Chapter 14: The Promise with You
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○○○: Protagonist’s Perspective, or something similar
◇◇◇: Perspective of Characters Other than the Protagonist
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A force of destruction, capable of swallowing everything and incinerating all existence, was unleashed towards Pulmy-san and the others.
However, Pulmy-san was swift. Her preparations had already been completed.
“Hellgate!”
In response to her call, a gate, wrapped in raging flames and exuding a sinister yet somehow majestic aura, appeared with a rumbling sound.
It was undoubtedly something summoned by Pulmy-san.
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I wanted to return to the day when I spoke with her—Pulmy-san, the Elf Guild Master—through the magical communication device.
That night, I had a dream.
The content was the same as before: a dream of Pulmy-san leading many into battle.
However, not everything in this dream was identical to the last.
In the previous dream, Pulmy-san wore a somewhat cornered expression, disregarding her own safety.
Yet in the dream I had that day, I felt an unwavering will from Pulmy-san to break through the situation at any cost.
Even her equipment was different. Unlike in the previous dream, she had likely prepared and donned the best possible gear after much trial and error.
But—despite that night’s dream, the outcome remained unchanged.
Pulmy-san led everyone with all her might.
Using power beyond her capabilities, she devised cunning strategies, ensuring that no one fell, and with a strike fueled by her entire being, she seemed to obliterate the enemy—only to be met with a nightmare beyond that.
I was already convinced.
The nightmares I had seen until then were no longer mere dreams; they were visions of a future that would undoubtedly come to pass.
As soon as I awoke, I buried my head in my hands, desperate to prevent the worst future. No matter how hard I tried, the answer I arrived at was the one method that only I could achieve.
However, that was soon denied by Sensei.
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“I oppose this.”
I couldn’t believe my ears at Sensei’s unexpected objection.
“Son-in-law, I understand your kindness well. In fact, I love that aspect of you.”
“Then—”
As I pressed on, Sensei cast a glance at me.
“I cannot predict what will happen when you use that until the very end.”
I was taken aback.
I had never considered such a possibility.
“The use of powerful forces comes with powerful consequences.
Strong magic requires a vast amount of Mana. Exceptional martial skills demand unwavering dedication. That is the natural order.
So what about that? If it were to unleash power greater than your precious Orb, how can you claim there would be no cost?”
She explained to me as if trying to make me understand.
Indeed, she was right. Sensei wasn’t wrong about anything—but,
“Then am I to simply wait idly by, knowing the misfortune that is to come…?”
Liquid—blood—dripped onto the floor.
It flowed from my palm, which I had unconsciously clenched tightly. Sensei took my hand.
“Son-in-law, please don’t blame yourself or hurt yourself.”
The usually carefree expression on her face twisted with concern for me.
I didn’t like that expression on Sensei. I wanted her to always be smiling, playfully causing mischief with a “kufufu.”
At that moment, I felt a brief flash from my magic bag. Sensei’s gaze was certainly directed there as well.
“Sena also wishes for you to always wear a smile, son-in-law.”
Sensei let out a deep sigh.
“I’ve become soft, haven’t I?”
She smiled gently.
“—But, well, it’s not so bad.”
Finally, Sensei released my hand.
“Son-in-law, this is also a request from Sena. She says, ‘Help Ichiro.’”
“Then!” I started to speak, but she silenced me with her hand.
“I will consider using my power to help Pulmy. However, that will be a last resort.”
Thus, Sensei agreed to assist me, albeit under certain conditions.
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The best strategy to avoid using that power was for us to arrive at her—Pulmy-san’s battle in time and join in.
To reach her as quickly as possible, Crane’s Guidance was indispensable. Moreover—
From the back of the dragon, I could see the massive gate summoned by Pulmy-san collide with one of the beams from the Three-Headed Dragon, resulting in a massive explosion.
There was no time to waste.
“I’ll drop you off here.”
The Dragon Rider informed us.
The front lines were already in a perilous state, so we would land a little further away.
As we hurriedly approached, Pulmy-san swung her shimmering Demon Sword. The monster before her was cleaved in two.
It was precisely the scene from my dream. However, I knew that the monster wouldn’t be finished just like that.
“Pulmy-san!!”
I called her name loudly and rushed towards her. Somehow, I made it in time.