Chapter 87: Does Having Nothing Mean Being Unable to Do Anything?

It is fading away.

The sound. The world. The senses. Consciousness.

A pain that felt as if it were wringing out my entire body.

I had been unable to do anything because of that deathly agony.

…And yet, now, everything felt distant, like a story experienced within a far-off dream.

“Is there really no next time for you now?”

The girl before my eyes.

The girl, crafted as if from spun gold, looked composed, as if this were someone else’s business.

Even in the face of my bleak question, her expression did not change.

“They say that even if the heavens collapse, there is always a way out.”

“…….”

How could she be so brazen with those lips.

“I told you from the start, I do not make excuses by claiming to know what I do not. I simply said that I knew what I knew. And what does that mean? It means that the information differed from the facts as I knew them.”

“…So I should just bear with it? Since it’s my responsibility for believing and following your words?”

“No. I am not that heartless. Moreover, while this doesn’t violate the terms of our contract, I’ve judged that depending on how one looks at it, it might. So, for now, I shall refrain from just watching.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not saying I’ll break through the crisis for you, but I can look for a way and point it out. Like a full-scale coaching session? Something like that?”

…Now?

My body, the very tool to be used, is broken.

The man currently insisting on killing me is a monster that no one but my father would dare to face.

“Still, do not overlook the fact that there was a girl who came to help you. Had you not held out, even for that brief moment, that assistance would have been meaningless.”

“…….”

“Those with power often overlook the fact that such power is merely a tool. The moment that power vanishes, those who have solved every problem with it alone become fools in an instant.”

“…Even if you put it nicely, isn’t the result still a disaster?”

No matter how it’s packaged, the outcome doesn’t change.

“Rather, view it as an opportunity. Opportunities like this aren’t common, are they?”

“You say that so easily because it’s not your problem….”

“Of course it’s not my problem, is it your problem? Still, do not let your guard down completely. My coaching is by no means absolute. Well, it will be close to absolute, though.”

Then, regarding the priority of what must be done.

“What did that damned Holy Sword say? That it already passed everything to you? That it placed it in your hands?”

“…….”

“If it were a problem that could be mobilized immediately, it wouldn’t matter… but let us proceed on the premise that it cannot. I simply cannot stand the idea of salvation descending out of nowhere from the sky or the earth. Suddenly, a hidden latent power explodes or awakens and you become strong? The world isn’t that easy, is it?”

So, excluding that uncertain element.

“If information is lacking, you simply acquire more. Ask the Holy Sword again. And think carefully about what those people said. They heard some prophecy or something about that thing being drawn, and they believe the protagonist is you. Isn’t that right?”

“…….”

“It’s not bad to imagine yourself forced to hold it, but both you and I know better than anyone that it is impossible. The will dwelling within the Holy Sword likely feels the same.”

If so, the problem is this.

“Identify what those who started this want and expect, and use it. If you cannot do anything yourself for now? Then borrow the power of others.”

“That is….”

“Isn’t that just another tool? Why be so particular?”

It wasn’t wrong.

…But it wasn’t right either.

“First, I shall organize the situation for you.”

The fact that I came to this dream world must mean that in reality, I have lost consciousness.

“Thanks to the kind lady who came to help you, we’ve bought some time.”

Soon, the people from a moment ago unfolded in the air like a reality, like moving paintings.

…I’ve seen this so often that it’s no longer novel.

“However, that time will be a few hours at most.”

Was it Bargo?

It would be fine if he dealt with me himself, of course.

But if he could dispose of me using the villagers without dirtying his own hands.

…In a different sense, that would be a boon.

“In fact, those who feel anxious are demanding your custody.”

The scene moves again.

A familiar building.

The chapel.

The villagers gathered in crowds at the entrance, and a small number of people blocking them.

Luiness, Luirin, Leo’s party… and a few strangers were mixed in.

A wolf Beastman and a few dwarves.

Though they weren’t wearing steel armor, they were equipped with quite sturdy gear.

“In the Empire, an intrusion would be impossible this way, but unfortunately, from the perspective of the Order of Irenis, this is the land of heretics.”

That is why they are applying pressure in front of the chapel, as if ready to demonstrate force at any time.

Luirin and Leo’s party were doing their best to restrain them.

And inside?

“The one who first treated you was a lady named Luiness.”

“Her?”

She didn’t seem to possess Divine Power.

To begin with, that ‘Divine Power’ is a standard of the Empire.

Externally, it is called White Magic, and the one with the opposite, atrocious nature is called Black Sorcery.

And the magic placed in the middle stage refers to the magic commonly spoken of and used publicly, with its nature and type distinguished by attribute and color.

“But as you know, your body is not something that can be recovered with such things.”

That guy.

If your mother, Ermina, had been by your side, you would have been cured so obviously it would be absurd.

“That is why drugs are being used. However, drugs are naturally slower in effect than those other things.”

“Can I… even wake up?”

“Immediately, if you wish.”

Anyway, you understand how the situation stands, right?

“Why did Bargo retreat from there?”

“He was fooled by a bluff.”

The scene shifts again, returning to the previous location.

Kariel himself, staggering and dripping blood from his mouth, nose, and even eyes, as if he were about to lose consciousness at any moment.

And a woman, smiling with a sharp murderous intent permeating her bright smile, staring straight at Bargo without giving Kariel a single glance.

She spoke.

Asking if both he and she hadn’t come here expecting that sword to be drawn.

First, she seized the initiative with her skill for a moment, then reminded him of the purpose and intention of coming here.

Of course, the woman’s will to execute Kariel seemed firm.

…But the prowess of the woman, who launched a counterattack without yielding an inch, seemed to have no end in sight.

The fact that Bargo did not know her also played a part.

Furthermore, rumors, notoriety, and fame usually serve as a reliable support as another ally in times like these.

Above all, that man is the one called the Last Legion Commander.

…Since he is the head of an organization and not just a lone individual, he likely cannot throw himself into danger recklessly.

Moreover.

“Taking hostages was also effective.”

While overlooking the fact that humans and villagers were killed, she neutralized Bargo’s subordinates and promised a peaceful handover of custody.

“She essentially achieved her intention not through a single trick, but through multiple schemes.”

Of course, I wonder what would have happened if Bargo had gone mad and caused a scene.

“But, as I said, it was a bluff.”

She managed to make them retreat.

But then, the woman quickly collapsed.

“It’s the aftermath of forcibly pushing her physical abilities for a moment using this.”

The Demon King spoke, pointing to her own head.

“That is….”

“It is certainly more delicate than what the child named Venus used, but the difference in terms of endurance seems extreme.”

Thanks to that, although she didn’t lie down, she became a patient no less than Kariel.

And Venus, watching this, was grinding his teeth in extreme dissatisfaction.

“That one is healthy.”

“Occasionally, abnormal fellows like that appear in the world.”

Beyond just being healthy, at this point, it would be fair to call her a superhuman.

“Now, given the situation. How do you intend to find a breakthrough? Ah, don’t be gloomy just because you don’t know. As I said before… I’ll give you some friendly coaching.”

“…Is there even a way?”

“Many. Very many.”

I cannot believe it.

If I think positively, will a way actually emerge?

“Facing them with force is the worst option, right?”

“Even if you suddenly awaken a hidden power, considering your body’s condition, you’d probably die immediately after.”

She said casually.

“You essentially used up most of your lifeline for the sake of survival earlier. Now, it wouldn’t be strange if you died at any moment.”

“…….”

“Why are you so ready to believe me? Looking at it this way, that crooked Venus is much better than you in terms of attitude.”

“…What do you mean?”

“No matter how plausible my words sound, if they go against your will, do not accept them—rebel. You didn’t deviate this far just to live by common sense, did you?”

“Is it possible to do something about lifespan through will?”

“I don’t know. Not until you become such a person.”

Sometimes, strangely enough.

“I’ve seen cases where someone clearly looked like they were about to die, yet that stubborn thing held on and held on until the end, surviving to the very last.”

“…….”

“If you fail, you’re dead anyway, whether you like it or not. So is there any need to invite and accept death yourself? Well, since you’ve had your revenge, I don’t know if you’re fine with dying now.”

“…….”

There was resentment.

But before I knew it, even that felt like a very distant matter.

“Or do you want to hold out until your father arrives? That’s the method everyone currently considers the best.”

“…That would be problematic.”

“Your reaction is quick here, isn’t it?”

As expected, is that the element that works most strongly?

Why are offspring, children, so bound to the existence of their parents?

Whether it be love or resentment.

Whether it be a grudge or affection.

Sometimes, because of that, they throw away and waste their entire lives.

Simply to resolve the resentment they felt toward them.

To satisfy the affection they received from them in some way.

“Organize your thoughts. You’ll be busy once you wake up. Ah, don’t worry. I’ll give you detailed coaching.”

She guaranteed with a beaming smile.

“If you just use your tongue well, the world can quickly become a mess. The problem is when you get a taste for it and your hobbies become perverse.”

The girl smiling brightly as she spoke.

She showed a smile that bloomed like a flower, as if she truly possessed not a single shred of malice, just like any other girl her age.

…Knowing her true nature, I felt a chill internally.

Is it mere bluffing?

Or truly.

Can she mock the world simply by lending her voice?

“Ah, but do not mistake your options. If you clumsily reveal my existence… even if you survive here, you’ll quickly become an enemy of the continent.”

Well~ from what I hear.

It seems you’re already halfway there.

“Someone who gains profit from that, someone who obtains what they want, will soon appear.”

And then.

Under the guise of a lifeline, they might throw an unfair contract or an unreasonable proposal.

“In a form that is very awkward to refuse.”

The Demon King says.

“Whether you go against this flow to ruin their intentions, or act with a focus on surviving—that part is entirely up to you. Keep your wits about you.”

“…You’re taking a long time to say something that could be finished quickly.”

“Because once you wake up, you won’t have the luxury of listening to something with a peaceful mind.”

As you know well from your own experiences.

“With your body in that state, you won’t be able to listen to my words as comfortably as you are now.”

“…….”

Probably.

From the moment I wake up, a terrible pain that tightens and breaks my entire body will begin to eat away at my will and consciousness.

Perhaps I will collapse truly uglily and miserably.

“…….”

And that.

Would signify another finale, where living is not truly living.

[Have you not already received everything?]

The words the Holy Sword had babbled suddenly came to mind.

I’ve received everything?

I have the awareness that I received something, but everything?

“…….”

I don’t know.

What it is that I haven’t realized.

And even if I did realize it.

…Whether I could resolve this situation satisfyingly.