Chapter 344: Outside the blanket (2)

    Even while learning martial arts, I never stopped writing.

    If I were to stop now, the demon worshippers might grow bolder.

    There are already rumors spreading that I’ve half-retreated into seclusion.

    If I were to stop writing as well, they would undoubtedly attempt another attack.

    Being holed up entirely in my home poses another risk—the worst-case scenario being a magical bombardment.

    You might think I’m being excessive, but the last attack taught me something: when it comes to matters involving demon worshippers, one must always assume the worst.

    These are the same people who paralyzed an innocent person’s heart just to target me.

    If they were willing to do that, they might even summon a meteor to take me down.

    Fortunately, since Cardinal Bark’s death, their power has significantly dwindled. But I can’t let my guard down.

    I just need to slowly build my strength and continue writing until their influence is completely eradicated.

    That’s the endgame.

    Moreover, staying confined indoors is quite dangerous in itself.

    While the security in this fantasy world is top-notch, there are plenty of assassins who can render such defenses meaningless.

    Take Rain, for instance—she effortlessly infiltrated and robbed our mansion.

    To elves and demons, human magic is akin to that of a newborn child.

    As a result, our mansion is currently undergoing renovations, according to what I heard from my father.

    It’s apparently an unusual collaboration between elves and demons.

    The security magic installed in the dormitories is excellent even by their standards, so I’m not too worried, but preparation is still necessary.

    ‘Why does it feel like the finale is taking longer?’

    It feels like I’m close to wrapping things up, but surprisingly, the story keeps getting longer.

    From volume 26, the full-fledged war began, and the hidden mythology of the elves was revealed.

    From volume 27 onward, Zenon and his companions face off against Pride.

    However, I can’t help but feel that some parts are rather plain, which is disappointing.

    As I kept adding elements here and there, excellent scenes emerged, and the story flowed more smoothly. Since it’s a war arc, the story naturally grew longer.

    ‘There were plenty of great moments for everyone.’

    I didn’t forget to include iconic scenes fitting for each race.

    It’s a highlight, so it had to be done.

    As the story heads toward its finale, I also made sure to infuse each race with a sense of pride. This isn’t optional—it’s essential.

    Humans showcase their tenacity, elves and demons display their grand magic, dark elves and demon hunters demonstrate their restrained precision, beastkin perform exhilarating charges, and finally, the dwarves...

    ‘Weapons, of course.’

    While having them fight directly is fine, their strong image as craftsmen makes it more fitting for them to create tactical or strategic weapons.

    For example, cannons with powerful firepower, or perhaps golems equipped with artificial intelligence.

    Gunpowder itself already exists in this world.

    Although I’m not well-versed in military affairs, the existence of gunpowder in this era isn’t all that strange.

    While magic, which is seen as a more strategic weapon, somewhat overshadows cannons, gunpowder is still widely used by regular soldiers because it can be mass-produced, unlike magic.

    After all, no matter how much training a knight undergoes, it’s nearly impossible for an ordinary human to defeat a monster—especially an ogre or something stronger.

    Just as the invention of guns in my past life placed humanity at the top of the food chain, weapons here also play a role in driving monsters out.

    The downside is that people stronger than any weapon are everywhere, but let’s set that aside for now.

    ‘Golems seem like the perfect choice.’

    When you think of fantasy, golems often come to mind as strategic weapons.

    Occasionally, they appear as ancient relics, but that’s not the case in this world.

    Powered by artificial intelligence, they may be expensive to produce, but their performance is top-notch.

    In a world where even steam engines have been invented, creating golems powered by some form of energy shouldn’t be impossible.

    Of course, one could simply shout “Charge!” and move on without deciding on a name. However, for the sake of impact, it’s essential to finalize one.

    ‘How did they come up with such cool names for planets?’

    When I think of planets that come to mind, all of them have impressive names.

    Since a name can make or break the impression, careful consideration is necessary.

    I tapped my pen on a pre-printed sheet, deep in thought.

    The center of the manuscript paper I had prepared in advance was left blank on purpose.

    It was left empty because I couldn’t think of an appropriate name at the time, and now, even as I near the end, it remains unfinished.

    Honestly, it wouldn’t be a problem to name it after Hirt, the goddess of nature.

    Even if the planet’s name was decided based on this one detail, there’d be no objections.

    After all, Hirt embodies nature and the entirety of this world.

    Who could possibly dispute that?

    ‘Then maybe I can modify Hirt’s name slightly...!’

    Just as I poured all my deliberations into pressing the pen to the paper—

    Rumble, rumble, rumble-

    “Hm?”

    A sudden vibration. I lifted the pen from the paper and looked around.

    It didn’t last even a second, but it was unmistakably an earthquake.

    The same kind of tremor I had felt when I was feverish.

    “What’s going on?”

    “Isaac, did you feel that too?”

    While I stood there in confusion, my father emerged from the training hall.

    He was dressed lightly, having been training Adelia moments ago.

    Judging by his expression, it seemed he had felt the tremor too, so I nodded.

    “Yes, I felt it. It seems to be an earthquake.”

    “Hm... I heard there was an earthquake not long ago as well... Alright, then.”

    With that brief comment, my father returned to the training hall.

    I wished him good luck with his work and picked up the pen again.

    Once more, I began to write the name of the planet based on Lady Hirt...

    Rumble-

    “....”

    Was it a sign not to write it? I hesitated and lifted the pen from the paper, just in case.

    The vibration stopped immediately. Just to be sure, I tried putting the pen back to the paper...

    RUMBLE, RUMBLE, RUMBLE!

    This time, the tremor shook the dormitory even harder.

    “Isaac! Evacuate immediately!”

    “Young Master! Please get outside...!”

    “...”

    Why was this happening? I couldn’t understand it at all.

    It seemed like I would need to visit the temple soon to get some answers.

    ★★★★★

    About three days passed since then...

    [Alvenheim. The gift for Xenon has been prepared.]

    I finally had a reason to leave the comfort of my blankets.