Gray Magic Tower, Magic World Branch.
“We obtained a lot of data from actual use. Thanks to this, the research is progressing smoothly. I think we’ll be able to move on to the next step soon.”
Artifact, Gate.
The official name was an ultra-small transition gate generator, but for convenience, it is called a gate.
“Although it is still difficult to open the gate at unstable coordinates, inside the Demon Realm… I think it is possible to open the gate at stable coordinates such as the royal capital.”
After collecting data from the shattered prototype, Resti reinforced the artifact. Unless you have a special constitution like Raniel, you still won’t be able to withstand the burden, but it is true that the burden from the artifact has been significantly reduced.
“Here, senior.”
Resty handed the reinforced artifact to Raniel.
“We strengthened the stabilization device. You will be able to minimize the burden when moving towards the royal capital rather than inside the demonic area. However, you may still experience headaches and mana consumption…”
“That’s tolerable.”
Raniel chuckled and tapped Lesti on the shoulder.
“Thank you, Resty.”
“By the way… are you okay with the side effects?”
This is Raniel, who recently opened a teleportation gate in the middle of the Demon World. He must have paid a high price for going through that transference door, but are the side effects okay? Lesti asked that question and Raniel responded with a smile.
“For the first few days, I felt like I was dying because I couldn’t even move my arm properly, but after some recuperation, it got better. “We even had a party using the potion bottles we had collected in the barracks.”
That’s right, Resty, have you tried taking a potion bath too? I heard that it’s really good for your health… Lesti smiled bitterly as she looked at Raniel muttering. This is because a story I heard recently came to mind.
‘Did you say that the highest quality potion is used for cosmetic purposes rather than treatment? If you look at the statistics, it certainly seems like that…’
Mainly for noble ladies to prevent aging…
After thinking about it up to that point, Resty shook his head. The person in front of me wouldn’t do something like that specifically for beauty purposes…
‘···eccentricity?’
Resty narrowed his eyes.
The word ‘travel’ and the name ‘Ranielle’ felt like they went well together like cream on top of a waffle. Resty glanced at Raniel with suspicious eyes.
“Hey, senior.”
“Yes why?”
“Are you taking care of your skin these days?”
“no?”
Didn’t you stutter just now?
When I looked closely, I saw that Raniel’s gaze was slightly downward. Resty glanced at Raniel with sad eyes.
“Yes, senior. The effectiveness of skin care with potions is not as good as it is made out to be. rather···.”
“No, no? I’m not interested in skin care. “I just heard such a story…”
Raniel added hastily.
“Hey, I’m a hero to begin with. Heroes are fixed to be in their 20s when their body is in its prime. I don’t get old. So there is no need for skin care. To begin with, I was in my 20s…”
“Oh, I see.”
Lesti glanced at Raniel, who oddly emphasized the word 20s, with pitiful eyes. Those who mainly talk about their age, youth, and youth are those who most likely do not fall into that category.
Poor senior, I feel sorry for you…
Resty took out a potion from the shelf and put it in Raniel’s hand. It was an elixir created by Lesti, the owner of the magic tower, that even VIP customers of the Gray Magic Tower could not obtain even if they wanted to. A concentrate containing all kinds of high-quality medicinal ingredients.
“I made it with all the things that are good for the body. “It’s a gift from me, so take it.”
“No, I don’t need this…”
“It’s good for your body.”
“So, I guess it’s not like that…”
While sighing, Raniel pushed the elixir deep into his robe. He seemed to secretly like me. Looking at that scene, Lesty smiled bitterly.
‘You still look the same, but are you concerned about your age?’
Although a considerable amount of time has passed since their first meeting, Raniel has not aged at all. He even looked younger, perhaps because he tied his hair down in one piece.
Also, what about that pure white skin?
Although Raniel spends 365 days in a devil’s land where harsh winds blow, his skin was so shiny that it was hard to believe he was a teenager, let alone in his 20s.
‘I think everyone will be fooled even if they enter the academy right now as a student…’
The thought of someone like that worrying about age just makes me laugh.
Unlike Raniel, Resti insisted on a somewhat more adult style to maintain her dignity as a magic tower lord, so now when she stands in the same place as Raniel, she even looks like an older sister.
“Anyway, thank you for the gift, shall we move on to the main topic?”
While Resti was thinking such useless thoughts, Raniel quickly changed the topic of conversation.
“Then it means that transferring to the royal capital is not a burden, right?”
“Yes, I connected the main tower of the Ash Demon Tower in the royal capital with the transfer gate. “If I still don’t have the same unique constitution as my senior, I’ll have to risk my life for metastasis…”
Resty said, glancing at the teleportation door.
“In your case, you will be able to endure the headache and mana consumption. “The coordinates toward the royal capital are very stable.”
“Okay, thank you.”
“You said you were planning to visit the royal road, right?”
Raniel nodded.
“This time, it was Skebal No. 43… or was it No. 44? Anyway, Skebal has been captured once, and the demonic side’s superhumans have been subdued, so the momentum of the demon king’s army will be greatly weakened for the time being.”
For the time being, rather than deploying demonic beasts to the front line that Raniel is in charge of, he will be busy filling the vacancy of the dragon slayer. Raniel decided that since there was a talented person named Resti who could respond in case of emergency, it was okay to leave for a while.
“It’s been a while since I had some free time, so I should go to the capital. “I got to meet the teacher… and there were people I could meet separately.”
“is that so?”
“huh. If I miss this opportunity, I think it will be difficult to find time. “Because we need to expand the front line in earnest.”
Resty nodded, “Ah.”
Resty also received the strategy for the battle to suppress apostates.
“It certainly is. “Then would you like me to open it now?”
“Yes, please.”
2.
The bluish transfer door opened, and Raniel took a step outside the transfer door. The transfer gate was connected to the top floor of the Gray Magic Tower, and Raniel smiled faintly as he glanced at the panoramic view of the royal capital.
——————
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It’s been a long time, really.
Come to think of it, it’s been almost 3 years?
Raniel has rarely visited the royal capital since the expedition. Since the current visit was also conducted in secret, Raniel walked with his robes deeply pressed down.
Raniel, who escaped from the Magic Tower without any trace, took a long breath and stretched out in the plaza.
“Wow.”
While his body was making a loud popping sound, Raniel let out a sigh. As he took a deep breath, it felt like his blocked nose was clearing.
A clean land where no magical energy is felt.
Now, this cleanliness feels unfamiliar. Ran El smiled bitterly and took her steps. The first thing he thought about was going to visit his teacher, but he would feel awkward if he left something to do and visited.
‘···I have to finish my work and go.’
Raniel walked while feeling the texture of the letter contained in his robe. Past the familiar square, into the depths of a shadowy alley.
* * *
Jingling, the bell on the door rang.
There was no need to knock at all.
From the moment I entered the alley, it was like entering the realm of the ancient elves. Raniel raised his hand as he opened the door and entered.
“It’s been a while, Cardi.”
The interior of an old store.
Cardi, who was cleaning glasses, looked at the guest and showed a rare smile of joy.
“What is it, was it you, Raniel?”
“what. “Didn’t you know that?”
“It was a long time. Because you and Chloe’s presence has become similar. “She is a welcome figure either way.”
Cardi gestured with her chin to the chair in front of her.
“It’s been a really long time. “I guess it’s been three years?”
“It’s been three years. “Because I was busy for a while.”
Raniel pulled out a chair, flopped down, and let out a long breath. An antique store with the smell of old furniture mixed with the unique scent of old books. It was a strangely relaxing space.
And that subtle smell…
Raniel glared at Cardi’s back with his eyes wide open. With his back turned, Cardi was pouring something into a teacup. A liquid that makes a squishy sound rather than a squeak.
“Don’t make me green tea.”
“It’s already boiled.”
With a thud, Cardi put down the teacup in front of Raniel. That damn old elf claims it’s a health drink and green tea, but it’s definitely not what Raniel sees.
“Ugh,” Cardi opened her mouth while Raniel pushed the green tea aside.
“So, what’s going on?”
“Well… I thought I was going to be busy for a while, so I came to see you when I had some free time.”
“You’re lying.”
Cardi laughed bitterly.
“Aren’t you about to start the operation soon? That’s why I came to tell you. Isn’t it?”
“···I’m very observant, anyway.”
“There is no need to look at me and tell me back. “You can start with the main topic, so please speak comfortably.”
How can you not notice, you old man?
Raniel grumbled inwardly and let out a long sigh. Raniel swallowed dry saliva without being able to open his mouth right away. The story she will tell from now on was something that required a lot of determination on her part.
“···Six months later.”
After a short period of time, Raniel spoke at the beginning.
“The battle to subdue the apostates will begin in six months, and on that day, I plan to put an end to the apostates.”
Cardi was still washing her glass and listening to Raniel’s story. The gaze was directed downward. Although it was impossible to confirm what kind of expression he was making, Raniel continued to talk.
A warning, and what you will do.
Raniel wanted to speak clearly about the end that the apostate would face at the end of the matter. I thought that was the minimum courtesy. Or, he will give himself some time to prepare himself.
“It will be thoroughly trampled. perhaps···.”
“Raniel.”
Cardi interrupted Raniel.
He put down his glass and raised his head.
“If you’re saying this because you’re worried about me or looking out for me, then you don’t have to do that. Because it’s really okay.”
He said with a bitter smile.
“This is what I should have done in the first place. I should have finished it with my own hands, but I couldn’t finish it, so I ended up here. So no matter what happens, I don’t blame you.”
On the contrary, I would be grateful to you.
Cardi muttered and exhaled.
“And… you were considerate enough from the moment we entered Alkeia. “Even though there was an easier way, I didn’t use it.”
An easier way.
Cardi told the method to Raniel when he relayed the information about Alkeia.
“Her strength is established because she is inside Alkeia. If you use me as bait to get her out of the way, defeating her will be much easier. “I’m sure so.”
But even after hearing that story, Raniel did not choose that option. He decided that it was a method that should not be used and chose a more difficult path.
“Nevertheless, you chose the more difficult path. That choice alone is overwhelming. For that fact, I feel grateful to you. “Any more consideration than this…”
“Hey, Cardi.”
Raniel cut off Cardi’s words.
“I said it back then, but that’s not really consideration for you. You can’t completely cancel the contract that way. “Then it has no meaning.”
Raniel smiled while tapping the table.
“Within Alkeia, the salvation that apostates seek is directly denied. “Isn’t that the way to completely cancel the contract?”
“That’s it… But.”
“Then I have to do that. “Because that is the way to reach the conclusion I seek.”
An ending that must be reached.
“And, that’s the way the Ash Goddess did it. she told me “She told me not to make the same choices she did.”
A perfect ending cannot be reached the way the Ash Goddess did. Only then does the value of her sacrifice become complete. Raniel was obliged to reach a very different ending than her Ash Goddess counterpart.
Even just to do that.
Raniel needed to completely cut off all contracts and reach the Demon King.
‘Cardi may not know, but…’
Only then could we move on.
In order to stand on the final stage, all chains from the past had to be completely broken.
“I have no intention of being satisfied with the ending I arrived at by taking the easy route.”
Raniel put his hand into his robe.
“Only by taking the difficult path, making the best choice, and not compromising will you be able to reach the end you want.”
What I take out is a paper bag.
“Cardi.”
Raniel held out two envelopes in front of Cardi.
“I have a favor to ask of you.”
Perhaps this would be the cruelest request.
However, this is what Cardi is hoping for. Raniel handed it to the great sage who had been waiting for hundreds of years. Because that was Raniel’s way of honoring the Great Sage.
fantasy,
