Chapter 212

King Highpion had gathered everyone in the room into one spot.

Listening closely to King Highpion’s tone, it seemed like the people present were all on a similar level to him.

So I checked the memories of Polaris and Kannna. I saw outfits from other countries. Among them were diplomats, royalty, and even kings.

In other words, this was a gathering filled with leaders from other nations.

An international conference?

Is he about to introduce me?

While I was thinking that, Highpion called over a soldier he had prepared.

Then an older middle-aged man walked in wearing a uniform covered in medals. There were two striking things about him.

First, his right sleeve flapped in the wind—meaning there was no arm inside. And his face bore a long, jagged scar, with one eye completely sealed over from an old wound.

He stood before the king and greeted him, then Highpion came over to me while keeping this man standing there.

“Bell. Heal him.”

“Yes, understood.”

So I approached this guy. He looked at me with confusion, clearly not knowing who I was.

Even if Highpion hadn’t explained anything about me, doesn’t he watch TV? I’ve been on quite a few times, yet he seemed clueless.

Well, some people just don’t keep up with current events. As the harvest system grows more common, I began reciting the contract.

“I’m offering myself to you. In return, when you complete everything, I’ll take everything you have. How does that sound?”

The man glanced at Highpion with a “is this legit?” look, but Highpion nodded seriously.

However, that seriousness wasn’t trust in me—it was more calculating, coldly evaluating how useful I might be.

Yeah, good to know.

When buying something, you gotta check its performance carefully.

“Alright, I agree. Is that how we do it?”

He agreed. I pushed myself into his light.

Huh? Something’s blocking it…

But it was just a thin bubble that popped easily with a little force. The light turned properly purple.

Suddenly, his whole body swelled and stiffened like stone.

Then, like cracking pottery, his body shattered to reveal pristine white skin underneath. His hair had also turned purple, though nobody here seemed to notice.

Instead, everyone was fixated on his eyes.

His newly regenerated irises drew a lot of attention.

On the contrary, he was fumbling with his newly regrown arm, which had been crudely stitched back together.

He lost his arm fighting a dragon that used curses. After that, he tried everything to get it back, but the lingering curse prevented proper healing.

Also, he’d given up on his eye long ago since it was too damaged. Such sensitive areas rarely respond well to healing magic, so he didn’t expect much.

There was also a memory of rejecting treatment due to fears of shock death during regeneration.

The difference between parts he could regenerate and those he couldn’t was significant.

Still, curses…

I encountered something similar when entering Choseol’s body. That time, it was remnants left by Daegon—but I could handle it.

Turns out dragon curses aren’t that tough either. Though, compared to whatever Daegon did, they’re pretty weak. Yeah.

Hount, the man’s name, stood there dumbfounded, touching his new eye and arm.

Highpion took the opportunity to hype him up.

“The arm of Dragon Slayer Viscount Philios was cursed by a dragon. Yet this person’s power can break such curses and regenerate lost limbs.”

The audience murmured in awe.

But then Highpion pivoted.

“But miracles have their limits.”

Highpion explained what happens when someone becomes part of the harvesting system—the limits, the changes in appearance: hair turning purple, skin becoming pale or blue if severely injured. Also, once healed, you can’t be healed again.

Each person gets only one miracle of regeneration. However, as long as they’re alive—even in a coma—they can still be healed.

Though described as a miracle, Highpion subtly hinted it wasn’t actually one. He emphasized human limitations, saying miracles don’t happen often, and officially labeled me as a psychic ability user.

He added that any injury or illness can be healed once.

The foreigners’ gazes had already changed long ago—filled with longing and desire.

Truly magnificent.

No one here would fail to understand what my abilities imply.

Yet, there’s one crucial detail he hasn’t mentioned.

The royal family already knows…

If I turn someone into a harvester, I can heal the disease of aging once.

Of course, since harvesters live twice as long, their actual lifespan remains about the same. Actually, those who become harvesters later in life tend to live longer.

But the ratio of healthy years is similar, so honestly, it’s basically the same.

In the first world, I gained lots of experience. Back then, just reciting the contract would fill me up.

From now on, I won’t do that carelessly…

At least not without extreme caution.

One contradiction, and trust is shattered forever.

That’s fatal for someone like me who takes warmth through contracts.

Now I understand why demons are known for keeping their word when selling non-existent trust…

Who would contract with someone who drags souls to hell and doesn’t grant wishes?

If I were a demon, I’d definitely ensure that whatever someone gets from me is reliable. Otherwise, no one would contract at all.

Thus, I serve as a launchpad for the harvesting system, doing exactly what Highpion asks—greeting when told, standing still when ordered.

All to build credibility. To gain the trust that I’ll grant wishes when asked.

To anyone watching, I’m merely an incredible healing tool owned by King Highpion.

And it must appear that King Highpion is using this tool to sell healing.

Judging by his actions so far, this promotion seems aimed at Aurora. Blue skin is unusual…

But if it’s framed as a side effect of miraculous healing, perceptions will shift.

Of course, that’s not all…

Highpion will use every advantage. He seems like the type who would.

Thus, Highpion introduced me to each arriving guest, subtly encouraging them to seek help if needed.

Once introductions ended, Highpion and the foreign representatives dove into serious discussions.

Yeah…

This entire introduction was just a pre-movie advertisement.

Why I’m here, I’m not sure, but representatives from various countries convened to discuss dismantling three major corporations.

For real dismantling.

They plan to gather high-ranking officials and researchers, declare these companies enemies of the world, and execute them publicly as a spectacle.

Surprisingly, the outrage was stronger in other countries than the directly affected one.

Everyone’s furious, claiming mechanical dolls in bedrooms could secretly carry assassination orders.

It’s like having hidden assassins in your bedroom.

This shows how widespread mechanical devices have become, even in the safest places.

Had society progressed further toward a world where the common people held more power, like where I come from, these corporations would have been untouchable.

In faded memories, there’s a genre called cyberpunk.

There, corporations overpower nations. Entire cities belong to single corporations. It could have happened here too. When mechanical devices were rejected, prices rose slightly.

Ordinarily, citizens scream when prices rise and blame their leaders.

But here, most nations are monarchies where royal power outweighs market logic.

Perhaps those corporations assumed other countries would welcome them despite misdeeds in one nation. But international ties proved stronger.

These companies weren’t just labeled as terrorists but as public enemies.

Surprisingly, the meeting didn’t end there.

A discussion opened on improving the mechanical device industry instead of eliminating it entirely, citing the vast infrastructure built upon it.

Its collapse would be dangerous, as its negative impact already affects markets, making urgent action necessary.

Hmm…

Is it really that serious?

Yet, no one here debated whether the problem existed.

It seems everyone had already confirmed the facts.

Those present only discussed how to address the issue.

At least they’re trying to solve problems…

But why hold an international conference?

Wouldn’t it be better for each nation to advance independently?

Just as I thought that, the phrase “isolation equals extinction” shone brightly among many influential figures.

Oh?

Apparently, progress through cooperation and shared development is faster than isolated, closed-off advancement.

Connected regions allow capital to flow and maintain balance through mutual checks.

And nations outside this network are treated as virtual enemies in the diplomatic agreements being formed here.

Then wouldn’t larger nations simply absorb the companies for technological advancement?

No, because that nation would become the scapegoat for all potential future incidents. They’d be accused of planting assassins in royal bedrooms.

Ah. Now I see.

The kings here aren’t acting out of goodwill.

If they’re destroying companies due to hidden daggers in critical locations, it makes sense emotionally.

Emotion-driven reactions are understandable.

Especially for those deeply immersed in the convenience of mechanical devices, they propose thoroughly crushing these companies. Even those loosely connected are targeted. This emotional basis makes sense.

In short…

It’s like a parent hearing their child died from a product they bought for them.

The meeting continued…

And after a few hours…

Finally, it concluded.

Though nothing was decided here—just presentations of prepared materials and revisions made. Is that what counts as a meeting?

Anyway, it ended with signatures and seals on some document, oddly enough.

Then everyone moved on to the next event.

The banquet.

Where Aurora was eagerly preparing and waiting. Seeing Sorindiges beside her, this seemed like royal family business.

Realizing they actually had work to do, I followed Highpion’s instructions and headed to the banquet hall.

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