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HEL SCANS
[Translator – Night]
[Proofreader – Gun]
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Chapter 169
The bright summer sun shone vividly along the dirt road.
The path leading to Solintail was as beautiful as a painting.
Rustle –
The gentle breeze that seeped into the carriage swayed the two girls’ hair back and forth.
Ah, the smell of manure.
Cuculli chuckled.
Evergreen, who had been hesitant for some reason, finally opened her mouth.
“Well, there….”
“Huh?”
“Our territory, you know, there might not be much to see, being quite rural… would it be okay to spend the vacation in a place like this?”
It was a worry that persisted throughout the journey from the beginning.
Ah, this adorable child!
Cuculli laughed heartily and patted Evergreen’s back.
“Even if it’s quite rural, would it be worse than North Hale? My hometown is all about snow.”
“It’s all just grass here….”
Even monsters occasionally pop out.
“… I don’t know, anyway, don’t be too disappointed.”
Evergreen leaned back with a deep sigh.
And she looked at the girl with blue hair, which perfectly matched the scenery of the pasture.
.
.
.
Although the semester ended and vacation began, Cuculli did not return to her hometown.
[What would I do here?’
It’s midsummer.
The tribal people would have moved deeper into the northern regions, where they would be engaged in training and hunting.
The routine that had continued without fail for a dozen years.
There was no desire to repeat it again this year.
‘And dad’s not there.’
He was absent for some reason.
There were a few communications after the vacation started, but…
“As long as nothing goes wrong. Take care of yourself.”
It ended shortly due to being very busy.
There was no explanation as usual.
Anyway, for various reasons, Cuculli didn’t want to go back to the north.
But it’s not like staying at the academy or heading to the capital….
‘It’s too peaceful.’
There were no classes, so it would be boring.
The moment she was pondering, Evergreen came into her view.
Solintail.
Located in the northeast of the continent, it’s cool even in midsummer.
Being near the Great Mountain Range, monsters sometimes appear.
Moreover, specialty products include various livestock raised in the pastures!
“I’ve decided!”
…Thus, Cuculli’s journey to Solintail was decided.
Although Evergreen was momentarily embarrassed, she eventually accepted the invitation.
For her, it was the first time a friend had come to visit her distant and secluded hometown, and she was very happy…
‘Maybe Cuculli could help with monster extermination?’
Naturally, such expectations followed.
Although Evergreen felt a bit calculating, she couldn’t help it.
The safety of Solintail was her top priority.
“Huh?”
At that moment, Cuculli, who was sticking her head out of the window, made a sound.
“Why?”
“Hey, those two, aren’t those your parents?”
Upon hearing that, Evergreen jumped up from her seat.
Bang –
She hit her head hard on the ceiling, but without showing any signs of pain, she bounced off.
The carriage hadn’t even stopped.
“Mom! Dad!”
Evergreen ran to them and hugged her parents tightly.
“Oh, our daughter. Look how thin your face has gotten.”
“Honey, her cheeks are still chubby, what are you talking about.”
“Wasn’t the journey tiring? Didn’t you feel sick?”
“What sickness riding and shooting arrows while flying… anyway, aren’t you hungry?”
The couple conversed back and forth while hugging their daughter tightly.
Cuculli’s azure eyes began to sparkle as she watched the three who had suddenly become lively.
They resembled Evergreen a lot.
Even their fair blonde hair and rosy faces.
And the fact that they laughed so freely and warmly, as if they were not nobles at all.
‘Parents… huh.’
If Evergreen had turned her head to look at Cuculli at the right moment, she might have noticed a surprisingly envious expression.
…But that faint envy disappeared quickly.
Cuculli also jumped off the carriage and cheerfully shouted.
“Mother! Father! Hug me too!”
Oh, our daughter’s friend. Thank you for coming all this way.
Welcome to Solintail.
How wonderful our daughter’s friend is, they praised…
And various grand welcoming greetings followed.
“Hurry inside. We have a cow waiting.”
“Wow!”
Cuculli happily entered Solintail.
* * *
A man of uncertain identity, whether a guard or a bandit, approached.
“You’d better be careful. The urban atmosphere these days is quite unpredictable.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
With a sigh, the Hero passed through the main gate of Canis, reminiscing about the past ten days.
After receiving protection from Larzé, they soon parted ways in District 43.
She departed for District 1, and he embarked on his journey back to the Western Continent.
The journey was rough.
He was followed by remnants of the Demonic Church, and both bandits disguised as scouts and demons threatened him persistently.
Until he returned to the Great Mountain Range from the Demonic Realm, there was no day without bloodshed.
However, thanks to that, he adapted to the practices of seasons and paradoxes much faster than before.
▼
…The production of seasons is progressing smoothly.
▲
Such comments were received several times.
Indeed, replicating and using the abilities of the children had become much more proficient than before.
Since each of them possessed different combat skills, the combinations of techniques were endless, and the Hero could establish quite a few new combat styles.
Now, he could find the most advantageous way to fight under any conditions.
But it wasn’t just that.
‘…His blessing is indeed a blessing.’
The “paradox” had benefits far beyond their expectations.
It could be described as a kind of extensive buff/debuff ability.
However, unlike conventional curses or enhancement spells, it didn’t confine itself to a specific form but weakened or strengthened in every form imaginable.
“Strength increases.”
“Body feels lighter.”
“Pain disappears.”
“Senses sharpen.”
And various enhancements like that.
“Heaviness increases.”
“Sensory loss.”
“Loses control of mana.”
And debuffs like that.
Of course, the effects weren’t always 100% effective against formidable opponents, but it didn’t matter.
Amidst the fierce back and forth of battle, the ability to immediately affect oneself and the opponent greatly increased their power several times over.
‘If I end up fighting with children later, it might be a good idea to use it to strengthen them.’
That was one of the abilities he needed most right now.
For just investing one month, the results were good.
Moreover…
▼
The First Era – Part III is available for viewing.
▲
If they were to return to Rosenstark and confirm Zero’s memories, there would be ways for further growth.
However, the Hero had no intention of returning straight to the academy.
There were still matters to be resolved, the punctuation mark of this journey yet to be written.
Above all, the need for a bath and well-cooked food was urgent.
With a sigh, the Hero headed for the inn.
Returning to Canis after a long time, it remained the same.
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HEL SCANS
[Translator – Night]
[Proofreader – Gun]
Join our Discord for release updates!
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Suspicious sounds and screams echoed and disappeared in every alley.
People moved about with gloomy faces, casting glances in all directions.
But there was one noticeable change…
“Hear ye, hear ye!”
A young man with a mischievous face ran down the street.
Paparalalak!
One of the paper bundles fluttered towards his face in the air.
The Hero reached out and grabbed it.
The words “DEAD OR ALIVE” were the first thing that caught their eye.
Come to think of it, the surrounding walls were covered with similar papers.
Wanted Information
Name: Kasim
Gender: Male
Age: Estimated to be in his mid-thirties
Physical Characteristics: Southern appearance, nondescript skin, tall, brown hair, brown eyes…
Notes:
Uses various weapons such as swords, bows, and several types of spears; owns a doll the size of a palm
Frequently engages in conversations with the doll
Rather than attempting to subdue immediately due to his formidable strength, prioritize reconnaissance and reporting
Bounty:
Dead or Alive – 1000 gold
Critical tip – 50 gold
False tips and jokes declined
A large black arrow symbol was drawn at the bottom of the wanted poster.
In fact, on his way back, he had encountered scouts from the Black Arrow Faction searching the Demonic Realm.
Swish-
The Hero reflexively felt their face.
Large pupils and straight, angular features for a man.
His excessively pale skin didn’t quite fit the southern appearance.
The essence of Delian Cruze, the painter, emanated from him.
“1000 gold? We could just catch him right here and now, couldn’t we?”
“Stop dreaming. He’s soaked the Black Arrow in blood. Do you think he’ll just let us catch him?”
“At least we can provide a tip.”
The residents chattered about the windfall without even realizing the protagonist was next to them.
The Hero entered the inn with a wry smile.
.
.
.
After completing all preparations, the Hero locked the door and drew the curtains.
Then, sitting at the desk, he opened an old diary.
Despite his hands being completely black, there was nothing written on the pages.
From the first page to the last, it was all blank.
However, the Hero’s expression remained unchanged, thanks to the fact that the owner of the diary was skilled in illusion magic.
“Reveal yourself.”
Intervention by the paradox occurred in the diary.
A sound like hallucination was heard, and the letters began to appear on the page.
The Hero, with his eyes half-opened, followed them.
I swear by my soul and magic that there will not be a pinch of falsehood in the content to be recorded below.
The height of the letters was very irregular and twisted.
Tears seemed to be visible among the faint dust stains on the paper.
This is my diary and testament.
It is a confession of a man born as a clergyman who lived solely for the prosperity of the church.
.
.
.
… All tragedies began when the church succeeded in excavating one of the ancient research labs.
Archmage Zero Requiem.
It was the laboratory of his disciple, Depikio Lugo.
The appearance of an unexpected name made the Hero’s eyes tremble slightly.
The handwriting became rougher.
The clergyman who supervised the excavation of the laboratory had told everyone.
He said he had obtained data on hundreds of incomplete homunculi and their production process from Depikio Lugo’s laboratory.
After numerous reinterpretations and experiments, the leader presented us with a homunculus that was no different from a puppet.
He called the homunculi the visionary who would lead the next generation.
If it weren’t for the late confessions of those involved, I wouldn’t have known anything.
.
.
.
Wasn’t the most faithful servant, the most qualified person whom the Demon King looked down upon, to become the leader of the Church?
How can the dregs of Zero Requiem, the unholy adversary, stand over us?
The paper was crumpled, and the marks of the pen strokes were visible.
The conclusion was clear.
This religion was wrong from the foundation.
The leader who led us was not the representative of God, but just an ordinary human being.
We were not the people who boarded the ark, but a flock of false shepherds.
It was too harsh a truth for a sinner who had committed countless sins under the guise of faith to admit.
There would be no salvation for believers.
I will fall into the fires of hell.
.
.
.
This damn false group must be eradicated.
.
.
.
They’ve caught on to the plan.
We’re not fully prepared yet, but we must proceed.
.
.
.
They’re making a fuss outside.
They’re madmen who can’t expect sympathy for former comrades.
It would be wise to end my own life before their swords tear me apart.
All possible arrangements have been made.
Finally, I attach the location of Depikio Lugo’s laboratory.
The remaining truths I failed to confirm will be revealed there.
.
.
.
It was a sinful life.
I was deceived by false faith and obedient to wrong teachings.
I want to ask forgiveness from everyone I’ve harmed.
To whoever is reading this record.
I was a sinner, but I repented in the end.
Rather than succumb to fear of the future, I tried to take responsibility for my past actions.
I made an effort to find the truth beyond the illusion.
I earnestly hope that you have the same courage as me.
Sigh-
The Hero closed the diary and rubbed his tired eyes.
‘In summary…’
The betrayer realized that the demonology was a flawed religion due to the appearance of the homunculi, and he had stolen some of its power to prevent the atrocities of the church.
‘It also serves as an act of atonement.’
It was a narrative that made sense.
However, the problem was the comment that appeared after reading all the contents of the diary.
The Hero’s trembling gaze repeatedly read the brief words.
▼
Dig out the roots.
▲
…The roots?
The coordinates of Depikio’s laboratory pointed to the outskirts of the Great Forest. Interestingly, it was near where Kasim, Nyhill, Pia, and Noubelmag were headed.
——————
HEL SCANS
[Translator – Night]
[Proofreader – Gun]
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