The Southern Military Nation, the Solum Kingdom. Could it be that the reason it was founded in such a high-risk area on the southern continent was due to its positioning? 

For three full days and nights, my group and I had to endure constant attacks from monsters. 

Normally, in such an area teeming with powerful monsters, it would be expected to hire high-class mercenaries—veteran adventurers ranked between 3rd and 4th grade—for protection. 

**Swoosh!** 

“**Kahh...!!**” 

But we didn’t really need to do that.

Every time monsters appeared, Elena and Rivera would take care of them effortlessly. 

Rivera, with a swift strike of her dainty leg, sent the monsters crashing to the ground, their eyes rolled back in unconsciousness. The remaining hybrids, stumbling, were swiftly dealt with by Elena, who twirled her finger in the air. 

From midair, the monsters' bodies were disassembled and fell to the ground. Like slimes, their bodies swelled and expanded as they met a cold death. 

“...”

And what about me?

I was in charge of cheering them on.

Surprisingly, each of these monsters was stronger than the forest shaman I had previously fought. 

Yet.

They were still getting slaughtered. 

‘But honestly, maybe this is... right…’

A group of shaman-class and lord-class monsters is generally among the stronger of the species. 

Even a goblin shaman-type, a level 2 adventurer would have difficulty matching up. So, if we were to catch an **hero** with this kind of level? A goblin shaman would easily be dealt with by a 1-2 star hero.

There’s a world of difference between someone blessed by a guild and someone without the enhanced stats and traits. 

An immortal-level creature, or at least something that could be classified as a high-tier vampire, wouldn't stand a chance against a hero. 

Even the mere low-level monsters or mid-ranked named monsters would be unable to even touch a strand of hair from a 6-star hero. 

The reason the Death Knight soldier was able to gain the upper hand against Elena in the previous battle was simply a matter of elemental advantage. 

If we had captured that body and fought, it would have been as if we were dealing with a dog on a hot summer’s day.

As we traveled down the path, beating back monsters at every turn, we eventually found ourselves near the gates of the city. 

---

### **The Solum Kingdom**

The barren trees in the landscape twisted and sank their roots deep into the earth. 

The sky, covered in mist, was neither day nor night. 

Beastkin with their tails swishing and ears twitching. Yet, no one in the kingdom seemed particularly welcoming toward us. 

Repaired buildings. People peering out from behind them, observing us. 

From their expressions, they seemed to be uncomfortable with our presence. 

No, more accurately, their eyes were asking why we had come. 

It was the gaze of someone watching a condemned prisoner moments before their execution. 

The look they gave was not one of discomfort, but of concern. And more than concern—fear. 

The atmosphere was less of a beastkin kingdom and more of a land of the dead. A feeling of unease hung heavily in the air.

The carriage that had carried us had long since left, and Elena and Rivera now led the way through the streets of the kingdom. 

Rivera, the dragon lord, was on edge. Elena, the elf, furrowed her brow and twitched her eyebrows. 

She clearly didn’t like the looks we were getting.

“Why are they looking at Daddy like that?”

“Do you think they want to fight?”

If I didn’t stop them, I was certain they would cause a scene. 

Turning my back to them, I gently patted the heads of the two women, smoothing their hair. After a single stroke, I gave them a reassuring rub. When their expressions softened into faint smiles, I withdrew my hand.

Luckily, no commotion broke out. 

...

‘But why are they so wary of us when the trouble seems to be brewing within the kingdom?’

Suspicion crept into my mind. Perhaps Solum was a nation that discriminated against non-beastkin races. 

‘Though... I don’t remember Solum having that kind of reputation.’

Still, the Solum I knew seemed quite different from the one I saw now.

The Solum kingdom in my memories had a unique, charming atmosphere—a nation full of laughter, a peaceful land where everyone sang together. 

Yet now, the mood was a far cry from that peaceful memory. 

Once upon a time, Solum had been a dreary and oppressive land. The reason for its military foundation was simple: the southern continent had suffered so many deaths from the monstrous attacks that it led to the kingdom’s establishment. 

Before the kingdom’s foundation, the southern continent had been drenched in blood.

I thought back to when I first set foot in the kingdom. I was welcomed by the warm hospitality of the locals.

Where had those times gone?

I no longer saw the kind-hearted beastkin woman who used to offer me free meals. 

‘She would give me fresh slime soup every time I came here, and it was always a great sponsor to have—especially since it boosted the heroes’ morale and filled their health when they were low...’

“Hmm~ Now that I think about it, Rivera’s reaction to the slime soup was always hilarious~”

Before I knew it, my thoughts had slipped out.

“Hmm? What are you talking about?”

“What did you feed me?”

“...”

---

### **The Inn and Preparation**

As I quickly made my way to find an inn, Elena and Rivera exchanged glances. 

“...”

“...”

At one point, they used to glare at each other as if they might kill each other, but now, both of them were simply admiring the sights ahead of them. 

Elena’s eyes sparkled, and Rivera’s eyes shone like stars. 

They took notice of a sign that read “Hot Springs” and exchanged looks. 

Their gazes met in perfect synchronization.

I could tell instinctively what they were thinking.

They were both probably hoping that soaking in the hot spring would relieve their fatigue.

“Well, since the Master isn’t here, should we go in?”

With a faint smile, Elena’s eyes gleamed mischievously.

‘Let’s go in... I want to wash up...’

Rivera sighed, but the corners of her mouth were already curling into a crescent.

“Alright, if you really want to go, I’ll go with you.”

Though it seemed like she didn’t care either way, Rivera reluctantly agreed after Elena insisted. The dragon’s petite feet moved swiftly toward the spring.

“I’m only going because you asked. Got it?”

“...Thank you.”

Elena, though a bit proud, couldn’t help but set aside her pride. There was no choice—she had to clean up first.

‘Otherwise, Master will surely be displeased.’

Elena followed Rivera into the hot spring.

---

### **Status Window**

"Status window."

I muttered softly, and once again, dense text filled my vision.

[!]

=====

**Quest**
Find the missing heroes and gather an adventurer’s party. [2/5]
Rebuild the ‘Edric’ guild with the missing heroes. [0/1]

=====

**Status Window**
Name: Keyal Klein
Race: Half-Demon
Age: 24
Alias: Commander
Adventurer Rank: 1st → 2nd [Pending]

=====

**Skills**
Return: Grade A-
Prideful Curse: Grade C-
Command: Grade S-
System Correction: Grade A+
Demonic Legion: A+
Demon Race Trait: A-
Mana: B-
Demonic Sight: F-
Chains of Restraint: F-

=====

**Stats**
Strength: 21
Endurance: 19
Agility: 20
Regeneration: 20 +2
Mana: 10
Evil Strength: 20 +10

=====

**Party Member Status**
['Elf Queen' is feeling fatigued.]
['Golden Dragon' is feeling fatigued.]

‘Hmm?’

I noticed a warning message on the screen, something I couldn’t ignore.

Fatigued, huh.

‘I’ve definitely been pushing them too hard...’

After all, Elena and Rivera had been doing most of the fighting on our journey, so it wasn’t surprising they were exhausted.

I should probably buy some recovery potions on the way back.

=====

[!]

**Kingdom Quest**
Head to the Southern Beastkin Kingdom, ‘Solum’. [1/1]
You have arrived at the Solum Kingdom.

[!]
Find the sorcerer of Solum.
Complete the quest to receive a reward.
No penalty for failure.

Will you accept the quest? [YES]

=====

Indeed, it seemed like a siege situation. The previous quest seemed to have expanded unexpectedly. It turned out this was a two-part quest.

I waved my hand, and the status window vanished in an instant.

As the text faded with a warning sound, I muttered to myself.

‘I’ll go find that sorcerer. I’m sure this journey won’t be smooth sailing.’

I was certain things wouldn’t go as planned, but for now, I had completed one quest.

There was no need to rush—there was plenty of time. 

After all, rushing leads to mistakes, doesn’t it?

Thinking back to the unexpected events, I

 headed toward the plaza to meet Elena and Rivera.

‘I forgot to book an inn...’

I’d better pick one up on the way and buy some recovery potions too.

---

**“...Huh?”**

Keyal Klein turned toward the two women with a bewildered expression.

“Hmm? What’s wrong?”

“Why do you look like that, Daddy?”

Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks, clutching the recovery potions in my hand, confused. 

It wasn’t that I was angry.

It was just that...

“Why do you both look so... fresh?”