The Villain's Reincarnation – Tired of Working Hard, I'm Slacking Off! The Peacefully Oblivious Slacker Avoids Ruin! - Chapter 20

“A trial to overcome the worst tragedy…”

Upon hearing those words, what came to my mind was the prophecy of the Demon King’s resurrection.

“Does that mean you faced the worst kind of tragedy yourself, having gone through the Trial of Overcoming?”

“That’s exactly right.”

“…May I ask for the details?”

“Of course, I don’t mind.”

Without a hint of hesitation, the shopkeeper began recounting his experience with the Trial of Overcoming.

“Let me begin by explaining the tragedy that was about to befall us. Have you heard of Magesepsis?”

“Magesepsis?! You mean the so-called ‘Blessing of Death’?!”

Magesepsis.

A rare, almost incurable, fatal disease that manifests in early childhood, referred to as the “Blessing of Death.”

It occurs only in those with extraordinary magical talent—talent so immense it surpasses human understanding and approaches the domain of nature itself, the realm of spirits.

Spirits are mystical, otherworldly beings with an absolute affinity for magic, standing far above all others.

The magic they wield is overwhelming—so much so that although it is fundamentally the same as human magic, it is distinguished by the term “Spirit Magic.”

Such overwhelming magical talent exceeds human limits. The moment such power awakens, the very magic that cannot be controlled by human means turns upon its wielder and kills them.

If the talent is for fire magic, they are engulfed in flames, reduced to ash. If for ice, they are transformed into ice itself.

There are only two possible ways for someone afflicted with Magesepsis to survive:

First, having an abnormally resilient or unique body that can adapt to such inhuman magical potential.

Second, through the use of Spirit’s Tear—a mystical substance created only when a high-ranking spirit, deeply moved by gratitude and respect, chooses to bestow it upon someone. It stabilizes the afflicted’s magic.

Naturally, both outcomes are extremely rare.

Possessing an inhuman constitution is nearly impossible, and acquiring a Spirit’s Tear is just as difficult.

First, high-ranking spirits themselves are exceedingly rare. Most people go their entire lives without ever encountering one.

Even if one is encountered, it must govern the same element as the afflicted’s magical affinity.

If someone has a talent for fire, they must meet a high-ranking spirit of fire.

Even if these two miraculous conditions are met, the person must also earn the spirit’s genuine admiration and gratitude to be granted a Spirit’s Tear.

To win the favor of a being so powerful—so transcendent—is an almost impossible task.

In short, obtaining a Spirit’s Tear is virtually impossible.

Moreover, the progression of Magesepsis is extremely rapid. Without intervention, death occurs on the day of onset. Even with the full resources of a nation, survival extends no longer than three to seven days.

Unless one has already secured a path to survival at the moment of onset, there is no hope.

Because of this, it is known as the Blessing of Death—a death sentence upon manifestation.

“You are quite knowledgeable to know about Magesepsis. It is a condition that occurs only rarely in Spirit-blooded individuals, those who carry the bl00d of spirits. Pure humans almost never contract it, so most people have never even heard of it.”

Magesepsis is extremely rare.

That’s only natural—possessing magical affinity on par with spirits means one wields enough power to shape an entire era.

Such talent doesn’t come along frequently.

Therefore, it is almost completely unknown.

The only reason I knew of it was because of my position—being a member of the royal family of a great nation, descended from the lineage that sealed away the Demon King. I stand at the crossroads of many such fates.

“I happened to learn about it during my research into spirits, as I was interested in them.”

I couldn’t reveal my true identity, so I offered a vague explanation.

“I see. I didn’t know of it myself until the doctors told me—when my beloved daughter was diagnosed.”

The shopkeeper stared into the distance for a moment, as if recalling those dark times, then continued.

“My daughter developed Magesepsis.

Her magical affinity was for plants.

When I woke up one morning and saw my beloved daughter slowly turning into vegetation… I felt like I had died inside.”

The memory was so terrifying that the shopkeeper’s hands trembled slightly.

“But I was fortunate. No—perhaps it was all thanks to Lord Kaito.”

He gently wiped away a single tear.

“If you know of Magesepsis, then you’ll understand—early detection is crucial due to how quickly it progresses. I was lucky enough to notice it early.

Furthermore, there happened to be an extremely skilled doctor in this town—someone knowledgeable about Magesepsis.

Thanks to that, I was able to learn about the disease and its treatment method at an ideal pace.”

His voice grew increasingly impassioned.

“The doctor explained the treatment with an extremely grave expression. At the time, I had no idea what kind of despair awaited me—I was unaware, thanks to Lord Kaito’s actions—and so I wasn’t overcome with dread.”

“Then that means…”

“Yes. Because I had completed the Trial of Overcoming Lord Kaito had prepared for me a month prior, I possessed a Spirit’s Tear from a high-ranking spirit of plants!

I remember it vividly—the joy of being able to save my precious daughter, and the overwhelming gratitude I felt toward Lord Kaito, who had done so much for us.

From the moment we met, Lord Kaito was already moving to ensure I would be able to obtain the Spirit’s Tear.”

The shopkeeper’s voice trembled with awe, as if worshipping a divine being, and he continued in reverent tones.

It happened just over a month before that fateful day.

Lord Kaito, as usual, had come to my shop—with a request in mind.

**“There’s a flower coming up in a certain auction that’s caught my interest.

But it’s an extremely rare specimen, and I lack the expertise to tell if it’s real or a fake.

I know it’s a lot to ask, especially with your child on the way, but would you be willing to go to the auction site and lend your expertise?

Of course, I won’t ask you to do it for free. I’ll provide appropriate compensation. As for your wife and child while you’re away, I can’t accompany you due to certain obligations, but I’ve arranged for capable people to take care of them.

I really believe this will be a valuable experience for you as well.”**

Normally, Lord Kaito asked for favors with a lighthearted tone, but I remember clearly how serious and careful he was when he made this request—as if he was determined to have me go.

Lord Kaito had already done so much for me, and he had gone to great lengths to consider my circumstances. I had no choice but to accept—and I did so gladly.

So, entrusting my wife and child to Lord Kaito, I joined a group of others whom he had also asked to accompany him, and we headed to the auction site.

The journey went smoothly, and we reached the site without any issues right up until the auction was about to begin—when alarm bells rang out.

We were informed that a rampaging high-ranking spirit of plants was attacking the city.

This berserk spirit primarily attacked by creating all manner of extremely dangerous plants.

The most troublesome of them were flowers that induced status effects like paralysis, poison, sleep, hallucination, and confusion—effectively neutralizing close combat entirely.

Because of this, the knights were rendered useless, and we were forced to engage from a distance.

However, in ranged combat, magic becomes the primary weapon—and we were facing a high-ranking spirit, a being of absolute magical power.

None of the mages present could possibly overcome it. One by one, they lost hope and fled.

Everyone, that is, except those of us personally requested by Lord Kaito.

“Your arrows can reach that spirit, can’t they?”

One of our four-member team—a young female mage also summoned by Lord Kaito—turned to the expert archer in our group.

“They can, but if I get focused by that thing, I won’t last long. Can’t you do something with your magic?”

“I’m versatile with spells, but I don’t have anything powerful enough to break through.

There’s no magic I can use that could land a decisive blow against a spirit radiating magical energy like a storm.”

“That cursed flower field is the real problem. If we could get past that, the knights could rejoin the fight.”

Another of the four, an exceptionally skilled herbalist who had taught me much during our studies, glared bitterly at the mystical field of flowers surrounding the spirit.

(I see it… I can see the connection.)

I alone could perceive a path to overcoming that cursed flower field.

All the knowledge of flowers I had accumulated…

The herbal medicine I had studied, thanks to Lord Kaito’s advice…

I could see it.

Because Lord Kaito regularly relied on me, my knowledge of flowers and herbs had become linked. I even had some understanding of magic.

**“A sharp eye that sees through everything, a superhuman supporter with attention to the finest details, a healer who can cure any condition and provide absolute peace of mind, and an incredibly strict civil official who supports you all from the shadows.

I gathered this team of supporters to ensure the auction’s success!”**

(Lord Kaito… What part of this is about an auction…?)

I closed my eyes.

“It is your actions that change reality.”

I understand.

For the sake of my ideals, I’ll wield the strength I possess.

“I can do it. I can neutralize that cursed flower field.

Please entrust me with your keen eyes, your precise support, your healing that cures every condition and gives unwavering security.”

The three of them evaluated whether I was worthy of entrusting with their lives.

“…Fine. Lord Kaito told me to support you, after all.”

“I’m good with it. I’ve seen how hard you work—I trust you.”

“I’m your teacher, remember? Of course I’ll support my student’s challenge.”

“Everyone…!”

Though we were walking into certain death, not one of them faltered.

“Honestly, to forget me—this is why I can’t stand people who get too absorbed. You lose sight of the bigger picture and even forget I exist.”

““““Ah…””””

Appearing with a voice full of irritation was the fourth member—our tall, handsome, bespectacled, sharp-tongued and exceedingly strict civil official.

“N-No, we didn’t forget you…”

“Don’t lie, you worthless florist! I know you’re not clever enough to pull that off. Don’t waste my time with useless effort.”

“S-Sorry…”

I couldn’t argue with such blunt truth.

“Hmph. As long as you apologize sincerely from the start, it’s fine. I’m not so small-minded as to get angry over this. It’s just one of those things that happen.”

((One of those things…? Really?))

Having traveled with him, I knew: he was terrifying, yes—but he was also a long-suffering man.

“No need for explanations. All of you focus solely on dealing with that lunatic of a spirit. Leave the evacuation of civilians, arrangements for reinforcements, and supplies to me.”

As he spoke, the civil official handed over a map. On it were marked intercept points for the spirit and supply stations conveniently located for resupply during the battle.

“You’ve got the sharpest tongue imaginable, but your competence more than makes up for it.”

“Of course it does.”

The civil official, so firm in his declaration, caused everyone to smile wryly.

“I never imagined the auction’s target would be a spirit, but knowing my Lord… of course, he meant for us to challenge something of that scale.

Therefore, all of you!!

Bid with everything you have and win that spirit!!!

As our Lord commanded, I shall become the unwavering pillar that supports you all!”

He was usually intimidating, but in a moment of crisis like this, his words carried immense strength and reassurance.

“Oh, leave it to us.”

“Truly, Lord Kaito never ceases to surprise me.”

“My hands are itching for action.”

Just as we each moved toward our respective battles—

“Hold it, worthless florist. I have one last thing to say.”

“Yes?”

I stopped in my tracks and turned back when the civil official called out.

“In this battle, you are the key. The rest of us are replaceable, but without you, we cannot break through that cursed flower field.

Therefore, you are not allowed to fall. Fight to the very end and meet our Lord’s expectations!”

“Yes, sir!!”

And so began our life-or-death battle against the spirit, a clash that lasted half a day.

Everything I had experienced since meeting Lord Kaito aided me in that fight.

Even when I lost sight in my right eye, even when my abdomen was pierced, I fought to the very end.

There was pain—yes—but compared to the despair I had once felt when I thought of giving up on flowers, this pain was nothing.

Back then, all I had was darkness. But now, in this battle, there was hope. There were comrades who believed in me and fought alongside me.

There was no way I would allow myself to fall.

Thanks to the civil official’s swift and flawless support system, we succeeded in driving the spirit to the brink of defeat without losing a single life.

However… at the final moment, I failed.

The spirit, already in an unstable and abnormal state, was pushed too far.

As a result, the immense magic it had stored within reached a critical point—on the verge of being released in a catastrophic explosion.

The estimated force was enough to wipe out the entire city. While the evacuated civilians might survive, we—those still fighting—stood no chance.

“Damn it!! Mage, protect him!!”

“…There’s no other choice.”

“W-What are you doing?! Protect yourselves, not me!”

Realizing we couldn’t escape, the archer and the mage immediately moved to shield me.

“What are you saying?! You have a family waiting for you to return home!!”

“That’s right! You’ve got the cutest daughter in the world, don’t you?! You have to survive and go back to her!!”

“That’s…”

Ah… because I failed… they were all about to—

As regret engulfed me—

“What are you panicking about?”

Calm and composed as ever, the civil official who had been handling our support stepped forward.

“How can you stay so calm at a time like this?! We’re all going to die!”

“I’m so sorry!! It’s my fault—I failed, and now everyone’s—!!”

“Die? Fail?

What on earth are you two talking about? Have you finally lost your minds?

We’re not going to die. And you, worthless florist, did exceptionally well.”

“What are you—?”

He spoke with unwavering confidence, utterly convinced that death was not on the table. His eyes turned toward the sky—the direction of the city under Lord Kaito’s domain.

“Be proud, florist. It was you who summoned this result.

And now, behold.

Look upon the great one who stands above you all.

Our Lord has arrived.”

As he spoke, an explosion suddenly erupted in front of the collapsing spirit, kicking up clouds of dust and debris.

“Phew, made it just in time, huh?”

“Ah…”

That voice—so light, so gentle—it could banish despair itself. A warm, kind voice I had heard many times before.

As the dust cleared, a familiar figure emerged—small in stature, yet radiating a charisma that made you want to follow him without question.

Lord Kaito stood before us.

“Sorry I’m late. But it’s all right now. Leave the rest to me—and take it easy.”

And with that, Lord Kaito stood face to face with the collapsing spirit, ready to bring an end to the battle.