Epilogue 2: Six Years After Defeating the Demon King
Minori and I couldn't have children.
Despite numerous historical accounts of crossbreeding between different species, none were successful. Additionally, there was no magic in this world capable of determining the life or death of unborn beings at their core.
Reflecting on it, even magical elements like "Reincarnation" and "Isekai Rebirth," which influenced the essence of life, were distinct from regular magic.
Living organisms have an instinct to leave proof of their existence by ensuring the continuation of their lineage. Minori chose to leave her "Living Proof" by spreading the swordsmanship she had developed at the cost of her own life.
"You don't need formal permission, but it's a great idea. I'll support you. Have you already picked a location?"
"Yes! While shopping in the fortress earlier, Lord Garius suggested a vacant piece of land."
Minori indicated a specific area on the fortress map.
"I understand. If you've chosen this place, she'd probably be delighted in heaven."
It was the former site of a popular cafeteria operated by Mrs. Silfa, Mr. Grierret's wife.
"If I pass away, feel free to use the cafeteria as you see fit, Minori. Use it when you've achieved your goals. I'll inform Garius too."
In the past, Mrs. Silfa had left this testament to Minori. Despite the high cost of owning land in the fortress, a crucial defense stronghold and source of interaction with other nations, Garius, following Mrs. Silfa's wishes, preserved the land without alterations.
Minori expressed her determination with enthusiasm, saying, "When we meet Madam Silfa on the other side, I must have a dojo that I won't be ashamed of!"
For the past three years, even after returning to the human realm following the conclusion of the battle against the Demon King, I continued my dedication to mastering Shokki magic and analyzing the mysteries of "Reincarnation." Throughout this time, Minori never left my side.
Our routine was filled with practicing swordsmanship, going shopping in the fortress together, cooking and sharing meals, reading magic books, and engaging in idle chatter before sleeping. It was three years of ordinary yet precious moments.
Despite her dedication, each time Minori read about Hero Jin's achievements in the newspaper, she found herself contemplating a broader world. While I still had nearly 900 years left, Minori's time was limited.
"If there's a way..." I pondered.
"Hey, Minori. What if... what if there's a possibility, like the Demon King, that you might be able to come back to this world in the future? What would you do?"
Minori mumbled thoughtfully while washing the dishes after dinner.
"If I could be reborn in the future world... well," Minori tilted her head. "I might want to see the future world. Since you're an elf, Sir Reiss, I might have the chance to meet you again. It could be nice to travel to various places together once more."
"Then..."
"But if waiting for that future time would mean keeping Sir Reiss waiting, I'd rather cherish the time I have with Sir Reiss now to the fullest, rather than making you wait."
Minori and I, huddled closely together, felt her warmth more than ever.
It's a known fact that an "Factor" won't emerge unless the individual strongly desires it.
For the Reincarnation Demon King, that desire might be, "I want to come back to life and conquer the world again."
For the Otherworld Reincarnation, it could be, "I want to live my next life with genuine determination."
For Hero Jin, it might be, "I want overwhelming power to protect everyone."
Factor bearers manifest their Factors with extraordinary determination and strong resolve.
"Got it," I murmured.
In the 113th year since my reincarnation as an elf...
Three years later, with Galius's assistance, Minori built an impressive swordsmanship dojo in the castle town of Kukre Fortress, under the jurisdiction of the Orl Empire. In this certain dojo, two swordsmanship schools that would later dominate the world were born.
One focused on sword techniques with magical support, known as the "Minori School of Sword Techniques."
The other emphasized magic with swordplay support, known as the "Reiss School of Sword Techniques."
Initially, using our names directly felt embarrassing, but that sentiment faded over time.
These schools, combining "Magic" and "Sword Techniques" in their fighting styles, eventually led to the creation of a new adventurer class called "Magic Swordsman."
Minori taught swordsmanship, and I delved into magic research. Despite establishing these fundamental principles, we continued our lighthearted, trivial life, and 46 years passed by.
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