Chapter 219 — A Protagonist’s Growth is Endless

1

Necromancers were quite dangerous beings.

Though uncertain whether the afterlife truly exists, respect for corpses was particularly important throughout the world.

This was a world that revolved around families.

Family meant connecting past and future generations.

Therefore, rejection of necromancers was natural.

Those who controlled corpses and used the dead as tools.

They had a major weakness.

“Fortunately I studied just in case.”

“Ugh… who exactly are you…”

“What, did you think Caesar wouldn’t deal with methods against necromancers? Noble houses must prepare for all possibilities.”

Invidea bound the Wanderer with lightning magic.

For some reason, though she seemed unable to inflict direct damage with magic, all powers have limits.

Her mana was like water flowing from an infinite spring.

With mere power like this, he couldn’t handle her mana.

It was quite strange.

What confidence made him come alone this far, and what nerve made him prepare so little.

“Is this how it’s done?”

Meanwhile, Kael was testing methods to cut the mana thread.

The magic composition was clearly different.

Rather than cutting the mana thread, it was a method of absorbing it with different magic.

Her magic cut through the air.

Soon, something amazing happened.

The beam cutting through the air pulled the mana thread and completely absorbed it into Kael’s magic.

[Grrrr-!]

Then something astonishing occurred.

The Soul Eater, having lost its mind.

The monster with no resistance remaining was just an empty shell.

In such a state, it likely couldn’t use its abilities either.

“…It stopped.”

“Good work.”

“Phew… only that one remains?”

Everyone’s gaze turned to the Wanderer.

He was muttering something while fallen into despair.

Words in some unknown language.

Invidea was considering whether to silence him too when she turned her head at an approaching sound.

Her familiar brother’s voice.

“Ended faster than expected. And… no sacrifices either.”

“Thanks to me, wouldn’t you say?”

“I express my gratitude.”

Manus smiled while looking around.

The others had excellently finished off Papalis.

Kael’s growth that Manus wanted seemed achieved too.

Everything he wanted from this battle had been accomplished.

So, the Wanderer’s role was over too.

“You endured well.”

“Would have died without Trace.”

“Come to think of it…”

Right, there was Trace.

Having no presence at all, they naturally forgot about him.

Or perhaps it was some intervention…

Anyway, things went much better than Manus expected.

Now the Wanderer’s role ends here.

Manus stood before the Wanderer.

“I told you before.”

“…Hah, you again.”

“That I kept you alive out of necessity. Now that necessity is gone.”

“A life of martyrdom… not bad.”

Manus smiled faintly and whispered something in the Wanderer’s ear.

At that, the Wanderer’s composed expression instantly crumbled.

Something impossible was happening.

The Wanderer opened his mouth while looking at Manus.

“How… how do you know that? How!”

“Well. Ask the god you serve in the afterlife.”

“The Order, Eresis won’t leave you be. Never!”

Manus just nodded.

Curious gazes were fixed on him, wondering what he had said.

Ignoring them, he swung his fist.

Bang!

“Kuh…”

“Farewell. Caesar will take good care of your family.”

“Curse… you…”

The Wanderer with his chest blown open.

Even in the original work, the Wanderer fell without much accomplishment.

Though memorable for the hints he left behind, in essence he was an unremarkable necromancer.

The power protecting the Wanderer was weak against physical attacks.

His plan was to bind close combat fighters with the Soul Eater while handling magic himself.

But that was shattered at once by Manus.

If he had sent Melanie, the opponent would have been faster.

‘But Kael’s growth was necessary.’

There would be many battles with necromancers ahead.

He couldn’t handle everything alone each time.

The protagonist Kael possessed special abilities.

The ability to become a natural enemy of necromancers.

“…Is it over?”

“For now.”

“Feels rather anticlimactic.”

“Battles are usually like that. Everyone… good work.”

The Wanderer collapsed limply in instant death.

Papalis too turned to dust leaving only ashes.

The undead he raised cleanly disappeared too.

Manus looked at Kael’s red eyes and asked.

Wondering if she could properly use her ability.

“Did you gain anything?”

“Yes. Now… I’m not afraid of necromancers’ tools.”

“Well done.”

“Hehe-.”

She smiled brightly.

Seeing this, Invidea smiled and patted Manus’s shoulder.

“Thought you were blunt, when did you start acting just like father?”

“Like father?”

“The head also fell in love with an ordinary woman. She became our mother.”

Beninitas.

Her story was so famous that no one didn’t know it.

From commoner to duchess.

Beninitas’s story was like a role model for many women.

“She looks uncomfortable.”

“She’s just shy. Anyway, I heard the news brother. You’re coming to visit during break? See you then.”

“Y-yes…”

“Our Manus can be a bit rude but he’s a good kid. Take good care of him.”

Hahaha-

Only Manus’s sister could say such things so openly in front of him.

No one here had ever thought about taking care of Manus.

Pearson seized the opportunity to speak.

“Hehe, first time seeing this side of Senior? So even Senior was someone’s cute little brother?”

“Seems you’re not afraid of consequences, you’ve grown a lot Pearson.”

“Uh… that’s not…”

“I’ll run you ragged in the desert.”

In the end, Pearson came out at a loss.

The small rebellion ended with Anais dragging him away.

They had only just overcome one hurdle.

The road ahead was too long, and time to grow was tight.

Perhaps the only consolation was that Demonium’s difficulty was appropriate.

Manus declared the end of battle.

“Good work everyone. Now we can breathe easier.”

“Good work-!”

With someone’s bright shout, they defeated the first minion.

At the same time, good messages came to Manus.

[S8 Clear]

[Calculating score…]

[Castle walls undamaged / Papalis defeated / No companion deaths / Wanderer defeated / Kael’s growth / Invidea’s participation / No sacrifices to Soul Eater]

[Overall: SSS]

[Rewards: 1 Skill Slot Enhancement Ticket / 20 XXL Magic Stones / 1 Demonium Exclusive Skill Acquisition Ticket (Within 100 Years)]

[Additional Reward: All skill acquisition time reduced by 30%]

[All abilities slightly increased]

[1 Albion Special Potion]

Truly tremendous rewards.

Manus couldn’t hide his smile.

The battle they had prepared for three months was over.

Now it was time to prepare for September.

[Battle End]

[Justice Emperor — A: Papalis / Wanderer]

[Everyone’s level increased.]

-View Details-

[Invidea has joined as support.]

[Kael learned new skill: [Rescindo]]

2

The day after the battle.

Everyone gathered in the club room after a long time.

The Chairman, Invidea, and even Aden were present.

Demonium’s attack, and Eresis too.

Last night had truly been momentous.

The Chairman sighed in relief seeing them return safely.

One misstep and they might never have returned from that night.

“Everyone… worked so hard. Though I can’t do much, I should at least support you with equipment.”

“Equipment?”

“Yes, it’s not difficult to provide potions and tools from my personal funds.”

“That’s good.”

It was something that should have been done earlier.

If not for following the original work’s flow, it would have been the first thing Manus demanded.

The Chairman must have realized it now too.

That the threats they were facing now could truly destroy the world.

Though hastily providing support only now, it was better than nothing.

Equipment could be obtained within the Ziggurat, and they were now wealthy.

“I should have given this earlier… my insight was lacking. From now on, I’ll support you as much as I can.”

“We’ve done well until now, so things will go even better from here.”

“Yes. And, now others are starting to catch the scent. Other families.”

Everyone’s expressions hardened.

They too were involved in politics.

They knew better than anyone how dangerous the tower was.

And what would happen because of it.

“Lady Invidea. That’s why I ask you.”

“I know. Since I agreed to help Manus, Caesar is already moving. Though it’s a bit difficult.”

Nia chimed in too.

“I’ll help too. Though my family seems to have caught the scent already… I can convince them somehow.”

“That’s helpful.”

Invidea smiled brightly.

Nia blushed and her eyes sparkled seeing that.

She seemed excited receiving praise from Invidea who was her idol.

Now it was time to build up strength again.

Before that, Manus asked something he was curious about.

“By the way, do you know what kind of relationship exists between Apostles and Demonium?”

“Nothing has been revealed yet. This is actually the first time we’ve subjugated Demonium.”

“Seems there’s still much to investigate.”

“Indeed. Please be careful. The enemies will grow stronger too.”

Everyone nodded.

The Chairman stood first and others left the club room to attend classes.

Alano and Manus were the last to stand, and she brought up something strange.

“Manus. You agreed to come to my house after final exams, right?”

“…What are you suddenly saying?”

“Hm? Wasn’t that the case?”

Crackle-

For a moment, her appearance seemed distorted.

Manus had to feel that eerie sensation again.

Alano.

Something was wrong with her too.

“…I don’t remember that.”

“Ah right. Then, stop by when you have time. You promised.”

“…”

Manus nodded silently.

Alano smiled brightly and left the club room as if nothing was wrong.

Left alone, Manus sighed softly at the strange feeling.

What exactly was happening…

He began seriously pondering just what this world was.

A truly chilling feeling.

“Alano.”

Another flaw had been revealed.

He couldn’t even guess how much of her was twisted, and where.

–TL Notes–
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