Retry

W-What just happened?

Did we get attacked? But I dont see any injuries.

As the self-proclaimed hero who had been effortlessly pushing back the Demon Kings executive suddenly had their helmet shattered into pieces, a wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.

Huh? Somethings strange.

I cant see clearly its dim.

But that confusion was only for a moment before people started bombarding each other with questions.

The Heros face which had been previously concealed by the helmet, appeared blurred to their eyes for some unknown reason.

Damn.

As the atmosphere around them became chaotic, Ruby suddenly covered her face with her hands and dashed off somewhere.

He-Hero? Where are you going Eek!?

W-Wait a moment! That monster is

Ignoring the confused cries of the people, Ruby swiftly reached the exit of the slave market.

Kugwagwang!!

Amidst the chaos, she destroyed the collapsed pillars blocking the exit with a single strike and swiftly escaped outside.

.

Krrr

In the market, the quiet wailing of Miho, who had transformed into a monster, echoed for a while.

Uhah, uhahaha! Uhahahahahaha!!

Dmir Khan, who had been gasping for breath with one of his arms missing, suddenly burst into loud laughter.

Indeed, its you I couldnt believe you orchestrated such a scheme

His expression was indifferent despite all the eyes fixed on him.

I never imagined that you would be able to pinpoint the Heros true identity like this. You truly are amazing.

D-Dmir Khan. We should leave this place quickly

Lemerno, you must admit it now.

Lemerno tried to lift him up, frowning at Dmir Khans words, as the latter smiled as if losing an arm meant nothing.

The Hero was really a woman, just as he claimed.

D-Did you see? The face?

It was for a split second, but I was focused enough to roughly make out It was indeed a woman.

No, wait a minute. Even if thats true, just because shes a woman

Lemerno began to argue, but Dmir Khan slyly laughed, cutting him off.

Of course, thats not all. She overwhelmed me to this extent and even had the Heros weapon, right? So, she is definitely the Hero.

Then

Yes, now we have to search for an orphan girl with ruby eyes. I can guess her body shape to some extent, and Ive seen her facial features, so we might be able to identify her quickly.

As Dmir Khan spoke excitedly, Lemerno sighed and said,

Sorry to ruin your good mood but something still seems amiss.

Huh?

Well, its strange that he didnt tell us if this was part of the plan from the beginning The Heros armament suddenly breaking is suspicious as well, and

S-Stop right there!!

As Lemerno hesitantly shared his opinion, looking at Dmir Khans distorted expression, he quietly sighed as he heard a sudden shout in front of him.

Lets get out of here first and then discuss it.

Understood. All troops, retreat.

At those words, Dmir Khan nodded and issued a retreat order to the Demon Kings army.

Ha, if you dont surrender, well attack Whoa!

In an instant, Lemereno disappeared into thin air along with Dmir Khan.

What, what just happened?

Goodness, we see all sorts of things.

At least they retreated. I dont know what we would have done if they had attacked.

With that, the tense Imperial Knights advanced slowly and let out a sigh.

Dont let your guard down yet. The enemy is still out there.

Until then, Clana, who had been glaring at Miho, spoke to them in a fierce voice.

Yes, yes, sir!

Sigh.

Clana then turned her gaze away from the armed Imperial Knights and spoke to Irina, who stood by her side.

Have all the slaves managed to escape?

Yeah, even the young slaves who were left behind during the battle have entered the cabinets in each area.

Phew Weve survived the crisis for now. But the real problem lies ahead.

Yeah, we need to figure out what to do with the escaped slaves and

As Irina was answering Clanas question, her voice trailed off as she noticed Miho, who had been drooling uncontrollably.

How to deal with that thing.

At the end of her words, a brief silence hung between them.

Is that thing a monster?

Yeah, its in a state of both berserkness and demonification. Plus, according to Frey, it possesses the ability to drain peoples life force If were not careful, everyone here could be in danger.

Upon hearing that, Clana clenched her fists, preparing to speak, but Irina interrupted.

Wait here until you fully recover your mana. Ill take care of it

Dont worry, everyone.

.!!!

Freys voice rang in their minds, causing them to widen their eyes and shout internally.

Frey! We were so worried!

Where are you? Why havent you contacted us until now?

Soon, Irina joined in, and not long after, Freys responded.

Ill explain later. For now, I need to fight the one in front of us.

What?

What did you say?

Confused by Freys sudden remark, the two tilted their heads and asked.

Look up to the second floor.

Freys voice echoed in their minds once again.

Ah.

As they both glanced upward, they saw Frey shaking something in his hand and finally began to understand.

I dont know why, but that guy is currently demonized, you see? So I can control it with this.

What Frey was shaking was nothing else but the Stone of Domination.

The stone they had previously risked their lives to obtain was now showing its true worth.

Earlier, the intruder interrupted and lowered your impact, right? So now, its time to really show you to the people.

As Frey spoke, he gently stroked the stone, prompting Miho to slowly raise her head and stare at the two of them.

Mix in some flashy techniques and show off your skills, and then subdue the creature. And dont hand it over to anyone; you two will be responsible for transporting it.

Understood.

Well do our best.

After nodding at Freys instructions, the two began to quietly gather magical power in their bodies.

Kania.

Yes, my lord.

Frey, who had been quietly watching them, started talking to Kania with a calm expression.

Did you see it too?

Are you talking about the ruby-colored eyes?

Yes, the ruby-colored eyes.

As Frey nodded, Kania responded with a dark expression.

Considering that person was wearing the same armor as the hero from that time it must be the same person who fought against the Secret Lord of the family, right?

Yeah.

Ill do some investigation. With a similar build and ruby-colored eyes, it might be easier to find them than anticipated

Its the Demon King.

Excuse me?

As she supported the exhausted Frey and spoke with a worried expression, Kania gritted her teeth at Freys words and asked in surprise.

What do you mean?

The Demon King is pretending to be the Hero.

..!

As Frey confirmed it once more, Kanias expression shifted to one of bewilderment.

Howhow could that be?

I saw it during the second ordeal, the Demon Kings ruby-colored eyes.

But, just because of that

Moreover, Dmir Khan was overwhelmingly defeated, wasnt he? It becomes evident when you consider that. I dont know their motives, but the Demon King is impersonating the Jero.

Upon hearing those words, Kania bit her lip and sank into thought.

In any case, we should visit the orphanage we established soon.

The orphanage?

Yes.

Freys voice lowered as he began to mutter with a faint smile on his lips.

Theres a very suspicious person there.

Kwaagwagwag!!

Suddenly, a loud noise came from below.

Kuooooooo!!!

Everyone, back off! Well handle this!

If you dont want to die, get back! Hurry!

The battle between Miho, who was being controlled by Frey, and the two girls had begun.

Boom

Spark!!!

The radiant golden mana and the still dazzling but diminished fireball collided like dancing flames, marking the end of the third main quest.

Oh, right. Thanks, Kania.

Feeling grateful, Frey suddenly smiled and thanked Kania.

Huh?

You were the one who came up with the idea to control Miho using the Stone of Domination. And you were also the one who restored my vitality after Miho drained it.

As Frey grinned, Kania countenance turned awkward.

No, it wasnt me.

What?

While its true that I arrogantly opened the door and used the Stone of Domination to restore your life force, I wasnt the first one to use it.

Hearing that, Freys expression froze and he tilted his head in confusion

Then, who was the one to initially subdued Miho Wait a minute. Why was Miho demonized in the first place?

Come to think of it, I faintly heard an arrogant voice when I lost consciousness.

When you lost consciousness?

As Frey quietly mumbled after hearing Kanias words,

Thats right

She soon remembered Ferloche, whom she had encountered just before blacking out, and murmured thoughtfully.

We need to find Ferloche.

Heh.

Around the time the third main quest was being resolved,

Hehe, hehehe

Ferloche Astellade,

Uhuhuhuhuhuhu

Was sitting alone in the dark cellar of the slave market, emitting a bone-chilling laugh.

Success? Is it a success? Have I finally succeeded?

The laughter alone could send shivers down most peoples spines.

Finally, finally, can I save him?

But due to the tears streaming down her face, her laughter appeared not only chilling but also bizarre.

Who is he? Whom must I protect? Why cant I remember? Do I have to remember? Is that it?

As Ferloche spent a long time tearing at her hair, alternating between laughter and tears,

Squeak

Hello! Frey!!

Upon hearing the sound of the cellar door opening, she exclaimed with a wide smile.

Its me, Serena.

Huh?

However, the person entering the basement wasnt Frey, as Ferloche had anticipated, but Serena for some unknown reason.

I arrived as fast as possible and quickly assessed the situation, but it was already over. So, I came to the place where you might be

Who are you?

Serena, who was speaking calmly, froze as Ferloche spoke with a puzzled expression.

Im Serena. Serena Lunar Moonlight.

Ah~!

As Serena, who had remained still for a while, spoke in a low voice, Ferloche clapped her hands and said,

Im sorry! I forgot!

Her tone was as silly as usual, but Serena couldnt laugh at all.

You

Huh?

How many times has this occurred?

Upon hearing the incomprehensible sound escaping Serenas mouth, Ferloche began to tilt her head.

What do you mean?

How many times have you repeatedly created a situation like this?

As she said this, Serena unfolded the last three pages of the diary she had been holding.

Flip.

July 12, Year

No MAtter if I have to give up my legs or arms.

Someday, Ill definitely heal all the sick people sitting on the streets! Absolutely! In order to create a world where everyone is happy, I will give it my all!

Flip

July 13, Year

I Never thought this daY would come.

Im truly overwhelmed!

We had a meeting!

With Clana, we discussed how to scold Frey! But its strange! Clanas attitude isnt as poisonous as it used to be! This is really a big deal!

Oh, by the way, I declared myself Freys partner today!

Flip.

July 14, Year

Ill think About it in due TIME.

What I should write next

Because

Snap!

With these conditions, Ive never made it this far.

As she read the last part of the diary and closed it, Serena spoke softly to Ferloche, who had now reverted to a desolate gaze.

No MAtter if I have to give up my legs or arms, I Never thought this daY would come, Ill think About it in due TIME.

Ha.

MA-N-Y A TIME.

Hahahahaha, hahahahahahahaha.

Upon hearing that, Ferloche suddenly burst into laughter, and Serena asked with a trembling voice.

So, how many times is this?

I forgot.

Ferloche replied to her with an empty laugh.

How can I remember all that?

.

Thats why Im going to count again from now on.

..!

I forgot to bring the diary, so I have no other choice.

As Ferloche muttered in a low voice, looking at Serena, who was wide-eyed and about to speak,

Retry.

And then the world turned upside down.

Will I be able to atone for my sins in this round?

Along with her real voice, filled with sorrow and regret, which was unlike the usual foolish one.