Chapter 202

Chapter 203. The Public Enemy (2)

Unity.

Undoubtedly, it is the most unfamiliar word in Ruquer. But look at the faces of those surrounding the Infinite Bank.

Among the five major powers on the surface, four have gathered.

The ‘Black Forest Path,’ which practices cannibalism, human experimentation, and human sacrifice.

The ‘Sandmen,’ voluntary beggars who live as idlers.

The ‘Mage Thieves,’ a group of talentless but malice-filled trash.

The ‘Red Eye Gang,’ led by Marhan, one of the four madmen.

Though the Mercenary Guild is absent, the important thing is that these groups, who would normally inquire about each other’s parents’ well-being upon meeting, are maintaining a safe distance and not fighting. It was truly a spectacle.

The branch manager of the Infinite Bank climbed to the rooftop of the bank building to assess the situation and soon swallowed a sigh.

“This is unexpected.”

Those who followed the manager also nodded in agreement. The trash of Ruquer had united to attack the Infinite Bank.

Until now, the Infinite Bank had been able to defend itself smoothly in Ruquer thanks to the ‘Ruquer-style physiology,’ where if one major power moved, another would stab them in the back.

But now, with four major powers gathered, who would stab them in the back?

“Those bastards aren’t using what’s on their shoulders as decoration. I don’t know what wind blew them here, but Manager, this is quite a crisis, isn’t it?”

Even with thousands of Ruquerians, at least Aura users, surrounding them, Keter was not afraid and instead boasted about having the upper hand in negotiations.

“Hmm…”

The branch manager tapped his foot, deep in thought. Ruquerians have no patience. He couldn’t ponder for long, not knowing when they might attack.

He quickly calculated whether, with Keter and the mercenaries’ help, he could protect the Infinite Bank.

“Branch Manager Keter. Can you promise to do your best to protect the bank?”

The manager asked Keter if he would take responsibility as the branch manager of the Mercenary Guild, not as a Solver.

Keter nodded without a moment’s hesitation.

“If they know I’m here, half of them will run away.”

Stella also chimed in.

“Keter’s reputation is impressive, but wouldn’t the fact that I, the leader of the White Lotus Society, am here be more effective? Don’t you think so, Manager?”

Both had reasons for their confidence. Just as the manager was about to make his final decision…

“Hey, Manager of the Infinite Bank! We can see you watching us from the rooftop!”

The Sandmen’s executive, who counts the days he hasn’t washed as experience, shouted towards the bank.

It seemed like yellow smoke came out of his mouth every time he spoke, as if he hadn’t washed in years.

“Cut the long talk! Leave everything, including your mouth, and come out with just your body! We promise to kill you painlessly!”

It was a very Ruquerian announcement, not even pretending to spare anyone.

The Infinite Bank manager sighed deeply upon seeing the Sandmen. He wasn’t afraid of being hacked to death by a sword, but the sight of the Sandmen, dirtier than sewage, was nauseating.

“I can’t delay the decision any longer. I…”

Feeling contaminated just by the Sandmen’s presence, the manager decided to end his deliberation and make a choice.

Just as he was about to decide whether to join hands with Keter or Stella, a shout came from the Red Eye Gang.

“Keter! Today is your death anniversary. I, Katarak, will pluck your eyes out on behalf of Lord Marhan!”

Hearing this, the manager’s gaze towards Keter changed.

“It seems their target isn’t the Infinite Bank, but you, Keter.”

The manager’s words were sharp. He had thought all major powers were targeting the Infinite Bank, but now realized one had come for Keter.

This meant Keter had dragged the Infinite Bank into his mess.

“Damn it. This is how it turned out.”

If they weren’t fighting for the Infinite Bank but just fighting, there was no reason for the bank to bend.

Stella smiled confidently. It was a beautiful smile that could charm any man, but to Keter, it was just an annoying grin.

“In that case, Manager, you’ll have to rely on me, right?”

As soon as she spoke, a voice came from the Mage Thieves’ camp.

“Stella, leader of the White Lotus Society’s Red Division! We know you’re there! Come out quietly and become our captive. We promise not to harm a hair on your body and protect you to the end!”

Stella’s delicate brow furrowed. She glared at the Mage Thief who mentioned her name and muttered.

“How dare a crushed grasshopper-like creature utter my name? Only my father and Keter are allowed to call me by name.”

Regardless of Stella’s anger, the manager’s expression also changed.

“Haha, it seems we’ve all fallen into a trap.”

All the major powers gathered here had their own goals.

Plundering the Infinite Bank.

Keter’s death.

Securing Stella.

Coincidentally, all could be handled at once. Right now, with Keter and Stella visiting the Infinite Bank simultaneously.

* * *

The Grand Duke’s absence meant the absence of the White Lotus Society, the organization he belonged to. This was something that couldn’t be hidden.

The three divisions of the White Lotus Society—Red Division, Blue Blood Division, and Black Cloud Division—had all withdrawn from the surface cities.

This confirmed everyone’s belief: Grand Duke Alkione had abandoned maintaining order in Ruquer.

From then on, the leaders of the major powers began a war to seize the now-vacant position of the Grand Duke, but at the same time, they secretly met and negotiated.

The negotiations were surprisingly smooth, with everyone in agreement.

First, they would cooperate to eliminate the Solver, Keter.

Second, they would cooperate to secure the custody of the Grand Duke’s daughter, Stella.

Third, they would seal all entrances to the underground labyrinth.

They boasted that the only reason they hadn’t killed Keter until now was because of the Grand Duke, and with him gone, there was no need to hold back.

Securing Stella was a precaution. If the Grand Duke or the White Lotus Society returned, their control over Ruquer would be meaningless.

Coincidentally, there was information that Stella remained in Ruquer, so they agreed to kidnap her if the opportunity arose, to use as a bargaining chip with the Grand Duke.

Sealing the entrances to the underground labyrinth was a point of contention. The Black Forest Path insisted on sealing them first.

“The labyrinth’s influence is beginning to affect the surface. With the Grand Duke gone, it’s accelerating. We must seal the entrances as soon as possible.”

The black mist flowing from the labyrinth beneath the city creates monsters. Even Masters cannot let their guard down against these unprecedented monsters.

Fighting in the labyrinth has meaning because of the treasures there, but fighting monsters that emerge to the surface is meaningless.

“But the labyrinth is ultimately a place we must conquer someday. If we seal it out of annoyance, it will only cause more trouble later.”

“Some of our members have gone down to the labyrinth. We can’t prevent them from returning.”

“Surface matters come first. Besides, the missing Grand Duke must have gone down to the labyrinth. Sealing it is beneficial in many ways.”

Opinions were divided, and no agreement was reached on this matter.

Regardless, they kept a close eye on Keter and Stella’s movements.

As soon as they saw Stella visiting the Infinite Bank, they mobilized their forces.

When news spread that Keter had also entered the Infinite Bank, even the hesitant ones gathered, quickly amassing thousands.

With this, they could eliminate both troublemakers at once and, as a bonus, plunder the Infinite Bank.

Meanwhile, Keter and Stella were unaware of these circumstances, but they knew one thing.

‘They’re serious.’

Though the leaders of each organization didn’t come, several executives and hundreds of members were mobilized. It wasn’t an all-out war, but it was far from a casual probe.

Keter was angry when he saw the gathered crowd.

“Disappointing. You think you can catch me with just this? Numbers mean nothing without the leaders.”

Stella also drew her whip and tightened it, saying,

“My father said the White Lotus Society would no longer interfere in Ruquer, but I must fight for my pride as the leader of the Red Division.”

“Then I’ll step back.”

“…?!”

“I can fight after the Infinite Bank is plundered.”

“Now that you mention it, that makes sense. I should do the same.”

Keter and Stella, who had acted like they would fight together, now stepped back, leaving the manager in a bind.

“Can’t we overcome this crisis and negotiate again? Surely it would be more beneficial for everyone.”

“Not a chance.”

Stella didn’t even respond to the nonsense.

“Ugh.”

The manager looked back and forth between Keter and Stella, then at the approaching major powers, and made a decision.

“The price for attacking the Infinite Bank must be paid. But if we withdraw from Ruquer, we can’t repay it. Branch Manager Keter. As the manager of Ruquer, I promise to fully support the Mercenary Guild. In return, promise to ensure the safety of the Infinite Bank and revive Ruquer’s economy.”

The manager chose to stay in Ruquer and revive the economy.

Keter smirked and extended his hand.

“Fine, let’s give it a try.”

Clasp!

With the manager shaking Keter’s hand, the alliance between the Infinite Bank and the Mercenary Guild was formed.

Stella wasn’t disappointed. The White Lotus Society wouldn’t suffer even if the Infinite Bank stayed in Ruquer.

“So, what can the Infinite Bank do?”

Time was running out. Keter asked about the bank’s capabilities.

“We will summon the Giant Soldiers. Can you buy us some time, Keter?”

“Okay. Sounds reliable, whatever it is.”

Keter turned to his companions.

Maknun, Joyray, and even Six Hundred.

“Maknun and the Captain can handle themselves. Six Hundred, you need to earn your keep.”

It would be nice if Six Hundred could distinguish friend from foe, but that was wishful thinking. Giving indiscriminate attack orders didn’t sit well.

“Don’t act up and break down again. Stay by Maknun and attack those who attack me from a distance. Got it?”

“Yes. I understand. I will only attack those who attack Keter.”

This made distinguishing friend from foe easy. No complex orders were needed. It wasn’t proactive, but it helped. That was enough.

“Even so, the four of us can’t stop thousands.”

Joyray spoke coldly. If the opponents were soldiers from the outside world, overwhelming force might scare them off.

But once Ruquerians set their minds to something, they wouldn’t back down even if their comrades fell beside them. Even knowing their lives would be crushed like ants, they willingly threw themselves into the fray.

Though Keter and Joyray’s divine power reached the heavens, the Ruquerians would never stop their advance. In that case, even if they won the battle, they would lose the war.

“Master. Our boss has everything planned. Trust him.”

Daat didn’t know about Keter’s Celestial Infinity Technique, but he firmly believed there was a chance of victory since Keter was willing to fight. That’s how it had always been.

Though it seemed reckless and impulsive, Maknun, who had watched Keter for decades, knew.

Keter never started a fight he couldn’t win. He never fought assuming he would lose.

“Before we start, let’s greet them.”

Clap!

Keter clapped his hands, and in his right hand was the Demon Bow Amaranth—

In his left, the pristine white arrow ‘Baeklin,’ received from Lord Eslow, revealed its beautiful form.