Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Steel Tower (2)

#40

Rohart von Eisen.

The lord of Valkeros and a wise ruler loved by the citizens.

The visual was also okay, and because the rewards paid while praising merits were substantial he was a character who received good evaluations from players too, but he also had one disadvantage.

‘An absurd farce. He was an uncle who seemed he would even shit at a right angle.’

That was that the person himself was too uninteresting!

No expression. No plausible interaction either.

Since the longest line was “(character name)+thank you for devoting for Valkeros.” the words were all said.

“Ooh, finally seeing the real thing. You wouldn’t know how much I looked forward to this day. Iya, Lady Ilark I only heard by rumor but really··· amazing in many ways!”

That is. The lord’s lively attitude was implying that something was going seriously wrong.

The number of cases was two.

Either he ate poisonous mushrooms containing hallucinogenic effects due to the chef’s mistake, or he was not the real Rohart.

Of course the possibility of the latter was overwhelmingly high.

“I greet the lord.”

Bran’s group lined up in front of the lord.

The steel chair playing the role of a throne was shining behind him.

When they politely paid respects, the lord who had been chattering without rest also caught his breath and faced them.

“Huu··· yes. Thank you for coming this far. You established very many merits for this city.”

“I only did what needed to be done.”

“What needed to be done. Hehe, ordinary people do not bear such a heavy duty.”

The lord smiled.

It was an expression he had never seen despite meetings in the three digits.

Unfolding the scroll placed on the chair the lord continued.

“You guys as mercenaries solved many of the citizens’ hardships. Going further you defeated the giant evil called the Iron Blood Twin Shadows··· eh, and gave decisive help in arresting Chloe Zibits who was a malignant tumor of the White Silver Pine Merchant Group. I acknowledge your merits and intend to award the Steel Badge.”

“You mean the Steel Badge?”

“Yes. If not you guys who would receive it.”

Bran and Ilark’s eyes widened.

The Steel Badge is a medal awarded to talents who devoted themselves for Valkeros.

It was the best among the rewards given in the merit praise event.

‘This is a bit okay?’

What follows the honor is substantial gold coins and citizenship of Valkeros.

Even if the lord is fake the Steel Badge would be real so there was nothing bad about collecting it quickly.

Just as he was rejoicing at the unexpected windfall.

“However please wait a little for the award ceremony.”

“Yes?”

“Since it is a good matter shouldn’t you receive congratulations from as many people as possible. Around the time the sun sets most of the invited honored guests will come so I’ll proceed then. Not in a narrow place like this but in an open place.”

“Ah··· let’s do that.”

Bran smacked his lips.

It was good then stopped.

If he was going to say only this kind of thing he wondered why he called them so urgently.

‘I don’t know even knowing.’

Anyway since it ended quickly it was a well-done matter.

The things to do at the Steel Tower were clearly decided, so if possible he had to enter action before facing Silien.

Just as he was pondering the timing to greet appropriately and return.

“So until then let’s spend time with me. Has everyone eaten?”

“······I did just before departing for the Steel Tower.”

“Ooh, that went well! The cooking of the Steel Tower is delicious even if eaten while full.”

Suddenly the lord recommended a meal.

The three flinched at the same time.

This was a bit troublesome.

The moment they get dragged to a meal at least several hours would be consumed.

Furthermore eating together in a situation where the lord’s identity is suspicious was a matter accompanying considerable risk.

Suddenly, one question raised its head.

‘Wait. Is it really correct that he’s fake?’

There was a need to confirm the authenticity once.

The lord he met while playing Return Road was mostly the lord of a future point than now.

If this is the original Rohart, and what he met until now was fake?

Snap!

Leaving the plan going wrong his mind might collapse.

Pondering an appropriate question Bran opened his mouth.

“Inviting to a meal is an utmost honor. However before that there is one thing I want to ask.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“Actually I grew up hearing the anecdotes of the lord who is the master of the Steel Tower from a young age. I read the autobiography you personally wrote countless times.”

“Hehe, that. I don’t know where to put my body.”

The lord chuckled.

Kale and Ilark who could not guess Bran’s intention were only tilting their heads in place.

Checking his memory as a player Bran continued.

“About 20 years ago. There was a time when a strange cold wave blew and the fire of the Dragon Heart Furnace was in danger of extinguishing. Despite the harsh cold the citizens came out and wished for the fire of the Dragon Heart Furnace to revive. I want to hear in person the words the lord who personally visited then said.”

“······Ah?”

The lord’s eyes narrowed.

Rolling his pupils left and right he stammered and opened his mouth.

“Hehe. Mm. You mean the matter then··· you wouldn’t even have been born then, it seems it was quite impressive.”

“It seems so because it is a line where the lord’s practical aspect is best revealed. Please just once.”

“That··· nothing difficult but··· anyway since it is a matter 20 years ago···.”

The lord··· precisely the lord suspect dragged the end of his words.

Bran quietly only held a smile.

‘This fucker. I knew it would be like this.’

Fortunately it seemed there would be no matter of Bran’s mind collapsing.

It should be seen as the lord being switched because the matter went wrong this time.

Probably one of the incidents he caused caused a butterfly effect.

‘I don’t know what plan it is. I hope the real lord is alive.’

Thinking of the existing story, the point that the possibility of killing the original is low was the somewhat fortunate point.

Now it was the turn to ponder a method to cancel the meal with this fake.

Shall I say a chronic disease worsened after making Ilark’s heat go berserk?

Or shall I just shit refreshingly?

Just as Bran was pondering then.

“Return home.”

A woman’s voice rang out from somewhere.

A soft tone as if just waking from sleep.

At the chilling sense of déjà vu Bran and Kale’s eyes opened round.

“The heart of Valkeros is not that lump of metal but you guys.”

Everyone in place moved their gazes at the same time.

From the door installed behind the steel chair a silver-haired woman was walking out.

A black robe sticking to the body. Soundless footsteps like a ghost.

The fake lord’s eyes widened round.

“S-Silien.”

“It was moving words. The emotion was new so I recited in your place without realizing.”

“Yes. I clearly said that···! Return home. The heart of Valkeros is not that lump of metal but you guys! Now I remember. Hehehe!”

“Still lord. It seems you got too excited meeting the honored guests. To forget that.”

“······Hehe··· he.”

The lord who was smiling awkwardly closed his mouth.

From the appearance of stealthily avoiding Silien’s eyes one could guess the relationship between the two.

Silien who silenced the lord turned to Bran.

“Everyone. Glad to meet again. I am Silien Lua the mage of Valkeros.”

“Silien.”

Unlike last time the Otherworld presence did not occur.

It seemed she prepared firmly by hiding her presence without gaps.

“Yes, Silien··· why have you come here?”

“I came to inform that work the lord has to handle occurred. I’ll guide these people so please return to the office now.”

“Ahem, understood. I’ll do so···.”

The lord nodded.

How tense he was that he left without even the formality of saying goodbye to Bran’s group.

Watching that back Silien bowed her head.

“Sorry. You must have been looking forward to the meal with the lord. Because he is originally a busy person work occurs unexpectedly a lot.”

“It can be.”

“Huhu, thank you for understanding. Since it became like that it seems you can spend time comfortably in the waiting room··· ah, could only Lord Bran spare a moment?”

Kale and Ilark’s faces hardened.

Openly naming. He didn’t expect this.

“I have something to say separately. What I was going to say at the guild before.”

“I-I was also there then.”

“Of course I remember Lord Kale. But the matter to discuss now seems I should talk with Lord Bran first. Could you wait a little?”

“Ugh···!”

Kale who intervened while gathering courage shrank.

It was an ambiguous situation to stubbornly insist further.

Because the moment Silien realizes her secret was revealed plans or anything would all smash.

Pondering something Bran nodded.

“Let’s do that. You guys wait outside.”

“B-Bran.”

“She says she has something to say. If the chief mage scholar calls it’s an honor what.”

“Oh my, saying that makes me too happy.”

Silien smiled with her eyes.

In the end Bran who parted from the two moved his steps following Silien.

Entering the door she just opened a small study revealed itself.

A space surrounded by books and miscellaneous items.

In front of the window one large telescope enough to observe even the surface of the moon was placed.

“This is my office. With that telescope I can observe the entire Valkeros. When the daily routine ends I often come here and observe the city.”

“Good. Like an entomologist.”

“Huhu. Glad you understand. Colleagues disliked it saying it’s gloomy.”

Silien looked sincerely glad.

Colleagues probably means the Abyss.

Just as he was about to ask why she called him.

Bang.

At the same time as the door closed, translucent messages rose one after another.

『The confession magic, Sermahat erodes you!』

『If resistance fails you will answer only the truth to the caster’s questions.』

It was a matter that occurred in an instant.

Something invisible pierced deep into the consciousness.

A sensation experienced for the first time. It felt like an invisible hook was hung in the throat.

Silien smiled with her hands behind her back.

“As expected you have the qualification to become our member.”

“Mem···ber?”

“Lord Bran. You noticed that Rohart is strange right?”

He tried to feign ignorance saying what are you saying but it did not go as intended.

Gulp.

The invisible hook pulled out the truth that was lingering in the throat.

“······Yes.”

“As expected.”

Ehyo. Silien sighed.

“Truly pathetic. To not be able to do that one easy task of buying time and eventually making me step in. Still good that I can draw Lord Bran in early.”

“Draw in··· what···?”

“Sorry. The words don’t come out well right. Still it will end soon so endure a little. Because the meeting with Leodorn is a little later I had no choice but to use coercive means.”

Walking with steps she placed her hand on the telescope.

“Lord Bran. I have been watching your exploits here all along.”

“······.”

“Acting as a mercenary, defeating the Ironveil guild and the Iron Blood Twin Shadows. Rescuing the pitiful Leodorn and reinstating him··· truly a hero’s actions. The talent I was searching for so much.”

Silien smiled faintly.

It was the moment an incomprehensible word was recited from between the small lips.

『The lower mental domination magic, Lenavir erodes you!』

『If resistance fails you will be unable to defy the caster’s orders!』

Along with a new notification window the mood became hazy.

It was the second magic. It felt like he downed strong liquor by the bottle.

It seemed a wave with will was pouring into the head.

“Honestly a bit annoying. Because of you guys the plan went quite wrong. To cause a big matter the distribution network of White Silver Pine was essential, but of all things because you pushed Chloe out.”

“What are you··· plotting···?”

“Oh my. Is the ego still remaining? As expected my eye is not wrong.”

When Bran answered Silien admired.

Originally it would be normal to have become a puppet long ago.

She shook her head.

“That I cannot tell yet. Because you have not formally become our member. However this one thing I can tell.”

“······?”

“You see. Valkeros will be destroyed tomorrow.”

Silien smiled with her hands behind her back.

A subtly excited voice as if planning a surprise party.

“Less will die than originally but in the end everyone will die. The fire of the Dragon Heart Furnace will extinguish, the Steel Tower will fall from the wonder of technology to a symbol of rebellion. The city of fire and steel Valkeros will be filled not with the sound of hammering iron but with the screams of death throes.”

“······!!!”

“You must be curious why we are doing this kind of thing. You must want to know who we are to do this. Don’t worry. I’ll tell everything. Lord Bran and your friends have the qualification to survive.”

『Warning! The Otherworld presence presses you!』

At the same time a red warning appeared.

A familiar message. The symbol of those under the Outer God.

“We are the Abyss. Apostles who serve the true god residing in the sea beyond the sky.”

Silien slowly spread both arms.

Turning her back to the telescope she approached Bran’s side.

“······Abyss.”

“If Lord Bran is together with us the long-cherished desire will be achieved even faster. For the sake of not yourself but your friends, please do not refuse the proposal.”

A voice with both earnestness and coquetry tinged.

The reason there was no coercion was because she did not doubt that she held the power of life and death over Bran.

Standing on tiptoe Silien, bringing her lips close to Bran’s ear whispered.

“You’ll join us right?”

****

Waiting room.

“Yes? You said the lord was not originally that kind of personality?”

“Yes. In a few months he completely changed like a different person. Among merchants there is a rumor circulating that a substitute was set up.”

Leodorn nodded.

It was the story he could not tell because the lord suddenly called.

Because it was a sensitive subject he had to lower his voice.

Looking around Kale opened his mouth.

“D-definitely he was strange··· he couldn’t even answer Bran’s question···.”

“Something is going strangely. Checking the records when Chloe was managing director there were not one or two suspicious parts in the transactions with the Steel Tower. Where on earth are they trying to use that many materials···.”

Leodorn dragged the end of his words.

Among the work of Chloe he took over there were considerably many items that did not make sense.

Even considering that it doubles as a research institute that produces magic golems excessively many resources were being sucked into the Steel Tower.

“Cargo trains with unclear destinations were also being operated hundreds of times. It is certain that something is happening in a place we cannot see.”

“That is···.”

Kale bit his lower lip.

It must be an action related to the destruction of Valkeros that Bran said.

However since he himself was not in place it was not a situation to hastily mention.

Ilark grumbled.

“Damn, why is Bran not coming out like this?”

“Wh-what wouldn’t be wrong···.”

Already over an hour had passed since Bran followed Silien.

After that no one entered the audience chamber.

Even among the gentle nobles complaints that why call people if it’s going to be like this were bursting out one by one.

“I don’t know what this is doing at all.”

“My words. I have been waiting since morning.”

“Isn’t it strange that a VIP invitation came even without particular merits?”

Even the content of the conversation was fueling anxiety.

Should I smash and bring him out?

Just tear everyone to death?

Just as Ilark was muttering while fiddling the axe handle.

Creak.

The door of the audience chamber opened and Bran and Silien revealed themselves.

“Go well Lord Bran. Also please definitely convey to your friends. If there is anything curious ask my secretary anything.”

“I’ll do so.”

He was even accompanied by one large man in a suit.

Secretary? Convey to friends?

He could not guess what happened inside at all.

Facing Silien Bran bowed his waist at a right angle.

“Then, see you later. Lady Silien.”

“Yes. See you soon~”

Silien waved her hand.

Blushing and smiling it looked exactly like seeing off a lover or child.

More surprising than that was Bran’s attitude that was polite to a bizarre degree.

Walking with steps Bran stopped in front of the three.

“All done. Let’s go.”

“Bran··· are you okay?”

“I have no business with you.”

“Uot!”

Advancing forward as is Bran passed while pushing Leodorn’s shoulder.

Leodorn staggered but he did not even give a glance.

“Bran! What is this doing!?”

“Noisy. Let’s go.”

“No. You have to explain something!”

“Th-that is··· I’m also worried···.”

Kale and Ilark let out perplexity.

As them who knew about Silien and the Abyss they could not stop the ominous imagination.

Just as Ilark was about to stop him.

“Just go.”

The large man in a suit gripped her shoulder.

Ilark slowly turned her head.

“···Hey. Do you want your head pulled?”

A low voice.

At the killing intent of the dragon race that spread greatly the people in the waiting room hunched their shoulders.

“Not letting go?”

Pik. The large man raised one corner of his mouth.

“Try if you want.”

“You···.”

Ilark’s pupils narrowed thinly.

He doesn’t know what he believed to do this kind of courageous action, but since he said try he had no choice but to do it.

Just as the enraged her was about to tear this bastard’s head from the shoulder at once.

“Ilark. Let’s go quickly.”

“B-Bran?!”

“Enough so quickly.”

Bran stopped her.

Ilark’s face contorted with unfairness but he did not care.

Snatching Kale’s wrist Bran headed to the elevator with strides.

“Ah, it hurts!”

Even if Kale who was suddenly pulled complained of pain Bran did not stop.

When he entered the elevator with Kale Ilark also had no choice but to move following.

Bang! The heavy tail smashed the floor.

“Fuck! What the hell is this doing?!”

“Huff···!”

The nobles who got scared in advance retreated.

She got angry but still boarded the elevator with Bran.

Thud. The moment the large man boarded the door closed.

A perfect sealed room.

Confirming that everyone boarded the large man was about to operate the elevator’s control panel.

“Not there.”

“What?”

Tak! Bran knocked his hand away.

The man’s face crumpled greatly.

“Hey. Didn’t you hear from Lady Silien? The place you go is decided.”

Saying that the moment the man extended his hand to the control panel again.

Extending his arm like lightning Bran gripped his throat and twisted at the same time.

Crunch!!!

Along with the sound of bone breaking the man’s eyes widened.

“Guk···?!”

“That is the same for you.”

The underworld.

The body that convulsed as if electrocuted soon went limp.

The man’s eyes that were wide open did not close again.

“Hiiik?!”

“Bran. You···!”

It was an instant death with no room for doubt.

Kale and Ilark’s eyes widened as if they would pop out.

Pushing the corpse into the corner Bran answered calmly.

“It’s fine. Because he’s Silien’s snitch. Thanks everyone for enduring.”

Unlike the mechanical earlier it was the usual tone as is.

Recalling what happened in Silien’s office Bran spat out a curse.

“Haa... I didn’t know the bitch would cast magic as soon as she entered. Goosebumps.”

If he had not prepared in advance a big matter almost occurred.

Fortunate that he had the memory of facing Silien as a player.

By personality he thought she would definitely make a recruitment proposal, but to approach this directly.

Translucent messages were rising one after another.

『You ingested an elixir made from half-moon flower. During the duration magic resistance increases!』

『Heart of Harmeno activates. Beneficial effects from plants are amplified double!』

『You overcame the external pressure of magic for the first time. Weed’s Tenacity activates.』

『The growth speed of Mental Power greatly increases!』

The potion received from Freude was also a big help.

The Mental Power that grew in the meantime and the pure mana accumulated in the heart allowed him to shake off even the Otherworld presence he could not overcome last time.

Thanks to twisting his body desperately from five days, and before that.

Kale sobbed.

“B-Bran··· huek. Are you okay?”

“Yes. Because I have to concentrate be quiet for a moment.”

Bran stroked Kale’s head with one hand and began operating the control panel.

It was time for knowledge as a player to be exerted once more.

Tadatadak!

It was the moment he pressed the underground and top floor buttons at the same time and hit the 4th floor button four times in a row.

[Moving to the magic engineering golem research institute.]

Along with a mechanical guidance sound the elevator began to descend.

Finally room to catch his breath arose.

Sweeping his face once Bran turned to Kale and Ilark and said.

“Let’s go. While Silien believes I am her puppet we have to finish the work.”

Although matters were progressing more radically than expected it was not a level he could not respond to.

Changing the strategy meagerly is all like that.

Symbol of rebellion? Screams of death throes?

“Eat shit.”

Destruction can be stopped.