The empire’s high command was slaughtered overnight, their screams echoing endlessly.
The people only saw the hero Gerard, who had risen from the dead, clawing his way back from hell itself.
Reclaimed power had driven him into madness, and wielding the Hero’s Sword—the very blade meant to protect the world—he exacted ruthless vengeance on everything, destroying all in his path.
That day, even the river ran red with blood.
The palace was filled with severed limbs and mangled bodies, devoid of any sign of life.
Anyone unaware would have thought the Demon King had attacked, but even Hakimi the Demon King would never be so cruel and merciless.
Yet, the Os Kingdom’s army, upon hearing this shocking news, did not halt their advance.
They marched on relentlessly toward death, standing ready.
Meanwhile, at a distance, within the Demon King’s Castle, Sig, acting as the trainer, watched the exhausted militia collapsed on the ground.
They lay motionless, only their breathing testified that they were still alive.
From his vantage point, his face wore a look of displeasure.
“These militiamen are already wiped out, and it’s just the beginning. Well, let’s take it slow.”
With that thought, he shouted around him.
“Rest for one hour.
“Then this—this is basic healing magic. Once you’re proficient, I’ll teach you more advanced techniques. After all, you have to eat one bite at a time.
“Take these spellbooks and study them. They’ll come in handy for practical combat. There are training targets not far from here.”
Nearby, the young girl Emilia sat gracefully on the lawn, diligently teaching.
Her crimson eyes scanned the few students who had successfully cast their spells, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
Her delicate hands produced the spellbooks.
Now, she had no magic left, naturally unable to use magic.
No longer under the gaze of the gods, she was no different from any ordinary person.
But the memories of her past grueling training lingered vividly, so much so that even now she could recount everything in detail.
Her gaze shifted to the child still under the gods’ watchful eyes, a hint of helplessness flashing across her face as she gently shook her head.
The awakening of a Chosen One was one in ten thousand.
It required massive resources to assist, as well as just the right external stimuli for the awakening to occur.
Without this, it was possible one might never awaken in their lifetime.
She needed to discuss this with Sig.
They needed to increase investment because the input had to exceed the output.
If even one Chosen One awakened, the militia’s combat power would improve dramatically.
Speaking of which, as if on cue, Sig casually wandered over to check the situation, humming a little tune.
Seeing Emilia’s puzzled expression, he stopped and instinctively asked,
“What’s wrong, Emilia? You’re not about to ask me for something again, are you?”
“Um, yes… actually… could I have some more money?”
The girl asked shyly.
Indeed, funds were needed.
She had spent all her previous salary on fortifications, treating the Demon King’s Castle as her own home.
Now, her pockets were completely empty.
Sig was about to refuse but, feeling the emptiness of his own pockets, realized this was just the prelude to complete exhaustion.
Still, he decided to agree.
After all, this woman wouldn’t ask for money without a serious reason.
“That’s fine. Tell me what you want or what you need money for.”
“It’s for the Chosen One awakening ceremony. As a former Saintess, of course I want to handle it, but I lack the materials and resources. Even I can’t manage it without those. You can’t cook without rice.”
She said this without hesitation, standing and stepping closer to him.
She didn’t preach about doing it for the greater good but appealed to him emotionally and logically.
Between them, the ease of conversation returned as if to old times.
She patted his empty pockets, making it clear there was nothing there.
She expressed that she was also penniless, cutting off any further questions Sig might have.
After a brief pause, she continued, leveraging her feminine charm and sounding somewhat pleading as her delicate hand lightly tugged on his sleeve.
“Can you help me, Sig?”
Seeing this, Sig nodded, about to agree, as there really was no reason to refuse.
Suddenly, a flash of realization hit him.
His pupils dilated, his body tensed as if caught in a trap set by a seductive woman.
He crossed his arms over his chest, preparing a manly last-ditch defense.
In a joking tone, with a teasing smirk, he said,
“What if I say no? Making money isn’t easy, you know. But since you’re quite pretty, maybe selling yourself would be worth something. Emilia, you have to support yourself. Asking men for money doesn’t suit your new-age woman image. Just remember to come back later.”
She clearly didn’t like this and seemed to take it seriously.
Her stunning face pouted, her ethereal voice ringing in his ears as gravity seemed to intensify around them.
“No, that’s impossible. Even I can’t accept that request. Sig, this body is only for you to enjoy. As I’ve said before, everything I have is devoted to you. No one else, no matter what.”
She took a deep breath, pressing her lips softly together.
“Even if you don’t give me money, it’s fine. I’ll find a way myself.
“But I won’t do anything that makes you uncomfortable or disgusted.
“After all, I am your future wife.”
“Alright, alright, I give up. Emilia, I really do surrender to you.”
Whether Sig was overwhelmed by the sentimentality or secretly moved, he was visibly flustered, even his breathing a bit uneven.
Without changing expression, he supported his forehead and turned away, tossing her a pouch of gold coins.
“This is all the village’s savings.
“Do what you need to do. I have things to attend to.”
He waved and left, leaving a surprised Emilia behind.
She hadn’t expected to get so much.
Holding the pouch against her proud chest, she smiled softly.
She wouldn’t betray this trust.
Her heart raced wildly.
As if recalling something, she raised her hand above her head, waving it back and forth, then called out toward Sig’s fading figure in the distance.
“That’s right, I’ll be going out alone next.
“Please grant me permission for an outdoor teleportation, Sig, and also the summoning artifact…”
Before she could finish, a voice came from right beside her.
“…”
The next moment, he appeared at her side, looking at the girl with a puzzled expression, his hand resting on her fragrant shoulder.
“Don’t you need me to accompany you?”
“No need. It’s just some shopping. Besides, you have plenty to do now. We’ll be more efficient if we split up.”
Although she longed to cling to Sig forever, even dreaming of it, her cheeks flushed faintly.
But some things had to be prioritized.
She didn’t want trivial feelings to get in the way of important matters, so naturally, she made this suggestion.
He said nothing more, thinking it over, then handed her several heavy items before continuing on his way, occasionally glancing back at the girl.
Was he hoping she would take him along? Probably.
“Fine, I don’t mind. Just call me if you need anything.”