System vs Rebirth

After declaring their intention, Clara began to discuss the details about them. As expected, there were a lot of arguments due to the long discussion.

But because Clara had mentioned all the important points, even if they didn't agree, they were moving in that direction.

Noel remained silent the whole time. It wasn't his place to interfere, and he personally was interested in how they operated.

It seemed that the Tower Association and the Demon Banner Army didn't really like each other.

The Demon Banner Army was a soldier who protected this country, so of course, they were a bit skeptical of the people from the Tower Association who did nothing but focus on their research.

The Tower Association didn't like that view as well. Though, they couldn't deny that they were focusing on their research. Some were related to their personal interest and gain. But some were trying to improve the quality of life of the people or help the people on the frontline.

So, they might be able to berate the Demon Banner Army, but they couldn't justify their actions as well.

In the end, they ended up arguing by picking up a simple matter.

Noel didn't seem to have any interest in the meeting itself. However, it was just a facade for him to listen to their argument, especially the Plant Lord. He might be a threat, so he had to make sure that they didn't fall for his trick.

The Stone Lord might look calm and wise, but he was a bit too greedy. Though he was greedy, it was toward knowledge instead of money. He wanted a lot of things to research, as if he didn't have any retirement plan.

Meanwhile, the Plant Lord was extremely cautious and systematic. He always came up with two or three reasons when he rebuked someone's argument. It made him look smart but petty at the same time.

Noel couldn't really find any other clue in the Plant Lord's words. Even though he was a bit skeptical, he couldn't find anything other than suspicion.

So, Noel had to drop the matter for the time being.

After three hours, the meeting reached an agreement and Clara immediately returned to the group.

She started instructing her people to build a wall. They even fortified it with some ditches to make it hard for the monsters to surpass it.

Of course, the walls were made of wood and there was no Spirit Enchantment that could reinforce it.

But they had prepared this time.

Clara gathered Rose and Noel in her tent and commanded them, "Noel, Rose. The knowledge about the Runes has been spread for more than a month. I think it's fine for you to use it to reinforce the wall. What do you think?"

Noel thought for a moment. "I don't really mind. Even if they try to investigate us, they will know that the books originated from us sooner or later. Though, I hope that you can pin all the blame on me… I mean, my original identity."

"I don't mind. I can even act like I'm saddened over your death or something since I'm requesting a lot from you." The Spirit Enchantment wasn't a simple matter. Even a Master Blacksmith wouldn't easily reinforce the wall of other cities.

When they did it, they would be paid heavily. So, Clara knew that she asked Noel not only to reveal his secret but also to do something expensive for free. That was why she tried to accommodate all his requests.

Noel added one more thing while pointing his finger at Rose. "Also, the one who will be reinforcing the wall is Rose, not me."

"Huh?" Both Rose and Clara were startled by that statement.

Noel smiled as if he had expected this reaction and began explaining the reason for his statement. "If I use it, people will doubt me, considering Iadre and Noel have the same gender. But if it's Rose, there's no way people will think Rose is Noel, right?"

Rose narrowed her eyes. She agreed with him, but she felt something was wrong. She wanted to ask about it, but Noel was the lord she had recognized, so she didn't want to say something unnecessary.

Though, Clara was different. She didn't care and asked without hesitation. "You are planning something, aren't you? There's no way that's the only reason why you refuse to do it."

"…" Noel scratched the back of his head helplessly. "I guess I can't hide it from you. Yes, I'm planning to leave the camp for approximately three to four days."

"I don't really mind, but you are one of our Zero Squad's members, so I need to know the reason. Don't forget that you are a Spirit Master right now. Although it's the same as your peers, the Spirit Master is treated differently compared to the stage below it."

Noel thought for a moment and explained, "I need to go somewhere. The reason is simple, and I think it's fine to tell you this.

"The Water Lord once gave me a few names that might be related to the Supreme Devil Organization.

"The Plant Lord is one of them. That's why I'm afraid that something will happen in this expedition.

"So, we have to watch our back while handling the expedition, which makes this expedition harder than we originally thought. Hence, I'm leaving this place so that I can call for more reinforcement."

"Are you planning to bring another Captain into the mix?" Clara narrowed her eyes. She didn't question anything about Noel's information since it wasn't necessary. Although a part of her couldn't believe Noel, she didn't have any reason not to trust him as well.

"No. A Captain or even a squad will be a bit too eye-catching. We might end up alerting the Plant Lord at this rate. That's why I'm planning to invite another person… not from the Tower Association and the Demon Banner Army."

"!!!" Clara widened her eyes in surprise. "If not from those two, then from where? Do you have more connections outside the two places?"

Noel answered her with a smile.