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There are two main methods for exorcising demons.

The first is to chase the demons out of the possessed individuals using Grand Exorcism, and the second involves employing a force represented by faith, magic, and mysticism to shove the demons back into hell.

We decided to use the former method to exorcise the demons active in the Northern Regions.

However, the situation changed.

“We can’t resolve this situation with Grand Exorcism.”

Grand Exorcism is a method where multiple exorcists dedicate time and effort to exorcise a demon.

The issue is precisely that time.

“The Empire’s military wants to wrap this situation up as quickly as possible. The Inquisition and the old-timers believe it is necessary to adopt a more forceful approach to prevent additional damage.”

“Get straight to the point.”

“We need to eradicate the demon.”

The Saint of the Cult said.

“Eradicating the demon is essentially a military operation equivalent to a crusade. It costs a lot of money and incurs significant damage. So, it’s hard to find instances of actual eradication in the historical records of the Cult unless the demons have caused considerable chaos.”

The situation had already reached an irreversible point. The Cult ordered Saint Veronica to eradicate the demon, and the Empire accepted it.

This meant that the situation was severe.

“Is there a plan?”

“Well…”

Veronica, smoothing her jawline, smiled as she continued.

“Of course, there is.”

—

Episode 12 – The Strongest Magician in History

The command center supervising the demon eradication is the Military Government Headquarters and the Inquisition, but the core of the operation is us.

In military terms, we are the main attacking force.

Especially Lucia, who, alongside Veronica, is one of the few with experience directly facing demons, so the task of confronting the demons naturally fell to Lucia.

“My little sister may be a bit naive, but her skills are undeniable. Her lack of experience is a weakness, but that’s something Colonel and I can cover adequately.”

“Please elaborate.”

“We need preparations. I’ll find a weapon for Lucia. Colonel, could you procure the items listed here?”

I made a few calls to acquaintances to track down the items Veronica mentioned.

Victor, an orc businessman who used to be a warrant officer in the Imperial Army, Hormoz, the Dark Elf and guild master of the Palm Tree Trade Guild, and Dmitri, the head of the social department at a news agency located at the Magic Tower, among others.

Under normal circumstances, bringing goods into the Northern Regions would have been a challenge, but the ongoing chaos had left significant security gaps.

Turning illegality into legality was easy. It was a synergy created by the gaps in security checks, some bribes, and the subtle loopholes in laws and regulations.

“I’ve procured the Cult’s relics stored in the Kien Empire Archaeological Society, the top-grade potion from the Ivory Tower, alchemical pumpkins, high-purity magic stone byproducts, and leaves from the World Tree… I gathered nearly everything.”

“What about the eternal snow from Mount Parangasan?”

“That can’t be secured right now. The area around Mount Parangasan has fallen into the hands of the rebels. Instead, I was able to get the leftover water from the Nymphs. They said we can use this as a substitute.”

“Yes, that will suffice.”

All the items would be provided to Lucia and Francesca.

I wasn’t sure of their exact purpose, but it was clear they were necessary to capture the demon.

“What happened to the weapon you were supposed to give to Lucia?”

“It arrived today via ship.”

“Good. Let’s move on.”

—

Once a ship sets sail, it never stops. The same goes for the international community.

International collaboration to capture the demon gained momentum as time passed.

Commander Mikhail pushed forward with preparations for the eradication. He deployed forces, consulting with related agencies like the Inquisition, the Imperial Ministry of Magic, and the Magic Tower, focusing on areas where demons were likely to appear.

Veronica was in a similar situation. Having been commanded by the Pope to lead the eradication force, she utilized her authority to establish a network of information. Inquisition Officers installed talismans in every city in the North per the Saint’s instructions.

For the record, the place with the most talismans installed is the major city in the Northern Regions, now under lockdown after the last battle.

Lastly, the Magic Tower.

Together with the Empire and the Cult, the Magic Tower was also cooperating diligently in the eradication efforts.

And beneath the Cathedral, a magician was fervently preparing for the approaching battle.

-Bubble, bubble.

The sound of liquid boiling filled the underground space.

Flames licked at the cauldron like a sly serpent, devouring it greedily.

Inside the massive cauldron, an unidentifiable solution bubbled away. Occasionally, a bubble would rise and pop, releasing a heavy odor that assaulted the senses.

Descending into the seldom-visited underground of the bustling Cathedral, I knocked on the wide-open door and greeted the occupant.

“Are you ready?”

“….”

Francesca slowly lifted her head.

Having kindled the fire beneath the alchemical cauldron, she sat perched on a chair. Beneath her feet lay leather.

She stepped on the edge of the leather with her shoes, tightening it, and started to strop a dull blade—an unmistakable stance of someone sharpening a knife.

However, the strange characters etched onto the blade hinted that this was no ordinary sword.

Francesca, who had been honing a rune sword, straightened her slouched back and fixed her posture.

“Yes, Colonel. Everything is going smoothly.”

As she snapped her fingers, a clear ringing echoed from the cauldron.

“I was brewing potions for battle.”

“Is it something newly developed?”

“These are the same potions I used during the ambush by the Corpse Spiders last time. The main ingredient currently bubbling in the cauldron is the poison from the Red Arrow Frog.”

A three-year-old dog can recite poetry, and a three-year Information Officer can become wise. The moment I heard the name of the ingredient in the cauldron, information about the poison naturally came to mind.

“It’s a species of frog that inhabits the Great Woods. Famous for its extremely potent toxin, which has been bred over centuries due to exposure to high levels of magic, even skilled magicians can find themselves at death’s door if they misstep.”

“I didn’t realize you had such knowledge about poisons, Colonel.”

“Isn’t this where the World Tree is located? I’ve read reports written by soldiers at war with the Elves.”

The poison of the Red Arrow Frog is notorious for incapacitating even skilled magicians.

As soon as the poison enters the bloodstream, it produces lethal effects, especially potent for individuals with high affinity for magic. This is why it’s often employed in assassination attempts targeting magicians.

Even though it’s a deadly poison meant for taking down mages, Francesca’s face remained remarkably calm.

Once she neatly set the rune sword down, she peered into the boiling cauldron, nonchalantly donned protective gloves, and added a couple of ingredients into the potion.

I stood with my arms crossed, quietly watching Francesca prepare the potion.

“Will you be able to capture a demon with that potion?”

“If you’re asking about the chances, I’d say it’s fifty-fifty.”

She replied with an expressionless demeanor while supporting herself on the cauldron.

“Most of the potions I make are based on the standard manufacturing methods from the Magic Tower and Ivory Tower, but this type of potion strays quite far from the standard.”

Francesca looked at me with serious eyes.

“Many of the manufacturing methods from the Alchemy School have been established recently. The hunting of witches, the Inquisition, and the War of Independence broke the continuity of alchemy that had lasted since ancient times. Especially the manufacturing methods for combat potions have been heavily depleted.”

“….”

“The good news is that the potions I’m currently making are based on the methods left by a long-gone Archmage.”

“Is it reliable?”

The alchemist nodded her head.

Certainly, her potions had superior effectiveness compared to regular potions. Just by melting the carapace of a Giant Spider that can withstand an artillery shell, it was evident.

I quickly agreed.

As she worked at the cauldron, Francesca suddenly tossed her jacket aside. The waistcoat hidden beneath the jacket revealed her body’s curves without filter.

After hanging her jacket over a chair, she walked to the desk where potion vials were displayed.

“How are Saint Lucia and the Hero doing?”

“They’re preparing for battle just like you.”

I spoke about their recent activities while shoving my hands into my pockets.

“Lucia is checking the weapons sent by the Cult. She is also helping Saint Veronica.”

The Inquisition sent weapons for Lucia to use. The diplomatic pouch contained various equipment used by active Inquisition Officers and exorcists.

“There were many fascinating items, though I didn’t get to see them fully. Camila is practicing magic with the frontline combat magicians of the Empire.”

“Oh, I already knew that. The Hero has even visited me.”

Francesca, who had been inspecting the potions, suddenly tilted her head.

“But wasn’t the Hero supposed to sit this one out?”

A pair of violet eyes rolled. Meeting her gaze, I replied in my usual tone.

“It’s just personal training.”

Then I shrugged nonchalantly.

“Of course, I’d join the fight if necessary.”

Preparations for the eradication operation were already complete.

We collaborated with experts from the Empire, the Cult, and the Magic Tower to devise an operational plan, running dozens of simulations to iron out any issues.

The ideal scenario would be for a demon to be alive beneath the site of the collapse. If the seal and barriers were functioning properly, we could bombard the creature with firepower while it was trapped. Or we could run in and behead it.

To this end, Veronica did her utmost in directing the Inquisition, and I did likewise. Lucia…

Chiara and Francesca helped ensure that even Camila, who was the most worrisome, was thoroughly prepared.

Now, all that’s left is the real deal.

In other words, the battle against the demon.

“I’m not the type to hold anyone back, so I can defend myself just fine.”

Francesca playfully tossed that out with a smirk at the corners of her mouth.

“You seem to handle women quite roughly. I guess you’re not much of a gentleman.”

“Let’s keep the teasing to a minimum.”

“Right. Now that you’re here, would you like a recovery potion? The one I just made has pretty good healing properties.”

“I’d appreciate it if you gave me some, but more than that, I want to ask how the preparations are going.”

Francesca shifted her gaze and casually began discussing the situation at the Magic Tower.

“The final checks on the sealing barriers, totem, and rune stones have all been completed successfully. I received reports that the flow of magic and circuit layout are perfect. As long as the magic keeps flowing, it should function without issues for at least the next week.”

The barrier of the Magic Tower, supporting the cult’s sealing of the demon, was completed stably.

After meticulously analyzing the papers and field inspection reports obtained through Dmitri, we concluded that the output and structure were very stable, with a significantly low chance of defects.

“A week, huh? For a large-scale composite magic circle, it’s impressively stable for something hastily assembled.”

“That’s because the experts put their heart and soul into configuring the magic.”

“Is the final inspector Martinez?”

“Yes, Sir Martinez personally verified it. He’s still going back and forth to check on the site. He’s been really working hard. He decided to rebuild much of the Northern Region’s sewer system—who would’ve thought it would collapse like this?”

“That’s just how life goes, isn’t it? By the way, it seems the medical support and combat preparations are going well too.”

Currently, the area under the Magic Tower’s responsibility in the Northern Regions encompasses both medical and combat roles.

Although the cult provided healing priests, the number of patients generated in the field was overwhelming.

Fortunately, the Magic Tower was able to support specialized medical equipment and supplies utilizing advanced magical engineering, giving us some relief. The Oracle provided a significant portion of the equipment, medicines, and treatment costs for the patients free of charge.

For the record, the one who secured that support was none other than Francesca.

“Thanks to that, I’ve had less to worry about. The Military Government Headquarters expressed their gratitude.”

“You don’t need to thank me. The Oracle didn’t decide to provide aid out of pure goodwill either.”

Of course, it was just a reaction to the Magic Tower being in a tough spot. After all, the necromancer was the one causing chaos in the conflict area.

The Empire’s Ministry of Defense was already boiling over due to the ongoing conflict.

Worried that the military would, once again, rev up their tanks in front of the Magic Tower in their rage over this incident, the Oracle made a quick move before they could act.

“Every action has its consequences.”

Francesca calmly assessed the situation of the Magic Tower, her tone laced with a hint of sarcasm.

I nodded in agreement.

“Sometimes it’s good to be cautious.”

Anyway, for me, it was a good thing.

*

Insomnia is one of those occupational hazards that come with getting paid in full.

Working for a company that calls at all hours tends to rob you of a good night’s sleep.

My chest felt heavy, as if a rock was lodged inside it, and even with my head resting on a soft pillow, it seemed my mind refused to settle down.

Perhaps that’s why I found myself drinking quite a bit.

But tonight, even alcohol seemed ineffective.

In the one-person bedroom set up in the cathedral, I threw on just a shirt and made my way to the terrace.

“…….”

The northern winds of December were fierce. Even the buzz of alcohol running through my veins couldn’t withstand the biting cold that penetrated to my bones.

Looking at my watch, I noted it was already 11:18 PM—the very moment that today slipped into yesterday.

Tomorrow is December 31st.

The last day of the year, and the day that the demon with the black eyes foretold.

Sitting on the terrace with a beer in hand, I looked up at the night sky, exhaling a deep sigh, and finally cast my gaze downward.

“What are you doing?”

At the sudden voice, I turned around to find Camila’s blue eyes staring back at me. She peeked through the slightly ajar door, beaming as she fully opened it and stepped onto the terrace.

“I was just taking a break.”

“At this hour, alone, drinking beer?”

She pointed at the beer bottle, asking in surprise. Feeling slightly embarrassed for having been caught sulking in the night air, I set the bottle down and sniffled.

Camila, approaching me with quick steps, plopped down next to me.

“Are you worried about something?”

“Is there anyone in the world without worries?”

I tried to joke, but it fell flat. Camila, leaning back on her arms and watching me intently, curled the corners of her lips and offered a small laugh.

“That’s right. There’s no one in this world who lives without a care.”

She turned her gaze back to the dark sky above us. The Northern Region, free from light pollution, boasted clearer, more brilliant starlight than any other area of the continent.

“Is it because of the demon?”

Her question struck me unexpectedly, and I lowered my eyes in silence.

While I didn’t answer, it seemed that was enough of an answer for her.

“Ugh!”

Camila sighed dramatically, tilting her head back.

“Seriously, you worry too much. Why do you fret so?”

Her bold demeanor was taken aback at her own confidence. I momentarily found myself speechless at how naturally she could ask such an obvious question. I shot back at her.

“And you, Camila, don’t worry at all?”

“Me? Hmm…”

Camila, trailing off in thought, blinked her long lashes and pondered deeply.

“Concerns… Of course, I have worries. I’m human too!”

See? Even she worries but still lectures others. I clicked my tongue and, just as I was about to raise the beer bottle to my lips, Camila continued, as if to say there was more.

“But what changes if you worry?”

With her red hair swaying to one side, Camila tilted her head, making her hair dance back and forth.

“We’ve prepared thoroughly, and we have contingencies. All that’s left now is the real battle. Just sitting around worrying won’t change anything. What matters will be the dedication, effort, and time we’ve invested so far.”

“…….”

“Isn’t that enough?”

Camila’s playful grin, as she nudged me with her knee, felt surprisingly soothing.

“Don’t overthink it. This isn’t a solo fight.”

Then she hopped up, shaking off the dust from her backside.

“Come on, it’s cold. Let’s go inside so you don’t catch a cold.”

Camila stepped away with quick little strides, disappearing through the terrace door.

I watched her retreating figure, swigging the last of my beer before setting down the bottle.

*

The midnight musings ended right after Camila left. Back in my room, I adjusted the light before sitting at my desk to check my equipment.

These were the items I’d brought in with approval from the Military Government Headquarters, following discussions with the Empire’s Ministry of Defense.

Bulletproof vests and helmets blessed by Saint Veronica, personal firearms consecrated with holy water, the pistol I’d been carrying since entering the Empire, and various accessories—even the heavy body armor and gas mask I really didn’t want to wear again.

Before sleeping, I tried on the gear.

Adjusting the bulletproof vest to fit snugly, I tightened the chin straps of the helmet to minimize movement. I checked the position of the magazine filled with live rounds multiple times—when combat broke out, I wouldn’t need to fumble about for it like I did when I was a rookie.

Along with batteries, extra ammo, and other supplies packed tightly into my backpack, I paced around the room, meticulously checking for any discomfort.

“…Urgh.”

Maybe it was because I hadn’t donned tactical gear for over thirty years, but it still felt awkward in some way.

When was the last time I wore this kind of gear? Eastern Europe? The Middle East? Or was it when I was assigned to the African continent at the end? No, definitely not South America; I was there at the start.

Just then, amid my frantic pacing around the room like a lunatic in the middle of the night, my work phone buzzed loudly on the desk. It was the official phone I’d set up for my role as a diplomat.

A call from the Military Government Headquarters?

I opened the phone to check the number on the screen, confirming my suspicion. The contact was none other than Senior Lyudmila.

“Yes, Senior Lyudmila. What is it? Call me at this hour?”

-‘It’s an emergency.’

In that instant, my mind went blank as if struck by a hammer, and cold sweat ran down my spine.

Senior Lyudmila didn’t speak extensively.

-‘Come to the headquarters immediately.’

 

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