The Elders were silent as they made their way back to civilization using the transmission site.
They already got what they wanted and some more. Cedric was generous enough to teach them what he knew so that they could spread it to the public. This is, of course, under his behest that his contribution be minimized since he's staying away from the spotlight for now.
As for whether he still has more in store, well, the Elders wouldn't be surprised if that's the case. The Young Sage held many secrets that were only meant to benefit humanity in the long run, so they wouldn't pry.
"Ai, he's too young to carry so much burden." Gabriel broke the silence, muttering his words softly.
"Indeed. And due to his past experiences, he grew up not relying on anybody other than himself. If he wants something to be done, he has to do it himself since nobody would willingly give him a helping hand without any ulterior motives. He doesn't fully trust anybody other than himself, and we can't blame him," Lissandra commented.
Her analysis of Cedric's character came from the perspective of an educator. As the headmistress of the Starlight Royal Academy, she interacted with many geniuses and learned how to analyze their behaviors at a glance.
"The prophecy of your founder also didn't help with that." Fiona pursed her lips as she said this to Gabriel.
"Oh, don't be mistaken, Madam." Gabriel replied, "He came to us like that. It hasn't even been two months since he became our Holy Son. Additionally, the prophecy of our Founder only gave him an option. We never intended to force him into anything that he didn't plan on doing himself. Our Founder was very clear when he told us to only stand by his side. Our Holy Son has full autonomy on his actions."
"Haaah...yeah, my bad. I just don't like the idea that someone so young had to carry an immense burden like that. As adults, we should be the ones propping up the skies to give them a comfortable life. Children should never be afraid to simply exist and show their colors under our shade.
That child has to meticulously plan every action he makes just so that he won't get assassinated, all because he thinks that he's more useful to the race alive than dead. My god...what has our race come to?"
Fiona's expression turned ugly, as did the other two. As much as they hated this, their hands are similarly tied.
The Demon Race was simply too strong; humans are extremely outnumbered. It's easy to forget that the ones roaming their world aren't all of them—that there are more outside of the planet, waiting, bidding their time until their nefarious plans bore fruit and captured their world in one fell swoop.
Fiona, Lissandra, and Gabriel are among the people to whom Acala gave access to Cedric's conversation with the Demon Lord, who has infiltrated their civilization and started the cult.
From this recording, they learned that the demons wanted to capture Acala simply because she's a rare resource in their eyes. To humans, though, Acala was their world. If she's taken away from them, what will happen to this world or their race? They shudder to think about the implications of that.
And now, they're on the cusp of another great war. Humanity is under a lot of pressure. Even children had to be drafted simply because there weren't enough people in the army to defend the race.
"Yeah, man. Sorry, I didn't know that you were this generation's Sage. I should've guessed since that explains how you're able to achieve this much so quickly."
"Oh, please. Don't worry about it." Cedric waved his hand casually in dismissal. "Like I said, it's private for a reason. I'm not ready to be under the spotlight just yet. Besides, it truly doesn't change much. I'm still me."
"Yes, you are." Elric chuckled. "Wait, do the girls know?"
"I never told them." Cedric shook his head. "I think they have some clues, but even then, they never asked. I guess they also knew that knowing that doesn't make a huge difference. Our relationship isn't built on the fact that I am a Sage, after all, and I kind of prefer it that way. It makes me feel more at ease."
"True." Elric nodded in agreement. "I didn't tell anybody either. I think that it's best that this news comes from you instead of me. It's your status after all."
"I appreciate it." Cedric grinned. "Anyways, I think I better start working now. I have to make a lot of equipment, after all."
Elric's eyes brightened upon the mention of this.
"I'm surprised that they're actually willing to part with that many True Demon Bones."
That's right. The compensation that Cedric asked of the Elders, after discussing it with the team, was enough True Demon Bones to outfit everybody.
He initially thought that they'd feel the pinch, or at least ask the HQ for permission first, but Lissandra and Fiona just unceremoniously unloaded loads of them in front of Cedric. It didn't look like they were bothered either.
Cedric didn't ask for this compensation to indirectly tell the team that their equipment stinks. But truthfully, what they currently have is insufficient for the dangers of their task, especially in sensitive times like this.
That's why Cedric took this opportunity to increase the team's capabilities while giving them equipment that grows with them.
Cedric was already familiar with the material; he had made a complete set of armor from the True Demon Bones he got for himself, after all. However, forging everybody's equipment was bound to take time, and in this place, nobody could tell how much free time they still had. That's why he thought to start right away to take advantage of the current peace they have.
Leaving Elric's tent, Cedric made his way to his forge and began designing new equipment for the team. He already had their measurements from the equipment he repaired earlier.
Just like that, Cedric was once again unable to be disturbed.