Drug Abuse

Chaos Era, Year 1819.

The tavern was a cacophony of noise, the air thick with the mingled smells of ale and roasted meat. Adventurers sat around wooden tables, talking loudly, the clinking of mugs punctuating their excited debates.

“I hear the demon race has declared war on humanity!” A burly, bearded man slammed his tankard down hard, splashing ale across the scarred tabletop.

“What? Those demon-spawn actually dare to declare war on us?” The young swordsman beside him stared in disbelief, eyes wide.

“That’s right. The Demon King has appeared,” the burly man said, lowering his voice, his expression grave.

“So the demons really do have a Demon King? I always thought that was just a made-up story.”

Groups of adventurers sat scattered about, the tables before them a mess of empty plates and cups.

“If it really comes to war, what do we do? The demons are generally stronger than us humans, aren’t they? We’re not going to lose, are we?” One table started the topic, and another table quickly picked it up.

“Heh, why are you worrying about that? Our human kingdom’s army and knight orders aren’t pushovers either,” said an adventurer in leather armor, finishing off a large mug of ale with a belch.

“But I heard the Demon King is incredibly powerful?” the first adventurer pressed on.

The man who’d just drained his mug scoffed, a little annoyed. “Then we humans have the heroes blessed by the Goddess... like that Dawn’s Wings team. I heard their captain has the Goddess’s blessing. His strength is terrifying.”

The now-drunken adventurer randomly grabbed Xia Lun, who was passing by.

“Don’t you think so, friend? We humans are sure to win, right?”

Xia Lun paused for a moment. He was wrapped in a gray traveling cloak, dusty from the road, having just arrived without a chance to rest. He was silent for a beat, then gave a slight nod, the shadow of his hood hiding most of his face.

“But I heard that Dawn’s Wings disbanded not long ago...” the man across the table couldn’t help but add.

“Hey! Are you a spy sent by the demons? Why do you keep siding with them?!” The drunken man, irritated at being contradicted again, slammed the table and stood up, shouting.

“I’m just stating the facts. We humans are no match for the demons. Their strong have lived for so long, they’re incredibly powerful. What do we have to compare with them?” the fellow adventurer shot back without backing down. “It’s you who should face reality.”

“We humans are stronger than demons! You’re definitely a spy!” The drunk pointed at the man, hurling insults, while his companions quickly grabbed him to hold him back.

Xia Lun ignored the commotion at that table. he made his way to the bar, ordered a meal, and decided not to drink this time.

His mind was elsewhere, detached from everything around him.

He was constantly thinking about one thing: how to defeat Aina.

As Aina’s teammate and boyfriend, he knew her strength better than anyone.

Being on the opposite side from her was a terrifying prospect.

Aina was the Demon King...

Defeating her had become his duty.

But Xia Lun had little confidence.

Just as he knew every little habit of Aina’s spellcasting, Aina knew his sword style and combat rhythm all too well. In their countless battles together, this tacit understanding had been their greatest weapon. Now it had become a mutual shackle.

Aina would never give him a chance to get close. The final result would be him being kited by her various long-range magic until he was too exhausted to resist, completely at her mercy.

Could he ambush her? But if he didn't fight her in an honorable duel, Aina’s proud nature would never accept the result.

With any other enemy, Xia Lun wouldn’t have such scruples. Ambushing and assassinating powerful monsters was a standard tactic for adventurers.

But Aina wasn’t the enemy.

Xia Lun could already picture it: if he won through underhanded means, the disdain, indifference, and contempt in Aina’s eyes would be harder to bear than defeat itself.

So he had to defeat Aina in a straight fight.

But with his current strength, could he break through Aina’s magical onslaught?

Xia Lun took a deep breath and began recalling every spell Aina had used over the years.

Hmm... when they fought against the Ode to Death, they had both exhausted their arsenals. Even Aina should have had nothing left in reserve.

By that logic, he had a certain chance... but he didn’t know if Aina had any hidden tricks or had learned any new spells...

Their strength had both increased significantly since their fight against the evil god, which added another layer of uncertainty.

And on top of that, Aina might not face him alone. She was the Demon King. It was perfectly normal for her to have a group of powerful subordinates...

Xia Lun grew frustrated.

For the first time, he craved victory so desperately, yet the hope of achieving it was so slim.

Breakthrough...

He needed a breakthrough. He had to become stronger to overcome Aina.

Xia Lun wolfed down the food on his plate, as if eating more would make him stronger.

Suddenly, he choked. He pounded his chest, desperately gulped down some vegetable soup, and slowly recovered.

His throat cleared.

And with it, his thoughts.

Xia Lun suddenly thought of a way to get stronger.

...

The magical potion shop in Orac City was filled with the mingled scents of strange herbs. When Xia Lun pushed open the door, the bell gave a clear ring.

Ankula was the shopkeeper. She had opened the store in her spare time... more out of interest than necessity. The business wasn't doing very well.

Her father was still the city lord, so she didn't have to manage the city's affairs yet.

Behind the counter, Ankula looked up from a pile of shimmering crystal vials, setting down the pestle she was using to grind herbs.

“Captain Xia Lun, so you do still remember me,” Ankula let out a light snort, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “It’s been so long since you last visited Orac City. I was starting to think you were deliberately avoiding me... You only remember me when you need something. Does that make me some cheap woman you can just use?”

Before this, it had always been Mok and Liana who came to Orac City to deal with Ankula.

“Sorry...” Xia Lun scratched his head.

She’d seen right through him.

After all, he was a man with a girlfriend. He had to keep his distance, or else Aina would get angry.

“Haha, Captain Xia Lun, I’m just kidding!” Seeing his guilty expression, Ankula burst into laughter. “I don't blame you at all. I'm actually glad you're here to visit. So, what's up?”

Ankula was as lively as ever.

“I need you to brew a potion for me... one that can increase my strength in a short time.”

Xia Lun had thought of a very simple, brute-force way to get stronger.

He would take drugs.