"What next, Guiver?"
"I told you already, better let me do it myself! Your work is sloppy!"
"Shut up! You're always the one taking the stage! I never get my turn at all!"
"You're still mad about that? Yeah, sorry. Besides, I think it's not yet time for the final battle."
*BRSH. "Why's that? I think if the battle drags on, we'll be the ones benefiting."
"That's true, considering you get crazier as the fight goes on. But do you think they'll drag it out?"
*NGEEENG. NYIIIT. "Not really. Besides, all their abilities are annoying."
"Exactly. They can't be united. If they fight together, it'll never end. HEY! THAT'S WRONG! LOOK, THAT CARVING IS SLIPPING!"
"REALLY? ISN'T IT JUST SLIGHTLY OFF?"
"The beauty and its value will decrease!"
"Really?! Besides, polishing stones this many in such tiny sizes is really troublesome!"
"I already told you, just leave it to me!"
"Alright then."
Reluctantly, I swapped control of the body, replaced by Guiver.
"Now then. Leave it to me."
*NGEEENG.
He always says that whenever difficult things happen to me.
Honestly, I want to try doing things myself, but he refuses to back down as well.
I know Guiver's feelings, maybe he thinks of me as a younger sibling, since he must feel I need protection or whatever, considering he knows my dark past.
But isn't this strange? If I keep being spoiled like this, won't I end up with no survival skills on my own?
Moreover, he involves many parties just to secure my position, like some time ago when he discussed things with Cyrn.
I began recalling that discussion, precisely 1 day ago.
At that time, Guiver, with his arrogant tone, answered Cyrn's question regarding his intention involving the Adventurer Guild.
Cyrn asked, "Why are you involving the Adventurer Guild? My subordinate just reported that the Adventurer Guild of Cierliu city is holding an important meeting concerning you."
"Why are you asking 'Why'?" Even though I couldn't see his face, I could still feel Guiver's emotion that seemed to be smiling, "You should be asking 'Whether'."
Cyrn slightly narrowed his eyes when hearing his question corrected.
"The Adventurer Guild has many powerful people, what's wrong with mobilizing them against an eternal enemy?"
"Eternal?"
"Inner Dominion has ruled with Nepotism, Capitalism, and Oligarchism for thousands of years. Isn't that 'Eternal'?"
"Don't you think it's excessive to involve those cowards?"
*Thud. Guiver stood up. "Hey, hey." The screen looked shaky, maybe he walked toward Cyrn. "Luring cowards can only be done in one way. Make them have no other choice."
"And what makes you sure they won't have any other choice?"
Guiver sat back on his chair, *Thud. "Well, you should already know the outline since one of your subordinates is a Rank-S adventurer spying on the Guild." *Surp. "About those who witnessed Fiblio's memory."
"And then?"
"I'm truly grateful for yesterday's incident when the Quiet Guardian appeared. Especially since the city of Geaz disappeared, replaced by that massive hole." *Tup. "Do you think Outer Slums still has the option to stay silent?"
"I see." Cyrn seemed to hold his chin, "You manipulated Fiblio's memory so that it looked as if you leaked your plan against Inner Dominion… And at the same time, Quiet Guardian also appeared in Outer Slums leaving traces of attack…" He looked at us with his serious gaze. "Did you plan all of that and predict what would happen next?"
"No."
"Huh?!"
"I'm just an ordinary human, it's very impossible to predict what will happen." *Tuk. Tuk. Guiver tapped the table repeatedly. "For example, I didn't expect the higher-ups of Quiet Guardian to appear that quickly."
"Well. They do have teleportation rings connected to each other."
*BRAAAK! "That's exactly it! What the hell was that?! Isn't that totally cheating! And besides, you didn't tell me about that at all!"
"Hey, Guiver. He looks suspicious! Look, he's turning his gaze away from you." I said hesitantly.
"Yeah." *Tap. Tap. "Are you planning something behind my back?" Guiver said in a low tone.
"N-No. I just forgot to tell you. That's all."
"Oh right," Guiver's gaze turned upward, "Your 'Space' ability, right?" Back down, it seemed he brought his face closer to Cyrn's. "Were you the one who made that damned thing?!"
Cyrn didn't immediately answer. Instead, he turned his face away even more.
Creating a few seconds of silence.
However, Guiver's position forcing an answer didn't change at all.
*HAAA… "Alright. I'll tell you."
Hearing that, Guiver immediately walked to his chair. *Tap. Tap. Tap. "Keep it brief, just the point. I don't like long stories."
"Well, in short. Yes, I was the one who made the Teleport Rings when I was still the deputy commander in Quiet Guardian." Cyrn shrugged, "You know, if you don't want to be suspected, you must give your best effort to your future enemy."
"And then?"
"But I also didn't expect that after I left, they would still use those items." Turning his face away, "That's not my fault, you know? Isn't that like licking their own spit? Still using items from someone they hate?!"
"What's with that indifferent attitude like you're not guilty at all?!" Guiver shouted, "You just told your background as the former deputy commander of Quiet Guardian only 1 hour ago!!!"
"Kh…"
Yes. What Guiver said was absolutely right. Cyrn is indeed a bastard with a thousand schemes. Honestly, even Guiver cannot guess what Cyrn is actually planning.
One hour ago, Cyrn casually said he was a former deputy commander in Quiet Guardian. That made Guiver furious. Not without reason,he felt Cyrn hid a very important background from his partner. And if it had been told earlier, maybe there wouldn't be any obstacles afterward.
Especially when Guiver asked at that time, "So, you're part of the Inner Dominion?"
"You could say that, since I was born and raised in the Inner Dominion."
"Then what made you run away from that part?"
"Incompatibility,… maybe?" Cyrn smiled cynically at that time, "Deep-rooted nepotism… Capitalistic attitudes that never fade… Everything ruled by oligarchy… Do you think I'd feel comfortable being part of that?"
"From your current attitude, you look like you're lying."
"Lying?"
"No one feels uncomfortable if someone is inside that system." Guiver seemed to have another view. "There's only one thing that makes someone leave that system…"
"What do you mean?"
"Betrayal." Cyrn's expression instantly changed when hearing Guiver's analysis. "Right? I don't know what they betrayed you for, but I can guess what most people experience."
"Heh… A brat like you pretending to be smart, what of that can be justified?"
"It doesn't matter whether I'm right or not right now. But I dare to bet that what I said will be true someday."
"Whatever. By the way, what are you going to make with those materials you requested?"
"Changing the topic?" Guiver replied coldly. "Well… It's not important to discuss anyway."
"Thank you."
"My plan… is to multiply the yield of gemstones and treasures owned by Beltiro."
"Hoh. Then?"
"That's how it is. Gem polishing results in this era are really chaotic, you know?" Guiver seemed to take out one of the gemstone samples he brought. "Strangely, many people value this trash at high prices." He spun the stone in his hand.
"Isn't it indeed beautiful?"
What Cyrn said was true. The stone in Guiver's hand did look beautiful with the shine of the polish.
"This is trash."
However, compared to the polishing from Guiver's world, the stone in his hand was nowhere comparable.
"The polish is mediocre, it only wins in size." He placed the stone on the table. "Only wins in size." He seemed to raise his index finger. "Listen… A good and valuable gemstone is judged by carving, polish, and high precision. Not fixed on size. Even if it's the size of a grain of sand, the price will still be high."
I saw Cyrn's expression immediately change into a faint smile.
"Hey, Guiver. That smile seems to have another intention."
"Hm? What do you mean?"
He didn't realize it because he was busy rambling? Or maybe it's just my feeling?
"So, what's your plan with the price of the stones once it successfully multiplies?" Cyrn asked, and Guiver immediately turned to look at his face.
"Nine must have told you that I intend to modernize the city of Geaz in a short time." *Surp. He began sipping his coffee, even though initially he didn't like sweet coffee. "And I didn't expect you could move the entire city of Geaz to a remote place. Your Space ability is truly impressive."
"You just praised me? But are you sure your plan will go smoothly?"
"Of course. What I need next is recruiting people whose abilities match that. For example," glancing at the row of people, "Can I ask your subordinates to find people who have Earth magic and Metal manipulation abilities?"
"For that, several people we observed are already recorded. They have values according to your request."
*Swish. Cyrn took out a book. Guiver took it, and when opened.
*Prok. Prok.
"As expected from Grey Lurk. Your information network is truly very detailed and transparent."
He began looking for what he thought was suitable. "Hm… Water ability… Not bad. Hooo… There's lightning ability…" He immediately turned to Cyrn. "I want people who have different elements from one another. And covering all natural elements. Hmm… That means 6 people…"
"Don't you have subordinates? Your Silent Warrior controls several elements."
"Of course that's different. Silent Warrior will be focused on the military. Not development. People who focus on one field tend to be more useful."
I tried giving input to Guiver. "Aren't you giving him too much information? You're too open with information." Maybe Guiver would underestimate my input. But whatever, it bothered my heart too much. And I felt slightly relieved after saying it.
"Good advice, kid."
"Hm..? Good advice? But why?"
"Trust is built on the openness of the other party, you know? We'll know the reaction of the other party if we start opening ourselves."
"I don't understand."
"Maybe he hasn't opened himself to us yet… But if we open ourselves first, he'll surely feel we can be trusted."
Before I replied to Guiver's words, Cyrn began speaking first. "I see. I'll ask them to bring the people you need."
"Yes. Thank you."
They continued chatting while drinking coffee and snacking on what had been provided.
As for their conversation, yeah, it was like that. I didn't really understand their discussion, since they also talked about politics related to power.
And now we arrive at the present moment, me and Guiver polishing gemstones. Thanks to the materials from Grey Lurk that were quickly available, it resulted in the polishing machine Guiver needed.
Initially, Grey Lurk only provided raw materials, and Guiver alone assembled it until it was finished.
The reason he could duplicate the machine was because of his cheating ability that can manifest any object he has ever possessed.
And even though in his previous life Guiver never had such a machine, he could look it up on the computer in this room. Then just copy the blueprint, memorize it again, and it could be completed in real life.
*NGEEENG.
"Do we need all of these?"
"Of course. Just imagine, stones with messy polish alone are priced between 50–100 gold coins. With this many stones, it'll be enough capital for all equipment."
He said that casually.
"But who's going to buy them? This is Outer Slums, and only rulers or merchants have lots of money. Besides, not everyone likes collecting treasure."
I could feel Guiver was smiling now. "Outer Slums has 36 cities. And each city has an Adventurer Guild and Merchant Guild. We can slip 20 of these stones into each city using Grey Lurk's routes."
"I don't really understand business even though I'm the child of a businessman. But clearly, isn't that dangerous in the long term?"
"What do you mean?"
"If the flow of money only focuses on one center, won't it weaken an economy across many parties? Outer Slums isn't that rich, and if corrupt rulers become very interested in treasure, they'll squeeze the people dry just to satisfy their greed."
"That's exactly what I want, kid."
"Eh?!"
"Outer Slums is filled with corrupt rulers who easily trade humans. If we drain all their wealth just for a pile of stones, they won't have anything left."
"Then what about the people?"
"If the rulers don't have enough wealth and the only way is increasing taxes, then we can spread that the city of Geaz, now named Yaresi Rateil, is far better than many existing cities. That way, the people will consciously choose their own path of life."
"Yaresi Rateil? 'One World'? When did you think of that name?"
"Sezavield Rateil is the Empire's name meaning 'Center of the World', right? Then its counterpart is 'One World'."
It sounds good, but…
"What about the people who become victims? Especially since every city has lots of slavery."
"That can be discussed with Cyrn later. He has many networks throughout Outer Slums."
"Even though we hate him because of his sly nature, he's very helpful."
"Yeah."
"Oh right, I'm still confused, you know?"
"What now?"
*NGEEENG.
"You didn't answer Cyrn's question properly when you destroyed his room earlier. How did it work?"
"It's simple. His room is the same as the room you're occupying right now."
"Huh?! You've already analyzed this room!?"
"That's how it is."
"T-Then… Can you leave here without my body's control!?"
"I've never tried. Are you stupid? If I try, my soul won't have a vessel."
He said that casually. Completely opposite of me.
"I-If someday that chance comes, do you want to separate from me?"
"Of course I do!" His tone rose slightly, even though mixed with the loud machine sound. "No one would want to share one body with you for a lifetime! Besides, we each have our own lives!"
"B-But…"
"Relax. I'll keep guiding you."
That's not what I meant. It's just that if he moves on his own, it wouldn't only endanger the target party, but also himself.
He himself said he hates pain. Especially this world filled with magic and absurdities. There will be times when he's surely in danger, right?
Still, "I see." If that's what he wants, I have no right to oppose it. "Thank you very much."
"What the hell is that!? I don't nee—" *Growl.
Even though the whole room was filled with machine sounds, the sound of a hungry stomach was still heard.
"Sorry, kid… Can you cook?"
"Hah!? You think I'm someone who can cook!? Besides, aren't there plenty of foods already prepared by the servants?"
*NYIIIT. The machine sound was no longer heard because it was turned off by Guiver. Oh right, the machine runs using magic channeled directly into it, different from Guiver's world that uses electricity or whatever.
Replaced by the voice, "THE FOOD HERE DOESN'T TASTE GOOD AT ALL, YOU KNOW?!" His shout.
"Y-You!!! Your voice is so loud! Someone might hear!" But… "Oh right, this is under the mansion room."
"Who cares! What the hell is this?! There's no salty or sweet taste as the base flavor?! Everything is bland!"
"W-Well… Those ingredients are rarely available. Even if you have lots of money, you still can't buy them if the items don't exist. You want me to cook without those ingredients?"
"Exactly! Do I really have to fix everything from scratch about food?!" *Tap. Tap. He paced back and forth thinking of many things. "Cyrn had sugar for coffee yesterday… His information network is really complete… I could ask him for stock, including salt… But… that doesn't change anything… Kid."
"Yes?" I didn't want to disturb him while he was thinking hard. Because I couldn't surpass his mind at all.
"Is there a sea around here?"
"Don't know. This isn't the same place."
What I meant was the city of Geaz was previously moved by Cyrn to a remote place, so I have no idea where exactly this place is located.
"Damn it. It ends up going back to Cyrn again."
Using my body, he immediately left the production room. Wanting to immediately fill his hungry stomach with the food prepared by the servants.
Honestly, I'm not used to being served by servants at all. It feels awkward, really awkward.
But it's different with Guiver using my body, he looked completely normal with it, or maybe because he's already used to it? Who knows. But clearly, our plan will continue.
••• The story slowly shifts, far across the vast sea of trees, heading toward a city, moving directly to a building.
Inside that building, there is a room containing a group of people. •••
••• POV Dasni Kanzachk •••
*Tsk.
"What do you want, Akrin?"
"Is my presence not allowed? After all, I'm also a Rank-S adventurer."
"Of course. Do you think your presence is so expected, when you don't help at all?"
"How mean."
Several people, including us from The Mind Show, put on annoyed faces when seeing her presence.
How should I say it. Not only because of her narcissistic nature, but also her other traits.
For example, she is the type of person who can hide her presence aura as thin as possible until even experienced Rank-S people cannot detect her. And that's what makes people annoyed she always startles people by suddenly appearing, suddenly disappearing.
"By the way, did you change to a new sword again, Fusra?"
"Hah?! What do you mean?!"
She smiled slightly, "Earlier I checked your sword, and it looks different from the previous one."
"Of course, right? My previous sword was destroyed."
"I already told you to switch to a metal sword. What is that, are you trying to act strong using only a wooden sword? Or can't you lift a metal sword the same size as your big wooden sword?"
"S-Shut up!"
Even Fusra, who is known to be blunt and calm, when talking with Akrin looked very flustered as if there were no privacy at all.
Akrin Gwenda. A woman around 25 years old. A high-class Assassin specialist. She is an adventurer from the city of Cuvre. Even though she holds Rank-S rank 2, she is the type of person who is selfish and completely unwilling to help anyone, even if it's from her own city.
Well, there are advantages to that attitude, for example she cannot be persuaded by large sums of money offered by corrupt rulers or anything like that. But there are still downsides, where even when she is needed for good causes, her presence cannot be relied upon.
*Bla. Bla. Bla.
Even now, her narcissistic attitude continues. She keeps talking about things related to her abilities.
"Kuh! Your pocket has so many gold coins!"
"Eh?!" Carteus immediately reached into his pocket. "Bastard!" he shouted. "Give it back!!!"
"Wahahaha!"
The younger sibling was not spared either, trying to calm the older brother. "C-Calm down, brother!"
"Calm down you say?! That's my money!!"
"There's no use dealing with her!"
Meanwhile, Mister Pirlo was still holding Wanner's body so he wouldn't cause trouble as well.
*Cring. The coin pouch was thrown toward the raging Carteus and caught by Curtius. *Crank. "Ouch." It hit Carteus's head.
"Sorry about that." Akrin's face suddenly turned serious.
Everyone including me looked toward her.
And yes, everyone already knew about this change.
"There's a serious problem, you know?"