The Second Salvation Myth of a Retired Regressed Hero

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“Come, drink heartily! Ahahah!”

The portly lord raised his cup jovially.

This victory banquet included the lord’s key vassals, the knight, and the squire who had been the acting commander on site. Post-war proceedings were left to other officers.

The lord and vassals lavished praises on Doyun, striving to flatter him.

A top-tier disciple one rarely encountered outside large-scale wars – in these wartime circumstances, such a connection with a formidable figure was worth a fortune.

Moreover, the lord had narrowly avoided utter catastrophe this time.

‘I had forgotten – our city lies at the frontlines, most exposed to wartime threats!’

The city’s fate had nearly met complete ruination. Yet that crisis had been averted by a single disciple’s chance presence.

From the knight and soldiers, the lord and vassals learned of Doyun’s martial exploits. Brimming with eagerness, they wished to establish amicable ties with this peerless disciple and, by extension, the World Tree.

But Doyun simply savored the food in silence.

Enoch had been quite the political veteran. Spouting pleasantries to foster political camaraderie was not his style.

In the end, connections forged that way proved utterly useless in crucial moments – Doyun knew from experience.

Instead, he preferred a different approach.

The unjust would naturally distance themselves, expecting no benefits from him.
The righteous would be inspired by his ideals, ultimately joining his cause.

That was enough. No need to toil amidst snakes – he simply had to steadfastly walk his path. This was how the Războlnic Hero dealt with people.

Meanwhile, the lord and vassals eyed Doyun savoring his meal appreciatively.

‘Etiquette and refinement naturally emanate from him.’

Moreover, after bathing and changing attire, an aura of noble dignity and charisma radiated from his very appearance.

‘Clearly someone accustomed to mingling with nobility.’

Then he would surely possess significant resistance to political machinations. Indeed, he hadn’t so much as flinched at their flattery and posturing thus far.

They had repeatedly attempted to indirectly inquire about his name and affiliation, but he had only revealed being a World Tree guild member, withholding all other details.

The lord asked Doyun again,

“You mentioned being from the World Tree, but how did you arrive here directly? Perhaps some personal teleportation means aided your deployment?”

“No. My presence here was mere coincidence, but my Master urgently ordered me to participate and defend the city.”

Doyun lied to uphold the World Tree’s prestige, but none could discern the truth.

“Aah…!”

Though asked to obtain information, in that moment, all were impressed by his response.

The World Tree indeed – how righteous and admirable they were!

Moreover, alongside Muspelheim, the World Tree had been among the first to dispatch reinforcements. As expected of the self-proclaimed top guild in the nation – no, their reputation seemed somewhat understated even.

‘And to conceal such hidden power too…!’

Even a guild of the World Tree’s caliber couldn’t possibly have scores of disciples on par with the man before them. If such a peerless hero belonged to their guild, his prowess and renown should have widely accompanied their name.

But none present had ever heard of this man before. And he still concealed his identity even now.

In other words:

‘The World Tree’s hidden blade.’

They decided against further prying. Respecting the hero who had saved their city took priority over learning his details.

However, they couldn’t simply let this pass either.

‘No matter what, we must forge amicable ties with this disciple, and by extension the World Tree itself!’

Unparalleled in righteous principles and swiftness to act – and now this revelation of their hidden might.

To those who had nearly lost their city, the World Tree Guild seemed immensely appealing.

This impression was amplified by Lockenmeyer’s low guild standards – the World Tree was on an entirely different level from the capital’s glorified mercenary groups all talk and no substance, constantly inviting unfavorable comparison.

But this was no ordinary man to be swayed by petty political maneuverings. Then perhaps…

‘A direct approach is best.’

Steeling himself, the lord spoke,

“…Allow me to be frank. Our city wishes to establish amicable relations with the World Tree, and with you, Sir Disciple.”

Doyun set down his fork and knife, wiping his mouth with a napkin as he met the lord’s gaze.

A straightforward, sincere opening devoid of political doublespeak – unlike the preceding flattery, it seemed worth hearing out.

“Institutionally, wartime merits are to be rewarded by the royal court, not individual cities. Of course, we can still express our goodwill, but it would pale in comparison.”

Doyun gazed at him, silently urging him to continue.

“This city has become Lockenmeyer’s economic center through monster hunting byproducts. Naturally, we wield no small influence within the royal court as well.”

“I see.”

“We can exert that influence to elevate the quality of your rewards and steer them in your desired direction. For instance…”

The lord glanced briefly at the knight.

“…We could open the royal armory and bestow weapons categorized as divine armaments.”

“…”

Doyun stroked his chin with his thumb and index finger. It was an enticing proposition.

‘He must have noticed I lack a proper sword.’

Not bad at all – this fellow was quite the capable schemer.

Moreover, Doyun appreciated his temperament. Unlike other nobles solely harboring rats and swine within, this one had swiftly grasped Doyun’s inclinations and adapted his approach accordingly in no time.

Ultimately for selfish gain, true, but the willingness to align himself with Doyun was a commendable gesture unbecoming of nobility.

“Perhaps you have a preferred weapon type in mind?”

“…I desire a spear for dual wielding.”

“A spear?”

Doyun nodded.

There were other means to acquire swords – someday when a rainbow manifested near Enoch’s weapon vault, or perhaps from Buske’s gallery, though uncertain.

But suitable dual wield spears were far harder to come by.

Though unexpected, the lord didn’t dwell on Doyun’s choice. What the man wanted mattered less than securing him.

“Understood. From what I know, the Lockenmeyer royal family possesses two exceptional dual wield spears. I shall strive to have them disbursed to you.”

“And in the future, if any matters arise, lend the World Tree your political support. That would fulfill your wishes.”

“Certainly. My gratitude.”

The lord lightly bowed his head. Satisfied with the conversation’s direction, the vassals resumed dining.

The finance minister, noticing Doyun’s emptied cup, deliberately raised his voice instead of signaling a servant.

“The hero’s cup grows light! Bring forth more wine!”

A cue to serve the fine aged liquor reserved for esteemed guests.

All petty schemes dissipated, leaving only positive results. Amid sincere smiles, the true banquet commenced.

As the wine flowed and the lord’s face flushed, he addressed the squire,

“Ah yes! You were the acting commander on site, weren’t you? How unfortunate to be saddled with that duty right before this incident struck. Your luck is truly wretched! Hahaha!”

“Ah, no…”

He felt utterly uncomfortable in this company of the lord and vassals.

Not only were they highborn nobility, but a lingering sense of unease gnawed at him, making the food taste like ashes.

“Hmm! Now that I think about it, you were the one who escorted Sir Disciple to the walls, weren’t you?”

At those words, the squire’s body jolted.

“Surely you showed no disrespect in addressing Sir Disciple! Hahaha!”

The lord sipped his wine, his words merely casual banter from his perspective. But the squire paled, perspiring profusely.

Doyun silently carved his meat, viewing the squire as someone lacking the mental fortitude befitting his temporary post – nothing more. Doyun wasn’t the kind to dwell on how he had been treated.

But the squire found Doyun’s silence utterly unnerving, his pupils trembling anxiously. Noticing his apprentice’s condition, the knight assumed lingering war trauma and dismissed him to his quarters.

Ultimately, he later purged everything he had forcibly consumed.

Shortly after, the World Tree’s reinforcement unit arrived at the castle to retrieve Doyun.