Reincarnated Devil's Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~ - Chapter 57

Reincarnated Devil’s Strongest Hero Training Plan ~The baby he picked up has grown up so well that his father is confused~

Chapter 57   In the morning of that day

“Mm… morning already? I’ve overdone it with the all-nighter.”

Facing Elsa Mama, pretending to sleep—though I’ve been awake the whole time, busy with various things through my Mini-Kakyu slip out of bed and stretch.

Yeah, Elsa’s sleeping face is cute today too.

When she’s awake, she’s like an unstoppable assassin, but as long as I’m by her side like this, she sleeps with a completely peaceful expression… and occasionally, she’ll even hold my hand and act spoiled. That’s a nice touch.

Even low-ranking demons like me are quite taken with this gap.

Oh right, back to the topic at hand. Well, it wasn’t much of an all-nighter anyway. I was just keeping an eye on things via Mini-Kakyu because I was a little concerned about the kids and curious about the movements of mid-level demons in the shrine dungeon.

Speaking of the kids, their emotions were all over the place last night. Hades managed to overcome his initial anxiety about transforming into a female form, and as for Saint-chan and Ein-kun, their situation was like a scene from some hero tale. I couldn’t help but think that.

And above all, it was witnessing the growth of that kid, Ars…

To be honest, among these four children, it was Ars’s inner growth that I felt the most. I never imagined that he would mature to this extent, being able to see things from a broader perspective, showing empathy towards his friends, and being able to control the distance he keeps with others by his own will.

They say children grow up fast, but I never expected it to be to this extent… It was a moment I couldn’t have imagined, considering how Ars usually spreads smiles and laughter everywhere.

Surely even now, Ars continues to grow in places we can’t see, in ways we can’t perceive. His growth will surely surpass my expectations someday, and then…

“Hmm… Husband, are you awake? I apologize for oversleeping on such an important day…”

“Good morning, Elsa. Don’t worry about the time, I woke up a little earlier today.”

Oops, did my emotions cause a slight disruption in magic? It seems Elsa, sensing my presence strongly, woke up.

By the way, when Elsa mentioned an important day, it’s because today marks the beginning of the children’s expedition to the dungeon.

Since it’s going to be a considerably small group this time, it’ll take about a day and a half by carriage to reach the site.

The expedition team consists of us three adults, four children, and a few young knights to escort us along the way to the shrine.

Reducing the number of knights to this extent is thanks to the skills of the Margrave. Regarding the dungeon attack, the plan is for the children to handle it on their own.

“And so, after spending a little extra time indulging in some morning affection with my wife, Elsa—petting her head, combing her hair, and even receiving a shower of kisses from her teary eyes—while sensing Ars stirring in the next room.

Ah, looks like he’s heading this way. Probably to greet us.

“Good morning, Father, Mother! Please take care of me during today’s expedition!”

Hmm, it’s always reassuring to see our son so energetic in the morning. His radiant smile sets the tone for the day.

“Ah, good morning, Ars. You did really well yesterday, by the way. I’m proud of you.”

“Hehe… Really? But I still have a lot to learn about healing magic. I hope to be able to use magic like you someday, Father…”

No, Ars. What I’m praising isn’t just your proficiency in healing magic. It’s something much more important that you possess, something I acknowledge and admire.

I’m proud of your ‘Courageous Heart’—the kindness you show to everyone, your efforts to protect the hearts of your weakened friends, and your determination to guide and protect our future alongside your comrades.

“Well, we’ll talk more about that later.”

“Yes! As Father always says, every journey starts with a single step! I remember your words well!”

Oh… Did I really say that?

No, I definitely said it…

I tend to forget because I keep spouting Earth proverbs left and right, but I do recall saying it around the end of last year.

Well, you have a good memory, my son. You value my words so much that it’s making me feel the weight of responsibility even more.

N-no, I mean, I’m really happy that you respect me, but it’s a bit overwhelming, you know?

“Hahaha! R-right, if you understand that, then it’s fine. Well then, let’s start preparing for the expedition.”

“Yes! Next, I’ll go wake up Hades!”

Watching Ars run off with those words, I prepare myself to awaken Gaius, knowing that it’s time to face the children’s greatest trial yet.

“Just a moment, please, Husband.”

“Hm? What is it, Elsa?”

Looking at Elsa’s face as she tries to hold me back, I can see a hint of worry beneath her trust. Given the consistency of her Devil’s Eye-like insight, this must be her concern about today’s trial.

I can’t think of anything else that would make her feel uneasy.

“Gaius probably shares the same feelings, but during this final trial, it’s likely that our combined strength won’t allow us to hold back. Therefore, if we happen to go too far, I’m feeling a bit anxious about it. So, at that time… please, Husband, restrain both Gaius and me.”

I see, that makes sense.

Indeed, the children’s abilities have already reached a level on par with experts like Elsa and Gaius, who can be considered at the pinnacle of human capability.

That’s why they’ve concluded that holding back during the trial is impossible and are seeking my role as a stopper.

Well, I understand.

“If that’s the case, don’t worry. Even if our bodies are on the verge of disappearing from half the damage, I’ll fully resurrect us if need be. Of course, if we suffer that level of damage, we’ll consider the trial passed and retreat immediately. However, rest assured, Elsa, that I won’t let things get to a point where you feel anxious. You can trust me.”

Elsa seemed to breathe a sigh of relief as I spoke, exhaling tension and smiling.

Hmm, there’s no room for oversight in preparing for a low-rank demon.

Even if the situation exceeds my expectations, I’m committed to ensuring the safety of the trial. Well, let’s hope for the best.

With such thoughts in mind, we finally step forward into the true task of this frontier territory: The Dungeon Attack.