The World After Leaving the Hero’s Party

“Should this be treated immediately?”

I knew it.

While the kingdom maintained an alliance with the elves, the elves were inherently haughty and dismissive of other races. However, their superior physical abilities, magical aptitude, and exclusive goods from the Elves Forest made them indispensable trade partners. Many races tolerated the elves begrudgingly.

It seemed the queen saw this as an opportunity to suppress the elves’ power and put them in debt.

“Of course, this isn’t just my idea,” she said. “I suspect many others from various races share the same thought.”

“If you delay treatment, the plague will spread across the continent. Are you willing to let that happen?” I countered.

“Of course, it must be treated,” the queen said, before Lukal chimed in.

“But only if the elves humble themselves sufficiently.”

It wasn’t a bad plan, but my goal was to completely eradicate the plague. If it spread across the continent, it would take even more time and effort to contain it.

The queen seemed to trust me, but why should I go along with her agenda?

“No thanks,” I said flatly.

“Ah… I figured the Sage would say that,” the queen sighed, shaking her head. Lukal, meanwhile, gave me a bitter smile.

If I were in a position where they could give me orders, they might have tried. But since I wasn’t under their control, they had no leverage.

“By the way, you’re awfully kind,” Lukal remarked. “Considering what the elves did to you during your time with the Hero’s Party…”

“What happened with Evangeline was her doing. It has nothing to do with the elves as a whole.”

“Is that so? Very well, then. What support do you need?”

“Hmm… Just ensure the various nations and races cooperate when I gather the materials.”

“We’ll do our best,” the queen said. “But you know how it is. The dwarves have a particularly bad relationship with the elves. Even though this is about treating the plague, they might interfere just to spite the elves…”

This is exactly why people say it’s better to live peacefully.

Why have they made so many enemies?

But the queen and Lukal didn’t need to worry—I had plenty of friends among the dwarves.

“I’ll handle that myself.”

“Understood. Then we’ll prepare a medical team to send as soon as you return.”

“Yes, that would be helpful.”

The more alchemists there were, the easier this would be for me. I’d gladly accept the kingdom’s help in this regard.

After finishing my audience with the queen, I left the palace. Veronica had gone ahead to inform the Church about the plague, leaving me with the adventurers.

“We’re heading to the Rovento Mountains first, right?” one of them asked.

“Exactly.”

Handling the plague was important, but so was hunting the Demonkin.

“By the way, if the plague spreads, wouldn’t the lizardman tribes be in danger?” another adventurer asked.

“The beastfolk too…” added another.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Don’t you trust me?” I said with a smile, reassuring the uneasy adventurers.

As long as I handled everything, all they had to do was help me rack up achievements.

***

After traveling for several days, we arrived at the Rovento Mountains. At the base camp, where many herbalists and adventurers had gathered to harvest Crystal Grass—a plant unique to these mountains—I spotted some familiar faces.

“Huh?! Is that the Sage?”

“Ugh.”

“It’s been a while, Sage! Oh, and accompanying you are none other than S-rank adventurer Baltin and A-rank adventurer Gallik! Baltin, especially, is renowned for his defeat of the Black Wyvern, earning his S-rank status. He’s also notable for slaying the Dracan, clearing the Rondvang Dungeon, obtaining the Rubyrian Relic, and participating in the Roticia Campaign. As the next chieftain of the Lion Beastfolk, his reputation precedes him…”

A verbose lizardman I recognized all too well, accompanied by a nun with enormous glasses. It was Lark and Sister Case, infamous for their constant chatter.

Why? Why were these two trolls here together?

I felt a wave of unease as I looked at them. Surely, they weren’t here to interfere with me.

“We’re here for a Crystal Grass gathering quest,” Lark explained.

Relief. At least they weren’t here to hunt the Demonkin.

“Crystal Grass is commonly used as an alchemical solvent. Its applications fall into three main categories. First—”

“We already know! Please, Sister, stop talking!” I shouted.

It wasn’t just me. The other adventurers looked equally annoyed by her never-ending explanations.

“So why are you here, Sage?” she asked.

“Oh, I’m here to hunt the Demonkin.”

“Oh? That Demonkin? Are you sure it’s safe? Last time, an S-rank adventurer party attempted it and got wiped out.”

“That’s why we have an S-rank party, an A-rank party, and me, the Sage, all teaming up,” I replied.

“Hmm…”

Lark crossed his arms, his large tail swishing thoughtfully.

“Why? Thinking of joining us?”

“Well, I heard rumors. Apparently, a lot of adventurers and bounty hunters are heading here to deal with the Demonkin. If you’re going to take it down, you’d better hurry.”

“What? Why?”

“No idea.”

How strange. While the Demonkin are certainly dangerous, they don’t yield any particularly valuable rewards.

Up until now, few had bothered with them, so it was rare for high-level adventurers to make the effort.

But here’s the problem.

If another adventurer party defeats the Demonkin, will I still get credit for the achievement?

In the game, achievements for things like defeating the Demon King or completing certain events often counted even if other players participated. But there’s always the slim chance this might not count.

If it doesn’t…

Ugh. Just the thought of it is horrifying.

“No time to waste—”

At that moment, a large portal shimmering with blue light appeared at the entrance to the lodge.

I knew exactly what it was.

It was a portal.

“…Hyun Woo?”

From the portal emerged none other than Claire. Seeing her, I asked in shock:

“What are you doing here?”

“Oh… uh… When I visited the Church recently, I was tasked with dealing with the Demonkin.”

“…Who issued the task?”

“Um…” Claire hesitated, glancing at me nervously before answering carefully.

“The Pope did.”

Oh, come on.

If it’s a task issued by the Pope, that means we’re about to be swarmed by some of the most elite adventurers out there.

“Hyun Woo? Why—?”

“Alright, let’s move! Quickly!” I shouted, motioning everyone toward the mountain trail.

TL Note: Rate us on NOVEL UPDATES