The Author's POV

"…Should I say, as expected?"

As I descended from the top of the tower and made my way toward the hall where the main battle was taking place, I was surprised to see that the battle had essentially come to an end on this side.

I wasn't the only one aware that the battle was over.

The demons knew it too, and…

Boom―!

"Argkh!"

Coming down, I could see that there were still some demons that were actively attempting to fight their way out of the tower; however, just as this was supposed to be a prison that was supposed to trap me and the others, it had instead become a prison for all of the demons that were present.

No one could get out, and more blood splattered all over the ground.

"Ren, you're finally here."

A voice called out for me, spotting my arrival. When I turned my head to see who had called out for me, I realized it was Edward.

"How's the situation?"

I asked, curiously looking around. At first glance, it appeared as though we had won by a landslide; however, when I looked down and saw some of the blood that had been spilled on the floor, I realized that this victory wasn't without its flaws.

…We had sustained some losses.

"Don't worry about it."

As if reading my expression and thoughts, Edward patted me on the shoulder.

"Don't beat yourself up because of the losses. Although it is a fact that some of us were killed, from the very beginning, everyone who participated was aware that death was a possibility. Nobody will blame you; on the contrary, most are quite grateful for everything you've done."

After a moment's pause, a grin broke out unexpectedly on his face.

"We… we have won."

He muttered in a low voice.

His words were filled with unmasked joy, and when I looked around and observed the facial expressions of those who were currently fighting, I realized that he wasn't the only one who was feeling pleased with the way things were going.

"You may not understand this very well since you're young, but…"

Edward continued.

"This victory means a great deal more to people my age than you probably realize at this point in time. In contrast to the world in which you were born, the one in which I and the other people of my age live was not nearly as tranquil as the world in which you were raised."

"Our land and our people were subjected to constant destruction at the hands of demons. I've seen the killings and massacres more times than you could possibly imagine… and so have the others."

Edward brought his hand forward, which caused the mana that was all around him to congregate, and a beam shot out from the tip of his finger.

"Akh!"

landed directly on top of a demon that was

me to

do the same thing, but Edward's response was a little bit

"It's fine."

my shoulder

older folks, and for that, you don't have to feel guilty about their death… I'm sure

"Is that so…"

I muttered absentmindedly.

understood what Edward was trying

at the same time, I

lot more responsibility than I give

any feelings of guilt in connection with their passing, I was

a roundabout way, their deaths were my responsibility, and it wasn't exactly the most pleasant thing in the world to realize that I was the

to

"Haaa…"

But this was life…

looked up and let

hypocrite if I felt

had done something similar; in

orcs to fight against

were in that situation, I made a number of choices that ended up leading to the deaths of members of both the dwarven

order to make sure that the plan was successful, and as a result, I was more aware than anyone else that I was being

didn't really matter,

I was a hypocrite, and despite this realization, I

were keeping me

emotions sure

and turned away

on my

of me. I didn't even need to look up because I immediately

that you're already

was none other than Octavious, who, unlike

his recuperation,

wasn't just me who was experiencing these emotions; in fact, everyone else

receiving multiple calls and messages inquiring about Octavious' well-being and asking if anything was

bad was his

received provided a sufficient

we going

Octavious jolted me out of my thoughts, and I found

at the others who were slaying the last of the demons, and I couldn't help but break into

"About that…"

foot, focused all of my mana into it, and then quickly stomped

going to hunt

contact with the

Booom―!

ground began

***