A few days later, Felix received the route promised to him.
"Adam, I want you to assist in escorting the prisoners." [Felix]
That was the first thing he said when summoning Adam into his office. As Felix went through some paperwork, Adam stood there.
"...Just me?" [Adam]
He could see Felix's tired eyes from overwork. From what he could recall, Felix had been running plans and calculating supplies for the fort overnight. It was unfortunate that Adam was turned down every time Adam tried to help.
"Yes." [Felix]
"Why?" [Adam]
Felix didn't even look away from his work before answering.
"Because in terms of strength and survivability, you are probably the best person here." [Felix]
"Wait, do you expect our men to die?" [Adam]
"I do not expect anything. I am preparing for it." [Felix]
Adam was shocked.
"You're willing to just toss lives away like that? Don't you trust that demon?" [Adam]
Felix raised his eyes from his desk.
"Did you even hear what you just said?" [Felix]
Adam went silent.
"First of all, we are in another world. The only real people we care about are you, me, and Tiffany. Second of all, that Supreme Demon Lord is someone we inevitably have to kill. They are an enemy. Not someone to trust. Third of all, I am NOT willing to throw lives away. I am willing to do what it takes to get us home. SAFE." [Felix]
Hearing that, Adam only nodded. Even if they were alone at the moment, Adam could see that Felix was riled up considering that he forgot to use TIffany's alias.
"...I understand." [Adam]
"Do you?" [Felix]
Knowing Adam since childhood made Felix sense something was off.
"You're not thinking of doing something stupid again, are you?" [Felix]
"No. I'm just… thinking." [Adam]
Felix was tempted to keep pushing. To eventually make Adam say what he was thinking. However, he refrained.
"Be sure to pick a few good men before setting out. Til should have finished rounding up the prisoners." [Felix]
No words left Adam's lips. He just sighed as he shut the door upon leaving.
("Am I that unreliable?") [Adam]
He felt guilty thinking that his best friend was pushing himself to cover for everyone. Felix was indeed responsible, but maybe a bit too much.
"It just goes to show how much he cares for you." [Krino]
("I get that. I really do… It's just that the Felix I know would never try to use other people as disposable pawns.") [Solace]
"The greatest results mostly require sacrifices. A few lives in exchange for your own isn't that bad. In fact, it's already the best case scenario if you think about entering enemy territory." [Astos]
The words of the God of Chaos were not comforting.
"People change, Adam. Especially under pressure. If you think about it, he's also been thrown into a world he doesn't recognize. People he can't trust surround him. Conflicts emerge and solutions escape his grasp. Above all, he has to take care of those close to him." [Krino]
("I know! Except that I don't NEED to be taken care of! I can handle myself!") [Adam]
"Can you though?! You're a musclehead that solves everything by force! What about the negotiations with The Supreme Demon Lord?! What about the aftermath of taking over the fort?! Who's currently managing everything?! Felix is! He's ensuring everyone's safety!" [Krino]
Adam slumped against a wall in one of the fort's hallways. Thanks to the lack of personnel, no one saw Adam drop as he fell into inner conflict.
("I… I just want everything to be peaceful. Is that so wrong?") [Adam]
"Are you going to spout things about your dream again? What was it? Being a hero? Ludicrous." [Astos]
"Ignore him, Adam. What you need to do has not changed. Listen to Felix for now and bring greater results than he could ever expect. Show him that you can help. Show him you are someone who can care for others." [Krino]
Adam remained motionless.
("How am I supposed to bring greater results than he could expect? Felix is the biggest overthinker I know. He expects everything. If I were to come back successfully with no lives lost, he'd probably just think that The Supreme Demon Lord kept his word.") [Adam]
"The opportunity will present itself eventually." [Krino]
"As much as I hate to admit, the sword is correct. From my experience, an attempt like this to mix two races who've hated each other so much that it's been ingrained into their culture will have… issues. Simply resolve them and your friend may see you in a new light." [Astos]
Surprisingly, the god's words actually lifted Adam's spirits.
("I can't believe I'm getting comforted by voices in my head.") [Adam]
Picking himself up, Adam resolved himself.
("All I need to do is prove myself to Felix right?") [Adam]
"...You're planning on doing something stupid aren't you?" [Krino]
("You'll see.") [Adam]
After that, Adam traveled to the fort's prison.
"Astos, you're here. …Where are your men?" [Tiffany]
"You mean the other escorts?" [Adam]
"...Yes?" [Tiffany]
Adam smiled.
"They're waiting outside. I'll meet up with them once I've gathered all the demons." [Adam]
"Oh, okay then. Follow me." [Tiffany]
Guiding him down the cells, Tiffany handed Adam the keys.
"This is as far as I'll go. Felix asked me to help him with something else once I've handed the keys to you." [Tiffany]
"Got it." [Adam]
As Tiffany left, Adam approached a certain cell.
"Hey, Asil." [Adam]
Sitting alone in her cell, Asil greeted him.
"Is it time?" [Asil]
"I'll be freeing you and your soldiers now." [Adam]
Asil's eyes lit up with both surprise and excitement. Once Adam unlocked the cell and released Asil, she turned to him.
"You really kept your word." [Asil]
"Of course. It's just that I need one little favor." [Adam]
Asil's expression stiffened. Almost returning to the cautious glare of when they first met.
"I'm hiding the fact that only I'm bringing you and your men home." [Adam]
Asil was about to say something in exclamation, but Adam placed a hand over her mouth.
"Keep it down!" [Adam]
Asil pushed Adam's hand away.
"Are you serious?" [Asil]
"Positive." [Adam]
"You'll be entering enemy territory alone." [Asil]
Adam shrugged.
"Call it trust. I'm trusting you to keep me safe when bringing your men. You know, like giving your stamp of approval that I'm an alright human." [Adam]
Asil was speechless. She thought that Adam was either very brave, or very dumb. In a way, it made her feel some kind of fondness.
"...I think I've grown to like you a bit." [Asil]
Adam raised a brow.
"I have someone I like by the way." [Adam]
Asil punched his shoulder.
"I didn't mean it that way!" [Asil]
Rubbing his shoulder, Adam gave her a strange look.
"You didn't have to hit me…" [Adam]
"Ah, sorry. It was reflexive." [Asil]
"Reflexive in what way?" [Adam]
Asil waved the question off.
"I'll help you with your plan. Whatever you're trying to pull." [Asil]
Adam felt great relief hearing that.
"I'm really glad it was you I asked." [Adam]
Then he froze.
"Don't fall for me though." [Adam]
Even if Asil knew Adam was joking, she still raised a fist.
"I'm going to punch you if you keep joking like this." [Asil]