Chapter 16

“This way, everyone.”

Saying that, the automaton was guiding us—no, not just the two of us but three—down the inner corridors of the Adventurer’s Guild.

The automaton led the way while Kay, dressed in dark garments that clung tightly to his body as if to protect us, walked a step behind, his presence steady like a guardian.

“But Kay, aren’t you following too?”

“Yeah, those guys lately don’t sit well with me.”

Kay’s gaze sharpened as he said this. He must have been referring to the Guildmaster, I presumed.

“Hm, so you’re here to protect us?”

“Hmph. I merely wish to challenge my rival fairly. Don’t misconstrue my intentions.”

“Is that so?”

“…That’s what I said, isn’t it?”

Though his lips moved with those words, his inner agitation was clearly evident in his less-than-composed attitude.

In reality, even in the AOE game, Kai’s Karma had been on the same level as Lianna’s.

As we continued our conversation, the automaton soon paused in front of a lavish door and, knocking politely, she spoke toward the room.

“Guildmaster, I’ve brought three guests.”

“Three? Didn’t I only ask for two?”

“Mr. Kai is also present.”

“Huh? That guy? Hmm… let them in.”

“Understood, Guildmaster.”

After concluding the conversation, the automaton turned to us and bowed again.

“I’ll open the door, then.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

The door slowly opened, and at the same time, the bright light from within the room spilled out into the corridor. The automaton stepped back from the entrance, allowing us to pass.

As we moved past her and entered the room where the Guildmaster awaited, the door quietly closed behind us. A rather casual voice then drifted from within the room.

“Yo—Lianna, and that guy…is that Edu? Yeah, Edu, right?”

“Yes, Guildmaster.”

Though the figure was obscured by the light behind him, I could still feel the gaze directed our way. Unlike others, it was an extremely unpleasant sensation, akin to being brushed by leeches.

“Ah, so that’s the golden newcomer to our guild… Wow, you’re really just a kid, huh?”

“Yet a capable one.”

“Kai… Why did you intervene without being called?—Meh, never mind.”

The creaking sound of a chair being pushed back was heard, and finally, a figure emerged from the light. He gracefully settled onto the lavish sofa placed before the desk.

Just at that moment, sunlight outside was obscured by clouds as if the environment had shifted, and the man’s face gradually revealed itself.

A disheveled mess of jet black hair stood out, along with scruff on his chin, creating an extremely ordinary appearance. However, his casual expression exuded the characteristic ease of someone in power.

Moreover, consistent with the AOE setting’s depiction, his wasteful tendencies seemed to match reality—the extravagant and flashy clothing, adorned unnecessarily, mirrored the appearance of nobles from fantasy novels.

“So, that’s what he looks like.”

Gyeojeok Fes, the Guildmaster of this adventurer guild.

And this guy was the one colluding with higher-ups in the Mainland to provoke discord between the Academy and the Adventurer’s Guild.

In short, he was the bad guy.

“Well, introductions are in order, right? My name is Gyeojeok Fes, and I’m the head of this guild.”

He delivered the casual introduction, and his gestures oddly seemed self-aggrandizing—there was no mistaking that.

“So, shall we take a seat?”

“Yes, Guildmaster.”

Responding officially, Lianna lifted me up and settled me on the sofa before herself, positioning herself on the side facing Gyeojeok as if to guard me.

“Lianna? Sitting that way, I can’t see Edu?”

“Is it absolutely necessary to do so?”

“Hm, a conversation should ideally happen face-to-face…”

The conversation was abruptly cut off by Kay forcibly sitting on the opposite couch with a thud, and as his cold gaze focused on him, Gyeojeok closed his mouth.

“C’mon, Kay, sit lightly. That’s expensive, you know?”

“Cut the unnecessary chatter and get to the point, Guildmaster. We’re busy people.”

“…Tch.”

Gyeojeok clicked his tongue in irritation at Kay’s reprimand. Although clearly upset, he slowly proceeded to speak, perhaps either because the point was reasonable or out of respect for my presence.

“Lianna, and Edu. I called you both here to commend your efforts. It’s a big thing you’ve accomplished.”

“…Are you referring to the Blood Wind Gorge incident?”

“Yes, that’s it!”

Clapping his hands together in apparent mirth, Gyeojeok smiled, causing my brows to furrow involuntarily at his insincere manner.

“Man, I was really amazed when I heard the report. I mean, sure, Lianna might be capable, but an unknown newcomer going to that Blood Wind Gorge and somehow wiping out the surging fallen ones? Honestly, that sounds implausible.”

“That’s no ordinary feat.”

Nodding in agreement, Kay spoke up.

“You’re right? But seeing as it was what Lianna said, I decided to believe her and investigate it once. And guess what? It turned out to be true! It’s like magic happened or something—”

Clapping his hands again while giggling, his actions failed to come across as genuine due to his dark intentions.

“So, what do you plan to give these two?”

“Wait a bit, Kay, I was just about to say.”

Glaring pointedly and signaling Kay not to interrupt, Gyeojeck continued.

“So, Lianna, Edu. First off, as you proposed, we plan to refurbish and overhaul the Blood Wind Gorge and operate it as the main base for adventurers.

“Good news.”

“Yeah, and naturally, part of the proceeds will go to you both. The contract will be sent separately later, so…who should we send it to?”

At Gyeojeck’s question, Lianna turned to look at me, and I nodded, indicating I trusted her to handle it.

“Well, to me then.”

“Alright, got it. So, that clears one thing. Actually, what’s coming next is the important part—”

Prolonging his words, even through Lianna’s obstruction, Gyeojeck’s gaze seemed directed toward me.

“Edu, I want to make you an offer.”

“What kind of offer, Guildmaster?”

“Haha, it’s not a bad proposition, I assure you. This is something I came across by chance… Edu, are you an Awakened individual, specifically with summoning abilities?”

Inquiring subtly, Gyeojeck prodded.

However, given that I already knew their eyes and ears were scattered throughout the Mainland and Outlands, I had anticipated such a question.

Just before I was about to answer without concern, a hand reached toward me—it was Kay.

“Hey, Guildmaster, don’t pry too much into personal information. Has the guild forgotten its principle of only dealing with results?”

“Ugh, I haven’t…”

Frustrated again at being interrupted, Gyeojeck complained, though perhaps thanks to Kay’s intervention, he did not press further into my abilities.

“It’s for a reason, you know. We’ve also recently been granted the authority to train Awakened individuals.”

“Authority to train Awakened individuals?”

“Indeed. Before, Awakened individuals were required to attend the Academy, right? But that’s no longer necessary.”

Gyeojeck’s gaze focused on me while saying this, but I was startled.

“Can it be that the guild already obtained that authority?”

The authority to train Awakened individuals—since the founding of the Mainland, this right and responsibility had always been exclusively granted to the Academy. Amidst the waning influence of the Academy, it was something they desperately clung to, their very identity.

Thus, it was a sensitive topic, and much of the future discord between the Adventurer’s Guild and the Academy stemmed from this very issue.

And yet, Gyeojeck claimed they had already obtained this privilege?

Nonsense—it seemed confirmation was crucial.

“Guildmaster, did the Academy agree to what you’ve just said?”

“Huh?”

“Did the Academy also agree to granting you this authority for training Awakened individuals?”

“Haha, Edu, for someone so young, you sure ask a lot of questions.”

Speaking evasively while subtly warning against probing, Gyeojeck tried to avoid answering.

At that moment, a loud thud caused his leisurely demeanor to falter.

“Guildmaster, Edu is the principal party here. Please provide a clear explanation. Without basic trust, what ulterior motives could you be plotting?”

Lianna sharply rebuked, the impact of her usually cheerful demeanor turning sharp. Kay nodded in agreement.

“…”

Faced with both their gazes, Gyeojeck swallowed nervously before finally sighing and reluctantly explained.

“Well, it’s just that… The Academy’s influence is declining, and it’s time we take their place. So we’re preparing ahead of time—”

“That’s enough.”

Resolutely cutting Gyeojeck off, Kay’s face revealed not just irritation but outright anger.

“What nonsense are you spewing in front of a child? Indulging in power games is your freedom, but know your place.”

“Hmph… Anyway, Kay, if you keep interrupting, why don’t you leave? This meeting is supposed to be with these two.”

The tension grew between them.

Just then, a knock on the door interrupted, followed by the familiar voice of the automaton.

“Guildmaster, it’s almost time.”

“Che, leave already, I know!”

“Understood.”

Releasing his frustration on the innocent automaton, Gyeojeck’s behavior was anything but dignified.

“Anyway, Lianna, Edu, with the journalists gathered, we will soon be commending and honoring your achievements, so don’t make any mistakes.”

“Yes, Guildmaster.”

“Understood.”

“Good, then everyone leave.”

Waving his hand dismissively, Gyeojeck sent us off. Lianna first bowed towards him and, as she lifted me, Kay followed suit in leaving the room.

Conversely, the meeting concluded much more smoothly than expected. But that wasn’t the way someone like him worked, letting go so willingly without exploiting…

Considering that, Kay closed the door with a resounding thud.

“Huff…”

Lianna exhaled a long sigh, while Kay frowned, shaking his head in silent disapproval.

“Great job, Edu.”

“Not at all, the two of you worked much harder.”

“No, let me apologize instead.”

Saying this, Kay extended his hand and gently ruffled my hair, revealing a broader, warmer touch than I had expected.

“It’s not Kay’s fault.”

“No, it’s our fault for not noticing earlier. He wasn’t this broken before…”

Recalling the past perhaps, Kay deeply sighed, gazing upward at the sky beyond the window. The memory of that period in the AOE character settings surfaced—the idea that he wasn’t always so corrupt but became this way after succumbing to the allure of power.

Ultimately, to me, he was simply antagonist number one. No sympathy needed.

“Shall we go to the waiting room then?”

“That seems like a good idea.”

As the two conversed, a light headache began to throb, accompanied by a sensation like static noise intruding my thoughts.

Of course, it wasn’t unexpected.

“Hey, kid.”

A brusque voice resounded clearly within my mind—Gyeojeck’s.

This was Gyeojeck’s ability—Telepathy.

A useful skill that allows mental communication with anyone whose face you’ve seen at least once.

While it had certain drawbacks, like range limitations and being defenseless while using it, it could be invaluable if used wisely. Unfortunately, this man had only employed it to serve his selfish purposes.

Thus, as expected, I took a small breath and prepared to perform my act.

“Huh? Is that you, Guildmaster? What is all this…?”

“It’s my ability. You don’t need to know more. Anyway, I have something to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Since you’ll soon be attending the Academy, find out their curriculum and relay it to us.”

Unilateral commands and orders. The tone implied as if I’d already become his subordinate, which stirred a slight agitation within me. Yet, I maintained a harmless acting of a child.

“Um? Why…?”

“I already told you—it’s because we’re also going to train Awakened individuals now. Don’t ask unnecessary questions, kid, just do as you’re told.”

“Okay.”

“You’re special because I think you have potential, so I’m assigning you this task. And don’t tell anyone about our earlier conversation. Got it?”

And with that, he abruptly cut off the telepathic connection. The headache and static disappeared shortly after, but a wave of irritation swept over me.

This person, having been flattered with the slightest consideration, reveals his true colors and starts using me like a subordinate already.

Moreover, with no regard for the fact that I’m only a child, forcing his will onto me strongly and attempting to use me as he pleases—it’s truly frustrating.

“Seems like this is how he operates…”

But for now, head-on confrontation with the Mainland’s privileged class would only put me at an unfair disadvantage, having no support within the Mainland.

So, I contemplated. Could I creatively manipulate and undermine Gyeojeck while avoiding open conflict? One method came to mind.

Yes, this method would work. Although it might bruise my pride a little bit, it’s not acceptable to simply play along with the villain’s whims.

“Edu? Is something wrong?”

Had my expression leaked? Lianna queried, genuinely concerned. Kay added his inquiry, observing me.

“Did the Guildmaster do something? To clarify late, he is a non-combat Awakened capable of speaking into one’s mind, Edu.”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I wasn’t lying, after all. For the bad guy to be acting badly, it is, in a sense, nothing unusual.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

As Kay scrutinized my face carefully,

“Hmm, your expression seems like you’re plotting something…”

“Not at all.”

I responded as innocently as possible. After all, he started it first—if he wants to play, let him come.

“More importantly, I’m looking forward to the reward from the Guild.”

“Are you?”

“Yes, really.”

Yeah, really.

—

*Note: The last segment may not fully reflect every nuance due to the complexity of the provided text.*