After defeating the mini-general, I remained standing in the clearing for a few moments, observing my surroundings. The forest had fallen silent once again. The wolves that were still alive had fled deeper into the woods and would probably not return near the village anytime soon.
I slowly sheathed my sword.
The mission was complete.
But before leaving, I gathered everything that might be useful.
I picked up the magic stone the demon had left behind and stored it inside my dimensional space. I also collected several wolf pelts that were still in good condition. Many craftsmen paid well for materials like those, and the guild itself often used such evidence to confirm the completion of missions.
As I did that, I kept thinking about the demon's words.
That bothered me more than the battle itself.
He had spoken about experiments.
About control.
About using creatures as tools.
It did not sound like the plan of someone acting alone.
It sounded like something much bigger.
Maybe I was overthinking it.
Maybe he was just a demon trying to make himself sound important before dying.
Even so, it was better to take that information seriously.
After gathering everything I needed, I started walking back.
The path through the forest now felt much more peaceful.
The sounds of birds had returned.
Small animals were beginning to appear among the bushes again.
The strange feeling that had lingered over the area had also disappeared.
The demon's presence had probably been heavily influencing that region.
After nearly an hour of walking, I finally caught sight of the village's first fences.
One of the guards standing near the gate saw me first.
His eyes widened.
"He's back!"
His voice caught the attention of several people.
Villagers began to appear.
Some came out of their houses.
Others left their work to look.
As I got closer, the village chief practically ran toward me.
Despite his advanced age, he seemed full of energy at that moment.
"Sir Takumi!"
I smiled faintly.
"The mission is over."
The old man looked at me.
Then looked around.
As if searching for some wound.
Some sign of battle.
But he found nothing.
"It's over?"
"Yes."
"The wolves..."
"They won't be coming back."
The old man's shoulders relaxed immediately.
It looked as though an enormous weight had been lifted from his back.
"So it's true..."
I nodded.
"The demon controlling them has also been defeated."
For a few seconds, no one said anything.
Then I heard someone cheering.
Soon another person started celebrating as well.
Within moments, most of the village was smiling.
Some people even began to cry.
That made me realize just how much the situation had affected their lives.
For me, it had simply been another mission.
For them, it was the end of months of fear.
The village chief took both of my hands.
"Thank you."
His voice was sincere.
"Thank you very much."
I shook my head.
"I simply did my job."
"Even so."
He insisted.
"We will never forget this."
I stayed in the village for a little while longer, explaining what had happened.
Naturally, I did not tell them every detail.
Only what was necessary.
I told them that the one responsible for the attacks had been eliminated and that they could return to their normal lives.
That alone seemed enough to make everyone happy.
Before I left, the village chief asked me to wait for a few minutes.
I found it strange.
But I agreed.
A little later, he returned carrying a small wooden box.
"We would like you to accept this."
I looked at the box.
"That's not necessary."
"Please."
He insisted.
"It's our way of thanking you."
I opened the box.
Inside were gold coins.
Judging by the amount, there were probably around a thousand.
I immediately closed the lid.
"You really don't have to do this."
The old man smiled.
"We know you don't need it."
He pointed toward the villagers watching the scene.
"But we want to thank you."
I looked around.
Everyone seemed to agree.
I let out a sigh.
"All right."
The collective smile that appeared right afterward made it seem as though I had accepted something far more valuable than a few coins.
I stored the box away and said my goodbyes.
Then I left the village behind.
The journey back to Vailor was peaceful.
The sun was already beginning to sink below the horizon when the city's walls appeared in the distance.
As always, there was constant movement at the gates.
Merchants entering.
Adventurers leaving.
Guards carrying out inspections.
Nothing particularly different from usual.
I passed through the gates and headed straight for the guild.
The moment I entered, several adventurers looked in my direction.
Some recognized me immediately.
The receptionist did as well.
She smiled.
"Mr. Takumi."
I approached the counter.
"I'm back to turn in the mission."
She blinked a few times.
"Already?"
I glanced out the window.
It was not even completely dark yet.
"Yes."
The receptionist remained silent for a few seconds.
Then she sighed.
"I suppose I shouldn't be surprised anymore."
I took out the demon's magic stone and placed it on the counter.
Her eyes widened.
"So there really was a demon."
"Yes."
She quickly called over one of the guild employees.
The man examined the stone.
Made a few notes.
Confirmed the authenticity of the material.
A few minutes later, the mission was officially completed.
"Reward: five thousand gold coins."
I nodded.
The receptionist handed me the pouch containing the payment.
As I stored the money away, several adventurers began approaching.
One of them was a veteran warrior I had seen several times before.
"So you really did everything by yourself."
"Yes."
He let out a laugh.
"More unbelievable every time."
Another adventurer shook his head.
"Defeat a Rank S demon and return before dinner."
"It doesn't even seem real."
"Maybe he has two bodies."
Everyone started laughing.
I simply felt a little embarrassed.
I still wasn't quite sure how to react when people said things like that.
The veteran warrior placed a hand on my shoulder.
"You deserve to celebrate."
"That's not necessary."
"It is."
Before I could reply, another adventurer appeared carrying a mug.
Then another.
And another.
Before I realized it, they were already organizing a small celebration.
I sighed.
I knew resisting would be pointless.
So I accepted.
The next few hours passed quickly.
I talked with many adventurers.
Listened to stories.
Accounts of old missions.
Some were clearly exaggerated.
Others were probably true.
At one point, someone began talking about my battles against the demon generals.
Another started telling completely different versions of the events.
With each new person telling the story, the details became more absurd.
Before I knew it, one version claimed that I had defeated hundreds of demons by myself using a single spell.
I did not even bother correcting them.
It would have been impossible.
The stories would keep growing no matter what I said.
At one point, several mugs were placed in front of me.
"Come on."
"A drink for the hero."
"You can't refuse."
I looked at them.
Then at the adventurers.
Everyone was smiling.
In the end, I gave in.
I drank a little so I would not seem rude.
Then a little more.
Nothing excessive.
Just enough to go along with the atmosphere.
The hours passed.
Before I realized it, the sky outside had become completely dark.
I stood up.
"I think I'll head home."
Some complained.
Others wished me good night.
The receptionist smiled as I passed by the counter.
"Until the next mission, great hero."
I shook my head.
"I still think that nickname is strange."
She simply laughed.
I left the guild and began walking through the illuminated streets of Vailor.
The night air was pleasant.
People were still moving about as usual.
Shops remained open.
Several taverns were full.
The city felt alive.
As I walked, I thought once again about the demon.
About the conversation we had.
About the suspicions that had arisen.
I would need to report that information eventually.
Perhaps at a meeting with the kings.
Perhaps directly to certain important people.
It was information that should not be ignored.
But that could wait.
For now, I simply wanted to return home.
I continued walking.
A short while later, the gates of the mansion came into view.
The guards immediately opened the way.
I crossed the garden.
The lights inside were on.
I smiled faintly.
It felt good to return to that place after a mission.
I opened the front door.
Almost immediately, I heard footsteps coming from inside.
The girls had noticed my arrival.
And judging by how quickly they were coming to greet me, it seemed that some of them had been worried because I had taken longer than expected to return.