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Chapter 348. Farewell, My Friend

Transformation magic.

Well, Outluke must know about it, right?

The legendary operative and “Sword Saint” Virosa can use transformation magic.

And Demon Lord’s Prince Zilbagias has brought his loyal White Dragon companion into the alliance.

Considering Zilbagias is all set to lay low, it’s easy to guess he has also mastered transformation magic.

I thought it was fine for that information to leak. There could be other operatives capable of transformation besides Virosa, and knowing about transformation magic might help the Holy Church crack down more efficiently.

But, man, it was a bit too soon.

At the very least, I didn’t want it to come up before I left Todomarl.

—Of all times, I didn’t want it to come up while I was with this guy…!

“Previously, Miss Leila told me about transformation magic.”

Edgar continued speaking in a casual tone, as if it were just small talk.

“I think back then, you said it was a ‘dragon-exclusive magic,’ but… can other races also learn it?”

…He’s hitting precisely where it hurts.

“This guy might be beyond saving. Maybe I should be more concerned about myself. Shouldn’t we just eliminate him and move on to the next town?”

Antendeixis started suggesting something ominous, but wait, honestly, I don’t get what Edgar wants.

If I truly were under suspicion, it wouldn’t be strange for the Holy Church’s forces to attack as soon as I was lured into this alley.

Yet—nothing happened. There’s no hint of ambush, no unsettling feeling of a battlefield.

Edgar has lured me into this deserted place all alone, flaunting his defenseless back, broaching risky topics.

What’s his goal…?

…Could it be that he’s genuinely trying to share some valuable information he acquired from Outluke before I set out? Without any ulterior motives? That’s absurd.

“I—

Before I could respond, Leila spoke up.

“The White Dragon… When my parents rebelled against the Demon Lord, my mother also passed away, and I was raised away from them since I was little.”

Her sudden personal story made Edgar and me stop in our tracks.

“I have lived as a human all this time. It was only recently—that is, within the past year—that I learned to fly freely in the sky. I had no knowledge of the magic or techniques of dragons… I’m sorry…”

Leila looked down, appearing demure.

Clever. She hinted at not knowing that other races could learn transformation magic while making it clear she hadn’t known back then—merely that she was ‘ignorant in the past’—

“Looks like you’ve started to speak like someone from your background, huh?”

Seeing the reality, it’s quite the farce…

“Ah, no, I’m not blaming you, of course.”

Edgar said, looking apologetic, waving his hands dismissively.

“It’s just… your combination might invite misunderstandings, right? The daughter of a White Dragon and a wielder of dark attributes—”

He whispered, almost conspiratorially.

“—so I wanted to give you a heads-up. If you both continue to act together, you’ll need to be even more cautious…”

Edgar turned around abruptly.

“Alexander. I despise Zilbagias.”

He looked me straight in the eye and said that.

“It’s true that I loathe the entire Demon Race, but Zilbagias… especially so. His forces destroyed Evaroti, killing my friends and promising disciples—”

The gentle smile on his face faded away, and Edgar clenched his teeth.

“I was one of those who barely escaped death in the Defteros Kingdom. It may be about regret, atonement, or just plain frustration. But if Zilbagias were to stand before me—though he might be an opponent I cannot defeat—I would draw my sword and strike at him.”

………

“I wonder, what is it with Zilbagias? I’ve heard he laughed while slaughtering soldiers on the battlefield, raining blood down. What a cruel dark being. A detestable Demon Race. And yet—he can use transformation magic and lurks within human society? With what face! It’s mad to claim he’s a proud Demon Lord’s Prince…! Why doesn’t he just challenge us head-on…!”

………

I couldn’t say anything.

I really couldn’t say anything…

“……To have said it to you was pointless.”

Edgar looked away, chuckling self-deprecatingly.

“…In the first place, there’s a possibility that Outluke is just spouting nonsense. Perhaps he’s trying to incite fear about demons blending into human society, sowing discord and distrust towards those of dark attributes. After all, those despicable Night Elves might have underhanded schemes beyond our imagination…”

When thinking objectively, that concern makes sense.

I know it’s true, but if transformation magic were false, it would only needlessly incite chaos in the alliance.

However, Edgar surely knows that as well. Yet, despite that, he still confronted me with unverified information—

“…Hey, Alexander. Will you tell me?”

With a pleading gaze, Edgar looked at me again.

“What do you plan to do after leaving Todomarl? What’s your aim, where are you headed—of course, if it’s not too much trouble.”

He tried to act casual, but it was a stretch.

As for me—

“I’m heading east.”

I answered honestly.

“I’ll ride with Leila to the eastern edge of the continent. Before the news about the Demon Lord’s Prince spreads, I’ll be visiting different towns. What I plan to do is no different from in Todomarl—killing Night Elves.”

I shrugged casually.

“The southern region will likely hear about me quickly, so I’ll leave it to Archbishop Gerhardt.”

When my previous blunder came to mind, Edgar chuckled in amusement.

“Edgar. I’m just an ordinary hero, but—there’s one thing I’m certain of. Zilbagias, no, the demons—they will definitely pay for their sins.”

A silver glow ignited in my palm.

I’m not going to burn.

Right now, I’m not the enemy of humanity—so—

It felt utterly pathetic, yet a wave of joy washed over me.

“I will continue to fight against the dark beings.”

This is my vow.

“Until either my body or the Demon Kingdom is destroyed.”

Edgar seemed to savor my words.

“…If possible, I’d like to tag along. I want to witness your outrageous adventure. But—having me around would only be a nuisance.”

While looking at Leila, he smiled mischievously.

“I’m sorry for such a strange conversation and for wasting your time. …Shall we go?”

Edgar turned his back to us, starting to walk once more.

Without any further incidents, we exited the alley—

Into the bustling main street where the morning sun shone. The sunlight reflected off the cobblestones, dazzling us. We walked down the radiant path.

“Good morning, Priestess.”

The city gates were open, but security was tighter than ever, and everyone entering or leaving seemed to be thoroughly checked. As we approached, the soldier snapped a crisp salute.

“I am Upper Priest Edgar Wakonan. This is Hero Alexander and Mage Leiraine, here to see them off.”

“Yes, sir.”

After Edgar displayed the silver light and the Holy Church’s identification, we smoothly passed through the gates, avoiding any inspection.

“…Thank you for your help, Edgar.”

“The pleasure is mine. Oh, here’s your lodging fee.”

“No, that’s fine! So it was true after all!”

“Hahaha.”

As the bag of silver coins was handed over fluidly, I pushed it back towards Edgar.

“Then, I’ll just donate this to the orphanage.”

“That would be good. I was once taken care of too.”

“…Do you have any messages for Isabella and Nina?”

“Just say, ‘Sorry for leaving without saying goodbye, take care.'”

“Understood.”

Having run out of things to discuss, I turned back to look at Todomarl once more.

What a rich stay it has been. Who would’ve thought I’d find Kaito’s family and also make significant progress in cleaning up those Night Elves…?

“It certainly doesn’t feel like it was just one day.”

Really. I feel like I’ve spent two weeks here or something.

“If only we had met earlier…”

Edgar said suddenly.

“You might not have that time, but I wanted to deepen our friendship.”

“Come on, it’s not like this is a last goodbye.”

I smiled back at Edgar, who looked nostalgic.

“When we meet next time, let’s go drinking. By then, the world should be a little cleaner.”

“That would be nice. I hope the cleanup progresses smoothly.”

Edgar gestured dramatically as if praying.

“…Well then.”

“Yeah. Stay safe.”

Waving goodbye to Edgar, we set off.

“Such an anti-climax…”

Don’t be disappointed! Nothing happening is a good thing!

He—Edgar, after all, never crossed that line.

Just earlier, he merely hinted that “Zilbagias might be capable of transformation” and asked about my future plans and where I was headed next.

If he had outright voiced any doubts connecting me to Zilbagias—well, I might not have been able to just sit back.

But Edgar chose to believe in me.

He never stepped into the fatal territory…!

“But that doesn’t change the fact that he had doubts. Isn’t it dangerous to leave it like this?”

If this “doubt” ends up becoming my “danger,” then—this must already be the case.

He could consult his superiors at any time. But he didn’t. Keeping it all to himself means—well, that’s what it is.

Moreover—

That Edgar.

It’s probably far more dangerous to intervene recklessly.

As a friend, he’s a trustworthy ally.

As an enemy, he’d be formidable and endlessly troublesome.

That’s the kind of man he is, I’m sure—

†††

(…They’re gone.)

Watching Alex and the others disappear down the road, Edgar let out a small breath.

He rubbed his neck. He still found it hard to believe his head and body were separated.

Slowly, he reached beneath his breastplate, into his chest.

He pulled out an envelope.

With a glance, Edgar smiled wryly.

It was a last will. Or perhaps, an indictment.

But now it was useless. He infused it with magic power.

With a lively crackle, flames surged up. Later, he’d have to dispose of the copy he hid in the Holy Church’s lodging room.

(Demon Lord’s Prince Zilbagias—Reiju, huh—)

The letter burned away.

The words “Teleportation Spell” inscribed on it turned to ash.

That was just information given by Outluke, still low in certainty. But Edgar was confident it was true.

[Isabella][Officia][Bloodstains][Wounds on back and waist][Holes in clothing], all the subsequent terms turned to cinders.

If I had been killed by Zilbagias while mocking him—

This envelope would have served as a warning to my superiors and comrades.

(…In the end, I still don’t know what he really is.)

There’s abundant evidence showing Alex is a hero.

But—one cannot ignore the strange connections he has with Demon Lord’s Prince Zilbagias.

It was unprecedented. Both opposing facts could both seem equally true—only this time.

As an exceptional being who is both the necromancer of the seventh faction and a hero, there’s also the possibility of him being a Demon Lord’s Prince who cleverly masquerades as a hero.

(No, perhaps…)

Both could be true.

Suddenly, that ridiculous thought crossed his mind.

(Both a Demon Lord’s Prince and a hero. That would make sense in some way.)

For instance—what if the Demon Lord’s Prince dabbling in necromancy ended up being possessed by the spirit of a hero?

Or perhaps the soul of a hero defeated by demons was reborn into the demon prince?

“…Heh.”

Edgar laughed at the absurdity.

“That’s impossible.”

—Alex is a hero.

Isn’t that enough?

I sensed a strong determination from him.

The resolution to wager his life to eradicate the dark beings.

This time, I’ll trust my instinct.

Alex’s existence will surely benefit the alliance—

(I will trust him.)

Upper Priest Edgar Wakonan.

He indeed reached the truth.

Yet, the forbidden fruit remained untouched until the very end.

 

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