The World After Leaving the Hero’s Party

Chapter 18 – “The Third Condition” (Part 1)

If it’s cold, I can light a fire or use a skill to raise the surrounding temperature.

This skill had proven incredibly useful during the journey to defeat the Demon King, especially in the freezing regions.

Claire, seemingly recalling those times, widened her eyes before nodding awkwardly.

“Ah, r-right. That’s true.”

“So, let’s call it a day. You should go rest.”

Claire hesitated for a moment before giving a small nod and leaving the tent. Once she was gone, I laid down on the bed. It was surprisingly comfortable—likely a privilege of being a high-ranking officer.

Rustle.

Just as I was about to fall asleep, I heard movement outside.

An enemy?

Or the Hero’s Party again?

I gripped the dagger at my waist, waiting as the footsteps approached.

“Sage, may I have a moment?”

A familiar voice—it was the lieutenant. Strange. She didn’t usually come at this hour.

“Come in.”

With my permission, the tent flap opened, and the lightly armored werewolf lieutenant entered. She bowed slightly and spoke politely.

“You’ve done so much for us today. And…”

“I’ll be heading out to the battlefield again tomorrow. Make sure the knights and soldiers review the tactics we used today.”

“Pardon? You’re alright with continuing?!”

She must have come to ask if I could join tomorrow’s drills. Hearing my response, her tense expression melted into a bright smile.

Even for a werewolf, a smile like that was nice to see.

“It’s what I came here to do.”

“That’s a relief. I was worried it might be too much of a burden for you. Oh, and if there’s anything making you uncomfortable…”

Uncomfortable, huh? If I had to name something, it’d be the Hero’s Party trying to approach me.

She seemed to catch on, her face clouding with awkwardness.

“About the Hero’s Party…”

“I understand. I know they’re outside your authority.”

Claire, Leventia, and Evangeline had defeated the Demon King, after all. A lieutenant couldn’t exactly order them around.

Even if she told them to stop approaching me, they wouldn’t listen.

I had no intention of forcing her to deal with something outside her control. I could handle it myself.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it. Unless General Leoden himself steps in, there’s nothing to be done.”

“Yes…”

“Just leave them be.”

“I’m truly sorry once again. General Leoden should arrive within a week…”

The lieutenant’s voice trailed off as her shoulders tensed. She must have been considering suggesting to Leoden that the Hero’s Party be reassigned elsewhere once he arrived.

It wasn’t realistic, though.

This area was the most dangerous front line of the battlefield, and their strength was needed here. Leoden would likely refuse any request to move them.

“You don’t need to worry about them. I should get some rest, so please excuse me.”

“Of course. Have a restful night.”

With a polite bow, the lieutenant left, and the tent fell silent once more.

I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, continuing my train of thought.

The Pale Moon event had several branches, but its overall flow was consistent.

First: A land stained with death.

Judging by the number of lives already lost on the battlefield, that condition was likely met.

Second: The attempted assassination of the queen.

That was already completed as well.

Now, the third condition.

It should begin soon enough. No need to overthink it—I decided to sleep.

—

Over the following week, nothing particularly unusual happened: a few nighttime raids, the appearance of new monsters, and an occasional incident involving stressed-out knights or soldiers losing control.

Today, after another training session on how to defeat the White Beast, I returned to the camp to find it unusually lively.

“General Leoden has returned!”

One of the knights assisting me announced the news with a happy expression.

Leoden’s return, along with additional reinforcements, was reason enough to celebrate.

Even with proper strategies, dealing with the White Beast was physically and mentally exhausting.

As I entered deeper into the camp, I noticed new faces scattered throughout.

“Sage, there you are.”

General Leoden, who had been speaking with a knight, greeted me warmly.

As he turned, his gaze flicked to Claire and Leventia, who were lingering at the edge of the camp, hesitant. Placing a hand on my shoulder, he asked:

“Have you discovered anything?”

“Not much. Just the locations where new monsters are appearing, the remnants of the White Moon Church, and the site where they plan to summon the Pale Moon.”

Of course, this was part of the game’s guide. I had no reason to hide it or manipulate the information.

As expected, Leoden’s reaction was predictable.

“…You truly know everything, don’t you?”

“I just know what I know.”

“Even so, it’s impressive. In any case, this is good news. The kingdom has officially declared the White Moon Church a heretical sect and is fully supporting their eradication.”

It seemed the reinforcements and supplies he brought were for this purpose.

At Leoden’s gesture, Claire perked up and hurried over.

“What is it, sir?”

Did she think she’d get to participate in a mission with me?

Stealing glances at me, Claire eagerly awaited the general’s words.

Slightly exasperated, Leoden sighed.

“You’re aware of the situation at the White Frost Palace, yes?”

“Y-yes…”

“As per Her Majesty’s orders, I’m assigning you to the mission of locating and eliminating the remnants of the White Moon Church. Do you accept it?”

“If I can work with the Sage… I’ll do it for sure!”

Claire exclaimed enthusiastically, and I responded calmly.

“There’s no need for her to join me.”

“…What?”