Chapter 129

Chapter 129

Ivan stared silently at the club room blackboard with a blank expression.

Eugene finished writing on the board and turned around. He had neatly transcribed the words displayed in the quest window.

[??? Grade Quest, Shadow looming over Tylesse.]

Tylesse, huh.

Ivan let out a short sigh. It was something that had happened within the expected range and something he had secretly hoped wouldnt happen.

All the nations of the United Kingdoms harbored the risk of civil war.

That was Ivans tentative inference. Perhaps it was inevitable. With the demons no longer able to create any kind of threat solely with their power.

About half of the Demon King and Seven Dragon Generals had died in the war, and the remaining Dragon Generals barely managed to regain their control and withdrew beyond the border.

Perhaps until the advent of the crisis necessitating the formation of a Hero Party again in this era, they would not attempt to seek dominance until the warrior party disappeared into the annals of time. Even those who called themselves gods had learned that they could die.

So in this era, the Dragon Generals had to be cautious not only of the heroes but also of each other. Since it had been revealed that the Dragon Generals were not immortal, they were beings too greedy to simply join hands quietly.

Therefore, if another crisis requiring a Hero Party were to arise in this era, it would not be enough with just demons.

Krasilov and Drovian also faced the threat of civil war.

Although it felt like it ended too quickly, the Drovian rebels had attempted to kidnap Ecdysis. If they had succeeded, war would have broken out between Einar and Krasilov.

In the meantime, if the Huscals of Drovian attempted a large-scale rebellion, Krasilov would have surely attempted to ally with them. Einar was too threatening an opponent to be left alone.

After Einars death, Drovian would split again. The current Drovian is a unified kingdom tied together solely by Einars strong charisma. There is no future for the next generation.

In the Northern Front of Krasilov, the dwarves would have revolted with the necromancers.

If all situations had unfolded according to a series of scenarios, Krasilov would have collapsed within ten years. Just like Drovian.

In that case, is it really speculative to assume that such events are happening simultaneously around the world? Probably not.

Just before graduating from the academy, its common sense to prevent world destruction.

Unfortunately, based on the common sense of academy-themed stories, protagonists can never graduate completely unscathed. Until the academy established itself as a genre after Harry Potters graduation year dropout, the probability of the protagonist graduating was less than 5%.

You have detected a conspiracy circulating among the nobility of Tylesse. The seeds of a long-standing feud, stemming from the Eastern Front, are now beginning to ignite. (Ivan)

The Eastern Front. While I have not directly participated in that theater, historically, it was a frontal clash of medium infantry, including orcs and taurs. (Ivan)

Even Tylesses cavalry, which was considered superior in mobility and impact than any other army, could not easily repel the advance of the demon army during that time. (Ivan)

At least, its highly probable that a scenario where some of the demon army at that time, as well as factions of nobles plotting treason, have joined hands. Just like in this country. (Ivan)

Well done. (Ivan)

Ivan stood up from his seat and spoke briefly.

Not only did you assess the situation, but you also confirmed its severity and grasped a more profound scenario, not simply stopping at demon spy. (Ivan)

Its all thanks to this guys competence. Ivan looked at Eugene with renewed eyes.

Indeed, the status window is more useful than expected.

If this is the scenario progression as you said, shouldnt we take the protagonists with us? (Eugene)

Indeed. (Ivan)

All of them as they are? (Eugene)

Theres no need for that. (Ivan)

Taking the entire hero party along would be too much, too difficult to manage, and meaningless.

Lucias growth rate far exceeds that of other party members. She has been training under Enriques direct disciple. Therefore, Lucia is excluded.

While she is the most reliable in missions where the two of them must go out, on the contrary, Ivan could handle everything Lucia could do in this type of group battle more proficiently.

Its what they call overlapping positions. Its unavoidable since they both learned from Enrique.

And Rundis is a dwarf. If it were Krasilov, it might be different, but dwarves are still part of the demon army in countries other than theirs. To take Rundis on an expedition to other countries, national-level support is needed.

You should come too. (Ivan)

Me? (Eugene)

Because well need the status window. (Ivan)

In the current hero party, there is no priest. Although Eugene may not have many blessings to offer, the presence of the status window surpasses all those shortcomings and remains.

So, the party members are decided as Isabelle, Elpheira, Oscar, Ecdysis, Eugene, and Rundis.

Yuri can be replaced by Oscar, and Oswald is a direct substitute for Elpheira, but Oscar is essential for this mission. (Ivan)

Having roughly finished his design, Ivan tidied up his place and stood up.

Gather the personnel and prepare for departure. (Ivan)

And you, Big Brother? (Eugene)

Ill be right there. (Ivan)

This scenario goes beyond his jurisdiction. Even Tylesse, a potential ally, was a problematic country for him to operate freely in.

Its a situation where serious diplomatic issues could arise. Even if its a eradication unit, in such situations, it was necessary to obtain prior authorization.

Therefore, as she understands Ivan so well, she cannot let him go.

If this man, still an active member of the hero party in a country where he is essential, judges the battlefield as dangerous without me, how perilous would it be?

Get up. (Elizaveta)

Ivan rose without a word. Elizavetas gaze slowly rose. He was slightly taller than her. His broad shoulders, firm muscles, and sturdy silhouette cast a shadow that seemed to envelop her.

His azure pupils stared straight down at her.

Remove your upper garment. (Elizaveta)

He still didnt answer. He had received an order, so he obeyed. His demeanor only revealed such emotions. Swiftly, his coat and shirt fell as he undressed.

There was no sexual tension. He was a man who treated his own body as nothing but a part of his military equipment, and it was a lord commanding him to show his body.

A torso with no trace of fat, just solid muscles and veins, and arteries clearly visible beneath the skin.

The scars seem to have increased. (Elizaveta)

I got them from the last operation. (Ivan)

His body resembled a canvas covered in countless scars. Like a childs random scribbles, densely packed. Worn, faint, but deep scars were densely clustered, like gold on a cracked window.

Wounds, punctures, lacerations, burns, bruises, abrasions, contusions. All kinds of traces a person can experience on their body.

They were a history of struggle, the decorations of past military service. Among them, a few distorted scars were of a type even she had never seen before.

A deep burn in the shape of a hand on his chest.

Did you get hit in the heart? (Elizaveta)

I lost, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Was that battle absolutely necessary? (Elizaveta)

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Didnt it hurt? (Elizaveta)

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Werent you in agony, sad, or afraid?

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Elizaveta placed her hand on his chest and smiled sadly.

Im sad. Im in agony, Im afraid, and Im hurt. Ivan your body is human. It can break, shatter, and scatter when worn out. Its human. (Elizaveta)

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Even though you know, you still have to do it? (Elizaveta)

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

The answer was always the same. Yes, Your Highness.

But within all those answers, Elizaveta understood the unspoken will of this silent man.

Its human.

I know I will die someday.

But there are things I must do even though I know.

So, Your Highness, please permit it.

Within all those answers, there was no intention of returning safely. As always.

Ivan. (Elizaveta)

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Call me as you used to in the old days. Like back then.

Ivan closed his mouth without replying. Elizaveta glanced up at his eyes for a moment, then lowered her head again.

Soon, a low voice reached her ear.

Elizhe. Trust me. (Ivan)

Ivan Petrovich (Elizaveta)

She buried her head in Ivans chest for a moment and trembled. After a few seconds of silence, she pushed Ivan away with trembling hands and turned around.

I will permit your request. (Elizaveta)

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Go. And come back. (Elizaveta)

Yes, Your Highness. (Ivan)

Ivan silently dressed and deeply bowed before leaving.

The moisture that had been on his chest quickly dried. As always.

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