At the rearmost of the adventurers’ ranks, standing on a hill to oversee the entire operation, were two men.

“Hey, no matter how you look at it, that thing’s just…”

“Yeah, that’s insane. It’s like a monster movie showdown out there.”

The two figures, dumbfounded as they watched Ivy obliterate the monsters, were none other than Guild Master André and Marquis Endlord.

They had believed they understood Ivy’s power and the scope of her magical abilities to some extent.

She wielded advanced-level magic with ease and could even use healing spells. She had previously scattered a flock of griffons and even tamed one, showcasing her extraordinary strength.

They thought they had accounted for her capabilities and integrated her strength into their plans.

But Ivy’s true power far exceeded their expectations.

“How many spells is she firing? Why isn’t she running out of mana?”

“No, forget that—just look at her size. She’s not just big; she’s like a mountain or a forest now!”

Their carefully devised strategies for protecting the town of Akoup, which included measures for a controlled retreat and holding back the monsters, had become utterly irrelevant.

Every plan they had painstakingly crafted was overturned by the sheer presence of Ivy, the colossal turtle.

Endlord couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of regret. Perhaps he had acted too rashly.

Trying to bring Ivy under his control now seemed far too dangerous—overwhelmingly so.

If she were ever to act against their interests, that incredible power could very well be turned on them.

But having allowed her to establish herself in Akoup, expelling her was no longer an option.

Endlord inwardly cursed his past self for even considering the notion of exploiting Ivy’s strength.

“Oh, is that a Wraith? And a rare two-horned one at that. I’d love to have it as a sample…”

As Endlord was lamenting his earlier decisions, and André was beginning to share a similar sentiment, a third voice suddenly cut in.

“What the—!? Why are you here? Did you ditch your job at the capital to come out here?”

“Of course not. I wrapped everything up first—papers, research notes, all of it. I’m very thorough.”

The newcomer, unexpectedly present, was none other than Jennifer Cornet himself.

Clad in his trademark white lab coat, Jennifer gazed intently at a wraith darting through the air at bullet speed.

The wraith slammed into a magical barrier and was blown away, only to be incinerated by a magical arrow.

“Oh dear, as expected.”

His tone showed no sign of disappointment.

Even amidst the chaos, Jennifer’s usual nonchalant demeanor remained unchanged, something neither André nor Endlord could manage.

(It must be easier for him. He’s got no responsibilities to weigh him down.)

Endlord couldn’t help but feel a twinge of envy for his carefree friend.

Given their easygoing relationship, Endlord didn’t bother to hide his thoughts.

“Did you know about them—about all of this?”

“Knowing everything would be impossible. But the most important detail? Yes.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me earlier? I almost got myself killed testing her strength, you know!”

“Oh, her power? I don’t know the specifics. All I knew was that she’s stronger than me. That’s all I needed to know, and frankly, it’s all I care about.”

Jennifer’s gaze shifted to Ivy, now towering like a mountain.

He was the first outsider to come into contact with Ivy and her companions.

He had even worked to ensure Ivy wouldn’t be mistakenly targeted and defeated during her early days.

Seeing her now, André and Endlord couldn’t help but wonder: wasn’t Jennifer at least a little afraid of Ivy?

Both men simultaneously recalled the term “World-Devouring Dragon Leviathan” from old legends.

A mythical creature said to consume everything—humans, villages, cities, nations, and even entire continents.

Could Ivy be a manifestation of that legend, capable of swallowing the entire world?

Jennifer, noticing their unease, let out a dry, unfeeling laugh—a signature habit of his when mocking someone.

The two men grimaced, well aware of what that laugh meant.

Jennifer pointed towards the battlefield, where the fighting was winding down.

Adventurers who had been waiting for their chance rushed forward, swords in hand, to finish off the fleeing monsters.

Behind them, Ivy, having completed her task, began to shrink.

Returning to her usual size, small enough to perch on Bruno’s shoulder, she floated gently in the air.

Bruno, still mounted on the griffon, caught her and placed her in her usual spot.

Jennifer now pointed directly at Ivy and Bruno.

“I don’t care about anything unrelated to monsters. That’s why all I know about Ivy is her biology, species, and behavior. But even I can say this much.”

“And that is…?”

Endlord and André leaned in, hoping Jennifer held some assurance that Ivy wouldn’t turn on them.

Perhaps he knew of her personality or a hidden weakness that could be used to stop her.

Jennifer smiled—a bright, almost reverent look in his eyes as he spoke.

“That Bruno and Ivy are family. Sister and brother? Mother and son? Lovers? I don’t know. But as long as Bruno is there, Ivy will never stray from her path. And as long as Ivy is there, Bruno will never succumb to greed. They are two halves of the same whole, supporting, sharing, and enduring life’s trials together.”

The two men stood in stunned silence, their mouths agape at an answer they hadn’t expected.

Jennifer chuckled, playing his role as the matchmaker who had brought the two together.

“Trust them. Trusting these two young souls—if you can’t do that, then what kind of leader or elder are you? If nothing else, believe in them for now. That faith will save not only them but also yourselves.”

Jennifer’s gaze shifted to Bruno, who was now dismounting the griffon.

Raising his fist in triumph, Bruno drew cheers from the adventurers, who roared with a mix of awe, fervor, and relief.

Bruno had now become a true hero of the town in both name and deed.

It would take some time before he could truly stand side by side with Ivy.

But for now, that mattered only to him.

Ivy, stretching her neck, eagerly awaited Bruno’s affectionate scratching of her chin.

As long as Bruno was by her side, she needed nothing more.

Thus began Bruno and Ivy’s life as adventurers.

With the griffon Sanshita in tow, they would face the Demon King’s army, neighboring kingdoms, and whatever else came their way.

Bruno was not yet a Hero.

But—who’s to say he wouldn’t become one someday?

Neither Bruno, the Demon King, Ivy, nor the world itself could yet know what awaited him.

Author's Note:

This marks the end of the first arc.

Thank you for reading!

We are thrilled to announce that The Strongest Turtle: Ivy is being adapted into both a novel and a manga!

I never imagined this story would be published as a book. This is all thanks to your incredible support. Thank you so much!