The demon race. 

There is no need to elaborate. 

They are simply immensely powerful. 

In hack-and-slash genres, they might be reduced to mere cannon fodder that you can slaughter en masse with a few clicks. 

But in “Arrogant Saga,” a turn-based RPG adventure game, they were different. 

Incredibly strong, even the lowest-ranked demons were at least three times stronger than a trained adult male. 

This is just considering their physical abilities; demons inherently possess dark magic, doubling their threat level. 

Without a hero’s party or equivalent power, a small town could be wiped out by a low-ranked demon given enough time.

In the original version of the game, the hero’s party started searching for specialized items only after their first encounter with demons, which happened as an event. 

Before this, they only dealt with beasts, but the demons nearly annihilated them, driving home the need for better gear. 

The only consolation was the extreme rarity of demons. 

However, when one did appear, it was enough to set the entire country ablaze with beacons and alarms.

Their hiding place? 

Unfortunately, it was the last stronghold before entering the perilous mountain range of Ephalter. 

A small town frequented not by adventurers seeking rare items or defeating boss monsters for fame and wealth, but by explorers aiming to conquer unknown lands. 

No one had yet reached the highest peak of the frigid mountains.

On the other hand, this region was visited only by those indifferent to the war between the Empire and the Demon King, seeking new places to explore. 

Frankly, Lin wanted to enter the mountain range immediately to find an elixir. 

However, the Empire had relatively mild weather year-round, and the demon territories, the demonic realms, were hot and humid. 

Therefore, the frigid mountain range required countermeasures against the cold.

Given the regions they had passed through in the original game, there was no chance to pack winter gear. 

One might think of using a scroll, but the mountain range was also home to beasts sensitive to magic and demonic energy. 

Tearing a scroll would attract them, eager for fresh meat. 

And although Lin tried not to show it, he was quite exhausted. 

Focusing only on taking care of Lucy and moving around, he neglected his own body, paying the price. 

His head spun from prolonged hunger, and his words noticeably decreased.

Still, if they could just pass through the gate and enter Ephalter, they could rest for at least one night.

“Hang in there, just a little longer.”

“Okay.”

Lin wrapped Lucy in a bundle and tied it to his belly, then wore several layers of thick clothes over it. 

It wasn’t odd to wear multiple layers, given the dropping temperature and snowy path they had just exited, but his bulging belly looked suspicious to anyone. 

Nevertheless, Lin, being from the backstreets, knew how to handle such situations.

“Halt! Who goes there?”

“I’m a traveler wanting to enter the city.”

“What brings a traveler to this place?”

It wasn’t too late at night yet. 

Given that it wasn’t a sunny area, someone arriving at night wasn’t unusual, but visiting the remote Ephalter itself was rare.

“Hmm, you don’t seem to have much luggage, not an explorer, your face is gaunt, but your belly is bulging?”

“Hehe, well, it’s not anything serious, just a bad disease.”

“A disease?!”

“Oh, it’s not contagious or anything! It’s just that I was born with a bad constitution, making my belly stick out like this. Because of this body, I’m over twenty, but no woman would marry me. So, I’m traveling around looking for a cure.”

The captain signaled another soldier to search Lin. 

Lin spread his arms and legs wide, cooperating actively, but when the hands roaming his body reached his belly, he involuntarily held his breath.

Lucy, too, stiffened, feeling the touch through the clothes.

“There’s nothing unusual here.”

“Nothing unusual?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm, suspicious, but nothing unusual.”

As the soldiers exchanged tense glances, Lin quickly pulled out a small pouch from his bosom.

“Oh, it’s cold. You must be having a hard time guarding the city in this cold. This pouch is… not much, but… a small token of appreciation for your hard work.”

“Oh, uh, what’s this for…”

“I assure you, I’m not up to anything shady. As I mentioned, I’m looking for a rare herb in the frigid mountains rumored to cure my condition. So, I came here alone, desperately.”

“Well, if you’re over twenty and can’t get married, you must be desperate.”

The soldier extended his hand, and Lin quickly handed over the pouch.

“Yes, yes, other than your pitiful situation, there’s no problem.”

“Of course.”

“In fact, here in Ephalter, we only see people like you or explorers. We’re used to it.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

Lin bowed repeatedly until they told him to stop, and after some more warnings not to cause trouble, he finally passed through the gate. 

Wiping the nervous sweat, he walked past the soldiers when the captain asked behind him.

“What if you don’t find the herb?”

Lin turned back with a mischievous smile.

“Well, then… even if I can’t get married, I should at least lose my virginity, right?”

“Hahaha! Well, men are like that! Don’t worry, as long as you pay well and don’t look too odd, you’re welcome here. Also, I haven’t been to other places, but the women in Ephalter are quite beautiful.”

The captain laughed heartily and patted Lin’s back. 

The jostling made Lucy struggle to hold back her nausea.

Ephalter. 

The only stronghold below the frigid mountain range. 

It was both the last place to get supplies and the last place to find warmth from prostitutes and gigolos. 

Finding a place to stay wasn’t hard, but inns that would accept them were rare. 

Seeing Lin’s bulging belly, innkeepers suspected a contagious disease, and the guests helped push them out. 

The shabby inn they finally begged their way into overcharged them outrageously. 

No matter how resourceful Lin was, there was little he could do with Lucy as a constraint. 

To make matters worse, even after he brought food to their room, Lucy lay silently on the bed, drenched in sweat despite being freed from the thick clothes.

“Lucy, you need to eat.”

“You eat, Lin. Honey is enough for me.”

“But this is the first proper meal in a while.”

“That’s not proper food.”

Though it was just thin porridge, it was much better than the vegetables they had been eating in the forest. 

Knowing Lucy’s tendency to eat without complaint despite her delicate appearance, Lin was puzzled by her refusal this time. 

He was too tired to hide his exhaustion, relieved at the prospect of sleeping in a bed instead of on the ground.

Noticing Lin’s tiredness, Lucy spoke as if making an excuse.

“I’m in a bad mood.”

“Why?”

“They treated you like you were sick.”

“I said I was sick. It’s fine.”

“It’s all because of me. I’m not fine.”

It was sheer stubbornness. 

How could she be upset over something so trivial? 

Yet Lin pondered what might be the real cause. 

Putting down the bowl of porridge, he matched her eye level.

“Is it because I kept you in the clothes for too long? I’m sorry, I should’ve found a place sooner.”

“Why…”

“Lucy?”

“Why are you always the one apologizing?”

Lucy sighed. 

When Lin apologized, she felt so small and couldn’t look him in the eye. 

Unable to hide her feelings, Lucy finally spoke her mind.

“Is one of the reasons you came here the brothel?”

“Huh?”

His dumbfounded response was enough to reassure her a bit.

“That’s not it.”

Relieved for a moment, she tensed up again at his next words.

“But we have to pass through it.”

“What?”

Lin had no choice. 

The layout of Ephalter was a straight line, with the winter gear shop located just before the brothel alley. 

He explained this, but Lucy couldn’t accept it.

“If you want to go, just say so.”

“Why would I go there?”

“You’re a man, Lin. You might have built up… a lot. It’s okay, I understand.”

She clearly didn’t. 

Lin had no such desire. 

If he didn’t restore Lucy soon, they would all perish against the coming demon threat. 

A brothel was the least of his concerns. 

Besides, he never had an interest in visiting brothels.

“I don’t care if you want to.”

Lucy tried to steady her voice.

“You can do whatever you want with me.”

“Lucy!”

Lucy hiccuped in shock at his shout, not believing he had raised his voice at her.

“Even considering your difficult situation, I can’t let that slide.”

“But…”

“Value yourself. I didn’t save you for that kind of repayment.”

“Are you saying that you didn’t want anything from me?”

“I didn’t save you for that. It’s an insult to both of us. 

Did you think I saved you with that intention?”

Despite his usually stoic nature, Lin was deeply hurt by her words.

“No, Lin. I’m really grateful…”

“You’re a proud hero, Lucy. Chosen by the holy sword Hononi. This is just a rough patch. I promise, I’ll get you back to normal, so don’t ever say that again.”

“The one by my side now isn’t Hononi, it’s you!”

Lin hastily pulled out a skill scroll.

[General: Conceal Presence (Lv.5)]

The higher-grade scrolls were deeper in the porter’s sack,

 so Lin only had lower-grade ones on hand.

“Lin, are you…”

“Yes, I’m using them. And not just scrolls, but other items too.”

“No, why would you—”

“It’s to save you. We have to get back to the Empire.”

With that, Lin’s head collapsed onto the bed.

“Lin? Lin!”

Without even changing clothes, Lin fell asleep as soon as his head touched the bed. Only then did Lucy realize the severity of his condition. She had noticed his unusual fatigue during their journey but hadn’t given it much thought.

Lin had strained himself for her sake. Lucy bit her lip and hugged Lin’s head tightly.

It wasn’t the day she lost her powers, but the day she accepted Lin as a partner.

***

Lucy awoke with the first rays of dawn filtering through the window. 

She felt unusually well-rested, likely because Lin had taken on the lion’s share of the burden. 

As she glanced at the slumbering Lin, she felt a surge of guilt and admiration for the man who had unconditionally supported her. 

His face was peaceful, a stark contrast to the strained expressions he’d worn recently.

Determined to repay his kindness, Lucy carefully slipped out of bed and dressed quietly. 

Her strength was still far from restored, but she felt a renewed sense of purpose. 

She was determined to find a way to regain her power and relieve Lin of his burdens.

***

Ephalter was a small town, but it bustled with activity as explorers and travelers prepared for their ventures into the mountain range. 

Lin, now with a hood drawn over his head to conceal his identity, navigated through the crowd. 

His destination was the winter gear shop previously mentioned.

The shop was a modest establishment, but it was well-stocked with various cold-weather supplies. 

Lin approached the counter, where a grizzled old man was sorting through some merchandise.

“Good morning,” he greeted.

“Morning, boy. What can I do for you?” the shopkeeper replied, eyeing him curiously.

“I’m looking for winter gear. My friend and I are planning to travel through the mountains.”

“Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got the best gear in Ephalter. What exactly are you looking for?”

Lin hesitated for a moment.

“Warm clothing, boots, and maybe some supplies for the journey. We’re not sure how long we’ll be traveling.”

The shopkeeper nodded and began pulling items from the shelves. 

“You’re going to need layers. The temperatures up there can drop to deadly levels, especially at night. These boots are lined with fur and waterproof. These coats are made from the hide of snow bears, incredibly warm and durable.”

As he laid out the items, Lin’s mind wandered to Lucy. 

He needed to be strong for her.

He could feel the weight of the responsibility pressing down on him.

“How much for everything?” he asked, his voice steady.

The shopkeeper tallied up the items. “That’ll be fifty gold pieces.”

Lin’s heart sank. 

They barely had enough money left. 

He bit his lip, thinking of Lucy’s exhausted face. 

“Can I pay part of it now and the rest later?”

The shopkeeper raised an eyebrow. 

“This isn’t a charity, kid. But you look like you’ve been through a lot. How much can you pay now?”

Lin counted out twenty gold pieces from their dwindling funds. 

“This is all I have at the moment.”

The shopkeeper sighed, scratching his head. 

“Alright, you seem like a good kid. I’ll give you the gear for twenty gold, but you’ll owe me. And don’t think about running off without paying the rest.”

Lin nodded gratefully. “Thank you. I promise we’ll pay you back.”

Gathering the gear, he made his way back to the inn. 

Lucy was still asleep, but he noticed a slight frown on her face. 

He gently placed a hand on his forehead, feeling the warmth of a fever. 

Determined to help her recover, Lin fetched some water and a cloth to cool her fever. 

With that he dabbed her forehead.

***

When Lucy finally awoke, the sun was high in the sky. 

She blinked groggily, feeling the damp cloth on her forehead. “Lin?”

“Good morning,” he greeted with a soft smile. 

“How are you feeling?”

Lucy sat up slowly, wincing as she did. 

“Better, thanks to you. Did you get the supplies?”

“Yes, but we owe the shopkeeper thirty gold pieces. I hope that’s okay.”

Lin sighed but nodded. “We’ll find a way to pay him back.”

As they prepared to leave, Lin couldn’t help but notice the determination in Lucy’s eyes. 

She was no longer the fragile girl he’d found in the forest. 

She was regaining her strength and spirit, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

***

The journey through the frigid mountain range of Ephalter was grueling. 

The biting cold and treacherous terrain tested their resolve at every step. 

But with their new gear and renewed determination, Lin and Lucy pressed on.

Days turned into weeks as they navigated the unforgiving landscape. 

They encountered wild beasts, battled the elements, and pushed themselves to their limits. 

Yet, through it all, their bond grew stronger.

One evening, as they set up camp in a sheltered cave, Lin noticed a change in Lucy. 

Her eyes gleamed with a familiar light, and her movements were more fluid and confident. 

It was as if her power was slowly returning.

“Lucy, are you feeling any different?” Lin asked as they huddled around a small fire.

Lucy nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Yes, I can feel my strength coming back. It’s slow, but it’s there.”

Lin’s heart swelled with hope. “That’s great news. We’ll keep pushing forward. We’ll find that herb and restore you completely.”

As they settled down for the night, Lin couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in Lucy. 

She had come a long way from the fragile girl he had saved. 

She was a true hero, and together, they would overcome any obstacle in their path.

With renewed determination, Lin and Lucy continued their journey, ready to face whatever the future held. 

They were no longer just survivors; they were warriors, bound by a shared purpose and unbreakable bond.

***

Their journey through the Ephalter mountain range was far from over. 

Each day brought new challenges, but Lin and Lucy faced them with unwavering resolve. 

They had become a formidable team, relying on each other’s strengths to navigate the treacherous terrain.

One particularly harsh day, as they trudged through a snowstorm, they spotted a figure in the distance. 

It was unusual to see anyone in this desolate place, and Lin’s instincts immediately went on high alert.

“Stay close,” he whispered to Lucy, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword.

As they approached, the figure became clearer. 

It was a man, dressed in tattered robes, huddled against a rock for shelter. 

His face was gaunt, and his eyes held a haunted look.

“Help… please…” the man croaked, his voice barely audible over the howling wind.

Lin and Lucy exchanged a wary glance. 

They couldn’t afford to be careless, but neither could they ignore someone in need. 

Lin stepped forward cautiously.

“What happened to you?” he asked, his voice steady.

The man’s eyes flickered with a mixture of fear and desperation. 

“I… I was part of an expedition. We were searching for a rare herb said to grow in these mountains. But… something attacked us. I barely escaped.”

Lucy’s eyes widened. 

“The herb… Do you know where it is?”

The man nodded weakly. 

“Yes… It’s said to grow near the peak. But it’s dangerous. The creature… it’s not of this world.”

Lin’s grip tightened on his sword. 

“We’ll help you, but you need to guide us to the herb.”

The man nodded, his gratitude evident. 

“Thank you… My name is Eryk. I’ll do my best to lead you there.”

***

With Eryk’s guidance, they made their way toward the peak. 

The journey was perilous, but they were determined to reach their goal. 

As they climbed higher, the air grew thinner, and the cold became almost unbearable.

Eryk, despite his weakened state, proved to be a valuable guide. 

He knew the terrain well and helped them avoid many of the dangers that lurked in the mountains. 

However, his condition continued to deteriorate, and it was clear he wouldn’t last much longer.

One night, as they huddled around a small fire in a sheltered cave, Eryk shared his story. 

“We were a team of scholars and adventurers, sent by the Empire to find the herb. It’s said to have incredible healing properties, capable of restoring even the most grievous wounds.”

Lucy listened intently, her hope rekindled. “Do you think it can restore my powers?”

Eryk’s eyes flickered with uncertainty. “It’s possible. The herb is shrouded in legend, and its true potential is unknown. But if there’s even a chance, it’s worth the risk.”

Lin nodded, his resolve unwavering. “We’ll find it. For all of us.”

***

As they neared the peak, the weather grew even more hostile. 

Blizzards battered them relentlessly, and the temperature dropped to life-threatening levels. 

But they pressed on, driven by their shared goal.

One fateful day, as they climbed the final stretch toward the summit, they encountered the creature Eryk had warned them about. 

It was a monstrous beast, unlike anything they had ever seen. 

Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and its roar echoed through the mountains.

“Stay back!” Lin shouted, drawing his sword.

Lucy, though still weak, stood beside him, her resolve unshakable. 

They had come too far to turn back now.

The battle was fierce and desperate. 

The creature was powerful, but Lin and Lucy fought with everything they had. 

Eryk, despite his condition, joined the fray, using what little strength he had left.

In the end, it was Lucy who delivered the final blow. 

Summoning the remnants of her power, she unleashed a burst of energy that struck the creature down. 

It let out a final, deafening roar before collapsing into the snow.

Breathing heavily, Lin and Lucy stood victorious. Eryk, however, had collapsed, his strength finally giving out.

“Thank you… for everything,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.

“We couldn’t have done it without you,” Lucy replied, her eyes filled with gratitude.

With Eryk’s guidance, they found the herb growing in a hidden crevice near the summit. 

It was a small, unassuming plant, but it pulsed with a strange, otherworldly energy.

Lucy carefully harvested the herb, her hands trembling with anticipation. 

“This is it. This is our hope.”

As they descended the mountain, the journey back was no less arduous, but their spirits were lifted by their success. 

They had faced incredible odds and emerged victorious. 

With the herb in hand, there was hope for Lucy’s restoration and a brighter future for them both.

They made their way back to Ephalter, where they planned to rest and prepare for the next leg of their journey. 

The shopkeeper, true to his word, accepted their payment and wished them well.

Lin and Lucy knew that their journey was far from over, but they faced the future with renewed determination. 

They were no longer just travelers; they were heroes, bound by their shared experiences and unbreakable bond.

Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, ready to carve out their destiny in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty.