Chapter 40: The Azure Lake’s Secret and a Sudden Surge

As I drew nearer to the Blue Lake, the mist grew progressively thinner. Upon reaching its edge, the fog had completely dissipated.

Without the obstruction of branches and leaves, the vast expanse of the lake, reflecting the azure sky, came into full view. Everything felt suddenly expansive.

Leaning closer and bending down, I could clearly discern the water’s color. It was an equally pristine, cerulean blue.

The Blue Lake truly lived up to its name. This was not merely due to magical energies, but a deeper natural phenomenon.

From a macroscopic perspective, the lake’s water was as azure as the ocean itself, and its sheer vastness made one mistake it for the sea.

Were it not for the surrounding mountains and forests, this expansive lake would undoubtedly meet the sky at the horizon, presenting a truly unique and breathtaking vista.

Regrettably, I lacked the leisure or inclination to appreciate it. Moreover, this undeveloped environment was fraught with peril, hardly a sanctuary for sightseeing.

My objective was simply to locate the Saint’s Dew Leaf, then depart immediately.

The Saint’s Dew Leaf required absolutely pure water to thrive; even slight contamination would cause it to wither.

This indicated that despite the land being overrun by magical beasts, it remained unpolluted. The Blue Lake’s water, too, was impeccably pristine.

Living in such a natural environment must surely be comfortable.

Well, I had arrived. Whether I could find it was another matter entirely.

“Oh—how incredible!”

“So this is the Blue Lake… I’ve never seen it before.”

“It’s so beautiful.”

All three of them exclaimed, and Vinya’s eyes sparkled with delight. It seemed she greatly admired this beautiful scenery.

Only Angela and I maintained our usual impassive expressions.

“Are the three of you also here to search for the Saint’s Dew Leaf?” Angela inquired.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Then let us search separately. The four of you, and Vinya and I.”

“May I ask, Your Majesty, are you also seeking the Saint’s Dew Leaf?”

“No.” Angela turned to me. “If we find it first, and you have not, then as an exchange, you will need to assist me in eliminating the humanoid wolf species. Is that agreeable?”

Was she planning to strike a deal with me? Indeed, with wild herbs like this, whoever found it first claimed it. At that point, they would have leverage, and I would have no choice but to comply.

Very well, if it came to that, I would agree. My initial reluctance stemmed only from concerns about delaying time. If they did find it first, at most, it would mean returning to Nina a little later… No, even that much was utterly unacceptable. How could I possibly return late?

Clearly, I had to be the one to find it first.

“Agreed.”

“Should we meet on the other side of the lake?” Vinya asked.

“No, the lake is too vast, and our time is not ample. We will rendezvous here once it’s found. Vinya and I will await you at this spot. Let’s go, Vinya.”

“Yes.”

“We bid farewell to Her Majesty, the Queen.”

Angela departed. The three bowed deeply, while I simply turned and walked away.

“Please wait!”

Helene trotted to catch up with me.

Truly, I couldn’t fathom why she insisted on being friendly with me.

“That guy, he’s really arrogant, isn’t he? To treat Her Majesty and Her Royal Highness like that. Just because the Queen praised him a few times, what’s he got to be so smug about?”

“To him, none of these things matter, do they? He’s such a tough guy…”

“Helene too, why is she so friendly with that big oaf? Honestly…”

“Perhaps she sees a shadow of him?”

“I don’t think they’re alike in any way.”

“Not alike? If not, then why would you seek him out?”

“I… anyway, they’re not alike!”

“Wouldn’t it be better to be straightforward… Alright, let’s go quickly.”

I paid no mind to the murmurs of the two behind me; they eventually followed.

It seemed that even after reaching our destination, I wouldn’t be rid of them anytime soon.

No matter. Once we returned, we would go our separate ways. For now, if they wished to follow, so be it.

***

…Thus, after walking for more than ten minutes.

“I’m so tired… Why haven’t we found it yet!”

Having expended too much energy in the previous battle, Zale was already faltering after just a few steps. He swayed precariously, then leaned against me, clutching my shoulder plate for support.

“Lend me some strength.”

“You were just complaining earlier,” Karen scoffed.

“You’re so annoying!”

“Sigh… A fool is a fool.”

The two on my left continued their usual bickering, suggesting a truly close relationship—to have a companion with whom one could argue so readily.

On my right, Helene occasionally glanced at the ground by the lake, searching for the Saint’s Dew Leaf. Yet, it felt as though she spent more time watching me, specifically my helmet.

The Saint’s Dew Leaf was easily identifiable; it grew as a single plant, larger than other grasses, so it wouldn’t be easily overlooked. The crucial point was, why did she keep staring at me? She couldn’t even see my face.

“…?”

“!!”

I turned my head slightly to look at her. She flinched like a small animal caught by a predator, immediately dropping her gaze.

Was I really that intimidating? Then why was she looking at me just now?

“…What is it?”

I asked nonetheless. Being constantly watched by the same gaze made me feel somewhat uneasy.

“No… I… it’s just… that…”

“…”

It seemed the reason was difficult to articulate, and she appeared rather shy. Could it be… love at first sight?! Impossible—why would I even entertain such a ludicrous thought?

I didn’t press her, waiting patiently for her answer. After all, it wasn’t particularly important to me.

After more than ten seconds…

“You’re very much like my brother… He’s just like you, doesn’t talk much, and looks a bit scary, but… he’s very gentle…”

As she spoke, Helene’s expression darkened, as if recalling an unpleasant memory.

“…I’m sorry, forget what I said.”

“…”

To stop halfway like that was quite a tease.

I, however, felt indifferent. A companion met by chance, her experiences held little significance for me… Was I being too cold-hearted in thinking this way? Still, it was probably best not to dwell on sad matters.

“Oh! Is that it!”

Suddenly, Zale, beside me, pointed ahead and shouted. What appeared there was…

However, at that very same moment…

“—!”

“Ugh! Th-This is?! Uwaaah!”

“Ah!”

“Wait… what… what is this feeling!”

All four of us felt it. From somewhere in the forest, in the direction Angela and Vinya had gone, a powerful surge of magic erupted instantaneously, slamming directly into us.

The three of them were startled… No, rather than startled, it was more like facing the threat of an absolutely overwhelming power.

Karen suddenly collapsed behind me, and Helene clutched my arm tightly. I could feel her body trembling, her eyes squeezed shut. As for Zale, he had already been scared into falling into the lake.

Of course, I too was taken aback, but in a different sense. And I had no time to comfort them now!

“Wait… Mr. Mori! Where are you going!”

I shook off Helene’s hand, leaving without a word, and sprinted towards the source of the magical outburst.

There could be no mistake. Though I had only collided with it directly once, that immense magical power was undeniably… the Demon King!