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“Wasn’t this a strategy game?”

After that, another boring journey continued.

“We’ve arrived at the last stronghold!”

At that sound, Eden’s eyes lit up. I figured it would take a month to reach the border at this pace, but fortunately, large portals were set up all over the Empire. We just had to reach the portals using good old human strength.

Only then did Eden understand how Asmun and the Emperor could return to the capital in just one day after being ambushed by golems.

When playing the game, moving was as easy as a single click, so I had no idea about these little details.

“This is the last portal. If we go through it and travel for just one more day, we’ll reach the Forest of the Border.”

The portals were only set up at strongholds, and beyond them, we still had quite a distance to travel to the next stronghold, but at least it saved us some time.

“Thanks to the portal, we arrived quickly. Is it like this every time?”

In response to Eden’s question, Karon answered kindly.

“Originally, we would have gone through villages and defeated monsters without using strongholds. But now, we have a purpose, so we’re taking the shortcut.”

That purpose referred to using Eden’s ability to identify monster weaknesses. Thinking of it that way, Eden felt a bit awkward.

Even though it was just a game, some villages lost their chance to eliminate monsters because of her.

“I see. I must make sure I’m worth it.”

“Oh dear, I didn’t mean to put pressure on you.”

“I know, don’t worry.”

Asmun watched the two of them chatting warmly. In contrast to the friendly atmosphere over there, a chilling air surrounded Asmun, causing the knights to keep their distance and watch his every move.

“You really have to be careful from here on. You mustn’t fall behind me.”

As the forest appeared, which was said to be filled with unknown monsters, Karon gave Eden a serious warning. And just to prove his point, as they stepped into the forest, monsters started popping out non-stop.

“Kyaah!”

Eden, following Karon’s advice, stood at a distance and watched Karon and his knights take down the monsters.

Karon, in the lead, was truly terrifying. Every time he swung his sword, a dazzling flash of light would accompany it, and a monster’s head would cleanly roll off. It was clear that he was perfectly balanced in strength, skill, and stamina.

Less than an hour passed, and a horrible stench of blood filled the air, but not a single drop of blood splattered on Eden, who was thoroughly protected.

“Oh dear…”

Eden frowned and clicked her tongue every time a monster was slain. She thought that since they were just monsters bothering people, their deaths didn’t feel that terrible.

Asmun, showing no signs of fear, simply watched the indifferent Eden, seemingly slightly regretful.

“…”

The hunting party continued deeper into the forest and relentlessly eliminated the monsters. At this rate, it seemed they would clean out all the monsters inside without trouble, but with every monster Karon sliced down, Eden’s heart grew more anxious.

Everywhere they passed, monster corpses piled up, but…

The quest number hadn’t budged at all, and despite all those monsters being killed, she hadn’t even leveled up.

‘Damn it, I have to get involved somehow.’

But how?

The monsters that were dying to Karon’s sword were low to mid-level monsters that would have sustained critical hits even without needing to know their weaknesses through the Bestiary. It meant her abilities weren’t needed at all.

At this rate, she hadn’t gained anything from coming all this way.

‘Not only have I gained nothing, but if I can’t clear the quest, I’ll be stuck in progress.’

Eden recalled the mechanics of <Last Kingmaker>.

Hidden quests or event quests didn’t impact progress unless she chose to engage, but basic quests absolutely needed to be cleared to move on to the next episode.

Of course, as long as she remained in the game, she could eventually proceed once she hunted down thirty monsters in the west, but…

‘When will I ever be back in the west? Plus, I can’t guarantee that Asmun will let me live until then.’

While Eden was lost in thought, the atmosphere around them fell silent. The relentless onslaught of monsters seemed to have waned a bit.

“Is everyone alright?”

Karon, drenched in monster blood, turned to Eden and Asmun with a concerned expression. His white cloak was now a shade of crimson.

“Yes, I’m fine. Are you okay, Commander?”

“Of course.”

Karon flashed a smile, showing no sign of exhaustion. Although it sent shivers down her spine to see him smiling while covered in blood, he looked like a scene straight out of a movie with his beautiful features juxtaposed against the dark red blood.

On the other hand…

Eden glanced over at Asmun, who was standing like a statue beside her. He looked pristine, like someone who just stepped out of a fresh shower. There were no traces of blood, not even a droplet of sweat, and he even wore a face that seemed bored with the long hunt.

“…”

Several hours had passed since they entered the forest, yet he hadn’t drawn his sword a single time, nor did his knights, as they stood watching the Holy Knights fight, waiting for orders.

“It seems I have nothing to do.”

Noticing Eden’s gaze, Asmun casually commented without a hint of embarrassment. He didn’t even seem to have the slightest desire to participate in the hunt.

Taking a moment to rest and watching Karon reorganize the knights, Eden quietly approached Asmun and spoke up.

“Your Highness. What are you doing just standing there?”

“Isn’t the Commander handling everything just fine?”

His blunt reply made Eden frown.

“No, but there are eyes watching! You should at least pretend to try! Don’t you know that the Emperor needs to secure public favor? You don’t have to spill blood like the Commander, but at least get a little dirty!”

As Eden lowered her voice to avoid being overheard, suddenly Asmun drew his sword. In the blink of an eye, he swung it fiercely over Eden’s head.

Swish—!

Startled by his sudden action, Eden froze, hearing a dying scream above her head.

Thud!

A monster, which had lunged at Eden, fell to the side, having been sliced by Asmun’s sword.

“…”

Holding her breath, Eden turned her eyes to the monster that had landed right next to her. One clean blow had severed the monster’s neck.

When Eden looked back at Asmun, who had just been immaculate a moment ago, she now saw him coated in thick blood.

“That did the trick.”

Asmun responded nonchalantly as if nothing had happened, leaving Eden speechless.

“What’s going on?!”

Karon, who hadn’t missed the small commotion, rushed over to Eden to check on her. Upon spotting the dead monster beside her, his face turned serious.

Karon was shocked, looking at Eden. Blood was splattered all over her head.

“Priest, are you alright?”

Asmun replied in Karon’s place.

“No need to worry. I’ll protect the Priest.”

“…”

“You should continue your work. You seem busy.”

Asmun’s cold words ignored Karon completely, who turned back to Eden and asked again.

“Are you okay?”

But Eden couldn’t answer. Just then, a quest window popped up right in front of her.

‘1…?’

Eden blinked in shock at the number that had just changed. A moment ago it had been 0, so Asmun’s kill must have registered.

But why?

Eden had not laid a finger on the monster. She hadn’t even read its information. It was just that Asmun had done the killing.

Suddenly, her chest felt a sharp twinge. Eden turned to Asmun with a face of realization.

“…”

The words Asmun had spoken when he made her drink the potion of the pact flashed through her mind.

“Now you and I are bound by the same fate.”

Eden’s eyes widened as they filled with the indifferent expression of Asmun, who was now stained with blood. It was undeniable that the pact of fate was registering the monsters Asmun killed. This was an unexpected twist.

Finally regaining her composure, Eden turned to Karon with a calm face and replied.

“I’m fine.”

“Priest, you have too much blood on you.”

“Compared to the Commander, this is nothing. Please go on ahead with your work. I’m fine being right next to His Highness 3rd Prince, who says he’ll keep me safe. With His Highness’s skills, I won’t get a scratch.”

Eden nonchalantly wiped the blood off her face and smiled. Karon looked a bit puzzled, while Asmun’s previously tense expression seemed to have relaxed a little.

“Your Highness, may I speak with you for a moment…?”

Eden asked Karon for permission and then pulled Asmun into the depths of the forest. Karon looked uneasy, but since Asmun still held his blood-stained sword, he didn’t stop them.

Once they reached a point out of earshot, Eden looked at Asmun intensely.

“Your Highness, I just received a prophecy.”

 

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