Chapter 97

It was autumn in Termwillis, but the ruined city of Beliandora in the north was already cold enough to be called winter. Soon, it would be sealed off by snow and ice.

However, what filled a corner of the former Beliandora Castle was not the cold air, but a swirling miasma. Trees stood densely, and one particularly large tree dominated the area. In front of this giant tree stood a man—the demon Valros—releasing a dense miasma from his palm, which the tree's roots continued to absorb.

"How are things? Is this the master of this spirit grove?"

A woman walked through the space filled with dense miasma, a faint smile on her face.

"---Luseliege. Unfortunately, this is not the master. There is a much larger tree deeper inside."

Valros turned his head over his shoulder, recognized the approaching woman, and then faced the tree again.

"Yes---. Well, this area is supposed to be the most secure. It's not going as planned, is it?"

Looking around, Luseliege muttered. The hall was lined with many trees, already withered.

"That's right. For the time being, I can't leave this place."

"Without delay, without the help of others. A seal and contract by the spirit grove, huh. They really made a troublesome system."

The spirit trees. Trees that continue to grow while purifying and absorbing miasma. The seal was created using these trees. Ordinary demons would be drained and destroyed just by stepping into the grove. That's why only a few could perform this task. If someone suggested simply destroying them, that wouldn't work either. The seal wouldn't be broken, and the withered trees would revive immediately.

"You can see from the contract with this area. It's clearly designed with our nature in mind. So, what brings you here? Your post?"

"I came because it's almost finished."

"Hmm? So the spirit grove you're in charge of is---"

Valros's voice carried a hint of joy.

"Only the master remains. The situation in Termwillis---the contact from Zevion has been cut off, and it's been left untouched, right? I came to tell you that I can go if I have free time."

"Yes. I understand the timing and the area for the liberation of the spirit hall, but the timing for the remaining doors can be calculated. However---"

Valros paused, furrowing his brow.

"Oh, you're being quite cautious."

"The reports ended abruptly, so I don't have a full understanding of the one who defeated Linneth and Zevion."

The situation in the ruined city of Beliandora was slowly progressing, but Valros felt they were falling behind in Termwillis. The border city and the ruined city were far apart. With insufficient manpower and the need to act secretly, there were delays in information gathering, transmission, and issuing orders.

"No matter how much we can't casually step into human strongholds---. Are you saying there's no information or methods at all about the demon slayer?"

"It seems they've sensed that we are gathering and acting in an organized manner. There's a mix of information about the demon slayer who appeared in Termwillis."

"Hmm."

"A strong man. A beautiful woman. Or an old man. There's even a child. Titles include knights, mages, adventurers, priests, nobles---a variety."

"---Information manipulation, perhaps. If it's just rumors, they wouldn't be so varied."

"True."

Valros nodded at Luseliege's words. If someone could do this, it was likely led by the king or a high-ranking official. For example, by sending letters to other countries to have trusted individuals or organizations spread false information, fabricate false eyewitness accounts, or deny the truth to conceal information about the demon slayer. Or perhaps the demon slayer was not an individual but a collective effort by a knight order, mages, priests, or shamans.

"Clever."

"Indeed, if we conduct inquiries within the kingdom---in Termwillis itself, we can narrow down to more accurate information. The fact that Zevion and others were detected mid-report suggests that their methods were also detected. Naturally, if we investigate too much, the situation in the ruined city might be exposed."

In other words, it was difficult to move familiars in Termwillis. The security around the port, which was used for information transmission, was likely very strict.

"Originally, I didn't prioritize the method used to defeat the combat-weak Linneth. But with Zevion as well, it can't be ignored. I consider it a failure."

"You're falling behind. Are you okay?"

"I have a plan. In that sense, it's fortunate that you offered to go after breaking the seal."

Luseliege placed her hand on her chin, as if in thought.

"---You mean it would be convenient if I break the seal of the spirit grove?"

"Yes. If we can't move it, we can bring it in. This way, no matter who the enemy is, we can do our job. After all, humans can't create a new seal."

"---I see. That's an interesting idea."

Luseliege laughed, but Valros didn't think it was a compliment.

"It's a gamble. We can't afford to make a mistake in the final stages. Obtaining the gem and breaking the seal of the Moonlight Temple is more reliable."

"That's why I'm going."

"---It will be a battle."

The enemy was an unknown demon slayer who defeated Zevion. Even for Luseliege, the outcome was uncertain.

"So? Are you saying I'm weaker than Zevion?"

Luseliege's face was filled with a mocking smile, indicating her confidence.

"I'm just saying it's a mistake to assume it will be easy."

"---Hmm. If I don't lose and it's not a waste, it doesn't matter to you, does it?"

"I'm not asking you to be a sacrificial pawn."

Luseliege looked at Valros for a while, then shook her head slightly.

"I might envy Zevion or someone like him."

"Hmm...?"

"Living a long life is just boring. Zevion said he wants to die in battle. If there are humans who can satisfy him, I want to see them."

"---It's a bad habit of long-lived demons. Tired of immortality, they seek their own death."

In a long, long life, even eating becomes boring. Walking without leaving a trace, crushing everything in their path, with no regrets about anything, not even their own death.

Valros disliked this.

Because they are superior beings, they don't apply others' failures to themselves. That's why they are in this situation, Valros concluded. He even thought that humans, who are greedy for life, might be superior as a species.

Valros frowned, and Luseliege smiled.

"What about the old man in Gardinis? He's older than me, right?"

"Don't mock me. He's just a vulgar old fool. There are such people."

"We get along well."

Luseliege seemed amused, but Valros remained stern.

"Well, I won't deny what you say. I think both Luseliege and I responded to your call because you started something interesting."

"Those who don't are just following my power."

Saying this, he spat it out. Valros glared at the smiling Luseliege, then looked away and said,

"If you have free hands, take them with you."

"Oh, so you think I'll lose?"

"Stop repeating yourself. I don't like the nature of demons who think like that."

"Hmm... Well, fine. If the demon slayer is just a numbers game, it would be disappointing and boring. I have a good idea, so I'll do it that way."

Turning to leave, Luseliege heard Valros call out to her back.

"Linneth's research has shown some results. Take it with you when you leave."

Once winter sets in, travel between cities becomes noticeable. Methods for infiltrating the city and moving within the labyrinth are essential.

"I will."

When Luseliege left the spirit grove, Valros was left alone. Above his head, the full moon shone brightly.