Chapter 99 of the Weapon Replicator of the Academy

Chapter 28: Return (4)

Rumble, the wall emitted a heavy sound.

It was the same start as before. The restoration that began from my hands gradually expanded its range.

Dust and gravel gathered, and huge pieces were lifted again, looking like a rewind.

Even though I was the one doing it, I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the scene.

"…Look at that."

Someone said. The right wall. The very spot we had tried so hard to defend during the previous monsters' all-out attack.

The cracks healed as if they were closing. The fissures were repaired. The balance that had collapsed rose and was restored.

Oh, the small exclamations gradually grew louder. The voices of admiration became immense, and small laughs burst out.

'…It's consuming more mana than I thought.'

I checked the tie wrapped in Penelope's cloth. It was shrinking rapidly, even after eating a dragon heart.

But I couldn't complain seeing this scene. It really looked like time was being reversed, as if the wall was regaining its past glory.

──When the restoration finally ended, the tie was smaller than my palm. The wall was that massive, and the damage and weathering had been severe.

I was relieved that I finished before using up all my mana.

"Phew, that's it. There are still some small cracks and worn-out parts, but it can't be helped."

When I turned around,

…all the knights were bowing to me. Even Sanders, the head of the knights, and Reed, the lord, were bowing.

Not only them, but the soldiers and prisoners below all knelt on one knee.

Everyone here, lined up, bowed their heads to me, calmly and quietly.

"…"

I was speechless, looking at the scene. On top of this wall, I could see every detail of their postures.

Seeing Aten beside me, she smiled faintly and bowed gracefully.

"Aten Terst, in the name of the Third Princess of the Terst Empire, I extend my gratitude to all the citizens of Tebben."

I couldn't speak. I should have said something like "Your kindness is overwhelming," but I couldn't. I should have knelt, but I couldn't.

I was just dazed.

As if understanding my feelings, Aten spoke again.

"Thank you. You protected Tebben."

* * *

After that, Aten returned to the empire before me. Of course, with the knight squadron.

The wall was repaired, and the frequent monster invasions and immediate problems were solved, so there was no reason for Aten to stay.

She said, "If my sister is even a day late, she'll drag her by the hair," but I don't know how much of an impact that had.

Sibel also returned. Kassian, who carried Sibel, glanced at me briefly, but that was it. I think that was the maximum courtesy Kassian could show.

And I stayed in Tebben for the rest of the summer break.

There was no real need to stay since the wall was repaired and the monsters rarely came, but I wanted to fulfill my responsibility.

Most importantly,

"Where are you going? The bet isn't over yet."

While inspecting the wall, Hector Dutoit, a fellow knight, approached and said. I laughed along with him.

"Even if I admit I lost, it's fine."

"Are you crazy? No one has died yet, so why would you admit defeat?"

The all-out attack of the monsters when I was gone.

Even in the fierce attack of the monsters, no knights died.

Of course, I returned before the damage became severe, but it was fortunate that no one died during that time.

"When I first came here, I thought you were just crazy, but now I understand. No one is as perfectly crazy as you."

"Ha, ha."

"Is this bastard trying to compliment me?"

Ironically, my nickname became 'crazy' and was fixed. Not just Hector, but the knights laughed and passed by calling me crazy.

At first, it was a mocking term, but now, when they shake their heads and mutter, it gives a strange feeling.

I looked beyond the wall. The wall, which had regained its past glory and grandeur, looked very reliable.

Even if I leave, the monsters won't break through Tebben for a while. The threat of the monsters remains, but it's a common occurrence in Tebben.

The wall can only protect the territory, not help humanity advance.

If it's this difficult to fight near the border, what about the monsters lurking deep outside?

"Hector."

"What?"

"This wall needs you."

"Eh? Of course. Didn't I say I would leave a name that would last on the continent? It will be solid even if you leave."

"Right. So,"

I looked at Hector.

"If there's anything unfinished, finish it now."

"…Eh?"

"Just in case."

Hector is Reed's son. The reason he uses the Dutoit name instead of Urfa is some trivial family dispute. At least, it's not something I should interfere with.

But if that foolish dispute continues at a crucial time, it's problematic.

When humanity eventually expands its territory, 'White Lion Hector' will be a solid asset.

"Hmm. Okay. I don't understand what you mean, but."

Hector scratched his head. No, this guy knows. He knows what his problem is.

And as 'White Lion Hector,' he'll probably stop the childish fight with his father just from this mention.

I believe that.

* * *

…And a few more days passed.

Someone knocked and entered my room.

"Are you leaving now?"

Robert, Philia's bodyguard knight, asked.

Seeing me and Selena packing, he asked.

"Yes. The summer break is ending."

"That's a shame. I wish you would stay."

"Don't say that."

Hehe, we laughed together.

I asked Robert.

"Sir Robert. Is your mission not over yet? Even for you, Sir Robert, life here must be tough."

"Yes. I haven't received orders to return yet."

Hmm.

Why did Philia send Robert to this dangerous land? Since no specific instructions have been given even after so much time, the mystery only grows.

"…Perhaps."

Then Robert spoke.

"Sending me to Tebben might not have been important in itself."

"What do you mean?"

"I needed a good reason to distance myself from Her Highness. It could be seen that way."

Philia distanced herself from Robert?

"To distance yourself from your bodyguard knight is too dangerous."

"Philia is not only protected by me. Perhaps sending me to Tebben was out of concern for my safety."

"…Are you saying it's safer for you to be in Tebben than in the palace?"

"It's just a guess."

I thought for a moment.

Robert is a famous named character whose name I know.

As he said, there are many who protect Philia, but Robert is the knight she trusts the most.

So if Philia felt Robert was in danger, it's not strange to evacuate him to safety.

…But most of the danger to Robert would be because he is Philia's bodyguard.

Since many people in the palace target Philia, almost all cases where Robert is in danger are because he protects Philia.

So if Robert is in danger, it would be a foolish act for Philia to keep him away from her. It would be meaningless if she dies.

But Philia wouldn't do something foolish.

In other words, there is an enemy targeting only Robert, not Philia?

"If you return to Constello and happen to meet Her Highness, please convey my well-being."

"What should I tell her?"

"Just that it's quite cold here."

Ha.

"Sir Robert, you're quite full of yourself."

"This much pretense is necessary for Her Highness to feel at ease."

Such loyalty that reaches the sky.

Thud, thud, then a somewhat quick step approached my room.

"Alleya. Are you not ready yet? Everyone is waiting, so hurry up."

It was Reed. I slung my packed bag and started walking.

"Let's go, Selena."

"Yes."

Selena, who didn't have much luggage, still carried a small bag to avoid looking strange. She slung it and followed me.

I said to Robert as I passed by.

"Then, Sir Robert, see you later. Hopefully in the capital."

"In the capital."

I left the room, went down the stairs of the mansion, and opened the entrance door.

Knights were standing in front of the door. They weren't lined up as they were when the wall was restored, but they were waiting for me in various casual outfits.

"Are you leaving?"

"You'll miss me. I hope the bet continues."

"Come back and visit."

The knights each said a word to me.

I responded to their words and headed towards the carriage waiting for me.

The driver was waiting in front of it. The driver who brought me to Tebben. He bowed politely and asked.

"Did you enjoy your summer vacation?"

"…If he were my hired driver, I would have fired him right away."

"That's a shame."

As a servant of Ampere, I can only let such minor teasing pass.

"By the way… Who is this?"

The driver asked, looking at Selena.

"Oh, my bodyguard. I hired her for a lot of money."

The driver looked at Selena for a moment and then said to me.

"…To come all the way to Tebben, indeed, you are remarkable."

"I hired her, okay?"

Then,

Clatter, a noisy commotion came from a distance. Urgent shouts and cries were mixed in.

"Hey! Don't stand there