Volume 7 Chapter 26 Preparing For 'Slow'
When the information that 'Slow' was planning to take revenge on him spread, Coin first thought about who would benefit from that information.
"I'll get that info and gather bodyguards no matter what happens. Then, I can investigate the flow of money in the Guild."
But it didn't work out. Coin, who didn't think that the goal was to crush him after he had given his all, said, "Can't read it... Dammit, no choice. I'll go along with it" and proceeded with his preparations.
Coin is a merchant, not a warrior. As a half-Dwarf, half-human, he has some physical strength, but he's made his way in the world with his keen eye for weapons and his business sense.
So, he's sensitive to profits, but when it comes to defeating enemies and breaking their spirits, he's not so confident.
That means that once someone becomes strong enough, it's hard to gauge their strength.
It's like how ordinary people can't imagine what they can buy with 10 million or how things change with 100 million.
So, Coin knew that 'Slow's Wade was very strong, but he didn't know how strong.
"Hire someone who can beat 'Slow's Wade. What's the point of having a gold sword?"
The face of the Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild when Coin said that was something he would never forget in his life.
"What's with that face? Did you put poison in the tea you just served me?"
"...Co, Coin-san. Are you trying to make a deal with 'Slow's Great Hero'?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Before that, 'Oath' got involved with me, and I even pay an advance payment and sold them information. Then, 'Slow's guys planned to take revenge."
It was a request made in the reception room of the Traveler Mine Guild, where Coin had called the Adventurer's Guild Master. Coin cut the tip of his cigar, lit it, took a puff, and calmed down, then exhaled.
"According to what I heard from 'Oath', 'Slow's guys lost his right arm or something. He's not as tough as he seems, considering he's supposed to be immortal. If you prepare a few gold swords, I can take him down."
"But can't you get in touch with that 'Oath'?"
"Ah, damn it. That guy, with his platinum-level skills, is being cautious and hiding his true abilities. What a waste of money, ugh. If I can get in touch with him, I'll have to pay a hefty protection fee, and on top of that, I'll have to pay for the information too."
Coin puffed on his cigar, letting out a sigh of frustration. Well, it's not a big deal for a wealthy merchant like Coin, who can afford to hire a gold-ranked swordsman.
Just then, the Guild Leader poured cold water on the conversation.
"...Coin-san, if I may say so, you're underestimating the 'Slow's Great Hero'."
"Huh?"
Coin raised an eyebrow, looking at the Guild Leader, a veteran adventurer who had risen through the ranks from silver to gold. Although he had aged, his physique was still more impressive than Coin's, who looked like a young boy.
So, when the Guild Leader said something like that, Coin couldn't understand why. Dealing with pesky adventurers was usually left to the Guild Leader, and Coin had always been able to handle it easily.
The Guild Leader appealed to Coin.
"First of all, it's hard to find a gold-ranked adventurer. There's only one in Birk, and they hardly listen to what you say. And if you need multiple people, it'll take time. Moreover..."
The Guild Leader took a deep breath, his face turning serious.
"It's likely that even then, we won't be able to match the 'Slow Hero'. He's a man who has reached the platinum level in just half a year. He's been fighting Fist of the Dragon for a month now. He's probably gotten even stronger."
"...Guild Leader, you know..."
Coin blew out a puff of cigar smoke, which wafted towards the Guild Leader's face. As the Guild Leader fanned his face with his hand, Coin said,
"We've been friends for a long time. I know I should listen to your advice. But come on, things have already gotten this far. Saying 'it's impossible, give up' doesn't mean anything to me."
"...I understand. If you fall, many people will be lost. But what you're trying to do is reckless, and I just wanted to say that beforehand."
"I don't get it... Why is a strong guy like the Guild Leader scared of some brat with just a lot of power?"
Indeed, the merchant's courage was impressive, but in business negotiations, even an amateur could hold their own. Coin might be stronger, but for Coin, it was just another day at the office.
Coin was a merchant. As a merchant, Coin didn't have combat skills. However, Coin had hired many adventurers, used them, and even crushed them when necessary.
So, Coin couldn't understand. When faced with an opponent with overwhelming power, Coin couldn't comprehend what would happen to people. The idea of being in such a situation was unthinkable.
Anyway, after having such a conversation, Coin had the Guild Master gather 3 Sword adventurers with a gold ranking.
One from Birk, and 2 from the other side.
When the 3 of them arrived, the Guild Master said,
"I've prepared 3 top-notch adventurers for you. It's strange that they haven't attacked you yet, even after the information leaked... but anyway, I've arranged it for you."
"Thanks, Guild Master. Then, I would like to ask you to introduce yourself for."
Coin asks the three to introduced themselves. In the business deal Coin had initiated, Coin never forgot to bring a 'gift'.
Among the 3, the first to speak up was a middle-aged man with a magic seal on his forehead, who looked like a veteran. The giant of a man, who seemed to be twice Coin's height, opened his mouth.
"I'm 'Iron Man' Iron. I can transform my entire body into iron and fight for days on end. Most attacks won't work on me."
He seemed like an incredibly strong adventurer. If his 2-meter-tall body could transform into a solid iron block, even a greatsword like 'Slow' wouldn't be able to penetrate.
As Coin nodded in satisfaction, Iron held out his hand.
"The pay is good, isn't it? Don't underestimate me just because I look young. I'm a half-Dwarf, half-human, and a great merchant, after all."
"It's an honor to work with an adventurer who understands the conversation. I'll be counting on you this time."
Coin and Iron shook hands. Just that was enough to change the way the other 2 looked at them.
―――Of course, Iron was just playing a role. Coin had paid him in advance to put on an act, using the information that had been leaked beforehand to make Iron's appearance more convincing.
With this one move, the adventurer's ease of handling changes. Many adventurers often look down on weak-looking clients, but...
The next one to introduce himself was a young man around his early twenties. He had a pale face, a hunched back, and a sickly complexion, wearing a robe.
"'The Undying Patient' Sick. Cough, cough. I'm always sick, but I won't die, so don't worry about it..."
"...Is this guy strong?"
Coin asked, and Iron replied, "He's strong."
"As a fellow golden sword, he's quite an unsettling guy. No matter how many times you kill him, he won't die, and he'll just casually take out his enemies with illness. It's terrifying, but I don't think I can take him on one-on-one."
"...If even 'Iron Man' Iron says so, then he must be strong. Not dying is quite an interesting ability, too."
Coin said with a tired face. If Iron, who's known for being strong, says so, then he must be strong. Not dying is quite an interesting ability, too.
"Me, last one, hihi."
The last one to speak up was an old lady with a bent back, known as the carefree golden sword of Birk.
"'The Commander of the Fire Brigade' Pyro. I was thinking of retiring, but the Guild Master's kid begged me so seriously that I had to come out of retirement...ah well."
Pyro asked with a wicked, witch-like smile.
"What's the point of gathering multiple golden swords like us for a war? Who's our opponent, anyway? If it's just the Guild Master's kid worrying, that's fine, but...isn't it a given that our opponent is at least gold rank or higher?"
Old lady Pyro followed up, and others replied, "That's right. Tell us quickly. Who's our enemy?" "With a lineup like this, it's not like we'll have a tough opponent, but..." The 2 of them continued.
Coin said, even though it was pointless to complain.
"'Slow' Wade is coming to take revenge on me, so I want you to defeat him soundly."
When they heard that, all 3 of them stood up in shock.
"""――――――"""
Seeing their reaction, Coin finally understood what kind of opponent he had made an enemy of.
"...Oh, hey. What's with that reaction? Is 'Slow' really that strong?"
"...I went to Karditsa recently. It was before the war."
Iron says.
"That guy back then was already an adventurer carrying a golden torch, a special one even among the guild members. Just looking at him from the side, I could feel his aura. It's hard to believe he was an adventurer who had just graduated from the training center half a year ago."
"...'Slow' himself doesn't know, but he participated in a war as a mercenary under Fist of the Dragon. Hah, Fist of the Dragon took down hundreds of people with just one punch. An adventurer on par with him, and..."
"If I were an adventurer who fights on the front lines, I would've rejected the request by now, Coin boy. But, well, that's how it is."
Old Pyro lets out a "Hihi" laugh.
"It's been a while since I've had a fun fight. Maybe this opponent won't be so bad to die against."
"Yeah, that's right... Ah, if I get killed by 'Slow', it'll be an honor. Coin, if I die, send the money to my hometown, okay?"
"...Die, huh? I haven't thought about it in decades. But maybe I can finally die against an opponent like this. Yeah, let's do it. Hah."
The golden swordsmen, with spirits unwavering like their adventurer badges, simultaneously resolve to die in this place. Coin is shaken by their golden spirits and their determination, which 'Slow' has instilled in them.
* * *
I release my Ajna Chakra and mutter, "Yeah."
"Roman, the enemies are all good guys. Let's kill them with respect."
"Yeah, then let's go."
Roman and I shoulder our luggage and set off.
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