Popular NPC in a Gender-Reversed Game-Chapter 104: Plains

The Demon.

Now a familiar name, there are two main ways to summon them.

The first is by finding a shrine and directly offering mana. Though it’s troublesome to find the shrine, the advantage is that it doesn’t require a manifestor.

The second is the more common method, where the manifestor becomes the demon and slaughters people. The humans who die in this way become materials for the demon’s descent.

Though the methods differ, they share one commonality: there is always a clear visible cause. Either way, both methods involve offering some sort of ‘energy,’ directly so.

Thus, before a demon descends, there are always visible signs. The Lemegaton might suddenly start moving busily, or a demon might appear and cause a tragedy.

However, this time, no such cause has been discovered.

As the 2nd Knight Commander made a shocked expression, 5th Knight Commander Serena continued speaking.

“You know, right? The 3rd Knight Commander and I were sent to investigate the Lemegaton.”

“Right.”

“I heard about the demon’s descent during that time, and even the Lemegaton seemed to be flustered. There should have been someone in charge of the shrine, so they were wondering why there was no explanation.”

“Could it be that they couldn’t find the cause? A demon appeared, but since it happened in such a remote place, there was no news?”

It was a reasonable question. 2nd Knight Commander, Odellia, asked Serena.

“No. I did my best to investigate. It certainly came from the shrine... But I don’t think another group was involved. It just... naturally resurrected.”

When I heard that, something suddenly came to mind.

It was the demon ‘Barbatos,’ who resides in the forest where I live. Now that I think about it, it was also preparing for its own descent while gathering herbs.

Perhaps the demon that appeared this time is a similar case.

But unlike Barbatos, this demon wasn’t discovered until it was released from the shrine.

“Ha... So, who is this demon? Usually, when one appears, it introduces itself.”

“That’s....”

The discussion continued after that. They talked about who the demon was, where it came from, how much damage had been done, and what abilities it had. Serena, who had done the investigation, seemed to know quite a bit.

Vivian, who had gone with them, was only picking at her food.

As I listened, an odd question arose in my mind.

‘Why are they discussing this in front of me?’

This is probably classified information. Why am I being seated at the table while they discuss it? Is it because the information will spread soon anyway?

Or are they just trying to take care of things all at once since they’re already gathered?

While I thought about that, 2nd Knight Commander Odellia spoke.

"So we need to urgently form a team... What about you, manifestor? Do you want to join?"

It was an unexpected offer to recruit me.

When I heard that, I mentally applauded myself.

‘Ah, I see.’

I had a hunch before, but now I’m sure of their intentions.

The reason for issuing the extermination order, the Emperor’s sudden kindness, and the reason the knights are gathering and discussing this—it’s all to recruit me.

‘They want to make use of me as a part of the nation’s strength.’

I mean, it might sound a bit self-promoting, but I’m quite a useful asset. I could easily shut the nobles up with actual results.

“Of course, I’ll make sure it’s not inconvenient for you. If you participate and contribute, you’ll receive the same reward.”

I thought about it for a moment after hearing that.

In the past, I wouldn’t have cared if a demon appeared or not, but now demons are important to me too.

Because if I capture them, maybe my berserk state will be lifted.

Of course, the chance of that happening is incredibly slim, and I’m not even sure if it’s true.

But if there’s any chance at all, I have to cling to it. I can’t live my whole life suffering from berserk state.

In that sense, I’d welcome the addition of more strength. After all, demons are all powerful beings.

But...

“Unfortunately, I’m not planning on joining.”

The words that came out of my mouth were a refusal.

I’m not exactly on good terms with them, so joining the knights just like that wouldn’t be right.

And frankly, I haven’t shaken off my resentment toward the Empire «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» yet.

After all, I’ve been persecuted for over ten years. How could I get over that so quickly?

Even if I joined the knights, the atmosphere would be awkward, and I’m not confident I can stand such an uncomfortable atmosphere.

I continued.

“Instead, I’ll pursue the demon separately. If the knights are in battle, I’ll offer help.”

“Really...? Hmm, alright.”

Odellia nodded, showing some disappointment but not pressing further. It seemed like they weren’t too eager to convince me, probably because the situation was uncomfortable for both sides.

However, I still had something I wanted to ask for.

“Before we leave, can you give me some support?”

“...What?”

“You’re letting me participate in your operation, right? You’re getting paid for this, so you wouldn’t send me off empty-handed, right?”

“No... sigh, alright.”

Serena gave me a look that clearly didn’t appreciate my request.

“By the way, let me remind you, knights fight for honor and to protect the nation and the people.”

“Hmm?”

“They don’t just do it for the money. If you were only looking for money, you could’ve just become an adventurer.”

It seemed like my remark about working for a salary had struck a nerve. Maybe she takes pride in being a knight.

I said sarcastically.

“I’m sorry, I’m too far removed from honor to understand that.”

Honestly, I wanted to tease them more since they were probably feeling frustrated about being scolded by me, but I held back because it seemed like it could turn into a real fight.

While I kept quiet, Serena sighed and asked.

“So, what kind of support do you need?”

“It’s nothing too big. Just some light supplies and holy water.”

“Hmmm...”

When Serena heard “holy water,” she tilted her head for a moment.

But only for a moment, as she nodded as if it was easily doable.

Inside, I was quietly celebrating.

I’d been feeling the berserk state approaching, and I never thought I’d be able to get holy water like this.

‘Lucky me.’

With the holy water in hand, I smiled slyly and left the meeting room first.

It was a bit embarrassing, but it had been a day with some gains.

"I can’t believe it. That guy, who looks like a thug, beat Railly?"

“Well, he’s handsome...”

“Calm down, Serena. But that composure is real. To think he wasn’t intimidated even with three knights in front of him... I guess his heart is made of iron.”

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After Yoru and Hanbyeol left, the knights stayed behind and continued their discussion.

It was a meeting, but also a chance to evaluate the recent encounter with him.

Since they hadn’t actually seen the battle, the only thing they could judge was his attitude. Looking at it, it was clear that he wasn’t ordinary.

Normally, people would shrink in front of high-ranking knights.

Whether due to their status or their imposing presence, it’s natural to feel intimidated.

Even someone as strong-willed as Shin Hanbyeol seemed to have stiffened up.

But, given that he had once been driven to the edge of death by the world itself, perhaps that was why.

He didn’t flinch. Instead, he calmly demanded his share, despite the situation.

“This is because you, Vivian, are too easy to read. You keep slouching, and that’s why they see you as weak!”

“Sorry...”

Though they all had different thoughts, they appreciated his bravery.

At least they wouldn’t have to worry about him running away in front of a demon.

The Empire was in desperate need of every man they could get, even if there were some complaints around him.

‘At the very least, we can’t let him slip away to other places.’

They each thought this as they looked at the door through which Yoru had exited.

A week passed by again.

Having bravely endured Berserk A, I started preparing for my journey.

This time, it was a trip to capture the demon ranked 63rd, Andras.

Naturally, I didn’t wear a hood this time. I had a great identification tag.

To think I could leave the forest without covering my face— that realization made a small smile tug at my lips.

As always, my companions for the trip were Chae-rin and Hanul.

I wasn’t familiar with the geography, and I had become too accustomed to the information from otherworlders by now.

“Ah... It’s been quiet for a while, but looks like it’s appeared again. How did you hear about it?”

“Yeah, we only heard about it recently, too.”

“Well, it’s a bit of a story...”

The destination was the cracked plains in the southwest.

It was the first place it had been discovered, and they said it was still wreaking havoc there.

Honestly, I didn’t have much of a plan.

I just wondered what kind of demon it was this time...

“We’ll need to check with the caravan first.”

“Right. But I wonder if there’s a caravan going there right now?”

“Hm? Didn’t we just hire a driver last time to get there?”

Chae-rin answered my question.

“The southwest is a bit far. It’s cheaper to find a caravan and escort it there.”

“How far is it?”

“Hmm... At the very least, it’ll take us more than a week just to get there.”

“...Really?”

I dropped my jaw. Looks like this trip was going to take quite a while.