come out would likely be advantageous to me as well.

"A Great Demon is no different from Satan's direct subordinate. Ah, do not worry. I do not consider you a minion of the demons. However... is that not the point you were wary of? That if you enter Satan's domain, the influence of his existence would be added, allowing the demonic power you have been suppressing to grow even stronger than now. That the possibility of the demon in your right arm running wild would increase."

That was a perfectly good excuse to cover up my setting error.

I felt a lump in my throat looking at this person playing the role of both my enemy and my benefactor.

'If you guys hadn't forced this concept on me from the start, I wouldn't be on this emotional roller coaster...!'

"... What is your intention in speaking of that out loud?"

Still, the acting must go on. Since I don't want to get team-killed. Sob.

"Have you perhaps judged that you must kill me?"

"Do not misunderstand. Would I do such a thing?"

'Still, looking at the Archmage's tone, it seems like the situation will turn out quite well—'

"It is merely this. Since we cannot enter the frontlines right away regardless, what if we use that time to prepare a means to seal the demon in your arm. How about it, this possibility?"

'—Not just quite well, this is about the original work's class advancement branches! Since the Demon Knight's class advancement splits into two based on whether it gets sealed or not in the original work.'

'They said the class advancement system was gone, but did it get integrated into the story?'

"I apologize if I have offended you. But Demon Knight. You cannot go around like that forever, can you?"

However, the situation wasn't good enough to get engrossed in that point and ponder this and that.

I quickly racked my brain and showed what I thought was the most appropriate reaction.

"How dare you, just because you have a mouth...!"

'Ah, my concept is hating myself so much that I wouldn't like it even if given a chance to get better.'

CRASH!

I drew my sword and, not just splitting the dining table, unleashed a slash. Dark energy scratched past the seat right next to the Archmage.

Only faint breathing remained in the spot clawed by the noise.

"Sir..."

'But now that I have to follow up with something, I can't think of any lines. I can't really reuse the one from last time either.'

'Yet if you ask if this is a part where I absolutely must say something, it depends on the interpretation.'

BANG!

So I just decided to leave the dining room.

'After all, isn't my setting someone who abandoned his name and ran away from the past? I can just run away this time too.'

'Since the thing this setting would find most unacceptable must be his own happiness.'

* * *

BANG!

After a shocking conversation, DeathBringer stared at the empty seat left by the Demon Knight, who had ultimately stormed out of the dining room.

"I wondered why he was being so unusual..."

His remarks about demons and whatnot on the morning of the day they came to Tatara from Somon. The reason why the energy wrapped around his sword was an unusually ominous black. The reason why he only coughed up blood from the divine power that was merciful to all. And even the fact that the prim Inquisitor had practically taken full charge of his nursing, wrapping bandages tightly around only the Demon Knight's right arm.

Now he seemed to understand. No, he completely realized it.

"So there was a demon in his arm..."

If it was for that reason, who wouldn't act like that?

"He is a resilient man."

"... What?"

"Although a demon is contained within his arm, I am telling you not to treat him as a demon."

"What bullshit..."

DeathBringer was about to subconsciously throw back a retort, but soon trailed off. When he realized there was a demon in the Demon Knight's arm, did he really feel no repulsion?

"..."

At the same time, the image of him prioritizing the extermination of demons over his own life even up to the moment he was being swallowed by a demon two weeks ago came to mind.

["I simply cannot tolerate the existence of pests that gnaw at the world."]

And those words, which simply impressed him when he heard them, but now had a hidden sting when looking back.

"Ah, shit..."

He couldn't even fathom what kind of feelings he was living with, or with what kind of heart he had spat out those words. However, behind his lack of understanding, only admiration and awe flooded in instead of contempt and repulsion.

Because if he had been in the same position as the Demon Knight, he would never have been able to act like that.

"... Look here."

Thus, DeathBringer opened his mouth half-impulsively. He couldn't help it even knowing it would be a choice he'd regret.

"Hey, do you really think I'll be of help?"

A childish decision was the privilege of the young.