Gozine

“The one who can pull you out of the deep mire of mental attacks must undoubtedly be someone willing to stake their life for you. Someone who loves Nox von Reinhaver.”

Ru said those words.
In a very calm voice.

But I couldn’t make sense of it and could only feel utterly bewildered.

Someone who loves me?

Burdened by the weight of death, I’ve never allowed myself to entertain romantic feelings or thoughts in this world.

Survival.

Is there truly any motivation beyond that for a human?

No, absolutely not.

I’m certain.

Moreover, there’s one more crucial thing.

‘Even if I were to like someone, I’m someone who could die at any moment. Even if we exchange feelings and confirm our love, in the end, I’d only end up hurting them.’

Even now, I keep thinking.

Can I survive in this tragedy-like game?

Honestly, the odds are slim. There are still too many mountains to climb.
There are enemies beyond those who appeared in Inner Lunatic.

Demons I haven’t even encountered yet are lurking. Can I really survive here and achieve the future I desire?
Theo spoke of breaking the curse and continuing the family line. Do I even stand a chance?

Sorry, but I don’t believe in myself.

‘I’ll die.’

Sooner or later.

If anything, I’m the one who distrusts myself the most.
In a situation like this, there’s no way I can envision a positive future.

“It seems difficult. I don’t know if there’s anyone who would sacrifice themselves for me… and even if there were, I wouldn’t want to drag them into a place where they might die.”

I said that to Ru, but he remained unmoved and replied.

“If that’s the case, you cannot break through the labyrinth. As the Knight Captain, I will not permit you to enter the Aksaras labyrinth.”

“Such…!”

This is a variable.
No wonder that supposedly rare White Lizard was rotting away.
Of course, the fundamental issue remains.

It seems I’ll have to give up on conquering the Aksaras labyrinth.
If I were thinking from the perspective of when I played the game, my conclusion might have been different. But not now.
I no longer need someone who would risk their life for Nox von Reinhaver.
That’s the conclusion I’ve reached.

‘I’ve grown strong enough. Just the Black Sword Theo gave me is sufficient. I can even hold my own against most Grand dukes.’

There’s no reason to push myself to conquer this dungeon.

Having resolved to retreat, I firmly told Ru.

“I’ll give up on entering the dungeon.”

“A wise decision. I, too, have no desire to send someone who shares my blade to a place where even corpses cannot be retrieved.”

Yet, even at that moment, one question tormented my mind.
Without realizing it, I blurted it out to Ru.

“May I ask you one thing?”

For a moment, I thought I shouldn’t have asked.

Was it because Ru’s expression darkened with sorrow?
Or was it because of that inexplicable sense of understanding… that passed between us without words?

“Ru, you… How did you conquer the Aksaras labyrinth?”

“I entered with someone precious to me.”

I pressed further.
Perhaps it was a rude question. But his answer was flat.

“What I’m curious about is…”

“Yes. They died. Purely because of my selfishness.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. It won’t bring them back.”

Ru agonized for a moment before continuing.

“In the past, I was a vagabond who couldn’t even feel the faintest of emotions. When enemy knights invaded, destroyed my village, and killed my parents, I didn’t shed a single tear. Not even when a blade was at my throat.”

‘I knew Ru was stoic when he appeared in the game, but this is the first time I’ve heard he was completely emotionless to that extent. What could have happened?’

As I wondered, Ru provided the answer.

“But at that moment, someone saved me. He told me he once had a son like me. But that child had died.”

“Are you speaking of Sir Glint?”

“Yes. He took me in as his servant and taught me the sword. He also said. If you feel nothing, then try to make others feel in your stead. Perhaps then, something will change.”

Ru spoke with slight emphasis.

“I will find the answer. Those were my master’s last words to me. He hoped, however faintly, that I might find a reason to live. …Though I don’t know if I truly wanted it. I simply obeyed, as I always did.”

I already knew Ru and Glint shared a special bond.
But I hadn’t known this backstory, so I quietly listened.

“While journeying to uphold his words, I met someone. A companion who entered the Aksaras labyrinth with me… No, my one and only friend. I grew stronger by losing him.”

“…I see.”

“Many knights claim they grew stronger to protect their lord, but I disagree. More often, people grow stronger through loss. Sadly, those who can move forward with the resolve to protect are few and predetermined.”

“You’re telling me to grow stronger.”

“You will become as strong as you desire. Stronger than me. No, even stronger than Theo von Reinhaver, your father. The talent you possess surpasses anything I’ve seen. You may even reach heights no one has ever glimpsed.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I wish you fortune. When we next cross blades, I hope you emerge victorious.”

I chuckled softly at Ru’s words.

“Of course.”

**********

In the western lands, beyond the reach of the Arkheim Empire’s influence,
Amdusias and the 72 Demons convened.

Pandemonium.
The gathering of demons had grown far beyond its initial scale.
They had effortlessly crushed several small nations and now held real power over the West. Moreover, by exploiting the weakened Esteban, they had partially uncovered a way to adapt to the power of light.

The White Flame of the Stiliner family, the Thunder of the Empress, and Echidna’s holy were attributes inherently opposed to them, necessitating preparation before the war.

Regardless.
Their plans progressed smoothly.

They were confident of victory in the coming war—the war between the demon realm and the mortal world, set to begin with Baal’s resurrection.

However, there was one variable even the demons couldn’t ignore.

The Four Sages?
The Three Sword Emperors?

Records existed on all of them.

They had fought before and had countermeasures to a certain extent.

But one man, no, two men were different.

One was Ru—an absurd sword monster, a northern demon of whom no demon who faced him survived, leaving no information. The other was Nox von Reinhaver.

Blessed with Reinhaver’s unique talent and formidable magic, he was a significant thorn in their side.

Moreover, harboring hatred for demons after his mother’s death, corrupting him to their side would be difficult.

Ru, too, was a human who felt no emotions.

Both were troublesome enemies.

<We should test them first.>

<Yes? Amdusias-nim? What do you mean…>

<Dispatch forces. If they can be eliminated now, do so. If not, sever their limbs and bring them here. They will undoubtedly become obstacles to our plans.>

Amdusias had already decided.

It’s fine even if it means losing some forces.
Their ultimate goal was Baal’s resurrection. A few sacrifices to remove two unforeseen variables were trivial in comparison.

**********

Love.
What exactly is this emotion called love?

Of course, I know there are people who show interest in me.
…Probably.

But a human heart can’t be fully unraveled.
How could I ever know who loves or hates me?

For someone as socially inept as I, this is the hardest thing.
I’ve never had a knack for reading people—only survival instincts. I’d rather swing my sword a thousand times than try to understand romance.
So I made a decision.

“I’ll give up on the labyrinth.”

Sitting beside Eleanor and Zitri, who sat on the table and had been chattering away. As I spoke. Eleanor blinked in surprise.

“Isn’t the Aksaras labyrinth the place you were determined to conquer? Why the sudden change?”

“That’s right, young master. Didn’t you say you’d take everything you could? You even seemed confident about the conquest, so this is rather abrupt…”

“Well… There’s no special reason. I’m just not capable.”

“Not capable… That’s absurd. If it’s not you, there aren’t even ten people on the continent who could conquer that labyrinth.”

“Enough. No more questions. Let’s just head back tomorrow.”

“Well.. We did come here primarily to hunt food for Ellie, so leaving early isn’t a big deal. In fact, resting sooner might help us keep up with the academy’s curriculum.”

“If young master can rest, I’ll do anything. Just please avoid causing trouble, and I’ll be grateful.”

“Zitri… Come on, I don’t cause that much trouble.”

“Really?”

Eleanor was the one who answered.
Ellie, who had been nestled in Eleanor’s arms, suddenly leaped into mine.
Chuckling, I told them to prepare for departure. Just as I was about to pack my own belongings.
Suddenly, my brow furrowed. An eerie energy prickled at my senses.

The other two noticed it too. Eleanor, being a mage, visibly shuddered, hugging herself like a child in the cold.

“There’s an unknown mana approaching us… Gradually getting stronger…”

“I feel it too. Young master, what in the world…?”

BANG!

At that moment, Ru burst through the door. Del was with him.
Ru said with a cold expression.

“Nox von Reinhaver. Bad timing.”

“Huh?”

“Enemies. Demons… At least three Grand duke-level ones.”

“….!”

While taking a vain breath, I focused on the overwhelming surge of mana that was getting closer.

‘…He’s right. At least three Grand dukes-level demons!’

For a moment, I marveled at Ru’s ability to deduce this just from sensing their mana. But their target was unmistakably this village, and they’d attacked precisely while I was here. This is dangerous. My instinct screamed danger.

The sky darkened, and began to swirl with ominous clouds.
From within, three pairs of wings unfurled, belonging to high-ranking demons, followed by hordes of lesser demons.

“This… might be tough to handle alone.”

Ru muttered, then asked.

“Nox von Reinhaver. Can you evacuate your companions?”

“…Impossible.”

I clenched my fists.

“Because they’re undoubtedly after me.”

I was certain, this battle wouldn’t be easy.