Episode 951 Golden Vigo (2)
Adrian naturally knows what kind of connection his liege has with Galliac.
In the Principality of Liviant, they defeated the Knight of Lamentation together, and in the Kingdom of Estiria, they waged war against Vintert, the master of Loafra.In the Iderat Confederation, they met again through the mediation of Reginalf, a prisoner of death who worked as a junk dealer, and awakened Magnus using the golden bones they possessed.
Adrian’s thoughts on this were as follows.
Lucky guy.
Butcher?That’s a loud tinnitus.
It was said that he had beaten up a knight who was a quasi-noble while drunk in the past, but to Adrian, who was the epitome of arrogance, this was not a particularly impressive record.To him, Galliac was nothing more and nothing less than one of those who owed a debt of gratitude to his liege.
“So, Asher, you’re going without that bastard?”
That is, up until just now.
“……That bastard?”
Yunia froze after explaining the situation to the Galliac party very simply.Even though she was close to her senior, calling him that way offended her, but… now was not the time to get angry.
Yunia slowly turned around.
Sure enough, thick veins bulged on Adrian’s temples.
“Shall we calm down first?”“Move aside.”“Okay.”
Adrian approached silently and stood right in front of Galliac. Galliac was larger in overall physique, both horizontally and vertically.
Adrian lifted his chin slightly.
“You have high standards.”“…….”“Your tone is arrogant.”
God and Nerien, members of Butcher Galliac’s party, trembled and could only move their lips. Even though Adrian showed no sign of his dignity, the indescribable sense of intimidation made their chests feel tight.Cold sweat poured down their backs and met the chilly wind, sending a shiver down their spines.
Galliac twitched his eyes slightly.
The Four Powerhouses of the Central Continent, Heavenly Sword.
I had heard much about the notoriety of Adrian Chambers, who operated alone before becoming a transcendent being and before reappearing in the world as a close associate of Verden.
A genius swordsman who survived unscathed despite becoming a target of Grimnax, a continental assassin group, due to a flood of assassination requests caused by his insane arrogance of treating nobles and royalty from various countries with contempt in public.
I heard he’s a total scumbag hard to find on the entire continent. They say his personality is absolute shit.
Blood flow accelerates, and the body heats up.It is the reflexive instinct of prey, not predator.
“Damn it, did I drink too much yesterday?”
It was actually a simple mistake for Galliac to call Verden and Asher “that bastard.”
It was partly because when he first met Verden, they were on equal footing, unlike now, so he had gotten used to the way of speaking from back then.It was also because Galliac’s naturally rough personality was not flexible or delicate.
Furthermore, when they unexpectedly reunited regarding the Golden Relics, Verden even assured him that he could call him Asher and speak informally to him as usual.
Of course, I remember the advice clearly.
I just need to keep work and business separate. Not for myself, but for you.
Whether it was a hangover or whatever, I just acted before I thought, so I couldn’t immediately recall that damn advice.
Breathing gradually becomes heavy.
Common sense dictates that he should have hit his head first on the ground, but Galliac had a strong rebellious streak and was a tough man who would choose to break rather than bend.
Judging by the way he speaks, he seems quite a bit more refined than the rumors suggest… Should I just probe a little further? Opportunities like this rarely come around.
With my sturdy physique, I overcame many obstacles and rose to the rank of Mithril-grade adventurer. Strong guys, stronger guys, even stronger guys, even stronger bastards.In the end, I smashed them with my fists and split them with an axe to use them as experience points.
Galliac reveres strength.Therefore, he loves battle.The more he fought and won directly, the more Galliac realized his growth and becoming stronger.
The direction of the power I desire.
The opponent is one of the world’s most renowned transcendent beings. Moreover, he belongs to the martial arts realm, just like himself. Since he is not of the magic realm, there is no risk of being affected by some unknown magic, so one will be able to experience his physical strength in its entirety.
Yeah, I’d be an idiot if I got scared and let him get away. Surely he wouldn’t kill me.
Instead of yielding, Galliac widened his eyes and twisted the corners of his mouth.
“Hey, whether it’s that guy or that bastard. Fuck, we’re friends, so I can call him that. Stop being so sensitive—”
Smack!
The wind blew belatedly.
Galliac knelt down just as he was, hanging his head limply with his arms hanging down. He had lost consciousness from a fist that grazed his jaw before he could even react.
“This fellow belongs to the ‘Ruler’ class, too. He always holds his head high even though he knows he’s going to get beaten.”
Gold-ranked adventurer God held his breath.
That Mr. Galliac, in a flash, with a single blow.
I knew from knowledge how formidable Adrian was, but seeing a glimpse of his power in person was beyond my imagination. It was becausethe steadfast back of Galliac, who had not been pushed back even against a massive mutant, was still vivid in my mind.
“We’re leaving now. Bring it here.”“Ah, yes!!!”
Nerien and God tried to support the unconscious Galliac, but his weight, combined with his weapons and armor, was considerable, making it difficult for just one female archer and one male mage to pick up speed.
“You left the jawbone intact? Anyway, they’re going to be exhausted before they even get there.”“Help if you want.”“Hmm, not really, either?”
Aside from not liking it… Unia hated the idea of touching a hulking, complete stranger who reeked of alcohol.
Still, seeing how his colleagues look out for him, maybe he isn’t trash after all. Well, I suppose. If he were that kind of person from the start, his senior would have kicked him out a long time ago.
Junia glanced back and followed Adrian. A blunt shadow fell over the groaning schemers.
“Tsk, saying there’s no time, yet you’re all dawdling. Come out here, you brats.”“What…!”“Hmph!”
Gharun’s thick grip grabbed Galliark by the hair and dragged him. Under the tremendous force, Nerien and God were pulled along and fell forward.The two immediately looked up. The sight of Galliark, dragged along the floor by the old dwarf and licking it with his whole body, was reflected in their eyes.
“Oh? It’s been a while, Lord Gharun. What brings you to Arrain? I was actually planning to visit the fortress regarding the ore matter.”“I stopped by briefly while passing through. Besides, I told you to discuss that kind of thing only with Jeradin, not me.”“Haha, Village Chief Jeradin told me to seek your expert opinion on matters he deemed important, Lord Gharun… Anyway. You seem busy with many things, so I will be leaving now.”“Please take care on your way home, Lord Gharun.”“Very well.”
Before Liam Arrein met Verden, there was Mires, the maid and the only retainer who stayed by his side until the end, even though he was a weak lord who had nearly lost his city and life due to a war with a neighboring lord.They passed by, briefly greeting not only Gharun but also Nerien and God.
Both of them wore identical rings on their ring fingers. Recently, Liam and Mires exchanged vows in a private space, agreeing to marry once the continent stabilized.
“…….”
The situation is a complete mess, yet the Great Lord of Arrein doesn’t seem to care much and just lets it slide.As if this isn’t even surprising.
Mithril-grade adventurer party?The Butcher?
Compared to Eon’s high-ranking officials, he is nothing more than a normal person and an ordinary man. That is what it means to stay close to Verden.
* * *
Paat.
The spatial teleportation circle created by Eon’s special magic unit shines.
A small town has been established in the eastern part of the Central Continent, that is, to the east of Gargath. It was a city founded by Bank Anonium, one of the three major banks.Unlike Bank Dyna and Bank Magnus, Bank Anonium does not open any branches on the continent and operates only its headquarters.
It looks like my first time coming here.
After the Black Hour usurpation war ended, the Lord and Alpha visited the Anonium Bank.While concealing their identities.This was because the secret funds of Nelloronian, the Supreme Councilor of the Beldirn Republic who was killed during the Bone Dragon incident, were kept in this bank.
The secret fund key, which resembled an ID card, was gifted by a man named Jack, who had competed against the Lord at the agency of the Principality of Liviant, as a life debt.
The slush fund was secured long ago.Junia and Cain’s private villa also came from there.
Nevertheless, the Lord continued to pay the fees to maintain the bank account, thinking that he might need the Anonium Bank in the future.
Swoosh.
Adrian and his party, concealing their identities, headed toward the gates of the Anonium Bank.
The Golden Sinner used a specially prepared robe to thoroughly block not only his gleaming appearance but also any potential magical detection.Although there was no need to be overly cautious since it was a bank that guaranteed anonymity, he had not been careless in his preparations, considering that he was undead.
If you are not a new customer, please present your ID.
A bank security guard, a fifth-rank wizard, curtly blocked the passage.
I have an ID, that is, a key.
Since the key to the Anonium Bank, originally stored in the Lord’s subspace, was being managed by Eon’s finance department, which was established relatively recently.
‘but…….’
Adrian beckoned. Magnus handed over a bright yellow key. The wizard’s eyes narrowed as he examined it closely.From the wizard’s mouth flowed an ancient language, not the common language of the continent.
Gold is immutable.
Magnus replied.
[The will of the sinner walking that path will also not change.]
“……!”
The wizard held his breath, immediately returned the golden key, and signaled to open the castle gate. All the guards stood up.
It is an honor to meet the most valued customer of Anonium Bank.
The guards bowed politely.
I will escort you to the Bank Manager of Anonium immediately. Please follow us within 30 paces.
* * *
Bank President Anonium hurriedly straightened his clothes and picked up his cane.He walked quickly down the hallway. His frail body prevented him from moving fast, but his burning heart was swifter than at any other time in his life.
Finally, finally, finally.
The culmination of the duty passed down through generations of bank presidents.The moment to fulfill this aspiration has arrived.
Knock knock, knock, bang.
Bank President Anonium knocked personally. A security guard inside opened the door. And, only the bank president remained to face Adrian and his party.
“Phew…….”
The bank president calmed his ragged breathing without even a moment to wipe away his sweat.
It is good to see you again since the World Conference, Your Excellency Adrian.
Adrian pulled back his hood.
“You recognize it.”“I suspected it from the moment the Bank’s founder began to care for Eon and His Majesty Verden. I knew that if the day came when the banks’ long-standing duty came to an end, He would surely stand at the center. Within Eon, there are no beings capable of acting on His Majesty Verden’s authority other than His Excellency Adrian and His Excellency Isabella.”
Yunia also showed her face and pouted her lips in dissatisfaction.
“I could do a good job acting as deputy, too.”“You still have a long way to go, kid.”
Gharun, perhaps feeling quite frustrated, roughly tore off his robe. The Galliac party, and finally Magnus, also revealed their identities.
“Are you the… sinner of gold? The one who raised the founding funds for the bank…!”
[The Golden Sinner. I am Magnus.]
Magnus’s skeleton gleamed dazzlingly in the bright lights. He rose from his seat, strode over, and faced the bank president.
It has been a truly long time. Right?
“ah…….”
[I, who was sealed away eight centuries ago and only recently awakened, shall not dare to attempt to understand the long-standing efforts of Reginalf and all of you. This is all that I can offer you right now.]
Magnus bowed his head and gently took the bank manager’s wrinkled hand.
[Thank you sincerely for fulfilling your duties.]
The past flashed by.Tears flowed.
“If it weren’t for the founder’s consideration and grace, how could someone like me have risen this far? Abandoned by my parents, I would have been doomed to starve to death; thanks to your kindness, I have lived a prosperous and fulfilling life. It is I who should be the one thanking you. However, if I have just one wish…”
The Anonium bank president earnestly pleaded.
I want to see the results of the duty I performed with these two eyes.
[Hahahahahaha!]
Magnus laughed heartily.
[Of course, comrade.]
God and Nerien widened their eyes at Magnus’s dignified appearance. He exuded a gravitas that was unthinkable for the frivolous undead who had made such a fuss that it seemed to shake the building when he had just been resurrected.
“Damn it, even if I wanted to be moved, I don’t know anything, ugh.”
Galliac, who didn’t even know the relationship between the three major banks and the criminals, nor the identity of Reginalf, the junk dealer who brokered the golden bones to Verden, grumbled, then clutched his chin and let out a short groan.
There is no damage to the jawbone, but the nerve has been slightly damaged, so you may experience pain if you speak excessively today.
“Fuck you…….”“What.”“…….”
The moment Adrian glared, Galliac immediately assumed a defensive stance. It was instinct. Junia giggled silently.
anyway.
The golden key shone in the sinner’s hand.
[Alright, everyone. Are you ready to walk the golden path?]
Adrian, Gharun, Junia, Magnus, Galliac, God, Nerien, Bank President Anonium… … The final destination of this peculiar party was at his feet.
The deepest underground of the city.
There is a reason why the Anonium Bank was founded there.
* * *
Kuu
A space accessible only to the Bank President of Anonium, where a special high-speed, high-power elevator is hidden and descends through the darkness.A path traversing horizontal and vertical.It was none other than the Bank President himself operating the elevator to guide the way.
Then, Gode bravely asked a question.
“Um… may I ask what that duty is?”“Ah, now even you…”
Nerien pressed her hand to her forehead.
Godo would occasionally do things just as insane as Galliac. This was especially true when he couldn’t control his wizard’s curiosity.It wasn’t for nothing that Godo had managed to stay sane in Galliac’s party for years.
The Bank President of Anonium glanced around cautiously.Magnus nodded.Now that they had come this far, there was no longer any need to strictly maintain the secret.
“In the distant past, the Founder of the Bank assigned unique duties to the heads of the Magnus Bank, Dyna Bank, and Anonium Bank. While the duties of the Magnus Bank and Dyna Bank overlapped in that of ‘procurement,’ the Anonium Bank was distinguished from the others by its duty of ‘custody.’”“Custody, you mean?”“The way banks accumulate vast sums is by gathering tiny specks to form a mountain. Why do people try to save money? Why do they seek to raise a fortune? To buy a house? To purchase books? To help others? The reasons are diverse, but ultimately, they all point in only one direction.”
Click.
“future.”
The Anonium bank president pulled the lever.
“All preparations are for the future. We simply followed the Founder’s will and kept a slightly more distant future in mind than others. Have you ever thought about it? If you were to accumulate money over hundreds of years, just how massive a fortune would be formed?”“That is…”“Even a humble individual would be able to amass a considerable amount.”
Gharun crossed his arms.
If it were a global group, the scale would be on a completely different level.
[That must be Reginalf, the Death Sinner’s intention. No, it is undeniable. I haven’t heard about the process from Reginalf yet, but the purpose we promised back then hasn’t changed.]
Magnus felt the movement of the elevator.
[To invest funds in the Magnus Bank and Dyna Bank to amass astronomical slush funds that the world remains completely unaware of, and to repeatedly ‘purchase the future’ to keep it in the Anonium Bank until that time comes. That, then, must be the ultimate duty of a bank. Isn’t it?]
“Yes, that is correct.”
Yunia asked.
“Buying the future? Repeatedly?”
[As I mentioned before, we have been preparing for the return of the Old King. In other words, the future we envision is the preparation of the power to stand against the Old King.]
Boom!
The horsepower elevator reached the bottom.
The door opened.
With no separate passageway, a wall made of gold and black magic blocked the way. In the center, there was only a small hole large enough for a single key to fit through.
Even though it was Magnus’s first time visiting the place, he instinctively understood what he had to do.
[… … Even with overflowing wealth, one cannot do everything, but one can accomplish most things. For instance, gathering vast weapons and funds to raise an army to confront the forces of the Old King, just as in the War of the Transcendents.]
What I mean is.
[That is correct.]
The golden key returned to its place.At the same time, a crack appeared in the wall in response to Magnus’s presence.
Kugugugugugugugugugu.
The dazzling light blinded everyone except Magnus and Adrian. A golden passageway unfolded in Adrian’s sky-blue eyes.
[Re-establishment of the Continental Alliance.]
Magnus took the lead.
[That is the purpose of sinners.]
A golden path leading to the Golden Vigo opened.
