fCvBfD03

1Chapter 1230: An Emergency Meeting
2Translator: Transn  Editor: Transn
3 
4Barov was waken up by his servant.
5 
6During the wartime, the staff of the Administrative Office stood vigil in turns so that they could notify Barov immediately in case anything out of ordinary happened.
7 
8Edith no longer worked in the Administrative Office, but she still had certain influences on Roland. Barov always tended to seek counsels of the General Staff before making a plan. The presence of such a genius rival constantly reminded Barov to work hard.
9 
10Nevertheless, this was not the only reason Barov was so dedicated to his work.
11 
12In fact, he enjoyed being busy, as being busy represented power. It meant that Neverwinter needed him. Also, His Majesty would trust him even more if he succeeded in his undertaking.
13 
14Barov slid off the bed and pulled on his clothes. "Speak up. What's the matter now?"
15 
16"Sir, this is an order from the king. He calls a meeting at the boardroom in the castle. All the ministers should be there at once."
17 
18"Right now?" Barov asked in surprise as he looked out of the window. Without a doubt, it was in the dead of night.
19 
20"Yes. The telephone operator didn's say much. Do you want to send someone to the castle first to make sure..."
21 
22"No, that's fine," Barov said quickly. The call was from the Administrative office, so it was not likely miscommunication. Since he was the only person who had installed a telephone at home, he must inform the other ministers verbally. "Ask the servants to notify the other ministers. Remember that everyone needs to be informed. If you ever miss one, it's on you!"
23 
24Barov would have hesitated for a while had the order been issued by the old Prince Roland. However, now, Prince Roland had become a competent king. If he decided to call a meeting at this deadly hour, it must be about something of extreme urgency.
25 
26"Yes... yes, sir," the servant said in the earnest. "Are you going to the castle alone?"
27 
28"No, I'm going with the Pearl of the Northern Region," Barov returned. "I'll notify Edith Kant myself."
29 
30...
31 
32"Your Majesty, almost everyone is here," Nightingale said as she put on a coat for Roland. "Do you need a cup of tea?"
33 
34"Yes, please," Roland said while nodding. "Sorry to wake you up..."
35 
36"That's nothing," Nightingale said while smiling. "I'm not tired at all. I was just pretending."
37 
38"Pretending?"
39 
40"No, no," she denied quickly, a little flustered. "I mean I did yawn, but it was because my eyes were dry. I'm not tired at all. By the way, is Anna coming?"
41 
42"Let her rest," Roland said while shaking his head. "She doesn't need to worry about such things. Plus, she's been working so hard lately."
43 
44To further improve the Cube-powered motor, Anna had been working in the laboratory at the North Slope day and night. At the same time, she also had to work on the biplanes.
45 
46"You're working hard as well," Nightingale said as she handed the tea to Roland. "You didn't sleep at all in the Dream World, did you?"
47 
48"Don't worry. I'm used to staying up late..." Roland said smilingly. It was common to sleep at irregular hours in his previous world. This was actually not the worst. He simply needed to take a rest later to make up the hours he had lost. "I won't be able to sleep well if I don't finish my work."
49 
50Roland thus drained the cup and sighed, "Let's go."
51 
52...
53 
54The boardroom lapsed into a dread silence after Lightning told them what she had discovered during her journey. Everybody was completely awake and wearing an extremely grave expression.
55 
56Agatha looked toward Roland apprehensively and said, "Your Majesty, we..."
57 
58"This isn't your fault," Roland comforted. "The rapid increase in the number of Senior Demons and Spider Demons has already indicated that our enemy is now very different from the one 400 years ago. Apparently, they also progressed."
59 
60There was no point in blaming the Taquila witches for providing inaccurate intelligence, as the event was unforeseen. Indeed, the soldiers in Neverwinter and the Taquila witches had reached a mutual understanding on the strength of the demons in the third Battle of Divine Will.
61 
62"Although the Exploration Group is not 100% sure about the 'presence of the Red Mist', the Red Mist did reach the crest of the Impassable Mountain Range. I believe that we'll hear from the front within a week. Now, the problem is that what we should do in the event that the demons do have the ability to activate the Obelisk in a short period of time. Before we discuss this matter, I want to make sure how much Red Mist an activated Obelisk could produce."
63 
64Agatha said hesitantly, "After the Union discovered the special demon at the bottom of the mine, we speculated that the Obelisk is probably a type of giant Magic Stone. If the small Magic Stone embedded in the demons is transformed from a Chaos Beast, then the Obelisk would be from raw ores. The Obelisk does have unique properties, but its size also depends on the mine where it's growing from. However..."
65 
66Roland knew why Agatha was hesitating, but he urged, "That's OK. Speak up. It's better than nothing. Plus, everything is subject to change during a war. If our prediction is a little different from the reality, then we can make adjustments accordingly."
67 
68"Alright..." the Ice Witch said while nodding in great relief. "Based on the Union's experience and Lightning's information about the location of the mine, the Red Mist produced by an Obelisk transformed from a God's Stone mine the same size of Taquila could probably reach here..."
69 
70She then conjured an icicle and pointed it at the map.
71 
72"This is... the Archduke Island?" Edith asked thoughtfully.
73 
74"That's right. If we move the great rapture to the Taquila area, then the borderline would be around the Impassable Mountain Range area," Agatha explained. "Of course, the Red Mist won't reach there all of a sudden. It needs time to permeate the surrounding area, and the whole process may take a few days. The farther it goes, the slower it'll travel. Therefore, it'll be another few months before the Red Mist covered the area within a radius of 100 kilometers."
75 
76It appeared that they had done a good thing to seize Taquila in advance. Had they failed or been a little slower, say, they had just completed the railway construction now, the Red Mist would have not only invaded the Four Kingdoms from the Impassable Mountain Range but it would have also hindered the operation of the First Army. The Red Mist was fatal to the witches. Even though the army had advanced weapons, they would not be able to carry out military operations effectively while being interfered with by the Red Mist.
77 
78"With that being the case, we must hurry up," Roland said as he looked toward Edith. "Does the General Staff have any plan?"
79 
80"Of course we do," Edith said confidently. She was the first person to see through the demons' intention. "Although the demons are faster than we thought, from the perspective of military strategy, erecting the Obelisk at the ridge of the continent was actually their last resort. The ridge of the continent is a good hiding place, but the demons could not launch an attack effectively from there. This affords us time to remedy the situation. The General Staff believes that if the demons do appear in the Kingdom of Everwinter, our defensive line will definitely not in Graycastle but here."
81 
82She tapped the map.
83 
84It was the Cage Mountain in the Kingdom of Dawn.
85 
86Chapter 1231: Hope
87Translator: Transn  Editor: Transn
88
89"The reason is fairly simple," Edith resumed before anyone could raise a question. "The Cage Mountain is not only a branch of the Impassable Mountain Range in the horizontal direction but also the highest point of the Kingdom of Dawn. The artillery of the First Army could have a broader view if they fire from there. Also, the demons will have restricted mobility, considering that there are fewer flying Devilbeasts than inferior Mad Demons."
90
91"Secondly, the Red Mist tends to move toward the lowlands, and it becomes thinner as it stretches farther. Therefore, the witches shall build the defensive line at the highpoint of the land. I've heard that the front has already done so ahead of time."
92
93"The last is His Majesty's Radiation Project." She surveyed the room at these words and continued, "We know that this project relies on the ores at the Cage Mountain. Before we find an alternative resource, we can't abandon the Cage Mountain."
94
95Nobody questioned Edith's decision.
96
97Nobody saw the final product of the Radiation Project, and they could not possibly imagine how much energy those tiny little spheres could produce, but all of them viewed the project as one of the most important missions, simply because Roland said so. Roland swelled up with pride at this thought.
98
99This was probably the biggest achievement an engineering student could ever attain.
100
101"But we can't desert the Kingdom of Everwinter or the Kingdom of Wolfheart completely either," Roland said as he cast a glance at Edith. "We need people to win the war."
102
103"Yes. Therefore, while the Red Mist is spreading, the First Army should focus on bringing in immigrants and stopping the demons from advancing. I don't think the demons will set up outposts after the Red Mist spreads out. They'll build them right now, which was exactly what they did 400 years ago."
104
105Edith paused for a second and said, "To be honest, the sudden appearance of the Bloody Moon helped the First Army. When people in the Kingdom of Everwinter and the Kingdom of Wolfheart see what kind of enemy they're dealing with, they'll automatically side with us. By that time, they'll beg Graycastle for help even if Iron Axe wants to shut them out."
106
107At these words, Edith's lips curled up into a faint, inscrutable smile.
108
109In that case, a lot of people would die.
110
111Roland heaved a sigh.
112
113Roland understood why Edith gloated over the misfortune of the refugees. He remembered a piece of news in his previous world saying that some residents opposed to build a cell tower and therefore lost cellphone reception. However, in a war that would determine the fate of the human race, Roland could not stand by watching those people suffer, even though it was because of their own stupidity.
114
115"We harvested tons of Golden Twos this year," Roland said as he turned to Barov. "Draft a proposal and send some food to the Kingdom of Dawn. Make sure those refugees who left their native towns are fed."
116
117"Your Majesty, if my understanding is correct, once we confirm the Red Mist would spread out, the First Army will immediately set off for the Cage Mountain. This will create a lot of pressure on the logistics," Barov replied hesitantly. "I can't guarantee we can provide food to the refugees while at the same time supplying our army. We won't have enough ships even if we borrow all the ships from the Chambers of Commerce at the Fjords."
118
119This was a real problem. Even the largest sailboat in the Fjords would not meet the needs of the war. All the fleets were now filled with immigrants.
120
121"Unless... we build a railway leading directly to the neighbor..." Barov said with great difficulties. He knew such a large project would cost tons of money. His heart ached every time money went out from the treasury.
122
123"We probably don't have much time," Roland said while shaking his head. "The railway construction on the Fertile Plain has cost too many resources. If we build another railway, we won't be able to support the other projects."
124
125The railway, which stretched away from the Misty Forest all the way to the ruins of Taquila, cost a great amount of steel. Its construction took a year and a half, not to mention that Leaf had amended the first half of the railway and that the second half was built on a flat plain. The road condition between Neverwinter and the Cage Mountain was more complicated than the Fertile Plains, so it would be hard to say how long it would take to build this new railway.
126
127"I totally agree with you, Your Majesty..." Barov rejoined, apparently much relieved.
128
129"Let's make a plan based on the current situation. Don't try to save money. Use the money well," Roland said. "As for the logistics, I'll see what I can do."
130
131"Yes, Your Majesty."
132
133Roland then looked toward Edith and said, "The General Staff should also draft a proposal based on the presumption that the farthest the Red Mist could go is the Cage Mountain. Then we'll discuss further in detail."
134
135Smart as the Pearl of the Northern Region was, she had no problem in making a plan. Even if Roland did not remind her, she would understand the urgency of the matter.
136
137"Leave it to me," Edith said while placing her hand on her chest.
138
139Roland rose to his feet and surveyed the boardroom. "I told you before that the third Battle of Divine Will will determine the fate of the mankind. Now, it's coming." The victory of the Taquila war has proved to us that we could win, despite the miserable defeat 400 years ago. I hope we all do our best and devote ourselves to this war. I'm sure today will be remembered!" Roland proclaimed. "Listen, no matter who our enemy is, I only have one request, that is, we must win the battle!"
140
141"As you wish, Your Majesty!" everyone shouted together.
142
143It was going to be a busy night.
144
145After everyone filed out of the boardroom, Roland held Tilly back.
146
147"I want to have a private word with you."
148
149...
150
151After Roland returned to his office, he dismissed Nightingale and shut the door.
152
153Tilly raised her brows and asked, "Something that you don't even want Nightingale to hear? It seems you're not planning to inquire about the training of the Aerial Knights."
154
155Roland did not answer but poured a glass of minty Chaos Drink for both of them. It did not taste particularly good, but it was pretty calming.
156
157Seeing Roland remain silent, Tilly did not pursue but simply sipped the drink, waiting for him to break the silence.
158
159Roland had a complex feeling toward his "sister". Tilly was not his real sister. Compared to the Princess Tilly he used to know, the current Tilly Wimbledon had become more like a leader. However, he preferred the little girl who used to curl herself up beside Anna in winter, with her feet sticking out from underneath the blanket, and think about what kind of tough questions she could ask the other witches.
160
161Although Roland knew that people would change, Tilly's change was too drastic. Within a few days after Ashes' death, she had grown up. He could see the virulent rancor against the demons in Tilly's eyes. She seldom revealed such hatred, but Roland was very disturbed by her "only request" of seeking revenge from the demons.
162
163She had made up her mind.
164
165The world had suddenly become meaningless to her.
166
167Roland learned from Lan that Ashes could be brought back to life. He should have verified the information before telling Tilly so that he would not give her a false hope. However, Roland realized that as Ashes' death had sunk Tilly into the lowest dejection, Tilly might not survive the Battle of Divine Will in the end.
168
169If he told her about the prospective good news now, she might probably elevate herself from such despondency.
170
171Yet there was a risk he had to take. If Ashes did not come back to life in the end, Tilly would be devastated.
172
173That was why Roland did not say anything for quite a while.
174
175But he had to speak.
176
177Roland knew he had made the decision when he had stopped Tilly.
178
179He would rather put his faith in a faint ray of hope in the future than regret later.
180
181"Brother?" Tilly reminded him, a little bewildered. She averted her eyes slightly to avoid Roland's burning gaze.
182
183Roland took a deep breath and said slowly, "What I'm going to say next may be incredible, but I still want to tell you that — "
184
185"Ashes may be still alive."
186
187Chapter 404: Majority Rule
188 
189Wing Road returned to Spada, the city scape now dyed white in winter snow, in the evening of the 6th of Gloom. They had made haste when going to Asbel village due to the urgency of their quest, but their journey back was one made in leisure.
190 
191The fenrir they’d fought had been under the influence of a powerful curse but was certainly a strong foe. Though it may seem that they had, thanks to their individual effort and diligent preparation, defeated it easily, it was still an opponent to which they would have faced annihilation if they’d made even a single misstep. Every member of Wing Road understood that, if they’d fought that same fenrir but released from the curse that caused it to go berserk and limited its true intelligence, the degree of danger would skyrocket instantly.
192 
193Which is why all of them felt that they deserved a leisurely trip back. Well, all except Nell, who’d much rather they not waste so much time.
194 
195 
196(Crusaders… I remember Kurono-kun mentioning that.)
197 
198 
199Nell recalled what had happened in the middle of her post-quest conversation with Kurono. It’d been such a long time since she had a chance to talk alone with her dear Kurono―― but she just had to interfere once again. That evil fairy.
200 
201Nell had been instantly furious at Lily, a result of the fairy’s many transgressions thus far, but managed to quickly notice the Spadan royal crest sealing the envelope handed over to Kurono. She had, of course, not peeked at its contents, and nor did she ask about them, but it was obvious from how Kurono had completely stiffened upon reading it that contained in that letter was a matter of utmost urgency.
202 
203 
204“Sorry Nell, I need to go. See you.” He had said simply before running off as if his life depended on it. Nell had neither the chance to ask just what had happened, nor had she gotten the opportunity to bid him farewell.
205 
206Such an abrupt parting. There existed no fool so crass as to dismiss the princess of Avalon with such little ceremony. And the first one who did just happened to be the man said princess desired so strongly. Nell would cry herself to sleep for at least 3 following nights from shock and heartbreak―― that is, if she was still the same fragile girl she’d been after the battle of Iskia.
207 
208 
209(Kurono-kun didn’t dismiss me like that because he doesn’t like me. Something very serious must have happened to make him behave like that… right?)
210 
211 
212The present Nell had the strength of mind to not misinterpret Kurono’s actions. And on that basis, she had surmised that Kurono would need her, surely.
213 
214 
215(I can only teach him model magic, for now… but I will help more, I swear to help Kurono-kun in every way I can!)
216 
217 
218With that determination, Nell had been, for the past month, participating in one rank 5 quest after another, fiercely and relentlessly challenging herself to new heights, all in order to receive a divine protection of her own.
219 
220She was not the same, weak Nell that she’d been. She would not fall bedridden from one malicious look from Lily. She was stronger, much stronger.
221 
222 
223(Because I know that Kurono-kun likes me too.)
224 
225 
226On that stormy night, Kurono had resorted to sneaking into the girls’ dormitories just to see her. He had thanked her for healing him after the Cursed Carnival and for all her help at Iskia. He had requested that she teach him magic. Nell was the only one he could depend on―― he had said very clearly.
227 
228 
229(Kurono-kun wants me. There’s no better motivation to improve myself than that.)
230 
231 
232She accepted the fact that she’d been lazy. She’d let herself drown in the utter bliss of being with Kurono, just the two of them. She’d been far too naive thinking that she could stay in paradise forever. Which is exactly why she’d met such a tragic aftermath when the fairy had come, from a blind spot really, and delivered such a devastating blow to her psyche.
233 
234But she was able to stand on her two feet once again, all thanks to Kurono. She didn’t have time to waste despairing. Kurono needed her, and she would give her utmost to respond to his earnest desire for help. She would put in the effort. She would become strong.
235 
236 
237(And then, surely, I will become Kurono-kun’s… one and only.)
238 
239 
240Nell was finally at the starting line in the race toward Kurono’s heart. No longer would she one-sidedly desire his love without giving anything in return. No longer would she be a baby bird crying for its parent to bring it food.
241 
242No, she would become the hunter who catches her own prey. Like a fierce eagle, she would surely, definitely, capture Kurono’s affections. She swore it on the white wings on her back, on the bloodline inherited from the supreme rulers of the sky――
243 
244 
245“ ―― This emergency quest, what do you guys want to do?” Nero said, unperturbed as―― No, his tone seemed a bit more serious than usual, which woke Nell out of her reverie involving birds of prey.
246 
247It was currently the next day after their return to Spada, the 7th of Gloom. The members of Wing Road were currently gathered where they usually gathered, the academy’s main mess hall. The four of them, as Charl wasn’t present, were sitting at a table and enjoying the that special taste of cafeteria food they hadn’t had during their multi week trip.
248 
249 
250“We take it, that’s what!” Kai howled. “Doesn’t matter if it’s the Dragon King or whoever these Crusaders are, they’re bringing the fight to Spada, and I say we give it to them good!!”
251 
252It was noon. The hordes of starving students had filled up the mess hall and had been scarfing down on their food. No one seemed to mind Kai’s boisterous declaration which surely travelled to every corner of the large, crowded hall. Or at least, no Spadan could complain.
253 
254On every table there was a flier detailing King Leonhart’s personal call-at-arms to the adventurers of Spada. In other words, it was the emergency quest form to join the 4th regiment, Gladiator. Everyone knew what that meant for their nation.
255 
256 
257But then again, knowing what it meant, and actually participating were different matters entirely.
258 
259“Could you not be stupid for once? Think about our position before you start yelling for war.” Safiel’s cold voice swiftly shot down Kai’s valiant roar. Wait, did Safiel ever speak warmly towards Kai, or anyone else for that matter? The others pondered.
260 
261 
262“It might be a legitimate quest and all, but it’s still war we’re talking about.” Nero said.
263 
264An ordinary adventurer would be free to take part and serve as a soldier on the warfront. But did similar logic apply to adventurers who were of high noble birth? What concern would this war be for foreign royalty who just happen to be adventuring?
265 
266“They mostly leave us alone,” Nero said with a sigh, “but there’s a good chance me and Nell will be called back to Avalon…”
267 
268 
269Nero and Nell were both rank 5 adventurers deserving of that title. Their various exploits together with their trusted companions had them recognized as powerful individuals. They were not specially treated just because they belonged to Avalon royalty.
270 
271As the first prince and first princess of a nation, Nero and Nell had an obligation to return to their capital post haste once war, any war, broke out.
272 
273And yet, understanding that fact better than anyone, Nell dared to deny it with crisp words.
274 
275“No, onii-sama, I’m afraid I cannot do that.”
276 
277 
278“Oi, Nell, what’s the big idea――”
279 
280I’d be an idiot if I let go of this chance. She’d add if she didn’t forget her princessly manners.
281 
282Spada going to war, the mysterious enemy known as the Crusaders, an enemy towards whom Kurono held a deep seeded hatred. Nell had connected all the dots the moment she saw the quest form.
283 
284 
285(These Crusaders are Kurono-kun’s enemies.)
286 
287Kurono had mentioned them indirectly. That he had enemies he had to kill no matter what. And now that enemy was made clear to her.
288 
289There was also the glimpses of memory she’d seen inside him. The utter tragedy, the village on fire, the charred, crucified, slaughtered remains of friends―― Nell understood exactly how Kurono felt. The emotions he felt in those scenes, and the emotions still within him.
290 
291He had suffered through deep, hopeless, unbearable sadness. And from that injustice, anger, a dark grudge was borne. He never showed it in his daily life, but the vengeful desire inside him hadn’t disappeared, not in the least. It had only been festering, incubating deep inside his soul, waiting ever so patiently for release.
292 
293She would aid him in fulfilling his revenge. She would be the one, the only one, right by his side. That was something she swore in the bed together with him in the Grand Colosseum infirmary.
294 
295 
296(This will serve as my chance to come out on top. I’ll make him mine no matter what it takes.)
297 
298She mentally licked her lips at the thought, while presenting her pure and innocent princess face at the table as she cut off Nero to say,
299 
300“I want to fight too. I want to protect Spada.” Which was no lie, per se. Kurono wanted to protect Spada and so would she. And after their valiant efforts on the field of battle, this time, she would be the one riding behind him on his Nightmare as they rode the victory parade. She needed a place to celebrate after all.
301 
302 
303“Haah...” Nero sighed with a face that suggested that he had his little sister all figured out after all, “guess I should’ve expected something like that coming from you…”
304 
305He would’ve been correct in his assumptions too, if it’d only been three months prior, before Nell met Kurono, at a time when she loved and respected her brother with all her heart.
306 
307 
308“Please, onii-sama. Even you can’t stand the prospect of running away, can you?” This time, it was the sister’s turn to display her grasp over her brother’s personality.
309 
310Nero might not have had much attachment to his position as royalty, but his personal sense of pride was high. It wasn’t a pride born of fame and fortune, but one that valued freedom over all else. It was one of the virtues that made Nero who he was.
311 
312And Nell respected that about him, she really did. So she was glad to use that knowledge to coax him with words best suited to sway him.
313 
314 
315“You’re not wrong. I’m not scared of some Crusaders or what they call themselves―― but I’ll have to say no this time.” Nero denied clearly, which Nell took calmly, as she knew that her brother wouldn’t be convinced that easily. Which could only mean that Nero had prioritized something above that stubborn pride of his. And Nell was well aware what that something was.
316 
317 
318“Can you still not trust in my strength at all?” She pleaded.
319 
320“Listen Nell, even if you were stronger than me, I’d make the same choice. As your brother.” Nero revealed his motives plainly. At times like these, her brother never beat around the bush or tried to deflect the topic.
321 
322This facet of his personality where he was always direct and to the point in important moments was certainly admirable she had to admit. But for her current goal, it was starting to become a pain.
323 
324 
325(Perhaps I should just set out on my own…)
326 
327No, not yet, I shouldn’t jump to quick conclusions, Nell deliberated. She calmed her irritation before a scowl could appear on her face. Thinking clearly, she understood that it was better to make use of Wing Road’s full potential if she was seriously doing this.
328 
329Nell wanted to help Kurono, help him kill his enemies. But more than that, she wanted to protect him and guarantee that he survives the war. What help would she be if he died? That was putting the cart over the horse, and knowing how Kurono fought, she imagined that the risks were especially high for him. She expressed her resolve:
330 
331“Onii-sama, I realize that you care about me, but my opinion on the matter remains.”
332 
333 
334“This is getting nowhere.” Safiel spoke to cut off Nero who was about to once again try convincing his sister. “Wing Road settles quest related arguments with a majority vote. We have all agreed on this, correct?”
335 
336It was something they’d decided on when they first formed their party. No one needed a reminder. Even Kai understood the most basic rule of their team. Safiel had asked the question merely out of courtesy.
337 
338“We have one of three choices: for, against, and abstain.”
339 
340They might choose to debate their point or present better arguments, but in the end, the choices remained 3. Once again, Safiel only confirmed this out of courtesy.
341 
342 
343“Please wait, Safi-san! I can’t――”
344 
345“No, Nell.” Nero said. “That’s our rule. Don’t complain about something you agreed to.”
346 
347 
348Wing Road was established on the basis of freedom. All members agreed that they didn’t want any restrictive rules or reason to be formal with each other. They only had 2 very basic rules: divide the rewards equally, and settle disagreements via majority vote.
349 
350Each member had one vote, so everyone had equal weight in making the decision. The system was the simplest, yet most parties never utilized it.
351 
352Nero had always faithfully abided by this rule, as he not only believed in freedom, but also equality. Which is why, whether it was the intellectually challenged Kai or the sly genius Safiel, both of them received one vote. It wasn’t as if their party was devoid of dispute, just that they’d not yet disbanded no matter what resulted in the vote.
353 
354This is because each of the 5 member of Wing Road deferred to their rule on equality just as adamantly as Nero. Thus, no one would agree to an exception.
355 
356 
357“Go on, Safi.” Nero urged, and the amethyst necromancer pushed up her evileye sealing spectacles in a show of acknowledgement.
358 
359“If it’s a 2-2 split with one person abstaining,” Safiel continued, “priority goes to―― ”
360 
361 
362“―― Count me in! Wing Road will protect the peace of Spada!” yelled a voice, this one much louder than Kai’s. So loud in fact, that one might imagine the whole building heard it.
363 
364Every student and faculty was well familiar with this particular voice that rang in your ears. The other 4 members of Wing Road especially. They wouldn’t mistake that annoying soprano for anyone else. That was just impossible.
365 
366All of them turned to the noise, and as expected, that small girl with red twintails and a proudly fluttering cape, their friend, stood there like a champion. And standing there, she made her opinion known:
367 
368“Ahhh hah hah haa!! Spada’s Crimson Lightning, Charlotte Tristan Spada, is back!!”
369 
370Ever since I was a little boy, I always had some certain interests about killing. One day, I couldn’t contain my desire and finally managed to kill someone.
371 
372 
373 
374It happened sometime around summer, during my junior high years.
375 
376At the moment of me killing someone, I experienced some sort of ecstasy that I had never felt before.
377 
378That feeling shook me to the very core of my soul. It was something that I had always sought but could never grasp.
379 
380 
381 
382At first, I thought that I had messed up real good, but there was no guilt.
383No regret.
384Only pure genuine happiness.
385 
386 
387 
388If the police arrested and interrogated me back then, there was no way that they would release me back to society anymore.
389 
390I just couldn’t help it.
391There was nothing else that could make my soul gasping like this.
392As young as I was, I was still considered as a very smart child, so I understood my feelings well.
393 
394 
395 
396So I thought about it over and over again.
397How do I hide my true self from the world while I relinquish this thirst from my soul at the same time?
398 
399I couldn’t.
400Not with my pangs of conscience.
401 
402 
403 
404This cold society would reject me without a doubt. It was my fate to be alienated without being able to fulfill my desire. I felt like the whole world exists just to prevent me from pursuing my existence.
405 
406 
407 
408But why do I have to care for such a world?
409 
410 
411 
412It was the people who rejected me first.
413The general society.
414No, the whole world itself.
415 
416Why am I the only one who gets rejected?
417Why don’t I have the right to refuse it?
418 
419This is non-sense!!
420 
421 
422 
423If the populous, society, and the whole world take me as an enemy, then I will also take them as my enemy.
424 
425And against those people, I shall fight back with every shred of my wits and use every ounce of violence.
426 
427If I didn’t, my soul would be crushed and I will live as a living corpse for the rest of my life.
428 
429 
430 
431For that reason, ever since that day in my junior high year, I spared no effort and grabbed everything I could.
432I graduated from Touto University of Medicine and gained a reputation as a genius surgeon. And I finally gained the ability to summon the demon himself.
433 
434Or rather, it was to be expected that the evil god Monguenues had its eyes on me. (TL: it’s still not clear about the god’s gender)
435 
436 
437 
438 
439 
440◆◆◆◆◆
441 
442 
443 
444 
445 
446Before I transmigrated to another world, I had to kill that gold-digging bitch first.
447 
448And so, I went to her luxurious apartment using my car.
449 
450ーHer apartment?
451 
452Actually, it was me who bought it for her.
453 
454 
455 
456I didn’t want to admit it, but she was once my legal wife.
457 
458To marry that woman was the biggest stain that ever ruined my life.
459 
460When the head of surgery department first introduced her to me, she looked like the very essence of gracefulness. But once she unveiled her façade, I couldn’t even decide if she was a pig or a monkey.
461 
462 
463 
464It all started when she didn’t like it when I strangled her in the bedroom. She screamed at me, asking for a divorce and consolation money. Because of that, my perfect career in the University Hospital fell apart. I lost my foothold and failed rising to the top of authority.
465 
466That woman, not only dissatisfied with her undeserving luxurious apartment, she also squeezed a large sum of money from me as her “monthly expenses”. It was money I paid her under the promise that she’d keep quiet about my “hobbies”, but that woman talked left and right about me to the wretches she associated with, as I found out by having a private eye investigate.
467 
468 
469 
470I shoved that evidence to her, but she got even more aggressive.
471 
472 
473 
474『What do you mean with that? Isn’t it a fact that what you did towards me is unforgivable?』
475『Oh, that? It was just something I said to my friends over some tea. You have some problem with it?』
476『I am the victim, so of course I can tell it to anyone and everyone, is it not?』
477『If you don’t like it, you can always pay me the usual amount~』
478 
479No… That was the last straw.
480It was clear that she had no intention to shut her mouth.
481My past trauma throbbed.
482 
483『With things going on like this, shouldn’t you give me a formal apology and consolation money?』
484『Don’t forget to leave the money column as blank, alright?』
485 
486This woman… does this bitch even have any value to be kept alive?
487 
488 
489 
490 
491 
492So I got into her room inside the luxurious apartment, saying that I had prepared the check.
493 
494As soon as I showed her the check, she laughed greedily.
495 
496And so, I wrapped my fingers around her neck.
497 
498My slender fingers moved swiftly and choked her pale neck.
499 
500Nothing beats the feeling of killing these kinds of bitches.
501 
502Looking at her begging for her sorry life just added my excitement even more.
503 
504 
505 
506 
507 
508At first, I was sexually attracted to the face of a suffering woman, but it wasn’t enough anymore… Not after I remembered the pleasure of murder.
509 
510I couldn’t reach my ejaculation before I saw my partner die.
511 
512Eat. Sleep. Kill.
513 
514Those 3 words were the best words to describe my greatest desire.
515 
516 
517 
518Of course, I felt no despair or regret from my action.
519 
520It was like watching filthy monkeys fucking each other. It was normal to not be aroused while watching those things. So pure and beautiful. The art of murder is the only thing that could quench this hunger from my soul, as it should be.
521 
522 
523 
524Ah, I was enjoying it too far and accidentally ruined my shirt.
525 
526I searched around her room and found a man’s jersey that fit me.
527 
528Unfortunately for me, I couldn’t find any razor or anything similar.
529 
530So I had no choice but give up on shaving my stubble.
531 
532 
533 
534I was so immersed in my ecstasy while enjoying that woman’s body and fell asleep in the bathroom.
535 
536The hospital must be in panic right now since I was skipping my work.
537 
538I left her bathroom while shaking off the cold from sleeping in her bathtub.
539 
540 
541 
542 
543 
544Right when I left that bitch’s apartment, I saw a certain respectful man walking towards me.
545 
546It’s the detective.
547 
548He suspected that I was a member of a certain occult circle called 〈Beelzebub〉 and marked me.
549 
550〈Beelzebub〉 was an occult circle that I organized using my reputation and position as a genius surgeon, but recently, there have been cases where the circle members were reported missing.
551 
552Obviously, it was my doing. But as common sense stated, I did my best in hiding the evidence. Besides, we thoroughly educated the new members to not leak anything regarding the circle. Despite all those efforts, some monkeys and pigs had joined and tainted the sacred ground of 〈Beelzebub〉 on several occasions.
553 
554 
555 
556At first, I’d like to order faithful members to kill them all, but it seemed that I had to do it myself. I guess that was where the detective sniffed me out.
557 
558So why does this detective stand here in front of me?
559 
560Did he… did he perhaps know that I might someday go and kill that bitch of a woman?
561 
562 
563 
564He and I passed by each other in silence.
565 
566He looked back behind me.
567 
568He didn’t say anything.
569 
570He just stared at my back…
571 
572So I continue ignoring the detective… but I changed my mind.
573 
574 
575 
576I looked back and gave him my brightest smile.
577 
578Then I walked toward him.
579 
580 
581 
582「Mister detective」
583 
584「Detective…? No, sir. you must be mistaken…」
585 
586「Please stop playing dumb. I had someone investigating you. You are a member of the 1st department of Sakuragaoka Station, Shoki Takeo, am I right?」
587 
588His face stiffened up.
589 
590 
591 
592「I might have a present for you」
593 
594「Present…?」
595 
596Looking at my bright smile, he lost the mental battle and pressured back.
597 
598The fact that he was still green was as clear as day.
599 
600 
601 
602According to my self-investigation, he was still 31 years old.
603Younger than me.
604 
605It was said that he had a strong sense of justice, so he often performed an investigation by himself and got punished for it.
606 
607In short, a stupid detective that couldn’t even see his own surroundings.
608 
609 
610 
611「Please go to that woman’s room. I prepared a nice decoration for you to see. As a detective, it must have piqued your interest, isn’t that right?ーA murder victim, I mean」
612 
613「You…… Did you jusー!」
614 
615And so, our young detective rushed inside.
616 
617Looking at the detective, who was already inside his superiors’ teeth, I muttered to myself.
618 
619 
620 
621「……In these cases, shouldn’t he arrest the suspect first?」
622 
623However, it was the reason that he narrowly escaped death.
624 
625I took out the thing that I hid behind my jersey pocket.
626 
627 
628 
629In my hand was an automatic pistol that I got after went through so many hardships.
630 
631As great as I was, there is no way I could take a detective head on and win.
632 
633 
634 
635「Hmm… well, it’s not like I can use this thing」
636 
637The condition given to me was to 『Kill 111 people with your own hands』.
638 
639It was okay to kill them using a knife or blunt weapons, but using projectiles weapons like firearms didn’t add to the kill-count.
640 
641 
642 
643「Let’s see… how many more people do we need?」
644 
645I muttered that even though I already knew the answer.
646 
647But checking the answer was a pleasure in itself.
648 
649I chanted 【Appraisal】 in my mind.
650 
651《
652 
653Kizaki Tooru (《Genius Surgeon》《Satanist》《The Chairman of the Parapsychology circle, Beelzebub》)
654 
65534 years old.
656 
657Level 1
658 
659ＨＰ １２／１２
660 
661ＭＰ ９３１／９３１（３１＋９００）
662 
663Current quest: Contract with the Evil God (Contract with the Evil God of Another World, Monguenues)
664Quest Descriptions: As consideration for Kizaki Tooru (whom will be referred hereafter as the first party) killing 111 people with his own hands before the agreed deadline as sacrifices to the evil god, the Evil God Monguenues (whom will be referred to hereinafter as the second party) will summon the first party to another world, Marquekt.
665Prior to this, the second party will grant aid towards the first party.
666Required sacrifice: １０６／１１１
667）
668 
669Status: Common Cold
670 
671Skill:
672 
673・Legendary
674 
675＋【Appraisal】９（ＭＡＸ）
676 
677＋【Demon Summoning】９（ＭＡＸ）
678 
679》
680 
681 
682 
683 
684 
685The only one worth seeing was the last line in the quest description section.
686 
687１０６／１１１。
688 
689「Just 5 more people, I see」
690 
691 
692 
693I could kill that many people in one go.
694 
695I didn’t expect the detective to sniff me out, but in any case, I won’t stay here for that much longer.
696 
697It was a bet. Either the police gathered enough evidence before I could finish the contract or I managed to slip away and finished the contract without getting caught. Unfortunately for them, I was winning this bet.
698 
699 
700 
701I didn’t need to sneak around anymore.
702 
703From now on, it will be a game of chase.
704 
705Will the police arrest me first? Or will I kill the other 5 people first?
706 
707 
708 
709I was finally able to immerse myself in the joy of slaughter after such a long time.
710 
711I pointed my pistol towards the previous detective and security guard who was quarreling at the gate.
712 
713Lucky for me, Police couldn’t easily enter a high-class apartment like this as easily as intended.
714 
715 
716 
717「I thought that I should let you keep your life, but I guess I should kill you after all…」
718 
719I pulled the trigger repeatedly.
720 
721The glass broke and created a very loud noise.
722 
723Inside, the detective and the security guard were bleeding on the floor.
724 
725 
726 
727「Ahahahaha!!! This is fun, butー」
728 
729I casually threw away my toy that just ran out of bullets.
730 
731 
732 
733「Even though I had a too commemorate my departure, it really feels lacking since there are no falling flower petals from the sky」
734 
735Oops, I should leave before it became too noisy.
736 
737I quickly got inside my car and floored the gas.
738 
739And so, this shooting incident was only discovered about 1 hour later.