Chapter 113:


    Chapter 113


    The winter night was long. The moon and stars glittered on the clear ck sky, showing off their presence.


    Ruon suddenly woke up from his sleep. He got up from his bed, folding the thin nket, and saw the firece that had lost much of its heat.


    He threw some of the dry firewood stacked next to the firece, and the dying mes greedily licked the new prey.


    Ruon poked the firewood a few times with a poker and turned his head.


    He felt his dry mouth and gulped down the water in the ss, when he saw Ames side profile looking at the sky from the balcony.


    Ruon carefully opened the balcony door, avoiding stepping on Kyle and Colin, who were snoring on the floor. The cool night air kissed his neck.


    Cant you sleep either?


    I woke up. The firece was out.


    Ruon answered and leaned his elbow on the railing, breathing through his nose. The cold air entering his lungs seemed to wake up his drowsy body. It was not a bad feeling.


    Ame quietly blinked her eyes and looked at him.


    Hisrge body, his well-bnced and solid muscles, his rough hands and the numerous scars on them. Finally, she found his ck eyes that looked lonely somehow. She asked abruptly.


    Is your story beingpleted?


    Ruon thought for a while and answered.


    I dont know.


    Despite his hesitant and weak answer, Ame nodded quietly.


    There is a being called the Revtor.


    She threw a brief topic and stretched her index finger to connect the stars in the sky.


    He is the author who wants to plunge the high heavens into the abyss and cause the chaos of the world.


    As expected, he was involved.


    Ruonughed coldly and said.


    Ive heard of him.


    You know?


    It seems like hes doing all the evil deeds that are rampant in the world.


    Ames eyes widened slightly.


    Im d you know. You killed two great demons, so its not strange that you noticed his existence.


    What is he dissatisfied with that he cant turn the world upside down?


    Ame lowered her hand and clenched the railing.


    I didnt receive the revtion, so I dont know his thoughts and intentions exactly. But whats certain is, there are quite a few people who are fascinated by the new world he promised, and everything thats happening now has been nned for a long time.


    Ruon snorted at that.


    He had seen such people before he came into the game. They were the kind who spouted nonsense that they couldnt be saved unless they believed in someone right away when the new sky opened.


    The Revtor was just like that.


    Of course, it didnt make sense to put the guys who lured the shabby people and took their money and the madman who wanted to destroy the world on the same line.


    Meanwhile, Ames story continued.


    There is a tree in the north that has been revered as a god for a long time. But recently, it started to die as it reached the end of its life The barbarian chieftain silenced the opposition of the other elders and joined hands with the great demon Beolun under the pretext of reviving the sacred tree. The Revtor was the one who tied those two together.


    She sighed heavily.


    The senile great demon transformed the barbarian army into berserkers on the condition of merging with the sacred tree, and the chieftain, who only pretended to care about the sacred tree, took this opportunity to trample the kingdom and rise to the throne of the new king.


    The breath that came out of her thick lips spread white.


    And Quinn is the one who the Revtor put in charge of mediating the fight between the great demon and the chieftain. As they use each other, a mediator was essential.


    The story went on like that.


    Quintuanus, the corrupted fairy who had been on the same side with the Revtor for a long time, moved to the north ording to the Revtors will, and summoned Ame with a blood oath.


    She was looking for a way to get out of the oath, but she was dragged to the north without being able to resist properly due to the earlier than expected call. That was the real reason why she disappeared from the tower without anyone knowing.


    After that, Ame, who became Quinns puppet, weakened the sacred tree that resisted against her will, and swept the battlefield with the barbarians who became monsters, in ces where no one could see.


    She lived every day in hell like that, and thest chance she got was when she received the order to capture El Tigre, who was stubbornly defending the wall.


    There, she met her old friend who had be the great demon yer, and she challenged him to a reckless fight, hoping that they would stop her rampage. And she finally achieved her wish.


    It was an unexpected result that her copsing body was restored by the power of Tiv and Duermur.


    As the period was marked at the end of the not-so-short story, silence filled the space between the two. Ame exhaled white breath and looked up at the sky, and Ruon crossed his arms and thought deeply.


    He was the first to open his mouth.


    What happens when the sacred tree merges with the great demon?


    Ame sniffed and answered.


    Quinn said that. The sacred tree is a tree that rooted itself in the body of a god a long time ago. So it has its own divinity.


    She shivered from the cold.


    When the sacred tree is mixed with the great demons will It will be a terrible monster. A being that can stand alone against the Grand Church or the army may be born.


    Ruon nodded.


    ***


    Such destruction would surely bring us face to face with an unpredictable foe. One who would not sit idly by after their efforts have failed, Ruon mused.


    Am whipped her head around, her wide eyes asking, What?


    Did you actually listen to what I said?


    Ruon nodded silently, his calm demeanor leaving the mage fumbling for words.


    You mean to say you killed Belthucias and Fleur in this manner? Just went up to them and struck them down? What kind of


    Ruon turned to the stuttering Am with aplex expression and smiled faintly.


    It seems Ive lost my touch after such a long time, but this has always been my way.


    ***


    The next morning, a soldier arrived at the guest room.


    The lord has regained consciousness.


    Thats good to hear.


    After a brief reply, Ruon gulped down cold water as the soldier added,


    His lordship wishes to see the three of you. Theres no need to hurry.


    Colin, who was rebandaging a wound with clean bandages, looked troubled.


    Why me


    Despite his words, his hands moved faster, indicating he intended to go.


    Soon, the group, having finished their preparations, followed the soldier. They arrived not at the office where they first met the lord but at his bedroom.


    Ah, the heroes have arrived.


    Lord Kemark, looking gaunt, sat up in bed, supported by a middle-aged womanlikely his wife.


    Im ashamed to show myself in such a state. Please forgive me for not being able to greet you standing.


    The woman added politely,


    Hes injured his back.


    Oh, mydy, thats hardly something to boast about, Kemark chided her gently. Then he addressed the group.


    While everyone was fighting for their lives, I was shamefully lying in afortable bed, dreaming.


    Knowing when to lighten the mood, Ruon replied,


    Not at all. It showed how well the soldiers of Eltigre are trained. They all did their best without faltering.


    The lordughed heartily, clearly pleased.


    Even if its just ttery, I appreciate it. Truly.


    He then became serious.


    Ive spoken with An. He says that thanks to your efforts outside the walls, the defense was much easier.


    Was it?


    Though it felt a bit ambiguous, Ruon saw no reason to dampen the warm atmosphere and remained silent, as did Kyle and Colin.


    The scouts report that the retreating barbarians have moved far away. Im keeping it quiet so the soldiers dont get overexcited but weve truly won. Weve protected Eltigre.


    Tears rimmed the lords eyes as he suppressed his emotions with a cough and continued.


    Thats not the only good news. Even if we were on the brink of copse, the kingdoms army stationed in Briten ising here. Theyre regrouping and establishing a defensive line.


    The groups spirits lifted slightly. If true, Eltigre would no longer face the barbarians alone.


    Thats indeed good news.


    Thank you, Kyle.


    After a moment to catch his breath, Kemark said,


    I called you here to fulfill the promise I made on the first day. A life-risking endeavor deserves a fitting reward. I couldnt attend to it then, but now I can.


    Ruon noticed Colin clenching his fist, a sign he was ready to make a request.


    Kyle spoke first.


    My armor is in shambles after the battles. If possible, Id like a skilled cksmith to craft a new one. Is that feasible?


    The lord was taken aback by the modest request but nodded.


    Of course. Eltigre boasts many skilled cksmiths,parable even to the dwarves of Roburduke. Ill order them to prepare the finest armor for you. Choose one to your liking, or ce a custom order.


    Remembering the lords wealth and mines, Ruon realized the confidence in his offer.


    Colin then spoke up.


    Ahem, I would like a sturdy armor and a fine sword. Engraved, if possible


    ***


    Even though hisst words sounded a bit rushed, it was still an unexpected answer, so Ruon and Kyle tilted their heads in confusion. Colin scratched his head.


    I said wed go all the way, didnt I? Its not good for a man to say one thing and do another.


    When Seongju dly agreed to his request, the only one left was Ruon.


    Maybe I should ask for some armor.


    He was wondering if he should go along with the groups opinion, since his leather armor had been torn to shreds by Ames spell, when he suddenly opened his mouth with a thought that crossed his mind.


    I have and certificate that I got by chance. But its hard to use it right away, so Id appreciate it if you could write me a guarantee. It sounds grand, but a seal that guarantees my identity would be enough, I think.


    At his words, Colin gasped and drew in a breath. His trembling hands showed that he had caught on to what Ruon was saying.


    Then Seongjuughed loudly.


    Hahaha, of course. My authority in the kingdom is not inferior to anyone. Ill stamp any seal you want. Its a request from a hero, so its no trouble.


    Ruon smiled back at him.


    Thank you.


    Soon after, the group left Seongjus bedroom. There was nothing left to do, but Seongjus face was dripping with cold sweat, so he didnt look like he was in a mood to talk.


    As soon as they turned the corner, Colin grabbed Ruons arm and said.


    Are we going to swallow that pig I mean, the counts mine?


    Ruon replied calmly.


    Why are we?


    No! Dont say such hurtful things. I said Id fight with you, and I refused the money and asked for equipment.


    Colin made a sad face, and Ruon answered with a faint smile.


    I might share some with you, depending on how it goes.


    Oh!


    He immediately started to dance with joy, and Kyle, who had been watching the deserter with a nk stare, changed the subject.


    I hope the cksmiths skill is as good as Seongju said. Considering the future battles.


    Even then, he was more worried about the equipment than the money, and he looked like a true knight of mercy. Ah, he really was the champion of Tive.


    Ruon nodded and said.


    It would be nice if I could dispose of the materials Ive been saving.


    Materials?


    Kyle looked at him with a curious expression, and Ruon said.


    I have scales that I peeled off from Hes skin.