Ren and his companions returned to the capital, while Emilia had just been recognized for her achievements.
The voices criticizing her had gradually quieted, but it was still impossible for the nobles to openly support her.
During this time, Ren also met the Court Mage, Roswaal. His eyes were full of hope, and his face wore a constant smile. He devoted himself entirely to serving Emilia, as if he had finally found the path to realizing his dreams.
However, he did not notice Ren's presence. This time, the aura isolation had been improved, and Ren was certain that no one could detect him except the Sword Saint.
Anastasia pushed the door open. "The capital isn't suitable for business right now, Mr. Ren. Should we return?"
"Is everything done?"
"The current royal selection has been shaken by the reckless actions of the Witch Cult. It's hard to gain support from the nobles now. Staying here would only waste money." Anastasia sighed. The royal selection had only just begun, yet tensions were already flaring.
"But Anastasia, aren't you planning to do something? During this time, hasn't Crusch already begun preparations to hunt the White Whale?" Ren looked at her.
"Profit and risk don't match, and the danger of total annihilation is too high. The White Whale can devour living beings. For a merchant, that's fatal." Anastasia naturally wouldn't risk the lives of her mercenaries and knights.
"Is that so? Then let's go."
The group packed their belongings and began the journey back.
At night, a shadow approached their tent. Even the beastmen with keen senses didn't notice it, yet the figure released a distinct aura.
Ren appeared. The figure was a short, malnourished-looking man with sunken eyes.
"Ren, someone has harmed our pets. We need to take care of them. It's been a long time since we've eaten. I'm hungry… I want to eat, chew, swallow, gnaw, no matter how I eat, it's never enough."
"When did it happen?" Ren knew the man had come under the Witch of Vainglory's orders. Pandora had mentioned it before; he was to inherit Regulus' duties.
"Hmm, since they challenged our pets, we should let them enjoy it. Let's see how much they can eat, and then we'll clean up the rest. This is the location. They will inevitably make contact." After telling Ren the White Whale's location, Sin Archbishop of Gluttony slowly disappeared.
The next morning, the group prepared to depart.
"Ram, Rem, I'll leave the villa to you," Ren said to the two girls.
"Mr. Ren, is there something you need? My mercenary group might be able to help," Anastasia said, not missing any chance to curry favor.
"It's a small matter, I can handle it myself. But thank you for escorting my two maids back safely." Ren glanced at Ram.
Ram understood immediately. Living with Ren for so many years, she knew he was going to deal with the Witch Cult. She spoke up, "Lord Ren, leave the wine to Ram… don't worry about the villa."
"Big sister let something slip," Rem reminded.
"Haha, drink as you like. Rem, make sure the house is in order."
"Yes, Lord Ren," Rem bowed respectfully.
"Mr. Ren, we'll take our leave for now," Anastasia said, guiding the others away, while Ren headed toward the White Whale's location.
Last night, Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, Lye Batenkaitos, had given him the White Whale's position. Since the team chosen to hunt it was quite strong, they planned to take a look.
Ren was the first to spot signs of Crusch and the others. They wandered aimlessly, only knowing the White Whale had appeared here before, and planned to search nearby.
The long search was mentally exhausting. The soldiers didn't complain out loud, but their body language told Ren they were frustrated everywhere.
They had already eaten a fair amount of rations. Watching from the side, Ren noticed that the morale of Crusch's hunting party was starting to drop.
Without specific intel on the White Whale's location, they could only find it if it appeared themselves.
Finally, after a full day of searching, the White Whale came to them.
Buzz—
Along with the sound, the first thing to arrive was the Fog of Annihilation, which immediately swallowed the unprepared rear units. None of them left any trace.
"Damn it, it's the Fog of Annihilation! All units, count your numbers! Move to open ground!" Crusch shouted, riding the Earth Dragon and quickly retreating with the others.
The Sword Demon's gaze was sharp. He had finally encountered the White Whale. This was his chance for revenge for his wife. If he missed it, he feared he might never have another opportunity in his life.
The group reached an open area. Fog began to spread around them. Clearly, the White Whale had its sights on them.
"Report your numbers."
"Eighteen in total. Only thirteen remain," said an older male knight.
"Do you know who it is?"
"No," the man said with a guilty look. His teammates had died without leaving a trace. To handle the Fog of Annihilation, each squad had a fixed number of people. They didn't track names, only squad numbers, which let them know how many had been swallowed.
"Is that so? Next, prepare to face the White Whale. Everyone, get ready. We cannot let the fallen warriors die in vain. If we do not fight, even the rights we have earned will be erased," Crusch shouted loudly, like a military commander.
Buzz～
This time, the whale's call came again. Those who were prepared avoided the deadly mist. The fog was too thick, so Crusch ordered the mages to use magic.
A spell dispersed the mist, turning the night into daylight. The massive form of the whale appeared, roaming in the sky.
The sound of swallowing echoed around them. Facing this enormous creature, they realized that the White Whale, one of the three great witchbeasts, was far more terrifying than they had imagined.
Crusch raised her weapon. She knew that now, someone had to lift their spirits, or this expedition would end in total annihilation.
She swung her blade at the White Whale. The strike seemed powerful, but it caused no real damage.
Still, her attack inspired everyone present to take up their weapons. The Sword Demon was the first to charge, sword in hand, ready to approach the White Whale.
"Mages, prepare," Crusch commanded, signaling them to start long-range attacks.
A barrage of spells rained down on the White Whale. Yet it remained motionless in the high sky. Clearly, these attacks could not bring it down.
The whale flew too high. Only magic or Crusch's swordsmanship could reach it. Even her strikes could not harm it due to the distance.
For a moment, everyone was trapped in a dilemma. But it seemed the White Whale was giving them an opportunity.
Its massive body dived downward. Though magic could not hurt it, even the whale could not endure endless irritation forever.
Ren looked at Crusch's swordsmanship. He seemed capable of launching flying slashes too, though he rarely relied on the powers obtained from other world's selves.
For now, his current abilities were more than enough.
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