Chapter 687

The colossal, wavering eye turned toward Ian.

Dharmaraja?

Another archdemon's name flashed through Ian as he met the ominous gaze. He didn’t feel the soul-crushing pressure he had felt when facing an ancient god, and precisely because of that, Dharmaraja came to mind.

Of course, the biggest question Ian felt right now was something else.

—Looks like those halflings decided to join hands.

Even to Ian, it looked like they were in cahoots. It was a situation he had never once considered. Not only were the archdemons tainted by madness, but they had been waging war against each other for over a decade. He thought their grudges against each other ran deep.

Whoosh—

The giant eye wavering beyond the blizzard was now staring solely at Ian, as if observing him. At the same time, Akihatara’s violet glow, which had briefly receded, spread once more.

Was their war nothing more than a way to vent their madness?

Thoughts spiraled chaotically as he met their stares. Perhaps it was nothing more than a struggle for survival, or their hatred for humans ran deeper than their grudges against each other. Or their intentions simply coincided by chance.

After all, madness did not strip away all reason. The archdemons he had encountered so far were each struggling, in their own ways, to rein in that madness.

—They wouldn’t get cold feet and back down even after joining forces... right?

At Yog's whisper, Ian snapped out of his thoughts and clicked his tongue inwardly.

There was no way to know which answer was correct, and it didn’t matter. The only important fact right now was that two archdemons had joined forces, and the result would likely be the ominous foresight he had seen.

Whoosh—

At that moment, a violet wave burst forth from the eye, patterned with overlapping circles. It swept outward in an instant, staining the storm-wracked darkness as it surged through the blizzard.

Almost simultaneously, Akihatara’s massive violet wings folded inward, drawing close as though gathering strength. Above the overlapping wings, six glowing eyes narrowed.

Thump... Thump...

The resonance of the essence bead surged in sync. The crawling sensation of Yog across Ian’s consciousness intensified.

—Yes! This is how it should be!

The instant Yog cried out in delight, Akihatara lashed out, spreading its wings wide. Snow and violet energy spiraled together into countless vortices, and the six glowing eyes burned fiercely.

Screech—

Ian’s consciousness was flung away, as if swept aside by the roar. Then, in the next instant, sensation came crashing back.

His vision blurred. Dizziness and biting chills rushed over him, but he didn’t collapse. Someone was already holding him.

As the sensation of arms wrapped around his back and shoulders sharpened, a trembling voice, barely held together, pierced his ears.

"Ian! Are you conscious? Ian?"

Through the steam rising from his body, Mev’s face came sharply into focus.

Panting, Ian met her thinly trembling green eyes and said, "I didn’t plan on being held like this again."

"What are you— You’re joking at a time like this?" Mev frowned after a brief pause, her gaze locked on him for a moment.

Soon, sighing as if relieved, she lowered her head as if collapsing onto Ian's neck. "Thank goodness... I thought... maybe you..."

"You thought I’d been swallowed by chaos?" Ian asked, still catching his breath.

She had heard more than once what state he fell into when he saw visions.

When Mev nodded silently, his lips curved faintly. "Don’t worry. I won’t be consumed by chaos."

"Right. Of course not. You’re a demigod, Ian," she whispered with her face buried against him, as if convincing herself.

That damned title.

"For someone so startled, you handled things pretty well."

They were inside his tent. Firelight from the sacred flame flickered across the ceiling, and Ian was leaning against Mev, who had sunk to the floor while holding him.

Her breath brushed his neck as she said, "I couldn’t let others see you like that. I planned to wait a little longer, and if nothing changed, I was going to bring Miguel."

"Impressive judgment." Ian’s smile deepened slightly. The dizziness and chill had already faded.

As he lifted one arm to wrap it around Mev’s back, she asked, "So what was it, exactly?"

"A vision. It happens fairly often when I get close to archdemons," Ian said, tapping her back lightly with his palm.

"I see... Then just like you thought, we really are going to fight an archdemon."

"But it seems there’s more than one."

"

Huh

?" Pausing, Mev raised her head and looked at him.

Looking into her blank eyes, Ian said, "There were two in the vision. One was Akihatara. The other—I’m not certain, but it seemed to be the one called Dharmaraja."

"Dhar... maraja..." Mev repeated the name under her breath, as if sighing it out.

Ian shrugged. "As I said, I’m not sure. It could have been something else, or perhaps a subordinate standing in its place."

The vision flickered through his mind again. Originally, there had only been Akihatara. That massive purple eye had revealed itself only after the creature unleashed a roar that was closer to a scream.

—Maybe it sent that stupid bird ahead like a puppet.

It was then that Yog's weak whisper dug into his mind.

—While that bastard follows slowly from behind. It seemed like a rather cunning creature...

Like you.

Ian snorted soundlessly. In the end, it was something that would only become clear once they faced it directly.

"Either way, that the enemies will be much stronger than expected remains unchanged."

"At this rate, Calbrook will fall." Ian watched her expression for a moment before adding quietly, "And if Dharmaraja really is involved, even our arrival might not be enough."

A faint tension surfaced along Mev’s pale cheek. She must have noticed that he meant it sincerely.

Though Ian had killed three archdemons, each victory had been a narrow escape from death. Facing two at once was something he had never imagined—nor wished to.

"But what’s done is done." Rising to his feet, he held out a hand to Mev. "So let's brace ourselves firmly. If we falter, it won’t just be us who die."

Mev looked up at him for a moment, then nodded and took his hand. "They said the road ahead isn’t too harsh."

Standing as well, she added, "They said we’ll arrive within three days. Shouldn’t we pick up the pace a little?"

"If we push any faster, some of the men won’t hold up. And even after we reach the fortress, we may not have time to rest."

He turned, his gaze settling on the small table beyond the brazier, a lone bottle resting on it.

"They’ve noticed me now," Ian said as he walked toward it.

Yog’s low chuckle followed.

—More than that. They’ve resolved to fight you. It’s possible they knew of you even before the Black Wall fell.

You really love adding unnecessary commentary.

Sitting on the chair, Ian picked up the wine bottle.

"What kind of archdemon is this Dharmaraja?" Mev asked as she took the seat across from him, setting her helmet on the table. Her voice was calm; her eyes steady.

"Well, I don't know in detail either, but I heard it was originally a high priest of a heretical kingdom."

Shrugging and taking a sip, Ian handed the bottle to her and added, "I heard it sacrificed the entire kingdom to be reborn as a demon when the Imperial Army pushed in. So expect void spells and monsters. Being incredibly strong is a given."

Mev nodded as she took a drink, then looked back at him. "Void spells and monsters.... Should I call Nasser or the priests? Someone might have read the records."

Receiving the bottle she held out, Ian shook his head. "They’ve only just started resting. We’ll ask while we move tomorrow. It’d be good if even one person knows something."

"Even if the barbarian warriors can handle it, the defense forces will be terrified. Some might even try to run."

"That can’t be helped. And we can’t hide something this serious either." Ian shrugged and took another swig.

While letting out a long sigh through her nose, Mev nodded. Worry lingered in her eyes—not just because she foresaw casualties, but because she wanted to prevent them.

"Get some sleep," Ian said.

"...Huh?" Mev paused, looking back at him as if to ask whether sleep was even possible.

"You already know how much time we have before Calbrook. There’s nothing left to report tonight."

He jerked his chin toward the bed behind them. "From now on, you need to focus on conserving your strength. While I deal with the archdemons, you’ll be commanding the legion."

Mev’s eyes twitched. "I can’t let you face two archdemons alone. I’ll fight too."

"All the more reason for you to rest. I’ll do the worrying. Lie down."

She narrowed her eyes, but eventually gave in and stood up.

Looking down at the helmet she left behind, Ian's eyes finally sank gloomily. The worries and emotions he had kept hidden surfaced at last.

—Feels like it’s going to be a rough fight, doesn’t it, my friend?

Yog murmured as the sound of Mev removing her armor spread through the tent.

Ian only nodded, lifting the bottle to his lips in response.

If both of them really are coming...

As always, the worry didn’t linger for long. Once Mev’s breathing evened out, Ian set the bottle down and closed his eyes. Just as he always did, he slipped into meditation.

***

"Wake up—"

"Everyone up! Get out of here and start dismantling the tents!"

The campsite erupted in noise.

Ian opened his eyes. Having dozed off in the chair, the first thing he saw was Mev sitting up on the bed.

Beside her, Thesaya was curled up, already asleep as well. She didn’t so much as stir, let alone open her eyes.

When did she crawl in?

Swallowing a chuckle, Ian stretched and stood up from his seat.

"Take your time getting ready and come out. I’ll get some air."

"All right." Despite her answer, Mev immediately reached for the armor she’d set aside.

Ian stepped out of the tent. Darkness still ruled outside, the snowstorm raging on.

"We'll eat while moving! If hungry, move faster!"

"

Ugh

...."

The camp was already buzzing with activity.

Centurions barked orders as legionnaires tore down snow-covered tents with exhausted expressions.

As Ian walked among them, his gaze grew heavy. Before long, he would have to deliver grim news to these people. He didn’t want to—but it had to be done.

It wasn't long after Ian, organizing what to say and moving his steps, stopped. He felt the surroundings brighten for a moment. It wasn’t his imagination. The sacred flame within the brazier was flaring violently.

"What?"

"Don’t tell me..."

The priests, who had been exchanging puzzled looks, widened their eyes and began scanning the area.

Ian was already staring toward the edge of the campsite. Through the snowstorm, faint lights were spreading in the distance.

Did the temple dispatch a priesthood?

Though they were still far off, Ian could clearly make out a brazier carriage burning with sacred fire, several wagons following behind it, and figures trudging along around them like the undead.

Unlike the priests, those figures wore mismatched, disorderly gear.

Since when have they been tagging along?

One corner of Ian's mouth curled up slowly. They were unmistakably the Dragon Slayer’s Warriors.