Act 28

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This demon’s heart, extracted only from demons of a Tri-horn rank or higher, serves as the material for crafting horns of the Demon God Barbatos’ sacred relic, ‘Demon Godhood,’ and also acts as a vessel for gathering the residual thoughts of the Demon God. 

Moreover, gathering these residual thoughts (殘死念) together could lead to the resurrection of the Demon God, hence it is closely related to the current objective of the Dawn Society. 

‘To think that the moment one joins the Dawn Society, they’re tasked with hunting down Tri-horn demons.’ 

While it was anticipated that the Dawn Society would have informants within the royal family, the reality of this expectation brought a bitter taste to the tip of the tongue. 

Too large to be called a secret society, it’s an organization with unparalleled power. 

Thus, contemplating how to deal with the enormous influence of the Dawn Society was daunting. 

‘But what can I do? Now that I’m a part of it, I have to see it through to the end.’ 

With that thought, I leaned my arms on the window frame and continued to follow the moving scenery with my eyes. 

I am currently aboard the Adratan Empire’s proud tourist express train. 

The destination is the border city Berniden, where the ‘Tri-horn demon’ is reported to have appeared, as informed by the secretary’s office. 

The train was not crowded. 

Powered by the incredibly valuable ‘Resonance Stone,’ the train was merely a means of transport for the wealthy nobility. 

Moreover, since the railway does not cover the entire empire, the clientele is even more limited. 

*** 

“Ah, it’s so quiet and nice. Having a means of transportation that connects the major cities is truly a blessing.” 

While internally extending such praise about the train, Herand, sitting opposite, spoke up. 

“That’s right, Brother Herand.” 

“Ha, haha…….” 

He laughed an uncomfortable laugh, sweating profusely. 

It was quite a sight to encounter Herand by chance in the train’s assigned seating, as if having seen a ghoul with my own two eyes. 

“By the way, Brother Herand, what’s your destination? Are you thinking of going to the border city Berniden, like me?” 

“Yes, that’s right. The Ascension Day of the Sun God Religion is coming up, isn’t it? I am going as the representative of the Crypart family.” 

Ascension Day, now that I think about it, it’s about that time. 

Responding with ‘Is that so?’ and a smile to Herand’s question, Herand swallowed hard. 

“And what about you? Are you on a mission?” 

“Yes, that’s correct. It’s part of my duties as the ‘Closed Eye.'”

“That’s good to hear. You’ve had it tough.”

“Not at all.”

Glancing above Herand’s head, the ‘color of fear’ writhed continuously. 

He seemed eager to leave his seat as soon as possible, and even without seeing the ‘color,’ it was evident how uncomfortable he was in this situation. 

“By the way, Brother, have you been taking good care of the orchid I gave you?”

To alleviate Herand’s discomfort even slightly, I brought up the topic of the orchid. 

“Yes, yes, I’ve been taking very good care of it. I treasure every leaf… as if it were my own life!”

“It’s a relief to hear you’re treating it as precious as your life.”

“Ha, haha… Hahaha!”

Herand laughed heartily, but the ‘color of fear’ on his face writhed even more fiercely. 

I merely asked if he was taking good care of the orchid, but what was he thinking about?

***

Upon the train’s arrival in the border city, Berniden, I left the station and headed into the city. 

Unlike the developing Yulin Special District, Berniden had a decent crowd and felt like a city with a human touch. 

This meant I was the only person dispatched for this mission. 

There was no need for a wizard for the Resonance Stone’s upkeep, nor was there a need for an escort since we were using the train. 

In other words, it also meant that I might have to face and subdue demons alone. 

I knew someone here, but it would still be better to have more than just myself. 

‘I wonder how many ‘Closed Eyes’ members are in Berniden.’

***

“Then, I’ll be going ahead.”

“Yes, take care.”

“By the way, just a word of caution, don’t cross Lord Oronil of Byunghyang.”

Looking at Herand with surprise at his sudden advice, he continued with a worried voice.

“The Hyrans family… the family you put an end to with your own hands… had a close relationship with them.”

With those words, Herand dragged his case and headed into the city. 

The Hyrans family that I had put an end to.

‘I remember the second son had a particularly strong dislike for me, didn’t he?’

For some reason, the family was accused of treason, purged, and the survivors fled to the Fernand Holy Nation.

***

I wasn’t directly responsible, but it still bothered me.

However, I’ve come to accept it as it is.

After all, I came here on a mission, not to chat with nobles.

“Sir Julian, you’ve come a long way from the capital. Thank you for your efforts.”

As if they had been watching my arrival, a few ‘Closed Eyes’ members approached me after Herand left.

Squinting against the bright sunlight, I glanced at a member who greeted me while shielding his eyes.

“Where is the demon reported now?”

According to the report, the demon sighted around the border city of Berniden is presumed to be of the Tri-horn rank.

One more horn than the bi-horned demons I’ve dealt with before.

Though not an easy task, I felt somewhat confident with the completion of the <Moonlight Sword>.

Plus, I had acquired the <Opened Eye> trait.

“It seems to be in the Pyrun Forest, between the Fernand Holy Nation and the empire. But…”

The member trailed off, looking troubled, so I looked him straight in the face.

Julian’s reputation is immense. If it were merely about demon subjugation, his arrival would mean immediate resolution.

The hesitation suggested there was an issue beyond just ‘demon subjugation.’

“The Ascension Day of the Sun God Religion coincides with the subjugation schedule. Because of this, Lord Byunghyang has requested to postpone the subjugation until after the Ascension Day.”

“Requested to postpone it?”

“Yes!”

Though there’s no time limit on this mission, I need to return to the capital as soon as possible to keep an eye on the Dawn Society’s next move.

‘I also need to keep track of Hayden Reich’s movements.’

To do that, returning quickly to the capital, the epicenter of events, is crucial.

“When does the Ascension Day begin?”

“From now, it’s a week away. And the festival is expected to last two days.”

This is problematic.

If I end up tied down here for ten days, it will be impossible to grasp the next move of the Dawn Society. 

“It stretches the schedule too much. I think I need to speak with the Lord of Byunghyang.” 

“That means….” 

Was it the Oronil family that was in charge of this border city of Berniden? Just as I was about to ask to be led to Lord Oronil’s mansion, 

-Just a word of advice, but try not to upset Lord Oronil of Byunghyang. It’s not a good idea.

Suddenly, I remembered the words Herand had thrown at me before we parted. 

“It’s getting troublesome.” 

“Excuse me?” 

“No, it’s nothing.” 

This situation was ultimately created by ‘Julian.’ Internally clicking my tongue at this fact, I continued. 

“Please lead me to the Lord of Byunghyang’s mansion.” 

*** 

“I’m sorry, Sir Julian, but currently, the Pyrun Forest is off-limits to anyone outside the Sun God Religion due to preparations for the Ascension Day.” 

As expected, the proposal to finish the task before the start of the Ascension Day was rejected. At such a naive decision, I internally scoffed and replied. 

“The demon that has appeared in the Pyrun Forest is presumed to be of the Tri-horn rank. If this demon resumes activity, the Ascension Day will undoubtedly be ruined, won’t it?” 

“But it’s not moving right now, is it?” 

Is that supposed to be an argument? It was so absurd that I almost blurted out my thoughts, but I managed to swallow them. 

“The demon isn’t active right now. If we provoke it and it starts acting again, wouldn’t that be putting the cart before the horse?” 

“This is an order from the royal family, you know?” 

“I’m not saying to refuse the order. Just asking to delay the schedule briefly.” 

Looking at him intently, a hint of ‘fear’ began to surface above Oronil’s head. 

But that was momentary, and soon the color vanished. 

“Besides, the Ascension Day is one of the major tourist attractions here in Berniden.” 

It must be about revenue. 

“If the Ascension Day is ruined because of your demon subjugation mission… could you take responsibility for that?” 

Oronil looked at me with a clearly hostile gaze. It seemed words would not resolve this. With that thought, I stood up. 

Oronil flinched. For a moment, his gaze shifted to my waist. No, surely he didn’t think I would draw my sword over this. 

“Daddy!” 

Just then, a cute voice pierced through the tense atmosphere. 

The owner of the voice appeared to be a girl around 7 or 8 years old. Missing a front tooth, presumably just lost, she looked exactly her age. 

“Te, Terina!” 

“Hm? Daddy, who is this person? He’s really handsome!” 

“Do, don’t come closer, Terina! Come here, quickly!”

As his daughter entered, the ‘fear’ that had disappeared from Oronil re-emerged above his head.

The thought crossed my mind, “Who would be crazy enough to draw a sword on such a child?” However, recalling the notorious reputation ‘Julian’ had, this level of reaction seemed not to be an overreaction.

“Then, we’ll talk again later, Lord Oronil.”

Having no further discussion to share, I politely bowed to Oronil and left the mansion.

Passing through the well-maintained garden and the entrance of the mansion, the ‘Closed Eyes’ members who were waiting approached me.

“How did it go, Sir Julian?”

“It was impossible to advance the postponed schedule. He’s quite stubborn.”

“Is that so…?”

The disappointment was evident among the members. They seemed eager to return to the capital as soon as possible.

“Then, as Lord Byunghyang suggested, shall we proceed with the subjugation schedule after a week…”

“No, do not disarm. It might not go as scheduled.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean…”

Looking back at Oronil’s mansion, my mind started to envision the events that would unfold in the Pyrun Forest.

This place, the border city of Berniden, is where players in ‘Let’s Kill the Demon Lord’ first encounter a Tri-horn-ranked demon.

Like now, it was just before the Ascension Day, which gave me a hint about when the demons in the Pyrun Forest might become active again.

“How many members do we have stationed in Berniden currently?”

“Less than five.”

That number was far too insufficient to fend off the threat.

Following Lord Oronil’s directive to delay the subjugation, mobilizing soldiers from Berniden would also be impossible.

Despite this, I didn’t expect the subjugation schedule to extend much longer.

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