𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞
Two hours after Eltrait-san became agitated.
Finally, it seems that things have settled down in various ways. One of the elves brought a message from Auntie Elle, requesting everyone to gather once again at the chief’s house.
Following her instructions, we regrouped.
Naturally, that meant encountering Stella again. . . . . .who turned her face away, blushing deep red.
I also ended up looking away.
Damn it. . . . . .my face is hot.
Rin and Auntie Elle’s “oh my, oh my” kind of looks are deeply annoying.
ㅤ
“Ahem. I apologize for my earlier loss of composure. I am truly grateful that you have gathered here again.”
ㅤ
I’m grateful to Eltrait-san for changing the subject with a single cough, not dwelling on the situation.
Thank you.
You are the true adult here.
Different from those fake elders who are grinning stupidly.
I hope you can repaint the image of a “mother complex” into an image of a capable adult.
ㅤ
“Now, let’s talk about the current state of our forces and the damage we’ve sustained.
The death toll from the battle against the Four Heavenly Kings is 8.
Including those crushed by the Divine Tree, the number may increase, but not drastically.
The Elves are not that weak.”
“Eight. . . . . .?!”
ㅤ
A voice of astonishment involuntarily escaped me.
Against those monsters, the death toll is in single digits?!
Unbelievable.
Elves are too strong.
ㅤ
“You did well to keep the damage to a minimum against such an opponent. Well done, Eltrait.”
“Mother, comforting words are no longer needed.
The reason the casualties were low is due to the enemy’s tactics.
He used a swarm of dragons as a shield while slowly imbuing his magic, aimed his maximum breath at the Divine Tree, and chipped away at it a bit before retreating.
His aim was solely the Divine Tree; we were only an afterthought. That’s the whole story.”
ㅤ
Ah, so that’s how it was.
Even though it was Dragburn, he didn’t rush into a full-on attack, probably because he knew he’d be weakened by the Divine Tree’s protection.
Or maybe he simply wasn’t satisfied he couldn’t go all-out.
The reason for his retreat in our battle might be similar.
Though we haven’t dealt with him for long, it’s easy to read that demon’s personality.
He’s a born fighter.
ㅤ
“Anyway, while the Divine Tree was indeed broken, our forces remain more than sufficient.
Additionally, Hero-sama and the others have also come to our aid.
On the other hand, the dragon forces, which are their pawns, are nearly annihilated.
Even if they have some remaining forces in reserve, it shouldn’t be too many.
If that person were to attack us again, I believe we have a good chance of winning. However, the issue is. . . . . .”
“The problem is if the enemy is not just Dragburn.”
ㅤ
Huh?
ㅤ
“I see, that makes sense.”
“Is that what you mean?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
ㅤ
Stella and Rin nodded in understanding to the Elf family’s words, while Blade tilted his head.
I also didn’t get it for a moment but then remembered what Auntie Elle had told me earlier.
ㅤ
“What, it’s a simple story, Blade-boy.
Launching a reckless plan like taking on the Four Heavenly Kings who have lost their troops with a fully prepared hero for interception.
I can’t believe that cautious Demon King would approve of such a foolish strategy.”
“Oh, I see.”
ㅤ
Blade seemed convinced, nodding deeply.
I might not be the one to say this since I was so wrapped up in Dragburn’s words, but Blade does seem a bit thick-headed sometimes.
I hope that won’t lead to any problems.
ㅤ
“If we think about it straightforwardly, the best course of action for them would be to contact the Demon King, assemble an army capable of decisively defeating the hero,
and even mobilize all the remaining Four Heavenly Kings to come together with such a large force for the attack.
However, considering the glimpses of his personality observed during combat, there’s also a significant possibility that the moment the remnants of the Divine Tree Protection vanish, he might charge in alone.”
ㅤ
Well, that’s probably true.
If we only consider Dragburn’s personality, I think he’d charge in without thinking.
But if we misread the situation and a large army comes, it’s all over.
It’s a tough choice.
ㅤ
“Well, we have preparations in place, so please don’t worry.”
“Yes. When we found ourselves in a situation where the Four Heavenly Kings were approaching, we had already prepared countermeasures for it.
Those measures have already been shared with Hero-sama and the others before their departure to the Sirius Kingdom.
Currently, in that kingdom, 『Sword Saint』 Ruberto and others are assembling a formidable force for the decisive battle.
If the Demon King’s Army decides to mobilize their forces, it will take time.
In that case, our forces should have ample time to prepare for the final showdown.”
ㅤ
They really think it through. . . . . .
Eltrait-san’s strategy, as he explained, wasn’t something a mere foot soldier like me could get involved in.
Unlike me, there are smart people in charge of devising strategies.
Humanity isn’t foolish.
It’s only natural to be prepared for something like this.
ㅤ
Well, it’s not like avoiding a decisive battle is the best option. . . . . .
If possible, instead of a decisive battle that would result in a significant blow, we’d like to take down the Four Heavenly Kings one by one while minimizing our own depletion.
As Dragburn himself mentioned on the battlefield, it’s best if he goes rogue and acts on his own, ignoring the Demon King’s orders.
In that case, our reinforcements might not make it in time, but it’s still far better than facing the other Four Heavenly Kings.
ㅤ
That’s true.
For now, let’s hope that Dragburn prioritizes his desires without thinking too much about the consequences.
Even if that wish comes true, it’s bound to lead to a difficult battle, so I hope he’ll be lenient.
ㅤ
“Next, let’s discuss the countermeasures for if he challenges us to a rematch on his own.”
ㅤ
And so, Eltrait-san explained the already determined Elf strategy, and we discussed how to incorporate ourselves into that strategy.
In this discussion, the opinions of us who had actually fought the enemy head-on were highly valued.
What situations should we bring into play to have a chance at winning?
What if Dragburn’s power, now that he has recovered from his weakness, exceeds our expectations?
We continued to have such discussions.
ㅤ
However, in the middle of this,
ㅤ
“E, Excuse me!”
ㅤ
Suddenly, an Elf burst into the room, his face pale.
ㅤ
“Chief, it’s an emergency!”
“. . . . . .What could be so urgent as to interrupt our discussion with Hero-sama? What’s going on?”
ㅤ
When Eltrait-san asked that, Elf began explaining the situation in a hurry.
Somewhat incomprehensible things.
ㅤ
“T, The Divine Tree! Something mysterious has started happening with the Divine Tree! It’s faintly glowing, and those nearby heard a mysterious voice directly in their heads saying, 『Summon the hero』!”
“. . . . . .What did you say?”
ㅤ
Eltrait-san was stunned.
Auntie Elle’s eyes were also wide open.
They’d been watching over the Divine Tree for a long time, so this was an unexpected phenomenon for them.
However, as should be expected from the chief and his family leading the Elves, they quickly regained their composure and began to act.
ㅤ
“I apologize. Due to an emergency, I need to pause our discussion.”
“We’ll go check on the Divine Tree. Stella, it would be a big help if you could come along as well. . . . . .”
“Understood. I’ll go.”
ㅤ
Upon hearing Auntie Elle’s words, Stella immediately responded and stood up.
I also rose from my seat, lining up next to the departing Stella.
Both of us are still somewhat awkward from the recent events, but not going together isn’t an option.
That seemed to be the case for Rin and Blade as well; all of us proceeded to the Divine Tree.
ㅤ
What we found there was the ruin of the Divine Tree, entirely scorched by Dragburn.
However, just as reported, it was enveloped in a mysterious light, like particles.
It felt way too strong to be considered just a cut-down tree.
ㅤ
『Thank you for coming, brave ones.』
ㅤ
Suddenly, a voice echoed directly in our minds.
It’s a remarkably beautiful female voice.
Stella and the others looked around in surprise.
However, I was experiencing an entirely different sensation.
What is this feeling?
Is it. . . . . .nostalgia?
I have heard this voice somewhere before. . . . . .
ㅤ
While pondering that, the light particles surrounding the Divine Tree gathered, and a softly glowing door appeared before us.
ㅤ
『Now, please enter.』
ㅤ
Magic unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
No, I’m not even sure if it’s magic.
Astonished, Auntie Elle and Eltrait-san headed toward the door.
However,
ㅤ
“Hm?”
“What is this. . . . . .”
ㅤ
Midway, their steps came to a sudden halt.
What happened?
ㅤ
“An invisible wall, perhaps?”
“It feels like that. A gentle force is pushing back, preventing us from advancing further. Likely, it means only the summoned Stella can enter.”
“Eh?”
ㅤ
So, what does that mean?
Are we to let Stella go alone into this mysterious place?
Don’t joke around.
Thinking this, I approached the door.
Contrary to my expectations that I’d be rejected like Auntie Elle and the others. . . . . . I managed to pass the point where they were stopped and stood before the door.
ㅤ
“Hm?”
“Oh? You can go, huh? Hmm, the selection criteria is a mystery. Is it the presence or absence of divine protection?”
ㅤ
After that, Rin, Blade, and Elf—who like me don’t possess divine protection—also tried to approach the door. In the end, only Stella and I could stand before it.
The selection criteria become even more mysterious.
Is it first-come-first-serve for the hero’s companion?
No, if that was the case, Auntie Elle and the others would have made it.
It’s puzzling, but. . . . . .if we can go, then we should.
ㅤ
“. . . . . . Shall we go?”
“. . . . . .Yes.”
ㅤ
Because of the previous incident, our conversation is still a bit awkward. . . . . . but well, we’ll manage somehow.
ㅤ
“Be very careful.”
ㅤ
Bidding farewell to Auntie Elle and the others, we entered the Divine Tree’s door.
Inside the door, the space was like being inside some plant life.
Is this place inside the Divine Tree?
It’s dimly lit, but the same light particles that enveloped the Divine Tree are dancing around, providing enough visibility.
ㅤ
“It’s a mysterious place. . . . . .Although it’s just a path, I feel an aura similar to what I sense from people with divine protection.”
“Is that so?”
ㅤ
So, does that mean the owner of that voice is someone related to divine protection?
As far as I know, only one person comes to mind.
. . . . . .Setting that aside, whether it’s due to the unknown challenges awaiting us or not, the awkwardness in Stella’s demeanor seems to be lifting, which is a good thing.
Now we should be able to talk normally.
ㅤ
Eventually, we reached a dead-end as we were walking.
There stood a woman.
She looked a bit older than us.
Her features were more refined than Stella’s.
If I had to describe her impression in one word, it would be 『white』.
White skin, white hair, white clothes, even her eye color was a lightly tinted white.
She was like a pure white woman, embodying the concept of 『white』 that the Holy God Church worships and that their high-ranking priests wear.
That was the image I had of her.
However, Stella seemed to feel differently…
ㅤ
“A mass of divine protection. . . . . .?!”
ㅤ
She blurted out with an expression of astonishment.
A mass of divine protection, huh.
Those with divine protection can identify others who have it.
According to Stella, she seemed to be enveloped in a divine aura.
The magnitude of that aura indicates the strength of the opponent’s divine protection.
I heard there is a significant difference in the aura enveloping an ordinary person with divine protection and a Holy Warrior.
ㅤ
And this pure white woman made Stella, who possesses the world’s strongest divine protection 『Hero’s Divine Protection』, say she is a mass of divine protection.
She is no ordinary being.
However, oddly enough, no sense of danger or anxiety arose.
ㅤ
“Welcome 『Hero』 Stella. And 『Savior』 Allan.”
ㅤ
The pure white girl opened her mouth.
She spoke in a familiar, yet extraordinarily beautiful voice.
ㅤ
“I am the administrator of this world. I grant humanity divine protection and the power to fight demons. I am the being you call God. Pleased to meet you.”
ㅤ
Saying that, the pure white woman who claimed to be God, bowed her head to us.
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