Chapter 25 - Discussion

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After the young woman's explanation, Rei puts his hand to his chin and thinks about the matter. A habitual gesture he always makes when he is deep in thought.

Soon, he turns his gaze to the young woman beside him, who is still subtly watching him.

— Is that so? Well, thank you for the explanation, Laili. I understand the situation. So the forest expels everything that contains evil energy, including creatures with miasma?Hm... Interesting.

— Can I ask you one more thing? What about dark magic or spells related to it… Would the practitioner be unable to enter the forest?

After asking the question, Rei remembers that the concept of 'dark magic' might not exist in this world.

"Damn... I forgot that I keep bringing up concepts from my world. She might not even know what it is. I always say things automatically, as if I'm still on Earth".

— You mean dark arts? In a way, the person wouldn't be able to enter. They would be repelled, as if a barrier were preventing them — she explains.

— Of course, that's what should happen in theory. After all, that kind of power is contrary to the nature spirits — she adds, her gaze fixed on the fire.

— I see. Thanks for the explanation.

— No problem, anytime — she replies with a smile.

As soon as Laili has finished, the merchant returns to the main topic and comments on the war.

— Unbelievable… I still can't believe the city of Tierney was destroyed. How is that even possible? - he asks, his voice shifting between surprise and sadness.

Even though he was shocked by the stranger's account, the merchant truly believed that everything that had happened was nothing more than a simple attack coordinated by the Demon Kingdom, just like in previous years.

Small villages are usually targets for attack and plunder. But cities that were considered to be capitals and cultural centers disappearing from the map as if they never existed was another story entirely.

— That city was a paradise for merchants and vendors — he adds, as if pouring into his words a dream he would never be able to fulfill in this lifetime.

— I'm really sorry about that. Tierney was an amazing place. I hope something is left to be rebuilt — says one of the beastmen from Laili's group.

— What's the point of rebuilding the city if the people are dead? Dead. Even if things are remade, nothing will change, Tom — Laili counters, emphasizing the reality of the situation.

— How did things end up like this? — Kazuki asks with a discouraged sigh.

After his comment, silence takes over the place, and the atmosphere becomes tense and uneasy.

However, it doesn't last long.

After a moment, the black-haired young woman lets out a sarcastic remark in response to Kazuki's question.

— How did things end up like this?! Well, let me tell you. If it weren't for that son of a bitch of a king, things wouldn't be like this. Thank that bastard for everything that's happening! — she declares, taking a deep breath and finally releasing all the curse-filled words of bitterness and revolt that had been stuck on her tongue.

— That's enough, Zeryn! You're overreacting! You can't blame him for this. Please, think a little more. If someone heard you saying that, you'd be condemned for treason — Laili warns, fearing her friend might say more.

— No, this isn't right! I can't blame him? Condemned for treason? Well, then so be it. You all know damn well what he did. Why are you still siding with him, Laili?! Pathetic. Pathetic. Pathetic.

— Yes, you're right, Zeryn. This is the authorities' fault. If it weren't for the negligence of the capital's representatives, we wouldn't be in this revolting situation — Tom, one of Laili's beastmen, chimes in.

— I always support you, but she's right, Laili. I'm sorry — confesses the other man from the group, who had remained silent, just listening to the conversation while eating.

Observing the general outburst, Laili realizes there's no point in arguing or opposing them. Everyone has already made up their minds.

In the end, she lets out a sigh and finally states decisively: — I'm sorry, you're right.

— …

Not understanding their outrage and indignation, the student turns his question to the person who started the discussion: Zeryn, the young woman with black hair that is closer to gray. Unlike his own, a deep black that resembles onyx and tourmaline gems.

— Why is it the king's fault? Did they do something wrong?

Hearing the question, the young woman shifts her gaze to the boy and begins explaining.

— Remember what the old man said earlier? — she gestures toward the merchant. — If an imminent attack or any apparent movement from a foreign force occurred, the communication orb was supposed to be used!

— Are you getting the picture now? Even if our city's officials reported the events to the higher-ups and the emperor, there was no decisive response — she continues, proceeding with the explanation.

— After several days, with numerous signs of suspicious movements, the capital only sent a message through a representative via the communication orb, saying: "Wait a few more days so we can analyze the situation. This kind of thing happens every year; it's nothing new. Please wait for His Majesty's final conclusions."

With an enraged look and an expression full of anger and discontent, she concludes her account.

— Now do you understand? Because these situations happened before, our city was treated like garbage, a pile of shit! As if it meant nothing.

— Still, Zeryn, I believe that if reinforcements like soldiers, mages, swordsmen, and warriors from the empire itself had been there, we would have successfully defended the city. — Laili interrupts and shares her opinion as well.

— Would we, though? Either way, we were doomed. Didn't you see the size of the demonic army flying over the skies, Laili?! That shit was insane! What a hellish sight — Zeryn declares angrily, recalling the scene.