“Now, let’s continue our discussion.”

After hearing Sofia’s firm resolve, Bosuro began to speak.

“Lord Ruon, there are five people who could be called the Story’s Protagonists… Among them, the person named Radi is the one who has obtained the Sage’s Power, just like Lady Sophilia, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right. There are three of the Five Great Demons remaining. That means three more people can obtain the qualifications to defeat the Demon King.”

“It has become difficult to avoid the Mighty Magic unleashed by the Demon King, but wouldn’t it be an option to gather the remaining powers to counter the Demon King?”

What Bosuro said made sense. I thought for a while and then answered.

“I cannot make a judgment here as to which is better… In the story, we were able to fight even when dispersed…”

I don’t even know how much the Sage’s Power recovered from the Five Great Demons is affecting things. Anything could happen, but—

“…At any rate, no matter how it turns out, there is a response strategy. If we can develop weaponry that can boost the Sage’s Power, we will probably be fine even if we are dispersed.”

“I see. That will depend on the situation of the battle, so let’s not discuss it now. To summarize, we will prepare our forces for the Southern Invasion. And Lord Ruon will move to gain the cooperation of the Spirit God, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Wait, I find that a bit hard to believe,”

Kuuza interrupted the conversation there.

“To get the cooperation of the Spirit God and all… and you even said you fought and won against him.”

“It’s true.”

Garuku said. Kuuza still looked incredulous… but it’s understandable.

“…Even with such abilities, I cannot defeat the Demon King. I am acting based on this undeniable fact. That’s all there is to it.”

As for sword technique, he’s good enough to sweep me aside. I thought he was quite the skilled user.

Sylvie also spoke. I scratched my cheek and said,

My sword technique is fundamentally based on the Book of Overpowering Strategy, so it’s a bit different to say I’m strong in terms of technical skill… Kuuza, if you keep trying, you’ll be able to stand against the Spirit God too.

Don’t ask the impossible.

Kuuza laughed. If he could keep growing like a game leader, I think it would be possible… but oh well.

Lord Ruon, are you planning to move as you’ve been thinking from now on?

Kanan suddenly asked. I glanced at my companions and then answered.

Yes. Our current goal is the Salamander’s Lair, and the academy Kuuza was studying at… the battle within the Alastin Kingdom has also ended, so I suppose we’ll be heading there.

Is there anything you need? If there’s anything we can do to help.

For now, I’d appreciate it if you could focus on preparing for the Southern Invasion that will eventually come. I will definitely stop the magic the Demon King is preparing.

Kanan was silent for a moment at my words… and then quietly nodded.

Lord Ruon, I have a question.

The next to ask was Bosuro.

During this battle, Lord Ruon himself seemed to have been quite active. Is there a possibility that this information has been conveyed to other demon races?

I cannot deny that. As I mentioned earlier, we are observing the movements of the Story’s Protagonist and major demon races with familiars. Currently, there is no sign of them sending monsters against us… but caution will be necessary.

They shouldn’t know about my true nature. However, if the demon race named Baren, who fought in the war, passed on any information to other demon races during the battle… there’s a possibility they might be wary of me.

It would be a problem if Sofia’s identity were exposed, but if there’s a demon race with high abilities, I might need to respond with my true power. It’s essential to observe how the demon race side moves from now on.

Hmm, I understand. And regarding publicly releasing the information that the princess is alive…

Please allow me to decide the timing of making it public after consulting with her. The situation is fluid, and it’s difficult to decide when to talk about it now.

That’s true…

Also… there are demon races who can read minds. I don’t know if we’ll encounter them, but just in case, I’ll give you devices to prevent your minds from being read.

Saying that, I handed devices to Kanan and the others – and finally, Kanan spoke to Sofia.

Lady Sophilia, I wish you good fortune.

You too, Kanan.

Thus, the conversation ended… We parted ways with Kanan and the others and left the castle.

…For now, my role in battle remains unchanged.

On the way back, I explained my situation to Sofia and the others.

It’s still not good for the demon race to find out about me… The time will come when I’ll have to show my power to seal the Demon King’s magic, but if it’s exposed at this stage, I don’t know how the Demon King will react.

So there’s a risk of him accelerating the activation of his magic, is that it?

Sylvie said. I immediately nodded in response.

It’s just a possibility… I think we should reveal my identity at least when our preparations are complete.

I agree with that as well.

Kuuza agreed with my opinion.

So, Ruon, from now on, we’re heading north as originally planned?

Yes. If the Great War with Demons occurs along the way… we should probably go.

Is it likely to happen?

There are no signs yet… but be prepared for it to happen at any time.

Kuuza nodded at my words. Then, Sofia spoke up.

Lord Ruon. Regarding me…

Are you talking about the qualification to defeat the Demon King?

Yes. If we end up fighting the Five Great Demons in the future, is it fine to distribute them among the others?

…From the information we gained from fighting the Five Great Demons twice, we’ve learned that there are cases where even those with the Bloodline cannot absorb the Sage’s Power. Lefin says he will establish a method for confirming that… Lefin.

Yes.

Lefin appeared next to Sofia.

How about that area?

Please wait a moment for the confirmation method… And as for my opinion on Sage’s Power, I don’t even know if we can choose the target, so we really need to confirm it.

Well, that’s how it is… What we can do now is quickly achieve our goal and be ready to respond to any situation.

Lord Garuku and the others are working hard to stop the Demon King’s Magic… Should we not concern ourselves with that?

I and the Spirit Gods will handle that.

Working with the Spirit God is insane…

Kuuza commented. I can understand why he would say that. In fact, if I were in Kuuza’s position, I would suspect it was a Book.

If anything happens, I’ll consult you.

I feel like it’s beyond the level of consultation… Understood. And, Lord Ruon.

Hm, what is it?

Are we… good enough?

That was probably her way of confirming.

Both Sylvie and Kuuza stop and look at me. It seems they have some feelings about whether they should be with Ruon and Sofia.

…Sylvie and Kuuza, you are now our comrades.

In that moment, I spoke.

While I certainly possess high abilities, I am still a Human. This was evident in the battle that occurred in the Alastin Kingdom. Without Sylvie’s help, Knight Shelk would have died in battle… As long as I can’t fully use my Book, I will have to rely on Sylvie and Kuuza. In fact, I’m in a position to ask you to fight.

Of course, I intend to act with you.

Me too.

Sylvie and Kuuza spoke in turn… and Sofia showed her gratitude,

Thank you, both of you.

I’ll do my best not to be a burden.

Me too.

The two said jokingly… I sent a gaze to Sofia.

It’s true that I kept it hidden, even if there was a reason. I apologize for that.

No, I understood once I heard the circumstances… Also,

Also?

Please continue to be good to me.

…Ah, of course.

I replied and started walking—thus, everything that needed to be done in the Alastin Kingdom was finished.