The clearing gradually fell silent.
The last Hell Goblin corpse disappeared into Lindor's storage.
He dusted off his hands before glancing around the now-empty battlefield.
"...I think that's enough."
The knight surveyed the area one final time before letting out a slow breath.
"Yeah."
"We've accomplished what we came here for."
He rested a hand on the hilt of his sword.
"We know his direction."
"We know his most likely destination."
"And we've made a small fortune from all the materials we've collected along the way."
A quiet laugh escaped him.
"Now we don't have to keep pushing our luck..."
"...If we do, we might not make it back to enjoy any of it."
The archer nodded immediately.
"I agree."
"There are people who'll pay ridiculous amounts for this information."
A small smile spread across her face.
"But only if we're the first to sell it."
Zeph's ears twitched.
"...Exactly."
"The longer we stay out here..."
"...the greater the chance someone else figures it out too."
Lindor adjusted his glasses.
"Our greatest advantage is time."
"The Dark One isn't hiding his direction."
"He simply isn't expecting anyone to analyze it."
His gaze shifted toward the eastern horizon.
"But eventually..."
"...someone else will."
The towering lizardman folded his arms across his broad chest.
"The objective has never changed."
His deep voice carried the calm authority of a seasoned leader.
"Like we agreed from the very beginning..."
"...we're ending the pursuit."
"No unnecessary risks."
"No trying to catch up."
"We return immediately."
His gaze swept across each member of the party.
"The information reaches the buyers..."
"...before the rumors do."
The others nodded in agreement.
Not a single person objected.
The knight grinned.
"I like this plan."
"It has significantly fewer opportunities for us to get killed."
The archer laughed.
"I was wondering when you'd finally admit that."
"I admitted it yesterday."
"You complained yesterday."
"...Same thing."
Zeph clicked his tongue.
"You two can argue after we get back."
He pointed toward the path they had originally taken.
"If we move quickly..."
"...we should reach the nearest trade road before nightfall."
Lindor nodded thoughtfully.
"And once we're there..."
"...we'll sell the information to multiple buyers."
The knight raised an eyebrow.
"Multiple?"
A faint smile tugged at Lindor's lips.
"Why sell it once..."
"...when we can sell it several times?"
The archer blinked.
"...That's actually genius."
Zeph snorted.
"I was thinking the exact same thing."
The lizardman gave a single approving nod.
"Then it's settled."
He turned without another word.
"Move."
The group immediately fell into formation behind him.
Their pace became noticeably faster than before.
They were no longer following a trail.
Now—
they were racing against the spread of information itself.
If they reached civilization first—
their expedition would become one of the most profitable ventures they had ever undertaken.
And behind them—
the eastern wilderness gradually fell silent once more.
Its most dangerous traveler had already disappeared far beyond their reach.
---
The following day—
rumors became certainty.
Information spread across the continent with astonishing speed.
The first individuals to purchase the report wasted no time reselling it.
Then those buyers did the same.
Within hours—
the news had reached dozens of cities.
**The Dark One was heading east.**
**His route passed through the Land of Greywater.**
**His destination was believed to be the Kingdom of Eirundor.**
Soon—
the continent began to move.
Spatial Ports flared to life one after another as travelers crossed immense distances in mere moments.
Airships altered their flight routes.
Long-distance trains filled beyond capacity.
Bounty hunters.
Adventurers.
Mercenaries.
Treasure seekers.
Information brokers.
Even independent nobles dispatched trusted retainers.
Every one of them headed toward a single destination.
**Greywater.**
If the rumors were true—
the son of the Demon King would have to pass through its lands.
And countless people intended to be waiting when he did.
---
The sudden influx of outsiders did not escape the attention of Greywater's ruler.
Within the city of Gomor—
inside the Count's sprawling estate—
guards quietly increased their patrols.
Officials hurried through the corridors carrying stacks of reports.
Servants whispered among themselves as unease quietly spread throughout the estate.
Something unusual was happening.
Inside the Count's office—
Count Perlen sat behind his desk.
Several reports lay neatly spread before him.
A knock echoed through the room.
"Enter."
The door opened.
Orrick stepped inside.
The elderly butler bowed respectfully.
"My Lord."
Count Perlen looked up.
"You have something."
"Yes, My Lord."
Orrick approached the desk before producing another neatly organized report.
"I've investigated the reason behind the sudden influx of travelers."
He placed the documents before the Count.
"The information has been verified across multiple independent sources."
Count Perlen picked up the report.
His eyes silently scanned the first page.
Orrick continued in his usual composed tone.
"The individual known as..."
He paused briefly.
"...the Dark One..."
"...is believed to be passing through Greywater."
Silence settled over the office.
Count Perlen slowly lowered the report.
"The Dark One..."
Orrick nodded once.
"Furthermore..."
"...many believe he may already be somewhere within our borders."
The Count's expression became noticeably more serious.
"And his destination?"
Orrick answered without the slightest hesitation.
"According to every report currently circulating..."
"...his destination is believed to be the Kingdom of Eirundor."
Count Perlen leaned back in his chair.
His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest.
"So."
"He isn't coming here..."
"...We're simply along his route."
"That appears to be the case, My Lord."
Another silence settled over the room.
Beyond the office windows—
the city continued bustling below.
More airships descended toward Gomor's sky port.
More travelers emerged from the Spatial Port.
More unfamiliar faces filled the streets.
Count Perlen turned his gaze toward the window.
"...One piece of information."
He slowly shook his head.
"And an entire land is thrown into turmoil."
Orrick folded his hands neatly before him.
"It is no longer merely a rumor, My Lord."
"The Empire's defeat at Blackwater confirmed his existence."
"The people simply believe this is their best opportunity to find him."
Count Perlen's gaze hardened.
"...Or die trying."
Orrick inclined his head.
"I'm afraid many fail to appreciate the difference."
The Count closed the report and gently set it back upon his desk.
"Increase security throughout Gomor."
"No unnecessary provocations."
"If this Dark One truly passes through my territory..."
"...I refuse to let Greywater become another Blackwater."
Orrick bowed deeply.
"At once, My Lord."
Without another word—
the elderly butler turned and quietly left the office.
Leaving Count Perlen alone with a single troubling realization.
Whether the rumors proved true or not—
Greywater had just become the center of the continent's attention.