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“Alright,” Van began, leaning against a lamppost with a heavy sigh.

“I haven’t the slightest clue where I am, or where to find that harem bastard,” he muttered to himself, frustration evident after racing through the streets in a futile attempt to find a familiar landmark.

‘EVERY SINGLE STREET HAS CHANGED!!! WHAT THE HELL!!!? THEY EVEN EXPANDED THE CITY!!!’ he fumed internally. ‘IT’S ALSO LIKE THEY ADDED AN EXTRA LETTER TO EVERY STREET NAME JUST TO MESS WITH ME!!! NO, I BET THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID… GRRRGH!!!’

His self-criticism didn’t stop there. ‘Oh, my hands are not clean either. Nothing’s improved with my strategic planning in the 20 or so years I’ve lived in this world!! I could’ve just rented a place to stay until I sorted myself out, but I’m flat broke!! Wait, that wouldn’t work either way!! I bet my helmet’s already featured on the upcoming wanted posters…! Why did I tell them my name!!? That Hicks guy swayed my feelings with his charisma and caused me to actually trust him.. Grrr!! Even if I went to the guild right now, I’d be surrounded by elite knights and arrested, no questions asked!! They’d take a week to realize I was a part of Magus’s party!’

‘Eh, eh!? Why did I even come here broke!!? I should’ve hunted some monsters and made some money after the demonic realm, but I just ran straight here, eating every monster I hunted… AHHHH WHAT AN IDIOT!!!’ Van internally berated himself as he slammed his helmet against the lamppost repeatedly.

‘I should’ve invested like I decided 16 years ago…!!’

Eventually, mentally exhausted and defeated, he let his body slump to the cobblestone ground near the lamppost, gazing up at the sky.

“Ugh… I should’ve just stayed at the demon realm and married Yilla like Alicia suggested… At least then I’d have an excuse to visit the castle every day and see Alicia.”

Van looked down, ‘… No, that wouldn’t be fair to Yilla, or Alicia.’ He chastised himself.

‘Funny… How I’ve been thinking about Alicia more than the others these past few days,’ he reflected internally, his thoughts drifting back to his time in the demon realm.

‘Her eyes always held mine so intently. She never looked at me with pity… except that time I told her about my so-called ‘wife crusade’. But honestly, even I would pity myself hearing that…’

‘Wait, so why can’t I stop thinking about her if it isn’t pity…?’

‘Odd… It’s not as if she had anything extraordinary to offer, other than being immune to Magus’s influence or probably living the longest out of everyone… Sure, being immune to his passives was why I was there to begin with, and the longevity was a perk, but… That’s not what I remember when I think of Alicia…’

‘Man, I’m not very convincing. Even myself… I just… I just can’t stop thinking about her,’ He pondered, as memories of her smiles and laughter surfaced, overshadowing the image of her with another.

‘… Whatever. It will pass, surely… Just like her interest in me, if she ever had any.’
Once more, Van felt his mouth twitch at the thought.

‘…Damn. Why don’t I want her to move on from me? Why can’t I seem to move on from her…?’ He mused, his hand absently brushing against his helmet as he felt his chest beginning to tighten in discomfort.

‘Screw this feeling… I wish I had never met her to begin with… It just complicated everything,’ Van concluded, pressing his iron-gloved hands against his helmet, as if trying to physically block out the persistent images of Alicia.

Just then, the night air was pierced by a cry.

“Ahh!! Leave me alone, you jerk!!” A feminine voice echoed nearby.

Van slowly rose to a sitting position, a frown etching across his face.

‘This voice… A woman screaming..?’ he muttered to himself, his solitude pierced by the unexpected disturbance.

‘…Whatever. Once more, I find myself with nothing better to do. Guess it’s time to play the hero. Maybe I’ll ask for some coin and direction afterward,’ he thought resignedly as he stood and walked toward the source of the commotion.

“Come on… Mel! I could really use some comfort right now~… I really thought I was going to die from that dragon attack…!” a guy whined, his tone lecherous as he tugged at a young girl’s shirt.

“Then, hug a pillow or something!” She argued as she pulled back.

“What..? But we’re on a date~… You should do at least this much on a date with a guy..!” He leered, sneaking a touch on the girl’s bottom unexpectedly.

“Kya!!” She shrieked, her mind racing with a desperate plan.

‘I’ll just conjure my ice magic and blast this bastard away!’ she resolved, her determination flaring.

Yet, as she focused her energy, no magic materialized.

“Heh… Tried to use some magic on me just now, didn’t you?” the young man taunted, flashing a triumphant grin as he revealed a ring on his finger, glinting with the dull sheen of a magic-absorbing stone.

“T-that!!! A magic absorption ring…!! You BASTARD..!!!” She gasped, horror mixing with panic as she scrambled away from him. Her efforts were clumsy, and she stumbled, falling hard onto the concrete walkway.

“Hehe, lucky me, my dad the Duke loves me so much he wants to keep me safe in case I get attacked, so he gave me this ring!” he boasted with a twisted grin.

“But tonight, as your date, I wanted you to let loose… So I held your hand and drained all of your magic power throughout the evening. You have quite the reserve, so it took a while… I am so disappointed that you tried to attack me, your honored date, Mel… Now, I have to teach you some manners,” he sneered, looming over her with a manic smile, his hands ominously reaching towards her as she lay defenseless on the ground.

Lalyn sighed deeply, shifting her gaze towards the frantic Marcilla. “Arlyn… She sensed that meatshield’s presence on this badge and then mistook it for whatever stopped Arutol,” she calmly explained, pulling the badge from her breast pocket and tossing it to Marcilla for inspection as she rose up, taking her time as she got off her dragon.

[Master?! I am CERTAIN the presence I felt above was Van Hellix!! His badge had no influence over me whatsoever-] Arlyn argued through telepathy, but Lalyn disregarded her.

“W-what…?! Arlyn never makes mistakes like this!! If she thought it was Van, then it must be—” Marcilla began, but Lalyn quickly cut her off.

“…Marcy, I always thought you were naive… but now I realize you must be a fool too. How could that… pathetic meatshield accomplish such a feat…?” Lalyn murmured dismissively as she stepped away from Arlyn and unsummoned her, leaving Marcilla staring after her, dumbfounded.

“He was but a grain of sand compared to Magus… If even that…” she continued. Then, Arlyn’s voice interjected in her mind.

[Master, why are you lying? I agree, I had my reservations about that human, considering he had the most vile aura I have ever sensed… But, he was our ally! I had grown fond of him myself! There is no reason to lie like this!!] The dragon urgently argued.

“Ha… Arlyn… You’ve also grown dull over the years. See? She is now admitting she indeed sensed a vile presence above, yet one that bears no resemblance to that meatshield,” Lalyn confidently declared aloud to Marcilla, who sat on the ground, her expression unreadable.

“Lalyn,” Marcilla called calmly, yet her voice carried a sharp edge. “I get that Arlyn might’ve made a mistake, but…”

“Can you just… not talk about Van that way around me anymore?” she requested seriously.

Lalyn was slightly taken aback but retained her composure. “Hmmn…” she hummed, leaning close to Marcilla’s ear. “Would you rather I whisper other things into your ear… Like we used to…?” She teased softly as she blew icy air into her ear.

“W-what!!!? Stupid, no! No way!” Marcilla exclaimed, her face flushing as she scrambled backward, only to realize her shoes were frozen to the ground.

“A-ah! Y-you damn crazy b—” Marcilla stammered, realizing she was stuck. But just as she was about to shout, Lalyn straddled Marcilla’s lap, a smug smile playing on her lips.

Marcilla gasped as she felt Lalyn’s sudden warmth and weight pressing down on her.

“In addition to being naive… and foolish… You are also a terrible liar…” Lalyn purred, leaning in so close that their faces were almost touching.

“I-I’m not… I just… T-told you I’m not at that age… anymore…” Marcilla argued weakly, turning her face away.

“Oh..? But in my eyes, you always appear youthful and pretty… Are you telling me I need glasses…?” Lalyn teased, her lips brushing near Marcilla’s earlobe.

“D-dumbass… I… Didn’t say that…!! I’m just saying… I no longer see you that way…!!” Marcilla’s voice faltered, her heart racing.

“Oh… Is that so? Even though I can still hear your voice as you screamed my name… Ahh… It made me so nostalgic…” Lalyn hummed, her fingers gently tracing Marcilla’s arms.

“Aah… D-Don’t say it like that… It’s not fair…!! O-our lives were really in danger… So, I just…”

“Just what…? Just wanted to replicate that feeling one last time as you, oh so passionately, did all those years ago…?” Lalyn whispered, her hands exploring further, eliciting a shiver from Marcilla who involuntarily arched her back, seeking closer contact with Lalyn.

“J-just… Do what you want… With my body…” Marcilla relented, her resistance fading.

“Lalyn…? Marcy…?” A gentle voice called from just outside the guild.

Lalyn coolly shifted to a sitting position, “Ahh, Amoria. Come here, please… Marcy seems to have collapsed from the stress… Can you heal her?” She called casually as Amoria stood outside, the rest of the guild members slowly filtering out of the establishment to gaze at the clear sky in awe.

Marcilla watched Lalyn stand up with a sly smirk, visible only to her. She cried tears of embarrassment, her face flushing deeply as she looked away.

“My, you poor thing! Don’t worry, I’m here…!!” Amoria reassured her, noticing the tense expression on Marcilla’s face.

“Just… Kill me already, will ya’…” Marcilla muttered, her voice trailing off.

“Heal you?! Of course, Marcy! I’ll heal you right away!” Amoria exclaimed, mishearing her as she pulled out her golden staff. “It must have been so terrifying… Lalyn, did you know what–“

Amoria paused as she looked up while healing Marcilla, only to find that Lalyn had already disappeared.

“Huh? Where did she go…?” Amoria wondered aloud. “Hmm… Must be rushing to see her daughter!” She concluded.

Marcilla sighed in her flush of embarrassment.

“You’re just so naive, Amoria…” She mumbled under her breath.

“Hm? What did you say?” Amoria inquired.

“No, nothing… Nothing at all,” Marcilla replied, her tone resigning as she relaxed, her gaze lingering on the shadows into which Lalyn had vanished.

Meanwhile…

[Master is a master at distraction… Is getting to Van Hellix first the reason for your act..?] The dragon relayed, its tone tinged with resignation.

“I knew you kept your sharpness over the years, Arlyn. What did he use to say to us? Hmm… ‘The early bird catches the worm,’ right? No matter…” Lalyn coolly replied to her dragon.

“Let’s just say I am that early bird…” She added, her tongue subtly tracing her lips.

“…And I feel like snacking on a tasty worm right about now…” She murmured under her breath, a mischievous smile spreading across her face.

[Master is incorrigible…] Arlyn relayed, its resignation deepening.

“Alright… Now… Lead me to that meatshield, please.” She muttered, her smile tinged with anticipation as she followed Arlyn’s senses towards Van’s location.

As Lalyn was lost in thought, a loud alarm echoed through the city.

“What…? Another dragon attack today…?” She murmured softly.

Suddenly, the door burst open behind her. Marcilla emerged, supporting Amoria.

“Huh!!? You were still here!!?” Marcilla exclaimed, surprised to see Lalyn.

“Ahh…” Lalyn barely managed to reply as Marcilla noticed the badge in Lalyn’s hand.

“Tsk, never mind! Hurry to the basement!!!! He’s… That bastard’s as big as Yagun!!” Marcilla urged, and they all descended the stairs. Amoria was slightly relieved to see Lalyn still there.

As they rushed down, panic ensued among the adventurers in the guild:

“Shit..!!! We’re doomed this time!!”

“That thing is as big as the Academy itself!!! What in the Goddess’s name is that size!!!?”

“IT’S LIKE YAGUN FROM 10 YEARS AGO!!!”

While the adventurers fled in terror towards the basement, Lalyn’s curiosity was piqued. As Amoria and Marcilla hurried to the basement doors, Lalyn calmly walked towards the guild’s gate amidst the chaotic rush.

“L-LALYN!!! THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!!?” Marcilla yelled as she shielded Amoria from the pressing crowd, guiding her into the guild’s basement.

“Tsk, that stupid bitch..!! Magus ain’t here to carry our asses!!” Marcilla muttered under her breath, spotting the guild’s maid. “Misa!! Grab Amoria and protect her in the basement!!”

Misa quickly turned, “R-right!! What about you, Miss!?” she responded, taking over supporting Amoria.

“I have to get that knucklehead inside! She has no idea how screwed we are if that thing attacks!!!” Marcilla shouted, then turned back to reassure Amoria.

“Marcy…!!” Amoria called out worriedly.

Marcilla briefly stopped and turned, patting Amoria’s head. “Don’t worry, sweetie. I’ll get that dumbass and we’ll all be safe in the basement soon enough. Got me?” She smiled reassuringly.

Amoria caressed her hand, forcing a smile but feeling slightly relieved by Marcilla’s confidence, then nodded.

“Hurry please…” she whispered, before heading with the guild’s maid to the basement.

Marcilla plowed through the crowd, catching a glimpse of Lalyn standing motionless outside, staring upward.

“This is no time to be fawning over a dragon, you dragon nut!!” Marcilla screamed as she burst through the doors to confront her.

“HEY!!! ICE BITCH!!! GET INSIDE!!! YOU COULDN’T STOP THAT THING EVEN IF YOU SUMMONED ARLYN!!! HURRY AND COME WITH ME TO THE BASEMENT!!” she yelled from the guild’s entrance.

“Do you think…” Lalyn began, her tone causing Marcilla to halt.

“…Will there still be a basement left after that beast uses its roar?” she muttered, her voice trembling slightly.

Marcilla’s eyes narrowed as she looked up.

“Only Magus could possibly stop that… Meanwhile, all we can do is hope it doesn’t target our guild in its rage,” Lalyn added, summoning her ice staff.

“I KNOW!! SO, GET IN!!” Marcilla yelled, anxiety evident in her voice.

“That’s… Arutol, the Dragon King’s direct offspring,” Lalyn whispered.

Marcilla twitched.

“I REALIZED IT SEEING HOW BIG THAT FUCKER IS. SO GET IN, OR I’LL DRAG YOU IN!!” Marcilla screamed, stomping towards Lalyn, who pointed her ice staff at her.

“…Amongst us, I’m the only one with ranged magical attacks and the ability to fly. I’ll take Arlyn and try to hold it back,” she declared, determined.

“FORGET IT, JUST GET BACK IN!! WE BUILT THOSE STURDY BASEMENTS FOR A REASON!!” Marcilla shouted.

Ignoring her, Lalyn opened a portal. Her ice dragon Arlyn, fully summoned, lowered her back for Lalyn to climb on. Lalyn’s face contorted with worry and anxiety as she thought of her daughter, sweat streaming down her face as she charged her staff, watching Arutol prepare its fire roar.

‘Arutol came so suddenly… We won’t make it up there in time to block its attack… That bastard got us..!!’ Lalyn thought, her face full of worry as Arlyn spread her wings, sharing her sentiments.

“Lalyn…!!” Marcilla shouted, unsure whether to go back inside or climb onto the dragon with her…

…As they all braced for the inevitable.

Lalyn kept her intense gaze on Arutol, flying over a few kilometer in the air. Then, a thunderous noise reverberated, as if dozens of thunders had split the sky.

Before Lalyn’s eyes, she witnessed the mighty Arutol, cleaved in half just as he emitted his fire roar.

For the first time in over a decade, Lalyn’s mouth hung open, utterly stunned by the sight before her. As the two halves of the colossal dragon sailed over the capital’s walls, a loud thud echoed through the air, mere seconds after Arutol’s corpse disappeared from view.

“A… Miracle…?” Marcilla whispered, her voice filled with awe as her knees buckled.

[Master…] Arlyn, the ice dragon, began communicating with Lalyn through telepathy, her gaze fixed intensely on the sky through Lalyn’s portal.

“Arlyn… What happened…? Did… The Goddess herself intervene…?” Lalyn asked, her eyes locked on the heavens, searching for an answer.

[No…! I am certain…!! I clearly saw what happened. It was no deity. The being who slew… No, slaughtered Lord Arutol… Is none other than Van Hellix..!! This accursed presence I sensed from above… It was unmistakably his! All it took was a single swing of his greatsword!]

Lalyn let out a soft chuckle, still looking up at the sky in disbelief.

“In… A single strike…? That… Meatshield? He’s… Really here…?”
Lalyn mumbled as she slumped onto Arlyn’s wide, light-blue, scaly back. Marcilla, staring the heavens above her face a mix of disbelief and pallor as she heard what Lalyn said.

“What… What did you say… Lalyn..!!?” Marcilla stammered.

Marcilla’s eyes fell, a shadow crossing her features. “Do you think… he’s mad at us…?”

“I don’t know exactly what he feels or thinks… It’s been a while,” Amoria replied, her smile strained as she tried to mask her uncertainty.

“I just know that if he wasn’t struggling with everything that happened, he wouldn’t have left us and stayed away for so long…”

“Yeah… The poor thing,” Marcilla murmured softly with a frown.

“Ara~?” Amoria teased, her voice light and playful.

Marcilla shivered, feeling a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

“Y-Y’know what I mean!! Just stop it already!!” she protested, her face glowing red as she covered it with her hands.

Just then, a figure walked through the door gently.

“Ah… Lalyn…!” Amoria called weakly.

“Amoria, I heard you were unwell. How are you feeling?” Lalyn inquired, her voice carrying a slight chill.

Marcilla’s expression darkened as she eyed the white-haired dragon tamer.

“…Lalyn.” She murmured.

Lalyn’s gaze shifted to Marcilla.

“Marcy,” she responded coolly.

“It’s ‘Marcilla’ to you, you prick…!” Marcilla snapped, though Amoria tugged at her shirt, her expression begging for patience.

“…Lalyn… I’m so glad you’re here..!” Amoria interjected softly, smiling warmly at the tall, smooth-faced Lalyn, who looked remarkably youthful despite nearing her forties.

Lalyn stepped closer, ignoring Marcilla’s irritation, and leaned over Amoria’s bed.

“It was you who called, Amoria. How could I ignore such a plea?” she said with a relaxed smile, gently brushing Amoria’s cheek with her palm.

Amoria leaned into the touch, her cheeks coloring.

“…Tsche, get a room, you two…” Marcilla muttered, dismissively waving her hand.

“Oh? Marcy, you are also welcome to join this… exchange… As much as I’m against it,” Lalyn teased with a frosty edge, turning back to Marcilla.

“S-shut up!!” Marcilla retorted, her face flushing as she turned away.

“How’s your daughter doing, anyway…?” Marcilla asked, changing the subject.

“She’s fine. She’s joining the Academy’s Senior classes this year, specifically the Summoner’s Department,” Lalyn responded, her tone warming slightly as she spoke of her child. “And yours?”

“No surprise there. My daughter and Amoria’s daughter are also starting at the Royal Academy this year. She’ll be in the Warrior Department, while Amoria’s will be in the Holy Church’s.”

“…I see. I’m glad to hear that,” Lalyn murmured coldly into Marcilla’s ear, causing her to twitch and blush as she stepped back.

“S-Stop that..!!” Marcilla exclaimed, her cheeks reddening. “W-we’re not at that age anymore!!”
Amoria couldn’t help but giggle at Marcilla’s flustered reaction.

“Now… Amoria. I assume you didn’t call me here just to catch up. What’s the matter?” Lalyn inquired, turning her attention fully to Amoria with a focused gaze.

“It’s… Well… Better if I just show you this…” Amoria hesitated slightly before handing over Van’s badge.

“Hmm? An old badge… Who does this belong to…?” Lalyn mused quietly as she examined the badge closely.

Her eyes widening slightly as her hands twitched a little as she recognized the name on the badge.

“…. When… And where did you find this…?” Lalyn asked, her tone shifting to one of firmness and urgency, yet maintaining her deliberate pace.

“Apparently, one of the guards received this from an adventurer who tried to enter… At first, I was startled… I thought it couldn’t be him after all this time…” Amoria explained, her gaze lowered as if she were trying to piece together the words on the bedsheets.

“But then the guard mentioned how suspicious the adventurer appeared to him. That’s when I realized there was no mistake. It’s really Van. He’s here… Knowing him, he probably already scaled these colossal walls and made his way into the city… Somehow.”

Lalyn’s expression was unreadable for a few moments as she absorbed the news.

“…Alright. And..?” Lalyn responded, her tone shifting back to her usual cool detachment.

“A-and..? Lalyn, we need to find him and—” Amoria began, her voice faltering.

“Find him? That pathetic excuse of a man…?” Lalyn interjected calmly.

“I’m sorry…?!” Marcilla responded, her face flushing with anger.

“He was merely dragged along because of his relationship with Magus. He had no talent, nothing unique. Just a skill that made him the perfect meatshield to keep Magus safe and entertain us as he miserably died to the slightest of things. I do not understand why you are so worked up over that trash—”

In an instant, Marcilla pinned Lalyn to the floor, her teeth clenched in rage as she glared into her eyes.

“YOU TAKE THAT BACK!!!” she bellowed. Meanwhile, Amoria weakly tried to intervene and pull them apart.

Lalyn maintained her cool, nonchalant gaze as she looked up at Marcilla.
“Am I wrong…?”

“DAMN RIGHT YOU ARE!!!! IT WAS ALSO THANKS TO HIM YOU SURVIVED!!”

“Really…? Then, do elaborate. What did that guy do other than being the perfect meatshield?” Lalyn said, her eyebrows subtly shooting upwards.

“YOU…!!! VAN WASN’T JUST A MEATSHIELD AND YOU KNOW IT!!!” Marcilla shouted, her voice echoing with conviction.

“S-stop this, you two!! Lalyn, you know Van was more than that!” Amoria pleaded urgently.

“Really…? Then, prove it. Given how upset you two are, you must know more about that charity case than I do. Enlighten me about his contributions,” Lalyn challenged, her voice sharp.

“Well, he…!!” Marcilla started, still pinning Lalyn to the floor, her mind racing through her memories of Van.

As Marcilla struggled to articulate her thoughts, Lalyn cast a wind spell, sending her flying off.
Calmly standing, Lalyn dusted off her dress and walked toward the door.

“It is truly sad, seeing you two so heated over dear Van, who, in addition to being the dead-weight that he was, left us without a backward glance…” She remarked while opening the door, prompting Marcilla to scowl as she picked herself up from the floor.

“Lalyn… Are you also upset that Van left us, maybe..?” Amoria asked softly, a hint of hope in her voice as she tried to reach deeper.

Lalyn paused at the door, her back to the room. For a moment, her posture sagged, then she slammed the door shut.

“That bitch…!! H-hey… Where’s the badge…?” Marcilla called as she noticed it wasn’t within Amoria’s grasp.

——–FLASHBACK——-

“Are… hrnn… you alright?” Van asked, his voice calm yet strained with pain, as he carried Lalyn through the dungeon, an arrow embedded in his arm.

“Your hand… There’s a poison arrow in it…” Lalyn observed coldly, glancing at the side of Van’s arm where the arrow had pierced between the plates of his armor.

“Yeah… Haah… Don’t worry. I will die in about five hours… since I have some resistance. I’ll stay with you until we reach a safe zone…” Van assured her, his breaths heavy.

“This poison… I’m familiar with it. Even a graze feels like a thousand needles stabbing simultaneously… Want me to end you now? I can manage on my own from here… The nearest place not crawling with monsters shouldn’t be far,” Lalyn offered, her voice steady despite the suggestion.

“No… I am… a meat shield, as you’ve said… Remember? What if something happens to you while I’m… gone? I wouldn’t be fulfilling my role…!” Van protested, mustering the strength to keep moving despite the pain.

“I’ll hold on… as long as possible…!!” Van muttered, determination in his voice as he looked and marched forward while carrying the paralyzed Lalyn.

—————————

Lalyn leaned against the door, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as memories of Van filled her thoughts.

“Just… a worthless meatshield… That’s all he was good for…” she murmured softly, her hands clutching Van’s badge as she placed it on her chest a little tighter.

“…You said you’d hold on as long as possible… So why did you have to leave us…?”

“Dummy…” she whispered, her voice weak and tinged with a bashful sorrow.

“Shh… Just drink this,” a maid whispered as she gently poured water into Amoria’s mouth, her face pale with concern.

“Did you call Lalyn…?” Amoria asked weakly after swallowing, addressing a fellow receptionist who had assisted her into a private room.

“Yes, I’ve contacted that woman through [Vibration]; she should be here any minute. In the meantime, you rest,” the red-haired receptionist instructed firmly as she caressed her palm.

“Ha… If I rest now, I’ll fall asleep… I have to stay awake and talk to her,” Amoria muttered, pushing herself up into a sitting position.

“Why call over your other former adventuring companion for this?” Garry interjected, leaning against the doorframe, his expression pensive.

“I just wanted all of us to be here,” she replied weakly.

“What..!? Then, talk to me or Marcilla here! You and Miss Lalyn haven’t spoken in years, right!?” Garry protested.

“It’s complicated… I just need to see her,” Amoria responded simply.

“Just… What is so important about this Van Hellix that you’re acting like this!? He just seemed like a suspicious jerk! Or criminal scum! He was very rude and impolite, too!” Garry grumbled angrily.

Amoria softly giggled, “Yeah… I suppose he does seem that way to you, doesn’t he? This only confirms that the badge you brought me really belongs to him,” she said, smiling weakly, a hint of nostalgia in her expression.

“What’s that supposed to mean!? If he’s really that much of a lowlife, then don’t worry! I won’t let him near you!” Garry exclaimed, his voice brimming with determination.

The receptionist let out a tired sigh, shaking her head. “I see…” Amoria began, exhaling softly. “…Riry, it’s late. Go back before your wife starts asking questions. I’m safe here with Marcy and the other adventurers staying in the guild hall downstairs tonight.”

“It’s Garry… And… are you sure you’re fi—” he asked, before being abruptly cut off by the receptionist.

“For all that is holy, the girl said she’s fine! PISS OFF ALREADY, YOU SHITTY BRAT!” the receptionist snapped, a vein bulging on her forehead as she stomped toward him.

“A-AH..!! I’LL—” Garry stammered, sweat trickling down his face. The calm concern he’d carried vanished the moment he saw her furious expression, replaced by sheer panic. Before he could react, she grabbed his ear with a vise-like grip and started dragging him toward the door.

“M-MAR… AUNT MARCY, I’M SORRY! I’M SORRY! I WAS JUST—” Garry pleaded, leaning awkwardly to spare his ear from further abuse, only to be cut off by her growl.

“IF YOU’RE SORRY, BE SORRY OUTSIDE!” Marcy barked, yanking him through the doorway and sending him stumbling against the wooden railing outside with a dull thud.

Garry turned back, rubbing his ear gingerly while a wave of relief washed over him after she let him go. He cast a soft glance past Marcy at Amoria, still resting quietly on the bed.

“T-then… good night. And let me know if that creep shows up—” he muttered, only to have the door slammed shut in his face, punctuated by Marcy’s sharp click of her tongue.

Inside, the room fell silent as Amoria lay comfortably under the blankets, chuckling awkwardly at Marcy’s aggression.

“You should be more gentle with him… He only means well,” Amoria softly suggested, her gaze resting on Marcy, who made her way back to her side.

“Then he needs to be reeducated on what ‘meaning well’ really means,” Marcy growled dismissively before turning to the maid.

“Misa, you’re free to go. I’ll take it from here. Handle the reception and orders until I return—it shouldn’t take too long,” Marcilla instructed. The maid gave a small nod and quietly shut the door behind her as she left.

“Marcy…” Amoria called weakly, gently pinching her arm. “It’s Van… He’s… He’s really here,” she murmured, her breath soft and uneven with each word, Marcy’s brows drawing together at the mention of his name.

“…I know. I kinda miss him myself, you know?” the tanned, red-haired warrior murmured as she sat beside her on the bed.

“You do…?” Amoria asked, a hopeful look in her eyes.

“Dumbass. You think you were the only one who cared about that guy?” Marcilla sighed as she lay down on Amoria’s legs, stretching her limbs comfortably.

“I never thought that… It’s just… Well, you know…” Amoria’s voice trailed off, her gaze falling in shame.

Marcilla looked down with a deep sigh.

“…That Goddess really did him dirty, didn’t she… Untrusted. So stupid,” Marcy muttered to herself, staring at the ceiling as she leaned her back on Amoria’s legs.

“I think he’s the only guy who wouldn’t go for Magus’s throat, despite everything he went through… Honestly? I wouldn’t even blame him if he did,” Marcy continued.

“…I did him… ‘dirty.’ Not the Goddess,” Amoria replied with a weak smile.

“Idiot. And who collaborated? Who agreed to keep you and Magus being involved a secret? We all had a hand in this,” Marcilla said with conviction.

A heavy silence hung between them as memories of their past adventures resurfaced.

“Y’know… Sometimes, I think about that guy,” Marcilla began, her gaze distant.

“About Van…?” Amoria asked, a trace of curiosity in her voice.

“Yeah.”

“Like what…?” Amoria pressed.

“…Not much. Just… thinking about him. Like… why the fuck did he stay? I get that they were friends, but there’s a limit to how loyal you can be. Considering how charming Magus was—hell, even I was drawn to him—the right move would’ve been to grab you and leave, as far away as he could.” Marcilla’s voice softened, trailing off into the quiet room, and Amoria flinched slightly at her words.

“I just… can’t stop thinking about it. I’ve never seen a man act like that. It’s so… unmanly. But… ugh. Why do I keep thinking about it, even when it feels so cowardly?”

“Because I don’t think him staying was cowardly at all. And… well, Van was nowhere near what an ‘ordinary’ man should be,” Amoria murmured.

“Are you talking about his immortality, or something else?” Marcilla asked, her gaze shifting toward Amoria.

Amoria shook her head slowly. “No… You said it best. He didn’t go after Magus… or me, despite everything. And honestly? It would’ve made perfect sense if he had,” she said, her voice filled with a warm admiration as she smiled at the thought of Van’s steadfast loyalty.

“But the fact he hadn’t… Is a testament of his bravery, and, how much he valued Magus,”

Marcilla rolled onto her side, her cheeks warming as thoughts of Van lingered.

“I mean… he could’ve just been a homosexual, y’know…” she mumbled, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

Amoria chuckled softly. “Hehe… You and I both know that wasn’t the case.”

“Jeez… I know. Just… Damn it, it would’ve been a lot easier if he was. The headache he gives me, thinking about him like this… How dare that stubborn, helmet-headed idiot…” Marcilla muttered, her voice trailing off as she blushed deeper, caught in her own tangled emotions.

“He… He cut… Th-the… Dragon… In Two!” a guard stammered, his legs failing him.

“Who is that!? Is that our King’s Hand, Sir Greatknight Nickelson!?”

“D-DON’T BE FOOLISH!! EVEN SIR NICKELSON…!! IS NOWHERE NEAR THAT STRONG…!”

“A… A God…!?” another guard murmured in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Sir Hicks stood in silent awe, watching as Van skillfully flipped his sword midair.
‘At this height and from this distance, I’m invisible to them. I might as well be an ant next to that dragon… I’ve never seen a dragon this massive; even Alicia’s bone dragon seems like a dwarf by comparison, even though he’s much stronger… Where did this beast come from…? Is this the work of The Dragon King?’ Van pondered, positioning his greatsword for a horizontal swing using the flat side.

‘Well, either way… If I swing like this… It should generate enough momentum to propel me back to the walls. The landing, though, that’s going to be the tricky part.’
Van braced himself for the maneuver.

“Here we…”

“..GOO!!” he shouted, executing the swing. Another supersonic boom split the night air as Van rocketed towards the wall where the five guards were stationed.

He collided with the wall below them, the stone absorbing the impact. Van landed sprawled inside the wall’s structure, lying on a cracked wooden floor. A lone torch flickered nearby, casting light over his immediate surroundings, while the hole his body had created in the wall allowed light from outside to stream in, illuminating his prone figure with beams of moonlight.

“Ahhh…” Van groaned, feeling the slight aftershocks of his rough landing.

‘I’m inside the walls now… right below the highest point… Tsch, this is going to sting in the morning…’

As Van struggled to his feet, the five guards who had been stationed above him hurried down the stairs, stopping three steps above where Van, covered in dust, was regaining his stance.

‘Not a single drop of blood… Not on him, nor on his sword…’ Sir Hicks observed quietly as he scrutinized Van.

‘That means… What killed the dragon… Was the sheer force generated by his greatsword…? RIDICULOUS…!! SUCH RIDICULOUS STRENGTH… Could it truly be a God who stands before us…?’ Sir Hicks pondered, his thoughts racing as they all watched in silence.

Van patted the dust off his armor, standing tall amidst their quiet awe.
“Sir Hicks,” Van began, causing Hicks to startle slightly in the tense silence.
“Regarding our deal. You remember it?” Van said as he turned to face Sir Hicks, who stood at the forefront of the five guards.

“…Hah. People are going to have questions about how this happened, and if we know anything. Given the magnitude of this event, even His Majesty the King and the royal family will demand answers. This is, after all, an unprecedented event in our capital,” Sir Hicks responded.

Van growled softly, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

“But…” Sir Hicks continued, stepping forward towards Van with a resolved expression.
“I made a promise and gave you my word as a member of the Royal Guard. As I have sworn, I will take the knowledge of your involvement in this incident to my grave, as will my subordinates.” He said with a smile.

‘Odd. Is it because he’s afraid of me that he’s saying this? With my Untrusted passive in effect, there is no reason or way for him to trust me this much. He will spill, eventually.’

“May I inquire your name?” Sir Hicks asked, extending a handshake.

“…It’s Van Hellix.”

‘Well, better they spill it as “Van, the guy who killed the dragon” and not someone else’s name. It’s not like I plan to hang around for long, so there’s that.’

“I see. Van… Hellix… VAN… HELLIX… Van… Hellix…” Sir Hicks repeated, his gaze lifting as he seemed to search his memory.

“Where have I heard that name…? I swear it stands right on the edge of my throat…”

“Well. Hope you remember it. See you,” Van said, then he leaped from the city walls, plummeting straight down into the city below.

“A-ah!!” Hicks exclaimed, reaching out too late to stop Van’s bold departure.

“…Did he just… Jump..?” Another guard asked in disbelief.

“Well, it’s not like he’s going to die from this… I just hope he doesn’t hit anyone on his way down…”

“Should we go after him, sir?” another guard suggested.

“No. You lot and myself, we are now bound by an oath. An oath is something you keep wholeheartedly until you die, or it is nullified by the party to whom you’ve sworn it. No matter how suspicious that individual was, you do not pursue him, as that might only escalate the situation for him,” he instructed the five guards.

“Now, follow me. We need to calm everyone down… And align our stories,” he said, leading them away from the walls.

“Besides, it’s not as if you could stop him even if you tried…” he added, a hint of resignation in his voice as they moved to address the chaos.

“YOU!!!” A guard’s scream pierced the chaos, his hand heavy on Van’s shoulder.

“Ah, y-yeah?” Van responded, a veneer of calm masking his confusion as he turned to face the guard.

“Run with me!” Urgency laced the guard’s command.

Without hesitation, Van fell into step beside him, noting the dread he hid behind a sense of duty on his face.

“Where are we going to?” Van inquired, his voice steady despite the turmoil around them.

“I don’t know who you are or why you’re here…!! Normally, I’d take you in for questioning, but as you can see, this is a crisis, and we’re short on guards!!” The guard clenched his fists and teeth, his eyes wide on the way before them, “Since you’re all the way up here, someone must’ve let you through, right!!? Nevermind!! I don’t care if you’re a murderer or a thief, help us now, and I might consider letting you off the hook, even if you’re a criminal!! GOT ME!!?” The guard’s words rushed out in a desperate plea, his throat strained, louder than the alarms that rang and the air against their faces.

“Right…” Van replied, his mind preoccupied.

Glancing up at the looming dragon, he pondered, ‘A dragon, huh…? I guess they’d want to take that thing down.’ He realized. An idea clicked on in his mind, his eyebrow subtly raised upwards, ‘Would it work on it…’

“What’s your name, royal knight?” Van queried.

“Mine…!?!? You shall address me as Sir Hicks! I require you to man the cannons and—” Sir Hicks began, but Van interrupted him with a stern tone.

“Sir Hicks,” Van interjected, causing the guard to turn around abruptly, confusion etched on his features.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!? THE DRAGON’S ABOUT TO USE HIS FIRE ROAR AND NO ONE’S ARRIVED YET TO STOP HIM!!! EVEN THE ELITE KNIGHTS WILL TAKE A MINUTE OR TWO TO BE HERE!!! HURRY UP OR THE ENTIRE CITY WILL ALL BE BURNED TO CINDERS—” Sir Hicks’s frantic words were cut short by Van’s intensity, the dragon looming ominously in the background, preparing its fiery breath.

“SIR HICKS,” Van’s voice cut through the air, commanding attention and freezing the guard in his tracks.

“Since you care so deeply for the capital’s safety… can you keep a secret, if it means eliminating this threat?” Van’s tone was calm, yet carried a resolute weight.

Before Sir Hicks stood a man unlike any he had ever encountered. The stranger’s armor was foreign—nothing like the designs worn in the capital. The greatsword on his back, adorned with ancient patterns, hinted at an era long past. And something about him exuded an unsettling aura, one that ignited every instinct in the guard’s heart, setting his nerves on edge.

But Sir Hicks’s love for the capital and its people outweighed any distrust he felt toward Van.

In that moment, there was no room for hesitation. Van’s words echoed in his mind, and all Sir Hicks felt was his duty—to protect the city and those within it.

With passion and unwavering resolve, he responded.

“IF YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION TO SAVE THIS CITY, EVEN IF YOU’RE UNDER THE SHEETS WITH HER MAJESTY, I SHALL TAKE IT TO THE GRAVE!!” Sir Hicks bellowed, his gaze affixed on Van.

‘Good…’ Van thought with a quiet sigh of relief as he drew his greatsword—a massive blade that, beneath the moon’s glow, cast a shadow vast enough to obscure the guard’s entire view. A shadow that seemed to stretch leagues farther than even the colossal dragon circling high above the city.

‘Wha… Just… how big is that thing…!? It’s bigger than Lady Cerille’s… even Sir Nickelson’s!’ The guard’s earlier focus shattered, his mind momentarily fixated on the sheer size of the weapon.

“SIR HICKS!!” Five more guards sprinted toward him, their voices sharp and urgent, cutting through Sir Hicks’s moment of awe.

“Who is that guy!? WE NEED TO MAN THE CANNONS!! THE WYVERN RIDERS WON’T MAKE IT IN TIME!!!” one of them shouted, panic edging every word.

Hicks watched as Van strode forward, the enormous blade spinning with effortless precision in his hands. The sight sent a chill through him, but he shook it off and turned to his men, his voice steady and firm.

“Men… Whatever you’re about to see—keep it to yourselves. That’s an order.”

The guards exchanged uneasy glances but offered no argument. Much like Hicks, they too felt it—the strange, unsettling animosity surrounding Van. A creeping sense that the man before them was not to be trusted.

Yet their loyalty to their commander—and the unwavering determination they saw in his eyes—outweighed their doubts.

With silent nods, they acknowledged the order, sealing the moment between them.

‘When we fought Alicia sixteen years ago, her powers were sealed to match Magus’s, thanks to his Passive: The Blessing of The Goddess,’ Van recalled, reflecting on that distant battle.

‘But when I proposed to her in the Demonic Realm… she crushed me effortlessly, wielding her true strength at its peak. Without Magus around to keep her in check, she was unstoppable.’ He exhaled slowly, eyes narrowing. ‘I’ve never fought a true Goddess… but if anyone deserved that title for sheer power alone, it would be Alicia.’

Van reached the edge of the wall, the wind brushing past him as he gazed up at the looming dragon. His massive blade rested lazily against his shoulder, a familiar weight in unfamiliar hands.

‘The brutal ways Alicia killed me…’ he thought, flexing his fingers around the hilt. ‘They reshaped me. Condensed my muscles into something beyond what I thought was possible.’ He gave a slight glance at his own form, feeling the power coiled beneath his skin.

‘Holding this sword now… it feels like I’m gripping air.’

The dragon’s ominous crimson glow flickered and intensified in its throat, casting the skys above in an eerie light. Van’s expression hardened as he shifted his stance, tightening his grip on the sword with calm, measured precision.

‘My Strength Stat, along with Vigor and Resistance, all exceed 999… I hit that milestone about a year ago,’ Van noted as he crouched, energy building in his legs like a coiled spring, ready to release.

“What’s he doing!? Is he about to jump!?” one of the guards cried, disbelief and fear thick in his voice.

“THAT’S INSANE! THE DRAGON IS OVER 2,000 METERS UP, AND IT’S IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CITY! HE’LL HAVE TO CLEAR MORE THAN 8 KILOMETERS IN A SINGLE LEAP!” another guard added, his words dripping with rising panic.

“WE’RE DONE FOR!!! I’VE NEVER SEEN A DRAGON THIS BIG BEFORE!!!” another guard shouted, his voice cracking under the pressure of the moment.

The guards instinctively ducked, shielding their heads as if bracing for the inevitable disaster.

All except Sir Hicks, who stood firm, his gaze locked on Van. Sweat streamed down his face, but he made no move to retreat—watching with equal parts awe and fear.

‘I think I’m far enough from them… Hopefully,’ Van thought, glancing briefly at the guards below.

“Sorry for the damage…!!!” he called out as he launched himself upward.

A supersonic boom erupted from the wall, shattering the air with a deafening crack. Guards, rubble, and cannons were flung backward by the shockwave, leaving a smoking crater where Van had stood just moments before.

As the dust settled, the guards scrambled to their feet, dazed and bewildered, only to look up—and see him. The armored figure was already soaring through the sky, having cleared over half the distance in mere seconds, rocketing toward the colossal dragon looming high above the city.

“What… Strength…!” Sir Hicks murmured in awe, while the others stood frozen, breathless at the spectacle unfolding before them.

Time seemed to stretch into eternity as Van soared through the sky, locking eyes with the dragon just as it unleashed its deafening roar.

‘I never received another active skill after we transmigrated. The only one blessed with more was Magus… He got a variety of broken skills that made him unstoppable, while I was stuck with just one: [Hard Swing],’ Van reflected, his thoughts tinged with both resignation and bitterness.

‘At first, I thought the [Hard Swing] Active Skill was pointless. What good was an active skill that did the same thing as my passive?’ he mused, gripping his greatsword tighter as the ground below blurred, and the dragon’s fiery maw yawned wide.

“THE DRAGON IS ROARING…!!! WE’RE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!” one of the guards cried out, his voice thick with despair.

Van’s eyes remained steady, his grip unrelenting as the thought crystalized: ‘But if I activate the skill, despite the passive…’

He braced for impact, feeling the scorching heat as the dragon’s flames kissed the edges of his helmet. ‘Coupled with my +999 Strength…’

‘…It becomes a REALLY Hard Swing.’

“Active Skill: [Hard Swing],” Van declared calmly, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade through smoke.

In that moment, Sir Hicks’ eyes widened with disbelief—the impossible unfolded before him.

Van’s sword, moving with unimaginable force, connected with the dragon’s body. In a single, devastating stroke, the colossal beast was cleaved clean in two.

The sound that followed was like a thunderstorm made of dozens of thunderclaps, colliding all at once, shaking the very foundations of the city. The two severed halves of the dragon’s massive form were blasted beyond the city walls, crashing into the ground with a force that echoed like a distant earthquake.

The guards stood motionless, staring in stunned silence, their faces frozen in a mix of awe and disbelief. The impossible had become reality—the nightmare dragon that should have doomed them all was gone, split in two by a single, perfect swing.

For a fleeting moment, it was as though a second moon had risen in the night sky—a radiant glow shimmering from where Van hovered, suspended midair, his greatsword tracing the arc of a flawless circle.

And in that moment, all that remained was silence.

As night fell over the capital, the guard’s shift ended, and he began his walk back through the bustling streets. The image of the discarded badge haunted him, glinting from the trash can in the back of his mind like an accusation as he recalled that disorienting aura around that Van Hellix from earlier.

“…Just to be sure…” he muttered to himself, finally giving in to the nagging doubt. He retraced his steps, retrieved the badge from the garbage, and made his way to the guild.

The guild hall was alive with the usual evening revelry—adventurers clinking mugs, raucous laughter echoing off the walls, and the smell of hearty meals filling the air. He wove through the crowd, his uniform parting the sea of revelers slightly, as they gave a respectful nod to the city’s guard.

He approached the receptionist, a central figure in the guild known for her warmth and keen memory for faces and names. Despite her mature age, she was a known beauty. She was busy managing the night’s festivities but caught his eye as he approached.

“What brings you here at this hour, Riry?” she asked with a smile.

“Don’t call me that, I’m not a kid anymore… It’s Garry now,” he corrected her, a blush coloring his cheeks.

“…Miss Veil.”

“Sure, sure~ And it’s AMORIA for you. I’m not THAT old yet! Anyway, what can I get for you, Garry? Came to have a drink with your buddies again? You could have at least changed to your civilian uniforms…” she asked as she served drinks to the bar’s patrons.

“Actually, I need you to check something for me. Could you look at this badge? I’ve got a feeling about it…” Garry replied, handing it over somewhat sheepishly.

She sighed, her tone playful yet exasperated. “You and your ‘feelings’… And you still wonder why I still see you as a kid. Why don’t you leave it till tomorrow? Have a drink, relax. I’ll even throw in breakfast for you and the wife.”

“No, really, I need this checked now, please. Just to see if it’s genuine…” His voice carried a serious undertone, urging her to comply.

With a resigned sigh, she took the badge and began, “Alright, if you’re that insistent, but I’m telling you—”

Her words trailed off as she examined the badge more closely. Her playful demeanor vanished, her face turned pale as her eyes widened sharply in disbelief as she looked at the name on the badge.

“V… Van…?” she whispered, the badge slipping from her fingers and clattering to the ground as her legs gave way beneath her.

“Miss Veil!!?” Garry called out urgently as she crumbled to her knees, her colleagues quickly gathering around.

“Amoria, what’s wrong!?” they exclaimed as they rushed to her side.

MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE THE CAPITAL WALLS…

Van lingered outside the capital’s formidable walls, observing the guards with a keen eye throughout the day. He noted their alertness and the precision of their routines.
As dusk enveloped the city, readiness surged within him. “Alright… Let’s do this,” he whispered, his resolve firming. With silent, rapid strides that outpaced the swiftest steed, he launched into a sprint.

He looked at the capital’s extremely tall wall.

‘Hmm… This much strength? I’ll start low and climb my way up from there so that the people up top won’t spot me,’

With the power of his hyper-condensed muscles, Van leapt over 100 meters into the air, his arm piercing the wall to carve out a handhold. Methodically, he ascended, each movement creating another notch in the ancient stone, propelling him upward.

“It’s been a while since I’ve done this… I can jump higher than this, but I’d risk people see me. I need to climb my way up from here,” he mused as he crested the top of the wall.

Standing over 2,500 meters above the castle grounds, Van surveyed the sprawling city below. 

‘…Over 2 kilometer in height, and they seem to want to make them even taller,’ He thought to himself as he looked construction sights scattered across the top of the wall.

‘Why would they need walls this high…? Just to flaunt their wealth and strength…?’ he pondered, momentarily distracted by the grandeur and his own thoughts.

“WE GOT A BREACH!!!” The sharp cry of a nearby guard jolted Van back to full alertness.

‘Damn it! I was spotted!! How careless—’ he chastised himself internally.

“MAN THE CANNONS, CALL THE WYVERN RIDERS NOW!!! IT’S THE BIGGEST ONE YET!!! CODE BLACK, CODE BLACK!!! PREPARE YOUR SOULS!!!” Another guard bellowed, escalating the urgency.

‘Wait, isn’t that too excessive for one man…?’ Van’s thoughts raced as he scanned his surroundings, searching for the cause of the commotion. Then, his eyes widened. High above the city, the silhouette of a dragon cut through the twilight sky.

‘Oh… They meant THAT thing…’ Realization dawned on him as he grasped the true scale of the threat.

After a long journey, Van finally reached the bustling gates of the capital. He exhaled deeply, taking in the familiar yet ever-changing landscape.

‘So busy… Even more than I remember, and the place got a little bigger… The walls are really freaking tall now, too.’ He thought as he eyed the entrance gate to the Capital, ‘And there’s a lot more security than I remember…’ Van thought, his eyes scanning the expanded entrance gate as he waited in line. The city’s growth was evident in its taller structures and the dense flow of people and carriages.

Eventually, Van came face to face with the guards, their scrutinizing gaze falling upon his weary figure.

“HOLD!! BY THE NAME OF THE KING, IDENTIFY YOURSELF!” a guard demanded, hand extended for identification.

“Here.” Van’s voice was low and even as he casually placed his tag in the guard’s palm, his movements almost imperceptible.

‘I didn’t even see him move his hands…!’ the guard thought, startled, as he stared down at the badge now resting in his grip.

“… I see.” The guard said, narrowing his eyes as he scrutinized the badge, “Rank 11 Adventurer, Van Hellix, huh?” The guard’s voice carried a mix of surprise and skepticism.

‘Oh, I never did take a rank-up test…’ Van thought to himself. ‘… Oh, right. And I kinda got summoned next to Magus in the capital… He won’t make a scene over my name, right?’

‘I couldn’t sense a mere rank 11’s movements..?’ The guard mused internally, eyeing Van more closely. The guard’s expression subtly shifted to one of disappointment and disgust—a look Van knew all too well.

‘Haah… That expression, it’s nostalgic… And now I’m certain that he doesn’t know who I am. Outside the capital, in the smaller villages, they treat a Rank 11 as if touched by the Goddess herself. Even though I was distrusted there as well, I was still respected to a degree… Ahh, my accursed passive,’

“Wait… This badge… The effective date is… Over ten years ago!? That makes your effective rank as low as 18! An F Ranker!” The guard exclaimed as he examined the badge further.

“That so?” Van replied, unfazed.

‘He also sounds too young for someone who’s supposed to be in his 40’s… And what’s with these manners!? For someone who got his badge here at the royal capital, according to this badge itself at least, one should remove their helmet when meeting servants of His Majesty!’ The guard thought, his eyebrow arching in suspicion.

“Haaah… I suppose there are sages like you that go to live under a rock or go to the mountains. Nevermind… What’s your purpose for visiting?” the guard finally asked, trying to mask his unease with a veneer of professionalism.

“Seeing an old friend. He should be a resident here,” Van replied smoothly, his tone unfazed by the scrutiny.

‘I mean, I could say I’m Magus’s friend… But who’d believe that? And even if they did, I don’t want the attention, especially not of the knights.’

The guard exchanged a doubtful glance with his colleague before scrutinizing Van’s badge even more closely.

“…You sure this isn’t a fake?” he questioned, a hint of suspicion in his tone.

‘There it is. The catchphrase,’ Van thought, amused by the predictability.

“There’s a guild here, right? I have time. You can go ahead and verify,” Van suggested casually, his tone nonchalant.

‘A royal guard of the capital doesn’t recognize my name, so I doubt anyone at a guild would… This should be safe enough,’

“Hmm… Alright. Wait here. Cause trouble and you shall meet the sharp end of my spear,” the guard warned gruffly as he signaled for his replacement to take over his post while he went to check the authenticity of the badge.

“Alright,” Van replied simply, stepping aside to allow the flow of merchants and adventurers to continue into the capital.

As the guard walked away, his eyes momentarily caught the sight of Van’s 1.95m greatsword strapped to his back. ‘Holy shit… Isn’t that greatsword too big for him?’ he wondered silently, his suspicion deepening.

The guard’s thoughts raced as he navigated the bustling streets of the capital, the weight of the badge in his pocket a constant reminder of the potential threat.

‘My instincts haven’t failed me in the 6 years I’ve been a royal guard… This guy is suspicious and dangerous!’ Resolving to take no chances, he discreetly disposed of Van’s badge into a nearby trashcan.

‘Better safe than sorry. I’ll protect my kingdom from this threat. I’ll just claim they confirmed it was a fake,’ he decided, his decision firm as he made his way back to his post with a sense of duty fulfilled.

Van noticed the guard returning and approached him casually.

“Well? What’s with the badge?” he asked.

“Oh, that…” The guard hesitated, then straightened.

“They said it was fake, so I threw it away. Be glad you’re not under arrest,” he added, his tone edged with a threat.

Van sighed deeply.

“I see…” He turned to leave, thinking to himself,

‘And there it is… This is, what, the 22nd time this has happened…? What a pain.’

The guard watched him walk away, puzzled by Van’s calm acceptance.

‘Wow, he took that awfully well. I knew I was right! Something about him is off!! He’s suspicious!’

As Van started to walk away, the guard impulsively reached out and placed his hand on Van’s shoulder.

“Wait. I have reason to believe you’re up to no good. Plus, that fake badge and the way you gave up too quick… As I thought, I shall arrest you and—”

“I appreciate your vigilance in protecting this capital,” Van interrupted, his voice cool and measured.

“…What?” The guard muttered in confusion, his palm is still resting upon Van’s shoulder.

“I’ll overlook the fact that you threw away my badge without verifying it at the guild, which would happen more often than you’d think. But—” Van’s tone hardened slightly.

“I am not in the mood to be hassled by the likes of you. Remove your hand at once,” he stated firmly.

Something in Van’s tone or perhaps… his presence made the guard’s instincts scream a warning. Without fully understanding why, he instinctively released his grip, as if he had touched a burning surface, and stepped back, allowing Van to continue on his way away from the capital’s gateway.

“What…”

“Was that, just now…?!” The guard called in confusion as he looked at the fading figure of Van, not understanding his own reaction.

MEANWHILE, ON THE BORDERS OF THE DEMONIC REALM…

“Haaah… Well, that was a bust,” Van muttered as he leaned against the trunk of a tree just beyond the borders of the demonic realm.

“I actually thought she was going to say yes at some point… Guess I was just too repugnant in her eyes,” he said with a sigh, pulling up his status window.

Passive: Dark Soul

Description: Your soul is tainted, cursed to wander the mortal realm eternally. This curse shields your soul from the Goddess’s divine grace, preventing her blessings. Upon death, your body and possessions vanish, reappearing at the last safe location you visited.

Passive: Untrusted

Description: The curse of your Dark Soul renders you suspicious in the eyes of your kin. Please exercise caution in whom you trust, as your inherent aura of distrust affects all interactions within your species. The effects may lessen, or even not be present when interacting with someone who knows of your true character.

“Oh…? I know I haven’t looked at it in a while… But It’s slightly different than I remember. Can’t really put my finger on it… Oh well.” Van called with a sigh as he looked away from the status window.

“Dark Soul… Untrusted… Do these passives even extend to demons, after all…?” he wondered aloud. “Or maybe it’s just who I am…?” He muttered heavily as he lowered his head.

“After all, it was that Goddess who burdened me with these skills, so I must have been pretty vile in her eyes to begin with.”

“Still… I could’ve lived my eternal life without seeing that,” he muttered, his face twitching slightly in disgust as he recalled the image of the Demon Lord in another’s embrace.

“I know for a fact she wasn’t taken… Perhaps it was merely a ruse to keep me at bay… Or, maybe it was genuine, and she found someone during the times I wasn’t storming the castle…” he mused, lying on the grass beneath a tree, the memory of Alicia’s laughter echoing in his mind.

“…Either way, it was effective. I won’t return there anymore, so she should be pleased…” he added, his fist clenching with a mix of frustration and anger as he remembered the scene, and inexplicably, Amoria’s apology for going with Magus behind his back.

‘… Shame.’ He thought to himself, his eyebrows knitting, ‘I know she was my main reason for staying around for so long, but I didn’t dislike the others. I don’t think I ever had a friend like Varlog after me and Magus got separated.’ He reminisced, recalling of the talks they had, and the demonic advisor’s compassionate demeanor and understanding.

‘… But, I… I just can’t look at her again,’ He once more conjured the image of Alicia in that demon’s embrace, mixed with Amoria confessing her feelings anew.

Van then lifted his gaze to the sky, fixing on a lone cloud drifting across an otherwise clear expanse.

“Is this happening to me a second time your way of saying that even a demon will never accept me, Goddess? That solitude is my fate? Or is this a punishment for befriending demons and attempting to wed the Demon Lord?”

“…Or do you just despise me so much that you even orchestrated this?” Van spoke softly, watching the cloud gradually disappear from view.

A cold breeze stirred against his heated armor in the sweltering heat of the day, providing a welcome sense of relief and relaxation.

“Well, maybe it was for the best…” he reasoned.

“After all, while the Demon Lord is around my age currently, and will live for a long time, over 30,000 years to be precise… But eventually, I’ll outlive her. I’ll outlive everything and everyone.”

He paused, the weight of a silent, eternal future settling upon him.

“Maybe when there’s nothing left… The Goddess might change her mind about me, and we’ll end up together?” He mused aloud, gazing into the blank blue sky as if searching for the goddess’s face.

“Nah, no way. Especially not after how she rigged those skills against me,” he scoffed, dismissing the fleeting hope with a bitter chuckle. “Guess I’m destined to roam alone forever.”

Resigned to his fate, he turned to his side and closed his eyes, embracing the solitude that seemed his only constant companion.

As he contemplated his solitude, memories of Magus flashed through his mind, along with his parting words, inviting him to visit anytime.

“…I’ve got nothing else on my plate.” He started as he opened his eyes, “It’s been sixteen years since I left in search of a partner… During that time, I traveled the whole world. Might as well head back and see how Magus is doing. He’s probably fathered a bunch of kids by now with his harem, which has likely only expanded,” Van chuckled to himself, a sense of purpose slowly returning.

He stretched his body, “Amoria was, what, 19 when I saved her… 20 by the end of our journey back then..? Right now, she’d be around 37.. She’d be a MILF by now, hah,” he cackled.

“The other ones would only be slightly above her age. I’d look like a kid before them. Damn, I’d look like a kid before Magus. I can already see that bastard acting like my wise father.”

With a new resolve, he pushed himself off the tree and started walking back towards the human territory, curious about what had transpired in his absence and somewhat eager to reconnect with his best friend.