Chapter 309 - Secret Tryst (2)
What if someone showed up without warning, asking for a favor, begging for help?
People's reactions would vary, but many would feel troubled. After all, it is a situation where one is forced to worry against their will.
The harder the request, the more so—especially if there isn't much familiarity between them.
From that perspective, Leira's reaction was calm.
Her face was hidden, so it was impossible to read her expression, yet there was no sign of surprise. If anything, there was a faint sense of delight in her voice.
Almost as if she had been waiting for this.
She didn't even try to hide it.
The very fact that she had left the proper entrance behind, choosing instead to sneak in through a dusty attic, proved as much.
There was room for conversation.
To at least hear him out meant there was a sufficient possibility she might agree, depending on the circumstances. That was what Verden had to seize in order to persuade her.
No flowery words were needed.
As always, the point had to be short and concise.
"I intend to head to the Central Continent, but the spatial teleportation array has malfunctioned."
Her reaction was immediate.
"If you mean the teleportation array of the Eastern Continent… you must be speaking of the Beldirn Republic. I've heard rumors about it as well."
The murderer of the High Senator was unknown.
Entry was possible through strict inspections, but after that, leaving—whether across borders, along the coastline, or via teleportation—was said to be impossible.
Unless one received special permission.
"So what you need is the Mithril-rank adventurer privilege to reactivate the intercontinental teleportation array. If the Republic and the Adventurers' Guild approve it, then yes, even someone outside the guild could cross continents. Provided I stand as your guarantor."
Leira crossed her arms.
"It's not an entirely hidden fact, but still, it is one of the guild's secrets… I didn't expect you to know about such internal matters."
"Well, I overheard it by chance."
"That's not information one can simply 'overhear'. Anyway, to answer—yes, I'm willing to grant your request."
She raised two fingers.
"But there are three conditions. First, your identity. Not a temporary pass or certificate, but solid proof that can vouch for who you truly are."
"Will this do?"
Verden pulled out a medal and a certificate.
The Kingdom of Estiria, Honorary Count.
Leira stared blankly for a moment before speaking.
"…I didn't expect you to gain an honorary noble title in the meantime. Yes, with this, your group needs no other credentials. Your noble status will suffice as proof."
She tilted her head slightly.
"Then, should I be addressing you as 'Your Excellency' now?"
"That won't be necessary. What's the second condition?"
"Hm, the second is obvious—I must accompany you. To cross continents, I too need to travel with you from the Eastern Continent to the Central Continent."
She shrugged her armored shoulder plate.
"To be honest, that part is fine. I was planning to head to the Central Continent soon anyway, so it just means moving my schedule up a little. But the third condition is the problem. It has to do with Kailiens."
Because of the emergency summons?
Leira did not deny it.
"Regardless of rank, an adventurer must uphold their duty as an adventurer. The emergency summons is one such duty."
Joining the subjugation of the demi-humans was a duty that could not be refused.
And until the summons ended, one could not leave Kailiens for a long while.
"If ignored, one's adventurer privileges are temporarily suspended. If that continues or repeats, the adventurer is eventually expelled from the guild."
The Adventurers' Guild was one of the few organizations that openly spanned the world.
Countless adventurers like Leira operated under it, and above them were even greater, the highest Obsidian-rank adventurers, symbols of the guild's might.
And the guild's absolute principle was control.
Just as only Mithril-rank adventurers could use teleportation arrays, privileges and benefits were granted according to rank—vast and unequal.
But in exchange, duties were imposed, forcing action.
Free, yet not free—that was the nature of an adventurer.
Listening intently, Verden finally spoke.
"So all that's needed is to annihilate the demi-humans threatening the region?"
Extermination was something he was confident in.
Leira drew back her chin as she met his shining gaze.
"That confidence is just the same as last year. But the emergency summons is only the surface reason. The real reason I came to Riverungr isn't just the demi-humans."
There was another reason.
Verden wasn't surprised, having already suspected as much.
"What is it?"
"To put it simply, the surge of demi-humans in Kailiens right now isn't natural. It's artificial."
Verden's brow furrowed.
That such mass appearances of demi-humans could be someone's doing—
There was only one possibility he could think of.
"Surely not… Gluttony?"
Gluttony, who considered consumption the foundation of evolution.
The betrayers of the Ark, a mad cult seeking humanity's extinction.
"It's a plausible guess, but no, not Gluttony. Nor does this have direct relation to the Ark. This is a personal commission I've taken on."
A commission outside the guild?
"The guild officially forbids mercenary work, but in truth it's an empty restriction. Just like the request hubs of Gray formed in the Principality of Riviant and the Kingdom of Estiria. Not even the guild can suppress every personal request. Especially not the covert ones."
A request requiring secrecy.
That she would mention it meant she wanted Verden's help with it.
Yet even if she needed his aid, he could not accept blindly.
"Who is the client?"
"…."
Leira tilted her head.
After a moment's hesitation, she decided, speaking without concealment.
"The Luas Church, worshippers of the Goddess of Light."
***
At that name, Verden fell silent.
Not only was the client far greater than expected…
"What relation do the followers of Light have with demi-humans?"
They weren't black mages, nor demons.
It was a question that weighed heavily in Verden's mind.
"I don't know the full story myself. What I was tasked with is merely to investigate the city of Riverungr here in Kailiens. To ensure that the corpses of demi-humans traded through the guild are being properly disposed of. But I've hit difficulties."
Her voice carried frustration.
"You saw yesterday. The guild master clinging to me, claiming it was hospitality for my hard work at the front lines, when really it was surveillance. And even at the front lines, a few high-ranking adventurers kept watching me."
"So the guild is suspicious… which means perhaps the city's leadership may also be involved."
Which explained why the Luas Church had made the request.
"I think so too. Which makes it very difficult for me to move. I can spare time like this to speak with you, but investigating the city's hidden side is beyond me. Each city of Kailiens has its own Guardian of the Market, and the guild has Platinum-rank adventurers or higher."
Deceiving such eyes was no simple matter.
It might be easier to just face them head-on.
"…Does that mean the Church here in Riverungr is involved too?"
"No. I don't believe Bishop Lena or the other priests would be… but one can never be too sure."
Even followers of Luas were human.
There was no guarantee they would not fall into wrongdoing.
"The Luas member who directly commissioned me is currently at the front lines, trying to end the demi-human crisis. I met with them recently, and they provided me a hidden route untouched by adventurers."
…Wasn't that leaking guild secrets?
The thought crossed Verden's mind, but it didn't matter to him.
"They are highly capable, so I believe the situation will soon be resolved. The problem lies with me."
"Still, are you certain it's wise to tell me about the Luas Church's commission?"
"I've thought it over deeply since yesterday, and I decided there's no need to hide it."
Leira stared directly at him.
"Because you're Asher, the one who joined the Kingdom of Estiria, the Luas Church, and House Esperanza to confront the Undead crisis. You even met the tower master of DarkWarton and one of the Seven Archbishops because of it… that says it all."
She added.
"And you're also one of the Ark's members."
Not everyone could belong to the Ark.
That was why a foundation of trust existed.
"So, to put it simply…"
Leira extended her hand.
"Asher, if you help me investigate Riverungr, then in return, I'll make sure you can use the intercontinental teleportation array in the Beldirn Republic. Of course, only after the emergency summons ends. Isn't that a fair trade for both sides?"
Truthfully, it wasn't a bad offer.
There wasn't any other feasible method to begin with.
Why the Luas Church cares about the demi-humans, I don't know…
But helping Leira was reasonable.
He would gain guaranteed use of the teleportation array, and form a deeper connection with a high-ranking adventurer who had advanced to Mithril on her own.
"Very well."
Verden clasped Leira's hand.
The chill of metal encasing her fingers and the rough leather pressed against her palm were felt clearly.
"In return, the methods of investigation will be ours to decide."
"Of course. I had no intention of dictating your methods to begin with. Instead, shall we set the timing for after the Ark conference?"
"Agreed."
Verden nodded.
If they moved too soon, they might be forced to stop midway.
There was no need to constrain themselves with time.
After the handshake, the topic shifted.
"Now then, that leaves only one matter. You said you had questions about the Ark… ah, could it be about the Ark conference? Well, this would be your first time, after all."
Having grasped his intent, Leira nodded.
"It may sound grand, but there's no need to be overly tense. The Ark conference is, in truth, a gathering for the 'Captains'."
Captains?
"It is the position reached by Ark candidates after overcoming countless trials. I've only seen a couple myself, but they hold the authority to personally issue trials to candidates. They are, in practice, the Ark's true officers."
The Ark's hidden power.
Verden felt a strong curiosity stirring within. Who they were, and how powerful they might be.
"Then what do Ark candidates do?"
"For us candidates, a kind of exchange battle takes place. You remember why the Ark nurtures candidates, don't you?"
Of course he knew.
Because the Listener had once said it.
───Lord Asher, do not be mistaken. We are a collective for the frail 'species' called humanity, not guardians of every single human. What we do is find candidates, place them before trials, and make them become stronger beings. We are not shields that let humans decay in peace.
Humans grow strong through trials.
The Ark, holding to such a creed, exists to raise saviors who will lead humanity.
"That is why candidates are always in need of proof. Not just tallying how many trials they've overcome, but rather what they've gained from them—that is what matters."
Indeed.
"Even if they show disappointing results in the exchange battle, there are no real penalties. Later, they can grow through further trials, and prove themselves again."
"And if they cannot…?"
"Then they'll be weeded out, dying amid their trials."
The Ark grants the chance for growth.
And candidates bear the responsibility for it. A simple yet brutal system.
Verden, lost in thought for a moment, asked again.
"How many days does the Ark conference last?"
"Not long. Short enough that I can leave even during the emergency summons without issue. As for how we travel to the conference hall…"
Leira glanced at Verden.
"I won't tell you."
"…?"
"It would spoil the fun if I said it in advance."
A small laugh slipped from her lips.
Just as he had thought back in the Principality, this woman had a streak of mischief.
"In any case, before long, someone from the Ark will come to escort us."
Leira turned her head.
Her gaze pointed toward the sky beyond the window.
"By now, they must be preparing to move."
***
The new year was dawning.
The sun's rays pierced the dark night sky, spreading across the lofty heavens.
Warm sunlight filled the world, yet the chill currents flowed gently through the air. Amid the clouds that blanketed the horizon, a man looked down.
"So, the time has come again…"
The man reflected on recent days.
The Ark had, as always, observed the world's state according to its iron-blooded rules.
Many trials had arisen, many candidates had challenged them. Some died or faltered, but others overcame, growing stronger.
Those who repeated this ascent became Captains, each holding their station, fulfilling their goals, and steadily advancing.
Promising talents to lead frail humanity into strength.
The Ark was formed solely for humanity.
But what truly stirred the man's heart was something else.
Asher.
The mage who, alongside Leira, had overwhelmed the Soul Tree trial.
The one who slew Gluttony's doctor and the Fifth Fang hiding in the Principality.
The feats accomplished there had been nothing short of staggering.
Thus, after the man, the Captains of the Ark, and the Elders had convened, they bent the rules and extended a new proposal to Asher.
If he could overcome an ancient trial within a set time, then even without observing most of the Ark's obligations, he would still be granted the trial, and its rewards.
We were certain he would fail.
It was the natural conclusion.
They had thought the Tomb of the Demon King could not be found.
A little over a year was far too short to locate such an ancient trial.
Even if he did, they believed he would not attempt it.
Many candidates had already died attempting it, their deaths warning of its dangers.
And above all, he was too young.
At the time, Asher—even if remarkable—was merely a 4th-tier mage.
They had never thought someone of that level would be reckless and arrogant enough to challenge a trial tied to the Demon King.
They believed he had at least that much sense.
The Ark's true aim had been to observe Asher's potential.
To see what growth he could achieve in limited time, whether he would wisely abandon the trial, and how he might overcome that defeat.
But he shattered every expectation.
He did not stop, but grew ceaselessly, reaching the 5th tier.
Even that was astounding, but then, without even completing his Mado, he challenged the ancient trial—the Demon King's Tomb in the Kingdom of Estiria.
And, flaunting it all, he overcame it and survived, and now stood in Kailiens.
There had been no shortage of challengers to the ancient trials.
All were those who thought themselves mighty, who had endured and overcome countless other trials.
But nearly none had lived.
Promising candidates had lost their lives, and even Captains who had attempted it perished on the edge of death.
For someone to overcome it, it had been decades.
And Asher was the first to conquer a trial tied to the Demon King.
The only one.
That made it all the more thrilling.
The Ark conference… what would he show in the exchange battle? What had he seen and gained in that shrouded Demon King's Tomb?
The man clenched his fist.
Letting out a long breath, he summoned an Elder.
"You called for me."
"The time has come."
The man, master of the Ark, commanded.
"Convene the Ark conference."
***
The streets of Kailiens greeted the new year.
Men and women, young and old, filled the city, facing piled snow, the cold, and the sunlight.
Elsewhere, Bishop Lena of the Luas Church and priests displayed holy power, proclaiming their faith.
"Glory to Lord Luas! Glory to the New Year! May the blessing of light be upon you all—let us pray together!"
"Lord Luas…!"
The air was loud with clamor.
Meanwhile, Adrian remained in the inn.
"Hoo."
Balancing his body on one arm, a feat of control.
Focusing his mind on muscles and nerves, he maintained balance, restoring his bodily senses.
A motionless stance, not a tremor.
In time, he shifted to a handstand balanced on just his index finger. Purely physical strength, no aura used.
Moments later, Verden entered the room.
"You seem to be recovering well."
"You've returned, my lord."
Adrian rose lightly, loosening his body.
"Bishop Lena… though her manner is light, her holy power and miracles are genuine. At this rate, I'll be fully restored in a few days. All thanks to you, my lord."
So that was the power of a high bishop.
To think such wounds could be restored in mere days.
Then again, an Archbishop can even regenerate lost limbs, so perhaps it isn't so strange.
Besides, he had filled the donation chest to the brim.
For the millions of Elk he had paid, he'd best see results like this.
Well, with Adrian's recovery handled…
Verden sat down on a chair.
"Adrian. In a few days, I'll have to leave. In the meantime, there's something I want you to take care of."
A task to entrust.
Adrian answered without hesitation.
"Command me."
"There is a need to investigate Riverungr."
Setting aside the Ark, he explained the conversation with Leira.
The Luas Church, the Adventurers' Guild, the city's upper echelons, the demi-humans.
Adrian listened intently, not missing a single word, before nodding gravely.
Then he asked.
"How should I proceed?"
"I'll leave that to your judgment."
Adrian was once among the Central Continent's Four Greats.
In terms of experience, he far surpassed Verden. There was no need for detailed instructions.
"Leave it to me."
Adrian spoke with confidence.
He did not ask about Verden's movements.
Why he was leaving, or exactly when he would return. Because such things had never mattered.
That was what the world called trust.
***
Having given Adrian a general outline, Verden spent his time leisurely in Riverungr.
Wondering how the Ark would approach.
They won't just suddenly appear with an airship via teleportation.
Most of all, how would they travel to the Ark's conference hall?
Given the nature of the Ark, he couldn't help but be curious. The mage's natural curiosity began to stir.
Sitting at a café, sipping coffee, he let his mind wander through various scenarios.
Then it happened.
A black-haired man in a suit sat down behind him.
A moment of stillness passed.
With a small sigh, Verden set down his cup.
"How long are you going to sit there like that?"
"Oh my, I've been found out already. I thought I approached naturally. Your senses have grown sharper than before."
The man chuckled softly, turning his head slightly.
"Haha, it's been a while. How have you been, Lord Asher?"
The Listener of the Ark.
The connection from the Principality had come to find him.
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