Having completed everything, the Spirit Contract and the battle with the Spirit God, we returned to the nearest town. It was evening. We managed to find an inn and decided to rest.

However, Kuuza suggested that we needed to discuss future plans. So, we gathered in the men’s room, but–

Kuuza, are you still grumbling?

I, sitting on the bed after giving up my chair to Sofia and Sylvie, addressed Kuuza who was standing by the window.

No, no, I think it’s quite valuable to review that battle.

Are you going to use it as a reference?

That’s probably impossible… Well, I’m just saying I have various thoughts of my own.

It’s somewhat concerning… I suddenly turned my gaze to the women. Sylvie is in her usual mood, and Sofia’s expression has become calm, but… I don’t know what they’re thinking internally, so maybe I should at least confirm what they thought about that battle.

Well, that can wait… I spoke to Kuuza.

So, Kuuza, what’s the topic?

Ah. I thought we should decide what to do after we go to the Academia now.

Kuuza said, his expression returning to normal.

It’s fine to decide after we go to the Academia, but I just thought it would be better to decide when we have time.

…However, after the Academia, our next destination is already decided, for now.

The Holy Tree Coronarecion, right?

Sofia said. I nodded slightly–but,

However, depending on the circumstances, we may need to go to other places. The Five Great Wars with Demons… Here’s a problem.

I scratched my head and told Sofia and the others.

Currently, the Story’s Protagonists haven’t encountered any events related to the Five Great Demons. So, there seems to be enough time to stop by the Academia, and we can manage that worst-case scenario… but the problem is if Eina joins the Five Great Wars with Demons.

She was Sofia’s cousin, wasn’t she?

Sofia replied “Yes” to Sylvie’s remark,

I was also concerned about that, but given that it’s meaningless to gather strength now, isn’t there no reason for me to go?

That’s true, but considering the Battle with Belluna, I think it might be better to bring as many Humans with the Sage’s Bloodline as possible.

…By the way, Lord Ruon. What if I can’t accompany you?

Initially, I thought I might have to act alone.

Did you have an excuse to make contact and join the battle?

Oh, right, I haven’t explained that yet.

I told them about my encounter with Eina while Sofia and Sylvie were training their swords.

–So, if Eina is there, we can join the battle, right?

I see… Regarding Eina, this is related to the liberation of the Barx Kingdom, so it’s a delicate matter.

That’s right… Once the KingNation is liberated, there’s no need to hide it anymore.

Yes. Or if the Human Side gains the upper hand… but is that difficult?

As I gather more information, the situation is gradually improving.

Here, Kuuza began to speak.

The Demon Lord’s Side’s biggest problem is the lack of Executive-class Demon Race members to act as their limbs. They inevitably have to fight primarily with Monsters, but the Human Side can sufficiently deal with Monsters using strategies and such.

There’s no doubt that that aligns with the Flow of the Story. However…

However?

Kuuza asked back at my words. Sofia and Sylvie, sensing something ominous, fell silent and waited for me to speak.

When I compare the pace of defeating the Five Great Demons with the situation on the Continent, I feel that the pace of defeat is faster. What kind of result will that bring… At the very least, it’s certain that the Southern Invasion and the Demon King’s magic versus strategy will have limited time.

It’s just a feeling, but the story seems to progress faster compared to the game… When I thought about what might be causing it, I turned to Sofia.

…Is something wrong?

No, it’s nothing.

Perhaps someone like her is causing it… As I thought about this, we continued our discussion.

The conclusion was to respond according to the situation after we’ve taken care of everything at the Academia… or rather, that’s the only thing we can say, realistically.

If an event related to the Five Great Demons occurs, we’ll cooperate with it. If not, we’ll head west to meet Corona.

Well, since it’s the Western Edge, it’s definitely going to be a Leader’s journey, and it’ll take quite a while even with Movement Magic. There’s a high possibility that an event will trigger during that time… It’s fine to go to Corona’s location after the series of events like the Southern Invasion are over, so waiting for a Five Great Demons related event is one option.

After the discussion, we disbanded. After Sofia and the others left the room, I asked Kuuza,

So, what are your thoughts after directly witnessing my battle?

Shock. That’s the only word for it.

Kuuza gave her feedback with a laugh.

When you witness that level of power, you realize that people can only stand there dumbfounded.

…What do you think of me, possessing such power?

As long as you are dedicated to defeating the Demon King, I consider you a strong ally.

Kuuza spoke as if it were obvious.

Ruon, do you have various thoughts about this?

Well… I thought you might be afraid of my power.

There’s no need to worry.

Kuuza smiled. Seeing her like that, I said, “Thank you,” and then,

I’m thinking of asking Sofia and the others about that too.

I don’t think you need to worry that much… You should go and ask them.

Kuuza said lightly and sat down in a chair.

I’m going to do some thinking.

What are you going to do?

As I said before, I’m analyzing the battle. I don’t know if my analysis will be useful, though.

No, I’d like you to do that. So we don’t get caught off guard by the Demon King.

If it’s a request.

After hearing those words, I left the room. First, I knocked on Sofia and the others’ room, but there was no response. So I resumed moving and arrived at the Dining Hall.

Looking around the room, I found Sylvie. As I walked towards her, she must have noticed my footsteps and turned to face me.

Are you talking to me?

Yes… Where’s Sofia?

She said she wanted to feel the wind, so she’s outside. I’m sure Sofia was the most shocked by the battle you fought, Ruon.

…How about you, Sylvie?

Me? Honestly, it was such an intense exchange of power that there are parts I haven’t quite grasped yet.

Sylvie shrugged her shoulders, then crossed her arms and began to speak.

I’m currently in a state of trying to process that battle in my head, so could you ask me for my thoughts another time?

I don’t mind, but…

However, after seeing that battle, one thing did come to mind.

What is it?

When I asked out of curiosity, Sylvie showed a mischievous smile.

With that much power, you’d be the perfect test subject for my New Technique—

No.

Immediately after answering, Sylvie burst out laughing.

“No, I apologize. Even after achieving all that, your responses are still normal.”

“Of course… It’s not like I became a monster or anything.”

“That’s true. Ruon grew strong as a human. That’s why we were stunned watching that battle.”

After saying that, Sylvie’s expression returned to normal.

“I’ll train to catch up even a little… You’re going to Sofia’s, right? You said she’d be walking on the street, so you should find her quickly.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

I thanked her and started walking. I left the inn and looked around. I quickly spotted Sofia.

“Now then…”

I had responded normally during our earlier discussion… I headed towards where Sofia was.