- Endo Ken's Point of View -

"Haha! Your lying, right?"

"Nope! Isn't it hilarious?"

"Yeah, what babies! Hick~ "

Laughter can be heard from outside Elvain La Piece, a famous tavern in Elvania. Today, only current and retired military citizens are inside the tavern. Some of the current ones are either off duty or on break, but all of the people inside are talking about one thing... the incident that happened an hour ago.

The incident started when two citizens, one male - one female, returned from an outside venture. Both of the individuals were screaming and terrified. The female yelled, "He's real! We're going to die!" while the male shouted, "The Blue Devil is here! He's going to destroy the world!"

This brought a crowd and a lot of noise in Elvania. Now, there would have been less noise if the screamers were ordinary, level one citizens; however, after they were inspected, it was revealed that the male was a level 3 citizen. Since this is the case, ignoring any investigation or alike is unavoidable.

After a full inspection of the two, the story was revealed to the military citizens; however, some info got released to the public. To summarize, the level 3 citizen wanted to impress a level 0 by taking them outside and prove his bravely by going to the Blue Devil's den.

Now, we elves believe that the Blue Devil doesn't exist. It was a rumor created by humans who want to make their children behave. Some elves use this rumor to make their own children behave, but this trick doesn't last long. With that said, there is a statue and temple created for the Blue Devil. We may not believe in him, but we pray to him since he 'gave' us this land.

Since the Blue Devil's rumor spread throughout the human and other races kingdoms, it was known that this forest is its den. There is no proof, however, but some say that the Gods told them. With that, most races stay away from the forest. With that, our kingdom, Elvania, was created away from any other kingdom and is left with peace. Though wars are frequent nearby, even Elvania has wars, but with the Blue Devil's den and our abilities, no one would be able to find our kingdom...

So, all that brings us here. An hour later, after the inspection, the guards on duty switched and went to this tavern. Since nothing ever happens, the incent is the town's talk, meaning everyone in the tavern is speaking of it.

Then, some of the people turn their attention to me; a retired military citizen.

"Hick~ Ken! You think it's funny too, right?"

 "Hmm... In my opinion, I don't think we need to treat this situation lightly."

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"Huh?! You think the devil's real?"

"Well, it is not that I believe he's real. It's more like there has been no proof until today. Now, if it were only the level one, then, of course, I wouldn't think any more of it, but a level three said it. Do you think a level three would lie with their life on their line?"

"Well... Hick ~ You may be right, but... He was young, wasn't he? Maybe he was hallucinating something for being the Devil?."

"It is true that he was young. After all, he was first-rate... However, he was close to being 2nd-rate. Plus, If he were hallucinating or mistaking something to be the Blue Devil, then it would have to be a high ranking monster..."

The whole tavern became silent after that. No one spoke up until one brave person spoke after a couple of minutes passed.

"Ken is right! We need to investigate the surrounding area immediantly! If a monster is being mistaken for the Blue Devil, then we need to prepare ourselves. That monster would have to be classified as EX rank or equivalent with the Blue Devil!"

A huge roar of applause and agreement spread around. Everyone agreed with the man. Laughter and loud talking resumed. Though, only for a moment.

After five minutes passed by, the doors of the tavern opens, revealing a short and fat figure. Those who peered to see who came quiet it down. Others started picking up the atmosphere and quiet it down too. Everyone knew the figure because he was a sub-commander within the army - Rue Amble. 

He is fairly new in the military, but he has a big reputation. He cleared many of the challenges aimed for recruits in record time and brought new strategies to the battlefield. Sadly... He has a grudge against those who retire from the military before being of retirement age - like myself.

He enters slowly and looks around. Once he spots me, he walks towards me and stands to my side. He smirks and stares me down.

"Well, looky here. Why is the strongest general wasting their time drinking in a tavern? You must have nothing to do if you sit here 24/7."

Those around me straighten up once they heard his stern voice, but not me. I continue to drink, giving my usual voice. 

"I think you mean former general, and you must also have nothing better to do if your here."

He gives a small growl and shows me an angry expression but relaxes after a bit.

"Heh, nevermind. I assume you have heard the rumor about the earlier incident? Isn't it crazy? I mean, the Blue Devil! Once I heard of the incident, I couldn't stop laughing. Who would believe in such a beast?"

"I take that as the military has no intention to take action? Even if it is not the Blue Devil, it could be a high-ranking monster."

"High-ranking monster? Don't make me laugh! There hasn't been a monster near Elvania in the past 10,000 years. Even dragons, stay away! That is how powerful our barriers are, though you might have forgotten since you retired."

He gives me a lackadaisical expression and laughs. Then, he gives me a challenge.

"Hey, if you have nothing better to do, then how about a little challenge? You were known for being the strongest general, so how about doing a self-investigation?"

Those who heard Rue widen their eyes. "Huh!" could be heard numerously.

To be honest, the investigation is easy; however, if the Blue Devil does exist, I could be dead the minute I enter the forest or when he senses my presence. I might have been the strongest general, but I'd be no match for the devil. Though, he is making a threat right here and now. I guess I can say no, though that might be the beer talking.

"Fine by me. Once I complete this investigation, I'll report it to the elders if I think it deserves their attention. I head out tomorrow morning. With this, farewell!"

After speaking, I left the tavern. Everyone was shocked and unable to move or take in what happened. Even Rue was taken aback, but I already made up my mind and left. After returning home, I headed off to bed since tomorrow might be my last day...