Logan touched down in the hallway.
The slight momentum of his descent left him drifting an inch or two above the floor as he spoke to me.
“I was helping with a ritual in the forest. We are running low on several magical catalysts; may I borrow some from the castle’s stores?”
“You may use whatever you require.”
“My apologies. I will be sure to return them later.”
Logan bowed his head in gratitude.
His body was perpetually semi-transparent. Though the wall behind him was slightly visible through his form, he remained perfectly composed. Neither Grom nor Yura seemed particularly surprised; Logan had been in this state for quite some time.
One day, long ago, he had taken his own life.
To be precise, he had offered himself up as a catalyst for Forbidden Magic. Upon his death, the power of that magic had transformed him into a High-Ranking Spirit. Furthermore, once his remains were interred at the roots of the World Tree, a Soul Wedge was driven into the site to anchor his existence there.
In simpler terms, he had attained eternal life.
Logan had supposedly become a spirit to protect his kin and the Forest of the World Tree. He had chosen the path of the Guardian of the Elves, casting aside the shackles of a natural lifespan.
However, I suspected that wasn't his only motive.
I was certain he had been worried about me. As my oldest friend, he must have decided that it was unacceptable for him to pass away and leave me behind.
In truth, there had been no objective need for Logan to become the Guardian of the Forest. I would have protected it of my own accord; I fully intended to continue shielding his home even after his death. Logan surely understood that. And yet, he had chosen to become a spirit anyway.
Although I had never explicitly asked him his true intentions, I was likely not mistaken. He was a fundamentally taciturn man, but he cared for others more deeply than anyone else. That was the man known as Logan Rhyn Freetilt.
In addition to his duties as the Guardian of the Forest, Logan served as an assistant to the various Demon Kings. He made irregular rounds across the realms, offering aid or suggestions whenever necessary. Initially, I had intended to entrust Logan with a position as a Demon King himself, but he had declined. He claimed the Forest of the World Tree was his absolute priority and that he lacked the bandwidth to manage other worlds.
Following those circumstances, I had asked him to serve as an advisor instead. He supported the Demon King's Army in each world whenever he could find the time.
I decided to engage him in a bit of small talk.
“Have you been busy lately?”
“A conflict over the Position of Chief is brewing beneath the surface,” Logan replied, his expression growing grim. “I intend to avoid interfering as much as possible, but I want to prevent any loss of life.”
Such occurrences were not rare. Similar disputes had broken out many times in the past, and Logan had successfully resolved them every time. It was a recurring headache that had become something of a fixture in his life.
“If you require my strength, you need only call.”
“I understand.”
Logan gave a brief, honest nod.
At that moment, Yura raised her hand. She ignited small flames in both palms, letting them flicker as she made a declaration.
“A proposal for Individual Name Logan: I shall provide assistance. Regardless of the enemy's nature, I will see to their swift annihilation.”
“...I'm counting on you,” Logan said, his voice notably lacking conviction.
While Yura was an exceptionally capable Demon King, she still struggled with the concept of moderation. This was especially true when she was being overzealous. There was a very real possibility that her "assistance" would end in a spectacular disaster.
It was only natural that Logan felt a sense of apprehension.