***
Five days later.
“Did you… gain weight?”
Cassion hesitated as he dressed Ruel like usual. It wasn’t to the point that the outfit couldn’t be worn, but it felt like it was a bit tight.
“… I see. You’ve gained some muscle.”
Ruel smiled happily at the sound that he gained muscle. Even while passing out every day, he had walked consistently and it was already the fifth day of walk training.
It could be wondered if there was anything that could change in five days’ time, but it was also time for quite a lot to change. It was possible because he had gained some muscles while walking.
As if to show off, Ruel got up from the bed. He was dizzy for a moment and staggered a bit, but he was able to stand.
“I haven’t been able to close all the buttons yet…”
Cassion belatedly noticed.
Ruel got up from his seat without a cane.
“Congratulations. It seems your efforts have come to fruition.”
“You said I wasn’t under surveillance.”
“I can tell by the shape of your muscles. You could have told me though.”
“Would you have approved?”
“That’s true. I apologize. I think I’ve underestimated Ruel-nim.”
—This body helped!
Leo was jumping on the bed and said after shrugging with pride.
“Yes, it’s all thanks to you, Leo.”
“I’ll help you in the future. Do you wish to be strong?”
“I do.”
“Will it be okay? Do you know that you still have a fever because your body is frail?”
“I know, that’s why I have this on.”
Ruel pointed to the thermal patch. Illness was not something he could do anything about. He will have to compromise moderately in the future.
“Did the place where you were hit by Flenn hurt?”
“Yeah, it really hurt.”
“Up to where are you looking for? I will get a sense of the expectations.”
“A level where I can protect myself.”
Cassion immediately frowned. The wrinkles looked unusually deep.
“Do you know that using a sword is unreasonable and using magic is difficult?”
“Don’t beat around the bush.”
“Your body will break like before. As you know, your bowl is wide, but it’s too weak to hold anything.”
It was a story he already knew, but his heart ached again.
“It’s too much.”
“There’s a way.”
It was possible if the power of resistance grew. Also, weren’t there still two powers left behind by the hero?
“My goal is to run around without relying on magic items.”
“That is possible, though it’s going to take a long time.”
—This body will help you again. I’ll push you with the wind!
“Okay. Help me.”
Ruel finished speaking and inhaled Breath.
Knock. Knock.
“Ruel. Can I come in?”
Cassion opened the door to Tyson’s voice. Tyson was slightly surprised to see Cassion as he came inside.
Cassion was displeased by that reaction.
“Did you perhaps talk behind my back?”
“Not at all.”
Ruel replied calmly, but Ruel sighed at Tyson’s eyes asking if it was okay. He really can’t hide his true feelings from showing on his face.
“It’s okay. Please come in.”
“Are, are you standing without a cane now?”
Immediately after making a slightly embarrassed expression, Tyson stopped in his tracks when he saw Ruel standing upright. And soon, he slowly approached and looked at Ruel as if he couldn’t believe it.
“… Keep up the good work.”
He didn’t cast any magic. Ruel had gotten up on his own. Tyson proudly looked at Ruel and handed him a bracelet.
—This body likes shiny things too.
Leo suddenly stuck close to Tyson and rubbed his face.
“Yes, I will also make one for you and gift it to you.”
—Hehe.
At Tyson’s answer, Leo’s tail swung so fast it couldn’t be seen.
“That bracelet, isn’t it dangerous?”
Cassion looked at Tyson and spoke in a threatening voice.
“I asked for it.”
“Ruel-nim.”
“I need it. I forgot the feeling of running.”
“The situation now is different than before. At least, there are no people here who will bring harm to Ruel-nim’s life.”
Ruel drove a wedge as he closed up the last button.
“I said I need it.”
At the incredible aura that could not be believed to have come out of such a weak body, Cassion closed his mouth shut.
It’s already been long ago that he knew it was useless to stop Ruel any further when he acted firmly like that.
Ruel casually wore the bracelet that could become a poison to him.
Wiing.
The power of resistance cried out. His body seemed to do its best to resist the sudden mass of mana from entering.
Drip.
Blood flowed from Ruel’s nose and mouth and fell to the floor.
“It’s okay. It’s an adjustment period.”
Before the two people and Leo reacted, Ruel said beforehand.
There was pain.
But it was okay. It was bearable. He had to endure this pain to move forward.
Wiing.
Wiing.
Two forces moved violently. One side resisted the mana and the other side tried not to break from the penetrating mana.
“… Ruel.”
Tyson couldn’t stand it and stopped Ruel.
Ruel shook his head without saying a word, feeling like blood would rise from inside if he spoke out.
It was a bearable pain. He could stand it.
He felt the power of resistance growing inside of him.
Ruel closed his eyes.
‘Grow a little faster. A little bit more.’
As he regretted thinking, ‘I should have just closed my eyes and drank a bottle of poison’, his throat became hot.
“Cough.”
To prevent getting it on the clothes he had changed into with effort, Ruel tried to lower his head. He glanced at the handkerchief that appeared in front of him at the right time and vomited blood to his heart’s content.
—Ruel is fine!
Leo said, patting the top of Tyson’s shaking feet.
Dirty things didn’t grow.
So it was okay.
Ruel opened his eyes. He could no longer hear the sound. He looked at the others and smiled.
‘I endured it.’
And Ruel seemed to be walking and jumping from the spot. It was for a brief moment, but the feeling of being in the air didn’t feel bad.
He now stood at the starting line.
Many things will change in the future.
Ruel looked very much forward to the changes that were to come.
***
He headed to the territory of Prios by carriage.
First of all, he had to meet the family head of Prios. He was going to take action after checking with his own eyes what position the head was in.
There was no pattern or crest attached to the carriage. It would be better for Ruel and also for Prios to meet each other discreetly.
Crunch. Crunch.
Ruel took a leisurely look at the scenery outside while eating cookies.
“I’m glad your wound got better so soon.”
Aris smiled broadly at Ruel’s arm without the bandage.
“My wound heals quickly.”
—No, Ruel is…
Before Leo spoke more, Ruel handed over a cookie.
Jjap Jjap.
With the cookie in his mouth, Leo forgot what he was going to say and busily ate the cookie.
—This is the second sweetest thing in the world! The first one is ice cream!
‘Has Leo ever eaten ice cream?’
Ruel peeked at Cassion.
Cassion shrugged his shoulders.
“After meeting the head of Prios, I will attend a prearranged meeting as an adventurer, so prepare accordingly.”
LEARN MORE
!
!
!
!
!
!
“Prearranged meeting?”
Aris asked, puzzled.
“It’s a meeting for giving out information in advance. Information such as: what needs to be guarded, where the destination is, and so on. They do this because it’s a large scale. Cough, cough.”
After speaking, Ruel coughed.
“Our goal is to take the item that needs to be guarded.”
“May I ask what the item is?
“I don’t know except that it’s sealed.”
Liberan did not even tell Flenn what the object was. Considering that, it’s probably very important.
“May I ask why you should also be going for this mission?”
At Aris’ question, Cassion seemed satisfied.
Ruel looked at Cassion.
Cassion only shrugged as he did before.
‘Did you trick innocent Aris…? Even though you know why I’m going?’
Ruel inhaled Breath.
“That’s a good question. But before that, let me tell you for sure. You guys will be doing the job. I am just observing.”
After the premise was laid out, Ruel looked at Cassion.
“First of all, I told Cassion to bring the item, but the result was a failure.”
“It is not a failure. It’s just that it was enchanted and it couldn’t be taken out.”
“That’s called failure, Cassion.”
“What kind of magic was enchanted on the item?”
Aris asked with a curious look.
“It’s called item disposition magic.”
The answer was from Cassion.
“I’ve never heard of such a name for magic.”
“It’s just magic that sets the material on fire. It’s magic that’s usually used by guys who have something to hide, and it’s more efficient than thought. If you say a certain word, or it falls within a certain distance, or the caster dies, the item burns on its own.”
“So, you can’t touch it. The problem is that the agent we see tomorrow is also one of those people who cast that spell.”
Ruel smoothed Leo’s tail.
“How difficult. If we can’t take it out secretly, then the only way is to go and unseal it there. But I don’t know if that’s the reason Ruel-nim has to go.”
“Since it’s a valuable item, they must have put warning magic on it. You have to unlock the magic seal as well. If there’s another way to trick the guards’ eyes and get the item out safely, do tell.”
At Ruel’s question, Aris pondered.
Even if they ambushed, it was over once the agent spoke that certain word.
“If the shadows hid and somehow unleashed the magic seal…”
“Unfortunately, the shadows are not wizards.”
Cassion admitted that it wouldn’t be possible to quickly unlock the seal.
“Then, Tyson-nim…”
“The wagon is going to travel through the Masu forest.”
“…!”
Only then did Aris notice why Ruel was going.
“Also, I want to see what kind of item it is.”
Whether or not Cassion crumpled his face, Ruel clasped his hands together and laughed.
***
Five days later.
“Did you… gain weight?”
Cassion hesitated as he dressed Ruel like usual. It wasn’t to the point that the outfit couldn’t be worn, but it felt like it was a bit tight.
“… I see. You’ve gained some muscle.”
Ruel smiled happily at the sound that he gained muscle. Even while passing out every day, he had walked consistently and it was already the fifth day of walk training.
It could be wondered if there was anything that could change in five days’ time, but it was also time for quite a lot to change. It was possible because he had gained some muscles while walking.
As if to show off, Ruel got up from the bed. He was dizzy for a moment and staggered a bit, but he was able to stand.
“I haven’t been able to close all the buttons yet…”
Cassion belatedly noticed.
Ruel got up from his seat without a cane.
“Congratulations. It seems your efforts have come to fruition.”
“You said I wasn’t under surveillance.”
“I can tell by the shape of your muscles. You could have told me though.”
“Would you have approved?”
“That’s true. I apologize. I think I’ve underestimated Ruel-nim.”
—This body helped!
Leo was jumping on the bed and said after shrugging with pride.
“Yes, it’s all thanks to you, Leo.”
“I’ll help you in the future. Do you wish to be strong?”
“I do.”
“Will it be okay? Do you know that you still have a fever because your body is frail?”
“I know, that’s why I have this on.”
Ruel pointed to the thermal patch. Illness was not something he could do anything about. He will have to compromise moderately in the future.
“Did the place where you were hit by Flenn hurt?”
“Yeah, it really hurt.”
“Up to where are you looking for? I will get a sense of the expectations.”
“A level where I can protect myself.”
Cassion immediately frowned. The wrinkles looked unusually deep.
“Do you know that using a sword is unreasonable and using magic is difficult?”
“Don’t beat around the bush.”
“Your body will break like before. As you know, your bowl is wide, but it’s too weak to hold anything.”
It was a story he already knew, but his heart ached again.
“It’s too much.”
“There’s a way.”
It was possible if the power of resistance grew. Also, weren’t there still two powers left behind by the hero?
“My goal is to run around without relying on magic items.”
“That is possible, though it’s going to take a long time.”
—This body will help you again. I’ll push you with the wind!
“Okay. Help me.”
Ruel finished speaking and inhaled Breath.
Knock. Knock.
“Ruel. Can I come in?”
Cassion opened the door to Tyson’s voice. Tyson was slightly surprised to see Cassion as he came inside.
Cassion was displeased by that reaction.
“Did you perhaps talk behind my back?”
“Not at all.”
Ruel replied calmly, but Ruel sighed at Tyson’s eyes asking if it was okay. He really can’t hide his true feelings from showing on his face.
“It’s okay. Please come in.”
“Are, are you standing without a cane now?”
Immediately after making a slightly embarrassed expression, Tyson stopped in his tracks when he saw Ruel standing upright. And soon, he slowly approached and looked at Ruel as if he couldn’t believe it.
“… Keep up the good work.”
He didn’t cast any magic. Ruel had gotten up on his own. Tyson proudly looked at Ruel and handed him a bracelet.
—This body likes shiny things too.
Leo suddenly stuck close to Tyson and rubbed his face.
“Yes, I will also make one for you and gift it to you.”
—Hehe.
At Tyson’s answer, Leo’s tail swung so fast it couldn’t be seen.
“That bracelet, isn’t it dangerous?”
Cassion looked at Tyson and spoke in a threatening voice.
“I asked for it.”
“Ruel-nim.”
“I need it. I forgot the feeling of running.”
“The situation now is different than before. At least, there are no people here who will bring harm to Ruel-nim’s life.”
Ruel drove a wedge as he closed up the last button.
“I said I need it.”
At the incredible aura that could not be believed to have come out of such a weak body, Cassion closed his mouth shut.
It’s already been long ago that he knew it was useless to stop Ruel any further when he acted firmly like that.
Ruel casually wore the bracelet that could become a poison to him.
Wiing.
The power of resistance cried out. His body seemed to do its best to resist the sudden mass of mana from entering.
Drip.
Blood flowed from Ruel’s nose and mouth and fell to the floor.
“It’s okay. It’s an adjustment period.”
Before the two people and Leo reacted, Ruel said beforehand.
There was pain.
But it was okay. It was bearable. He had to endure this pain to move forward.
Wiing.
Wiing.
Two forces moved violently. One side resisted the mana and the other side tried not to break from the penetrating mana.
“… Ruel.”
Tyson couldn’t stand it and stopped Ruel.
Ruel shook his head without saying a word, feeling like blood would rise from inside if he spoke out.
It was a bearable pain. He could stand it.
He felt the power of resistance growing inside of him.
Ruel closed his eyes.
‘Grow a little faster. A little bit more.’
As he regretted thinking, ‘I should have just closed my eyes and drank a bottle of poison’, his throat became hot.
“Cough.”
To prevent getting it on the clothes he had changed into with effort, Ruel tried to lower his head. He glanced at the handkerchief that appeared in front of him at the right time and vomited blood to his heart’s content.
—Ruel is fine!
Leo said, patting the top of Tyson’s shaking feet.
Dirty things didn’t grow.
So it was okay.
Ruel opened his eyes. He could no longer hear the sound. He looked at the others and smiled.
‘I endured it.’
And Ruel seemed to be walking and jumping from the spot. It was for a brief moment, but the feeling of being in the air didn’t feel bad.
He now stood at the starting line.
Many things will change in the future.
Ruel looked very much forward to the changes that were to come.
***
He headed to the territory of Prios by carriage.
First of all, he had to meet the family head of Prios. He was going to take action after checking with his own eyes what position the head was in.
There was no pattern or crest attached to the carriage. It would be better for Ruel and also for Prios to meet each other discreetly.
Crunch. Crunch.
Ruel took a leisurely look at the scenery outside while eating cookies.
“I’m glad your wound got better so soon.”
Aris smiled broadly at Ruel’s arm without the bandage.
“My wound heals quickly.”
—No, Ruel is…
Before Leo spoke more, Ruel handed over a cookie.
Jjap Jjap.
With the cookie in his mouth, Leo forgot what he was going to say and busily ate the cookie.
—This is the second sweetest thing in the world! The first one is ice cream!
‘Has Leo ever eaten ice cream?’
Ruel peeked at Cassion.
Cassion shrugged his shoulders.
“After meeting the head of Prios, I will attend a prearranged meeting as an adventurer, so prepare accordingly.”
LEARN MORE
!
!
!
!
!
!
“Prearranged meeting?”
Aris asked, puzzled.
“It’s a meeting for giving out information in advance. Information such as: what needs to be guarded, where the destination is, and so on. They do this because it’s a large scale. Cough, cough.”
After speaking, Ruel coughed.
“Our goal is to take the item that needs to be guarded.”
“May I ask what the item is?
“I don’t know except that it’s sealed.”
Liberan did not even tell Flenn what the object was. Considering that, it’s probably very important.
“May I ask why you should also be going for this mission?”
At Aris’ question, Cassion seemed satisfied.
Ruel looked at Cassion.
Cassion only shrugged as he did before.
‘Did you trick innocent Aris…? Even though you know why I’m going?’
Ruel inhaled Breath.
“That’s a good question. But before that, let me tell you for sure. You guys will be doing the job. I am just observing.”
After the premise was laid out, Ruel looked at Cassion.
“First of all, I told Cassion to bring the item, but the result was a failure.”
“It is not a failure. It’s just that it was enchanted and it couldn’t be taken out.”
“That’s called failure, Cassion.”
“What kind of magic was enchanted on the item?”
Aris asked with a curious look.
“It’s called item disposition magic.”
The answer was from Cassion.
“I’ve never heard of such a name for magic.”
“It’s just magic that sets the material on fire. It’s magic that’s usually used by guys who have something to hide, and it’s more efficient than thought. If you say a certain word, or it falls within a certain distance, or the caster dies, the item burns on its own.”
“So, you can’t touch it. The problem is that the agent we see tomorrow is also one of those people who cast that spell.”
Ruel smoothed Leo’s tail.
“How difficult. If we can’t take it out secretly, then the only way is to go and unseal it there. But I don’t know if that’s the reason Ruel-nim has to go.”
“Since it’s a valuable item, they must have put warning magic on it. You have to unlock the magic seal as well. If there’s another way to trick the guards’ eyes and get the item out safely, do tell.”
At Ruel’s question, Aris pondered.
Even if they ambushed, it was over once the agent spoke that certain word.
“If the shadows hid and somehow unleashed the magic seal…”
“Unfortunately, the shadows are not wizards.”
Cassion admitted that it wouldn’t be possible to quickly unlock the seal.
“Then, Tyson-nim…”
“The wagon is going to travel through the Masu forest.”
“…!”
Only then did Aris notice why Ruel was going.
“Also, I want to see what kind of item it is.”
Whether or not Cassion crumpled his face, Ruel clasped his hands together and laughed.
