Popular NPC in a Gender-Reversed Game

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Demon.

Now a familiar name, there are mainly two ways to summon them.

First, you can seek out an altar and directly offer mana. It’s a bit of a hassle to find an altar, but the upside is that you don’t necessarily need a summoner for it.

Second, as we all know, the summoner can become a mine and start slaughtering people. Those unfortunate humans end up serving as materials for the demon’s descent.

Both methods differ, but they share one commonality.

There’s a clear cause that’s visible. Regardless, both methods involve sacrificing a type of ‘energy.’ A direct one at that.

Because of this, signs become apparent before a demon descends.

Like when the Lemegaton gets busy all of a sudden, or when a mine shows up and causes a tragedy.

However, this time, no discernible cause has been found at all.

Seeing the shocked expression of the Second Knight Commander, Odelia, the Fifth Knight Commander, Serena, continued.

“You know, me and the Third Knight Commander were dispatched to investigate the Lemegaton.”

“That’s right.”

“I heard about the demon’s descent around that time, and even the Lemegaton seemed flustered. There should’ve been someone responsible for the altar, so why is there no explanation?”

“Maybe they couldn’t find the cause? A mine did appear, but it happened in such a remote area that news didn’t reach us.”

That was a reasonable question. Serena responded to Odelia’s inquiry.

“No, I tried to investigate as much as I could. Of course, it did come from the altar, but… it seems like no other groups were involved. It just resurrected naturally.”

Upon hearing that, something suddenly came to my mind.

It was about the demon called ‘Barbatos’ that resides in the forest where I live. Come to think of it, that demon has been gathering herbs to prepare for its own descent.

Perhaps the demon that appeared this time is a similar case.

Unlike Barbatos, though, it seems that this one wasn’t found until it was released from the altar.

“Huh… So who is this demon? Usually, they introduce themselves when they appear.”

“Well….”

After that, they continued their discussion.

Who was this demon? Where did it come from? How much damage has been done, and what abilities does it have? It seemed like Serena had learned quite a bit during her investigation.

Vivian, who went along for the investigation, was just picking at her food.

While I listened to their conversation, a question popped into my head.

‘But why are they discussing this in front of me?’

This must be fairly confidential information. I was curious about why they felt comfortable discussing it with me at the table. Is it because this information would spread quickly anyway?

Or maybe they’re so busy that they thought to just handle it all at once while gathered?

While pondering these thoughts, the Second Knight Commander, Odelia, finally spoke.

“So we need to quickly organize a team to go… What about you, Summoner? Want to join us?”

Out of the blue, she offered me a spot.

Upon hearing that, I mentally applauded.

‘Aha.’

I had my doubts, but now I felt like I understood their intentions clearly.

It made sense why they issued a demon extermination order, why the Emperor was being so friendly towards me, and why the Knight Commanders gathered to discuss this.

‘They’re all trying to scout me.’

Since they’re accepting me, they likely want to use me as a part of the nation’s strength.

To be honest, it felt a little self-serving, but I am quite a useful asset. It’s a reasonable reaction, after all.

This could silence the defiant nobles with tangible results.

“Of course, I won’t make it uncomfortable for you. If you participate and contribute, you will be rewarded too.”

When I heard that, I paused for a moment to think.

In the past, I wouldn’t have cared whether a demon descended or not, but now demons had become significant beings for me as well.

If I can catch them, there might be a slight possibility that I could lift my berserk state.

Of course, that probability is exceedingly slim, and whether it’s even the truth is uncertain.

But if there’s even a hint of possibility, I can’t ignore it. I can’t suffer from the berserk state for my whole life.

In that sense, it wouldn’t be bad if reinforcements were added. After all, demons are all strong beings.

However.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t plan on joining.”

What came out of my mouth was a refusal.

Joining the Knight Command would not be easy since our relationship isn’t exactly great.

And to be honest, I haven’t completely shaken off my resentment towards the Empire.

After all, how quickly can you get over a decade of persecution?

Moreover, joining the Knights would create an uncomfortable atmosphere, and I wasn’t confident I could endure that.

So I continued,

“Instead, I’ll pursue the demon on my own. If the Knight Command is engaged in a fight in the middle of it, I’ll lend my help.”

“Do you really have to…? Huh, fine, I understand.”

Odelia nodded, albeit disappointed, and it seemed she wasn’t planning to persuade me further. After all, the discomfort was mutual.

But I still had something I wanted to ask.

“And before you leave, could you provide me with a few supplies?”

“…What?”

“I mean, you’re saying you’re letting me participate in your operation, right? You all receive a salary for this work, so there’s no way you intend to send me out empty-handed, right?”

“No… Huh, fine.”

Serena looked at me as if displeased by my comments.

“Just so you know, being a knight is about seeking honor and protecting the nation and its people.”

“Hmm?”

“It’s not merely about chasing after money. If it were just about that, you’d be better off being an adventurer.”

It seems my mention of working for a salary rubbed her the wrong way. Perhaps she took pride in being a knight.

I responded ironically.

“I apologize for that. As a summoner, I’m a bit distant from honor.”

Honestly, I wanted to take another jab at those knights for having their faces rubbed in it, but I held back.

Keeping quiet, Serena sighed, then asked.

“Anyway, what exactly do you want for supplies?”

“Nothing big. Just some light gear and a few holy waters.”

“Hmm…”

At the mention of ‘holy water’, Serena tilted her head for a moment.

But that thought passed quickly, and she nodded, seemingly thinking that was manageable.

Inside, I cheered silently.

With the berserk state approaching, I never expected to procure holy water like this.

‘What luck.’

With the holy water in hand, I left the meeting room with a grin on my face.

It was a bit disconcerting, but all in all, it was a productive day.

*

“I can’t believe it. That punk in the alley could beat Rayleigh!”

“Well, he is good-looking…”

“Calm down, Serena. Still, that composure he had is something else. Even with three Knight Commanders in front of him, he didn’t flinch at all… Is his heart made of iron or something?”

After Yor and Hanbyeol left, the Knight Commanders stayed behind to continue their discussion.

They had gathered not only for the meeting but also to evaluate him simultaneously.

Of course, since they hadn’t seen the battle directly, the only judgment they could make was based on his attitude. From what they saw… it was clear that he was no ordinary person.

Most people would naturally feel intimidated in front of three Knight Commanders.

Whether it was due to their status or the undeniable aura surrounding them, it was normal to feel small.

Even Shin Hanbyeol, a strong personality, looked tense.

But perhaps it’s because he has already tasted the harshness of the world.

He didn’t bat an eye. Rather, he calmly asserted his demands during that situation.

“Vivian, it’s your fault for looking so weak. You just look miserable!”

“I-I’m sorry…”

Each person had their own thoughts, but they all appreciated his bravery.

At the very least, he wouldn’t run away when faced with a demon.

Especially now when they were struggling with manpower, every single individual was crucial for the empire.

Even if the outside clamor arose, they needed to embrace summoners like him.

‘At the very least, we can’t let them slip away to other sides.’

As they pondered, they gazed at the door where Yor had exited.

*

Another week passed.

Having successfully endured the berserk state, I prepared for my journey.

This was to capture the newly appeared demon ranked 63, Andras.

Of course, this time I didn’t wear a hood. I had a damn good identification tag.

To think I could step outside the forest without hiding my face… that realization brought a smile to my lips.

This time, my companions, as always, were Chaerin and Haneul.

I didn’t know the area well enough to go alone, and I was far too accustomed to the information given by otherworlders now.

“Ah… just when I thought things had calmed down, another one appears. But where did you hear that?”

“Honestly, we just heard about it recently.”

“Well, it just sort of happened…”

The destination was the split plains to the southwest. That was the first spot where they had been discovered, and the demon was still rampaging out that way.

Honestly, I didn’t give it much thought.

I was just curious about what kind of demon it would be this time…

“First, we should look for a caravan.”

“Yeah, but is there even a caravan going there right now?”

“Hmm? Didn’t we just hire a coachman last time?”

In response to my query, Chaerin answered.

“The southwest is a bit far. It’s cheaper to find a caravan and escort it along the way.”

“How far are we talking?”

“I’d say… it would take at least a week just to get there?”

“…That long?”

I gasped. The journey ahead seemed like it would take quite a while.

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