Demon-Hunting Genius Mage

[Translator - Prøks]

[Proofreader - Prøks]

Chapter 122

After successfully defeating Asmodeus, we moved even more busily than before.

Although we had eliminated all the threats, it wasn't time to let our guard down yet.

Only after closing the last rift could we finally relax.

Pak!

As we inserted the [Rift Closure Device], Ziren and Asion Gale said with relief,

"Phew... Now we just need to hold out for an hour."

"...The war is finally ending."

It felt like I hadn't seen Ziren in a long time.

But even though our paths didn't cross, Professor Ziren's contribution to this war was greater than I thought.

'I heard she swept through the minor demons at the other rifts?'

It was said that the flames didn't die down for a while in the places she visited.

Thanks to that, the main forces were able to concentrate on the battles with the Legion Commanders.

Professor Ziren would probably receive a considerable reward from the royal family after the war ended.

Of course, not only Professor Ziren.

Me, Thompson, Kayla, Barundel, Roan, Shuharn, Asion Gale, the elders, and so on.

It was obvious that all the main forces who participated in the war would receive enormous rewards.

Well, it was only natural, since we couldn't have won this war without them.

Anyway, with that in mind,

"Let's do our best a little longer."

We squeezed out our last remaining strength to clean up the remaining demons and protect the [Rift Closure Device].

Fortunately, there were no more unexpected events, and the rift closure proceeded smoothly.

After an hour passed like that, we could no longer find any traces of demons around the rift, the flow of demonic energy stopped abruptly, and

Shhh!

The rift closed.

The moment this grueling war finally came to an end.

"...I-it's over!"

"Uwaaaagh!"

The soldiers, including Thompson, cheered.

Although I didn't join in, hearing them made my heart swell with emotion.

'Finally...'

It seemed that the greater the hardship, the greater the sense of accomplishment that followed.

Our joy was short-lived, as we quickly began to wrap up the war.

We collected the bodies of the wounded and the dead, checked the number of personnel, and returned to our respective barracks.

All we wanted was to finish the war as soon as possible and get some rest.

Before long,

- ...Gather.

A familiar voice came from the broadcast.

'Elbert.'

It was Elbert's voice.

According to Barundel, he had thankfully overcome the crisis and recovered to some extent.

As instructed in the broadcast, we hurriedly moved with the soldiers and found a man covered in bandages standing on a makeshift platform.

Judging from his silhouette, it was Elbert.

'...Is he really okay?'

I thought he should be resting more, but thinking about it, I understood.

Elbert would never accept it, given his personality.

'He must have thought he had to finish it himself.'

He was a man who valued such formality more than his own injuries.

In any case, even though he discriminated between people, he was a responsible commander.

Thud!

As everyone sat down with excitement, Elbert, who had been looking around, slowly began to speak.

"You've all worked hard."

His first words.

Although it was just a single sentence, the soldiers looked like they were about to burst into tears.

Well, it wasn't strange.

None of the people here hadn't faced death.

Even though I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, they must have fought desperately in places I couldn't see.

Indeed.

'...The number of people has decreased significantly.'

Compared to the first day when every seat was filled, it was too empty now.

Empty seats occupied more than half the space.

It seemed that more than half of the people who were here that day had perished.

Elbert, who must have known this fact, was not wearing his usual playful expression but a serious one.

His voice was very solemn.

"Soldiers, you've truly... worked hard. Your achievements will be recorded in the history of Asternon, and the sacrifices will not be in vain."

Shhh!

Elbert unfurled a scroll-like paper.

It was a considerably long sheet of paper, densely filled with letters.

It was the same one I had seen before.

"Your achievements are recorded in detail! Right here!"

And then,

"Ash Brigham! Subjugated 27 lower-rank demons and 2 mid-rank demons! Rachel Sina, 12 lower-rank demons..."

Without further ado, he began to recite the names of the soldiers written there and the achievements they had made, one by one.

Without exception, every soldier whose name was called had tears in their eyes.

And the surrounding soldiers applauded generously to celebrate their achievements.

"Waaaaah!"

"Amazing! Calison!"

"Calison! Calison! Calison...!"

How much time had passed?

Finally, it was my turn.

"Yuhan! 276 lower-rank demons! 384 mid-rank demons, 3 higher-rank demons! 1 Legion Commander-level enemy! Additionally, participated in rift closure operations, treatment of civilian brainwashing, troop deployment, and..."

The introduction was longer than ever.

Although they were all things I had done myself, hearing them directly like this made me feel proud.

It also made my chest feel tight.

I understood why people had tears in their eyes.

While I was thinking that,

"That's all!"

"Waaaaaaaaah—!"

"Yuhan! Yuhan! Yuhan!"

"Mage! Mage! Mage!"

The soldiers there looked at me and kept chanting slogans they had come up with.

The sound was so loud that my ears were ringing.

But the soldiers didn't care and continued shouting for a long time.

"Mage! Mage! Mage...!"

"Hmm..."

Everyone's eyes were on me, as if expecting me to say something.

Wondering how to react, I just smiled slightly and waved my hand.

"Wahahaha!"

"Waaaaaaaah—!"

Then, the soldiers burst into laughter and cheered even louder.

I hated being the center of attention... but was it because of the situation?

'It doesn't feel so bad.'

It was strangely enjoyable.

Anyway.

"Everyone worked hard!"

"Good job!"

"Let's go home—!"

After Elbert's commendation ceremony, which lasted for hours, finally came the order to disband.

"Hey, this is fate, how about we have a drink together today?"

"Ah, of course! You saved my life, so I'll treat you to a grand feast!"

"Hahaha... I won't refuse!"

Chatter about celebrating our victory filled the air.

Just as I was about to turn around to make some party plans with those who had fought alongside me in this war,

someone tapped me on the shoulder from behind.

I turned around to see,

"Ah, Commander."

It was Elbert.

"Hahaha. It's even more heartwarming to see you after almost dying. Now that the war is over, please call me Knight Commander."

"Ah, yes, Knight Commander. ...But what brings you here?"

"I have something to tell you, would you mind if we talked for a bit?"

"Talk?"

I didn't have any guesses, but there was no reason to refuse, so I nodded.

"Yes, let's."

"Then come to the command room for a moment."

"Yes."

Thud, thud, thud.

I immediately followed Elbert to the command room.

"I called you because I have a special offer for you."@@novelbin@@

"An offer?"

"It's definitely an offer you'll like. If you accept this offer, you'll be able to achieve your dream."

"...My dream?"

At those words, I naturally recalled the conversations I had with Elbert.

However, no matter how much I thought about it, there wasn't anything specific.

In the first place, I had never revealed my dream.

'I don't think I mentioned that I want to catch Baal...'

Then what was this man talking about?

My question was quickly answered.

"Would you like to come with me to Sector 1?"

"Huh? Sector 1? Why there...?"

Sector 1 was where the king and his bloodline resided directly.

Simply put, it was the royal family's territory.

As I was thinking that, Elbert nodded as if to confirm.

"You're right. I'm saying let's go meet His Majesty."

"...So why?"

"Because I'm going to recommend you directly to His Majesty. As the commander of the Royal Guard."

"...What?"

What was this nonsense all of a sudden?

A commander? And the commander of the Royal Guard, no less?

I unconsciously widened my eyes, and Elbert smiled, seemingly amused by my reaction.

"Hahaha, are you surprised? How is it? Does it feel like a dream come true?"

"Forget being surprised, that's not my dream..."

"Of course, you shouldn't get your hopes up too high. Even with my recommendation, there's no guarantee that His Majesty will approve. Well, you have to endure that much. The position of Royal Guard Commander isn't something just anyone can have."

"Um, are you even listening?"

"Even if you get approval, it will take a lot of effort and time to actually get that position. But don't worry. From what I've seen of you so far, I'm sure you can do it."

"..."

"I've already talked to the Royal Guards. If you agree, you'll probably join them when they return."

Elbert continued to express his thoughts without listening to me at all.

Feeling like I would be dragged to Sector 1 without being able to refuse, I spoke more firmly.

"I think you're mistaken, I have no intention of becoming a commander."

Then,

"...What?"

Elbert's eyes widened, and he flinched.

"You don't want to be a commander? No, that can't be right."

He pondered for a moment, then nodded.

"Ah, you're feeling pressured? There's no need to feel pressured. The fact that I'm recommending you directly means you're fully qualified. Have some confidence!"

...Was he always this bad at listening to people?

"It's not about pressure, I really don't want to. I won't be a commander."

"...Why?"

"I told you earlier. I have no intention of becoming a commander."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes."

"Huh..."

Elbert finally seemed to understand what I was saying.

Then he suddenly asked another question.

"Then what is your dream? What are you working so hard for?"

A question about my dream.

It wasn't a difficult question to answer at all.

"To catch Baal."

"...Baal?"

"Yes, and I'm going to become a demon hunter for that."

"...A demon hunter? Then all that dedication to magic was also to become a demon hunter?"

"Well, that's right. To catch Baal, I need to reach the level of a high-ranking mage."

Silence lingered for a while.

It was Elbert who broke the silence.

"I've been under a huge misconception... I thought you were someone who dreamed of becoming a commander."

"I don't know what made you think that, but I understand."

"Alright. Let's forget about what I just said."

With that, Elbert turned around.

He didn't seem very pleased.

Well, he must have been disappointed since he had expectations.

'But it's not my fault.'

Thud, thud.

Elbert, who had taken a few steps forward, said casually,

"If you change your mind, let me know anytime. I'm willing to open the way for you."

"..."

Did he really give up...?

[Translator - Prøks]

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