In the darkness surrounded by silence like no one else, something moved slightly. It was a man who painted his whole body black so that it assimilated into darkness, and it seemed so hard to understand and disguise (too much) that he missed it even with caution.

The man is walking carefully to avoid making any noise. You don't even want to rub your clothes. They're so minimal that you barely even wear them.

All of a sudden the man was out of sight. So much so that if someone sees the sight, they feel that it is not a metaphor to disappear into the darkness. Immediately after that, something of a human form passes. The man stood still and wondered how the person looked.

The figure of the human form is too large for the human body. It was a man-shaped demon. The light-wearing man immediately put his hand to the weapon. One knife and a poor weapon because of their light clothing. It's not very much, but it's not like it leads to a human demon. Rather than for self-defence, it was merely an instrument for the extinction of one's own life.

The man-shaped demon left the place unaware of the man. The man sometimes proceeds like a disease when he confirms that the signs have gone away enough, sometimes lurking patiently in the dark. Afterwards, no one could blame them, and they were moving to the back of the building.

I discovered where the light was leaking in the darkness as the man was moving back. The man walks out to be led by the light.

At the end of the light there was a large room, which seemed to be some kind of altar. On the altar there is a strange magic formation of tattoos that gleam in the dark. The source of light is its magic formation. All the prints in the magic formation were not glowing, and the prints were glowing about half the time. The man only watched a little, but there is no change in the magic formation.

A small human-shaped demon of a different kind surrounds the magic formation than the demon I just encountered. They perform rituals using some kind of magic formation. The man decided that the ritual would be of extra importance to the demons due to the number and indistinct nature of the demons gathered.

The man wanted to examine the magic formation in detail. However, even though it is small, when there are more than one, it does not even come close to the magic formation. It is impossible without at least arming and numbering. Even if we could get close, the noise could have caused the demons nearby to notice.

The demon is excited. The ritual seems to be peaking. The demon takes something to the altar and throws it unconstructively. That groaned.

He was a living person. I'm panicking and trying to shout out loud, but all I can say is that I'm being monkey grunted. Seeing it, the demon was even more excited and loud.

The demon shook up something like a stick so as to acquit the sinner, and swung it down to man at once. The battered man shouts, and the demon beats him over and over to make him feel better about it. Each time the demon watching the sight cheered.

And when humans stopped responding to tingling, the demon knelt. Then what do you think? Didn't the light of the magic formation begin to react violently? It seemed as if the magic formations were eating and reacting to human life.

A man makes it a priority to ensure that information is brought back. The man gently left the room unnoticed by the demon.

The man walked out of the building and ran through the wide earth with nothing to look back on. Soldiers hardened by heavy equipment greet men a long way apart as opposed to men. I'll notice a man who's out of breath. I didn't even show him, and one of the soldiers asked the man.

"What's the end? Did you find anything?

"There is an altar in the back, and the demons perform rituals in the magic formations on the altar. I didn't know what ritual it was, but it seems to be of extra importance to the demon. And at the altar, demons were killing people. The magic team was reacting by that. It's probably a ritual of sacrificing people to do something."

The soldiers whisper to the words. And I was pleased with the information brought to me.

"Made a deal. Then we'll be out of here soon. I will tell His Majesty about this at all costs."

"Nevertheless, I didn't know it was really there."

Soldiers and men look back.

"The land of the north. The land of the last showdown where the gods and men took their hands and fought evil gods and demons in ancient times. Temple where there was supposedly an evil god on that earth. And where the evil gods were sealed"

The temple is an unusual building not resembling the northern earth, a barren land. It is assumed that the temple has existed since ancient times, but for that there is little degradation due to the passage of time. Perhaps someone is repairing it. Whether the repair technique is the most awkward or not is cluttered even when the amateur sees it.

Humanity has never set foot in the North since the showdown. These soldiers have been the first in recent years. You don't even need to keep the place where evil gods live in the first place. Then naturally I could only assume that this place was maintained by demons.

Soldiers are in the mood. I want to find out as much information about the land as possible and bring it back. However, many demons could not be monitored for a long time in places where there was nothing to prevent them from doing so.

When the signs of the demon calmed down, he anticipated the match and managed to break inside until he risked finding it and gained important information. This important information must always be brought back. The soldier weighed himself that it was too desirable to stay any longer and investigate.

Soldiers head to the woods immediately. It's not safe in the woods either. Because it's like a demon wandering around at last. An elite unit that managed to open the bloodline and get this far, but it doesn't necessarily make it home safely. But I had to go through these woods to get back to the country.

It's dangerous, but the soldiers don't stop walking. Because you have to fulfill your mission with your life.

One girl emerged from the temple as they disappeared as they headed into the woods. I'm gazing at them to follow in their footsteps, which are no longer visible.

"Well, you finally made it."

mockery (today) containing scorn (bumps).

"Because you've taken me so far, I can't help but tell the Lord that I had to entertain you. It's scary how human beings step into the temple if they are meant to be, and it's the muscles that give thanks with blood. That's enough enthusiasm to bring it back to life. How merciful."

A girl can't forgive a soldier for stepping in like a bandit, but she can't ruin the measure with her own personal thoughts.

"Take your souvenir stories back to your Lord. Heh heh, would humans change the color of their eyes if they heard about the souvenir? I'm sure a lot of humans are pushing us here to take us down. I'm scared, I'm scared."

The girl shudders as if she doesn't even feel the fear in the dust. It's more of an atmosphere where you can't wait.

"Bring a lot of people here. Because this time I'll treat you exactly. Give your souls to the LORD instead. Will it feed the Lord? What an honor."

The appearance of a girl circling around looks nothing but an innocently playing child, but the appearance of laughing as if she were crazy was accompanied by creeps.

The girl let her hands wander in the void as she finished the dance. It's like reaching for something that looks far away.

"It was really, really long. How much sour we have been in the meantime. But that's it. That will finally make our wishes come true!

Despite the sudden convocation, the conference room had gathered important figures from all over the country. The location is the meeting room of the castle in the Union of Communes. The Union of Communes, which serves as a middle ground between the Kingdom of Castal and the Vaixel Empire, was well positioned to gather dignitaries from all over the country.

Since the three countries formed alliances to fight demons, exchanges between countries have also been frequent. However, although dignitaries from different countries often interact with each other, it is difficult to coordinate their time with each other when they are also representatives. It was unusual for national representatives to be as powerful as this convocation. We gathered in this land because it was an urgent convocation by Wilfred, king of the Kingdom of Castal.

Wilfred cut out the conversation when he glanced at the delegates gathered at the meeting.

"While I was busy, no one else got me together. Some urgent reports came from the garrison."

"Well, so what is it? Sire."

"Countries are now gathering their elite and focusing on exploring demonic strongholds. The land to the north is a demonic nest. But this time, it seems that one of the elites who sent him out has finally discovered where the monster is based."

Together, they sat down at once. He sends selected elites from all over the country to find a demonic base. But the land to the north is vast, and the forest areas blocking the land to the north are so full of demons that it was difficult to navigate the demonic base.

If that is finally found, many of the things on this scene cannot contain the excitement. He listens to me all the time jumping to hear more about it with excitement.

"It seems that the base of the monster is a temple in the northern part of the northern earth. It must have been inherited."

"The place is a temple in the north of the northern earth. Perhaps the inheritance of the evil god makes it a castle, consistent with the sealed temple."

The surroundings returned to the shocking remarks. Viktor, the emperor of the Weixel Empire, who had the most lofty reaction of all, spoke out.

"Was the inheritance true? No, I didn't doubt the words under the umbrella, but when I actually heard them, I was just stunned. Then it would seem better to think that inheritance contains some truths. So, Sire Wilfred, isn't that temple decaying? Ageing, such as the passing temple of so many years, would also be intense. Some demons live in ruins, but some demons who previously attacked the country showed signs that they were carrying supplies. It's unlikely that a demon will be used as a base in a temple like the one that went wild."

"Apparently it's not decaying. The demon repairs it and protects the land. Probably a sacred place where evil gods are sealed for demons."

"It's also surprising that demons are doing repairs, but given one thing about vampires, naturally"

Wilfred continues the conversation, anticipating that somewhat of the surrounding excitement has subsided.

"And the demons seem to be performing some sort of monstrous magic ritual in that temple."

"Don't you know exactly what ritual it is?

Rosline, queen of the Union of Communes, pinched her mouth.

"No, unfortunately, he couldn't grasp it that far. But the contents seem to be dirty to speak of. The ritual of sacrificing and sacrificing human beings that have been taken away. I don't think it's a very decent ritual."

What was on this occasion in such a terrible ritual raises eyebrows. Something even appeared to hold my mouth down with my hands.

"I didn't expect to take innocent people and take their lives to perform the ritual. What outrageous!

Rosline was outraged and slipped her mouth in a vegan tone. In contrast, Viktor expressed his opinion on Wilfred's statement calmly that reaction was the exaggeration.

"I see. Was that part of the purpose of the demonic invasion?"

The reason why demons have repeatedly invaded has not yet been clarified. However, if human beings are needed as ritual sacrifices, it is reasonable to assume that they have invaded human beings who are sacrificial. Viktor himself just looked incredibly uncomfortable.

"Probably would be. There must only be demons in the North. Then the only way to gather people is to go south. Then maybe the demon invasion was self-evident. Sire Viktor, I have also heard that you are a brilliant magician. From the point of view of the magician, do you have any idea what the ritual is?

"His Majesty Wilfred is also a bad man. Haven't you already been confirmed by your own court magician? Indeed, the Weixel Empire is proud to be more unplugged than any other country in its guidance. but unfortunately I have never heard of such outrageous rituals either. Not to mention the ritual of sacrificing a lot of people's lives. I'll check with the court magician just in case, but you shouldn't expect much. Rather, it might be quicker to examine past history if it's a ritual. Do you know what I'm talking about?

"Unfortunately, you've never heard of me either. But I am concerned that the demons are deliberately performing rituals based on the temple of the old evil gods. If rituals can be performed anywhere, it is easier to grab sacrifices - they should be based near towns and villages where people live. Especially easy to target, such as villages near forests. In contrast, we are not familiar with the geography of the northern earth or forest zone, which is the realm of demons. It will also be a struggle to find out. If the building can be repaired, it must not be built enough to create a simple altar. But the demon didn't do it. If so, isn't that for a reason?

"And why?

"If the place where the ritual is to be performed must be the temple of the Evil God, it is logical to assume that what is in that temple of the Evil God is involved. This temple is an abominable place that has sealed the evil gods. Isn't it a ritual to unseal the sealed evil god and resurrect the evil god after a moment"

The circumference defied the Pope's leaping reasoning. It was also something that had been debated several times because the demonic activation was originally suspected of being caused by evil gods. Because if all previous demon actions are to unseal the Evil God, then future responses to demons will also change dramatically.

"Isn't that strange? If the demons were looking to revive the evil gods, the demons' actions so far would be too unnatural."

Attention is drawn to Viktor. He bumped into the Pope while sorting out the doubts and circumstances that had been floating around earlier.

"Our attention to the northern earth was caused by the repeated incursions of demons. If the demons hadn't invaded us, we wouldn't have investigated the North. But because of the demonic invasion, we deduce that there is a demonic stronghold on the northern earth, leading to the discovery of the temple and hence to the discovery of rituals. If the demons were only aimed at the resurrection of the evil gods, they should want to do so secretly so that we are not noticed. You don't have to invade as much as that to reveal your existence. Rather, it would be more efficient to secretly expose the people of the North close to the northern earth. All the more so if the ritual takes time. We don't have to go out of our way to spread the damage and make our existence known."

"You're certainly right. If the demons hadn't even invaded, they wouldn't have witnessed the ritual, and don't worry about being obstructed. It feels as if you're letting us know that you exist."

Roslyne also tunes in to Viktor's question. The Pope opens his mouth to dispel Viktor's doubts when he conceives a little.

"Perhaps there are not enough or limited conditions for ritual sacrifice. If the numbers are not enough, I wonder if it would be necessary in so large a quantity given the scale of the invasion. I don't know exactly how much sacrifice is needed or what the conditions are. Sire Wilfred, how was the magic formation?

"The magic crest was glowing on the report as well, but it only seemed to glow about half the time. If the light is full, the magic team is incomplete and the ritual is not yet complete."

"Are you saying that the evil gods may be revived at the same time as the completion of the magic formation, or that some sort of nasty catastrophe may be activated? And the sacrifice of the ritual must be human. Don't expect demons to invade in the future to gather humans. Previously, you kept your eyes open, but you were also preparing for future invasions."

The demonic invasion has not taken place since the Golem. So much so that some of the voices were optimistic that the demonic invasion was over. But it turns out it's only temporary.

Viktor asked Wilfred, thinking about it.

"Sire Wilfred, the ritual was witnessed directly by a sneaky soldier, wasn't it?

"Of course. I discovered the magic formation by infiltrating the temple in the dark night. He also witnessed the moment when humans were sacrificed."

"Was there no chase or obstruction?

"I hear there wasn't."

"Demons have sharper senses than people. Rather than being optimistic that we couldn't detect our actions, maybe we noticed our actions and deliberately missed them."

The demons have already set up various measures. There wasn't enough material to deny Viktor's words.

"Did I miss it deliberately, or what? It is unclear whether the ritual is truly the ritual of the Resurrection of the Evil God. Unknown, but we cannot abandon the ritual of sacrificing human beings. Always move to the obstruction of rituals. Moreover, the temple must be controlled as soon as possible before the ritual is over, and the timing of the action is easy to predict. I see, the demons can easily read our actions. So this is a trap? Demons, I'm gonna use my nasty hands."

The search for a demonic base was only a preparation for an expedition to crusade demons in the future.

However, if a different ritual is performed, the story is different. If it is such a dangerous ritual as to cause harm to mankind, we cannot leave it with our fingers crossed.

Just like a man who builds a garrison and waits for a demonic invasion by pulling a handshank. The demons are trying to show the rituals and turn them into billboards, attract people to their own territory, and drag them out of the safe garrison.

"I don't know when the magic team will be complete, but I can't even throw it away. It should take some time to complete the magic formation. But I have to ride the demon invitation."

The bitter tone represented Wilfred's mood.

"In any case, I was thinking of taking control of the demonic strongholds. I guess I'll have to switch that opportunity to sooner. We're going to do everything we can to make the expedition to the temple."

"You have to form an expeditionary army. It won't take long if we get the soldiers out of the garrison, but we can't let that land's defense go away. A demon may resume the invasion and threaten the national territory by closing the gap of the Expeditionary Army. And now we're going to attack the home of the demon. Expeditionary forces will need a lot of force."

"Mm-hmm. We've already loaded supplies into the garrison. You should be able to leave at any time as soon as you gather your troops."

"Then I want you to hit the formation of the Expeditionary Force immediately. This is a rush, but now it's an expedition to enemy land. Think of the demons as anticipating this expedition as well, and I want you to prepare yourself so that there are no clues. That's it."

The meeting is over and dignitaries from all countries also leave the room in a hurry to organize. But Viktor called out to a certain person.

"I hear that the Temple Knights of the Church can help us, but I'm sure you'll be able to join us on the expedition."

The Pope called was only flabbergasted for a moment, but smiled back.

"Yes, of course. Our Church does not intend to spare any power in the extermination of demons. I plan to join the Expeditionary Force."

"He said you could also help Lord Oliver of the Temple Knights."

"You will."

"It's superimposed. In addition to the Temple Knights, you can rest assured of Lord Oliver's power. It will also boost the morale of the Expeditionary Force."

"No, neither are we going to be inferior to the elite of each country because it is the will to fight, but it is less powerful than the armies held by the country. In the Expeditionary Army more than we do, the soldiers of the Weixel Empire and the Kingdom of Castal will be at the centre. As long as we're comfortable."

"Of course we'll do everything we can. The march to the northern earth is more dangerous than we assume. I believe that sparing the battle force will result in a real fall. We should send in the best of our power. The Virgin will also be allowed to enter the war."

"The Virgin is better at supporting her allies than a church magician. If you lead the army, the effect will be immense. But if I may state my personal feelings, I deplore my helplessness in having to send a girl to a dangerous place, not to mention the Virgin."

The pope sighed with a bitter voice.

"It may be pitiful as a person to put Alexia into battle, even though she received God's revelation. You may not realize it now, but if you look back on today later, you might come up with something to realize it. However, if it is necessary to make the best choice, we have to do our best to make it inhuman and abusive. And I believe that Alexia herself understands it above all else."

"Excuse me. We imitated Viktor's decision to give him water."

"That's normal if it's supposed to be. I must be deploring the peculiarities of letting a girl stand in battle. I too tend to blind myself to the power of the Virgin as those who profess Alexia as the Virgin, and forget its good sense. Instead, he sees the divinely inspired Virgin less specifically and as a single girl.... Don't be sarcastic about this. Sorry."

It was the Church that certified Alexia as the Virgin. In a way, it can also be taken because of the Church that created her followers. Viktor apologized to the Pope before he was taken for such a misunderstanding.

"Don't worry about it. Because that's what I told you."

"Ha, that helps. Let's get back to it, when it comes to his best combat skills, he can't take it off on this expedition either."

"That man, is it?

"Oh, that exotic hero."

Pierce Viktor's eyes so that the Pope's gaze measures sincerity.

"Is this Lord Kanakai Os? Do exotic magicians join the battle?

"Well, I don't know. He's an exotic magician somehow. Since I am an adventurer, I can request you to cooperate if it is the defense of a demonic invasion, but if it is an expedition to attack an enemy land, it is not a story. I have no choice but to rely on his good intentions. Lord Hero doesn't belong to the Vixel Empire. It would be a mistake to order him directly from me."

"Then why don't we just go through the muscles we should be?

"He is an adventurer. It might be best to ask through the Adventurer Alliance. Oh, yeah, yeah. Is it possible to request it directly from under? Rumor has it that he's also interacted with the Heroes."

The Pope replied, oh, with the same expression he was convinced about it.

"Yes, Lord Kaios and I met face to face before. A person who participated in various crusades and exchanged covenants with dragons who participated in the crusade of the Evil God. I was interested and I wanted to talk to you."

"I see, he's also an exotic person, and he's not exhausted."

"So to the extent that we called once and talked a little, we're not interacting as much as rumors."

"Oh, really? I also heard that you are close to Lord Oliver, who belongs to the church, and that you frequently meet with Caius."

"Sounds like it. I also heard that Oliver was close to Lord Kaios and called him through Oliver. Oliver and I fought together in a demonic invasion, forming a personal friendship."

"Yeah, that kind of connection."

"You could also order Oliver to ask Lord Caios directly from me, but shouldn't he be asked by the Adventurer Guild? Or why not be asked directly by His Majesty Roslyne, who has a lot of personal interaction?

"Let's try that. Okay, I'm sorry to keep you busy. Excuse me for this."

Dropping off Viktor The Pope takes a carriage back to the church. As soon as he was alone, the Pope took a deep sigh.

"I didn't know demons would sprinkle secret rituals on humans."

The ritual I heard is probably the same as secret art. It was already an uncountable behavior, such as exposing such an important ritual to people's eyes. Originally, the Church was an organization that existed to keep secrets that were contraindicated. The ritual is not within the scope of the assumption, such as being used for decoys.

But King Wilfred's right, if this is a spicy trap, the demon thought there was a reason besides the soldier's inducement.

"Perhaps you intend not only to attract soldiers to the North, but also to use the souls of soldiers who have died as a result of the battle"

The magic team is completed and the secret trick is activated during the battle against the demons. That is tantamount to a reproduction of mythology. Though it is not necessarily the same as the myth that can be twisted and bent most secretly.

But at the same time, it was a very dangerous act to be informed of the temple and the place of the ritual. Still, the demon showed the ritual, which means the interception is well prepared. It is synonymous with the fact that the demon has determined that attracting and intercepting humans will sufficiently collect the number of souls required for the ritual. The magic team is almost finished.

As Viktor says, this expedition does not want to gather the best fighting power so that it will do the least damage.

And there were other problems that plagued the Pope.

"No one seems to have realized that it is a secret yet, but if the truth about the secret surgery is spread, something will emerge that we can plan to use. That's what a mythical nightmare reproduction might do. If that happens, order will collapse and the alliance will no longer be maintained."

Don't let them know it's a secret. Nor was there any certainty in the Pope that he had spoken out that it might be a ritual to unseal the evil god. It was just a deception to not be enlightened by the surroundings when it was only a secret technique.

To make you look at the dangers of the ritual by making it a ritual to unseal the Evil God, or a dangerous ritual to sacrifice your soul, and temporarily turn away from the truth.

But that's only temporary, too. The problem is after the expedition and defeat the demon. The temple may have materials left in it that lead to secret art. It is possible that the magic team that used it in the first place will find out about the secret art.

It would suck if any of the three countries participating in the expedition got secrets. Hopefully, all traces of secret art (Konseki) will be erased before then, but it is impossible to control the temple before the Trinity Expedition with the power of the Church's Holy Knights alone. In the worst case scenario, that is what we also had to consider destroying every temple.

In keeping secrets, we must also pay attention to the trends in the three countries. Among the three countries it is the Kingdom of Castal and the Weixel Empire that must be given particular attention.

The Kingdom of Kastal has witnessed the ritual and has also seen the prints of the magic formations. It is unlikely that a soldier will get to the secret of secret art from there, but it is not zero.

Vixel, on the other hand, had problems with Emperor Viktor.

"Did Viktor know about your contact with Kaios? He has pretty good eyes and ears that I didn't know he had in just one contact. Have you been watching the man sweetly for a little while? Viktor had a pretty strong interest in him. I hope that's just his interest in strength, but we're pretty wary of what we're doing."

I know that the Pope has also long had a strong interest in Caios on the part of national leaders. Rosline is close to him, the benefactor of his country and his life, but Viktor doesn't have that much contact with Caios.

But Viktor has immediately solicited Kaios and has also shown his obsession as unnaturally because he has shown such a response earlier. Besides, they use spies to gather information. On the contrary, it raised the Pope's distrust.

"I don't think Viktor is putting an exploration into our relationship after learning about the secret tricks, but we need to be careful. Either way, Viktor will be interested, but he will continue to use the power of Kaios. Looks like you should leave the liaison to Oliver. It's more like reinforcing suspicion if you keep Oliver away here."

Kaios is bound to participate in the expedition beyond having a system of cooperation with the Church. He is in agreement in terms of preventing the misuse of secret surgery.

Even based on the fact that the demon is after Kaios, his actions are remarkable. That's on either side of the enemy. His presence will also stand out on the expedition. And it helps in battlefield. Even as a church, it is easier to move in the shadows.

As soon as the carriage arrived, the Pope decided to send a decree to Oliver. To keep future policies in line with Kaios.

"An expedition?

Kaios raised his voice in surprise when he heard from Oliver, a little fat man with an emergency report.

Many soldiers in the garrison know that reconnaissance in the north has returned. But all the information in the north was kept secret, so there was only a handful of things to know in the land. This was the first time the Caios had received that information.

"Yeah, we're in the middle of forming a soldier now, but we should have soldiers assembled here. Perhaps, Your Majesty Rosline has asked you to join Lord Caios on an expedition. If possible, Lord Caios will join us in battle."

"Is that so?"

Kaios closed his eyes. After a while of thinking, I respond firmly to Oliver.

"Okay. I'm going on an expedition."

"I asked for it. I will join the war, too, but I must act with the Holy Knights. You won't be able to stay very close to Lord Caios. I want Lord Kaios to attract demons as much as he can."

Oliver seems sorry. He, who belongs to the Church, is not going to disobey the Pope's instructions, but he is also certain that it is painful to have one boy carry the role of drawing the attention of his enemies.

But Kaios knew it and accepted it. We must respect his thoughts more than they have been accepted. Apologizing is a mistake. So Oliver never uttered a word of apology.

"The demon is targeting Lord Kaios. Perhaps even the expedition will come after Lord Caios again. In the meantime, a demon might turn into a person and try to assassinate him."

"I'll take care of it. I'm not going to let that happen."

Vuivre replied confidently instead of Kaios. It's very difficult to scratch her eyes once or twice to dive.

"You will be relieved if Lord Vuivre is beside you. But it's more than a demon trap. I'm sorry. Besides, it is a demonic stronghold, so a fierce battle is expected. There may be a monster on Lord Vuivre's shoulder. There is also a danger that Lord Kaios will be isolated and severed. No more chronic thoughts."

"You're right. When that golem-like thing comes out, the concubine handles it too. Thanks for the advice."

"But it might be a hassle to be broken up.... No, wait. I can do something with that one. Yeah, I guess it's okay."

Seems like Kaios came up with something when he felt that the danger of isolation was best. Oliver dared to keep talking.

"And after the entry of the Temple, our Temple Knights plan to destroy all the traces that lead to secret art. There will also be demons inside the temple. Among other things, it is probably the altar of rituals that is strictly guarded by demons. If we get there, we don't always get there. If we do our best, and Lord Caios reaches the altar, we want you to destroy the magic formations that are the source of the secret art."

"The destruction of the magic formation? Then I'll do everything I can to destroy it, but I don't know if I can get to the altar."

"And yet, the destruction of the Magic Formation may not be simple. I don't know how much power is accumulated in the magic formation, but it's a ritual that uses a huge number of souls. There should be strength in the magic formation accordingly. If you destroy the magic formation, its power will be unleashed all around you at once. The power of losing its destination may run wild."

Oliver panics.

"Runaway?

"For example, a belt might explode."

Together they quieted down. Because I imagined what would happen to those who entered the temple.

"It depends only on the amount of power. Well, if you can't destroy it, you'd better take personnel to rewrite the secret."

"Okay. I don't even want to activate the secret technique if possible, but you can't say that either. I'm going to report to you right now."

Oliver left the room as soon as he was given the courtesy. The only ones left are Kaios, Vuivre.

Usually I would make a joke about something, but Vuivre has a chilled look somewhere.

After a while, the sound of a kong and a knock sounds. When Kaios urged him to come in, it was Alexia who showed up. By the way, Irene, Alexia's squire, is with him.

Alexia was nervous from the side and couldn't move. The cheeks are drawn and the smile area (Han-chu), but the expression on my face doesn't move as if it were a painting. With his red face still on, he was breathing loudly and deeply when he whispered something.

I saw Alexia. Kaios reacts perfectly, too. Not as blunt as Alexia's reaction, but Kaios was blue-faced.

"That, Doctor! Could you please give us some time in the future!

With a trembling voice, Alexia screams more than necessary against Kaios, who is supposed to be in front of her.

The opposing Kaios are not hiding their desperate appearance to let their gaze wander and come up with an excuse. As clearly as you can see around you. But Alexia herself hasn't noticed how Kaios looks with a full face.

"Um, yeah. Sorry, but yes. I have business to attend to. I thought I had to work out for the fight against demons. I was about to go on a crusade."

I refused Alexia's invitation unswervingly with such an excuse as to attach it to her. Alexia's tense hardness shifts to another kind of hardness. And I was slowly depressed to see. Seeing it, Kaios is shuddering to the point of enduring something, though his expression is the only one that doesn't change.

But Alexia wasn't just depressed. I immediately raised my face and raised my voice.

"So will you at least let me come with you!

Once again, Kaios enters the long run. But the convenient excuse didn't seem to come to mind that way, so I had a hard time replying.

"… ok. Let's go together."

Back to back with the perceived Kaios, Alexia reveals relaxation and joy at once. It is as if it were the schematic of a loser and a winner.

Even during the demon crusade, Alexia was actively speaking to Kaios. However, every time Kaios reacts vegan, the conversation ends with one word or two without the conversation spreading.

Alexia depressed over and over again. Irene lifts her eyebrows (mayu) when she sees the Lord. And some bitter looking Kaios.

Still, Alexia talked to him many times, healthy and unfailing. But that did not change until the end of the crusade.

At the end of the crusade, Vuivre blurted as Alexia, who sees and cripples, and Irene's apparently angry subordination escorted her back to the room.

"How did this happen?"

Since Kaios pointed out that he was in love with Alexia, Kaios has obviously been trying to keep Alexia away.

Caios doesn't shut up about what happened, so Vuivre thought Alexia was the one who shook him up. I felt just as guilty, and I was going to be as nice to Kaios as possible.

but Alexia at the time was reacting the opposite of Kaios. I am actively approaching Kaios. The act of being aggressive towards the person who just shook it was unnatural to say that even Vuivre was oblivious to human romance.

Anyone who does that is a bad girl who hangs out with men. Compared to the Caios, the period spent was quite off the nature of Alexia known to Vuivre, even if it was short. Either that or she is very original and pure about romantic matters. Otherwise, I wouldn't be so nervous or overjoyed in front of Kaios.

It was clear that the cause lay with Kaios himself.

"Come on, why don't we talk about it? Exactly. I can't stand this air."

In a reprehensible tone, Vuivre questions Kaios. I don't think Kaios really hates Alexia. It just seemed like he was trying to keep her away from himself.

Because of this, there is a continuing discrepancy between aggressive Alexia and passive Kaios, resulting in a subtle atmosphere. The wrath of the squire and the patience of the Vuivres are already at their limit.

You're just aware that you're bothering your surroundings. Kaios revealed his mind to Vuivre.

"I like Alexia. That's embarrassing, but I admit it. But I'm not gonna be your girlfriend or your girlfriend."

"Oh, why not?

"I don't know how long I'll be in this world."

"Nano? So, Lord, can't you come to this world anymore? When? What about the expedition?

"You didn't have enough words. At least it is unlikely that it will happen in the near future, the day after tomorrow. But there is no guarantee that it will. 'Cause the only way I can transfer to this world is by playing games. If I return the back, if the game is over, I will lose the means to transfer myself to this world. The transfer of this world is often left to others, and so far there is no way to transfer to this world on your own. Even Vuivre parsed the avatar, so you'll see. I'm leaving my true body in the original world. As long as we leave our bodies in the original world, we cannot abandon the original world. You can't be Alexia and her lover in such a precarious situation. I don't know when I'm going to be unable to come to this world, and most importantly, I'm just afraid to think about what's going to happen to me just in case I get along and can't see Alexia anymore. But now we're not yet lovers. It didn't start. Then I can turn back... it should."

Vuivre pondered and asked Kaios if there was anything that still didn't fall on him.

"Is that what you mean? But if that's the reason you gave up being a lover, then what happens to the reason your Lord is in this world now? Isn't that why you're so confused?

"That's exactly what I told Vuivre before. I like this world. So if the operation is working evil in some way, I can't overlook it, and I want to help. Participate in the expedition. That's what I started once. I could be gone on the way, but I'm not going to throw it out of me. Besides, I've learned that there's no such thing as secrets behind this battle with demons. I don't want anyone I know in this world to make that sacrifice. Especially for the most important Alexia. I want her to be happy. I can't be your lover, but I still don't like that kid in my unfortunate eyes. I want to do something for the girl I like."

I don't know how far I can help. But I can't help it. I want to do everything I can for her until one day when I leave.

"Even if I'm gone, there's Mr. Vuivre and Mr. Oliver. I don't even know the name of this world. Someone is fighting demons. Someone will take over even if I'm gone. If I ever leave on my way out from now on, I might be irresponsible and poorly dressed. But you don't have to worry. Even if they treat you as a hero, it doesn't have to be me. But it's Alexia who likes me, and not anyone else."

I feel like being beside Alexia. He tells Kaios that he has conflicting feelings about his painful chest. But the fear of losing more than that had made Kaios choose to draw a line with her.

Vuivre thinks with a difficult face.

"I don't have a choice about romance. It's between us. But the Lord must tell them that properly. If you think time will solve it, it's solitary. And I'll just correct one thing."

"What?

"Your lord has always felt unworthy to call himself a hero. Is it because the power that came down is not due to my strength? But that's not true. Remember what the Lord has accomplished. Even if you didn't intend to, the path your Lord has taken is exactly the path your hero will take. Let's all admit it. Besides, the concubine would not have helped her if it had not been Timeo the Elf, your lord or concubine's friend. But you're the only one who actually asked for it. Nobody else. Your Lord is the right hero, and there is no place to change."

Vuivre shut up just saying he had nothing more to say.

An expedition was officially decided and Kaios joined the Expeditionary Force. It is a complete expedition to enemy lands and an army formed jointly by the Three Kingdoms, with the largest number of soldiers among the armies fought together by Caios. It takes a lot of time to get around.

The forest area on the road to the northern lands is a place that cannot be avoided. It is a place where people never step in, and naturally it is about a beast path if it is unpaved and at best.

A soldier scouting a large beast path that seemed to allow a large army to march among its beast paths had discovered it. It is thought that a large group of demons that invaded even human territory may have created this beast path. The Expeditionary Army was expanding its beast path to the North.

If the Ordinary Great Army marches, the demons stay alert and away. But this northern forest area is home to demons, no matter which way they turn around. Demonic raids during the march occurred frequently. As a result, there has been some delay in the march.

"No, you're hitting me, demon."

Liam, a young swordsman who was acting together as an escort to Kaios, blurred.

"It's where they live. There are no specifications. You're lucky the demons attacked you in the herd but only the smaller ones, aren't you? It would be tough if a massive herd of demons came at us like we were someday led."

Elf girl Cornelia, commonly known as Nell, partying with Liam and the others shrugged her shoulders.

The demons that struck the Expeditionary Army are all wild beastly demons. It was all a fierce demon, but when there was an opening in the force so far, it quickly cleared up with a touch of armor.

"And this makes it convenient, doesn't it? The Finest Psychotropic Drugs"

"Well, it helps because Mana's recovery has been out of keeping up with normal mana potions lately."

Emilia, a magician and elderly woman who was also a party recoverer, took the herbal medicine that was in a bottle with a bite.

Psychotropic medicines are both potions that heal wounds and potions that heal mana that drain when dealing with magic. Its quality is classified as lowest to highest. It was dramatic enough to heal almost completely with just one drink of health and mana if it were to be the finest.

In the Expeditionary Army, soldiers are supplied with potions and spiritual medicines. Most of them are intermediate enough, but Liam and the others have become too strong, and once they have fought with all their strength, they will hurt less and drain more mana. Mana naturally recovers over time, but it also takes time to wait for her to recover naturally, and she had the problem that intermediate and advanced mana potions no longer allow her to recover quickly.

"Psychotropic drugs are new, aren't they? But the potion and the mana potion are at their finest. Even though it's hard to even line up advanced in a normal store. There's no such thing as superior."

"It looks like there was a lot of material around the garrison, and it looks like they're also making it in the garrison. It's just that the payments were made jointly by different countries. Advanced is naturally difficult to arrange in stores. 'Cause there's demand, but it's expensive. It's not for normal demons."

"Advanced was definitely expensive. How much is the finest?"

"I just don't know. Well, I'm pretty sure it's more expensive than advanced. The Kingdom of Kastal has spread the word."

"The finest potions and mana potions are supposed to have been lost. Did you even find the materials in the Kingdom of Castall?

"What's the matter, stare at the psychic?

Cornelia wonders and speaks to Kaios, who has a surprising face from rarity.

"No, I once taught a tool shop in the Kingdom of Castals about psychic drugs and ingredients for the finest potions, but I didn't think so."

"…… Oh, it was Kaios again."

"If you contact me, I'll be satisfied."

"I can't believe that involves us all the way around here. You don't know what's going to affect your life."

"What is it, how do you convince yourself of that?"

To his companions, Kaios let his mouth be pointed.

"They'll be out of this forest soon. They say the temple of goal will be further north from there. Seems like you'll be at the temple tomorrow, once you're in formation."

Havok, the oldest summariser in Liam's party, narrows his eyes and looks at the distance.

"And it's cool around here, even though it's summer."

Emilia shuddered her body.

The temperature is a lot lower than in the garrison. The surrounding forests also have lots of conifers, making them realize that the further behind the forests, the closer they are to the north of the continent.

"Oh, didn't I apparently follow you?

Troops at the head of the Expeditionary Force are noisy. Liam and the others have a hunch that they may have found something because there is no mixing of sounds in the fight.

The Caios were finally able to get through the woods when the noise broke out and kept walking. So what the Caios saw was an infinitely spreading earth that had not grown a single grass that had exposed its bumpy skin.

"Well, there's nothing in the North."

"I wonder if the effects of the old wars have made it a barren land."

Suitable for calling it a barren earth, the rocks are rolling. A murderous landscaped land with a different flavor than the opposite of a forest full of life. A small number of people would likely be able to hide in the shadows of the rocks, but in a land where there is nothing like this, it is difficult to hide even an expeditionary army or a unit.

"You used to base yourself on nothing like this."

"I can't believe you haven't even grown one plant. It's like you're rejecting organisms, isn't it? Are you sure there's a demon in a place like this?

Emilia's twinkle strangely lingered in Kaios' ear.

If it's a game, it's not strange to have demons in dangerous areas where creatures can't step in, such as the ice world of permafrost or the scorching world of hell where lava overflows. Because the demons of the game are not creatures.

But in the world of demons and things, they are a kind of creature. Like creatures in the real world, carnivorous demons and herbivorous demons cannot live without food such as meat and grass. It's almost unnatural that a demon, a creature, can live in such a barren land if it's temporary.

Of course it's not hard to collect food if you go all the way to the forest. I can predict that if demons are using this place as a base for their lives, they will be carrying food out of the forest.

But rather than go out of your way to fetch food, you don't have to taste the wasted labor if you live inside the forest, just like the beast demons who live inside the forest.

In any case, the land to the north is further north than the garrison, where there was a lot of snow. Winter is when that's what makes this area a world of silver, a world that is too harsh to live in, no matter how many people are more resilient demons.

Kaios was discussing the demonic ecology from the question he had in mind, but suddenly a dragon appeared flying out of the sky, and he interrupted the discussion.

"Stop it, he's not the enemy!

"Everyone's stuff, put your weapons away!

It was Vuivre who stopped the soldiers first. Rosline, who was in a hurry to command the army, drank the soldiers and stopped them.

The dragon honked loudly as it swirled. You're replying to that. Vuivre starts ringing high again. After we had finished talking the whole way, the dragon flew away as it was.

"I'm sorry. Seeing the humans with their concubines, the old familiars who fought with them in the showdown with the evil gods seemed wary. He convinced me to go home when I told him what was going on."

"Are the other dragons near here too?

"No, I'm worried about the demonic trends, and I think I've been looking around at the territory where I used to live. Just like the concubine, a large group of demons appeared and moved elsewhere. My concubine doesn't know exactly where they all live either. Because the dragon is free to fly, it has a wide range of actions, and it keeps the opponent's territory from being vandalized. I assumed it wasn't there. I should have talked it through here first. It's not a concubine's fault around here."

I'm worried about Vuivre's story, and Kaios mixes in with the conversation between the two.

"Didn't you face your fellow countrymen for so long?

"Of course, if anything, we'll face each other, but we won't face each other very well if we care about each other's lifespan. He also participated in the Battle of the Evil Gods because he was an ancient dragon."

"The mythological dragon is quite a thing."

"Well. That's why we wouldn't even see each other like that if we hadn't roughed up the territory. Because if there are other dragons living in the territory that are strangers, they will take their prey."

"Prey?"

"Mostly demons. Because the concubines must prey heavily when they eat for their large bodies. Therefore, if there are too many dragons in the territory, there is a risk that the demons will be randomly captured and extinct. So basically it's the implicit understanding that the opponent's territory is unauthorized and not close. I was away from his territory, but there were many concubines with the humans. He came worried that his concubine might be caught by humans. He doesn't like humans very much."

Vuivre is a living witness who witnessed secret art in the Battle of the Evil God. If you are a dragon who participated in the Battle of the Evil God as well as Vuivre, you know the truth about the secret art as well. Furthermore, even after the battle with the Evil God, the dragon was disgusted by the ugly and contentious humans in the same family, and he lost contact with the humans.

That dragon, which rather disgusts humans when it adds them, is the general reaction of the dragon, and the veuvres favoring humans are peculiar.

Rather glad they weren't hostile, Roslene and Caios grated their chests.

"Anyway, I'm glad you didn't get attacked by a misunderstanding. The battle against demons is imminent tomorrow."

Caios sighed against the relieved Rosline.

"But is that okay? Roslene, you don't need Her Majesty's participation in the expedition, do you?

Roslyne was often at the forefront in a vampire-induced incident, but it was only Roslyne's only surviving royalty in the country where the incident took place, and it had to be done with the minds and dangers of fulfilling her responsibilities.

But Roslene is young and unmarried and has no children. In the unlikely event of anything happening to her, such as a queen with no predetermined successor to such a dangerous enemy land, the Union of the Communes will again be consumed by a vortex of confusion.

Roslyne in particular is at a lower level than from the Caios and Havoks, and even stronger than the average person, she does not have the power to fight the demons directly. Most of all, she is a queen and is in a position to command a general, so basically she doesn't fight alone.

"The Expeditionary Army is made up of selected generals from the three countries, but our country has fewer generals at one time than other countries. I don't have many generals in command. If I don't show up, I can't show you."

"But if you were an expeditionary, you would be commanding generals from other countries, right? If you have a replacement take command."

"Even if I say that the three countries formed jointly after all, it's essentially like each of the three countries leads a separate soldier. I can't leave it to another country. And even His Majesty Emperor Viktor is out in battle. He's just like me in that he doesn't have a kid."

"I always thought the emperor had a light hip too, but you're all too light on your hips even though you're a monarch! Don't monarchs have heavier hips like this!

Of the three kingdoms, not only Rosline, but Viktor, the emperor of the Weixel Empire, was also a monarch but also on an expedition. Because of this, Kaios' persuasion has ended in failure.

"What about the Kingdom of Castal?

The only monarch left in his country, not in the Expeditionary Army, is Wilfred of the Kingdom of Castal.

"They say the Kingdom of Castal is represented by the Earl of Chester instead of the King. Lord Rafael seems to be assisting him."

He seems to be a pretty powerful aristocrat, but he is someone I don't remember hearing about in the memory of Kaios, who was supposed to have been invited to the palace of the Kingdom of Castal.

Kaios also witnessed the Count only once when the Expeditionary Army came out of the garrison, but he was older than Raphael, the Knight Commander of the Kingdom of Castall, and a badly nervous and cautious figure. He's in a higher position than Raphael in relation to his title and identity, but when he lines up, Raphael looks more reliable. Still leads the army in the name of the king of the Kingdom of Castal. He doesn't have any good memories of Castal's nobility, but he doesn't mean he's completely incompetent.

The entire Expeditionary Force command is retained by Viktor of the Vixel Empire. Originally, it is not surprising that the Alliance's allied kingdom, the Kingdom of Castal, retains command. It was Wilfred's decision that diplomatic consideration for Viktor, who conceded the alliance's leader, and the Weixel Empire, which also boasts the greatest force in the expeditionary army, should be at its core.

"I've come this far. It is a shame to lose even a magician who can use metastatic magic to turn back now. Wouldn't it be safer to act like this together?

"Okay, already"

Saying any more, Caios shrugged his shoulders and gave up persuasion, realizing that Roslene could not be persuaded.

"Now, it's time for you to work on setting up your formation in preparation for tomorrow. Lord Vuivre wants us to clear the place for a while because the soldiers will form a formation."

Saying so, Roslene follows the Caios to force the soldiers to set up a formation. Roslyne, who dropped him off, said to herself that she would be alone.

"If he imitates prominently in this battle again, he will be festived as a hero again. I wish he hadn't taken part in the expedition, but he couldn't do what the countries asked for, and most importantly, he wanted. We have to try to keep the army active so that he doesn't stand on the arrow. And yet you want me to stop the expedition? Don't worry about yourself more than I do. Not at all, no more."

With a bitter smile, Roslyne sneers at the north.

"But I get heartbeat. I hope you're worried."

The Expeditionary Army had set up a formation and was about to celebrate the night. Kaios tries to return to the tent assigned to him. But I notice someone standing in front of the tent.

"Dear Alexia,"

Alexia raised her face as she was called out by Kaios. Her face doesn't have the same moist vibe as it did when I let Kaios meet her face until recently. Kaios took his breath when he felt some lost, abandoned, strong will.

"Doctor, I have something important to tell you."

Alexia doesn't try to keep her eyes open. Firmly shoots Kaios' eyes out so as not to tolerate tearing.

It's the day before the important battle. I can hit an honest argument to talk to Alexia at a later date with or without her. But Kaios felt her will never fall.

Kaios slightly puts on his lips.

"Okay, let's talk over here."

Kaios leads to his own tent where no one else is. Alexia followed it quietly, too. We don't even speak in silence with each other. He felt the intolerable air hissing his shoulders.

"So, Master Alexia, what's the important story?

When Kaios finds out there are no people nearby, he asks Alexia to go straight in. She uplifted her face and said clearly in between so that she could calm her mind for a moment.

"I like you about the teacher."

Alexia's words without precipitation. Kaios was unresponsive when he was supposed to have heard the intuitive confession of a girl who struck the heart of what he heard. There's nothing to be ashamed of about hearing the confession, just standing still and listening to her words.

"You taught me magic when I didn't have a handle. Then. What changed my life? You went out to all sorts of places with Irene and you talked a lot about it. It was fun. It's been a long time since I've been naturally funny. So much so that I don't even notice a change of heart myself. Spending time with you in the Weixel Empire is an important memory of me. That was my salvation for nothing. Maybe it was very natural for me to favor you."

I remember Alexia's face back then.

"I finally realized how I felt knowing that you were leaving the Weixel Empire and that there was a limit to that fun time. I don't want to lose you. It was hard for me not to see you anymore. I felt like following you with me. But my identity didn't allow it. How many times have you cursed this fate if you don't have an identity?"

Alexia held herself and grabbed her own arm.

"Still, we could meet again. I think I was lucky. I don't want to lose you anymore."

Alexia's eyes then shake with sadness to represent her mood.

"That's why it's hard. Why are you trying to keep me away?

A large tear spilled out of Alexia's eyes. Seeing that, for the first time, Kaios sees a change in his expression.

"Can't I? Can't I be your lover? Can't I be more of a student relationship to you?

It was painful and I couldn't cut it. The thought shivers Alexia's voice.

"Please, answer me"

Alexia is desperately in tears. Her appeal, accompanied by the sound of grief and an appeal, finally opened Kaios' mouth.

"Sorry."

Just a quick word, but I stuck Alexia with an unforgiving rejection.

"I can't have that kind of relationship with Master Alexia. For me, Alexia is only a student. I'm unconscious as a heterosexual."

A heartless word that completely abandons emotions pierces Alexia's heart.

I was ready. I expected to be rejected.

Dust...

Tears flood Alexia's eyes again. Now it flows down like a weir (shaver) was cut. Still, she opens her eyes and whispers and cries. Tears that pass down cheeks and fall to the ground. I felt that the time to fall was slowly longer. That makes you lose your sense of reality and confuse you.

"So sorry."

Kaios apologized again and turned away from Alexia so he couldn't stand it.

It was heartless. Another apology for plunging Alexia into reality. She finally accepted reality that she had a broken heart.

Alexia jumped out of the tent.

I didn't even want to be on the spot for a second. If I were on the spot, I would cry, and I would shudder at him. Because I didn't want to look like such a miserable person.

Kaios never went after Alexia.

"Dear Alexia?

Without even noting the voice of his own squire calling himself to escape from the tent, Alexia ran away.

Dropping off Alexia, who runs to her tent, and swallowing things, Irene turns her anger on and rushes to Kaios' tent.

"Kaios!

Boy, I didn't keep my back pointed and it was slight. I'm just standing there like a shell. That was an unusual atmosphere for him, but Irene forgot me with anger and sadness and doesn't notice the difference.

"You must have heard Alexia's thoughts. ⁉ I'm not asking you to accept them. Because I have your will. But I don't suppose you'd have hurt me that much! If you pick a word, it's that one."

Irene turned to anger, but gradually began to get confused when she realized that something was wrong with Kaios, and her anger began to blur her ass.

"Caios, you, cry"

Irene shut her mouth. Kaios returns no words at all.

Gigiri and Irene are teething as much as the blood drizzles from the toothache.

I understood that the result of each other's troubles was this, and that I was unable to speak out on the matter.

Irene leaves the tent silently bowing her head.

Irene smashed her fist into a barrel by the tent. Still, I couldn't distract her.

The next morning, we pull out the formation and the Expeditionary Army leaves. Some of them looked like Alexia. She follows her squire and moves on with perseverance. As much as I unexpectedly suspected that what happened yesterday was really happening, it looked like Kaios wasn't dragging it on the surface.

"You're strong, she is"

So much so that I doubt for a moment that I'm dragging on more about yesterday than Alexia.

There's no way. Maybe they're just fixing it up. But you can't confirm that.

You can't drag it forever. Alexia, and myself.

He retightened his mind and Kaios hurried to the temple as well.

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