As a remote area within the Kingdom, this region had terrible climate conditions. Temperatures were much lower than inland areas.

Especially after nine in the evening, the cold would plummet to extremes. Without warm enough clothing, the freezing chill—comparable to the icy depths of hell—would turn you into a human icicle.

The fine sand grains swirling in the wind stung painfully against exposed skin.

Locals thus wore thick robes and heavy headscarves, effectively shielding against wind and sand while retaining warmth.

Yet, accustomed to this climate, the small town buzzed with life. Streets bustled with people coming and going.

Buying suitable underwear for Aiva was a top priority. After entering the city, Mu Yi and his group headed straight to a women’s lingerie store.

After all, Aiva rarely made requests herself. As her master, Mu Yi naturally took this seriously.

So, a bizarre scene unfolded inside the store.

Amidst racks of beautiful, sexy lingerie in various styles—and aside from shopping women—two figures stood guard at the entrance like sentinels.

One was a mysterious man swathed head-to-toe in robes and headscarves. The other was a male adventurer clad in worn leather armor and a face-covering steel helmet.

Mu Yi and the Goblin Slayer stood with their backs to the door, silently watching the bustling street ahead.

Feeling puzzled gazes from passersby, they lowered their heads and stepped back a few paces.

Being the center of attention was embarrassing. Especially those looks branding them as perverts made Mu Yi’s stomach churn.

Wasn’t he just standing briefly by a lingerie store? Did people really have to treat him like a creep?

“Mu Yi, why are you heading to the Misty Hidden Forest?”

The man—who hadn’t spoken since they arrived—suddenly broke the silence.

As if seeking conversation, he turned to the figure before him. Only his eyes were visible beneath layers of cloth.

Though unremarkable and radiating an utterly ordinary aura, his instincts screamed this man was dangerously powerful. Best not provoked.

Few gave off such a unique presence. This man was special.

“I have no clear goal. I act on my interests and whims.”

Mu Yi shrugged and smiled faintly. Truthfully, he’d randomly picked a location marked on the Lafas Map.

He’d just arrived in this world. Everything was unfamiliar and unknown.

His priority now was exploring unknown territories while adapting to this other world’s customs.

“...”

He silently watched the carefree man before him.

The other clearly didn’t fear the Misty Hidden Forest. To him, it wasn’t a graveyard for adventurers but a tourist spot.

No tension or vigilance radiated from Mu Yi. He genuinely didn’t take it seriously.

This left the adventurer unsure: was Mu Yi reckless or overconfident in his strength?

“Announcement! Announcement! The Holy Light Church confirms the Demon King’s descent is real!”

“The Empire and Kingdom have issued major preventive measures against the Demon King’s arrival and the Demon Kin’s possible resurgence!”

“The Demon King has descended! War between humans and Demon Kin is imminent!!!”

“The Holy Maiden, bearing the continent’s hopes, is gathering her strength! Where is our Great Hero? Does humanity still have a bright future?!!!”

While Mu Yi chatted, two or three boys—barely thirteen or fourteen—rushed past holding announcement boards.

Simple bulletin-style signs. To grab attention, they weaved through the crowd, shouting loudly.

After that night’s baptism of Demon Aura, news of the Demon King’s descent spread across human nations within days. The three human nations swiftly issued the highest alert.

Facing a Demon King who could wipe out a small nation with a flick of his hand, humanity dared not underestimate him.

Especially after the Holy Light Church’s special danger alert, nations amass troops, ready for the Demon Kin’s invasion.

“Demon King and Hero... truly nostalgic titles...”

Mu Yi stroked his chin, watching the boys vanish. This other world needed Demon Kings, Heroes, swords, and magic to feel authentic.

But when exactly did the Demon King descend? These announcements seemed recent. He and Aiva hadn’t noticed—was it due to distance?

In stories, the Demon King was always the Hero’s ultimate boss.

If it was him, his strength should far surpass that female demon Mu Yi had faced.

Just thinking about fighting the Demon King thrilled him. The battle would be exhilarating.

But the Demon King’s archenemy was the Hero. As an outsider from another world, Mu Yi shouldn’t meddle blindly.

He didn’t want to alienate both sides. After all, he’d just caused trouble in Kaya while posing as Demon Kin.

Moreover, he didn’t know if stronger beings existed here. The true power of the Demon King and Hero remained unclear.

There’s always someone stronger. Monsters far beyond him might lurk in this world’s shadows.

For safety, he and Aiva should keep a low profile moving forward.

“Mr. Goblin Slayer, what’s your take on the Demon King’s descent? As an adventurer, shouldn’t you want to save the world?”

After a moment’s thought, Mu Yi slowly turned to the man beside him.

An adventurer should care deeply. Yet the other showed no reaction to the announcements.

“I don’t save the world. I only kill goblins.”

The man stroked his sword hilt, his voice heavy.

“Is that so.”

Mu Yi glanced at the faceless helmet and smiled faintly. An adventurer so obsessed with killing goblins was a first for him...