Episode 8: Pulmy En Dynast ⑧
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In the room of the Guild Master with Green Eyes, only Pulmy remained after Madison had taken his leave. She leaned back heavily against the chair in front of her desk, doing nothing. Her mind was occupied with the earlier discussion.
Recalling the Chancellor’s face from that moment, a bitter feeling rose from deep within her chest.
The impression of Madison’s startled expression when she asked if Yamada was the key figure in the Labyrinth Conquest lingered in her mind.
When she pressed for the name of that individual, Madison’s expression was one of concern, as if he were contemplating the burdens of someone with a troubled heart.
Ultimately, the conversation with Chancellor Madison left Pulmy with a profound sense of futility. After the meeting, she returned home, feeling unmotivated to work.
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Pulmy was no longer in the mood to eat. She took out a chilled bottle of milk from the refrigerator, sat at the table, and gulped it down. Madison had said at that time:
“Pulmy, perhaps you’ve been a bit too busy. I may have entrusted you with too many responsibilities. Regarding the issue of the excessive emergence of the Labyrinth, we will decide on a new division of roles at a later date, and I will report back to you.”
Pulmy realized all the futility in that situation, ceased her further inquiries, and simply complied with his proposal.
Just as she reached that conclusion, she felt a warm sensation under her nose, and shortly after, the headache that had been plaguing her recently struck again.
The trigger for her headache was her thoughts drifting to the two conflicting memories she held.
Pulmy En Dynast. She was the only person to possess two entirely different memories from the day the heroes were summoned from another world until today.
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Pulmy held two distinct memories from the same period.
One was of Hero Ryuguin, who became the center of the Hero Party, and through his remarkable efforts, countless Labyrinths were conquered. In this memory, it was Ryuguin who had been close with Angelica and conducted magic research alongside her.
The other memory was of the one who had excelled not being Ryuguin, but rather the Holy Knight Yamada, who had since fled from the party and was now missing.
While the overall flow of events was similar, there were certainly differences in the details of each memory. However, since that day—the day the Hero Party conquered the Blade Labyrinth—Pulmy’s mind had been inundated with memories that should not have existed.
And it was these memories that placed an immense burden on her mind and body—especially her brain.
In this unprecedented anomaly, her body and spirit had been worn down. Pulmy could no longer confidently discern which memories were truly hers.
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Pulmy pressed a cloth to her nose to wipe away the blood and took some painkillers from the shelf, swallowing them down. Although the pain was intense, she crouched there for a while, but as the pain subsided, she regained her mobility, finally stood up, changed into her nightclothes, and jumped into bed.
As she settled down, perhaps due to the mental and physical exhaustion of her daily life, sleepiness began to creep in, yet there were still many things she needed to contemplate.
The crux of this significant issue was her inability to “believe in herself.”
The only reliable person who had a good grasp of the events involving the two boys over the past two years was none other than Madison.
He was the one who had shared information with Pulmy up until now, and she had relied on him.
Or at least, that was how it should have been. Yet—
She recalled Madison’s expression from that moment. His face had eloquently conveyed his thoughts.
What are you saying? A good-for-nothing like Holy Knight Yamada is the key figure in the Labyrinth Conquest? Don’t be ridiculous. Surely, even Pulmy has gone a bit mad from overwork.
Though he did not voice it, Pulmy understood Madison’s feelings well. Perhaps that was why a single image rapidly surfaced in her mind. Madison had just stated:
—That’s right, the one who’s mistaken is you.
The world had spoken.
—So it’s alright, just accept it.
Above all, another version of Pulmy tapped her shoulder.
—If you do that, there will be no problem.
Even Ryuguin, who was at the center of this turmoil, and Angelica, whom she had once cared for, were proudly showcasing their accomplishments as their own.
Everyone, including herself, said so. The entire world echoed that sentiment. Therefore, it must be the truth—
—At that moment, as she tried to convince herself, the root of her inner turmoil spoke.
Pulmy tightly shut her eyes and shook her head repeatedly in defiance.
She must not listen to easy opinions. Do not seek instant salvation.
Just as she had once taken care of the mistreated Angelica, Pulmy’s deep-seated integrity compelled her to face others sincerely, not allowing for any compromise or weakness. If she were to allow it—
—But why me?
A somewhat timid and innocent boy asked, looking troubled.
—Well, you know, we might have a long relationship ahead. Please take care of me. Let’s save the world together!
He had firmly grasped Angelica’s hand, who at that time was merely a Basic Mage, without refusing Pulmy and Angelica’s request.
If this memory regarding the Holy Knight was correct, and she were to be swept away by the easier path, she would commit an irreparable mistake. Making a mistake was absolutely unacceptable.
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Pulmy turned over in bed.
Could the key to unraveling this situation truly be the now-missing Holy Knight Yamada?
Within the memories, which now felt uncertain and indistinguishable between real and fake—when Pulmy had brought gifts to Angel and the boy Yamada, he had shyly smiled, almost embarrassed.
For some reason, she recalled his gentle expression. Before she knew it, Pulmy had fallen asleep.
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Pulmy’s long story will conclude in the next chapter. Thank you for your continued support.
And a report: I have expressed my gratitude to those who gave gifts in the recent updates. If you have a moment, please take a look.
Additionally, for those with access, I have revised and added to the previously unpublished backstory of Angelica, which was said to have poor pacing. If you’re interested, please give it a read.