Chapter 189

The Game Difficulty

Is Insane

Chapter 32 

Four days west from the Leghini territory, where Morse’s temple was located,

Glen’s party returned to the capital of the Papal State, Istirenne.

‘Not that there’s anything in particular to see here.’

They simply needed to travel on the well-maintained roads extending from Istirenne to reach Warzworth.

Still, since they had stopped by anyway, Glen decided to stay for a day to check on the situation in the capital.

He headed to the Great Cathedral to meet Saint Luceria and Cardinal Gracia to hear about future plans.

First, Luceria planned to join the central front.

She wouldn’t participate directly in battle, but would move around the frontlines to treat the wounded.

"I believe that the miracle of resurrection granted by God will surely be of help."

The miracle of Egelsis.

As one of the few users of resurrection skills in Gray Eden, she would definitely be a great help.

"Winning the holy war is important, but my priority is reducing casualties, even if by one person."

Truly a plan befitting Luceria.

Glen had always expected her to contribute in such a way, so he smiled warmly, encouraging her.

On the other hand, Cardinal Gracia seemed to have a tight schedule.

"They’re struggling quite a bit."

She and the Inquisition were still busy arresting nobles who had participated in the Black Order.

Apparently, after the Black Order was crushed, nobles were gradually being arrested. Those who feared for their safety had fled their territories early on.

"I plan to join the front once these tasks are complete…"

"There’s no need for that, Your Excellency."

"No need?"

Glen tilted his head slightly and smiled at Cardinal Gracia.

"Your Excellency, you do not need to join the frontlines. It’s sufficient for you to defend Istirenne."

"Are you concerned about the infiltration of demon guerillas? But that is…"

"Sir Ignat has that responsibility. But he will be short-handed."

"Hmm… If you say so, then I shall. But will the frontlines be okay?"

The Cardinal seemed uneasy about having significant forces tied up in the capital.

"Yes. I plan to personally travel along the front and handle any issues."

"Alone, traveling up and down that long front?"

"Not alone, but yes."

Cardinal Gracia narrowed her eyes, then nodded in acknowledgment.

"Honestly, I’d question whether that’s even feasible, yet strangely, I trust your words."

With that, she decided to remain in the capital.

Of course, physically, it would be impossible for Glen to traverse the continent-spanning frontlines alone.

‘Still, much better than the capital being attacked unexpectedly while I’m pushing the front.’

If the capital were attacked while the front was advancing, moving would become extremely difficult.

Trusting the upcoming Ignat to handle the front was fine, but caution never hurts.

‘Who knows what Lunatic will do?’

With the discussion with Cardinal Gracia concluded, Glen returned to the Istirenne estate, like a personal villa, the “Lantern House.”

"Welcome back, young master."

"I’m glad you returned safely."

Hawkney and Tasha, having completed their missions, greeted him.

Looking quite pleased, they brought Glen to the estate courtyard.

In the courtyard were half a dozen boys and girls of various ages.

They were unfamiliar to Glen but familiar to Seoyohwan.

"Oh…"

"These are the ones Tasha brought."

So-called named characters.

Two of them were playable characters, and they had been significant in the original story.

"This is Glen Warzworth, the young master who, with foresight, rescued you from misfortune. Show your respect."

"It’s an honor to meet you, young master!"

‘Riane, Kacha, Yuren…’

Seeing the key supporting characters who had been active in the original story with his own eyes, Glen felt a surge of joy.

"Yes. Nice to meet you."

Smiling faintly, the children whispered among themselves.

"Where have I seen that face before?"
"He’s handsome."
"I wonder how strong he is… I want to test him."
"This is Tasha’s master…"

Being key supporting characters, each expressed their impressions in their own way, which came off as somewhat cute.

"Although not fully trained, they all seem to have outstanding potential, just as you said, young master."

"From now on, Tasha and I will train them to serve the young master."

Hawkney said this while looking at them proudly.

Even if they had fallen into filth and hardship, they were now being trained to become a formidable unit. Why refuse such a chance?

"Yes. But be careful—they will grow incredibly fast."

Since this was the start of the scenario, they were still weak.

Even though they possessed 1-tier innate potential, some of them hadn’t even acquired a single ring yet.

Frankly, if asked how much help they would be to Glen at this starting point, the answer would be doubtful.

Yet, what could be done?

In the original story, they were supposed to grow rapidly under the player’s guidance.

The abnormal one was Glen, who had become a monster four months ahead of the scenario.

After dinner, Glen stepped out onto the private balcony for some fresh air.

Though the spring air had not fully arrived and the wind was chilly, with just a few manipulations of the estate’s rings, the winter wind hardly bothered him.

From the balcony, he could see the courtyard below, where Tasha was practicing her swordsmanship.

Swish—Shaaek!

Tasha was using the courtyard as a sparring ground, moving nonstop.

Given her personality, she probably trained every day without rest.

Glen quietly observed her, then stepped onto the railing and jumped into the courtyard.

"Need some help?"

Tasha’s usual expressionless face looked at him, then she averted her gaze.

"Why? Don’t want it?"

"At your current level, sparring with me would only be a waste of time."

"Eh… a waste of time?"

"Yes."

Glen roughly guessed her thoughts.

Tasha must have considered her time and Glen’s time to have entirely different values.

Hence, she didn’t want to waste his precious time on her trivial training.

"That’s a shame."

"…Yes?"

"Do you think I’m such a petty person?"

Tasha blinked, unsure how to respond.

"Well, my time is valuable, but that doesn’t mean I’d begrudge training my subordinates."

After all, she had come this far just to serve him.

‘At least tonight, I’m not pressed for time.’

"Have you forgotten what I told you before about being ‘the best’?"

"Ah."

‘The best.’ A similar expression to praise.

After considering briefly, Tasha finally relaxed her expression.

"Then… I shall. Please, let’s begin."

"Alright. Let’s do our best."

She assumed her stance, and for nearly two hours, they sparred.

"Well done."

"Thank… you… sir…"

Although he held back significantly, Tasha was nearly exhausted and about to collapse.

‘Of course. Two hours swinging a sword nonstop is exhausting.’

"Take a rest."

Tasha collapsed to her knees, using her sword as support, and gradually caught her breath.

"You’ve improved a lot."

"Thank you, but I’m still far from your level, young master."

Glen chuckled softly.

Although Tasha still lagged far behind Glen, she had to realize she was growing incredibly fast compared to ordinary knights.

"Tomorrow, we leave for Warzworth."

"Yes, you mentioned that."

"You’ll stay here with Sir Hawkney."

"Understood."

Glen felt uneasy.

After all, she had followed him all the way to Istirenne for his sake.

"Don’t you feel sad leaving me behind every time?"

There was a brief silence.

"If you ask whether I feel sad about leaving you, I… I’m not sure."

Unexpectedly vague. Usually, she would answer yes or no, but her ambiguity felt refreshing.

"Whenever I see you heading somewhere beyond my capability, my feelings become complicated."

"My role would be to stay by your side, but I cannot, due to my limitations."

Tasha remained expressionless, but her gaze wandered continuously.

She wasn’t emotionless—just clumsy and unrefined in expressing it.

"So I’ve trained hard every day… but your pace grows faster with each passing day."

It was inevitable.

Though they had started from the same Warzworth training ground, Glen, with Seoyohwan’s soul, had knowledge and plans for growth that Tasha did not.

Yet, he could not take Tasha along into his party.

She wouldn’t survive the trials Glen was about to face.

Hence, the cold truth was all she could receive.

Just as he was organizing his thoughts, she spoke.

"But recently, as I completed the missions you entrusted to me, my perspective has changed."

Though subtle, Tasha had been rescuing named characters throughout Istirenne.

"Without me, they would have struggled to survive in terrible conditions."

In the original story, they would have faced fate—sold into slavery, their families massacred, losing an eye.

"But seeing their gratitude when I saved them… it gave me a sense of accomplishment."

Tasha’s eyes slowly regained stability.

"I realized that merely following at your feet is not my duty."

"It’s fulfilling my assigned role that makes me a proper retainer."

"And physical distance does not matter in this."

Tasha finally looked at Glen with a smile.

Not her faint, awkward smile, but a sincere, beautiful one.

"I am very satisfied with the missions you assigned. I want to express my gratitude."

Glen was genuinely surprised.

He hadn’t expected her, who only wished to serve him without purpose, to change so much in his absence.

Once he recovered from his astonishment, a warm satisfaction spread across his face.

What began as a purely utilitarian relationship had unknowingly become something more.

Seeing Tasha’s genuine loyalty, Glen thought:

‘I will leave you here for now while I travel far. But when all is over, you will be closer to me than any retainer. I will repay your sincere loyalty.’

"But… is the territory alright?"

"Hmm? The territory?"

Tasha’s expression returned to its usual neutral tone.

"I heard that the frontlines, including Warzworth, are already engaged with the demon army. Though they are prepared, I wonder if Avenue can withstand the demon forces without you."

"Tasha."

Glen said her name quietly, with determination in his expression.

"Who is my sister?"

"I’m not sure what you mean, but it’s Miss Tris Warzworth."

"Yes. Tris, my sister. Though kind, she is smart and capable."

Tasha blinked in confusion. Glen recalled all the gifts he had given Tris, a very pleased expression on his face.

"Nothing will happen to Warzworth until I return."

Northwest of the Papal State.

The frontline of the Warzworth territory, the naturally fortified fortress of Avenue, was in the midst of battle.

The sky, once blue, was now streaked with crimson clouds, and below, the fight raged on.

"Retreat! Retreat!!"

The commander screamed at the top of his lungs.

Twin horns and wings had sprouted from his head and waist.

"Damn… The forces from the 8th legion are nothing like what we expected…"

"Lord Antares!"

His subordinate’s urgent shout reached him.

"What is it?!"

"From above!"

"What?!"

Antares, a high-ranking demon, looked up. His snake-like red eyes flared violently.

Whoooosh—

Countless particles of light filled the sky.

A dense cascade of sacred energy, far beyond mere arrows, rained down on them.

"Aaah… Ah!! Retreat! Scatter… Run!!"

Despite his desperate orders, the sacred energy plummeted, tracing arcs, and struck the battlefield.

Kaboom!!

The ground shook violently.

The bodies of demons and the undead beneath the walls were torn apart and scattered, leaving a white mist.

Even Commander Antares was caught in the explosion and vanished.

TO BE CONTINUED....