Chapter 179 : Chapter 179

Chapter 179 : The Calm Before the Storm (1)

Polarin Expedition.

When the 1st Prince Dinaus said that, I was somewhat perplexed.

I had always intended to form an expedition, but I hadn't thought of naming it the ‘Polarin Expedition’.

“Polarin Expedition...”

“Why are you embarrassed?”

“Yes, a bit. It's not like it's an expedition I formed with my strength alone.”

Everyone fell silent.

But that silence didn't last long.

“What does it matter? Anyway, the name of the expedition 300 years ago was also the ‘Adjak Expedition’.”

Bea reacted as if it was no big deal.

“Right. Let's just go with the Polarin Expedition. I like it.”

“Liar. You prefer the Keldric Expedition more.”

“Ah dammit, then wouldn't you prefer the Everchen Expedition?”

“I like the Polarin Expedition though?”

Keldric and Everchen bickered as usual, but in the end, they agreed that Polarin Expedition was good.

“Well, the name isn't what's important.”

“Don't think about getting out of it like that!”

“That is correct. Apart from Lord Dinaus, several others have already been calling it the Polarin Expedition.”

“There doesn't seem to be a better name than that either.”

“Haha... Yes. Polarin Expedition, that's good. Understood. However, we have many things left that are more important than the expedition's name right now.”

I approached Dinaus and discussed the expedition plan.

“Now that humanity and the Inoe have combined their forces, this is the opportunity. If we fail this expedition due to poor preparation, it will take considerable time just to clean up the mess. During that time, the Demons won't wait for us either.”

“I understand. We will pour all the power the Empire possesses at once. I will open all the Imperial Family's vaults to arm the Imperial soldiers, and distribute what remains to the expedition.”

“I would appreciate it if you could do that.”

Dinaus's assurance put my mind at ease.

An all-out war leaving no reserves.

We needed the attitude of advancing without considering failure.

Just as I was thinking it was fortunate, seeing Dinaus's determined face, another anxiety crept up slowly.

“And... you do not necessarily have to participate in the expedition, Lord Dinaus. Shouldn't you stay by His Majesty's side?”

“Originally, the Emperor of the Empire had many burdens to bear. His Majesty will overcome them well, and it will be helpful for the morale of the Imperial forces if I, the Emperor's proxy, go to Myeolji.”

If the Imperial forces join the expedition, it will be a great help.

If Dinaus can boost their morale, it will be a great help in the long run as well.

“Also, Princes receive martial arts training from a young age. Even if not as much as you, I will do my part properly, so do not worry.”

“Alright, but still don't step forward too much...”

“Don't worry!”

Whether it's Soler or Dinaus.

They get angry when I sincerely worry about them.

“Eum, understood. Then I will prepare thoroughly and see you in about five months.”

“Understood. I'll pack plenty of gifts then. But what will you be doing in the meantime?”

For the remaining 6 months, what should I do?

I hadn't even thought about it clearly.

It's a time like the calm sea before a storm hits.

During this time, which is long if you call it long and short if you call it short, I couldn't easily decide what would be good to do.

“...I will think about it gradually. See you in Myeolji in 5 months.”

“Understood.”

The contemplation continued even after Dinaus moved away with the Imperial forces.

And it was the same for Keldric, Everchen, and Bea.

“What should we really do? Should we go to Lady Hike and beg her to give us the Dragon's Trial one more time?”

“Or, I heard the soldiers of the North are wiping out Black Mages in the Hamdel Desert, shall we join there?”

“Hmm, it wouldn't be bad to travel around the parishes of each region and encourage the believers of the Holy Order.”

Keldric, Bea, and Everchen each offered their opinions.

They were all decent plans, but...

“Let's split up here.”

“Huh? What do you mean? Ahead of the most important situation!”

“This time Keldric is right. We haven't been traveling together just to build friendship all this time. We've also been constantly studying how to fight together.”

“Right, we have to stay together until we cut off the Demon King's head!”

Keldric and Bea were startled and tried to stop me.

Only Everchen was deep in thought without joining the conversation immediately.

“For now, you mean let's part ways just for now, right. Then do we each take on a mission and proceed, then meet in 5 months?”

“Oh... was that what it meant?”

But I shook my head.

“No, take a little rest. Once we go to Myeolji, we don't know how long we'll have to fight. There's no guarantee we'll return alive either. Since you've worked hard all this while, meet the people you want to meet, eat delicious food, and train occasionally. And then we meet in front of Myeolji.”

“...”

Everyone fell into silence.

They seemed to be conflicted between the thought that they should build up even a little more strength with the expedition just around the corner, and the desire to rest following my words.

Having spent a long time together and shared many stories, we reached a point where we could read each other's minds to some extent just by looking into each other's eyes.

“Let's rest well, and fight even better.”

“Polarin, really...?”

I smiled brightly and answered.

“You haven't had a break all this time. And we are strong enough. We will gradually grow more through the endless battles that will take place in Myeolji.”

“That is true, but...”

“And we aren't the only ones striving for the expedition. There are people moving diligently in their respective positions. When the expedition actually takes place, our roles will be important, so it's also important to save up strength. So, let's meet after resting well.”

I made eye contact with each of my companions and nodded.

Just as I could read their thoughts, I believed they would understand my sincerity.

“Let's do just one last thing together.”

“What is it?”

“Wait a moment, I will connect a communication to Agamben.”

I tapped the Tello radio and called Agamben.

Agamben, who is overseeing Tello's work, tasks related to the Inoe, and even expedition-related tasks.

Even though he must be busy, the connection came through immediately.

– Yes, Polarin. Do you have something to say?

“I apologize since you must be busy. Keldric, Everchen, Bea, and I are thinking of resting a bit until the expedition.”

– That is very good news. I was worried because you weren't resting enough anyway.

“It's the same for you, Agamben, so I feel sorry to say this. Until the end... please take care of things.”

– Not at all. Our roles are different. Ultimately, the ones who will fight risking their lives in Myeolji are not me, but you and your companions, Polarin.

“Thank you for understanding. And I would like to ask one more favor.”

– What is it?

“5 months from now, the expedition will gather in front of Myeolji.”

I spoke slowly into the radio.

Scritch-scratch, the sound of Agamben writing down my words could be heard.

Even while doing so, my eyes were directed towards my companions.

Keldric smiled brightly and shook his head vigorously, and Bea also nodded once with a firmly determined expression. Everchen also smiled gently and raised his fist.

“Please send this message to all forces. Regardless of whether they are those who decided to join us or those we haven't reached out to yet, everyone. Would that be possible?”

– Of course. However, how about changing the tone a little?

“How?”

– Let's emphasize the King's authority a bit more.

‘Those who will add strength to the expedition, gather in front of Myeolji 5 months from now.’ A little stronger like this.

I pondered for a moment but eventually shook my head.

Then my companions smirked as if they knew I would do that.

Watching their smiles, I spoke into the radio.

“I feel like a commanding tone doesn't suit me. Is the way I first said it okay?”

– Haha, I see. That is correct. It doesn't suit you, Polarin. Then I will proceed as you said.

“Yes, please take care of it. The Imperial Intelligence Agency will probably listen if you ask for help.”

It wasn't something we agreed on specifically, but there would be no problem.

The Imperial Intelligence Agency is a unit directly under the Imperial Family.

Since Dinaus promised cooperation while acting as the Emperor's proxy, we could also make requests.

Although the Imperial Intelligence Agency agents tried to assassinate me, it was a wise method to use their abilities rather than holding them accountable now.

– I will proceed with that in mind. Then, please rest well in the meantime. Since there is a family event, I will probably contact you soon.

“Yes, thank you, please take care of things.”

I finished the radio call with Agamben.

Now there was nothing to do as an expedition member until gathering in front of Myeolji.

“If there's anything to contact about in between, feel free to do so anytime! Let's meet again after resting comfortably and happily.”

“Let's do that. Everyone take care!”

“Let's meet in good health.”

“See you again soon.”

I shared a deep group hug with my companions, exchanged farewells as promised, and parted ways.

After sending my companions off, I looked at the sky for a moment.

I said I would rest, but I hadn't thought about what to do while resting.

But if I were to take a rest... there was only one place that came to mind.

‘I should go to Gullok.’

Adjak Autonomous Region District 18, Gullok.

The place where I was born in this world, and the small village I wanted to escape so much.

In Gullok, I couldn't cross the village boundary until the Coming-of-Age Ceremony due to the Empire's blockade order, and I always felt stifled because I had to move carefully even in the back mountain for fear that a Shaber might cross over from its habitat.

Moreover, the training instructor had always ignored me, and due to my poor family circumstances, memories of having a quality meal were rare.

But the place I wanted to go to most right now was none other than Gullok.

I wanted to go and sit around the table with Gerd to talk, and lie on the creaking bed even for an uncomfortable sleep.

I will take a good rest looking back at my starting point, and prepare to start the expedition that has been my final goal all along.

‘When the expedition ends, what will happen to me.’

There were still too many unknown things. I'll know once I achieve it.

I didn't think at all that I would fail the expedition.

I was just curious about how the story would unfold after cutting off the Demon King's head.

At that moment, a man wearing a robe looked at me and was startled.

“Oh, aren't you Polarin!”

“Ah, yes I am.”

“T, this isn't the time. Could you take a look at my magic just once?”

He waved his staff around, but nothing happened.

It seemed he tried to use some magic, but it appeared the use of magic was blocked by [Termination] which I had active at all times.

Looking at the perplexed wizard's expression, a group that I hadn't paid much attention to came to mind.

‘Still... since I came to the Imperial Capital anyway, let's stop by Ostrum nearby first and then go to Gullok.’

“Were you by any chance on your way from Ostrum?”

“Yes, that is correct. I am Bakum, a new mage of the Magic Research Department!”

I moved my steps toward Ostrum, the city of mages, which I had only said I would visit once but hadn't been able to visit easily.