Chapter 12

After finding out the reason for his harsh treatment, Zich began to feel a small amount of guiltand sympathy. However, itended there.

I cant change whathasalready happened.LikeI thought, I can just help them later.

Zich coolly passed on dealing with theaftermathof his doings to the rest of the family and began preparing for his journey. The first thing he had to do was figureout what to pack.

Even if I prepare, I cant get everything I needinSteelwall anyways.

But there was nothing to worry about.

If Im missing something, I can buy it on the way.

Even if Zich was basically an abandoned child, it didnt change the fact that he was the first son of the Steelwall family. He had a certain amount of savings and inheritance that he could easily secure. The first thing he did was go to a pawn shop and sellthe many gems he possessed. He was able to obtain a large sum from this, and with the money in his pockets, he headed towards the armory shop.

As expected of an armory shop in the capitalits enormous.

A wooden sign with a drawing of a sword and shield shook with the wind. No matter what countryorwhat type of leader they were, they all hated armedcommoners. People in power were afraid that armed commoners would point their swords against them. However, the forest was crawling with monsters, and the commoners had no choice but to arm themselves.

Even if they were weak or were unable to fight, they had to request professionals to fight for them. For this reason, armory shops were prolific in the Kingdom.

Of course, there is a clear difference in the number and quality of supplies from store tostore, but this is true for any goods.

Zich opened the stores door and went in. Numerous weapons and shields hung on the walls, andweapons filled up the showcase fromback to back.

Welcome!

The store owner enthusiastically welcomed Zich and Hans inside. Since it was common for armory shops to have many rough customers, store owners often acted rough, but this place seemed to have at least some sort of customer service.

Is there an item you are looking for?!

Zichstoppedthe store owner who was coming closer and pulled out a sword next to him. The sunlight seeped through the window and sharplyreflected offthe sword.

Ting!

Zich flicked his fingers on the sword a few times.

The sound is okay.

Then, he tried swinging the sword.

Swish!

He made a clean half-circle with the sword.Standing awkwardlyin the corner with his shoulders hunched, Hans felt a shiver run down his back.

He really is a genius in sword fighting.

When Hans saw Zich and Greig fight, he thought Zichs sword fighting skills were extraordinary.

But it was even more impressive than what Hans had thought. Even from a distance, Hans could feel the murderous intent from Zichs sword.

The balance is alright.

Zich was satisfied with the sword. Of course, this sword could not compare to the weapons he had when he was the Demon Lord.Quality-wise, this sword was even worse than the one he had brought from Steelwall.

This is good enough.

Zich decided to buy the sword if it was not too expensive. Then, he put back the sword he took out and dragged Hans to where the short swords were.

These are also pretty okay.

Zich picked out a suitable short sword and passed it onto Hans after testing it out.

Why would you give me this, sir...?

Thats yours from now on

What?

Well, we dont know whats going to happen in the future, so its good for you to have a weapon. I will be protecting you in general, but we should also prepare for the worst-case scenario.

T-Then wouldnt a different type of sword be better, sir?

Hans eyesshiftedover to where the long swords were. From the outside, long swordslooked stronger than short swords. Zichlet out a chuckleand lightly hit Hans back.

And will you be able to handle it? Before you pierce your enemies, you're going to cut yourhands. You should be satisfied with this before I give you a club. No, woulda club actually be better?

Hans acceptedthe short sword with no further complaints. A short sword was much better than a club.

Sir Zich, what about you?

I have this.

Zich tapped the sword on his waist. Since it was a sword from Steelwall, the quality was better than most swords. After he bought a spare sword and a sword to do menial tasks for himself and Hans, he shifted his attention towards the armor. Like a scarecrow, several pieces of armor hung on a wooden pole. Most of the armorwasmade out of thick cloth or fur and had wood or metal on the body's vital areas. Zich whole-heartedly laughed at Hans disappointed eyes.

I bet you are wondering why thereisno plate armorand why we are in such a cheap-assstore like this.

Wh-what? No, of course not, sir!

Hans fervently denied Zichs claims, but his nervous hiccups betrayed him. The store owner, who had quietly been watching Zich assess the weapons in his store with great expertise, looked at Hans with disappointment. The store owner didnt look angry, but he also seemed to think that Hans was pathetically nave.

Even though being armed is a necessity in this world, metal plate armor is ridiculouslyexpensive. If a store like this actuallysold metalplate armor, the owner wouldbe out of his mind.

The store owner nodded in agreement.

Try wearing this first.

Zich threw leather armor at Hans. The armor was tied with a stringin theback and had metalplateson the chest and joint areas to increase defense. Hans grabbed the armor, but he hesitated. As a servant who did house chores, there was no way he knew how to putanarmor on.

I will put it on for you.

The store owner offered his help.

Memorize the steps.

Following Zichs order, Hans opened his eyes wide to remember. He watched the store owner put the armor on him and tried to memorize each step. Since the store owner was experienced, it did not take long for him to finish. Hans looked down at his armored body in fascination.

Likewise, Zich put on a similar leather armor as Hans. However, unlike Hans, he was skillful at

putting on the armor. It was fascinating for Hans to watch Zich who was now checking the armor out with different movements.

Where did you learn these types of things, Sir Zich?

Here and there.

It was not a satisfactory answer, but Hans could not ask further.

After making sure that the armor did not inhibit his movements by tightly holding onto his fistsfor the last time, Zich shouted,Okay, all set! Give me the check!

* * *

After buying basic weaponry, Zich began to prepare for other things he needed on his journey. He packed items such as blankets, flint for outdoor camping, and foods likejerky. After they finished purchasing all thenecessary items, Hans and Zich looked like travelers. Then, they went outside the walls that surrounded Steelwalls capital, Violsa.

As they went out, Hans and Zichs expressions directly contrasted each other. Zich was in a good mood and hummedeven his footsteps were light and easy. On the other hand, Hans expression was dark and gloomy.

Sir, have you decided on your destination?

They had no specific plans, and Hans was unable to see his future in this journey, but hewanted to know at least where they were heading.

Porti.

Isnt Porti a city in our neighborsterritory, sir?

Yeah. I want to get out of this territory first. So, Im going to go to the nearest region, which isPorti and see how things go from there.

Like before, Zich seemed to be moving without plans, but it wasnt like he had no plans at all.

Should I try to find those guys?

Before he regressed, Zich had four retainers. As expected of retainers of the Demon Lord, they were all crazy bastards, but there wereafew people Zich considered as his comrades. Before he regressed, they all died earliertoGlen Zenard, but they were all probably alive at this point in time.

Of course, they were no longer the subordinates he knew.

But I still want to check on how they are doing.

Moreover, from what Zich knew, his underlings also had their fair share of sufferings and troubles.

As I travel around, I will look for them if I remember. And if they are in trouble, I can help them.

Hans looked up at the sky.In contrast towhat he was feeling, the sky was overwhelmingly bright and blue. It was hard to move his feet forward; it felt like something was grabbinghis ankles and not letting go.

But I still have to go.

Hans did not know what would happen if he slowed down Zich. Contrary to his expectations, Zich was treating him very well. However, this still didnt mean that Hans felt comfortable around Zich. Hans fixed the position of the bag he was holding and followed Zich from behind.

At least I should be thankful that our next destination is a city.

Although hespent all of his life in Steelwall, even Hans knew about Portiathat was how famous and bustling the city was. Hans felt reassured to find out their first location and thought that it would be more comfortable to go to a famous citythan to goto a random, strange who-knows-where place.

But only after a half of a day since their departure from Violsa, Hans realized that he had been too nave.

Sir Z-Zich? Are we strayingfrom the path?

Hans, who had been quietly following Zich, spoke while trembling after Zich began to stray off.

I know.

But Zichs footsteps did not stop.

Isnt thatnotthe path, sir?

I told you, I know.

Insecurity began to rise in Hans heart slowly. Hans desperately wished that Zich was straying awayfrom the pathfor a moment to pee or something like that. And like usual wishes that arose in moments of insecurity, it seemed his wish would not come true.

Is there a reason why we need to follow the path and go around and around? If we go straight like this, we can reach Portia in half the time.

Listening to him plainly, Zich was right. However, as Hans looked at the bright green anddensely packed forest, he could not agree with Zichs comments.

E-even if the distance is longer,I think it will take a shorter amount of timeif wefollow the path, sir.

What are you talking about? Lets go.

And that was all there was from Zich. Hans knew Zich would never listen to him, so like a cowdragged into a slaughterhouse, he pulled his body forward.

* * *

There were many reasons why people followed a path, but the main reason was safety. If they strayed from the trail, travelers could meet beasts that could kill ordinary people with a single bite and other dangers. However, if someone interviewed a hundred people about what they thought was the most dangerous thing outside of the path, all hundred would say monsters.

Monsters had strong physical strength; some possessedmagicalabilities, and a few even had special abilities. They were currently the biggest threat to humanitys survival.

On thebrightside, humans workedhardto expel monsters from areas where humans normally lived, so there were very few monsters in largely populated areas. Even Hans had never seen a monster before. Once, hesawa monster from far away when the knights had brought monster corpses to the castle. However, despite all of this, if people strayed even a little bit off the path, they could be attacked by many monsters lurking around.

So, it was completely expected when Zich and Hans soon metsomemonsters.

Sir Z-Zich! T-th-there!

Stop being so loud. Is this your first time seeing a monster?

Hanslegs trembled in shock,whileZich calmly looked on.

Krrrgh!

A bright yellow beingthatalmost looked like a patient with its deep yellow eyesyelled ferociously at them.

What is that?

Thats a goblin.

A-agoblin, sir?

Curiosity was part of human nature, and Hans could not help but ask despite his fear.

The goblin wasbarely a metertall. It wore nothing, anditsonly form of weapon was awooden stick that was crudely shaped into a bludgeon. To be honest, the goblin didnt look frightening at all.

I-Is it actually not a big deal at all?

Even in the heroic novels that Hans read, goblins were not depicted as strong monsters. They merely came out as weak footmen for mighty demons.

As a result, Hans began to gain confidence.

I-I think I might be able to beat a monster of that level.

Hans hands began to move towards the short sword on his waist.

Why, you think you can beat a goblin?

Yes? N-no, it is not like that, sir.

Hans felt overwhelmed whenever he interacted with Zich, so he denied everything Zich said. Zich might say that Hans did not know his place and scold him again.

However, Zich gave Hans a completely unexpected response.

You want to try fighting him?

Me?

Yeah, who else but you?

With Zichs words, Hans felt his heart beating fiercely from fear and nervousness. Fighting with agoblin was a real-life experience with his life on the line. On the other hand, Hans wanted to try listening to his confidence.

Its just a goblin. Wouldnt it be alright with Sir Zich? If I want to continue traveling, it will be good for me to gain combat experience early on.

And who knewwhat wouldhappen in the future? Maybe the tale of The Great Hero Hans wouldbegin from this fight.

Hans thoughts were nave and childish, but it was also expected from someone who was young and had just lefthis house.

I will try, sir.

Hans pulled out his sword.