Chapter 206

Episode 207. Bad News, Worse News (1)

The battlefield is filled with all kinds of noise.

But to the ears of excited humans, nothing is heard. Even if it is, it’s ignored.

However, Keter’s voice had a force that struck the ears like a drill.

“……?!”

Those who were running, fighting, and struggling to survive all looked up at Keter. He’s going to announce something important? In this situation?

A battlefield filled with corpses and blood. In a place overflowing with anger, killing intent, and hostility, is that what he’s going to say?

But it clearly worked. Even the giant soldiers of the Infinite Bank stopped moving.

Of course, that was the branch manager’s consideration. He gave Keter the right to speak. The branch manager was also curious. What on earth was Keter going to say?

“Ruquer will be taken over by our Mercenary Guild.”

Keter didn’t bother with a long-winded introduction. He went straight to the point.

“And our Mercenary Guild will appoint Joyray, a mercenary councilor, as the new Grand Duke of Ruquer.”

“……?!”

“……!”

Keter is crazy. Insane. Everyone knows that. But even if he talks nonsense, he doesn’t lie. That’s also an undeniable truth. Therefore, everything Keter just said is true.

The problem was that Joyray was hearing this for the first time.

“When did I….”

Joyray was about to cut Keter off in disbelief, but Daat quickly stopped him.

“Master. Let’s watch for now.”

Unlike others, Daat is Joyray’s only disciple. Joyray couldn’t just ignore him, so he hesitated for a moment.

It was just a split second, but that was enough. Since Joyray, the person in question, didn’t refute it, everyone accepted it.

‘Keter’s words are true!’

Joyray, the mercenary councilor, is really aiming for the position of Grand Duke. With the Solver Keter and the Mercenary Guild backing him!

But it’s ridiculous.

The Mercenary Guild is indeed a major force in Ruquer, but it’s not a force with outstanding military power. It might be able to take on one organization, but not two at the same time.

And yet, the Mercenary Guild is going to take over Ruquer and rise to the position of Grand Duke. That’s like saying they’ll subjugate the other four major organizations alone.

Is that even possible? No matter how many mercenaries there are, or even if Joyray is a mercenary councilor.

As everyone began to raise questions and doubts, Keter poured cold water on them.

“If you have eyes, you’ll see. If your head isn’t just for decoration, you’ll see who’s here right now. Do you think this is all a coincidence?”

Why did the four major organizations, who don’t usually get along, unite to attack the Infinite Bank? Because their common enemy happened to gather in one place.

Keter, Stella, and the Infinite Bank. A perfect opportunity to take them all out at once appeared right before their eyes.

But what if it wasn’t a coincidence?

“W-wait, are you saying this was all a trap?!”

“It wasn’t a coincidence that we all gathered here?!”

Keter, Stella, and the Infinite Bank branch manager being in the same place was all a coincidence, but Keter subtly hinted that it wasn’t.

“Were we the ones who fell into the trap?!”

Stimulated by Keter’s provocative statement, they fell for it without hesitation.

They had no choice. Thinking that way, the reason for their defeat made sense.

It’s easier to accept that they lost because they fell into the opponent’s trap rather than because the opponent was overwhelmingly stronger.

Keter continued speaking, not giving them time to think.

“You have two choices. Either oppose our alliance, or join us.”

The alliance between the Mercenary Guild and the Infinite Bank. On top of that, Stella, the daughter of the Grand Duke, is also with them.

What does this mean? Doesn’t it mean that even the White Lotus Society implicitly agrees that Joyray will become the Grand Duke!

Keter subtly observed Stella’s movements. Bringing Stella in was a no-lose gamble. It didn’t matter if she refused, but it would be great if she agreed.

But Stella accepted. She silently cooperated with Keter’s act.

‘It’s not because of me… it’s more like she doesn’t care.’

The Infinite Bank branch manager seemed indifferent. After all, it was true that they had formed an alliance with the Mercenary Guild.

Clap clap!

Keter clapped his hands to gather attention and then aimed Milky Way at the crowd.

“10 seconds. I’ll shoot the one closest to me.”

“……!”

At Keter’s words, giving them a chance to back off, would the people of Ruquer just obediently retreat?

Thud thud thud!

They gladly backed off. Even those with crippled legs crawled away as fast as they could. Life is precious, but if they die, they can’t even seek revenge.

Of course, they were angry at Keter’s arrogant statement. They really wanted to stab that smug face.

If there was even a 0.1% chance of success, they wouldn’t run away, but look at the current situation.

The Infinite Bank’s giant soldiers are blocking the way. There’s no way to break through.

Even if they somehow ignore the giant soldiers and get through, Keter and Joyray are standing there. Stella hasn’t even stepped forward.

There’s not even a 0.1% chance.

Only certain death awaits.

They don’t fear death, but they don’t want to die like dogs.

And so, the members of the four major organizations retreated like the tide. This time, they didn’t argue among themselves.

“10 seconds are up.”

True to his word, Keter shot Milky Way at the Ruquerian closest to him.

The power was less than 10% of what he had shown before, but since the target was already on the verge of death, it didn’t matter.

He died cleanly without leaving a corpse, which was a good death for a Ruquerian.

* * *

“We’ve been had by the scammer brothers.”

Joyray, who had come down to the ground, crossed his arms and spoke to Keter. With a look that demanded an explanation, Keter smirked.

“You’re pretending not to like it, but you do.”

“Are you serious?”

“You’re not the type to force yourself to do something you don’t want to do, Captain.”

“Don’t make impulsive statements sound like they were planned.”

“So, you’re not going to do it? Grand Duke.”

“…….”

As Keter said, Joyray isn’t soft enough to force himself to do something he doesn’t want to do. He definitely has the ‘desire’ to become the Grand Duke.

But there’s more than one or two things bothering him.

Glance.

Joyray openly looked at Stella. Stella didn’t avoid his gaze and smiled slightly as she spoke.

“As I said earlier, the White Lotus Society will no longer interfere in Ruquer. So, no matter who becomes the Grand Duke, we don’t care.”

“But the other Ruquerians won’t think that way.”

“That’s their delusion. I don’t see any reason to correct it.”

“Should I say thank you, or… ugh.”

If it was a prearranged statement, it would be one thing, but Joyray was having a headache over Keter’s bombastic statement.

“Do you have a chance, Keter? Even with the Infinite Bank’s cooperation. I don’t think these money-grubbers will actively help.”

The money-grubber branch manager was right in front of him, but Joyray spoke his mind.

“I don’t have high expectations for the Infinite Bank either. But the others won’t think that way.”

Thousands of mercenaries, led by the Infinite Bank’s giant soldiers, attack the four major organizations.

Of course, Keter and Joyray, who know the nature of the Infinite Bank, know that the Infinite Bank won’t help that actively, but the four major organizations, unaware of that fact, will definitely be nervous about the appearance of the giant soldiers.

“Besides, I’m here.”

At Keter’s words, as if telling him to trust only himself, Joyray was speechless.

“You said you were leaving?”

“If only you, Captain, keep your mouth shut, no one will know.”

“The branch manager and Stella heard it too.”

“They’re not the type to have loose lips.”

As Keter winked, Joyray waved his hand and said.

“So, in the end, you’re saying I have to do everything on my own. You’re just buying time.”

“You’ll have to put in some effort, Captain, but I have a plan too.”

“A plan you just came up with is really reliable, huh?”

“It’s not just me and the Infinite Bank who want to restore Ruquer. Recruit them. Especially the Beastmen, they’ll come over right away.”

Speaking of Beastmen, Keter suddenly remembered them.

The Birang Tribe that stayed in Hakoz Village in Ruquer.

Daat, understanding Keter’s thoughts, said.

“The Birang Tribe you sent is adapting well. I have an acquaintance in the Beastmen Alliance, so it was easy.”

“Captain. As you heard, we have connections with the Beastmen, so use that well. If you get the Beastmen to join first, the other minor forces who are watching will join on their own.”

“Even if that’s possible, I don’t think they’ll be easy to control.”

“If you try to use them on the frontlines, they’ll resist. But if you recruit them as mercenaries, it might turn out quite well.”

“Beastmen as mercenaries?”

“Is there a problem?”

“…Not really.”

“So, do you still think there’s no chance?”

“Hmm…….”

Joyray stroked his chin in thought, then extended a finger.

“If you stay in Ruquer for just one week and help me…….”

Keter shook his head as he folded Joyray’s finger.

“Let go of your attachment.”

“Says the one who created the attachment.”

“You, who have Authority, are being dramatic.”

“…That arrow that caused the massive explosion earlier, and now this, what exactly are you? Keter, you’re definitely the Keter I know, but you also seem different.”

“A charming man always has many secrets.”

“You’re just trying to brush it off.”

Joyray grumbled, but he didn’t press further.

“Captain. Let’s part ways here. I’ve done all I need to do. Take good care of the Mercenary Guild.”

“The branch manager isn’t even going to the Mercenary Guild?”

“Wouldn’t that be more helpful?”

“…Maybe.”

Joyray somehow found that convincing. But perhaps because there were still many regrets, he couldn’t easily leave.

“When will you come back?”

“I won’t come back because I miss you. But I don’t think this moment is the last with you, Captain. It feels that way.”

“Is that so?”

He won’t return to Ruquer of his own will. But it feels like they’ll meet again.

At Keter’s words, Joyray somehow agreed.

“Alright, I’m off. See you next time, you damn brat.”

“Take care, Captain.”

“Daat. You’re going out into the world before me. If you tarnish the name of the Aura Blade, I won’t let it slide.”

“Ahaha, of course, Master.”

After saying goodbye to Daat, Joyray left. The branch manager had already left, and now only Stella remained.

“Keter.”

Feeling the moisture in her tone, Keter held out his palm and said.

“As a reward for staying still, I’ll listen to just one word.”

“I’ll wait.”

“Okay, done. Let’s go, Maknun, Six Hundred.”

Keter really only listened to one word and then left.

Left alone, Stella sadly finished the words she couldn’t say.

“If not in this life, then in the next…….”

* * *

Returning to the Solver’s office, Keter took a deep breath.

“Huuuuum, I won’t be able to smell this familiar stench for a long time.”

“How are you, are you okay?”

At the question filled with many meanings, Keter stroked the back of the chair he liked to sit in and said.

“Not okay. But that’s life, right?”

“Then I have some good news, want to hear it?”

“The only one who can soothe my gloomy heart is you, Maknun. So, what’s the news?”

“Last time, you told me to clean up the office, right? A lot of money came out, what do you think I did with it?”

“Our smart Maknun would have used it in a very meaningful way.”

“Hehehe.”

Maknun’s lips curled up.

“Last time you were here, you said next time we’ll go out into the world together. Do you know what I thought of first? What’s easy to get in Ruquer but expensive to sell outside. Something I can carry as much as possible.”

“You rascal, don’t tell me?”

“Yes. Before Ruquer’s market collapsed, I even emptied my own pockets.”

Jingle.

Taking out a key from his pocket, Maknun opened the elevator door leading to the underground of the tower and said.

“I’ll take you to the treasure vault, Brother.”