Episode 10: Northern Front (9)
The festival ended after two days. More accurately, some were still drunk through the night, while others quietly rebuilt fallen walls.
The people of the north began post-war reconstruction.
Daily life seemed unchanged, yet subtly different.
Despair no longer dominated their faces.
The survivors were simply taking steps forward to live on.
Life doesn’t end like a novel. Killing the demon king doesn’t lead to a happily-ever-after with the princess.
Could a life of pure happiness even be called human? I was a bit skeptical. Rie waved at me, her empty sleeve fluttering.
“Captain, did you enjoy the festival? Couldn’t find you anywhere—any progress?”
“…”
“…Wait, for real?”
Rie’s playful expression turned to shock.
“You went all the way in two days? Had a wild fling? …No way, not you, boss. But why aren’t you denying it?”
It wasn’t exactly nothing, but calling it major progress felt off. To dodge the topic, I turned the question back on her. Rie shot me a cold glare.
“Me? Eh, I got by. Don’t try to change the subject, captain.”
“Well, it’s not like nothing happened…”
“Who was it? The commander? The Nobel lady? Man, you’ve got options. You’re not planning revenge on your fiancée with a harem, are you?”
“Absolutely not. It was pure coincidence.”
“Yeah, right. Judging by your reaction, it’s not both. So, the commander?”
I gave a slight nod.
“I thought you were some emotionless war machine. Five years, and you never complained or cried in front of me. But seeing you blush like this…”
Rie grimaced.
“It’s kinda weird.”
“Really?”
“Half-joking. But if it works out, that’s great.”
Her expression shifted subtly, a fleeting emotion I couldn’t quite grasp washing over her before vanishing. She smiled, looking relieved.
“You both went through hell. Isn’t that a good thing?”
Silence lingered between us for a while. Rie broke it first.
“Captain, you thinking of retiring? With the first demonic beast gone and fewer monsters showing up, are you considering it?”
I was torn—retire and move freely, or keep my status and stir things up in the capital.
The northern crisis was over; it was time to shift stages.
The south, east, and central Red Star loomed, where the end would begin.
My status might help counter the southern kingdom alliance and eastern cult, but being tied to the emperor could hinder preparing for the next crisis.
Either way, I’d likely choose what suited me best.
“Not sure yet. There’s still work to do.”
“What work?”
“I’m heading to the capital.”
I remembered those who died in the north, who gave their lives to protect the empire.
To ensure their sacrifices weren’t in vain, I had to go to the capital.
Rie stared at me, dumbfounded.
“…Wait, the fiancée thing was real?”
“No way. I don’t even know who she is.”
Rie burst out laughing.
“Kidding! Of course, you never mentioned a fiancée or family in five years.”
***
Before heading to the capital, I stayed on the front lines to teach Wave Techniques—not to just anyone, but those who swore to pass it on and minimize Aura use.
Word spread that people could learn the technique that defeated the first demonic beast, drawing crowds—knights, soldiers, even children.
“For real? You’re teaching your technique?”
“He’s legit, you idiot! But you’re not teaching this dummy, right, mister?”
“Wow, beard guy’s super tall!”
I decided not to teach kids—they could learn from others when older.
With the surviving special task force members, including Rie, we began spreading Wave Techniques.
It took time, but with an established system, it was faster than before.
When I taught Wave Techniques, the process was three times faster than others.
From the moment I reached Stage 4—Silent Tremor—infusing the Wave became effortless.
In a way, infusion wasn’t even necessary. At Stage 4, I could assimilate with the Wave itself, transmitting it by merely placing my hand on someone.
“Wow…! I see it, I see it!”
“I heard it was hard to learn…”
As I diligently taught, familiar faces from the front began appearing.
“Sir Ian, could I… learn it too?”
Freya Nordelheim came to me to learn the Wave.
I’d heard she lacked talent for Aura, so she focused on tactics instead. I welcomed her with a smile.
“Of course, Please sit here.”
Next came Irena Krauze. We’d met sporadically since the festival, but lately, we hadn’t seen each other. As she entered, a subtle tension hung between us.
“Ian, can I learn too?”
“I was about to suggest it myself. Please sit here.”
“I’m always in your debt.”
“No, it’s my pleasure.”
Irena sat right in front of me. For some reason, her scent seemed stronger today—perhaps she’d worn perfume? I shook off the thought.
“I’ll begin. Is it okay if I place my hand on your back? No weird intentions, I promise.”
“You’re always welcome.”
You? I glanced at her, puzzled, and she turned away, her face red.
“…”
“…”
Silently, I placed my hand on her back. Given her natural talent for physical combat, she learned quickly, reaching Stage 1 in less than a day.
“This is the Wave you talked about? I see red and blue.”
“Follow those colors when you swing your weapon, and the power will amplify.”
“Oh… So this is the world you see.”
***
While teaching, a letter arrived for me, wrapped in ornate packaging with golden emblems—clearly no ordinary missive.
“What’s this?”
“A letter from a noble personage.”
The emperor, perhaps? I opened it and read:
[To the esteemed war hero, Sir Ian,
The imperial court will never forget your valor in raising the empire’s flag once more on the blood-soaked northern front.
Your courage and leadership, a beacon in the darkness, opened a path of hope and survival for all imperial citizens. This is not merely a military feat but a triumph for humanity, worthy of the highest praise.
Thus, the imperial court humbly invites you to share in the joy of this victory at a banquet. We wish to honor your achievements and express gratitude for your efforts. Please recover your health and grace us with your presence.]
A letter from the Imperial court, inviting me to a victory banquet, likely sent directly by the emperor.
I tried to ask more, but the messenger vanished like a shadow melting away—a sorcery from the east.
The empire had been experimenting with various methods to bolster its forces beyond Aura and Wave Techniques.
This sorcery, though, wasn’t deployed in combat due to efficiency issues.
Next, I sought out Irena.
“The letter? I got one too. If it’s okay with you… want to go together?”
“Don’t we have to head out around the same time anyway?”
“No, that’s not what I meant.”
Irena paused, closing her eyes briefly, then spoke carefully after a long moment of thought.
“I meant riding in the same carriage.”
Just then—
“Ian?”
Freya approached, raising her hand.
“I was just about to suggest the same thing. Perfect timing.”
Irena's expression faltered ever so slightly.
I gave a small shrug.
Thanks for the chapter!!!!
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