System vs Rebirth

"Interesting." Milfa seemed to have understood why Noel was favored by Shale and Clara. She thought for a moment and said, "Alright then. I'm going to have you with me in the exploration. It seems that you are more interesting than I originally thought."

"Is that so? Having someone whose strength is only second to the commander to say that, I can only say that I'm honored." Noel smiled politely.

However, it seemed that both of them understood that they were a bit similar.

"Since that's the case, Clara and Shale can continue preparing for the next exploration. When can we go?" Milfa asked.

Clara thought for a moment. "Judging from the condition of our knights, we can probably restart the exploration in two days."

"Good. I'll leave the rest of the preparation to you." Milfa nodded her head and turned to Shale. "You should check the condition of the Stone Lord and impose an information lockdown. We don't want Septa to have a hard time after all."

"Yeah. But we haven't told you about the details." Shale wanted to stop her, but Milfa simply pointed at Noel and said, "He will be with me, explaining all those things while we are going around the area to check the situation. It should be fine, right?"

Shale looked at Noel with a frown before getting a nod from Noel. It seemed that Noel was also interested in Milfa.

"Good." Milfa smiled.

Since they had reached an agreement, Shale and Clara immediately left the tent, not wanting to get involved with Milfa any longer.

Meanwhile, Milfa came to Noel with a gentle smile. "Please take care of me."

"I should be the one to say that, Captain Milfa." Noel smiled.

"Shall we go? Or do you want to get something first?"

"No. We can go now." Noel nodded while extending his hand.

It seemed that both of them could talk to each other without even opening their mouths. Both of them knew that they were of the same type.

It might be because of her repulsive feeling toward Milfa that Clara didn't notice it. But Noel and Milfa were like monsters equipped with both knowledge and brain.

And these two 'monsters' were going straight to the woods to check the current condition.

But after they entered a bit deeper and reached the place where they couldn't be spotted by anyone else, Milfa suddenly increased her pace while saying, "You should have realized it, right?"

"What do you mean?" Noel tilted his head in confusion as if he didn't understand anything.

"I'm talking about how I have taken the lead in the conversation earlier. You should have realized that I have started commanding the two captains around despite me being a replacement and Shale being the leader."

"And despite realizing it, you didn't do anything. I wonder why you would do such a thing…" Milfa let out a small smirk.

Noel realized that playing dumb wouldn't be useful. At the same time, hiding it wouldn't benefit him. So, he said, "You should have already known the answer."

Milfa chuckled. "You wanted me to show a bit of my power… So, how was it?"

"How can I say this… If I can be honest, you are completely like a different person." Noel shook his head helplessly.

That was right. Milfa had been showing a gentle expression and gradually took the lead without anyone realizing it. Yet, in front of Noel, she showed a cheeky and sly face. If the people knew this side of her, they wouldn't really be annoyed by her usual activities.

"Is that so? Aren't you the same? You are like a completely different person. Where is the powerless and docile Noel Ardagan?" Milfa suddenly dropped his identity.

Noel didn't have a change of expression. Still, it didn't change the fact she knew about his identity.

The commander didn't seem to be telling her about his identity. And looking at how sly Milfa could be, it seemed that she figured it out herself.

"I see. Thank you for showing me your ability." Noel smiled.

"You are not going to deny it?"

"You have taken me this far into the woods. I won't be able to escape from you, right? Besides, if you decide to kill me, the one you will fight is the commander. So, it seems that you just want to make something clear with me, not more than that."

Milfa added, "I can simply erase you and tell everyone that you are ambushed by demons or the Supreme Devil Organization."

"If only you didn't have your reputation." Noel completed her words.

Noel and Milfa looked at each other, knowing that they could counter each other's words since they were the same type.

Milfa took a deep breath and said, "To be honest, one of the reasons why I chose to go here is you. And I can confidently say that you have surpassed my expectations."

"Well, thanks."

Milfa raised one finger. "In that case, I'm going to ask you one thing. Will your existence harm the Demon Banner Army?"

Noel closed his eyes for a moment. This question had a deep meaning for Milfa. Despite having the power to replace the commander, Milfa never aimed for that seat. Instead, she supported the commander from the shadows without getting credit to herself. All… for the sake of the Demon Banner Army.

If Noel's existence caused harm to the Demon Banner Army, she might do everything to remove Noel from the army.

Noel might be able to lie here, but he had no intention to do so, considering Dimitri was her mentor.

Noel's expression turned serious as he stated clearly, "I don't know if my presence will harm the Demon Banner Army. But I have never intended to harm this army."

Milfa looked at Noel for a moment before nodding her head. "I… will accept that answer then."

Noel was a bit curious about Milfa. He couldn't help but ask, "May I ask one question…"

"Sure. You have answered my question, so I don't mind answering yours."

"Why are you doing all this?"

"I see… You should ask another question. It's not that I don't want to answer it, but the one who will answer it is also here… After all, that person is the reason why I can't do anything to you…" Milfa glanced to the right and smiled. "Isn't that right, Mentor?"