Chapter 45

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Translated by Jinmu

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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‘It’s about time for Vares to appear.’

Moving towards Edlen, Han-bit recalled the main villain of this episode.

Vares Rober.

Outwardly he is Brooke’s confidant, but he is the ringleader and culprit of all the incidents that occurred in the past.

Given that he reigned as the real power even now, he could be considered the primary enemy.

‘The person himself was truly disgusting though.’

Vares is a human being who seems to personify the word ‘corrupt official’.

Serpent-like eyes under thick eyebrows with parted hair in the middle. Seeing his overlapping double chin and bulging belly jiggling about was hard to face for long.

Of course, Han-bit had reached a level where he could mess with the bastard thanks to his numerous experiences, though.

“…”

The three people who arrived at the Guild immediately faced Guild Master Cowen in person.

His gaze was firmly fixated on the blonde-haired girl.

“… It wasn’t my fault.”

Ria muttered while avoiding Cowen’s eyes.

It was an atmosphere where anyone could tell they already knew each other.

– ?

– Were they acquaintances?

– Did they pretend not to know each other normally?

– They would get caught by Brooke and Vares if they acted like they knew each other.

– Avoiding his eyes is cute. Lol.

The viewers watching the situation also roughly caught onto the atmosphere.

Han-bit decided to first deliver the events that happened in the waterway.

“A temple inside the waterway… I was far too complacent.”

At the situation deviating from common sense, Cowen’s expression darkened.

Because no matter how out-of-reach the information was, it was ultimately his own blunder as well.

“Look at this too.”

Han-bit handed over Camon’s notebook.

“What is this?”

“There was a hidden room beneath the temple altar. And a notebook belonging to a person named Camon was there.”

“… Camon?”

Cowen, whose eyes widened, immediately snatched the notebook.

Ria, who was sitting next to him, wriggled and hid her diary deep inside her bag.

“Phew.”

Rapidly checking the contents, Cowen swept his face with his hand.

With a distant look in his eyes, he opened his mouth.

“… To think he had prepared such measures. No, did he perhaps remain that vigilant against Vares.”

Cowen, who remained silent for a moment, lifted his gaze and looked at Han-bit.

“What is your objective? If you are an outsider, you would hate being entangled in complicated affairs.”

“If that were the case, I would’ve just gone around hunting monsters. Besides, helping a friend isn’t a strange thing, right?”

“Normally it wouldn’t be strange. However, the darkness that has taken root in Northon is deep. Making your objective clear would be better for both of us.”

“Hmm.”

At Cowen’s resolute words, Han-bit feigned contemplating for a moment and paused.

Of course, the best answer to bring out in this situation was the exact same in the past and right now.

“Then write me a recommendation letter for the Investigation Team. You have the authority as a Guild Master, don’t you?”

“The Investigation Team… I see. Considering a recommendation letter, the influence of the current Mayor and Vares would be greater.”

“Well. Wouldn’t catching the believers of the Holy State be a much greater achievement? Since the tragedy that struck the Northon family would also surface along with it.”

“… That is true.”

An organization of powerful individuals from around the world searching for Erport’s existence, the Investigation Team.

The majority of adventurers dream of joining the Investigation Team.

Because it was a position capable of obtaining wealth, honor, and fame.

It was the same for the vanguard players leading the pack, let alone ordinary players.

“I have understood your objective. It is certainly an appealing dream for an adventurer to aim for. However, our conversation is not yet finished.”

Cowen, who closed and opened his eyes for a moment, looked at Ria.

“Young Lady, do you trust this adventurer?”

“Huh?”

She panicked at the suddenly thrown question.

Glancing at Han-bit, Ria scratched her head.

“Well… He doesn’t look like a bad person, does he?”

“That kind of answer is vastly insufficient. If things go wrong even by a hair’s breadth, your life could be placed in danger, Young Lady. If you are uncertain, I believe taking care of Adventurer Black Dragon at this very place is the wise judgment.”

– Pardon?

– Did I hear that wrong?

– What you heard is right.

– To say this right in front of his face. Lol.

– This won’t do. Let’s hand over Loafer and escape.

A murder plan proceeding in front of the person involved.

However, if Cowen truly intended to do so, it was certain he would have already taken action.

The fact that Han-bit was still sitting perfectly fine meant Cowen had another motive.

“Taking care of him is the wise judgment?”

Ria asked back while frowning her eyebrows.

It was a voice that sounded slightly angered.

“I have the duty to protect the Young Lady. I believe eradicating it is the right thing to do if there is even the slightest amount of danger.”

“If you were worried about that, you should have taken me outside Edlen on the day we escaped through the secret passage! Living in the slums is also to avoid the eyes of Uncle Brooke and Vares!”

“It was for the future. In any case, we cannot leave a person who knows the Young Lady’s identity unattended. Because this is a matter requiring absolute trust. I will not sit by and ignore His Excellency William’s will to protect the Young Lady.”

Screeech-!

Rising from his seat, Cowen drew the sword at his waist.

He aimed it towards the neck of Han-bit sitting in his seat.

– Uh oh, this guy is dying.

– Who’s going to broadcast for us now.

– Thank you for loving Black Dragon all this time.

– Broadcast -Finished-

“Cowen!”

The surprised Ria also abruptly stood up and tried to stop Cowen.

However, Han-bit, the person involved, calmly turned his gaze.

“Ria… No, should I say Lady Reventia? It seems you were her escort.”

“I was a shadow knight of the Northon family. Because I escaped taking the Young Lady according to my liege’s command, we could avoid the execution.”

Before William’s execution took place.

Cowen took Reventia and escaped through the secret passage.

Even if it was an order, his feelings of abandoning his liege and fleeing were to the extent of being ripped and shattered to tatters.

“Although I am a knight who failed to fully serve his role, I do possess the strength to sever ominous sprouts right here. It was merely your bad luck, so do not resent me.”

“What changes if you cut off that sprout? Ria will have to live hiding while avoiding pursuit for the rest of her life anyway.”

“The opportunity to execute Brooke and Vares will definitely arrive. Seeing as Camon seemed to have prepared something, if that is added on top, a possibility should emerge. His sacrifice was also looking towards the future.”

Answering in a solemn voice, Cowen brought the sword closer.

Right before its cold blade touched the skin of his neck.

“I said wait!”

Ria intervened between the two.

“It is dangerous. Please step aside.”

“You’re the most dangerous right now!”

– Lolol

– Dropping truth bombs like Retube.

– It is dangerous.

– Let’s just trust Ria.

– ‘Do it for me’

Ria spreading her arms out wide as if protecting Han-bit.

Seeing that sight, Cowen moved the sword away so that she wouldn’t get hurt.

“It is strange. You showed a lukewarm response to my question asking if you trusted this friend.”

“Do you really need to hear that in words to understand?”

“Yes. That is how important the issue of trust is. Please state it properly. I will not put down my sword until I am certain.”

“Haa…”

Ria let out a sigh at that shameless coercion.

However, because she knew Cowen’s personality well, there were no other choices.

She spoke in a small, crawling voice.

“… I trust him.”

“I cannot hear you well.”

“Ah, seriously! I said I trust him! He’s a person who helped the auntie from next door, Plona, and Ruby too! Besides, this Oppa is incredibly strong so…”

Her true feelings poured out along with her anger continued on for a long time.

Cowen, silently listening to it, slowly nodded his head.

“I see. I have fully understood what the Young Lady thinks of this friend. I did not hold any animosity from the beginning, so you do not need to worry. Because I had already finished investigating.”

“… Huh?”

The sword that had been sheathed back into its scabbard at some point.

Ria realized it was merely a threat meant to confirm her feelings.

“Cowen…!”

– Lolol

– Cute.

– Have you been deceiving me all this time?

– She was cute so have a drink.

– Her affection level is max though. Lol.

– Route of Atsbel -> Plona -> Ruby confirmed.

Ria, whose face turned bright red, trembled her fists.

“I cannot do anything about it even if you glare at me like that. To me, the Young Lady’s true intentions are paramount, and I trust the Young Lady’s intuition that much.”

“You should’ve said so from the beginning!”

“The Young Lady has become far too accustomed to hiding her feelings. I would appreciate it if you acted a little more appropriate for your age.”

“Ha.”

Ria was at a loss for words at his overly brazen attitude.

Han-bit lightly pulled her arm, making her sit in the chair.

“It can’t be helped to be mindful of selection. Since even as an outsider looking in, your position is dangerous.”

“I know that, but…”

When she was consoled as if defending Cowen, Ria formed a pout.

Han-bit, looking at that as if it was amusing, turned his gaze back.

“So, what is the plan? You’re going to Camon’s workshop first, right?”

“Of course, that is our top priority. I also wish to check the temple inside the waterway, but that would be dangerous for now. There is ample possibility the enemies have noticed.”

Since they had rummaged through and entered the waterway once, it wouldn’t be strange if anyone caught on.

Whether that would be believers of the Holy State, Brooke, or Vares was unknown.

“Ah, right.”

Han-bit, recalling something, took out a necklace from his inventory.

It was the Goblin’s Spirit Necklace obtained from the Challenge Dungeon.

[Goblin’s Spirit Necklace]

Rank: 3

Grade: Unique

Description: Spoils obtained from the Elder Goblin. A Mana Shield deploys according to the owner’s will.

“You wear this.”

“A necklace?”

Ria received the silver necklace embedded with a jewel.

“Are they spoils from an Elder Goblin? It is quite high quality.”

Cowen, who recognized the item, spoke in fascination.

Then, stroking his chin, he asked.

“If you need a protective magic tool, are you anticipating an attack?”

“What we first discovered in the waterway was a piece of fabric used for combat uniforms in the Holy State. It wouldn’t be strange if a battle broke out anytime. And since a strange incident also occurred to Ria.”

“A strange incident?”

As if hearing it for the first time, Cowen looked at Ria.

Then the blonde-haired girl took out the ring from her bag.

“Something flashed and shot out a light in front of that secret passage. I also got an incredibly ominous feeling from it.”

“… That is not ordinary.”

Cowen also narrowed his brows as if he was unsure.

Han-bit, observing the situation, asked a question feigning ignorance.

“What is that ring? Is it something like a Northon family heirloom?”

“It is an heirloom, and an identity that must not be lost. Because families bearing the traces of a Spirit King are exceedingly few.”

– Spirit King?

– What is this now;

– So that was implemented?

– Hmm. If it’s a trace, doesn’t that make it trash?

– Does a Spirit King look like a joke to you?

[Exposure-guy has supported 1,000 won.]

[RP Lore: The Spirit King is an ancient spirit strong enough to inflict damage upon entire nations. Records organized in complete forms practically do not exist, and…]

– Lore teacher working hard.

– Saw him in other broadcasts too. Lol.

– Activity Level GOAT

When the term Spirit King appeared, the chat window fell into confusion.

[Lesser Spirit – Intermediate Spirit – Greater Spirit – Supreme Spirit – Spirit King]

The grades of spirits are clearly distinguished.

The Spirit King, which is four stages higher than the power of Sylph, a Lesser Spirit.

Han-bit himself had put in effort for a long time in the past, but borrowing the power of a Supreme Spirit was his limit.

To that extent, the existence of a Spirit King is a domain of the unknown.

[Northon’s Ring]

Rank: ?

Grade: ?

Description: A ring imbued with the traces of the Spirit King Salion. It has been passed down as a family heirloom according to the first generation Northon’s will.

‘It’s obvious they would target this ring.’

The massacre of Spirit Summoners that occurred about 100 years prior from this point in time.

The already rare power of spirits had mostly disappeared following that incident.

In such a situation, a fraction of a Spirit King bearing a tremendous possibility just from its traces alone was plenty to become a target.

‘They are funny bastards though.’

The principal offender of the Spirit Summoner massacre was the Holy State.

Those bastards are targeting this ring to covet the technology.

The strange reaction that appeared from Ria’s ring was one of their investigation techniques.

In other words, their pursuit and assault were imminent.

“Are we heading to Camon’s workshop now?”

“No, we will go to the house of a person named Harpen.”

“Harpen?”

When he asked back the name, he nodded his head.

Then moving his steps towards the exit, he said.

“There is no time, so let’s hurry.”

Ding.

[Main Quest #4 has been completed.]

[Progress Rate increases.]

[Main Quest #5: Infiltration]

You have learned a bit more detail about the situation Ria is facing.

To reveal the truth and set her free, a method to prove the crimes of Brooke and Vares is needed.

Let us move to his workshop that was written in Camon’s notebook.

‘Camon’s Workshop’ is located inside a sealing stone kept at the mansion of ‘Harpen’, a noble of the city.

Objective: Infiltrate the mansion secretly and seize the sealing stone.

Reward: 100,000 Gold, Experience 50,000, 5 Stat Points

*Current Progress Rate: 45 Percent