Chapter 144 – Threat (1)
Isabelle’s eyebrows twitched for an instant.
He didn’t say anything, but his cold eyes asked Kerner the reason for his refusal.
“Sian-nim is now my lord. I cannot accept a request to assassinate the lord.”
“You’re going through some pretty amazing things today.”
Isabelle continued with a calm expression.
“Loyalty to the Hounds of the Underworld…”
A high-class assassin from the underworld.
Hounds of darkness have no concept of master.
There was only one client.
That’s why Conner laughed inwardly.
Because I didn’t know that I would say something like this myself.
“I am no longer part of the underworld.”
Kerner was no longer an underworld assassin.
Now Xian’s slave (?), Ruben’s assassination instructor.
“I will erase today’s conversation from my memory.”
“Do you think Ruben can survive in front of Ellandur?”
Conner paused for a moment at Isabel’s words.
Currently, Ruben’s power was at a level that could not be ignored.
If it was the Ruben of the past, there was no one who could stand against the Ruben of the present.
However, the story was different when that opponent was Elandur.
The two pillars that support the empire, Elandur.
The question of whether Ruben could stand against Elandur was still not easily answered.
“The guild leader of the Shadow Moon did a pretty bold thing.”
tall.
At that moment, Conner’s movements stiffened.
gaze.
Isabelle pretended not to know anything, and continued calmly.
“It wasn’t enough that he failed Ellandur’s request, so he went into hiding.”
After that, Isabel said nothing more.
And the request of Ellandur that Isabel said.
Conner thought for a moment.
The Shadow Moon Guild that rules the underworld.
It was the guild that Kerner had been active in before.
And Kerner had received a request there.
A request to assassinate none other than Xian.
Because of that, he was currently active as Ruben’s slave… well, whatever.
At the time, Kerner accepted the request without question.
Because there was only one request for the hounds of darkness.
So, who is the client?
And he didn’t ask why he had made such a request.
And now.
Kerner was being offered the same request as the one he received at the time.
One thing is different from then.
At the time, I didn’t know who the client was.
That the client is right in front of you now.
But has it really… changed?
“… Could it be that the client at the time was also his wife?”
Isabelle did not respond accordingly.
So Kerner knew the answer.
It was Isabel who requested the assassination of Xian at the time.
And the shadow moon guild leader, Diana.
She had entrusted it to herself at the request of Isabel.
However, when Kerner failed the request and did not return.
The Shadow Moon also seemed to have gone into hiding after that.
Even Kerner didn’t know why.
Kerner had been imprisoned in Leuven ever since.
Diana must have made a judgment based on the situation.
However, in the end, it went against Ellandur’s heart.
It means that he failed his mission and went to sleep.
“The end of a useless hunting dog is decided. Even more so if it was a dog that bit its owner…”
No matter how much it is a shadow moon that has seized the darkness.
No matter how many people hide in the dark.
Not in front of Ellandur.
If Isabel decides, the shadow moon will disappear into history.
“But what does it matter?”
Isabelle lightly held up her teacup.
“Because you no longer belong to the underworld.”
Then he took a sip of his teacup.
“·······”
Connor couldn’t say anything.
As Isabel said, it had nothing to do with Kerner.
Because Kerner was no longer a member of the underworld.
The justification of being a guild that he had previously joined was meaningless.
Because in the first place, the hounds of the underworld had no concept of an owner.
Because I was like a bastard who didn’t know grace.
But no matter how much you are.
“I heard that the head of the Shadow Moon guild took you in.”
It was not that he was unaware of the grace he had received.
past childhood.
There was a time when Kerner lived through the days wandering the back alleys.
Kerner was too young to live alone.
The underworld was too rough for such a young Kerner.
Not to mention murder, torture, rape, kidnapping.
A zone for those who don’t hesitate to commit creative criminal acts.
And I don’t even feel the slightest bit of guilt.
Truly a beast.
It was a place infested with bastards who are not lacking even if you call them bastards.
Diana, the guild leader of the Shadow Moon, came alone to the dark area where such bastards ran rampant.
An unknown woman of unknown identity or origin.
But she alone trampled on all the mad bastards.
It gave a thing called ‘rules’ to the underworld full of chaos.
He was the one and only being who finally rose to the pinnacle of darkness.
So he was the person who made it possible for Kerner to live in the dark.
It also gave Kerner the strength and skills to live with.
Of course, Diana didn’t think Kerner was special.
If that was the case, he would have tried to kill Xian at the point where Kerner didn’t return.
Diana just reaped many children like Kerner.
And Kerner was one of those who were so reaped.
It was the only one that showed exceptional talent.
In any case, Diana did not particularly regard Kerner.
But that didn’t make Diana’s favor with Kerner disappear.
Connor lowered his gaze slowly.
And with such Kerner’s gaze, an unknown poison came into his eyes.
Also, the 2 million gold slip placed next to it.
Kerner could not accept this request.
To Kerner, Ruben was… so special.
And Ruben absolutely needed Cyan.
In the first place, Kerner decided that day.
What happened at the princess’s visit the other day.
The people of Ruben who stood out for a mere bastard.
And Xian, who gave a blow to the princess and the royal knights for being a bastard.
Kerner decided to live for Ruben and Xian for the rest of his life.
So it was the right choice to leave the place like this.
But if you leave like this…
The Shadow Moon Guild fades into history.
And Diana must die.
“Choose. And whatever choice you make. Please respect me.”
Isabel did not open her mouth any more.
sinking silence.
How much time had passed like that?
“I am···.”
Conner finally opened his mouth.
#
Now that the situation of Eolchu Ruben has been sorted out.
Xian left the castle and walked quickly.
We reached this place after such a short time.
The wide open plain with a clear view was a place that could be called the center of Leuven.
This time, it was also the place where Xian expanded through district expansion.
In a word, it meant land worth 1 million gold.
And the reason Xian came here was simple.
“I wonder if I can just plant these Instiz now.”
It was none other than Instiz.
The staff that Elodie used while alive.
Instiz, a whole world tree in its own right.
Xian put his hand into his inventory.
Soon, a seed slightly larger than a fist came out of Xian’s hand.
“Can I just plant it?”
Xian thought for a moment.
Can we just plant the world tree like this? I also wanted to
Above all, it was because the words of the mobile lord were caught the other day.
To be precise, the mobile lord said this in the story quest.
“But why?”
《There was something unknown lurking inside the Instiz.》
Something unknown inside the Instiz.
Xian still didn’t know what it was.
“hmm···.”
Xian was worried, but not for long.
Because Instiz was the ‘reward’ of the quest.
“Still, it is a legacy left by Elodie. What’s going on?”
I hope he didn’t give you anything dangerous as a reward.
Having made up his mind, Xian immediately drew his sword.
Before long, the SSS-grade sword came out smoothly.
Without hesitation, Xian lowered his sword to the floor.
Also, is it an SSS-grade sword?
Pak.
The sword was driven deep into the ground, as if tofu were split.
“cancer. How much money did you spend here?”
According to the actual details, it was as much as 13 million gold.
It didn’t make sense that I couldn’t sell a single piece of land with that money.
Of course, their uses are different.
Pak. Pak.
Soon enough, a hole was made that the Instiz could enter.
Xian gently put Instiz down in the pit.
“Should I spray some water?”
Ei, since it is a world tree of bright colors, it will grow on its own.
Xian gathered the soil around him with his hands and covered it tightly.
That’s when Instiz was all covered with dirt.
Tring!
A cheerful notification sound went off on the smartphone.
〈The world tree, Instiz, takes root in the territory.〉
And again.
Whoaaagh!
Suddenly, a bright light burst from the ground that buried the Instiz.
At the same time, something came out of the ground.
Green sprout stems.
The stem grew in an instant and rose to Xian’s eye level.
and.
＜The life force of the World Tree spreads throughout the territory.＞
＜From now on, the ‘Blessing of the World Tree’ will be applied to the territory.＞
Numerous notification windows popped up on the smartphone screen.
[Blessing of the World Tree]
〈Increases the growth rate of all creatures within the territory by +8,000%.〉
〈Increases the recovery speed of all creatures within the territory by +7,000%.〉
〈Increases the birth rate of all lifeforms within the territory by +150%.〉
〈Increases the life expectancy of all creatures within the territory by +20%.〉
＜In the territory, pests will disappear.＞
＜All detrimental effects received by creatures within the territory are reduced by -80%.＞
〈In the territory, production speed increases by +1,000%.〉
.
.
.
“crazy···!”
Words leaked out of Sian’s mouth.
A notification window popped up on the smartphone screen.
There really is no other way to express this!
Buff effect for all creatures in the territory.
Literally power over the source of life.
Xian raised the SSS grade sword lying on the floor.
And lightly lowered it into the palm of the other hand.
My palms were cut with a creepy feeling of evil.
At the same time, red fresh blood flowed from Xian’s palm.
But that’s for a while.
softly.
The open wound healed and the flowing blood stopped.
And it started to recover visibly fast.
It is none other than the blessing of the World Tree, and the effect of +7,000% recovery rate.
“It’s about the level of an apprentice priest’s healing ability.”
It didn’t end here.
The newly established ‘Divine Medicine Healing Center Lv.5’.
And if you add Ellie’s excellent healing skills…
If they didn’t really die, they could all be saved.
Of course, all the diseases and pests of Yeongji are there.
All detrimental effects are reduced by -80%.
Literally all detrimental effects.
Harmful effects such as curses and poison were reduced by -80%.
“crazy···!!”
There really is no other way to express this!
Besides, the real thing was from now on.
〈The Instiz are very happy with their new home.〉
〈Additional effects are given depending on the optimal location.〉
The position of Instiz, which was selected even while changing the entire Ruben.
That money… No, the effect was showing up according to the reality.
Tring!
〈The source of life and mana spreads throughout the territory.〉
〈The concentration of mana in the entire territory increases by 100%.〉
Tring!
〈The Instiz recognizes the demons around the territory and tries to purify them.〉
〈The chance of being engulfed by the madness within the demon is drastically reduced.〉
.
.
.
“and···!”
An exclamation escaped from Sian’s mouth.
How can I get through this without shouting!
First of all, the effect of increasing the concentration of mana by 100%.
“Huh…!”
Xian took a deep breath.
Then fresh air was sucked into the lungs.
For a moment, there is a sense of clarity somewhere.
Xian could feel the clear energy of mana in the air.
And although it was weak, it accumulated in the body.
“Mana accumulated…?”
To put it simply, it’s just a matter of breathing in.
It was as if mana was accumulating.
In addition, its energy was also similar to that of a pure demon.
Of course, since it was mana brought from the dark forest, it possessed demonic properties.
However, the energy inherent in it was quite different.
It’s like the energy that went through the purification process of the Mahon method a little bit.
To put it simply, it was quite similar to pure demonic energy.
〈The Instiz recognizes the demons around the territory and tries to purify them.〉
〈The chance of being engulfed by the madness within the demon is drastically reduced.〉
It seemed that Instiz was refining the demon.
If so… it was good for the Dark Elves as well.
Isn’t it a job that can handle pure demons that do not fall into madness?
even.
〈The ‘Blessing of the World Tree’ effect is amplified as the Instiz grows.＞
All of these effects were amplified as Instiz grew.
“crazy!!”
It was a truly crazy effect.
“Ahh···!”
Sian let out an exclamation involuntarily.
To be honest, I regretted it a little.
Terrible money amounting to 32 million.
Was it necessary to invest all that money? I was regretting it in my heart.
Was it necessary to completely overhaul it?
Even if it took time, it wouldn’t have been okay to make a small correction.
Xian was slightly regretful until just now.
But now my thoughts have completely changed.
The Instiz you see now.
This Instiz planted in the optimal position even while changing the entire Ruben.
This Instiz alone was worth redeveloping Ruben.
“Ahhh···!”
Sian shuddered and trembled, unable to come to his senses.
Right then.
“It’s Xi’an.”
A familiar voice came from one corner.
the place you looked at.
There, Sera was looking at Xian with strange eyes.
“Are you dancing again?”
Sera looked at Xian and smiled bashfully.
“Teach me too.”
And then Sera moved towards Xi’an.
Then, suddenly, Sera’s steps stopped.
Then he slowly turned his gaze and looked at the tree in front of Xian.
“Instiz?”
Soon Sarah tilted her head and said.
Instiz looked like a tree that had grown to the current height of Xian.
In a word, it looks nothing more than an ordinary tree on the outside.
But is it because of Sera’s ability to see through her essence?
“It’s Instiz.”
Sera noticed the existence of Instiz right away.
Sera turned her steps toward Xian and stood in front of Instiz.
Then, he stretched out his hand in front of Instiz.
Two softly closed eyes.
It looked like he was trying to communicate with Instiz…
That moment.
Woo Woo Woo.
Suddenly, the size of the Instiz began to grow.
It seemed to be 1.5 times bigger than before.
Sure enough, ringing on your smartphone! A notification sound was heard.
〈Instiz is very happy with the presence of the Dark Elves.〉
〈Instiz’s growth rate is increased by +30%.〉
〈All effects of ‘Blessing of the World Tree’ increase by +10%.〉
“… crazy.”
Xian murmured involuntarily.
Did you say that elves nurture forests, and forests nurture elves?
Instiz was growing rapidly just by recognizing the existence of Dark Elves.
‘Hmm… I think it’s because of Sera, not the Dark Elves?’
That would be the case because Instiz’s attitude toward Sera was distinctly different.
Suwook.
The stems of the growing Instiz lightly wrapped around Sera’s body.
It’s like playing a prank on an old friend or a familiar friend.
“Kyahahahaha! Tickle!”
At Instiz’s prank, Sera laughed.
And Xian, who watched it.
“Kuhm.”
Xian gently looked away.
The appearance of Sera playing while being entangled in the stem of the Instiz.
Because that look was a little… like that.
I don’t know if I know Xian’s feelings or not.
Sera was playing with the Instiz while giggling.
“hmm···.”
Is it that good?
It looks just like a tree.
After all, is love for the world tree an identity rooted in the elven race?
“Is it that good?”
“huh! I like Instiz! Also, I love the new house!”
Sera answered Xian’s question with a bright smile.
“Yeah, what…”
I’m glad you’re good.
No, thank you so much for liking it like that.
That would be the case, because the money poured into this was over 31 million gold!
“ha···.”
At the thought that came to mind again, Xian let out a sigh involuntarily.
That moment.
“That’s right…”
Suddenly Sarah spoke again.
And why?
For some reason, Sera was watching Xian secretly.
Want something for a while.
“Xian is my favorite!”
Sara laughed and shouted bashishly.
Seeing Sera like that, Xian let out a smile.
Apparently, it was a sigh that Xian let out just now.
I felt like I understood that Xian was upset because he only liked Instiz and the new house, excluding Xian.
“okay. thanks.”
Xian smiled and nodded.
Only then did Sarah feel relieved and started playing with the Instiz again.
“Kyahahahaha!”
The appearance of Sera laughing together with Instiz.
Is it because of Sarah’s appearance?
‘Well, it’s worthwhile.’
It felt like his hatred for the evaporated gold had softened a little.
of course.
『＜Elodie’s Quest＞ Unlocking Cost – 500,000 G』
“How much gold do you have left…”
Not a lot, but a little.
#
Newly redeveloped Leuven.
From completely transformed residential facilities.
Even the dark elves you see on the streets.
As the territory itself was overturned, Ruben could be said to have become a completely different territory.
Among them, the living area of the Dark Elves was by far the most popular.
Because their peculiar way of life is completely different from that of humans.
They tend to the forest and live as part of nature.
Their lives were especially loved by children.
“Let’s play at Elin’s farm today too!”
“agree! agree!”
“good! Today I will show you rainbow cherry blossoms!”
The children of humans, dwarves, and dark elves got along with each other without any sense of incongruity.
And the relationship between children leads to the relationship between parents.
“My child owes me every time.”
“no. It’s good because we like Elin so much.”
“This… it’s not a big deal.”
“wow! This is green moss!
“Last time, our Lee went up as an escort and saved him.”
“thank you! Let’s all eat this together. I will prepare tea for you!”
“Ho Ho···. I-I will only drink tea.”
The living area of the Dark Elves could be seen as the hottest area in Ruben.
However, the story is a little different when it comes to the most popular districts in Leuven.
It’s none other than ‘Wonderful Restaurant Lv.5’.
It was a restaurant that used to offer miraculous tastes with Dana’s amazing cooking skills.
It was to the extent that even the princess, Elena, tasted the refreshments Dana baked and evaluated the food in the imperial palace as trash.
Such a restaurant was upgraded to Lv.5 through this redevelopment.
“Hey, it’s heaven…! This is paradise!”
“The reason for my life… this food is the reason for my life…!”
The amplified taste could not be described in words.
The same was true of the Dark Elves.
In addition to their lifestyle, the Dark Elves have completely different eating habits from humans.
“This, this… ginkgo tree stem seasoned…!”
“delicious···! It’s so delicious…!”
However, Dana did an excellent job of catering to the taste of the Dark Elves.
“It’s my first time making it, and I’m glad you like it.”
“It’s not enough to fit your mouth! This is the best!”
“Nonsense! Nonsense!”
The busiest and hottest place in Leuven was, of course, Dana’s ‘Wonderful Restaurant Lv.5’.
A restaurant full of warmth.
Looking at the scene of the crowded restaurant as usual today.
Even though the body was hard, Dana did not feel that it was difficult at all.
It’s like being able to cook warm meals for people.
It was because of the Dark Elves who became Yeongjimin this time.
Dana’s son, Jerry, was working as a magician in Ruben.
And in Ruben, there is only one magician, Jerry.
Because of this, Jerry was locked in the lab day and night.
There hasn’t been a single day where my dark circles haven’t been erased.
Even so, it was Jerry who did not rest for the sake of the lord.
It was true that Dana was proud of such Jerry, but at the same time worried.
However, the Dark Elves who became Young Ji-min this time.
As they joined as Jerry’s assistants, Jerry also had a lot of free time.
“Then enjoy your meal and take good care of us, Jerry!”
Dana was only happy to be able to serve food for the Dark Elves.
“Of course it is! Don’t worry!”
“Jerry is a great friend! Rather, we must learn!”
Dana smiled happily as she looked at the dark elves who hurriedly ate their food.
I heard that Dark Elves also suffered a lot.
But it was nice to see him smiling so brightly despite such pain.
“I really appreciate you.”
Dana naturally thought of Xian.
If it wasn’t for Xian, what would become of the Dark Elves?
No, what would have happened to him and Jerry before that?
Xian used the favor of the saint without hesitation for himself who was suffering from the disease.
If it wasn’t for Xi’an, would I have been able to make food for people here?
Could the current Ruben really exist?
Dana calmly looked around the restaurant.
“Drink! Drink too much!”
“Hey kid! Eat everything in your mouth and tell me! Everything bounces!”
People were eating mindlessly.
“Food splashed?! where?! where?!?”
“Ah, you crazy bastard! Why would you eat that!”
“Puhahahahaha!”
A funny scene somewhere.
That’s why the scenery feels warm.
Ruben smelled of human life.
All of these things were possible because Xian was there.
That Dana can cook for you.
The fact that Jerry can walk the path of a sorcerer.
And that people are eating delicious food.
It was all possible because Xian was there.
‘Really… He’s someone I really appreciate.’
Dana felt sincere gratitude to Xian.
So, Dana headed back to the kitchen.
Because that was the only way Dana could repay Xian even a little.
Dana moved slowly.
It was exactly when I was about to take a step.
“If you have time, can I ask you a favor?”
Someone called Dana.
The place where I turned my head and looked.
“Instructor Conner?”
Standing there was none other than Connor.
Kerner, who teaches soldiers the art of assassination in Leuven.
“Are you saying it’s a request…?”
“Can you cook something the lord will like?”
“Your lord?”
Conner nodded once and replied.
“I’m on my way to see the lord right now, what did I do to go empty-handed…”
“ah.”
Dana nodded her head.
“It’s okay if you’re busy.”
And at Conner’s words, Dana thought for a moment.
It’s true that it was quite busy.
Aren’t people lined up outside the restaurant right now?
It was impossible to do a personal favor under these circumstances.
but.
“no. I have that much time.”
Dana nodded happily.
Isn’t it food for Xi’an and not for anyone else?
No matter how busy you were, it was the first thing you had to do.
“Wait a little. I’ll make it right away.”
Dana rushed into the kitchen.
And Conner, who looked at Dana like that.
Conner waited for Dana and went out of the restaurant for a while.
“uh. Aren’t you Instructor Conner?”
“I haven’t seen you in days. Where are you going?”
Reuben’s soldiers recognized Kerner’s appearance and started talking to him.
But Kerner didn’t answer.
“Instructor?”
“What are you doing?”
The soldiers were puzzled, but Connor remained silent.
Conner slowly raised his gaze.
The appearance of the lord’s castle in the distance.
“·······”
Connor’s expression as he looked at the castle was infinitely heavy.