Make Dark Fantasy Great Again

Chapter 99 [Title: No f*ck, why is this Gadum boss fight so lame] Content: Guard Captain level 55? LOL you f*cking idiot You messing with me? Come here and let's bash heads - : Guards: Yes sir -[OP]: Wait a minute lol -[OP]: What's with the gang-up f*ck lololololol -[OP]: I'm fighting the Guard Captain and they all swarm in to gang up on me, this is ridiculous How many of these f*ckers are there - : Someone calculated the total level of the guard corps, apparently it's 856 - : Level 856 would theoretically be stronger than all the Great Demons combined -[OP]: No f*ck so what do I do about this lol - : Don't go straight for Dogal and Gadum's heads, find them scattered around the city one by one and defeat them individually - : Even doing that, they basically come in groups of 3-4 - : Personally, that was the most f*cked up thing in Bondaless for real ───────────── "Here, I'll give this to you!" Regarding the matter of waking up in the morning to find a girl sitting on top of him who had vomited something and then offered it as a gift. Risir summarized his situation in this way and savored a subtle sense of skepticism. 'My life is smoothly entering the realm of legend.' Both at his circumstances where such situations occurred as if nothing happened, and at himself for accepting such situations as if nothing happened. What Verdandes had spat out while going "Ah~" was in the form of a yellow ore. Like a Spirit Core that some Half-Spirit had coughed up. Thanks to this, Risir was able to follow this confusing situation, albeit with difficulty. 'Does she also cough up hairballs like Feryn?' 'No. Wait. Wasn't that possible because Feryn was a Half-Spirit with a physical body?' 'I heard that for ordinary Spirits, the Spirit Core is like their heart...' Risir looked at Verdandes with a serious expression. She wouldn’t fade away with a faint smile and a line like “Bye, Risir,” would she? “Risir!” Fortunately, the sand girl was very energetic. Not just energetic. The sand girl's brow furrowed as her eyebrows drew a cute diagonal line. Verdandes. Angry. She thrust the Spirit Core (presumed) toward Risir. "I'll give it to you!!!" Risir realized he had unknowingly committed the "Number 1 thing you shouldn't do when receiving a gift." Namely, showing an ambiguous reaction. It was a disaster that occurred because the gift came from a mouth rather than a pocket. That too was an act that would rank high in "things you shouldn't do when giving a gift," but Risir decided not to point it out. "Oh, y-yes! Verdand... Su! Thank you!" Risir hastily accepted the Spirit Core (presumed) she had offered. "!!!" Even so, when her tilted eyebrows showed no sign of becoming horizontal, Risir reacted even more intensely. "Oh how wonderful!!! I'll put it to good use!!!" "What's 'good use'!?" "Huh? Um... it means I'm totally, totally excited!!!" "That much!?" "Ahhhhh!!!" "Then I'll give it to you with good use too!!!" "How good it is!!!" "From now on, Risir and I are good-use buddies!" "Good use, good use!!!" The frenzied gift ceremony ended after some time had passed. "Risir! I'll go now then!" "Ah, no! If you leave like this, what am I supposed to do!" "No! Sleepy! I'm going to sleep!" "Ah, so going means that kind of- ... It's okay, right? There's no problem with giving this gift, right?" "Yes! It's good use!" "Yes? Ah! Right! Good use, good use!" Verdandes' form scattered. Risir hurriedly entered the Inner World to find her. She was sleeping peacefully. Verdandes had created a bed and bedding out of sand identical to Risir's (scaled down to fit her size) and was burying herself in it. Only then did Risir feel relieved and let out a sigh. He found it newly amusing. To think that a creature who had previously been a Demon could evoke such emotions simply by becoming a little girl. 'So appearance really is everything. But anyway-' Risir once again looked at the spirit stone (presumed) that Verdandes had given him. 'What exactly is this? What principle was it made with-' "Hey." "...!" It was a voice that woke him from his thoughts. Risir's body jerked up as he turned toward the source of the voice behind him. Clana was watching with her arms crossed. "What are you spacing out for? Pick up your sword." "Ah, not right now." "Really? Then get lost." "Isn't this my Inner World?" "...If it's not for training, what business brings you here?" "To check if Verdandes is doing well." "..." The expectation that had subtly lingered in Clana's expression was replaced by irritation. And that irritation was in turn replaced by bewilderment. "You're treating 'that thing' like it's some child." "?" Risir looked at Clana. An expression that seemed to ask, 'Then what is she if not a child?' "No... forget it. I shouldn't bother. But what is that?" "This is a Spirit Core that Verdandes gave me." "...Spirit Core?" Clana looked at Verdandes lying over there and made a face that said she had much to say. Should she be surprised that 'that thing' gave him a Spirit Core? Or should she be surprised at this guy's attitude of taking it for granted to receive a Spirit Core as a gift from a Spirit? "Ugh..." The killer who had made people feel chaos and confusion through incomprehensible actions and ways of thinking was unintentionally experiencing the same thing herself. "Ah, by any chance Clana. Could you tell what this is?" "I don't know much about that sort of thing. I've only swung swords my whole life." "True. Killing people and crime were probably your areas of expertise?" "...Can't you just euphemistically call it swords?" "Even if you call it swords, the area of expertise is different, isn't it?" "Ugh..." Having confirmed that Verdandes was fine, Risir left the Inner World, leaving behind the troubled Clana. "I should ask Lord Meltas about this after this matter is finished." He pocketed the spirit stone (uncertain) and got out of bed. 'By the way, what exactly was that commotion yesterday? Well, it's probably nothing much.' Sand fell from various parts of his body with each step Risir took. He didn't think much of it. *** The city Nobles who had been staying in the Annex Building did not return to their rooms to sleep peacefully. Gadum. With that madman having unleashed the Guard Corps, how could they sleep soundly? Especially alone. They gathered in the hall of the Annex Building with their guards and servants to prepare for unexpected situations and stayed up all night. Ran did not miss that opportunity. Gadum's friends were gathered in a place without Gadum. Harboring distrust, anxiety, and dissatisfaction toward Gadum. Could there be a better opportunity for persuasion? Ran stayed up all night with them, having conversations with each of them individually. Not only 'friends' but even 'close friends.' The 'close friends' were those who had not hesitated to participate in Gadum's dirty business and accept his dirty money. Ran would normally never have gotten close to them, but- 'With the secret ledger Risir gave me, the support of the city Nobles... and if their testimony is added to that, I should be able to definitively expel Gadum from the City Council.' The other City Councilors were irresponsible people who were only concerned with protecting their own interests. Therefore, if all these plans succeeded, they would no longer be able to turn a blind eye to Gadum. They would try to cut off the tail somehow before the fire attached to Gadum spread to them. 'Very good...' Ran defined the series of events in this way. However, even in the midst of all this, there was one thing that bothered her. Gadum's scheme this time had worked properly. They were fed up with Gadum's action of unhesitatingly unleashing the Guard Corps against guests (even with Ran, a City Councilor, present). -If I show any sign of turning my back on him, I don't know what kind of retaliation he might bring...! Gadum had succeeded in imprinting such an impression on the city Nobles. It was probably exactly what he had thoroughly intended. -Ran. Sorry, but could we talk among ourselves for a moment? Even Moren's group, who had already been almost swayed to Ran's side, began to withdraw. Ran pondered. How should she overcome this situation? '...This is as far as I can go.' That was the conclusion she had reached. Ran had a plan to win over the Nobles. She had a plan to bring down Gadum. She had a plan to persuade the other City Councilors. But she lacked one thing - the decisive move that would stir their hearts. Because Ran lacked that move, she could only watch as Gadum had his way. She could only watch as Bondaless grew sick. That was certainly the case until that mysterious man appeared. He was someone who could gladly become Gadum's closest friend and enjoy wealth and glory if he so desired. But he chose his convictions over dirty wealth and glory. Unlike herself who had nothing but ideals, he had the power to uphold honor and justice. 'Risir...' Could he prove himself once again even in this bleak situation? Could he move their hearts? "Everyone! The Guard Corps has started moving!" "...!" "As soon as dawn broke-" "Good heavens, they're not really going to exercise investigative authority over us, are they!?" "Even if they have full authority over the Guard Corps-" Ran's reason was telling her. That it was realistically difficult. The Annex Building was perfectly controlled by the Guard Corps. What could he do while holed up in his room? "Come to think of it, what happened to Risir!? Yesterday, didn't he say there would be nothing to worry about!? That he would take responsibility for everything if anything went wrong!" "Good heavens, you believed those words at face value!?" "Is there any reason I shouldn't have!?" "Get a grip! What reason does he have to take responsibility for us!" "To begin with, depending on such a young Mage- do you have no pride!?" "Above all, what can he do in this situation! Is he going to bring troops from the Gray Magic Tower!?" The thoughts of the other city Nobles were not different. Thinking rationally, it was nearly impossible for him, who was merely an Honorary Mage, to overturn the current situation. But- 'Risir...' Ran knew from repeated experience how foolish it was to approach understanding his existence rationally. So Ran believed. That he would soon appear and present a solution. "Everyone, please calm down! Let's have faith and wait!" "..." "..." Naturally, Ran's appeal based on such abnormal(?) faith did not reach the city Nobles. Negative emotions began to mix into their expressions as they looked at Ran. 'If only that woman hadn't dragged us into this...' In the case of the 'close friends,' they openly displayed hostility. "Lord Moren, the Guard Corps...!" "Damn it, what now!" Just then, Moren's guard came running to urgently report news. The faces of those present were colored with complete despair- "They're withdrawing!" "?" Moren and the other city Nobles looked out the window in a daze. The Guard Corps was indeed withdrawing. The previous busy movements had been for withdrawal. "What on earth is..." They looked at Ran with bewildered faces. Only she could explain this current situation- "?" "?" Contrary to their expectations, Ran's reaction was not much different. She too was pressed against the window with a bewildered expression, looking outside. "Didn't you say to have faith and wait...?" A middle-aged city Noble asked her in exasperation. "..." No. I didn't know it would be to this extent either. Ran had stationed a servant near his room so she could respond whenever Risir requested cooperation. According to reports, his door had not opened even once since they left. 'But how...?' Gadum is completely blinded by rage now! That's what the Guard Corps surrounding the Annex Building meant. What method could there be to persuade such a Gadum? Ran couldn't think of any. Much less with the additional condition of 'from inside a room.' "..." They were confused. "You were all here." Suddenly, Risir's voice was heard. Gasp! Some jumped in place as if they had seen a ghost. "Oh my, don't tell me- you were here all night? Because of that 'commotion' you mentioned yesterday?" Risir examined their faces and asked. "What on earth happened that-" They suddenly recalled yesterday's memory. -Yes, it may look chaotic on the surface, but in reality it will be nothing much. The image of Risir who had so definitively dismissed the series of disturbances. Moren spoke with a dazed expression, representing the city Nobles. "Nothing... happened at all..." "Pardon?" "Just as you said, it was only chaotic on the surface but nothing much in reality..." Eventually, Risir let out a quiet chuckle. "I thought so." An utterly meaningful appearance. They couldn't even guess what he might be thinking inside. 'By the way, why is the atmosphere like this? Why is everyone so quiet? Were they in the middle of some important conversation?' Don't worry. I can read the room, you know. Risir said with a knowing smile. "If there's nothing urgent, I'll excuse myself- I think I'll go get some fresh air." "...!" Having precisely grasped the meaning behind that action, they approached Ran as soon as Risir disappeared. *** "That can't be... something must be wrong..." Gadum muttered while cleaning up sand scattered throughout the room. By his own hand, not ordering a servant to do it. Because he was anxious about letting anyone into his room. -Lord Gadum, what's the matter!? Soon, the voice of Dogal, the Guard Captain, was heard from outside the door. The first measure Gadum had taken was to summon all the guards of the mansion. Gadum spoke while keeping his room locked. "When I woke up, there were traces of someone having infiltrated my room during the night! It must be the work of those bastards from the Annex Building!" -That's impossible! Dogal explained how strict the security measures taken by the Guard Corps during the night had been. It was an explanation with sufficient grounds and persuasiveness. "..." Even Gadum, who felt threatened for his life, dared not find fault with it. "Right..." No. In fact, Gadum hadn't failed to find fault. He chose not to find fault. He was hoping someone would convince him right now. That all of this was his persecution complex. That any enemy who could kill him at any time was nothing but a product of delusion. He didn't know who 'that bastard' was. That all 'that bastard' could do was play such pranks because he lacked the confidence to face him directly. "Good..." Only after convincing himself could Gadum leave his room. He immediately headed to the Annex Building with Dogal and dozens of guards. To prove by confronting it that the fear threatening him at this moment was nothing but an illusion. 'Can you really show yourself boldly even in front of all these troops?' That bastard would still be holed up in the Annex Building. Cowardly and pathetically. To hide among other people. Gadum repeatedly drew images of 'that bastard's' unsightly and wretched appearance in his mind. "...!" Thus, Gadum's steps, which had been gaining confidence with the passage of time, suddenly stopped. Risir. He had encountered him strolling peacefully through the Annex Building's garden. He was alone. A contrasting sight to Gadum who had numerous troops behind him. Thump! Even so, Gadum unconsciously stepped backward. -Your actions don't deviate from my expectations. At that moment, such a voice seemed to come from his figure standing guard here alone. "?" Then, Risir's gaze turned toward the guards and showed bewilderment. 'What's that? The Guard Corps? Why are they here?' As if he had just noticed their existence for the first time. Ridiculous. With such a commotion yesterday, how could he have just noticed their existence for the first time? In other words, that action was to mock the Guard Corps. -What good does it do to have them there? In the end, they couldn't even prevent my single infiltration. "No, no...!" Gadum shouted. To deny all possibilities that threatened him. "...!" Then Gadum's gaze became fixed on Risir's chest. Gadum cried out frantically. "Wh-what is that...! What does it mean!!!" Pointing at the sand on Risir's chest. "Hmm? Ah." Risir looked down at his body and let out a quiet laugh. 'It must have gotten on when Verdandes sat on me.' He said indifferently. "I've shown an embarrassing sight. It's nothing, so please don't mind it." Sand brushed away with a casual gesture. "Hah, gasp...!" Gadum, who realized the meaning behind that action, finally lost strength in his legs and collapsed in place. "G-get out immediately! Get out of my mansion!!!" He immediately issued an order to expel the guests from the Annex Building. *** [Gadum has left the party] (E/N: WHAT?!) *** It was to prepare to leave the city as soon as possible. (E/N: Ok, lol. Truly a Risir moment) *** ───── ▷Fate 10: Briber - has been deactivated. Perks will be granted accordingly. ───── *** ───── ■Risir Level: 55 ───── *** [You have reached a specific level] [Perks will be granted accordingly] ***