Chapter 160

Chapter 161. I Won’t Give Affection (3)

The commoners’ measure of a “rich person” is someone who possesses 1,000 gold coins.

For the middle class, it’s ten times that amount—10,000 gold. For the wealthy, it’s another tenfold—100,000 gold. Only then are they considered “rich.”

In reality, even 10,000 gold is enough for a family of four to live comfortably in a small kingdom for a lifetime. If one has 100,000 gold, their descendants can live lavishly in the empire.

But what if someone has 1,000,000 gold?

From this point onward, it’s no exaggeration to say that the fate of an entire family changes.

Money begets money.

Unless one foolishly squanders their wealth, fails repeatedly in reckless ventures, or suffers a catastrophic disaster, simply accumulating money can sustain generations.

“Even with just 1,000,000 gold, that’s the case…”

Kai examined the blank check in his hand from various angles. Even after looking at it two or three times, it was a genuine blank check issued by the Infinite Bank.

Simply possessing a blank check is proof of assets exceeding 1,000,000 gold.

But look at the amount written on this check.

6,000,000 gold. An amount sufficient to establish a large estate or create six small noble families.

“Keter, do you really have this much money?”

Kai couldn’t believe it.

Outwardly, Keter appeared to be a young man in his prime, likely in his early twenties.

Of course, for an upper noble, especially from a prestigious family, 5,000,000 gold might be trivial. That is, if we’re talking about total assets.

Including land, buildings, and intangible assets, the wealth of upper nobles could amount to tens of millions of gold.

However, even within the Lilian Kingdom, there are fewer than ten nobles who could withdraw 5,000,000 gold in cash immediately.

In response to Kai’s question about whether he truly possessed 6,000,000 gold, Keter nodded with a satisfied expression.

“It’s rare to have wealth that even the empire’s spies would envy.”

Kai, annoyed by Keter’s bragging, began to ponder seriously.

“Even if this check is real, why did you give me an extra 1,000,000?”

“That guy isn’t cheap.”

“What…?”

“How much do you think it costs to create a person?”

“If you’re talking about human synthesis, it would require tens of millions of gold… Hmm.”

Kai was startled by his own words.

‘Why am I having such a normal conversation with this guy?’

He was confused.

Was conversation always this easy and free?

For Kai, who had always engaged in calculated and planned conversations, Keter’s sudden and random topics were refreshing, if not shocking.

Though the conversation had paused, Keter naturally continued.

“Master Franken said that even with hundreds of millions of gold, he couldn’t create a complete human, but he was wrong. You don’t need hundreds of millions. What you need is—”

Keter stopped speaking, leaving Kai both frustrated and curious.

‘If it’s Franken, isn’t he the Chimera Master and the lord of the Gray Tower? Why would he deny his own words? Hurry up and tell me.’

Kai waited, but Keter just silently stared at him. It was a deliberate pause.

“…What is it that’s needed?”

Finally, hearing the answer he wanted, Keter smiled.

“A single piece of bread is enough.”

“A piece… of bread?”

The concept of “bread” floated in Kai’s mind. It was clearly something edible.

A commoner’s food made by mixing grain flour with water, kneading, and baking or steaming. Depending on the baker’s skill, it could even become a noble’s delicacy.

But the bread Keter described was different from Kai’s expectations.

“A piece of bread the size of a child’s fist. It’s as hard as a rock, so you have to melt it with saliva, but it’s fun and filling to eat over a long time.”

“What are you… talking about?”

“If a man gives a woman that small, hard piece of bread, she can bear a child. That’s how it was in the world I lived in.”

“Is this about Ruquer?”

“If you were to buy such a child, how much would you pay?”

Kai couldn’t understand why the conversation had taken such a turn. But he wasn’t bored or annoyed.

Rather, he was intrigued and curious. He wanted to know what Keter was trying to say and how this story would end.

“Various factors would need to be considered. The parents’ talents, the child’s appearance, skeletal structure, aura and mana affinity… It varies greatly.”

“That child was as frail as a sickly chicken, slow to open its eyes, slow to take its first steps. A noisy, impatient child who cried and fussed every day.”

“…Sounds useless.”

“Yes. That child was useless. So, the parents abandoned it. By the age of six, it still couldn’t speak properly.”

“If it’s that incompetent, its value is no more than a single gold coin. Only as a subject for human experimentation.”

“That child would have been happy to hear that. Because no one wanted to buy it, it couldn’t even be sold for a single silver coin and was left on the streets.”

“Pathetic.”

“It was fortunate. Because it met me.”

“Is this someone connected to you?”

“My subordinate. He gave himself the name Daat, but I can’t get used to it, so I call him Maknun.”

“Why did you make him your subordinate? According to your description, he had physical disabilities and was dull-witted.”

“That was the case. But now, he’s the most capable, intelligent, and trustworthy person I know.”

Kai was speechless. Was this entire story just to praise Daat, or Maknun?

‘…I’m envious.’

Though he didn’t know who Daat was, Kai wanted to meet him. How could someone born a fool earn the recognition and trust of such an arrogant madman?

“So, what are you trying to say? That a person’s value is unknowable?”

“Ah, right. That’s what I wanted to talk about.”

“……”

“It’s not that it’s unknowable, but rather, I can see it. This guy will entertain me. Definitely.”

Since he began living independently at the age of seven, Keter has been picking up discarded things.

Most of them left Keter’s side, but some stayed.

Maknun, Jairo, and so on.

Or those who became close to Keter… or even a woman he married and made his wife.

One thing is certain: when Keter picks something up, he doesn’t do so based on its usefulness.

It’s purely out of curiosity or as a hobby.

However, the young Keter was often disappointed. Those he helped would steal his belongings and run away instead of being grateful.

He learned the hard way that kindness isn’t always reciprocated. That sometimes, even if you want to keep someone close, you can’t.

So he vowed. No matter what happens…

‘I won’t give affection.’

It’s only for fun. Nothing more.

Kai didn’t know Keter’s past or inner thoughts, but he could sense his sincerity.

“One last question. Are you really going to spend 6,000,000 gold on this artificial lifeform that’s about to die? You could use that money for Sephira, buy elixirs, or acquire artifacts. Despite all these options?”

“Yes.”

“There are dozens more like this. It’s not one of a kind.”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s not special in others’ eyes. As long as it’s special in mine.”

“Owning a homunculus will inevitably make you a target of the empire’s surveillance.”

“More customers to watch my exploits.”

“…Were these questions pointless?”

It’s not ignorance or arrogance. Keter, knowing everything, still wanted to embrace the homunculus.

Realizing this, Kai let go of his reservations.

However, selling or transferring the homunculus for money required justification. The empire’s leaders wouldn’t approve.

‘I need to create a reason.’

To join the Special Operations Unit, one must be a genius in every sense of the word.

“Keter. I can’t sell or transfer the homunculus to you. But…”

Kai approached Unit 3 and placed his palm on its forehead.

“Homunculus Unit 3 of Eden. By the authority of Kai of the Special Operations Unit, I command you. Your purpose from now on is not combat, but surveillance. The target is Keter. Record everything by his side.”

“I accept the command, Master.”

“Furthermore, your mission is a top-secret operation. Refuse any interference or commands from other administrators except me.”

“I will comply.”

“If Keter violates the secret agreement between you and me, or if there’s even a hint of it, immediately send a signal to the Special Operations Unit.”

“Input received.”

Removing his hand from Unit 3’s forehead, Kai looked at Keter.

‘No need to ask if you still want to take it.’

As expected, Keter immediately grabbed Unit 3’s hand and slung it over his shoulder.

“Leave out the word ‘always.’ I need solitude sometimes.”

“That’s up to Unit 3’s discretion.”

“Input received.”

Kai shifted the responsibility to Unit 3 and leaned back, stretching his neck and back. He felt exhausted, even though he hadn’t fought.

“Are you leaving?”

Keter spoke as if they were lifelong friends.

Kai hesitated for a moment, then left the scene without a word.

* * *

“What should we do about this?”

Keter didn’t leave the scene. It was because of Jeffrey, who was left behind.

Jeffrey stood still, like a broken doll.

“If a severed head grows back, it’s even creepier if it’s perfectly fine.”

Poke poke.

Keter poked Jeffrey’s cheek. It was definitely the touch of a living person.

“Hey, Jeffrey.”

“What?”

“Surprised. Are you awake?”

“I’m awake.”

“That’s strange. Why are your eyes open like that?”

“……”

This time, Jeffrey didn’t answer.

Keter recalled that Jeffrey had stopped fighting upon his command.

“Are you in some kind of vegetative state? Just responding to my words?”

“Yes.”

“Really? Is that so? Hehehe.”

Even though he chose it himself, Jeffrey, who fought a monster homunculus due to Keter’s provocation and had his head fly off, should have felt pity or guilt.

But Keter, with a mischievous smile, said:

“The incredible regenerative ability you showed during the fight, is that a special power?”

“No. It’s a blessing bestowed upon our Immortal Knights.”

“A blessing? Does Eslow protect you?”

“No. It’s a blessing tied to the name ‘Immortal Knights.’ Centuries of history, battles, and the will imprinted on the world. If we, the Immortal Knights, truly believe and follow it, we receive the blessing of immortality.”

“So, all Immortal Knights, including you, can survive even if their heads are cut off?”

“Not exactly. The speed and extent of regeneration depend on the strength of belief. Those with weak belief can only regenerate a finger.”

“Hoho… So, the blessing is essentially a special power tied to the name itself.”

“Yes.”

Keter had prided himself on knowing quite a bit about the world’s “secrets.”

But now, he learned something new.

‘Interesting, very interesting. A special power tied to the name itself. Naming is important, huh?’

For example, could the Silver Knight Order of Sephira gain such a power?

Keter thought it unlikely.

‘Silver Knight Order.’ The name is cool, but how would one interpret ‘silver’ to attach a special power? It’s too vague.’

On the other hand, the Immortal Knights had a clear meaning and intent.

‘I should keep this in mind for later.’

He might not have a reason to create an organization or faction, but Keter always remembered useful information.

“Ugh……”

At that moment, Jeffrey, who had been standing like a statue, began to sway. It was clear he was regaining consciousness.

Keter realized there was still time for one last question.

Jeffrey, a close aide to Lord Eslow. He must possess a lot of high-level information.

Currently, he’s in a vegetative state. If he answers all questions now, perhaps some crucial information could be extracted.

For example, Eslow’s weaknesses.

Without hesitation, Keter asked the final question.

“Tell me about your first love.”

“The first time I met her……”

The story of Jeffrey’s first love, which he had never revealed to anyone and wished to keep hidden forever, was thus brought into the world.

* * *

Upon returning to the Tremond Hotel where the group was staying, Keter was interrogated.

“Keter… You even went as far as kidnapping. Who is this kid?!”

As Taragon pointed at Homunculus Unit 3 and scolded him, Keter spoke seriously.

“He’s my hidden child.”

“What?! Why are you bringing him now?!”

Thud!

As Taragon made a gesture of genuine belief, Anis smacked him.

“His hair and eye color are completely different. Is he even human…? Keter?”

Keter, with his keen eye and experience with strange things, immediately recognized that the homunculus wasn’t human, but for most, it would be hard to tell.

Even now.

If its core hadn’t been destroyed, causing stiff movements, anyone would have thought Unit 3 was a human boy.

The texture of its skin, body temperature, and hair were all human-like. It even drooled and breathed. Its body seemed human.

Of course, upon closer inspection, it’s clear it’s not human. It has no pulse, doesn’t blink, and has no body odor.

“It seems human, but it’s not.”

As Catherine, who was tending to the immobile Unit 3, spoke, Mail sighed.

“Keter. What exactly happened? Explain it to us. Only then can we understand.”

“I can’t explain due to the secret agreement.”

“Then just tell us this one thing. It’s not dangerous, right?”

“Probably?”

“That’s a reassuring answer.”

“Don’t worry, brother. He’s not dangerous. Hmm…”

After a brief pause, Keter scratched his cheek and said.

“Probably.”

“Fine. But we can’t keep someone of unknown identity by our side. The next room is empty, so we’ll move him there. Understand?”

“Sure, brother. Do as you please.”

Mail shook his head and looked at the boy Keter had brought.

“What’s this child’s name?”

“Name?”

At the mention of a name, Unit 3, who had been lifeless, slightly raised its head in response.

It had no name. Keter had to give it one.

‘Its hair is sky blue, so Blue… Wait, hold on.’

Having just learned the importance of names through the Immortal Knights, Keter decided to put more thought into naming it.

Of course, he didn’t ponder for long. He just came up with a name that sounded decent.

“Decameron.”

Keter stood up from his chair and looked down at Unit 3, repeating the name.

“From now on, your name is Decameron.”