''Hm...''

Now that I've calmed down a bit, isn't he surrendering too easily?

Sure, he might have been cornered for a second, but... I feel like he has not exerted his full strength just yet. He is such a monster, though, able to resist 049's touch of death like that.

The origin of the power is also intriguing. An ancient god who tried to destroy the world—it sounds cool enough.

Nevertheless, seeing that he readily accepts the follower request like this makes me question his real motive.

''Can this patient be handed to me, Miss Aurora?''

''...No. I have a feeling you will kill him.''

''I can assure you—I will not. How can a medical man such as myself even consider killing his patient?''

Yeah, yeah. You are going to 'cure' him, aren't you?

Petty tricks.

After firmly refusing 049's request and promising him a few more subjects, I send him and most of the others back, leaving only Kyomu and me in this room.

As I take off the stuffy mask, the swordsman, still kneeling on the ground, widens his eyes for a moment.

''So young...'' He mutters in disbelief.

''Don't you look young yourself?'' I reply, a bit puzzled.

''I can tell the difference between people who might appear young because of mana, such as myself, and genuine ones like you.''

''...Okay.''

''My lord, may I know your name?''

''You're speaking formally all of a sudden... either way. It's Aurora. Just call me 'Miss' or something similar.''

''Understood, Miss.'' The swordsman nods. ''I know this might be too sudden, but would you listen to my request?''

I knew it.

There is simply no way he would comply that easily if he doesn't have anything for me. For now, let's hear him out first.

As I signal him to continue, Kyomu's expression hardens.

''You might have been curious about why I, a human, live in a place such as Zircon. It is because of my mission.''

''That being?''

''To suppress the dead here in South Zircon.'' Kyomu's dull eyes flash a hint of cautiousness. ''Heeding the order of His Majesty Hakuryu Ouji, I have been quietly subduing the abundance of hostile spirits for the better part of two decades.''

That might explain why he doesn't have a single follower. His motive, from the beginning, is merely to suppress the ghosts...

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

''But why are you the one doing it? This is technically the Empire's land, after all.''

''...It might sound embarrassing, but the cause of it all... was us.'' Kyomu bitterly replies. ''A former noble of our country was exposed as a dark mage at that time. Of course, he was a wanted criminal. I was the one pursuing him at the time, but we eventually reached a stalemate when we arrived here.''

''...''

''Thanks to the sacrifice of my comrades, we were able to put a seal on his body, yet his putrid aura still attracted too many evil spirits, causing them to accumulate.''

''So that is why you need to suppress them?''

''Yes.''

''Why didn't you kill him?''

At this, Kyomu stares at me weirdly. If I had to describe that gaze... it would be more similar to how a parent looks at their child eating rice with a fork.

''I don't know if you realize this, but if I were to kill such a malevolent being in a crude manner, its vile energy would spread to the land and contaminate it for centuries.''

''...Was there something like that?''

''Yes. Moreover, the thing has already halfway evolved into a lich. It would surely be a disaster if I were to do as you say.''

''Okay, well... I applaud your country's noble intentions. However, did it not provide you support at all for two decades?''

''It wouldn't make a difference.'' Kyomu shakes his head. ''It is the truth that our country's shaman force has declined dramatically ever since the great Black Dragon passed away. If there were hope... it would be this generation's Miko, who is said to be a genius.''

'Although they say she's strangely aggressive,' he mutters.

The Miko being aggressive, which I've never heard of before, aside... is he talking about Hakuryu Genji?

Hm... in addition to him being my follower, I also have a strong card called the Black Dragon's missing corpse. That arc is going to be a breeze.

''Initially, I was waiting for the Miko, but now...''

Is it my imagination, or are his eyes sparkling?

''...''

So, in conclusion, I was tricked.

Basically, he is telling me that I have to clean up this mess if I want to have South Zircon for myself. A mess that he himself could not resolve for twenty years.

Of course, it is a gamble for him as well since I can now order him whatever I want, but I suppose he is desperate.

''I suggest we finish the business as soon as possible. Without me monitoring him, he might escape anytime.''

With a faint smile, the swordsman of nihility urges me.

This guy... he's more cunning than I thought.

However, it's actually a really good thing for me. A lich as strong, if not stronger, than Kyomu... I can already smell the experience piling up.

''Heheheheh...''

''???''

With a bright smile, I quickly reassure Kyomu.

''Don't worry much. I will take care of it tomorrow.'' I say. ''For now, since you have become my follower, I'll fill you in about us.''

''But, Miss, the lich is dangerous...''

''I said 'tomorrow.' It won't be long.''

''...''

As I point at the clock hanging on the wall, which appears out of nowhere, Kyomu finally realizes something and purses his mouth.

Just like that, we walk through a portal leading outside.

Here, each step we take makes a rustling sound. It is the greyish forest of West Zircon, where I started in this world.

Under the moonlight.

''First of all, I am not a resident of this world.'' I open my mouth.

''...What do you mean by that?''

''Exactly what it sounds like. I came from another world. Another planet. Another universe.'' I continue. ''To save this damned world from the predetermined calamity... I was sent here.''

Kyomu's gaze follows my hand as I yearn for the moon. Even with this perspective, my palm can hardly cover the whole silhouette of it. The bright, illustrious moon...

''It's not just me. My friends also share the same goal. There are more details... but we can talk about them later. This is pretty much the gist of it.''

''I see.''

He seems to take it very well.

''Whew...''

It's time. Let's move on to South Zircon.

----------------------------------------

''Are you really not bringing your army?''

''No need. I alone am enough.''

Although I can understand Kyomu's worries, this time, I'm not kidding. There is simply no need for support if the goal is merely to contain and kill a lich.

As long as it doesn't evade things well.

''You said the lich couldn't teleport, right?''

''Yes, and as long as you eliminate it and contain its contaminant, I can take care of the rest.''

Considering he is going to teach me swordsmanship... I guess it is alright to give him a gift.

Let's clean this whole thing up.