Next Life – Chapter 12

Marius had been assigned a room in a detached palace.

The room seemed to be about ten tatami mats in size, equipped with a large bed, desk, chest of drawers, vanity, and a clock. Except for the absence of a television, it was comparable to a good hotel room in his original world.

(Still, it’s strange.)

After bathing, eating delicious food, and finally feeling at ease, Marius found himself with the余裕 to reflect on past events.

“What matters is the future, not the past,” were his late father’s dying words, and it was a principle Marius had strived to embody.

That’s why, upon arriving in this world, he had first focused all his efforts on survival.

He didn’t regret that decision, but he felt there were things he could have done better. Taking all the goblins down without question for showing hostility, for instance, was overkill. Even if the goblins had spoken human language, without understanding Firmiyan, communication would have been impossible, but that was hindsight. He had also half-destroyed the forest by the lake, and perhaps killed too many people when creating the signposts. Furthermore, he suspected he had been too wary of the royal party. Surely there were better ways to handle the situation. He’d lost his composure more than he cared to admit. He needed to be more focused to navigate things better.

(Alright, reflection over.)

After slapping his cheeks twice, Marius turned his thoughts to the future.

He knew very little about the Taliant Continent. All he had was the game’s timeline:

* Year 400, Star Calendar: Firmiya Empire’s expedition to the Taliant Continent fails.
* Year 410, Star Calendar: Firmiya Empire’s second expedition to the Taliant Continent fails.
* Year 446, Star Calendar: Firmiya Empire’s third expedition to the Taliant Continent fails.
* Year 891, Star Calendar: Demon Lord Auraniess’s army annihilates the Taliant Continent.

Logically, preventing or defeating the revival of Demon Lord Auraniess would be the main objective. He’d confirm the current year tomorrow. With that thought, Marius got into bed and drifted off to the land of dreams within seconds.

***

As the bold and optimistic guest easily surrendered to sleep, a meeting was underway in a corner of the royal palace, attended by somber figures.

Fleg of the intelligence department broke the silence.

“My apologies. We found no clues whatsoever. I accept any punishment you deem fit.”

The king’s reaction to his subservient minister was not harsh.

“It is understandable. The fact that even with your best efforts, nothing was found, is evidence that beings beyond human capabilities may be involved.”

A jolt of tension ran through the room.

“Demons… is it happening again?”

“Most likely.”

Silence fell upon the room as if water had been poured over it. There had been numerous instances of demons interfering with human nations in the past. The Seraeno Kingdom, once a great power in the east, was dealt a severe blow by demons who infiltrated in disguise and was reduced to the weakest kingdom on the continent. Consequently, all nations tended to be excessively wary of unknown entities. This kingdom, too, had suffered significant damage from demons. In light of this, Marius’s appointment as Royal Court Magician struck many as a reckless act.

The attendees exchanged expectant glances, and eventually, Josef, the Commander of the Royal Knights, spoke on their behalf.

“Can we truly trust this Marius?”

The king, who had anticipated the question, replied with unusual nonchalance.

“Indeed. All that he consumed was laced with holy water. He devoured it and drank it down incessantly, yet remained unfazed. Therefore, he cannot be a demon or a Demon Lord.”

Of course, the king had deliberately used the words “devoured” and “drank it down incessantly,” but the court officials were preoccupied with the implications. Holy water had existed since ancient times as a protection against monsters. While it couldn’t defeat demons or Demon Lords, it was lethal if they ingested large quantities. If the king’s words were true, then this man Marius could be considered human.

“However, that still doesn’t tell us who he is,” the Chancellor, Falk, stated sharply, as if to emphasize the point. The others startled and looked to the king, but failed to read his mind.

“I am aware. That is precisely why I appointed him as Royal Court Magician. So that, whoever he may be, he cannot act as he pleases.”

“Ah!”

The Commander of the Knights, Yaderberus, and the Commander of the Magic Corps, Nilson, exclaimed in admiration and struck their knees at the king’s words. Indeed, due to the position of Royal Court Magician, constant surveillance would not be exceedingly difficult.

“Of course, there is also the possibility that he is not a spy. He is too strong and too conspicuous to be a spy,” Lucas, the Chief Court Magician, who oversaw all the mages serving the kingdom, countered, his statement implying a disagreement with the king. The core of the problem, it seemed, was Marius’s unknown origins.

Various opinions were voiced, but no conclusion was reached.

“This is going nowhere. Let us conclude for today,” declared Bernhard III, bringing the meeting to an end. Everyone departed. The king did not utter his thoughts, though it was conceivable that this matter was not the work of demons but that a traitor was within the nation’s core. If a traitor existed, it was highly probable that one of those present in this very room was that person.

***

In an unknown location on the Taliant Continent, hidden from human knowledge, several shadows were gathered for a meeting.

“To think that even Wyverns were no match for them. It seems there are humans who are not entirely worthless,” a stern voice boomed.

“Who is this Marius? Where did he appear from?” another cautious voice inquired.

“It doesn’t matter. They’re just Wyverns,” a rough voice dismissed dismissively.

“A small crack eventually becomes a large rift. Do not speak if you are too idiotic to know such things,” the cautious voice retorted.

“What did you say! Don’t talk big, you inferior creature who even fears mere insects!” the rough voice shot back.

A tense atmosphere arose between the cautious and rough voices.

“Cease your bickering. Have you forgotten our purpose?” the stern voice admonished.

“Grrr…” Reluctantly accepting the mediation, both voices grumbled. They seemed to be figures respected by everyone present.

“I suppose we must,” one said.

“For the sake of our god, Tindalos’s, glorious return.”

An ominous name echoed and vanished.