Chapter 201: Chapter 197: Reunion After Half A Year

Just because things had gone well so far didn’t mean we should optimistically assume they’d continue to do so.

If someone would harbor ill will towards us and would point their sword at us, or would attack because we trespassed on their territory, we must be prepared to become invaders ourselves.

Having already steeled myself through Flang’s teachings, I didn’t hesitate to fight against hostile species.

But…

“Damn it, it’s another bandit gang. Turn the ark around!”

“We can’t! We’re too slow on the ground to make a clean escape!”

“Activate the defense systems! Fire the cannons and drive them off!”

Yes, the bigger problem than other species was humans.

Fearing the growing influence of the rebellion, we sought refuge outside the empire, only to be met by bandit gangs with camps and armaments waiting for us.

And these weren’t just rebels who had started rampaging after the rebellion; they were vicious scum who had been robbing people professionally even before that.

Their danger and malice were beyond comparison to anything we’d faced within the empire.

“Ja-seong brother, guard this place. Ga-ram, let’s go!”

“Yes, oppa!”

The silver lining was that Ga-ram and I were skilled at dealing with criminals, and they valued their lives enough to run when they would start taking losses.

But with dangers constantly looming, it was imperative to come up with a solution.

“What? You’re wondering how to deal with the bandits?”

The solution came when I consulted the Dwarves who were repairing the ark.

When I asked the question, they immediately looked at the ark’s supporting legs and asked me in return.

“Come to think of it, why does the ark move on legs?”

“Because it allows us to move regardless of the terrain.”

“No, what I mean is, the ark can switch between water and land easily, so why insist on legs for movement? Wouldn’t wheels be faster?”

Indeed, in terms of speed, wheels would be superior to legs.

But the problem was that most of the places we went to were untamed natural environments, and adding wheels for crossing mountains or plateaus would be more trouble than it was worth.

“That’s not difficult. We can just modify the fortress to switch between wheels and legs.”

“Is that possible?”

“Just give us time and liquor, and we’ll make it happen.”

The confidence in their nonchalant attitude was palpable.

And it wasn’t just bravado. After a short time, I could tell from the blueprint they drew up, perfectly analyzing the ark’s structure, that they meant it.

But design and construction were different matters.

“The blueprint is fine, and the parts can be sourced from the internal factory, so no problem there… But there’s a lot more work to be done than I thought, so it’s going to take a while.”

Of course, completely overhauling the ark’s undercarriage would take considerable time.

During that time, the ark would have to remain stationary, and the longer it took, the more it would disrupt our rescue operations and make us an easy target for bandits.

At that moment, more allies arrived after hearing the news.

“We’ll help too, squeak!”

“Digging is our specialty, squeak. We also know how to keep tunnels from collapsing, squeak!”

The ones who arrived wearing safety helmets were the Undergrounders, who lived by digging tunnels.

They were naturally skilled at maintaining labyrinthine tunnels, preventing them from collapsing, and these abilities were fully displayed during the construction.

The foundation work, which required the most time and effort, was their specialty, and they significantly reduced the construction time.

“Building a new nest? Then we’ll help, too.”

And it was the Zoin tribe who filled the gaps left by the Undergrounders’ efforts.

Unlike the Undergrounders, who couldn’t easily move parts due to their small size, the Zoin tribe used their flight ability to transport workers and materials, unhindered by the terrain.

A large-scale construction project that would have taken months with human hands was reduced to a matter of days thanks to the cooperation of these three races.

“Everyone~ Come over here and have some food~!”

But no matter how capable and motivated they were, they couldn’t escape hunger and fatigue.

Someone needed to support them so they could focus on their work, and that role was taken on by Tashian and the Elves, who managed the ark’s household affairs.

“Oh, is it already mealtime?”

“The new Mama is so kind, squeak~”

“The Mama’s food is delicious. We’ll eat it gratefully.”

The workers gathered at the site, which had temporarily halted.

The Elves walked through them, handing out lunchboxes, and the workers, charmed by their cuteness, all wore bright smiles.

“Oh, you brought us food? How thoughtful of you.”

“Nyao.”

“Hehe, they’re always so adorable.”

Despite their very young mental age, the children cheered up the workers with their playful behavior, relieving their fatigue.

This was possible because Tashian, who managed the ark’s household affairs, had cared for and taught the children various things.

She wanted to consider anyone close to me as her child, and the children instinctively followed and treated her as their mother.

“Thank you, Tashian, for taking care of the children in my stead.”

“It’s nothing, really. It’s just what a mother should do.”

Tashian returned with a faint smile after distributing the meals.

That alone told me she felt fulfilled at this moment, but I could also faintly see a hint of complexity in her eyes as she gazed at the site.

As if seeing the children getting along with the adults reminded her of past memories.

“Come to think of it, you used to follow your mother well, just like those kids.”

“……”

“…Do you remember?”

Tashian carefully looked back at me and asked.

Realizing that her question was aimed at my childhood, a bitter smile gradually appeared on my lips.

“Yes, I remember.”

There was no lie in my answer.

Although the time I spent with her as Woo Hyo-sung was brief, I had another personality that allowed me to love her sincerely.

“…Yes, that’s enough.”

As long as that remained the case, she would be able to live her extended life without regret.

Feeling the responsibility to protect that, I quietly strengthened my resolve when Tashian handed me a leftover lunchbox.

“Come to think of it, that child didn’t come for the meal, saying she hadn’t finished cleaning yet.”

“If you mean the one cleaning… Are you talking about Flang?”

“Yes, when I passed by earlier, I saw her sweeping the same spot over and over… She must have a lot on her mind lately.”

Tashian said this as she looked bitterly inside the ark.

“…Could you give this to her?”

Along with that request, it was clear that she was genuinely worried about Flang.

I found Flang, who was cleaning alone, more easily than I expected.

Lately, Flang had often appeared depressed, and whenever that happened, she would subconsciously retreat to a secluded spot.

“Flang.”

Swish, swish.

Despite my call, Flang continued sweeping the empty floor.

Seeing this, I understood why Tashian was worried about her.

She might have asked me because she suspected that I was the cause.

“You’re anxious, aren’t you? About bringing these other species onto the ark.”

Even if we were only bringing in those we could cooperate with, it must be uncomfortable for her, who fought directly with their ancestors.

“That’s not it.”

But her response contradicted my thoughts.

It was only then that Flang stopped sweeping and began to tremble.

“That’s not it. That’s not it…”

“Flang?”

“You didn’t do anything wrong.”

She denied a situation where resentment wouldn’t have been surprising.

But her voice was so precarious, as if she might burst into tears at any moment.

“Given the circumstances… I also think it’s reasonable to join forces with those who share our views to overcome the crisis. As long as the species we’re cooperating with focus only on survival, unlike their ancestors, I understand that we don’t need to be hostile.”

Was that just a statement of endurance?

Was it simply because the situation would leave no choice but to reluctantly suppress one’s stubbornness?

“You’re doing just fine.”

No, it wasn’t that kind of problem.

The faint resentment in her voice was not directed at me.

“Then…”

“But why?”

Her head slowly turned towards me.

But her gaze remained downcast, and droplets of water began to fall beneath her.

And with that came a cruel truth that I could never overlook as someone who loved humanity.

“Why is it that in this world… those who should be joining forces are in conflict with each other?”

“…Flang.”

“When I finished the war with the other species and went to sleep, I heard that humanity was waging war against itself. And those conflicts continue even now. The rebellion, the bandit gangs attacking us…”

Flang couldn’t finish her sentence and dropped the broom she was holding.

She tried to cover her eyes with her trembling hands, but the tears continued to flow unchecked.

“We’ve eliminated all the threats to you, and we’ve wiped out the vampires that tormented you, so why…”

I felt sorry for her, but even so, the hand I reflexively extended stopped short of touching her.

The step I took forward didn’t lead to another, and I stood rooted to the spot.

“Where did things go wrong… that this world tests me so much?”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

My heart ached as her sobs filled the silence.

Yet I couldn’t bring myself to say anything because I was also in a position that went against her wishes.

To survive, I had to form attachments, rise to a leadership position, find ways to help more people survive by recruiting those who were once enemies, and fight against my fellow humans…

Of course, I knew it was foolish to harbor criminals. Flang understood that too, which was why she didn’t forgive them and chose to watch over what I was doing as an observer.

But was the conflict between humans really just a result of individual human flaws?

If so, then the widespread rebellion happening in the Empire… The people’s anger and madness resisting injustice, and the Empire using force to suppress them in the name of stability—who was in the wrong?

“…Flang.”

I don’t know.

No, I’m not even in a position to worry about such things in detail.

I don’t even have the courage to return to the system, and it is hard enough just to protect the people coming into this refuge.

Was it really possible for someone like me, who could only protect such a small world, to ponder what was good and evil, what justice and humanity were?

“I…”

But I couldn’t just stand by and watch the child in front of me, so I listened to her sobs and tried to come up with my own answer.

Even if I couldn’t take responsibility for everything, at least for those around me.

I wanted to bear what I could and make the best choice possible at the moment.

Voom, voom.

Suddenly, I felt a vibration in my chest.

Momentarily at a loss for words, I pulled out a crystal ball from my pocket and infused it with magic to activate its function.

It was a communication stone that allowed us to exchange messages within and around the ark.

It was directly connected to my lieutenant, Sanson.

“What’s going on, Sanson…?”

-Hero! It’s the demons! A horde of demons is approaching this place!!

My body froze as soon as the response came back, and my mind went blank.

By the time I regained my senses, my body was already rushing towards the ark’s exit.

I was worried about Flang, but even comforting her would have to wait until the ark’s danger was dealt with.

“Tell me exactly what’s happening!”

-It’s exactly what it sounds like. A large group of demons is swarming from the hill. Hero Ga-ram and Hero Ja-seong are fighting them off together, but…!

“Damn it!”

Please don’t let it be too late. It can’t be too late.

With that urgent thought, I rushed out of the ark and saw nearly a hundred enemies gathered in front of the construction site.

A horde of creatures that resembled humans but had distinct appearances…

But each individual emanated a powerful aura.

The unique energy they emitted was similar to the demons I had encountered before.

“Whoa~♬ Everyone, calm down for now~”

And leading the charge, blocking Ja-seong and Ga-ram’s attacks, was a female demon.

As the thrown rocks were effortlessly deflected, she tipped her hat and glared at the two who were confronting her.

“I’m not here to fight you, you know. I just came to have a little chat…”

“Could you please lay down your weapons and open the floor for a discussion?”

Her half-opened eyes revealed amber-colored pupils.

Despite her sharp gaze, her smile was gentle, and the tuxedo and silk hat she wore gave off a somewhat comical vibe.

“Don’t be ridiculous! What are demons doing here?”

“Whatever the reason, if it’s an attack, we won’t just stand by! Everyone, prepare for battle!”

But perhaps the incongruity of her demeanor only heightened their wariness?

As our forces hastily armed themselves and prepared for a standoff, the demon leader began shaking her head sadly.

“Well, it can’t be helped. I wanted to avoid a fight, but…”

Is she planning to fight?

Did she come all this way to provoke a bloodbath with us, who see them as enemies?

“Hero, Hero Woo Hyo-sung!”

No, she wouldn’t do that.

If that happened, I’d have to stop her myself.

As I moved through the soldiers towards her, my mind was filled with that compulsion.

“Brother, you’re just in time. Let’s flank them from here…”

“Everyone, stay still.”

I raised my hand in front of Ga-ram, who was shouting, and stopped her from making a move.

“Brother?”

“Don’t act until I tell you to. That’s an order.”

The atmosphere instantly tensed at my sharp tone.

Leaving that behind, I closed the distance between myself and the woman leading the demons, taking a moment to get a closer look at her.

And as our eyes met, I thought…

Does she remember me?

“Ah, yes. It’s you, the leader of this group.”

Yes, I had wondered ever since I first sensed her presence.

Even though her appearance had changed, she still had the same aura. The one in front of me must be the person I loved.

“Me…”

The moment her name came to mind, my mouth began to open.

“Meri—”

“Pleased to meet you, leader of this fortress.”

But before I could say her name, she cut in with a formal greeting.

I felt my breath catch as she raised her head, tipped her hat, and flashed a deliberate smile.

And then, with confidence, she spoke.

“I am a former top executive of the Demon King’s army, and once a humble jester who served the Demon King faithfully…”

The one standing here now was not the person I loved, but a demon.

“My name is Mephisto Rage~ Nice to meet you~♬”

She was not Merilyn Sutherland, the minstrel, but Mephisto Rage, the leader of the demons known as the Frenzied Jester.