I Alone Regress in a Hero Party That Was Annihilated - Chapter 66

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

#66. Garmelda’s Legacy (2)

 

Miraculous Forest.

 

A forest that was once called the ‘Nightmare-Devouring Forest’.

 

In this place overflowing with all kinds of fruit, vegetables, and grains, Forest Spirits were communing with the plants.

 

[I heard Humans have something called taxes.]

 

[It seems we just need to give fruit as taxes.]

 

[Then the Humans will eat the fruit and spread the seeds far and wide.]

 

[Instead of cutting and taking the stems, they’ll transplant small tree branches for us.]

 

The Forest Spirits conversed among themselves as if the treaty made with Humans wasn’t too bad.

 

Then.

 

Step— Step— Step— Step—

 

There was the sound of footsteps following the red shadow cast by the setting sun.

 

Quinbits.

 

She had come to find the Forest Spirits.

 

Her attitude was more serious than ever before.

 

“Everyone. There’s something I want to discuss.”

 

At Quinbits’ words, the Forest Spirits gathered around in a rush.

 

Soon after, Quinbits spoke.

 

“The Human who visited before is showing interest in Master’s legacy.”

 

[…!]

 

The Forest Spirits’ eyes widened.

 

Quinbits continued speaking.

 

“He says he’ll provide support and wants me to follow in Master’s footsteps. He’ll protect me in the meantime.”

 

The Forest Spirits began circling around Quinbits.

 

[Dangerous! Dangerous! Dangerous!]

 

[Scary! Scary! Scary!]

 

[Run away! Run away! Run away!]

 

They all looked terrified.

 

But Quinbits gently soothed the Forest Spirits.

 

“Don’t worry. He didn’t threaten me or anything like that. He was just calm.”

 

[No forcing?]

 

“Right. He didn’t do that at all.”

 

[Humans. Good at lying!]

 

“If that were the case, I would have known immediately. The foul stench that emanates from a pitch-black heart can’t be hidden by mere words.”

 

[Quinbits. What do you want to do?]

 

The Forest Spirits stared intently at Quinbits.

 

Quinbits let out a sigh.

 

“Master’s legacy is incomplete. I need to research and supplement it. It will take quite some time. Since it’s not something I can give him right away anyway…”

 

She fidgeted with her fingers while looking down at the floor.

 

Unable to make a decision, her words grew longer.

 

Quinbits squeezed her eyes tightly shut.

 

Her master’s face flickered before her eyes.

 

Garmeda was a Great Mage of the century.

 

But the Privileged Class eliminated even someone like Garmeda.

 

It was a truly despicable and lengthy shadow war that used any means necessary.

 

And on the day her master was executed, Quinbits fled while shedding tears of blood.

 

The one who pushed her away when she was prepared to die fighting was Garmeda herself.

 

‘You must survive to the end. So that you can create a world where all living beings can love each other equally…’

 

Quinbits, who had recalled her master’s benevolent voice, soon opened her eyes.

 

“I want to complete my master’s research. And with it, I want to take revenge on my master’s enemies.”

 

In front of Quinbits, who had organized her thoughts, the Forest Spirits had gathered closely together.

 

The oldest Forest Spirit nodded its head.

 

[We respect our friend’s will. Whichever way it may be, do as Quinbits wishes. We will help you.]

 

“Thank you. I feel relieved after confiding in you all. Thanks to that, I’ve made up my mind too.”

 

Eventually, Quinbits opened her mouth.

 

“I’ll go find Featherback. Right now.”

 

It was almost midnight.

 

* * *

 

Thirty minutes before midnight.

 

“I hear you’ve been enjoying yourself lately?”

 

Rorschach came to visit Featherback’s Bedroom.

 

Featherback was maintaining his sword ‘Adara’ made from Lesser Dragon teeth when he received her visit.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“I heard that you’ve been enjoying yourself lately.”

 

“What is there to enjoy?”

 

“If you ask such a question, other Young Men would curse you, wouldn’t they?”

 

“Speak so I can understand.”

 

When Featherback frowned, Rorschach spoke in a cold voice.

 

“I heard you brought back some Elf Mage from the Nightmare-Devouring Forest.”

 

“But why is that enjoyable?”

 

“She’s pretty. The elf.”

 

“….”

 

“I heard her figure is also incredible? A body type you could never see among northern women.”

 

“What kind of guys are going around saying such nonsense?”

 

“It’s not men, but women. It’s reliable information I heard from the maids who handle the elf mage’s clothing.”

 

“Is that something that can be called information?”

 

“Anyway. You must be enjoying yourself, always staying close to a beauty who far transcends human standards. While your subordinate can’t even change underwear and is working himself to death like this, you’re having a romance. I’m truly envious. Miss Cardona should have delayed her northern expedition a bit. Then she could have seen this new side of you too…”

 

“Stop the nonsense, what business do you have?”

 

When Featherback waved his hand dismissively as if annoyed, Rorschach cleared his throat.

 

“Regular report.”

 

“That’s tomorrow at dawn.”

 

“I came a bit early because of the budget allocation deadline.”

 

“…The deadline should still have an hour left?”

 

“Finishing an hour early is the same thing. The amounts allocated to each department have already received the Family Head’s approval. It’s practically just execution that’s left, isn’t it? Please execute it quickly, I have many other tasks.”

 

At Rorschach’s words, Featherback closed his mouth for a moment.

 

Then.

 

“There’s still an hour left, so execute it then.”

 

“What? Why specifically…?”

 

“Because that’s the principle.”

 

Featherback was stubbornly insisting on midnight.

 

Rorschach tilted his head as if he couldn’t understand, but Featherback had his own thoughts.

 

‘Quinbits. She will ultimately have no choice but to accept my proposal.’

 

Quinbits has two goals.

 

First, to complete her master’s research.

 

Second, to take revenge for her master.

 

They are two goals, yet also one.

 

And Quinbits’ purpose and Featherback’s purpose not only don’t conflict with each other, but are in a mutually complementary relationship.

 

There’s no reason not to join hands.

 

‘…Garmelda’s Legacy.’

 

Featherback stroked his chin.

 

Though he had spoken harshly to Quinbits during the day, the truth was that Garmelda’s Legacy was absolutely necessary.

 

It was the core part of Featherback’s plan to turn Mörsolt’s soldiers, and furthermore all of humanity, into knights.

 

‘If Garmelda’s Theory could be fully established and made available for training, even ordinary soldiers without talent would gain power rivaling 2-Star Knights.’

 

Before his regression, Garmelda’s Theory had been thoroughly suppressed by the privileged class.

 

Because of this, when the Demon King was revived, humanity’s numbers plummeted in an instant.

 

Though Quinbits’ research eventually succeeded, by then the absolute number of humans remaining was so small that Garmelda’s Theory couldn’t show its effects.

 

…But what if that theory could be completed and distributed at this point in time?

 

Turning all of humanity into 2-Star Knights.

 

And those who had already trained in mana would become at least one level stronger.

 

If every human could harden their armor and emit Aura Blades from their sword tips, they would be able to block the Demon Army’s invasion much more effectively.

 

‘This is the first step toward that goal.’

 

Featherback needed Quinbits.

 

Only she could inherit Garmeda’s research, and only she could complete it and distribute it.

 

‘I’ll have to chase away the moths that approach her.’

 

It was 100 years ago that Great Mage Garmeda was branded a heretic and executed.

 

In human time, it was enough years for everything to be forgotten.

 

But the so-called Great Nobles of the Empire, and some Hermits in the Civilian Sector, were still chasing Garmeda’s ghost.

 

‘I should strike first before they come.’

 

The beings who wanted to kill Quinbits.

 

Featherback already knew who was behind them.

 

‘Demon King’s Followers.’

 

Despite being Humans, they who awaited the Demon King’s return were also traitors to Humanity.

 

Recalling those names and faces at the very top of the kill list he had made after Regression, Featherback closed his eyes.

 

Meanwhile.

 

“Young Lord? Don’t tell me you’re dozing off right now?”

 

Rorschach, who had been reporting on the Documents’ contents, crossed his arms as if dumbfounded.

 

Featherback opened his eyes.

 

“I wasn’t sleeping.”

 

“That’s what Father always used to say when I was young. You were definitely dozing…”

 

“I wasn’t sleeping, so continue.”

 

“Geez, really.”

 

Rorschach pouted and continued his report.

 

“Miss Cardona, who went to the Northern Region, has sent the first batch of mined materials. Three hundred kilograms of Gold Ingots and thirty-two kilograms of Mithril.”

 

Beauvoir Mines had been restored.

 

The relocated Miners and their Family Members had adapted splendidly to that place that was once a Human Survival Impossible Zone.

 

It was also evidence that Cardona and the knights following her were successfully proceeding with monster subjugation.

 

Featherback nodded his head.

 

“Use the gold ingots where needed, and send all the mithril to the blacksmith shop.”

 

“Wouldn’t it be better to sell the mithril?”

 

“For the time being, we’ll use it for domestic purposes. We’ll make it all into alloy weapons.”

 

“Understood. It was good that I came to report in advance. We’ll be busy starting from tomorrow morning.”

 

Rorschach looks at the documents with a much brighter expression.

 

Just then.

 

Knock knock knock—

 

Someone knocked on Featherback’s door.

 

Rorschach turned his head.

 

“Who is it at this hour? How rude.”

 

“…”

 

Featherback already knew who the presence outside the door was.

 

Soon, the door opened and a woman’s face was revealed.

 

Quinbits. She had come to find Featherback.

 

Rorschach’s eyes narrowed.

 

“Hmm? Oho? Ahh?”

 

Non-verbal expressions filled with many meanings followed.

 

But as if she didn’t care about Rorschach’s reaction, Quinbits opened her mouth.

 

“Let’s do it.”

 

“Let’s.”

 

Featherback nodded at Quinbits’ words.

 

Then Rorschach began stuttering.

 

“Wh, what? Su, su, suddenly showing up and wh, what, what are you doing?”

 

“Human woman. Would you please leave?”

 

“Why, why? Why are you telling me to leave? Wh, what are you two planning to do in the room at this hour? Are you tr, trying to do something I shouldn’t be around for? I, I can do it too, you kn, know?”

 

“….”

 

Eventually, both Quinbits and Rorschach’s gazes turned toward Featherback simultaneously.

 

Featherback nodded with his characteristically expressionless face.

 

“Since I came before midnight, it’s still before the deadline. Rorschach.”

 

“Yes, yes?”

 

“Allocate research funding to this woman.”

 

“Ah, you’re talking about research funding… What?”

 

Rorschach, who had been briefly relieved by Featherback’s words, asked back as if bewildered.

 

“What research funding all of a sudden? The budget allocation has already been finalized…”

 

“It’s still before the deadline, isn’t it?”

 

“The documents I just gave you are the final final final final revision!”

 

“Then we’ll have to make a final final final final final revision.”

 

“No way! Thirty minutes before the deadline! Moreover, research funding isn’t just pocket change!”

 

Rorschach grabbed her disheveled hair tightly.

 

“Then I’ll have to redo everything from scratch!”

 

But regardless of that, Quinbits’ expression remained serious.

 

“However, there are conditions.”

 

“What is it.”

 

When Featherback asked, Quinbits hesitated for a while before finally opening her mouth.

 

“Master’s research requires a lot of money.”

 

“It doesn’t matter.”

 

“It matters because we need so much that it would matter.”

 

“How much do you need?”

 

“We need large quantities of Silver and Ruby. Platinum, Copper, Judecca will also be used in enormous amounts, and Lead and Mercury will be used almost like water…”

 

“So I asked how much you need.”

 

“Well… um… that is…”

 

Despite having prepared a complete budget plan, Quinbits hemmed and hawed for quite a while.

 

And then.

 

“I think it would easily take 1 million Gold…”

 

Quinbits’s voice grew as quiet as a mosquito’s wing beats toward the end.

 

Then Rorschach, who was beside them, suddenly interjected.

 

“What, 1 million Gold? We’ve already planned and allocated the entire budget, so where are we supposed to create such spare funds? And who are you to suddenly appear and ask for budget money? And this isn’t particularly important, but when a grown Young Woman barges into an unmarried man’s Room at this late hour, how do you think it looks to others, and if rumors were to spread, it could create major difficulties for the Young Lord’s marriage prospects…”

 

Rorschach rambling uncharacteristically and Quinbits standing with a tense expression.

 

And Featherback’s reaction to having two women before him was quite concise.

 

“That amount is rejected.”

 

“…!”

 

Rorschach and Quinbits’s reactions diverged.

 

Rorschach nodded as if it were natural, while Quinbits continued somewhat dejectedly.

 

“Then, then I’ll try to earn the shortfall myself somehow, so you need to provide at least 900,000 Gold…”

 

“Of course that amount won’t work either.”

 

“800,000. Any less than that and I won’t have enough materials to proceed with the research…”

 

“No.”

 

When Featherback shook his head, Quinbits’ face turned tearful.

 

However, Featherback’s words that followed completely reversed the expressions of both women in an instant.

 

“The research you’re going to conduct can’t even be attempted with such pocket change.”

 

Featherback crossed his legs and leaned back against the chair.

 

“100 times that. I’ll give you 100 million gold.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————