NOVEL NEXT Chapter 13 - Episode 13: One Year Has Passed
Episode 13: One Year Has Passed
It’s been a year since my memories from my past life returned. I am the sub-boss of Brave Sword Quest, also known as Breque, the Archduke of Demons, Zaus. I’m now 16 years old. According to the scenario of Breque, the hero will come to attack and defeat me in another four years. In my past life, I died from overwork as a corporate slave. It’s the worst fate to be defeated as a sub-boss after being reborn. I want to prevent it by any means necessary.
I scouted Arjena, the demon hunter, as my advisor. Her achievements have been remarkable. The monster subordinates who received combat training from her have become considerably stronger. I’ve also leveled up significantly. My subordinates have reached level 100, while I’ve surpassed level 150. In the normal scenario, I would be defeated at level 66. With this in mind, I’m feeling quite confident. I might even consider defeating the protagonist now.
The protagonist won’t be recognized as a hero until four years from now. Right now, they’re just an 11-year-old child. It might be wise to strike while they’re weak. However, there’s a barrier around Hajime Village where the protagonist resides, preventing monsters from entering. While I could break it, it would reveal my existence to them, leading to a significant battle. Plus, if the protagonist is stronger than me, it could mean the end of my life. I need to proceed cautiously.
There’s a protagonist’s bias in Breque. Normally, they might have childlike strength, but they awaken tremendous power when in a pinch. The thing I need to be most wary of as a sub-boss is this protagonist’s bias.
I wonder how strong the current protagonist is. Originally, they would become Arjena’s disciple and undergo five years of training before receiving recognition as a hero from the king. However, since I scouted Arjena, the protagonist hasn’t met her. This means the scenario is deviating from the norm. I need to know how strong the protagonist is. If they’re still weak, I could consider kidnapping and imprisoning them. Their fate could change without receiving recognition as a hero if enough time passes.
First, I need a spy. Someone who can slip through the human-made barrier and gather information on the protagonist’s situation.
“A spy?”
Meel tilted her head, the caretaker of the castle.
“That’s right. Who do you think is suitable?”
All my monster subordinates are obedient. There’s Goblin Gotaro, Orc Bousuke, and Harpy Hapiko. There are many other excellent monsters.
“I have someone special in mind.”
She brought in a human girl.
“Who is she?”
She has a strong-willed face, but she’s quite the beauty. She looks around 12 or 13.
“I’m Stasa. I came from Zaus Town Orphanage. I wanted to work for Master Zaus!”
I was surprised that an orphan wanted to work.
“She has a strong desire to work. We’ve received requests from her before, but we declined due to her young age. However, considering the current circumstances, she might be suitable.”
I see. A human child would be perfect as a spy. But…
“Becoming a spy for the Archduke could be dangerous. Do you understand?”
Stasa smirked.
“90 55 82.”
“What are those numbers?”
As I thought that, Meel covered her chest.
“W-when did you…?”
“What’s wrong?”
“T-those are my three sizes.”
Ah…
“Hehehe. I can handle it well. Please use me.”
I see, her capabilities as a spy are sufficient.
“What reward do you want?”
“I’m fine if you continue to employ me here in this castle.”
“Why is that?”
“I was saved by Zaus Town Orphanage. If it weren’t for them, I might have died of illness by now. I can live thanks to the orphanage. That’s why I want to serve Master Zaus as a way of repaying the favor.”
I’m not sure how much to trust her. But using a human is interesting. Amusement is justice. It might be fun to give it a try.
And so, I decided to use her as a spy. Because she’s still a child, she was able to easily infiltrate Hajime Village.
☆
~~Stasa’s Perspective~~
I was an orphan, born in a small village on the border. The village was destroyed in the war between countries. The villagers let only the children escape, but we couldn’t survive on our own. We suffered from hunger and illness every day. My eyes were infected, and my swollen eyelids never seemed to heal. I might go blind like this. That’s when I was captured by a horde of monsters. They were gathering slaves for the Archduke’s territory. I wondered what kind of hardships awaited me.
The orphans shivered with fear. However, what awaited them was a beautiful building.
“You’ll live here as townsfolk, Gob,” said the goblin, leaving us stunned.
It was the orphanage built by Lord Zaus.
Zaus Town Orphanage. It provided delicious meals, hygienic living spaces, and excellent education. And they even had time to play… Is this heaven?
My eye disease was quickly cured, and my swollen eyelids soon felt lighter. The environment of the orphanage was just too good. Bright. Is the world always this dazzling?
The founder of the orphanage gave us this wonderful future.
I wanted to repay Lord Zaus. With my life. I wanted to spend my life repaying him.
So, I became a spy. I would never forgive anyone who troubled Lord Zaus. He stands for justice. Lord Zaus’s enemies are evil! Whether they’re human or otherwise. And I am useful. The skills I gained from surviving the war are not in vain. I will definitely be of use to Lord Zaus.
Hajime Village was a small village with a population of 300. And there he was. The one who killed Lord Zaus’s father. An 11-year-old boy named Cea. He is the one who will be recognized as a hero four years from now. He’s Lord Zaus’ enemy. Despite being just 11, Cea was incredibly trained. Muscular, indeed. His mentor is also incredibly muscular, despite being a woman. Cea followed her instructions diligently.
“Master, are we destroying this rock today?” He punched a rock as tall as him. Bang! It split into two with just one blow. What incredible power!
“If it’s me, I can do this easily. I might be the strongest already. I want to defeat the Demon Lord Zaus as soon as possible. He’s probably just a weakling.”
Calling Lord Zaus a weakling!? Unforgivable. I conveyed this to Lord Zaus.
☆
~~Zaus’ Perspective~~
“What!? He’s all muscles!?”
“Yes. His biceps are incredibly powerful.”
Good grief. It seems the future has changed after all. Cea has a mentor I’ve never heard of. It’s best not to get involved. If Cea undergoes unique growth, I’ll just train my own troops. As long as I become stronger than Cea, there should be no problem.
Plus, there’s no change in the game scenario. He will challenge me, the Demon Lord Zaus, four years from now when he’s certified as a hero at the age of 15. That remains unchanged. I remember the placement of items and weapons. I’ll snatch everything away before four years pass. If I don’t give him strong weapons, I should be able to gain a significant advantage. In addition, I’ll thoroughly strengthen my own troops.
“I can’t forgive Cea! He’s making blasphemous remarks against Lord Zaus! His level is around 30. Clearly, Lord Zaus is superior! We could easily defeat him now!”
“I understand your feelings, but calm down, Stasa. Never underestimate the hero. My father was defeated by a much lower-level Cea. The power of an awakened hero is formidable.”
Underestimating the enemy’s strength and being defeated ourselves would be meaningless. Let’s proceed cautiously. Let’s be as cautious as stepping on a stone bridge. Train our troops and weaken the enemy. Let’s execute this strategy thoroughly.