My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 212

On the day of Chris’s funeral, the Beastmen’s Forest was filled with countless gravestones. Seri implemented the practice of burying both Spirits and Beastmen with gravestones to show respect for Other Races, recognizing them as equals to humans.

Fortunately, thanks to Ariel’s adept handling, the majority of the graves were well-prepared. However, I couldn’t shake off the unease about one particular gravestone belonging to Leoness.

It felt particularly melancholic since she was the only one who had shown interest in me, despite not being a Hero or S-Class.

“How could so many Beastmen die… in just a single breath…”

Urka murmured in disbelief as she scanned the surroundings, only to come across the Beastmen weeping by the gravestones, biting her lower lip in distress.

Seeing their agonized faces prompted her to speak up.

“…Praus, we didn’t manage to kill that monster, did we?”

“That’s right.”

The All-Cutting Sword possesses the power to slice through anything. The mere fact that it didn’t work suggests that the scales themselves had resistance to skills.

I was already aware of this fact, but knowing that it was more effective than anticipated put me in a tough spot.

“So, can we even kill that massive monster? We’ve already seen so many casualties from just a single breath!”

“Looks like the name of the Legion Commander holds weight.”

There were nine creatures like Ecabel in this world. Having eliminated two, there were still seven left.

Seven, and still counting.

When the Demon War begins, the number of gravestones before us will seem trivial compared to the many lives that will be lost.

I’ve seen various scenes of gamers clearing the game in the community, but most showed half of the Empire being overrun.

In particular, Rexton’s and Aus’s territories will suffer massive blows.

If the Heroes manage to surpass their limits and grow stronger, a direct confrontation with Legion Commanders wouldn’t be an issue.

However, the problem lies in needing someone to fend off other Demons while they’re engaging in combat.

This task would inevitably fall to the S-Class, the Knights, and the outstanding Beastmen and Elves.

By that time, the Spirit Realm would also intervene, and many would form Spirit Contracts, somewhat negating the power disparity with Demons.

“This will serve as a wake-up call for the Beastmen and Elves to unite with humans to defeat the Demon Tribe.”

I glanced around.

Numerous Beastmen were shedding tears before the gravestones. No one was wailing loudly, but the sound of muffled sobs filled the air endlessly.

As I turned subtly, I noticed the Heroes silently following me, each of their expressions clouded with darkness. Perhaps they felt guilt for not being able to protect them.

If that’s the case, I would rather they feel it.

It may sound selfish and cruel, but this guilt would surely serve as a significant driving force in the conflict with Demons.

“…If the Demon War breaks out, will I also end up buried here?”

“No.”

Urka’s response came immediately.

Even if I were to die, I shouldn’t be wallowing in sorrow from the start.

No one goes to war thinking they will die. Everyone believes they will survive, even if that belief is a fanciful truth.

If one carries the notion of inevitable death before stepping into the battlefield, fear could paralyze them, potentially causing their demise without showcasing their true power.

Therefore, I must avoid falling into vague feelings of anxiety. Though, I knew that one or two words wouldn’t ease that anxiety.

“We will kill everything from Monsters to Demons and survive to witness the future. Urka, you will not end up buried here. And I expect the same for all of you.”

I looked back at the Heroes. They flashed forced smiles at me in response.

“Yes.”

As we walked past hundreds of graves, I suddenly spotted a gravestone marked Leoness. It was nestled deep within.

“Was it here all along…”

I squatted before the gravestone.

“Leoness…”

Urka, standing beside me, sniffed the air.

“Familiar scent… it’s the one from Praus’s body.”

“…You can recognize it?”

“Leoness… Seems like you had a close bond? Did you come all this way because of this Beastman?”

Urka spoke with a smile, but she couldn’t completely conceal her slightly displeased reaction. It was likely due to the thought of her crush being involved with another woman.

“It wasn’t a close bond. I intended to use her as a bridge for continuous exchange between Other Races and humans.”

“Really?”

“However, now that the Emperor has changed, that need has disappeared.”

As long as Seri remains Emperor, exchanges between humans and Other Races will continue. Or, the number of those migrating to the Empire may increase.

Having begun to grasp the issues concerning Demons, the Beastmen must have felt that living in the Empire was safer than seeking independence.

“Thank you for believing in me and following along.”

I brushed my fingers over the name etched on the stone before standing up. There was nothing I could offer to the dead. Yet, if I had to say something…

“We will definitely kill the Demon that took your life. Watch over us from above.”

I gently tapped the gravestone with my fist and turned away. It was something I had to do, and putting meaning behind it might inspire the Heroes even more.

“I will take my leave now.”

“Already?”

“I just came to check if Leoness’s gravestone was appropriately erected. Plus… staying here will just make me gloomy. If I dwell on these sad emotions indefinitely, I won’t be able to move forward.”

I cast a sidelong glance at the Heroes. We couldn’t afford to stop until every Demon was dead.

This world was designed to enforce the growth of Heroes.

“Praus is strong.”

Strong, my foot…

I did it out of necessity because I’m facing death. If it weren’t for that, I would have given up long ago.

*

“…Why are you here during dinner?”

As I tore into meat while glancing at the woman who had burst forth from the gate, I realized, oh, the seasoning was perfectly done!

Ever since I arrived in this world, my cooking skills seemed to improve day by day. After all, I’ve been preparing meals for the Heroes for five years now.

“Give me some food too, Praus!”

The Spirit King whined unattractively.

“Glutton, go back to the Spirit Realm.”

“I’m not a glutton! Do you know how hard I worked being held captive by Naiad for a year?”

“It’s only natural to struggle for a year considering you pushed off tasks for decades.”

“Huh! How do you know that?!”

The Phoenix shouted at me, pointing an accusing finger. She was genuinely taken aback, stumbling over her words.

She was just like a group member struggling to meet the deadline for a project right before submission. It was obvious how much Naiad had to endure.

“Did Ariel tell you?”

“No. Praus knows everything we try to hide. Pervert, pervert.”

Ariel snorted dismissively.

Why am I the pervert? Do you have any idea how much I’m holding back my libido?

“It’s all your fault.”

The now-somber Phoenix glanced at Tina. Tina looked between me and Phoenix, then used tongs to place a few ribs from the pot onto a plate.

“Do you want to eat this, Phoenix—”

“Tina.”

At my command, Tina flinched. She eyed me for a while before placing the dish back on the table. Then, she clasped her hands together and addressed Phoenix.

“…I’m sorry, Phoenix. I owe a debt, but nothing takes precedence over my teacher.”

“Tina~! You’re my contractor! You should prioritize me over that jerk!”

“I’m sorry. Even though I owe you, my teacher will always come first.”

Tina forced a smile, scratching her cheek. Phoenix’s expression twisted in frustration. Soon, she pointed back at me and shouted.

“Praus! I brought you here to eat delicious food! Why aren’t you sharing? I even helped you kill that fat pig Demon!”

“…Fat pig Demon? Are you talking about Ecabel?”

“Yes!”

First of all, he’s not a pig, but a Leviathan…

“…Well, that was one of the reasons. Fine. Then bring Naiad here.”

“Why not just have Iris do it?”

“Teacher, can we do that?”

She responded as if she had been waiting for the question. You’re as diligent as ever, huh?

“I want you to bring Naiad because Iris would have to exert herself to summon her. If you bring her…”

I slid the plate of ribs that Tina had just emptied in front of her.

“Unlimited refills.”

“Unlimited refills!!”

Her previously gloomy face instantly lit up. The sparkle in her eyes somehow felt purer than that of a Low-Level Spirit.

“Just wait! I’ll be back in no time!”

Seeing her vanish through the gate to the Spirit Realm, I couldn’t help but smile wryly. How sincere can one be about food?

Before long, the gate opened once more, and Phoenix and Naiad appeared. More accurately, it was Phoenix dragging Naiad, who didn’t want to come.

“Praus, I heard you were looking for me.”

“Right. It’s time to fulfill your promise.”

I spoke to Naiad while handing the plate to Phoenix. She accepted it eagerly and began gorging herself next to Tina.

“…I see.”

Although he seemed to be contemplating, Naiad nodded in acceptance.

“Yum~ so delicious!”

In the breaking moment, Phoenix suddenly shouted, shaking her body.

“Phoenix… you didn’t bring me here just for food, did you?”

Nom nom nom…

No matter how fiercely Naiad glared, Phoenix continued to devour the ribs with utter delight.

“…Sigh. Maintain the dignity of the Spirit King.”

“Naiad, you’re way too uptight! That’s why the lower Spirits don’t come close to you. Try to be a bit flexible.”

“You’re way too loose!”

Even under Naiad’s powerful tackle, Phoenix remained focused on eating.

“Want some ribs? They’re seriously delicious!”

Phoenix offered a piece of rib. Naiad stared at it and soon sat down, starting to eat as well.

“…Indeed, it’s delicious.”

“Do you really need to cram in a tight space to enjoy it?”

“Why does a fellow with plenty of money still live in such a cramped place?”

Oh, is it my fault?

How ridiculous.

With a sigh, I scanned those gathered around the table. Honestly, this kind of commotion isn’t so bad.