Episode 222
“Give it to me!”
Seren quickly took the [auxiliary battery] and connected it to the [smartphone].
To me, even such simple movements felt amazing, because I felt familiar even with seemingly insignificant movements.
“… … .”
After connecting, Seren, who had been looking at the [smartphone] anxiously for a moment, soon looked listless.
“what’s the matter? no?”
“okay. what… Is it obvious? “This battery looks pretty old, so there’s no way it has any power left in it.”
I’m really stupid too. Seren muttered lowly.
“I’m sorry. “So it’s useless?”
“Not necessarily.”
Seren shook her head.
“Like I said before, if you show this auxiliary battery to your father-in-law, he might be able to understand how charging works. Since there are two devices with similar structures, cross-verification will further shorten the time.”
“okay?”
“Maybe not. Still, it’s clear that the odds have increased significantly.”
After thinking for a moment, Seren looked at me and asked.
“What are you going to do now?”
“me? I plan to stay in the castle for at least one more day today. “I found a nice weapon at Yajangmun, but in order to get it, I have to get some kind of recognition from the craftsman who made it or something.”
“Not that one. “After leaving the imperial castle.”
“aha.”
The answer to this question was not difficult.
This was because I had recently been thinking quite deeply about the future, and had come to my own conclusion.
“I have some business left at the academy, so I’ll stop by… … . “Wouldn’t we go straight to Heros after that?”
For reference, the business at the academy is to strengthen divine protection using the Holy Grail.
At my request, I plan to receive help from Bishop Helsta, who is still staying at the academy and is in charge of medical treatment for the cadets.
“Heros… … . “As expected.”
Seren thought for a moment, nodded and said.
“I have to stop by [Sandstorm Dunes] in the south. “I’ll leave the [smartphone] repaired there first and then go to Heros.”
“That won’t be easy. “Southern dwarfs are different from those in the system.”
Dwarves living on the archipelago or in other areas tend to have round personalities. This is because they have managed to infiltrate the imperial society.
There are quite a few mixed race people.
On the other hand, the temperament of the southern dwarves, including Sandstorm Hill, is not much different from the dwarves in the tale.
He is harsh, arrogant, and above all, sensitive.
They don’t look at work they’re not interested in, and they basically prioritize their work over relatives and family, so threats don’t work.
Of course, because I had solid skills that allowed me to show off that much courage, I desperately needed a dwarf sword when I worked as a mercenary in my past life.
“Even so, I have to give it a try. “If you aren’t a dwarf craftsman, you won’t be able to handle something like this.”
“Hmm.”
That said, I thought things might turn out surprisingly easily.
“Let me give you one piece of advice. “Don’t just go and grovel in a low posture, just try to provoke.”
“Provocation?”
“Was it this [auxiliary battery] I got my hands on? Anyway, about this item, it was kept at Yajangmun.”
Seren made a puzzled expression.
I don’t think you understand what I mean.
“It’s frustrating. [Sandstorm] has a bad relationship with the imperial family [Yajangmun]. I guess it’s a competitive relationship… … . From Sandstorm’s point of view, Yajangmun will be seen as a group of people who have abandoned their pride as craftsmen because of their interest in money, and from Yajangmun’s point of view, they will be seen as a group of deep-rooted evils who have not been able to accept the trend of the times.”
I said, pointing to the auxiliary battery.
“So go ahead and tell me. “This auxiliary battery is something that even the craftsmen of Yajangmun failed to reveal its structure.”
“ah.”
I added with a chuckle.
“I don’t know, but I’m sure our eyes will turn and each other will argue that they will do it themselves.”
“… … .”
Seren looked surprised, which was rare, and then looked at me again with a complicated expression.
“what’s the matter?”
“Say it as if you’ve seen Southern Dwarves in person.”
“I’ve been there myself.”
“when?”
“well… “It’s been about 15 years.”
If you add 10 years in Yeongsan, wouldn’t it be that much?
Seren snorted, probably taking what I said as a joke.
And then he said something unexpected.
“The next disaster will occur in the North.”
“North… … ?”
The moment I heard that word and thought of the current year, I knew what disaster Seren was talking about.
Seren said.
“Utgarde concentration camp.”
“hmm.”
“Have you at least heard the name?”
Of course I heard it.
The Utgarde concentration camp is a prison that houses vicious prisoners for whom even the death penalty is considered lenient… … .
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In reality, the rumors going around were more sinister than that.
Inhumane human experiments are taking place, and torture is so cruel that ordinary people will faint when they see it.
In fact, I even heard that they were re-educating prisoners to turn them into secret weapons of the empire.
I dismissed the last statement as the most absurd possibility, but after seeing the purgatory system with its eye on hiring talented people, I think it is not impossible.
In any case, there were many talented people among the heinous criminals.
The disaster Seren was talking about was probably the [Utgarde Camp Collapse Incident].
The circumstances of the incident, which were later revealed, were as follows.
Utgarde Camp – A priest from the Dark Church has infiltrated the darkest and most terrifying place in this empire… … .
This guy used the Yeocha Jeocha Church’s witchcraft to subdue the camp, and as a result, 517 vicious prisoners escaped from prison.
Half of them commit themselves to the cult, while the other half hide throughout the empire, committing terrible crimes and contributing to the chaos of the system.
The rest all died.
And the demon that descended to sacrifice prisoners and guards ultimately caused permanent damage to 10% of the northern lands before disappearing.
I made this assertion in a conversation with Professor Alec the other day.
The empire will collapse within the next 10 years.
The collapse of the Utgarde concentration camp can be said to be the starting point of that destruction.
It was not something that happened in the dark, like Badniker’s retreat or the Demon King’s descent into the academy.
All subjects of the empire recognized the tragedy, and starting from that incident, a series of disasters erupted across the continent.
‘At least the system and badniks will survive, so the situation is much better than in the past.’
Too optimistic?
As I inwardly tilted my head, Seren’s voice continued.
“There is still about half a year left, but it is not an easy situation. I want to go and check in advance as much as possible and prevent it if possible. There must be a clue because a disaster worthy of being included in the [Book of Settings] cannot suddenly start without any sign.”
“hmm.”
Seren probably doesn’t understand this as clearly as I do.
That’s because the information written in the [Book of Settings] that this guy read probably doesn’t record the circumstances in that much detail.
“Are you trying to sneak in there? Wouldn’t it be difficult? The vigilance must be as tight as that of the imperial family. “Even if you bring up your status or family, it won’t work.”
“know. “That’s why I’m going to Heros.”
“huh?”
“If you become a B-class hero of Heros, you can enter and leave most prohibited places in the empire without restrictions. Almost everything except private land. “Utgard is no exception.”
“aha.”
I understood.
‘Anyway, if your next path is Utgarde… … .’
I also need to become stronger.
Even now, he is not weak, but the freedom of a prisoner detained in that insane camp goes beyond common sense.
Among the prisoners, wouldn’t those who are classified as Special S level probably have skills comparable to their middle names?
Moreover, considering the demons that will be summoned in the worst case scenario, it is not a place to be complacent.
“… hmm.”
While we were talking, the atmosphere in the hall seen through the window had changed a lot.
About half of those who participated have already left. The atmosphere of the banquet slowly coming to an end is forming.
We can’t stay on the balcony forever, so we have to go with the flow.
At that moment, Seren whispered in a lower voice.
“One last thing.”
“huh?”
“I was worried about something the whole time, but after reading the [strategy guide] you showed me, I became convinced.”
“Like what?”
“A strategy book and a setting book. Both books were written by someone else.”
“Of course there must be an author. “It’s a book.”
“That’s not what I meant, you idiot.”
Seren sighed and said.
“Speaking of the strategy book. The very first chapter goes back thousands of years. That’s what most of the first half was about. There were detailed records of how to deal with dozens of countries and hundreds of races during the continent’s turbulent times. “In essay form.”
“… essay?”
“okay. And that record lasted only a few hundred years ago. “Same handwriting, all the way.”
“wait for a sec. That means-.”
I asked in a slightly embarrassed voice.
“A being who lived for thousands of years wrote this book?”
“Alive, maybe not.”
“what?”
“The person who translated that book might still be alive.”
* * *
I asked just before we parted ways.
“Is Seren still watching this situation?”
“no. “I feel like I’m sleeping now.”
“You guys aren’t on bad terms, are you?”
Seren burst into laughter at my words.
“Of course it’s bad. From his perspective, I am a bad guy who suddenly appeared and took over his body.”
“is it.”
“hmm… … .”
Seren, who said that, hesitated, uncharacteristically, and suddenly said something strange.
“… I’m not used to this kind of conversation. “I thought it was a secret I would carry with me for the rest of my life.”
“I guess I’ll get used to it.”
“well… … .”
Seren, who hesitated, looked at me and said.
“Luan.”
“huh?”
“… “See you later.”
“under.”
I laughed at the extremely awkward words.
It was a dull and dry farewell, but somehow I felt that this type of farewell suited this guy.
Perhaps the reunion will be at Heros?
I didn’t know how long it would take until then.
“okay. “See you again.”
After saying goodbye to Seren, go back to your room and sleep.
Finally, the next day.
Following the article’s guidance, I was able to meet the craftsman who made the gloves.
“I am Angel, the maker of the silver armor.”
Even before I thought that the name of this glove was Eunringap, I felt the man’s presence directly.
I looked at my father-in-law with somewhat curious eyes.
He was a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard, and it was surprising that he was not a dwarf.
Looking at the fact that he is almost the same size as me, I don’t think he is mixed race.
Plus the strong smell of alcohol, haggard complexion, and bloodshot eyes… … . It is quite a contrast to the dwarf craftsmen who flashed bright eyes in front of the brazier.
He even had a bottle of alcohol in his hand, and he drank from the bottle without paying attention to the gazes of me and the driver.
The inferior knight spoke in a cold tone.
“Angel, be polite. “He is a guest sent directly by His Majesty the Emperor.”
“okay? “Would you like me to say something respectful?”
“That’s Okay.”
I also refuse annoying courtesy.
“You know, the gloves you made. Did you say it was Eunringap? Anyway, I want that so-.”
“Go on. Oh sorry.”
“… “It fit my hand perfectly.”
“I see.”
Angel, who belched loudly, continued speaking with a grin on his face.
“By the way, young nobleman, do you know the conditions for obtaining Yajangmun’s items?”
“Isn’t this getting the producer’s approval?”
“okay. I don’t ask annoying questions. “Prove just one thing and I’ll give it to you.”
“What is it?”
“Let’s put some mana in those gloves.”
The moment I stopped, the driver standing behind me spoke again.
“Are those conditions still attached? Angel, how long do you think Munju will stand by and ignore you?”
“Wouldn’t you at least look after me until I become addicted to alcohol?”
“Do not forget the significance of the existence of a night gate craftsman. You have been indebted to the imperial family. “The meals you eat every day, the clothes you wear, and above all, the consumables used in production all come from the imperial family.”
“know. So I drink it every day with a grateful heart.”
“… … .”
The driver’s eyes are unusual.
It seemed like he hated Angel deep in his heart, and just by looking at his eyes, it seemed as if he would pull out his sword and cut him down at any moment.
“If you’re going to fight, fight without me. first-.”
I intervened at the right moment to break the ice and inject true energy into Eunlingap.
Hwareuk… … !
The true energy contained in the gloves soon took the form of flames.
The same black flames from the last time I witnessed it flicker in the gloves.
“This is it, right?”
“What… … ?!”
“Hoo.”
The knight was astonished, and Angel smoothed his coarse beard.
I felt as if an eerily vivid color flashed under my eyes, which had been cloudy as if there were fog.
“What did you say the boy hero’s name was?”
“Luan Badnicker.”
“Badniker? Hmm. It’s surprising. “It doesn’t look like someone born into a prestigious family.”
Angel tilted his head for a moment but then shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, okay. “Can I call you Luan Youngdo?”
“It will be Luan.”
“Then Luan. As I said, I will give you the silver ring.”
“Uh, really?”
I was a little surprised by the words, which were cooler than I expected.
Angel nodded and shook the bottle next to his ear, as if checking how much alcohol was left.
“If it breaks while you’re using it, come back. “I’ll make it better.”
“hmm. Do craftsmen usually say that?”
“What do you think? Weapons are basically consumables. It makes sense that the more you use it, the more it wears out. Especially someone like you.”
“What kind of guy is me?”
“A guy who treats his body harshly, and treats his equipment even harsher.”
is it?
Somehow, it was difficult to say yes or no.
Angel waved his hand.
“Just go. “I’m losing my taste for alcohol after looking at the guys’ faces in the morning.”
“Yeah… … .”
Since I had achieved my goal, I left the field without any complaints.
And then I thought.
Angel told me to come back when the silver ring is broken, but will I ever come to the imperial court again?
At that time, the driver who followed muttered in a voice filled with laughter.
“It makes things better.”
“yes?”
“ah. sorry. That guy, Angel, hasn’t made anything for 10 years… “I was a bit surprised.”
“is it so? But why aren’t they kicking me out?”
“It was an order from Yajanmunju. Even though he looked like that, his skills were the best among the Yajangmun craftsmen. “That man also made the imperial treasured sword that the former emperor used.”
“Ohh… … .”
I couldn’t help but look at where Angel was with somewhat surprised eyes.
“Such a great man, why is he such a nuisance now?”
“well… … . “There must be a reason why you can’t say it.”
“hmm.”
“Anyway, if I start working at the yard again, it will be a great help to the imperial family. “I have one more thing to thank you, Youngdo.”
“It was nothing. Rather, why were you so surprised when she wrapped her gloves with mana?”
The driver opened his mouth in a slightly embarrassed tone.
“… Angel’s personality is nasty. That nasty personality was also applied to the weapons he made. “Most of the equipment the author created is difficult to handle.”
The driver glanced at the silver ring in my hand and said.
“Angel makes weapons from alloys combined using a manufacturing method that only he knows, and the weapons made this way are all black and have tremendous strength.”
“Isn’t it good?”
“Except for one fatal flaw. Strangely, the weapon did not accept mana easily.”
“aha… … .”
It could be said to be fatal.
When mana, or true energy, is present, depending on the user’s capabilities, rocks can be cut with rice straw.
In other words, no matter how good a weapon is, if it does not contain true energy, it cannot be used in a confrontation between experts.
To put it bluntly, it is worse than a toothless sword.
‘But it wasn’t that difficult for me.’
Was it simply because his aptitude for weapons was perfect? It was a matter to think deeply about at least once.
Anyway, this was the last conversation we had at the imperial court.
Afterwards, I packed my bags and finally left this dirty, stuffy, stuffy imperial palace.
After returning to Cartel Academy, I went straight to Bishop Helsta.
I heard that this guy is currently staying in the health room of the main building… … .
The scene that unfolded there somewhat surprised me.
“It doesn’t seem to have any effect on the instrument. But do you usually eat a lot of cold things?”
“Ah yes! Because I like ice cream… … .”
“One of the common symptoms of those suffering from the disease is hypothermia. You are still young, but there is no harm in taking care of it from now on. “Drink warm tea rather than frozen tea, and warm your body often with lukewarm water.”
“Go, thank you!”
“next.”
Cadets were waiting in line to be examined… Helsta was seen sitting at the end of the procession.
Are you pretending to be a health teacher? Even though it was something I asked to do, it is absurd.
Or is he up to something else?
Those doubts disappeared the moment I saw Helstar’s face.
“… … .”
This is the face of a decent congressman. Even to me, who knew that guy’s true colors, it was the same.
Helstar didn’t seem to realize my existence… … .
I leaned against the wall for a moment and caught a glimpse of Helstar greeting the patient.
And soon I realized that Bishop Helsta did not treat any of the cadets who came to visit with care.
I don’t know what change of heart occurred.
“… … .”
I glanced at the line.
Since the number of cadets is not small, it will likely take some time.
There’s nothing urgent.
I didn’t want to disturb Helsta’s treatment, so I turned my back.
I guess I could just fill my stomach at the mall and come back around sunset.
fantasy,
