C193, 194, 195
Chapter 193: Bifron (3)
On the 3rd floor of the bar where Team Apple Nark usually gathered, Raven let out an unexpected sigh.
It was due to the absence of one member who was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.
“We’re all gathered as promised, but we can’t properly settle accounts like this.”
It had already been three days since they returned to the city.
Raven had gone to Commelby alone on behalf of the absent leader and sold all the loot.
The total amounted to a staggering 152,400,000 stones.
“Wh, what?! I’ve never even heard of a number that big!!”
“Wow, you’re saying we earned that much even without the equipment we took?”
“It’s basically like we sold the entire equipment of seven mid-level explorers. And the Numbered Item, ‘Foxfire Knot’, hasn’t even been sold yet, it’s just listed on the exchange.”
“…I expected it to some extent, but this is unbelievable.”
Gasps of astonishment escaped everyone’s lips as soon as they heard the amount.
It was the reaction she expected.
But why did it feel somewhat lacking?
Raven involuntarily glanced at the empty seat.
‘I didn’t realize it when he was here, but it’s a bit boring without him.’
Bjorn, son of Yandel.
The barbarian warrior who played the role of guardian and leader of Team Apple Nark. If he were here, they would probably be having a battle of nerves over the distribution ratio.
[You’re asking for 40% of the Manticore essence price because it’s special loot? That’s a strange calculation. It would be different if you had won the dice roll, but we obtained it from the dwarf, so it’s only right to split it equally.]
[Then what about the 20 million stones I received as a service fee?]
[I’ll give you the cost of the test tube you used, of course. But you’re asking for 40% of the service fee? There was nothing about service fees in our contract about the distribution of special loot.]
A conversation like that would have taken place, and she would have then offered a new compromise with a chuckle, as always.
She thought she did it for profit back then…
But maybe it wasn’t entirely for that reason…
“Aruru, what are you thinking about?”
“It’s nothing.”
Raven shook off her thoughts and concluded the meeting.
“If no one needs the money urgently, I’ll keep it until Yandel comes back.”
“Yeah, yeah. That’s fine. I can lend Ainar some money.”
“Again!! I have to borrow more?!”
“You don’t have much to pay back anyway. It’ll just make the calculations complicated for Aruru if you take it now. So just endure until then. Okay?”
“Okay!”
“Hmm, he said it was 20 days, right? A little over a fortnight left.”
Raven felt a strange sensation.
Although she was the one who suggested it…
…was it normal for them to agree so readily when she said she would keep over 100 million stones?
If you asked her, the answer would be no.
Raven, as a mage, couldn’t hold back her curiosity and voiced it.
“Aren’t you guys worried? That I’m keeping it?”
“Huh?”
“Worried? Why would we be?”
They reacted as if she was asking something strange.
It made her feel even stranger.
It wasn’t a bad feeling, but it was hard to define.
‘Is that why he used the Awakening spell back then…?’
She thought he was really naive when she heard about it from Bjorn before.
Because it’s something a mage from the Magic Tower would never do.
But now she could understand his actions a little.
Not much, but maybe 1%.
“Anyway, I guess that’s all for today’s agenda.”
After the purpose of the meeting was fulfilled, we had a meal together and chatted about various things.
Naturally, most of the conversation was about the absent leader.
“Aruru, what kind of place is Bifron?”
“…It’s a bad place. Even a noble person can’t help but become corrupted there.”
“That’s what poverty and hunger do to you.”
“Did you also experience that, Mr. Urikfrit?”
“…I lost all my equipment when I was in my third year. I spent a whole year eating stone bread and saving money to barely recover. I think I barely paid my taxes that year.”
The atmosphere became a bit heavy.
Misha cautiously expressed her concern.
“Bjorn… he’s doing okay, right?”
“Miss Kaltstein, why are you so worried? He has money, he’s strong, what could possibly be difficult for him there? He’s probably relaxing like he’s on vacation.”
“Hmm, I hope so…”
Raven chuckled and shook her head.
What could she say to a woman in love that would actually reach her ears? But she found Misha’s appearance lovely.
‘She’s a year older than me…’
For some reason, she felt envious.
Would the day come when she could also make that kind of expression?
She couldn’t imagine it for now.
Misha, as if embarrassed by her staring, turned her head away and pinched Ainar’s waist.
“Ainar, stop eating meat and say something. Aren’t you worried about Bjorn?”
“…Huh? Bjorn? Why would I worry about Bjorn? He’s a great warrior! He can live better without laws!”
It was a truly barbarian-like answer.
Normally, they would shake their heads and scold her…
…but unexpectedly, everyone kept their mouths shut as if they had made a promise.
The reason was simple.
“…….”
…it seemed like it was true.
After all, he was a man who did whatever he wanted, skillfully finding loopholes even when there were laws.
________________
I shout.
Louder than ever before.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!!”
I’m currently on the terrace of the 4th floor of the old administrative office in the 14th district. For reference, 514 of my subordinates are lined up on the ground.
And they have one thing to do.
To chant after me.
“Behel—la!”
It’s the result I achieved in just three days after arriving here.
I became the boss of the ‘Western Union’, which controlled the western district of Bifron.
It wasn’t difficult.
In a place without laws, strength becomes the law. It’s the natural order.
Ah, it just means I barged in and beat everyone up.
“Your voices are too quiet!”
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”
“Louder!!!”
“Be, Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!”
I also taught them the barbarian battle cry since I have subordinates now, but it’s not very satisfying. Is it because there isn’t a single barbarian among them?
It seems like it will take some time for them to get better.
And besides, if someone asked me why I’m even teaching them this, my answer would be simple.
I’m a K-barbarian who inherited the spirit of ‘spreading benefits widely to the people’.
Of course, I have to share good things.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”
Their voices get louder when I clench my mace in displeasure.
Okay, they pass.
“That’s it for today! Go have fun! Ah, and don’t cause trouble for others!”
“Yes!!”
I dismiss my subordinates after finishing the regular morning gathering that started today. Although there are quite a few people on crutches because their legs were broken, they all leave safely with the help of their companions.
Now it’s time for me to start my day.
“I’ve prepared your tea.”
A man with a shaved head and a jellyfish haircut enters the room and bows, serving brunch.
He was the boss of the Western Union until yesterday.
For reference, he had severe alopecia areata, so he always wore a wig, but I told him to take it off from now on.
A subordinate shouldn’t hide anything from their boss, right?
“Tea and bread…”
I can’t help but sigh as I look at the breakfast on the table.
“Are you kidding me? Bring me alcohol and meat.”
“Yes? Ah, ye, yes! I, I apologize. I didn’t know and just prepared what you usually—”
“This is why you’re going bald even though you’re so young.”
“Th, this is because of the Witch’s poison!”
What is he talking about?
Everyone in this place would be bald if that were true.
“Stop making pathetic excuses.”
“…….”
After a short wait, the table is filled with crispy grilled meat.
I eat with my bare hands, as usual.
My skin is thick, and my Fire Resistance is high, so the heat isn’t a problem.
“What was your name again? I don’t remember.”
“Because you never asked…”
Is this treason?
Just as that thought crosses my mind, he quickly corrects himself, realizing his mistake.
“It’s Jingkasar Peljain.”
“That’s unique. Where’s that name from?”
“It’s a name from the south-central region.”
Ah, so his ancestors were from the desert.
No wonder his skin is so dark.
“Hmm.”
I look at him for a moment and contemplate.
Jinkasar Peljain… It’s too much of a mouthful.
I need to shorten it for efficiency.
Right, since his last name is Jing…
“Jingjing. Right, Jingjing seems good.”
“…Yes?”
“I’ll call you Jingjing from now on.”
The answer comes after a long pause.
“………………Yes.”
“I should add ‘Boss’ to the end.”
“Yes, Boss…”
Although Jingjing doesn’t seem to like his new nickname, what can he do?
He should have defeated me.
Or managed his subordinates well so that they wouldn’t try to mess with me.
“Water.”
“Yes?”
“Water.”
“Ah, yes!”
After finishing my meal, I swallow the antidote I received from the knight with water. Although I’m uneasy because I don’t know the ingredients, Raven guaranteed its safety, so it should be fine.
‘In the first place, it’s more unsettling not to take it.’
Bifron is a district where the ‘Protective Magic Circle’ is broken.
The ‘Witch’s Poison’ that brought the world to an end is still seeping in, and the residents here are all exposed to it.
For reference, the Witch’s Poison is like radiation.
But there’s one unique aspect, as expected of a fantasy world.
‘It doesn’t manifest until you’re 15 years old, and then the probability of manifestation increases depending on your exposure time.’
To explain it in a more game-like way, Bifron is a place covered in instant death zones that activate based on probability.
The life expectancy of an adult after being exiled is 8 to 9 years.
It’s only because the ‘Protective Magic Circle’ is still partially functioning. If you go outside the walls, you’ll die within a day.
‘Well, no one has ever gone outside.’
The world outside the city is also an unknown to me.
Even in the game, it was blocked by the system.
So, in that sense…
“I’m full, let’s go for a walk.”
“…I’ll accompany you.”
I take Jingjing with me and go for a walk.
And I ask him about the things I’m curious about as we walk in one direction.
Since he was the leader of a group, he knows more than the child who guided me on the first day, and he answers all my questions sincerely, even the ones that might seem strange.
He’s playing along with my boss act with his soul on the line.
“If you have any more questions, ask me anything, I, Jingkasar Peljain, will answer everything.”
Well, his intentions for being so subservient are obvious.
He probably thinks he just has to endure until I leave in 20 days. If he tries to backstab me and fails, he’ll definitely die.
‘Should I thank that kid?’
I didn’t have any plans to take over the Western Union when I was exiled to Bifron, but it wasn’t a completely thoughtless act.
It’s a place where I have to stay for 20 days, whether I like it or not.
I judged that it would be less troublesome to have some sort of position.
And I also have something I want to investigate personally.
Well, it’s not like I wasn’t bored.
“Boss, where are we going? We’ve already entered the eastern district.”
“Just follow me.”
Jingjing expresses his doubt as our morning walk continues for over two hours.
“But there’s nothing but the wall beyond this point…”
“That’s our destination.”
Why the wall where there’s nothing?
That question flashes in his eyes, but Jingjing doesn’t ask.
He’s learned how to converse with me in just one day.
Thud.
We arrive at the street near the wall.
I climb onto the roof of a building that seems relatively tall and look at the wall.
‘This is the same here too.’
Just like in the other districts, I see soldiers standing guard on top of the wall.
Come to think of it, I’ve always been curious about this.
Why are the soldiers facing inwards, not outwards?
“Well… maybe it’s to prevent anyone from going outside?”
I asked Jingjing, but that’s the only answer I got.
Actually, I also thought that was the reason.
After all, that’s what everyone thinks.
But…
‘Is there a need to do this even in Bifron?’
These are people the royal family wants to get rid of. No, if they die from the ‘Witch’s Poison’ while trying to climb the wall, it actually helps solidify the royal family’s legitimacy.
‘It’s strange.’
It’s a contradiction I felt as soon as I arrived here.
The ‘Protective Magic Circle’ is broken in Bifron.
So they even have to give the soldiers guarding the wall antidotes.
But to waste resources on guarding the wall?
‘There’s something here.’
I have a hunch.
The same intuition that led me to discover countless hidden pieces.
But no matter how much I organize my thoughts while looking up at the wall, I can’t find an answer.
A plausible hypothesis comes to mind…
…but I don’t have enough evidence to support it yet.
“Let’s go back. I’m hungry.”
“Yes.”
I turn away from the wall.
But that’s when I see a group of dozens of people approaching from the street below.
“It’s the eastern bastards. It seems like they came after hearing that we’re here. What are your orders?”
Although he’s asking for my orders, Jingjing’s eyes are filled with the expectation that I’ll beat them up too.
Geez, he’s so transparent.
“Forget it. Guide me back to our territory. And avoid encountering them if possib—”
Just as I’m about to start walking…
…I freeze.
It’s because of one face among the eastern bastards.
‘…Amelia Rainwales?’
What the hell is she doing here?
--------------------------------
Chapter 194: Bifron (4)
Once in the Land of the Dead.
Once under the sewers.
And once by chance in front of our inn after Noark was locked down.
‘Counting today, it’s a total of four times.’
It's hard to even call this a coincidence anymore.
Therefore, it was time to change my approach towards this woman.
“……Aren’t you going?”
“Yeah, I changed my mind.”
There’s a saying, ‘knowledge is power’, right?
Until now, I’ve been avoiding her, trying to erase any interest and not get involved…
[…You’re not a human woman.]
[Amelia Rainwales.]
…but we’ve become acquainted, even knowing each other’s names.
It means that avoiding her is no longer the solution.
‘I need to find out now. What this woman is up to.’
If someone keeps loitering around your house, you have to check who they are.
Whether they’re someone you should report to the police and get rid of.
Or someone so dangerous that you have to abandon your house and run away.
You need to know that to respond properly.
“Jinkasar Peljain!!”
The rooftop door bursts open after a short wait.
The one who entered is a bald man wearing a black eyepatch.
It seems like he’s the leader of the eastern faction…
“How dare you enter our territory without a word, are you prepared for the conseque… But your hair…?”
…but he trails off.
He’s shocked by Jingjing’s jellyfish haircut.
“…Don’t tell me, it was a wig?”
“…….”
Jingjing hangs his head low, speechless.
An awkward silence follows.
But is there too much bad blood between them to feel a sense of camaraderie?
The interrupted situation resumes.
“Do, do you think I’ll let you off the hook because I feel sorry for you! I’ll end our bad blood today!”
“Pu, puhahaha! You think you can defeat me just because you have more people, you newbie who’s never even been to the labyrinth? And me, a 6th-grade explorer?”
The bald man declares war, and Jingjing laughs exaggeratedly and expresses his confidence.
To clarify the facts, he’s not even 6th-grade.
He confessed that he was actually 7th-grade after I interrogated him because he was so weak.
‘There’s no way a guy like that would be so relaxed against dozens of people, so he must be confident because he trusts me?’
Although it’s funny, the bald man is serious.
“Right, I know you were a 6th-grade explorer. But that’s why I brought someone special.”
“……?”
“Make way!”
The bald man’s underlings step aside and create a path as he speaks, and a woman appears.
Amelia Rainwales.
The 8th-floor explorer from Noark.
“Barbarian? Why are you here…?”
She frowns as she appears among the men with an annoyed expression.
I feel a sense of satisfaction.
I was also surprised when I first saw you.
“I should be the one asking that. Why are you here?”
Amelia ponders for a moment, and then the bald man, who was watching us, cautiously speaks.
“…Do you know this barbarian?”
He seems worried that she might be acquainted with me, even though he came here trusting only her.
“Quiet.”
The bald man shuts his mouth at Amelia’s curt words.
And about 3 seconds pass.
“Bjorn Yandel, hand that man over to me.”
Amelia makes a sudden demand after finishing her thoughts.
Of course, there’s no way I would agree.
“He’s my subordinate.”
Barbarians don’t abandon their subordinates.
…At least not without a reason.
“…Boss!!”
Jingjing looks at me with a touched expression as I answer without hesitation.
On the other hand, Amelia seems confused.
“…Subordinate?”
She has a look that says she doesn’t understand why I, the rising star of the explorer industry, am here and why I’m acting as the boss of a gang.
I mutter briefly,
“I have my reasons.”
“I see.”
Amelia nods coolly.
Although she could have asked what my reasons were, she doesn’t, probably because of her personality.
“Then I’ll take him by force.”
Amelia immediately draws her dagger and takes a fighting stance as the negotiation fails.
Does she think she’s a barbarian?
I quickly speak,
“Wait, let’s talk first.”
“Talk?”
“Yeah.”
The situation is different from when we met at the inn.
I don’t have any companions to help me, and Bifron is a lawless zone where strength is law.
It’s only natural to try to resolve this through conversation.
I haven’t completed my Aura resistance setup yet.
If your body is weak, your mind has to work harder.
“Interesting. I didn’t expect you to be the one to say that. Don’t tell me you’re planning a surprise attack?”
“Surprise attack? I don’t do cowardly things like that.”
I don’t hide my offended feelings.
Although I threw my mace at her and charged in the sewers while we were talking…
…there was no reason for me to be ashamed.
She doesn’t remember what happened back then.
At least not from her perspective.
“…That’s not funny.”
Although she wants to retort, she can’t.
However, Amelia doesn’t seem frustrated and just brushes it off with a single sentence.
Her body is still prepared for a surprise attack.
Is she finally acknowledging me as a worthy opponent?
“Let’s get rid of them first.”
“Alright.”
We make a brief agreement, and the bald man, as if sensing it, takes his underlings and goes downstairs.
Then it’s Jingjing’s turn.
“I…”
“Don’t worry, I won’t abandon you.”
“Yes!”
Jingjing goes downstairs, trusting me, although he seems uneasy.
Now only the two of us are left on the rooftop.
It’s time for a heart-to-heart conversation.
“Amelia Rainwales. Why are you here?”
“Why should I tell you?”
“Isn’t it ridiculous for adults to fight over a children’s squabble?”
“…You’re only twenty years old.”
Geez, let’s not argue about trivial things.
Although Jingjing and Baldy are older, in this industry, the stronger one is the older brother.
“Anyway, what’s your answer?”
Amelia hesitates for a moment and then speaks.
“You first. Why are you in Bifron?”
“I was caught using an ability in the city. I thought it would just end with a fine, but they told me to live here for 20 days. It’s my third day here.”
“And that subordinate?”
“He tried to rob me, so I beat him up and took over.”
Amelia chuckles.
“You really do whatever you want.”
It’s not a sarcastic tone.
No, it’s more like she’s envious.
“Your turn. Why are you here?”
It’s a question I’ve already asked several times.
Amelia finally gives me a brief explanation.
“I’m looking for an explorer who might be here. So I made a deal with them to help them with something in return for their help.”
“I see.”
I roughly understand the situation.
At first, I wondered why she would even bother making a ‘deal’ with weaklings…
‘She must have wanted to handle it quietly. If she caused a scene like me, word would inevitably spread.’
It seems like things will be resolved easily.
That’s when…
“I’m not trying to break my promise.”
Huh?
Amelia adds as if making an excuse as I tilt my head in confusion,
“I… didn’t expect to see you here.”
Ah, that.
The promise not to come looking for me again.
I can’t believe she’s worried about that in this situation.
Does she have some kind of obsession with ‘promises’?
“Don’t worry, I don’t think you broke your promise.”
“Is that so…?”
Now that I understand the situation, I get to the point.
“Anyway, that’s good. There’s no reason for us to fight.”
“You’re saying you’ll hand him over?”
“No, there’s no need for that. You need someone to do your bidding, right? I’ll lend you my subordinate.”
“I heard the Western Union is the weakest faction here.”
“You’re well-informed.”
“It’s been over ten days since I came here.”
“I see.”
I nod.
Indeed, as Amelia said, the Western Union is small but elite.
Well, they’re too weak to be called elite, but…
…the eastern bastards would be better at finding people.
However…
“Don’t worry about the small number of people.”
There’s still no problem.
I don’t even understand why she didn’t think of this simple solution.
You’re saying there aren’t enough subordinates?
Why worry about something like that?
“The east is also my territory from today.”
I can just multiply my subordinates.
_______________
Although I thought she might be inflexible because she values ‘promises’…
…she’s surprisingly similar to me in this aspect.
Amelia is also a woman of efficiency.
“That’s not a bad method.”
“You agree?”
“Before that, this. What do you gain from helping me?”
“…Do me a favor later.”
“Then I refuse. I have a feeling you’ll ask for something I can’t handle.”
Tsk, that didn’t work.
Well, whatever. It wasn’t the main point anyway.
“Then just consider it as volunteer work. It’s better than wasting my energy fighting you.”
Amelia nods in agreement, as if it’s a convincing excuse.
Therefore…
“Th, then what happened to him?”
“That’s not how you talk to me.”
I go down to the 1st floor and kick Baldy, who’s having an awkward standoff with Jingjing, in the stomach.
After all, establishing dominance is important for ‘recruitment’.
“Keugh!”
Baldy collapses, clutching his stomach.
“You bastard!!”
The eastern bastards on the 1st floor charge towards me.
Swords, hammers, spears, stakes…
They attack me from all sides, wielding their weapons mercilessly.
There’s no need to even block.
“No, why…”
Their weapons bounce off, unable to even pierce my skin, even though they’re aiming for exposed areas.
It’s as expected.
They came here in a group of dozens just to deal with one Jingjing, how could they possibly hurt me?
Just how high is my Physical Resistance?
“Are you guys done?”
“…No.”
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”
It doesn’t take long.
The battle ends after I instill fear with [Wild Release] and crush a few of them as a demonstration.
Dozens of men, unable to even think of running away due to the overwhelming difference in strength.
I grab Baldy by the collar and lift him up.
“What’s your name?”
“P, Philip Lazer!”
“I’ll call you Baldy from now on.”
Okay, the introductions are over.
Just as I’m about to move on to the next step, Baldy asks blankly,
“Wh, who are you?”
I correct his mistake first.
“You don’t use honorifics with me.”
“…?”
“I’m your boss.”
“Boss…?”
Baldy, who was looking confused, glances at Jingjing, who’s hiding in a corner.
It seems like he finally understands the situation.
Right, that’s how he was defeated too.
“You came just in time, give me a potion.”
“…Potion?”
“My subordinate is injured, I have to treat him, don’t I?”
Amelia looks at me as if I’m a strange creature, then takes out a potion and hands it to me.
Sizzle.
Baldy screams and squirms as I give him the potion, and after a short wait, he regains consciousness, sweating profusely.
He still has a dazed expression, as if he’s dreaming.
It’s time to give him a carrot since the stick was enough.
“I’m leaving in 17 days.”
“Yes?”
“Just saying.”
In short, it means he should just endure it, thinking he stepped in shit. I then order Baldy and Jingjing to go back and gather everyone.
“There are a lot of people, so the Dimensional Plaza should be fine. Can you do it in five hours?”
“Th, that’s absurd—”
“Yes! It’s enough time!”
Jingjing shouts confidently, cutting off Baldy.
As expected of a senior.
Saying ‘YES’ to any order is the greatest virtue of a subordinate.
Especially if the boss is a barbarian.
“Then it’s settled, go now.”
My subordinates, having received their orders, rush out to carry out their mission.
I’m quite satisfied with the sight.
‘Is this why everyone is so obsessed with power?’
I chuckle and turn my gaze towards Amelia. And I ask nonchalantly, as if I’m not interested,
“So, tell me. Who are we looking for?”
I’ve been curious since earlier.
She’s from Noark.
There’s a chance that she’s looking for someone on Noark’s orders, not her own.
‘To even send someone from the underground city to find someone in this situation…’
It might be an important clue.
The more I know about things that others don’t, the better. And if it’s information that’s irrelevant to me, I can use it to appear knowledgeable at the Round Table.
Either way, there’s nothing to lose.
But contrary to my expectations, Amelia only tells me the person’s characteristics.
“He looks like an old man, but he might be disguised.”
“So you can’t tell him apart by appearance. Then how do we find him?”
“The tattoo on his back. I heard it can’t be hidden by any magic.”
Hmm, so I have to check everyone’s back?
“Any other helpful characteristics?”
“None.”
“You don’t even know his name?”
“…It’s meaningless since he would have used a pseudonym anyway.”
“But you never know. Just tell me.”
Amelia hesitates for a moment as I ask casually.
But did she judge that I wouldn’t know even if she told me?
She utters a name.
“Auril Gabis.”
What?
“Auril Gabis?!”
“…Do you know him?”
“No, I was just pretending.”
I roughly brush it off and try to control my expression.
Thump, thump, thump!
My heart is pounding like crazy.
It’s only natural.
Auril Gabis?
Isn’t that the name of the author of the ‘Compendium’ series and the creator of [Dungeon and Stone]?
-------------------------------
Chapter 195: Bifron (5)
Auril Gabis. A man from at least 150 years ago.
Back when I requested Raven to identify the year of a certain document, the 'Compendium' indicated that the paper used was from that era.
That's why I'm even more surprised.
'...That bastard is alive?'
I naturally assumed he was dead.
Well, I don't know why I thought that now.
He's the creator of [Dungeon and Stone], the most likely culprit who sent countless players, including me, to this world...
And this place is literally a fantasy world.
Of course, there's a possibility that he's still alive.
Even Dragonkin live for hundreds of years.
Thump!
My heart pounded as I realized this.
It was a different feeling from when I first heard his name.
A tremor filled with anticipation, not shock.
Thump!
If that bastard is really alive...
And if I could find and meet him...
There might be a way to return to my original world. It's like a clue to the vague 'return' has finally appeared.
'...Calm down.'
I suppressed my pounding heart and tried to regain my composure.
After all, I could get my hopes up and fantasize later, before going to sleep.
It's better to focus on the present right now.
"Barbarian, you're definitely unique."
Amelia said something meaningful, looking at me.
For a moment, I thought she might have realized that my words, 'I was just pretending to know him', were a lie.
But...
"Should I say you're bold? To be able to joke around in front of me after going through something like that. You... aren't you scared of me?"
It seems like she just found it strange.
Or maybe she's never met anyone like me before, so this kind of conversation felt awkward.
The important thing is that I managed to get away with it.
This is why you should live like a madman. Then nothing you do will seem strange.
"What are you talking about, human woman? I'm not just a barbarian, I'm Bjorn, son of Yandel."
"Right, Bjorn Yandel."
Amelia chuckled.
To me, it felt like a sign that I could relax now.
In that sense, next question.
"But is that person a man or a woman?"
"A man."
"Could he be disguised as a woman?"
"Well, probably not. The records described him as a very misogynistic person."
"So he wouldn't do that, regardless of his abilities. Then what about a child? Can he disguise himself as a child?"
"...He wouldn't disguise himself as a very young child."
"Why?"
"Because he's a man who values appearances."
"I see."
I nod and then ask subtly,
"But why are you looking for him?"
I ask this question after asking an easy question she has to answer.
I read in a book...
...that the probability of getting an answer increases if you ask like this?
Of course, I'm not sure if it would work in real life...
But there's no reason not to try.
And indeed, I get an answer soon enough.
"...It's a personal matter."
A personal matter.
It's a phrase that modern people often use when they don't want to talk about something or when they want to draw a line.
It's also a phrase used when you want to make an excuse.
But I'm not sure about her case.
[You don't need to know that.]
[Why should I tell you?]
Although she refused to answer directly...
...she's never lied to me.
Is that why?
I suddenly have the thought that maybe it's not an order from Noark, but a truly personal matter.
'Well, that's not what's important now.'
If he's really in Bifron, I have to find him.
Because I have a mountain of questions I want to ask.
___________________
After our conversation, Amelia said she would go to the city and return at night.
She said she had some business there in the afternoon?
At first, I just nodded absentmindedly because she said it so naturally, but...
"Wait a minute, how are you going to go to the city? Do you have a way to avoid the guards?"
"There's a secret passage under the sewers."
I'm glad I asked.
A secret passage connected to the city!
"Can you tell me about it?"
"Hmm."
"What are you hesitating for? It's not like I asked for an impossible favor."
"...Alright, I'll tell you."
Amelia readily reveals the secret passage as I subtly mention that I'm helping her search for 'Auril Gabis'.
She even seems relieved.
Does this mean we're even now?
'I got something good out of this.'
It's like a pass that allows me to enter Bifron whenever I want. Of course, I don't intend to use it during my exile period.
I know I'm a noticeable person.
It would be troublesome if I get caught.
Even the knight who brought me here gave me one warning.
That I could do anything but try to escape.
"Then go."
"Go?"
"Didn't you say you would come back tonight?"
"Right, I did..."
I accompany her to the sewers to receive the location of the secret passage and see her off.
And then I check the time, and it's already been three hours since I gave the gathering order. Therefore, I subtly head towards the meeting place, asking people for directions.
The Dimensional Plaza, which was once bustling with explorers.
"Hey, do you know anything? Why did the boss suddenly call for all of us? And who are those Western Union guys?"
"I'm not 'Hey'."
"...?"
"I'm your boss."
"What do you mean—"
"No questions."
I push through the crowd and head towards the center.
Members of the Western Union recognize me and greet me along the way.
"Boss!"
Right, this is it.
"What the...?"
The Western Union members kneel before me, and the eastern bastards just look at us with puzzled expressions.
But they make way for me, so it's easier to reach the center.
"You've arrived. Please come up here."
After reaching the center, I head towards the platform, assisted by Jingjing.
Did he prepare it in advance because he thought I would need it?
'Geez, he's good at his job.'
I suddenly have the thought that it wouldn't be bad to take him outside and make him my butler.
We have the secret passage, it's a waste to just keep him here.
But it wouldn't just end with a fine if we get caught by the guards.
That's when, just as I'm about to climb onto the platform...
Crack.
The wooden stairs collapse.
These thin planks can't withstand the weight of me and my equipment.
I say, unable to hide my disappointment,
"Jingjing, what happened?"
"I apologize."
He immediately apologizes without a word of excuse.
I feel a bit better, but...
The person who built this platform must be a barbarian hater. Otherwise, they would have designed it to be sturdy enough for even barbarians to climb.
Right, that means...
"This platform is a harmful platform."
"Yes. I'll burn it down right now."
Jingjing brings a torch and sets the platform on fire.
He even pours something that seems like oil on top, and the flames quickly engulf the three-story platform.
It's like a campfire.
Whoosh!
My heart feels as warm as the flames.
Back then, I was alone, but now...
I have over a thousand subordinates.
"Then what are your orders?"
"We'll proceed with the founding ceremony as planned."
"Founding ceremony... Ah, right. So you're saying to gather everyone..."
"It's obvious, didn't you know?"
"I apologize."
I pat Jingjing on the shoulder to show my forgiveness and then use [Leap].
My destination is the rooftop of a nearby four-story building.
Kwaaang!
Although cracks appear on the rooftop, it doesn't collapse.
I'm relieved.
It would have been embarrassing if I had crashed through the floor after jumping so coolly.
‘Is this what it means to be changed by your position?’
I involuntarily try to maintain my dignity.
“Ahem.”
Anyway, I head towards the railing, and a panoramic view of the crowd filling the plaza unfolds before me.
It’s time to officially begin the founding ceremony.
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!!!”
I chant first, and…
“Behel—laaaaaaaaaa!!!”
…the Western Union members, who are a day ahead of me, immediately follow suit.
The eastern bastards just blink and stare.
As if they’re wondering what the hell is going on.
I click my tongue briefly.
“Tsk.”
There’s still a lot to teach them.
____________________
After the founding ceremony, where I imprint my face on the minds of the organization members, I call Jingjing and Baldy and give them an order.
“Check the backs of everyone in Bifron. And bring anyone with a tattoo to me.”
Ah, of course, women and children under the age of 14 who haven’t gone through the ‘qualification ceremony’ are excluded. A total of 37 suspects are dragged before me before the day ends.
But…
“It’s not this tattoo.”
Amelia, who returned at night, shakes her head after checking each of them.
Right, it’s not going to be this easy.
I scold Jingjing and Baldy, the vice-leaders of the ‘Behel-la Union’, to increase efficiency, and even more suspects are caught on the 2nd and 3rd day.
Of course, the one we’re looking for isn’t among them.
And the quality has decreased along with the increased quantity.
“This seems more like a birthmark than a tattoo.”
“That’s what they said. What’s going on?”
“I’ll fix it.”
In short, it means he’ll also scold his underlings to improve efficiency.
Fortunately, it seems like he did a good job, as the number of people bringing ridiculous things and calling them tattoos decreases from the next day onwards.
Day 4, Day 5.
Two more days pass.
As expected, there are no results.
In the first place, it’s ridiculous to think that we could find a big shot like ‘Auril Gabis’ with this simple-minded method.
But what can I do?
‘I have to at least try this. There’s no other way.’
Even if it’s like finding a needle in a desert, if there’s a chance that needle can send me back home, I have to try.
Therefore, I continue the search.
Of course, I change the method a bit.
It’s nothing special, I just added a ‘reward’.
“Anyone who doesn’t meet their daily quota will have mental training that night.”
Some people might wonder how that’s a reward, but happiness is always relative.
In short, if you’re better off than others, that’s a reward.
Weren’t there happy people in the primitive era who ate raw meat and slept naked in caves?
Day 6, Day 7, Day 8…
Time passes relentlessly.
However, there’s no sign of Auril Gabis, and I’ve also given up hope to some extent.
It would be a lie to say I’m not disappointed since it was my first clue to returning home…
But there’s another reason why I’m helping her.
So I decide to focus on that.
Amelia Rainwales.
What the hell is this woman up to?
I’ve been meeting with Amelia every day, using ‘Auril Gabis’ as a connection, and trying to gather information.
Unexpectedly, she answers my questions well.
At least for low-level information.
“I don’t eat food with wheat. My skin gets itchy.”
She’s allergic to wheat flour.
Her only hobby is reading.
She answers those questions without hesitation, but she avoids answering when I ask about the barbarian she owed a debt to and what happened.
“You don’t need to know that.”
“But I’m curious. For a woman like you to be at a loss for words, he must have been a great warrior! Tell me what kind of person he was!”
“…He was a bit similar to you.”
Although she adds an afterthought, which is unlike her, it’s not useful information.
After all, he’s a barbarian.
It’s only natural for them to have similarities.
Anyway, could it be that her guard is down a bit after those natural conversations?
“Why are you looting? Honestly, it doesn’t suit you at all.”
“Doesn’t suit me?”
Amelia expresses curiosity rather than anger at my slightly sensitive question.
I smoothly deliver the line I prepared.
“I’ve met many marauders since then. And it made me realize something. You’re not the type to kill people for money.”
“…That’s funny. What do you know about me?”
“I don’t know anything. But you know that there are many ways to earn money besides looting, at your level.”
“…….”
Amelia falls silent for a moment.
And then she briefly explains.
“…I don’t usually do it.”
“Then back then?”
“Those bastards… deserved to die.”
“So it was a personal grudge?”
“Yes.”
Amelia answers, looking into the distance as if recalling a distant memory.
Although I’m curious about the story behind it, I can’t hear any more about the nature of the grudge.
Amelia has regained her composure.
“I don’t think you understand what I’m saying.”
“Don’t make a fuss over nothing. We’re parting ways in a few days anyway. There are things you can only talk about with strangers.”
“Things you can only talk about with strangers…”
Amelia chuckles and gets up from her seat, as if my words left an impression.
“It’s late. I’ll be going.”
“Will you come back tomorrow at this time?”
“Probably.”
Amelia disappears before my eyes without a sound, just like when she arrived.
Tsk, is this all for today?
I go out to the terrace to clear my head.
The night view of Bifron is completely different from the other districts.
Streets and buildings shrouded in darkness, without a single light.
‘Only a few days left.’
I sit on the rocking chair on the terrace and blankly organize my thoughts, gazing at the darkness.
After some time…
…I check my watch and head to the bedroom.
[23:57]
It’s time to go to bed.
Well, it will take a while for me to fall asleep.
「The character’s soul resonates and is drawn to a specific world.」
I wonder if everyone is online today?