Volume 5 Chapter 2 Details
"Nightfather's branches have been significantly dismantled. First, the drug division, illegal sl*ve trade, illegal weapons. Losing these 3 pillars, Nightfather is weaker than ever before."
In response to Frain's explanation, I replied with a nonchalant "Oh?"
"I have a few questions. First, weren't you targeted? Well, if that's the case, since I shut down the moneylending division, I'm not being targeted."
"Wade, your situation is because I immediately shut down the drug division, so the focus shifted to me. Sacrificing Frowdus helped suppress the rumors to some extent, but those in the know were aware. Lucky you, Wade. Want something in return for your gratitude?"
"Then I'll give you a crystal sword."
"Where did you pull that from?"
I tapped the back of my left hand through the gauntlet, summoning the crystal sword. I presented one to Frain, who took it with a puzzled expression.
"Wow, what's this... It has a sharp edge. But, it seems fragile. It looks like it would break easily after a few uses."
"Please use it carefully."
"Are you really giving this to me...? Well then, I'll gratefully accept it."
It seems he will accept it. Surprisingly, Frain is quite cooperative.
"Well, with that said, I was firmly targeted by Nightfather. At one point, I even slept in the dungeon. But I learned that the dungeon is not a safe haven."
"..."
"Don't stay silent. I've already come to terms with this. ---Sigh. I can't tell if it's cruel or just naive."
The death of Frain's comrade. But Frain claims to have accepted it. Therefore, it's not something I should mourn unnecessarily. Frain probably mourned more than anyone else.
"So, I started teaming up with Kadras, who was also hunted down as a traitor, and gathered more people out of hatred for Nightfather. With the amassed strength, we launched a counterattack, leading to the dismantling of the illegal sl*ve trade and illegal weapons divisions."
"It seems like you have been through a lot, Frain..."
"Well, not as much as you."
"The story when someone reached the gold rank is probably beyond imagination."
"There's no need to mention that. I'm not uninterested, but let's focus on Nightfather's story for now."
"That's right."
As Frain redirects the conversation, I ask him,
"What are illegal sl*ves and illegal weapons?"
"Sl*ves are typically certified and managed by the lord, treated like high-class pets serving as servants or bodyguards. If they are needlessly mistreated, it becomes a crime... Illegal sl*ves are the opposite of that."
"If they are not managed, they can be mistreated without consequences. Is that it?"
"It's not that they are allowed to be mistreated, but rather they go unnoticed. Regular sl*ves are usually well-maintained or regularly checked, which is why perverts and lunatics invest heavily in illegal sl*ves. It's sickening."
"So, I shut them down," Frain wickedly laughs. Deep down, he's a good person, just pretending to be bad.
"What about illegal weapons?"
"Weapons are similar. They deal with weapons that are unregulated and not allowed in normal cities. ...Essentially, cursed weapons. They are powerful but drive their owners mad."
"For example?"
"The Cursed Thirteen Blades of Victory.'"
At the mention of that ominous name, I fall silent.
"One of the most dreaded cursed weapon series in existence. It was said that one of them made its way to Karditsa. We shut down the division, but couldn't locate it. Probably, some executives still possess it. That's the only regret I have now."
The chilling story makes me shudder, and I can't help but suppress a smile.
"Wade, your taste is truly awful."
"Shut it. Doesn't the thought of facing a strong enemy excite you?"
"It's a hassle and makes me sick."
Our sensibilities are completely opposite, so we exchange strange looks and continue the conversation.
"So, I understand the need to completely crush Nightfather, but how exactly do we go about it, Frain?"
"Basically, if you go all out at the last minute, that's fine, but depending on the situation, we might need to ask for help. We'll discuss that with the lord."
"Huh? Are you working with the lord?"
"Of course we are, you idiot. If the lord let the anti-social organizations run wild when a war is about to start, who knows what might happen. So, the plan is to crush them according to the circumstances."
If you agree to the discussion, the next meeting will be at the lord's mansion, Frain mentions.
The lord seems to be involved in a lot of things. Maybe I'm being recruited by Frain because of Lord's recommendation. ...No, that's not it. Judging by Frain's excitement, it feels more like payback for getting involved in dismantling their financial.
Well, it seems fun, so I'll probably accept it. But it's not good to be taken lightly, so I'll decide after hearing the whole story.
"I see... So, because Nightfather was weakened by chance, you're looking for strong forces to confront on a big stage."
"That's how it is. ---I never wanted to say this, but in the realm of Sword adventurers, the strongest party in Karditsa is yours, Wade."
Frain is staring at me.
"Nightfather is a despicable scoundrel. I want to crush him when I have the chance. Most of the small fry in my party can be handled, but there's a risk if we face the boss's trusted aides alone."
At those words, my weak self couldn't help but smirk. Not yet... I must endure a little longer...
"Trusted aides?"
"There are 3 of them, the martial arts executive members of Nightfather. We defeated everyone else, but we were forced to retreat once against one of the trusted aides."
"...Taking on the Silver Party alone, that's almost at the Gold level."
When I said that, Frain, with a wry expression, said with a sarcastic pose, "You guessed it right."
"So, those three are the 'Puppet Master,' who implants something in illegal slaves to turn them into abnormal soldiers; the 'Swallow,' who is a newly hired bodyguard; and the 'Protean,' who is surrounded by mystery and shrouded in various rumors."
Frain lists them.
"These 3 are all at the Gold level. Because of them, we still can't defeat the boss."
"Surrounding 3 at the Gold level. They must have earned quite a lot."
"Nightfather's boss is a genius in underground business. He's good at seizing needs that shouldn't be made public. ...That's how the despicable castle was built."
With a suggestive tone, Frain said.
"Anyway, our final goal is to eliminate them and capture the boss, entrusting guard duty to you guys. That's what I want to ask of you."
"I see. Well, I'll think about it when I get back."
"Hmph, stop being so dramatic. You're going to accept it anyway, right? ...Fighting against strong opponents is your favorite, Wade."
"...No comment."
I dodged the questioning and stood up. I'll probably accept it 9 times out of ten, but I can't act on my own. I can only forget myself and jump into action during combat. ...I wonder why that's allowed.
As I moved away from the desk, I realized that the sound was muted by magic. Suddenly, I was surrounded by noise.
Heading towards the exit, I noticed that the adventurers around the quest bulletin board were looking at me strangely and approached me.
"Why were you looking at me?"
"N-no! I didn't mean any harm. I just..."
As the adventurer pointed, I frowned deeply.
It was a request.
'Missing Person Request: Please find my son who became an adventurer. His name is "Wade."'
I muttered to myself.
---What are you trying to do now, you damn old man.
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