Hugo dismounted his horse and placed his hand on the shoulders of some soldiers.

“Thanks to you, Arcadia has endured another day.”

As always, his praise was brief and straight to the point.

“We return!”

Above the setting sun. The bloodstained golden flag was waving high.

Blago Mountains, northeastern front.

End.

The squad led by Arkan had also reached the final stronghold. After releasing the prisoners who had been held without human rights. Arkan asked what he had asked while passing through all the camps.

“Is there someone named Sakum?”

One of those who was nodding their head in thanks raised their head.

“May I… ask why you are looking for Sakum, Lord?”

“I was asked to confirm his life or death. Are you Sakum?”

“… Sakum died a week ago. He asked to pass on his last words to his father and children.”

“…I see.”

Exactly one week. He was late.

Although something surged within him, there was no change in his expression, befitting of a commander leading a large army.

Showing emotions here would only lower the morale of the soldiers who had entrusted their lives to him. Sadness was not his part to bear.

“I will pass on Sakum’s will and relics. We are just grateful that a high person like you cared.”

“….”

Arkan turned around silently.

The deep sunset sat heavily on the shoulders of the young commander.

Blago Mountains, northwestern front.

End.

The northeastern part of the Blago Mountains is the place closest to the Forbidden Gorge.

A place still soaked with blood from the fierce battle. A pendant of a dark color, almost indistinguishable from the darkness, was dropped.

Next to the pendant, ancient characters handed down only from the golden tower after being annihilated were inscribed.

“Remember the flames of that time.”

The one in the deep black robe, with the pendant in hand, left an answer.

“Know that you are the one to trust.”

Meanwhile, three days after the departure ceremony. Around the time when the punitive force just arrived in the battle area.

Despite ongoing lifeanddeath battles in the front line, the capital was peaceful. The same goes for the duke’s house guarded by Elysia, Enrir, and some of the Artina Knights.

Although there was a precedent a few years ago when the demon Jepar appeared in the middle of the capital, there was no dispute that the capital was the safest place in this empire.

With the protection of Grand Mage Cassis and the Royal Knights, it was as hard as plucking the stars from the sky to break through, and even if someone did, it was not easy to harm anyone and run away.

For this reason, Hugo also left the minimum number of troops to protect the duke’s house and set off to the north.

And now Evelia realized desperately. Whose sacrifice makes the capital this peaceful.

“My world has all gone to the battlefield, but this world remains the same.”

Evelia hugged the fluffy Enrir tightly and muttered.

“It will be fine, right? No one will get hurt?”

“Of course. Everyone is strong.”

Enrir pressed Evelia’s back of the hand with his soft, plump forefoot.

“Will there be such punitive action in the future?”

“There will be.”

Elysia, who sat next to her, stroked the head of her daughter who looked gloomy. The young girl who seemed to be experiencing a big punishment involving the people around her for the first time could not hide her expression.

“Human life is long. There are huge flows that cannot be contained by the view of humans who live just around a hundred years. Sometimes cooperation and harmony, sometimes confrontation and opposition. In some era, reconstruction and recovery, in some era, destruction and destruction. As if the times have a will, they repeat riding the flow.”

While smoothing out her daughter’s wrinkled brow and protruding lips with her gentle hand, Elysia soothed her.

“Baby, the war between humans and demons that happened about 20 years ago is not over. It’s just catching its breath due to the enormous sacrifices on both sides. It is not surprising if it starts again anytime.”

“Again…?”

“Right. It’s a matter that our generation couldn’t resolve, and if possible, I hoped it would begin in a healthier era. But looking at the timing, it seems the protagonists will be you, not us.”

Elysia deeply imprinted the child most similar to her among the three. I believe they will do well. Our children.

“When that time comes, my child.”

The wise mother intermittently passed on all her wisdom to her young daughter.

“Do not make enemies. A hundred allies cannot overcome one enemy.”

Evelia nodded.

“Even so, if you have to make an enemy, trample them until they can’t lift their heads. Make sure to teach them what they have to endure for becoming your enemy, and don’t give them any chance to rise halfheartedly.”

“Mom, then……”

Just when Evelia was about to question,

Boom!

A loud noise echoed from the outermost gate of the duke’s mansion. After a moment of silence,

Boom! Boom!