Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

"How negligent." The elf muttered in a hostile voice while looking at the Hero's beloved sword thrown on the ground. It was Ratsil in her stranger-wary state. —Since we're welcoming distinguished guests like the Hero, there shouldn't be even the slightest negligence. Having cleverly grasped the context, she was directly quoting the words the envoy had used when engaging in a battle of wills with Risir. —Their attitude toward Risir was only polite on the surface. —They were conspiring in a city where the World Tree might have taken root. In Ratsil's mind, they had already committed two crimes and been sentenced guilty. Not only that, but all the surveillance members who had followed Risir along with Ratsil felt the same. "..." "..." Thanks to that, the envoys could now face the typical appearance of elves. It was the sight of elves despising humans. "Ugh—...!" In such political situations, external pressure is inevitable. The young Noble responsible for the delegation, Lord Gerson, was prepared to endure it willingly. However, the target was the problem. 'So many elves...' The numerous elves surrounding him. Regardless of status or age, it was a situation that would be difficult for anyone living in the ordinary world to encounter. Gerson was overwhelmed by the presence of that arrogant yet mystical race. Thus, Gerson's mind became cluttered. By the numerous elves and the presence of the Magic Sword. "...Ah! This is why the Hero asked us to carry his luggage!" Nevertheless, Gerson succeeded in maintaining his composure. He was recognized in noble society for his exceptional abilities that didn't match his young age. The person responsible for the first official meeting with the expedition! Being entrusted with this important responsibility was absolutely no coincidence. "If you had informed us in advance that you were carrying such a dangerous item, we could have taken more appropriate measures. I apologize." Interpreted, it meant 'I did make a mistake, but you're the one who caused it.' 'Ooh—' Gerson's companions secretly admired him as they watched his behavior. The Hero and the Magic Sword. That absurd combination was undoubtedly a move by the expedition to suppress their opponent's momentum at first meeting. Saying "Our expedition even keeps such dangerous items"—like that. It was a simple and childish tactic, but it was also an equally effective one. Ordinary people like them would have been paralyzed with fear and unable to do anything upon encountering the Magic Sword. But Lord Gerson was indeed different. He was confidently expressing his opinion right in front of where the Magic Sword had fallen. 'Since it's a Magic Sword kept by the Hero himself, it must be properly handled. Just being close to it won't have any effect. Surely...' It was a bold decision to willingly risk his own safety. "Anyway, this prank is a bit excessive. Even so, trying to dump such a dangerous risk factor on us as if it were ordinary luggage." Thus. The expedition's secret weapon using the Magic Sword came to nothing. Now it was Gerson's side's turn. If Gerson had been unable to do anything with the Magic Sword in front of him, the expedition would have subtly taken the initiative. But if Gerson could come out confidently, the story would be different. As he said, using dangerous factors like Magic Swords for suppressing momentum was a base and irresponsible act. "The Master of Advancement is a very honorable and proud Hero... It's a story I've heard so much lately my ears are sore. That's why I had great expectations for meeting the Hero, but—..." No matter how great one's power, one couldn't ignore public reputation. Especially if one held a symbolic position like that of a Hero. The exercise of power without justification—crudely speaking, thuggery—was bound to damage that reputation. Could there be any other thuggery in this world like intimidating with a Magic Sword? Therefore, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the Hero's reputation was already in Gerson's hands. "..." He looked at the Magic Sword once, then smiled bitterly at the Hero. "I express my deep regret." Gerson's counterattack was about to begin. He hid behind a polite smile and observed the Hero's reaction. It was an extremely relaxed appearance. And for good reason. The Hero's previous action was a blunder that couldn't be fixed with any excuse. 'Trying to suppress momentum while dumping a Magic Sword... What on earth was he thinking when he did such a thing?' At this point, Gerson was almost looking forward to seeing what nonsensical excuse the Hero would come up with. "A dangerous risk factor? Ah. Surely not. Would I transfer such danger to you all? That Magic Sword is, of course, safe." "A Magic Sword is safe?" "That's right. After having a sincere conversation with me, it had a change of heart—should I call it a trustworthy Magic Sword?" The Hero said while pointing to that dark-colored sword. A safe Magic Sword. A trustworthy Magic Sword. Gerson burst into laughter inwardly. As expected, the Hero's excuse was utterly ridiculous. 'Since it's a safe Magic Sword, there's no fault in handing it over—is that it? Trying to gloss over this situation with mere wordplay? Not a chance.' Gerson pressed the Hero even more fiercely. "In that case, you wouldn't mind if we really took this Magic Sword, would you?" Behind him, Gerson's companions held their breath. Gerson immediately made a motion to pick up the Magic Sword. This would force the Hero to be startled and stop Gerson. If Gerson really took the Magic Sword, he would be exposed to the Magic Sword's ominous aura. In effect, an innocent civilian would walk the path of destruction at the Hero's request. Thus. Gerson's response was a hardline approach that completely cornered the Hero. Gerson heightened all his senses to gauge the Hero's intentions— "Huh?" In that moment. Gerson's highly tense atmosphere loosened like a broken thread. Because the Hero, whom he thought was engaged in a tense tug-of-war with him, was just sitting quietly with his hands still. Gerson belatedly realized. That only they had been serious throughout. "Excuse me for a moment—." "Ah?" At that moment. Gerson, who had been frozen while bending over the sword, moved aside. Rona's group, who had been pushed out by Gerson's party and almost expelled from the crowd, stepped forward. "Hero. I apologize for the discourtesy committed by those 'Watchers.'" "Discourtesy!? What do you mean— What discourtesy did we commit that you would say such nonsense—" Gerson opened his eyes wide and tried to protest to Rona. "Huh?" However, his mouth immediately shut. Rona casually bent down and picked up the Magic Sword. "Wh-what are you doing...!!!" Gerson completely forgot about the power struggle between the 'Watchers' and Bondaless and was horrified. No matter how much they wanted to get ahead in this competition, exposing oneself to the Magic Sword's aura? "How can you be so foolish—" "Foolish? What do you mean?" "What do you mean! Risking your life just to make a good impression on the expedition! If this isn't foolishness, what is!" "Ah, you mean this?" The noble young man held up the Magic Sword and created his characteristic refreshing smile. "Didn't the Hero say so? This is a safe Magic Sword." "..." "In the first place, does it seem like the Hero would dump dangerous items on others?" "Th-that's—...!" Gerson felt dizzy. The other party was certainly speaking logic, but their frame of reference was completely off. How could one accept the concept of a 'safe Magic Sword' at face value!? At that moment. Rona spoke to Gerson. "I'm reminded of what came up during this personnel selection. You certainly said that our Bondaless delegation alone would be inadequate to welcome the expedition." The noble young man created a mischievous smile. "At this rate, I don't know which side is inadequate. Ah, Hero! I apologize. I've shown such an embarrassing display in front of you—" "Haha, not at all. Please don't mind it." "I apologize for the unnecessary inconvenience just now. You must have been quite frustrated." "Not at all. Frustrated? I think that's normally the proper reaction." "That's a terrible thing to say! What just happened was clear discourtesy in not trusting the Hero's honor!" "Hmm... now that I think about it, that does seem to be the case?" "On behalf of Bondaless, I apologize. And I promise you will never experience such unpleasant treatment again. From now on, it will be us, the Bondaless delegation, not them, who will properly welcome you and the expedition...from start to finish." "Ah, is that so!? I don't know the details, but—if that's the case, I'll be counting on your kind assistance." "I should be the one asking for your kind assistance. Ah! Please give me the luggage. This time I'll carry it properly without dropping it." "My, how reliable you are!?" "Hahaha!" "Kekeke!" A flow as natural as water. At the end of it, Gerson's party stood alone, dumbfounded. The Hero and Rona's group had returned to the expedition's crowd together. It was the moment when Bondaless City Council gracefully escaped their interference and snatched away the expedition. "...Huh?" Gerson belatedly looked as if he had been possessed by an evil spirit. What had just happened? *** Gerson's party had no choice but to return to Bondaless's camp. Though it was called 'Bondaless's camp', most of the personnel there currently consisted of outsiders to Bondaless like Gerson. They were power holders from regions adjacent to Bondaless who had united to form an alliance to actively intervene and respond to this situation. They called themselves the 'Watchers.' "Gerson? How is it that you're all alone—" The senior members of the Watchers immediately welcomed Gerson's party. Unfavorable gazes flew from all directions and struck them. It was understandable that the Bondaless City Council people who had tagged along weren't visible. But why wasn't the expedition visible either? What this implied was clear. "Don't tell me they lost the initiative to the Bondaless City Council!?" "What is this!? The delegation leader was supposed to be you, so how could you lose the private audience with the expedition to them!?" "Something, something was strange!" Gerson cried out in frustration. The Hero of Advancement. The Saint of Bondaless. Those two clicked together like old buddies having a reunion, and the situation was over. In such a situation, what was he supposed to do!? "Per-perhaps there might be some connection between the Bondaless City Council and the Hero!" "..." The Watchers were displeased but didn't dismiss Gerson's opinion. Bondaless. That city was thoroughly controlled by fear and respect for an unknown secret organization. According to information the Watchers had obtained, that secret organization had influence not only over the City Council but also over Gus, the Great Trading Company owner, and the Magic Tower, even extending their influence to the underworld. Thanks to this, the information the Watchers could obtain in Bondaless was extremely limited. As Gerson said— it wouldn't be strange if there were interests between the two that the Watchers didn't know about. "Then this is serious." "At this rate, accomplishing our original purpose will be—" The Watchers. They were those who had united to guard against the many dangers that could arise centered around contact between the expedition and Bondaless. On the surface, that is. In fact, their true purpose was to use this situation as justification to establish their influence in Bondaless. That's why what was needed was persuasion. The Watchers planned to persuade the Hero and other expedition members to lend their strength to their group. Whatever the expedition's purpose, if they could breathe their influence into the expedition's movements? In that case, external forces penetrating Bondaless would become surprisingly easy. Therefore, it was an emergency. According to Gerson, the Hero, who could be called the center of the expedition, was already on Bondaless's side. "...No, perhaps that might not matter." "What?" "Originally, the target we needed to persuade wasn't the Hero. Persuading a Hero is almost impossible to begin with. Isn't that right?" "Then—" "Elves are the same. They're not people you can reason with. Therefore, the new targets we should focus on are as follows." Dibrian Knight Order. Sword Sheath of Pofendal. Steel Fire Guild. Each one was a renowned group that made them nod in agreement. The firmness of their integrity and honor goes without saying. However. Compared to elves and the Hero, they were at an extremely 'human' level. If the Watchers mobilized all their resources? Even if not their leaders, recruiting individuals with respectable positions was entirely possible. "Then let's do this. When the expedition arrives at the camp, some of us will customarily sit with the Hero and the leaders of each group. While buying time that way—the rest will seek ways to persuade them." "Has the time come to use that item?" "It seems that way." The Watchers gathered their opinions and waited for the expedition. A short while later. The rumored expedition arrived at the Bondaless camp. *** The plan proceeded surprisingly smoothly. When the Watchers entrusted the expedition's welcome to the Bondaless City Council, the council accepted the proposal obediently despite being wary. It was also a right that the Bondaless City Council had consistently claimed. And so, now. The Bondaless City Council was holding a banquet under the illusion that they were leading the situation. Some Watchers. And along with the leaders of each expedition group. The Watchers embarked on their next plan. "Kendrick. How nice to see you again here." "Hmm? Who are you?" "Sir Coltrin. It's been a while. How is Young Master Ares doing?" "Ah! Of course! He's doing great! Who would have thought I'd see you here!? Come over and drink with us!" "Mr. Murta. Do you remember me?" "Oh my! Of course I remember you, my friend!!!" They used their status as power holders to naturally make contact with each group. They blended into the groups and singled out targets. Those individuals who seemed suitable for persuasion. "Ah! Lord Roford! Here's the friend I mentioned!!! He has no ambition but is uselessly greedy—you know? Someone who talks about modest dreams like wanting to peacefully tend fields in his old age, or wanting to meet a kind woman—not necessarily pretty—and start a family?" "Come now, Mr. Kendrick! What on earth were you talking about to say such things—" "Huh? That's right? What was the topic again? Well, whatever. Let's drink first!" And so, now. The Watchers had gathered in one place, surrounding a single table. A strangely shaped object occupied the center of the table. It was an orb that looked like a lump of flesh with a mouth attached. Orb of Greed. It had the power to speak of the desires harbored by its target. Along with the difficulty of fulfilling those desires. The Watchers fed the Orb of Greed hair samples they had secretly collected from their targets. "I'll go first." "Go ahead, Roford. What kind of person was the target?" "According to those around him—... he's supposedly someone with very modest dreams." "Hmm. Good. Begin." Soon. The Orb of Greed smacked its lips and began reciting the target's desires. —A modest desire indeed. The Watchers were delighted. The Orb of Greed reveals desires that the target truly wishes for and could never refuse. For instance, if the Orb of Greed says it's modest, then it truly is modest. "Things are flowing easily from the start." "The Lord is watching over us—" "So it's one from the Sword Sheath of Pofendal side? Very good." They wore satisfied smiles across their faces. Soon the Orb of Greed recited the modest wish. -Ah. I want to once again watch the world go through a cataclysm from the clash of the Sacred Sword and the Magic Sword. """...!!!""" The air in the room seemed to turn sharp. "Wh-what is this...!!!" "Roford, whose hair did you bring!?" The Watchers, suddenly faced with an unmanageable situation, were shocked. They called it modest. Yet out came a wish that only a demon lord dreaming of the world's end would have.