The birth of a new brave man (the Demon King Crusader) was to be known by all the Emperor's people through the newspapers.
Three clans have successfully crusaded the Demon King (Lord) within the current Empire, excluding the Seven Stars (Regalia). That's where we added the Stormwing Snake.
The news that only a few months after its creation, the clan crusaded the Demon King (Lord) shocked all the people, not least the industry.
In the first place, Stormwing Snake (Wild Tempest) has never been short on topic since its creation. Birth due to the merger of the already noted Ethereal Heavenly Outside (Blue Beyond) and Heavenly Wings Knights. He proved Hugo Coppelius' wrongdoing, who was on death row, and also made him one of them. He also has credit for capturing the culprit in the prison bombing.
Consequently, the Stormwing Snake (Wild Tempest) was an emerging clan but attracted more public attention than any other clan. Thanks to this, we were able to gain the credit of the investors and we made progress in raising funds. The eighty billion fils needed to build the airship would also be immediately achievable.
I was the one who set it up to be that way.
And this time, we finally made the King of Demons (Lord) crusade. The feat was almost acknowledged by everyone, and he was also able to obtain as much as seven billion fils of enormous gold.
Topicality combined with merit and funding, we are now seen as the biggest clan after Seven Stars (Regalia). That also meant the head of the new seven-star (Legalia) candidate.
Meanwhile, those who see our work as problematic are also emerging. Particularly problematic is why the Explorer (Seeker) Association (Guild) sent out a crusade request to those of us who do not have enough power to defeat the Demon King (Lord).
This allegation was controversial and the Explorers (Seekers) Association (Guild) was to be scattered by the intellectuals that there were operational policy issues. It is a logic that underestimated the strength of the clan and elected it solely for attention.
But the general public was never affected by such allegations more than we actually succeeded in our crusade. Even if it's a theory of results, it's because it's true that we succeeded in the crusade. The public was rather even positive about the association (guild).
Of course, if the crusade had failed, the head of the association (guild) would surely have been flying. Unlike the inferior demon (Beast), the Crusade of the Demon King (Lord) will never be allowed to fail. That responsibility will weigh heavily not only on the clan in charge, but also on the association (guild).
The head of the association (guild) had eloquently argued at a press conference that they were right in their judgment, but they should not have felt alive inside. Harold's grandfather, what exactly trick did you use to make him admit his request to us? Half a shudder, half a thank you.
At any rate, we successfully crusaded the Demon King (Lord). Every day I am very busy responding to interviews from newspaper reporters, attending celebration parties where the investors will be holding, and also serving as the face of corporate events. At all, it's not easy to be celebrated as a hero.
Those days lasted for half a month. Having completed the whole event we needed to show our faces, we decided to hold a consolation meeting solely within ourselves to heal our tired minds and bodies.
"Good luck, everyone. I think it's been tough until today."
The place is Shizukukan, my boarding house. Me and my buddies are dressed up because we're going home to the investor's party. The man wears a tuxedo, the red dot Alma wears a dress. There are no restaurant guests other than us because we are allowed to use them privately today.
"I want to thank everyone once again as a clanmaster for being able to crusade the Demon King (Lord). Even though he was an enemy with a desperate difference in strength, he often believed in me and fought. Thank you so much."
I give a toast greeting, and I get a hot glance at my people. Alma, Kouga, Leon, Hugo and everyone in his crew were listening with a serious look.
"Alma and Kouga, he often served as the most dangerous cutter. I truly respect that fearless courage."
Alma smiled at my words and Kouga scratched her nose in the light.
"Hugo, it was brilliant backwards support. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to fight the Demon King (Lord) in the first place. Thanks to you all for everything you've done."
All tactics prepared to crusade True Ancestors (Noble Blood) relied on Hugo's skills. It was definitely Hugo who served as the point of that battle.
But Hugo of the day responds not with joy, but with courtesy. Because of its character, you think it's until you've done what's natural. He's a stoic guy everywhere.
"Last but not least, Leon. It was Kouga who set up the Demon King (Lord), but it was your power that inspired him. Also, when you didn't have enough instructions from me, you followed me. It was a brilliant fight not to be ashamed of the name of the Submaster."
During my battle with True Ancestor (Noble Blood), I always led my people by making predictions. However, there were still dangerous occasions over and over again due to misalignment of transmission time (time lag). It was Leon who covered for me at that time. He made full use of his ability to fight in the avant-garde as well as in the rear guard, his ability to support recovery and barrier (barrier) handling, his ability to judge the battlefield based on his experience as leader of the Heavenly Wings Knights, and all of that to support my command.
"And congratulations on ranking up. It's a natural result given your qualities and contribution. Looking forward to further work"
Leon nodded forcefully. It is the face that remains the pure good young man, but the tremendous energy hidden within is seeping out with confidence.
After that battle, a tattoo appeared letting Leon know it was possible to rank up. After a death battle with the Demon King (Lord), a new possibility opened the door to A-rank. Leon's ability to rank up from Knight to Paladin was set to improve considerably compared to when ranked B.
"It was a death fight that no one could win without. Some say it's a miracle that you could win. That's true. But as long as I'm the master, let's do a miracle over and over again. We have no enemies in the Stormwing Snake. I'll grab the strongest seat."
I assure you, I will put up a glass jock filled with ale.
"Here's to infinite glory!
"Cheers!"
Brew jock where you can meet on the table. The sound of sober glass marked the beginning of a long and pleasant evening.
†
†
"What's it like to be A-ranked all the time?
Kouga, in a barely drunken state, asked Leon as he was colluding while tasting the delicious liquor and dishes. Leon laughs lightly and answers with one hand the ale jock.
"It's very much the same as when I got B-ranked. Of course, it improves your abilities significantly, but it doesn't mean you have anything special."
"That being said, A-rank is reputed to be out-of-town, isn't it? You know... didn't you ever feel like you were beyond the limits of a person?
"I... didn't. Always about as powerful as it gets. Well, I haven't had a fight since I ranked up, and maybe I just haven't gotten a sense of it. How's Hugo? Would it have felt special?
Hugo shook his head, pointing the water at Leon.
"No, I don't either. It simply improves my ability."
"Oh, my God, that's boring."
Kouga held hands behind his head and brought them to the chair.
"What were you imagining?
When I ask, Kouga laughs and shows off her white teeth.
"Well, I was expecting enlightenment. Wouldn't it be amazing if we found out the truth about the universe?
"Isn't that Bacca?
Alma sighed deeply before I went in.
"People are people, even if they are reputed to be outsiders. It doesn't change anything as much as breaking my shell. I can't believe I don't even know that, Kouga's a real fool."
Spicy Alma words. Kouga wrinkled between her eyebrows.
"I have no dreams. That's why Noel has to deal with me. Why don't you get more thoughtful?
"What? Depth of thought? I don't just want Kouga, the brain mijinko, to tell me. Mostly, because Bob and Noel have been deeply bonded since our previous lives. Noel is just a tundra. It's obvious that I like your sister more than anyone else. Right, Noel?
"Don't get me into your distorted delusions."
It's the last life. I've never heard of that before, that setting. Kouga grinned with her belly as she pushed Alma away trying to hug her.
"Haha, it's shaken and dull!
"Die."
Alma throws a fork at Kouga who looks like he's laughing down.
"Oh, jeez!?
Kouga with a single hair. On the back wall, a pierced fork was shaking. If I had been a little behind in avoiding it, Fork would have decided on Kouga's forehead.
"What are you doing!? No more violence! Violence!"
"I don't. The fork flew away on its own."
"I don't know. It's just like that!
"Noel, this is delicious. Yes, uh."
"No, listen, heh!
Alma turns a bright red face and ignores the angry kouga and tries to make me eat my own dish. Marie, the shopkeeper's daughter, came with a tray in both hands when she turned away from the fork she was offered.
"Here you go ~. Additional dishes ~"
New dishes that are handy and arranged on the table. The consolation meeting has just begun. I was still going to ask for booze and food.
"Organisms work well and are great. It's very different from the pay thief Kouga"
"Wow, I can't stop scratching my head!
Alma grabs Marie's head with both hands and strokes her around. I don't know what kind of harp line he touched, but Alma liked Marie and was starting to harass her in the name of cuteness.
"No more! Stop it! And Marie is not a creature by any name! Marie, I'm so fucked!
Marie swung Alma's hand away forcefully, swelling her cheeks and angry. And when you come over to me, whisper in a whisper.
"Mr. Noel, Mr. Noel, what happened to the example promise?
"What's the promise of an example?
"Have you forgotten?!? Isn't that a promise to like Mr. Kouga and Mr. Leon? They'll be waiting forever!
"Ah?... Oh! That one! I remember!
I do remember making that promise. It was a promise to use Kouga and Leon as models for Marie's beautiful paintings.
"I knew I had to protect that?
"I'll be damned! Promise!?
"Having said that, it hurts my heart to make your dear companion like you... 'Cause you're gonna get them both naked and tangled, aren't you?
"We'll tangle it up, won't we? Relentless. What is it?
"Uh-huh..."
I roar in arms. Relentless made it easy to imagine the tragedy that would happen.
"Hey, after all, that promise..."
"If it's you two, it's Mr. Noel."
"Kouga, Leon, you got a minute?
When I called my name, the two of you who were drinking in a colloquial manner looked at me.
"What? What's wrong with you?
"This Marie is very talented at painting. I'm looking for a model to draw people. So, if only you two could do the model for me?
"The eagle?" "Me?
I snort at the two people who tilt their necks.
"Oh, please. You're the daughter of this store I'm looking after, so I want to help you."
"Marie asks you too! I'd love to let you two paint!
Marie also asked me. The two looked at each other and then smiled.
"I don't care. At the request of your lovely little lady. You can't go down there."
"Me too. However, it's my first experience with models, so please be gentle with me."
When they agreed comfortably, Marie jumped up and rejoiced.
"Wow! Thank you! Glad to hear it!
Marie's appearance, pleasing innocently, is naive in itself. Kouga and Leon also seem happy to please their children. But just because you have no malice doesn't mean you won't harm someone. I didn't miss the unspeakable rays of madness behind Marie's eyes.
"Noel, a painting of a creature is that egg guy, right?
Alma seems to know the face behind Marie. When I nodded, I looked so bad I'd never seen it before, I just fucking laughed.
"Kouga, zama"
This guy's got a really bad personality. The sexual roots are rotting out.
"Oh, um, if it's good, could Mr. Hugo have a morel, too?
What a thick kid. Marie couldn't get tired of Kouga and Leon alone, and Hugo also tried to feed her. But Hugo shakes his head without being bonded.
"I don't like that. I'm sorry, ma'am."
"Oh, well..."
Quiet but unspoken tone. Hugo guy, you realize it's not going to be a lot of trouble. Boulders are fierce warriors. Hazard detection abilities are different from the two of us.
"Hey, Noel. Customers are coming."
When a voice looked back, Gaston, the shopkeeper, stood. He's a bald-headed, resilient man, Marie's father. I put an apron on it and have a balls (ladle) on my right hand.
"You think you're a guest at this hour?
"He says he's a member of the Explorer's Guild. You called yourself Marion Jenkins. She's a beautiful blonde sister."
"Marion did?... Ok. Let me through."
What the hell can I do for you? As I waited with my neck tilted inside, Gaston took me to see Marion.
"Hey, snake. You're doing it."
Marion, who appeared, laughed frankly and offered him a bouquet of roses in his hand.
"A celebration from me. Take it."
"Are you celebrating the Seeker? How much nobility is overflowing from me, and don't be too graceful."
Marion laughed ridiculously when she received the bouquet of flowers and clasped her shoulders.
"Haha, I know how you feel. Even I would be confused if I suddenly got a bouquet of flowers. But sometimes this isn't a bad idea, is it?
"Maybe. Thank you. I'll take it."
Indeed, I feel less than full. Sometimes this isn't bad either. I put my face close to the bouquet of flowers and enjoyed the smell of roses before handing it to Marie.
"Marie, I need you to decorate my room. If you can't get into the vase, you can use it at the store."
"Okay ~"
Drop Marie off with a bouquet of flowers and I turn back to Marion.
"Still, that sounds like a flat return to you until you're stunning. I can't believe you denied us so much, but as soon as you succeeded in your crusade, you came to deliver your gift."
"That hurts when they say it. But it's not like I hated you and denied you, is it? I just didn't want to see the talented die."
Marion says so at first, scratching his head.
"Well, what... I'm sorry. Makes me feel bad..."
I laughed when I saw Marion honestly apologizing.
"That's what they call a tundra. See?"
When I asked my colleagues for their consent, they all nodded.
"Tundele." "Tundele." "Tundele." "Tundele."
"Oh, you..."
Marion can be wolfed when they say he is a tundelle at the same time. I offered a ale jock as I raised my voice and almost laughed.
"Look, three rushes. Enjoy yourselves."
"Ooh!
Marion flickered with the smell and received the ale jock. And all at once...
"Hiku"
Suddenly I fell down.
"What!?
I rush over to check on you. Marion is turning his eyes, but he sees no other anomaly. Apparently extremely vulnerable to alcohol, he fell asleep with three glasses instead of one.
"I don't know, you're an interesting sister"
Gaston grinned as he peered in from next door.
"I'll get you a blanket, just put it to sleep there"
"Oh, oh, please..."
She's a fussy bitch. Don't you know how to drink alcohol even though you are an adult?
"Noel."
When I was exhausted, Alma called me from behind.
"What?
Alma gave a frightened look for some reason and said in a trembling voice.
"Why... did you kill him?
"I didn't kill you!!!
What do you say all of a sudden, you worthless titty idiot?
"Look closely! Though I would be breathing!
"But bug breath. I'm sure he'll die soon..."
"You're not dying! I'm just sleeping drunk!
"Lie! Don't distract yourself from your sins!
"Nothing to talk about! You, too, do something about this fool!
I asked the other three for backup. But...
"Whatever it is, the poisoning must be too much..."
"You had at your roots what they said you lacked that much strength..."
"He's a horrible man with no shards of mercy..."
He doesn't get any cover, and on the contrary, he's in tune with Alma and he's got the stomach to fall on me.
"... you guys have good guts to turn to me. If that's what you're going to do, let's decide who's the strongest of these. Use this."
I sat in a chair and raised an ale jock. In other words, it's a contest over drinking. My friends, who understood my intentions, gave me a fierce grin.
"If it's a fight, your sister won't give up either"
"It's a good opportunity. Let me do the revenge I lost in the fight."
"I'm not proud of you, but you're strong for booze. I'll let you win."
"I swore allegiance to you, but if I win or lose, I'm not gonna give up the win."
The fellows strip out their fighting spirit and take the ale jock in their hands. At that time, Gaston came back with a blanket.
"Gaston, bring me all the strongest liquor in the store. I have to tell these guys how much I am."
"Oh, compare drinks! Leave it to me, I'll get it to you in a minute!
Gaston put a blanket on Marion and ran to get the booze. There's a fierce spark between us staring at each other.
"All of you, I'll sink you to the bottom of Naruto."
†
†
"Hmm, you mutton fish."
Drinking versus fighting, naturally I won. For me, most liquor is also water, inheriting my grandfather's physique, which was also famous for drinking (wasabami). There was no way to lose. My people are sinking to the bottom of Naruto, as I declare. Completely drunk, now in a happy dream.
I keep drinking on my own with my sleeping buddies wrapped in a blanket that Gaston prepared for me extra. Never getting drunk is also something I miss in my drinking table.
I get sentimental, I look at the back of my right hand and leak a sigh.
"You still don't seem able..."
"Ugh...... Oh, it hurts..."
When I shrugged, Marion woke up.
"Damn, I feel the worst. Why are you sleeping on the floor? I..."
"I was drunk. That's why I slept on the floor."
I explained the situation to Marion, who was awake and hadn't turned her head.
"... it was. I drank too much..."
"Huh? Sleep and say what you say. You drank only one ale."
"That, was it?
"That's right. You don't drink anymore. Zero resistance."
Drinking something that doesn't fit your body is dangerous. Although it was good because we were the ones around, if they were malicious, they wouldn't have figured out what they were doing.
"Drink water anyway. I'm a little drunk."
"Oh, oh... okay..."
When I urged, Marion stood up like a billionaire and took a seat, drinking water slowly. Thanks to this, it seems a little soothing that it seemed spicy.
"Huh, I'll come back to life."
"Good for you. When you feel better, go back to sleep. I'll wake you up in the morning."
"Evil. No, let me do that."
Marion nodded and made a big stretch. But you never try to move, you're staring at me. I tilted my neck at the glance of the long eyelashes.
"What? Is that what you want to hear?
"I do.... you realize that, don't you?
I didn't have to ask what, but I expected what Marion was trying to say.
"I know because I'm A-ranked too, and I've seen many Explorers (Explorers). You... probably can't be an A-rank... I can't feel the possibility..."
"I guess."
As expected, I snorted.
Probably - no, definitely, I can't be A-ranked. This B-rank is my limit. Not sure, but sure.
10,000 Experience Points will be required to Rank Up from C-Rank to B-Rank. One point per fight against a qualified opponent. This number rises exponentially and functionally depending on the strength and number of enemies. It is a steep journey, but ranking up is almost possible if it can be achieved.
In contrast, it is said that 100,000 points of experience are needed to rank up from B to A rank. But even if you can achieve experience, you can't always be A-ranked. It relies far more on personal talent than ranking up to the B rank.
In view of that, I must have already saved nearly 60,000 Experience Points due to previous Death Fights and the battle against the Demon King (Lord). But I don't feel that way at all. I couldn't feel any more stretching bills, but rather the kind of pressure I felt trapped in a small room.
Unlike me, Alma and Kouga seem to feel a strong response. Even if I look from the side, I think I can always be A-ranked. I mean, I'm the only one who stops at B-rank.
"Noel, you're a big man. I was born with the weakest job, and I was able to get there."
But Marion continues with a strange face.
"I can't be a Seven Star (Legalia) more than I can be an A-rank. The current Master of the Seven Stars (Legalia) is all above A-rank. No matter how many strong allies we bring together, the key masters cannot be countered while remaining in B-rank. I'm sure you realize that more than anyone."
"I don't deny it"
I could only give down my true ancestor (Noble Blood), the Demon King (Lord), but I was quite impotent in that battle. The strain on the brain brought about by the predicted continuous use still remains as damage. It is impossible to repeat the same way of fighting. And the only way to solve this problem was to get the power of A-rank.
"As for the situation, you're completely packed. Damn, talent makes him unequal and disgusting. No matter how hard you try, you won't get it."
"Well said. You're a genius, too."
Marion laughed delightfully and set herself on the table.
"If you're a normal guy, it was the limit, and that's it. But you have a different talent than anyone else. The talent to make it impossible."
"It's too much to buy. I'm not such a big man."
"Lie and spit. Your eyes are those of a guy who hasn't given up. No, you've got eyes full of certainty that you'll ever win. Tell me about it. What kind of hand are you gonna use to break the situation?
Marion shines her eyes with anticipation. I feel like I'm stuck with a little kid. I'm going to tell you about it. But that couldn't be the case.
"Trade secrets. For the most part, you're in charge of the night out, aren't you? Can you teach me?"
"Mmm... well, it was..."
This guy, up until now, you've forgotten where you stand. The thing that makes me glare when I get excited is that it looks a lot like Harold's grandfather.
"You'll soon know the answer. I'll be A-ranked. Beyond the limits of talent. You better get ready for bridesmaid school than to pry about people."
"Become!? Nah, how do you know that!?
Marion in sight and wolf. That was funny, and I laughed out loud.
"Ha, it's your grandfather. Don't struggle when you have a chatty body."
"Ji, Grandpa, hey..."
Marion dyed her face bright red with anger and shame and bit her back teeth.
"I hope you find a nice son-in-law. I'm here for you."
"Ugh, shut up! It's none of your business!!!
"Oh, I'm scared. I hope that ferocious character is corrected at the bridesmaid's school."
I get up from my chair and move on to the store exit.
"Where are you going?
"I'm going to come out a little. I want to hit the night breeze."
Outside the store, a cool breeze at night soothed the liquor fire lights. Fresh air without moisture. The wind is blowing so well that there is no cloud in the night sky and a starry sky full of sky.
"It's a good night..."
When I shrugged by accident, I heard footsteps. People come from the other side. When the shadow walked over to me, he raised one hand and said hello. Look at the revealed face under the street lights, I smile.
"Are you a late-night walk, too, Loki?
When I spoke, Loki laughed and shook her head.
"No, I'm not. I'm here to see the Admiral. Look, this."
Loki handed me a bottle of wine. Besides, it's the finest.
"Congratulations, Demon King (Lord) Crusade. A celebration from me."
"Heh, did you also serve like this? I'm looking forward to your birthday. Put 17 candlesticks on the cake."
To my light-hearted tongue, Loki flaunts her shoulder.
"Don't tear it up. Pure gift."
"I know. Thank you. I'll give you a drink."
"Oh, do that. This is the first time I've ever given a gift to anyone but my family. If you don't drink well, even God will be angry."
"Must be."
We laughed at each other. It's been a long time since I've seen Loki. Because I didn't make a request for you to gather information here. Still, I'm sincerely glad you came all the way out here to celebrate.
"And I have another gift for you."
"One more thing? What?"
When I asked, Loki smiled invincibly.
"The Admiral will love this information."