Demon Barrier Squad Headquarters.
Noel looked at the situation around the town while the people distributed the medicine. It was clear that the mood had improved since the soldiers could easily recover from their wounds due to the medicine.
It seemed that Paul had the same idea as he appeared next to him, planning to discuss their current plan.
"No—Ahem, Iadre." Paul almost called his name due to the brilliance he had shown not long ago. They were in front of many people, so he had to play along. "What do you think about our current plan? We are going to distribute the medicine to other cities. With our strength, it should be impossible for the demons to destroy us. Unless there is a Superior Demon… No, there is only one Superior Demon and Captain Faust is planning to hold it back."
"In that case, what do you think if we split our group into two? This way, we can help two directions simultaneously. Since I am a Spirit Grandmaster, I can go with only two people."
Noel shook his head firmly as if he had considered everything.
"We can't do that… at least, not now. We have to stick together."
"Stick together… Are you worried that there are more demons than we expected?"
"No. I'm just worried that our enemies this time aren't just demons." Noel let out a long sigh. "This is just my speculation, but this kind of attack feels a bit deliberate."
"!!!" Paul gasped. Noel wasn't someone who threw an empty word. If he said it, the possibility would be quite high. "Do you mean… the Supreme Devil Organization will attack us?"
"Yeah. I think so. If we take a look at the current situation, don't you think the demons are too organized? Then, why would they attack this place for no reason?"
"Now that I think about it, the reason is still being investigated…" Paul thought for a moment. "You aren't going to say that this might happen for a similar reason to the outbreak in the mysterious facility, right?"
"I am not sure, considering Septa should have investigated the Plant Lord's belongings by this time. Unfortunately, we don't have that information."
"Still, it doesn't change the fact that the entire situation is suspicious. If you think about it, this place is perfect for execution."
"The Demon Barrier Squad base is located at the edge of the border. And the distance to the nearest base of other squads is three days."
"Hmm?!" Paul looked down, falling into deep thought. It seemed he had caught on to something. "Now that I think about it, our squad reached this place in seven days. But the sudden outbreak happened yesterday night. Even if they send the message via bird, they still need a whole night to arrive.
"In other words, the reinforcement still needs two more days unless they are using their quickest speed to reach here."
"If we think about it, they might be doing it to catch us during the trip. Yeah. As soon as we leave this place, we might get ambushed by them."
"However, are you sure that they are targeting us?" Paul asked the most important question.
On the one hand, they had been targeted this whole time. On the other hand, they couldn't deny if they somehow became paranoid after being targeted for so long.
That was why Paul had to make sure their target was them first.
Noel shook his head helplessly. "Well, I can't say anything for sure. In fact, this entire conversation might be my own delusion. However…"
Noel suddenly fell silent while closing his eyes as if he was recounting something.
Two weeks ago.
After Noel handed the medicine to Dimitri, the latter actually gave him one more message to consider.
"Master. I will be worried when I leave you like this." Dimitri bit his lips as if he was disappointed in himself. It wasn't that he regretted not being able to protect him. He just felt he wasn't strong enough to protect Noel. If he could, he would deliver the message, protect Noel, and even handle the family's matter by himself. But one person's ability was limited. That was why he was disappointed he couldn't stay near Noel all the time, especially in this dangerous situation.
"Don't worry. More than anyone else, I am aware that I'm in an extremely dangerous situation since I have turned myself into bait." Noel sighed.
"In that case, please don't forget these words, Master." Dimitri looked at Noel with a grim expression. He was a former captain, so his intelligence was above average. He was a monster equipped with both strength and brain.
He said, "In the past, Master was like an ant that could be crushed anytime. You were not a threat, and your potential wasn't that big to be favored. However, everyone has seen more about you. You could keep up with the growth of Anna Stargaze, the most talented person in the kingdom."
"Most people still haven't realized your identity, but those who lurk in the shadows will surely figure out your identity. If they know that you are the wielder of two elements, they will realize that your raw talent alone might be beyond Anna Stargaze and everything about you is different than reported."
"When this happens, there will be a lot of people coming to you. They might be similar to Damian, who is trying to form a friendly relationship with you. But there will be a lot more who think of you as a threat. In their eyes, you only have two fates, you either submit to them or die."
"With Damian near you, I know that most of them won't be able to touch you. But there are two existences that will surely put their eyes on you."
"The first one is the Royal Family. I don't have to explain the reason. They might haven't realized it yet, but they should have put their eyes on you."
"As for the second one, it should be the Supreme Devil Organization. They will definitely come… and I'm afraid that your uncle will be the first person to be dispatched. In fact, he might do it by himself."
"He is a Devil Saint. His current strength should be similar to that of the commander. But I don't know if he has broken through to the Spirit Transcendence or not. Even if he has, I should still have some strength to buy time for you to run away. That's why I kind of agree with Anna. You should become a Spirit Grandmaster as soon as possible."
"That's why I hope that you can prioritize your safety."
Noel thought for a moment and asked, "Say, how strong is a Spirit Transcendence? Can they defeat multiple Spirit Grandmasters easily?"
"I haven't reached that stage, but from my understanding, they can't. It's true that they are far stronger than a Spirit Grandmaster, but you will feel that the Spirit Master is the transition realm. Once you reach the Spirit Grandmaster, you will understand my words."
"That's why… even though a Spirit Transcendence can defeat multiple Spirit Grandmasters alone, they will have a hard time killing a Spirit Grandmaster, especially one that is ready to sacrifice everything to survive."
"Hmm…" Noel thought for a moment. "In that case, if we have multiple Spirit Grandmasters, do you think everyone can return safely?"
"Well… just think about this… Shale, Milfa, and me, the three of us should be able to buy you a lot of time while returning safely from fighting the commander."
"I see." As Noel closed his eyes at that time, the current Noel also finished sorting his thoughts. He opened his eyes and looked at Paul, "I have a plan. But it will be extremely dangerous. I don't even know if this is even possible."
"Let me hear your thoughts…" Paul suddenly looked around and pointed at a small alley where they could exchange information without being heard. "Tell me there."
Noel nodded. They immediately headed toward the alley as Noel whispered his plan to Paul.
Paul was surprised by two things. First, Noel's plan was dangerous and bold. It might be able to confirm their enemies, but if the plan failed, they had a high chance of dying. Second, Noel's trump card seriously scared him. He could only think that this was the trump card from the former Ardagan Family.
However, it was true that they couldn't remain in this city. If they did, this city might be destroyed completely.
After some considerations, Paul agreed to Noel's plan. But he also added, "I am going to tell you this first. If there is someone who is responsible for the group's safety, it's me. As the vice-captain, I'm the one who accepts that mission. That's why you have to obey the vice captain's words. Understood?"
Noel's body shook. It was clear that Paul wanted to be the first one to sacrifice his life if their plan failed. He never thought Paul was this brave, but he also felt moved.
Although he didn't know how much he could do, he would do everything to lead the group safely.
…
The next day.
They had arrived in front of the gate again. They were ready to leave this city to bring the medicine to other cities.
Faust said his message while sending them off. "Don't worry about the Superior Demon. Even if I have to use my life, I'm going to stop it. Good luck."
