Chapter 180 - Renewal Plan 1 (2/2)

“Hey, Roa.There are many things to eat in the world other than Demonic energy.”

“Nyaa.I can eat other corrupted things.Nyaa-aaah.I now know why the Demonic energy was such a tasty meal.Nyaa.”

Artpe smirked at Roa’s words.It was to be expected.The Demonic energy arose from humanity’s twisted greed.Roa feasted mainly on corrupted energy.Of course, she would love the Demonic energy.Maybe, she had this realization when the truth of the Demonic energy became known.

“Can you really drive out all the Demonic energy from the human realm?”

“It is such an enormous task that I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it.”

“I can do it.”

His party members had questions about it, but Artpe answered them with a confident voice.

“Let’s go.”

“Ooh ooh.When Artpe displays so much confidence, he always does something incredibly absurd…..”

“Good bye, Glacia.I’ll come back much stronger.”

Everyone got on the Steel Horse.Everyone was nervous except Regina.She calmly waved goodbye to the continent.It was as if the continent was answering her.A snowstorm kicked up.

“Regina’s ability also became stronger.Everything worked out if you look at the final result.”

“Ah.You just said final result.This is the final result!”

“Nyaaaaa.”

The Steel Horse moved at high speeds. It was moving towards the holy nation of Paladia.It was the first step in gathering their resources.

[Artpe?]

It was deep within the night.It was when everyone was asleep.Artpe naturally opened his eyes when he heard the language of the Demons near his ears.He saw Etna sitting next to him.Her hair was letting out a subdued red light.

[You are awake.]

[What’s the matter?]

The Steel Horse was on auto drive, so it was moving under the night sky.Everyone looked a bit ragged as they slept.

In truth, sleep wasn’t necessary when one was at their level.However, they had been traveling with Petra for the past couple days.The journey had started when they had left Nanarai Bodra’sruin.Lot of things had happened in between, so they hadn’t been able to relax.They were using this time to unwind.

Moreover, Artpe wanted to recover too.

[Don’t glare at me like that.I get hurt even by your small actions.….didn’t I just sound like a girl in love?]

[You should be resting, Etna.You need it the most.]

[Hoo hoo.You already know about it.I’m whole, and I’m in a peaceful state.Youare no longer referring to me as Etna-nim.I’m happy.]

[You want to talk about old times?]

He wondered if she wanted to talk about their past lives with him.It would be analogous to an old mercenary telling a story to a drunk crowd.However, Etna shook her head from side to side.

[No, I just want to stick close to Artpe.]

[You shouldn’t be so straightforward with your words….Why do all the women I meet start to take after Maetel?]

[Maybe, the little miss might be taking after me?]

Etna laid down next to Artpe, and she leaned into his shoulder.Maetel was sleeping on the other side.Etna moved in a way that didn’t wake Maetel.Artpe thought it was quite the feat.Etna spoke the language of the Demon race to him.Only the two of them could understand it, and it was almost as if she was singing her words.

[I don’t know how we were able to return to the past like this.I’m not even sure if this is reality.Artpe used to be a Demon, but you are human now.Moreover, you are the hero.I don’t know why everything is flowing differently from before…..There are so many things I am curious about...]

[I can tell you everything.]

[It’s alright.]

Etna turned her head slightly, and she gave a short kiss on the nape of his neck.This was different from Maetel throwing a tantrum for a kiss.Every gesture was so mature that he needlessly felt his heart speed up.However, he had a feeling of disillusionment when he found himself comparing Etna and Maetel.He stopped thinking about it.

[Artpe came to find me.That is why I’m ok with whatever that happens in the future.]

[I’ll say this once.It wasn’t as if I didn’t like you in the past, but I wasn’t in love with you either.]

[Mmm mmm.I understandPetra always was always the problem.This was true in this life and the past life.Ah, jeez.We said we won’t talk about the past.]

[If we want to talk about the present, it is inevitable that we’ll have to talk about the past.There is no need to avoid it.]

[Then Artpe likes the little Ms. hero?What I mean to say is…Have you always liked her even in the past?]

It was an ambush.Maybe, she had been waiting for Artpe to say those words.It had allowed her to ask this question.Artpe was taken aback, but in the end, he willingly answered her.

[Yes.A lot.]

[Miss hero said the same thing to me.I thought she had killed you, so I became really angry…..Maybe, the one that had the most valid reason to act out in anger was that young lady.]

[······thank you for holding back.]

When she regained her memories from her past life, Etna could have gone crazy against Maetel and Regina.It would have been a reasonable reaction.However, she had suppressed her feeling as if it was nothing.

[Mmm.The fact that you are alive makes me feel as if I can forgive just about everything….. Moreover, all of our circumstances have changed.]

[······that’s true.]

[I think I can get along with her.The little Ms. hero won’t oppose me if I’m on Artpe’s side.]

She really had a really good grasp on the situation.Maetel listened to Artpe’s proclamation.She prioritized the safety of all her party members above all else.Even if she might grind her teeth, she would never point her sword towards an ally.

[I’m in the same boat.I······ I can do whatever you want if it is for you, Artpe.]

[I am a man with a lot of sins.]

[I know.]

Artpe acted like a cheekyjerk, but Etna just laughed.Then she leaned into Artpe once again.

[We meet again······.]

[I guess so.]

Her body temperature rose slightly.Artpe turned, so Maetel won’t wake up.He was careful.Etna extended one hand, and she lightly grabbed his sleeve.

[I’ll protect you, Artpe.In the past, I wasn’t able to protect you.I’ll work harder knowing this…At all costs….No matter what…..]

[You are obsessing over weird things······Etna?]

She stopped speaking.When he took a closer look, Etna was asleep.She had stated that she hadn’t been tired, yet she had immediately fallen asleep next to him.Artpe smirked when he realized this fact.

He lightly grabbed the hand holding onto his sleeve, then he went back to sleep.