Episode 132 Qualification (3)
A single word from the sword master, who wanted to transfer the artifact “Andvaranaut” to me. It was a truly unexpected offer, without even a blink of an eye.
As I’ve said before, artifacts are extremely rare items even within this world.
If only the number were small, then it wouldn’t matter. The power inherent in the artifact is so great that it is even called a ‘piece of the mythical age’.
Compared to S-class weapons that simply enhance physical abilities, the effects of artifacts are said to be more complex.
But this is just a rumor. There is almost no information released about the artifact.
Moreover, due to their rarity, most of them were managed and studied by the Hero Association.
So, civilians like me only know that it ‘exists’ and have no detailed knowledge at all. Even though I was a user.
This is because artifacts were items that were systematically blocked from acquisition in the game ‘Miracle of Protection M’.
At least that’s the section I played through.
It was unclear whether it was something that could be obtained later on as the story progressed, or whether it simply existed in the setting.
That’s why I remember there was quite a bit of talk about it in the community.
== ==
〈Where do you guys get the artifacts?〉
It seems like there’s not much time left until the story ends, but I still haven’t gotten it. No, is it something I can get in the first place?
I’ve already spent the price of a mid-sized car on this game, so it’s a bit awkward to quit now…
―――――――――――――――――――――
ㄴ ㅎㄷㄷ: That’s because you’re not showing enough sincerity to the game company. Try burning the deposit and being stupid. Then you might get it. ㅋㅋ
N T: Ah lol If you don’t get the item, it’s not the game company’s fault, it’s your wallet’s fault~
N yeah yeah: Seriously lol
N Turtle: Diaper protection is god! Diaper protection is god! Diaper protection is god!
N ㅅㅂㄹ: Just fold it. Diaper escape is a matter of intelligence.
== ==
The users’ complaints were roughly like this.
It is unclear where the artifacts are obtained. To be exact, most of the artifacts are located in the Association, but the main issue was how to obtain them.
“… … .”
But as a resident of this world, those words strike me as funny.
To use a metaphor, it can be interpreted as saying, “I really want that exhibit in a museum, but I can’t buy it unless I pay for it.”
It was originally supposed to be managed by the association, but is it even possible to buy and sell it with money?
I heard that an oil tycoon made a deal with the museum to buy the Mona Lisa for 10 trillion won, but was turned away.
There are things you can’t have no matter how much money you have. That’s the reality.
‘… But it’s funny that I, who fell into the world of Miracle Protection M, am saying this.’
At least “Andvaranaut” is managed personally by the Nibelungs. The reason for this is that the swordsman Aron Nibelung acquired it 700 years ago.
There was a rumor among users that ‘If Leon becomes the son-in-law of the Nibelung family, wouldn’t he be able to obtain it?’
Of course, I have never seen any actual certification that it was obtained.
-anyway.
Why would you transfer such a super rare item to me? I don’t know if it would be different for the main character, Leon.
‘What the heck?’
I don’t know the intentions of the inspector, and I don’t know the reason for it.
It’s too questionable to just nod your head and say, ‘You’re lucky.’
So I asked the inspector directly.
“Excuse me, Your Majesty. It’s so sudden. Could you explain why?”
“Ah! Now that I think about it, I forgot to tell you the reason first, haha. I guess I’m getting old.”
The inspector scratched his cheek with an awkward expression. He added an explanation.
“Let’s make this one thing clear first. This is strictly a transfer of ‘possession rights’, not the ‘ownership’ itself. I’d rather just give it to you… … There are so many laws regarding artifacts, and they’re so sensitive.”
In this world, artifacts are more than just items; they are world heritages that can influence the balance of power between nations.
“So, I hope you understand this as a temporary ‘rental.’”
“If you say temporary, it sounds like we have to do something with Andvaranaut right away.”
The inspector laughed out loud. He nodded repeatedly and continued.
“I like that you understand everything I say right away. You save time for an old man who is busy dying day by day.”
“…I will take that as a compliment.”
“I sometimes think about it, but your worldly wisdom is really beyond your years. You seem to have the composure of someone who has dealt with many older people.”
This gentleman also seems to be able to see into people’s hearts like a ghost.
“Anyway, it’s only natural that you’d be curious as to why. Let me get to the point. Andvaranaut is just a means. What’s more important is the goal.”
“yes?”
My eyes flashed open. I doubted my ears when I heard that artifacts were just a means. A meaningful smile appeared on the corner of the swordsman’s mouth.
“In fact, this is why I called you to Castle Sigurd… To be honest, I wasn’t sure at the time and planned to train you until the end of the vacation, but I changed my mind after hearing about what happened at the Undead Dungeon from Shail. You are already more than qualified, Sword Horse.”
I sank to my knees at those words. My mouth felt bitter. I had cut off the old man’s flesh and blood.
Hot.
Suddenly, the inspector put his hand on my shoulder. He smiled faintly.
“You don’t need to make that face. Rather, I came here to express my gratitude. I will definitely repay you. However, first, prioritize what I said earlier. If you can achieve this, it will be more valuable than any monetary compensation.”
“… … .”
The inspector took his hand off my shoulder and opened his mouth heavily.
“I hope you can fulfill the sword master’s long-cherished wish.”
* * *
We headed straight to the central bank. The inspector simply stated his purpose and let me accompany him.
Even if I explain it further, it will be difficult to understand. The inspector has always preferred short explanations and quick execution.
In fact, it’s not just me; most adults are like this.
As I came out to the castle entrance, butler Caron was waiting for me.
“I will escort you both safely to the bank.”
I thought she was a butler and not a maid from a gang of bikers, but the inspector told me that she had been on vacation for a few days.
‘Shaila had a hard time.’
I and the inspector got into the car. Butler Caron took the wheel.
… But, for some reason, Caron’s hands holding the steering wheel are shaking.
By the way, didn’t Abel say before that this old man can’t drive?
As such thoughts crossed his mind, Caron tilted his stiff head back.
“Okay, let’s go.”
He blurted out his words in an awkward manner and very slowly stepped on the accelerator.
“… … .”
I looked at the sky beyond the conductor. The car driven by Caron was running on the road slower than those clouds. No, it was crawling.
I suddenly missed Shail’s reckless driving.
* * *
Swiss Central Bank at 2pm.
The bank manager looked very nervous. He stared at the wall clock while sweating profusely.
“Isn’t it long past the scheduled time for the Inspector General to arrive?”
“Yes, sir. You were supposed to come by noon, but… … It’s already been two hours.”
Clap clap clap – the sound of pure footsteps echoed throughout the room. In complete contrast, the atmosphere was noisy.
“There’s no way a Swiss watch is wrong. Why are you late… Oh my- I’m shaking so much. Secretary Shim, just give me two pills of Cheongsimhwan.”
The bank manager cleared his throat. He shuddered once, then blurted out a few words to his secretary.
“Secretary Shim, did you hear that? The two of you, the inspector and Caron, stormed into the association. Fortunately, there was no sword fighting, but it was a total mess.”
“Yes. There are no articles, but there are flyers on the stock market.”
“I wonder if this isn’t just throwing shit at us. Ah, man, I don’t know which way to go… … . It seems like the President has already taken the route of the Inspector General.”
The bank manager was biting his fingernails. His focus was wavering without warning.
Secretary Shim asked.
“If it’s on the line of the inspector general, does that mean it’s ultimately the line of the Media Academy director?”
“Right. There are already rumors going around that the Association is planning to get involved with Joaquin Academy, and it’s going to be really early. At the latest, next year, and at the earliest, right after the holidays.”
“… Then the power struggle within the Academy will become extremely fierce.”
The bank manager shrugged his shoulders and nodded.
“That’s right. Even if the status of the association has increased since the elders were kicked out, its legitimacy has been reduced. That’s why they are so attracted to the Joaquin Academy.”
“That’s true.”
“I’m telling you, the Elders were treated like the backroom for no reason, but they wanted to stay in the Academy until the end. There’s no other strategic location like that in this world. And for the Association, it’s a place where there are plenty of talented people to scout in advance. They always get their talent stolen by American agencies.”
After finishing the conversation, the bank president climbed up onto the stage and began to threaten his subordinates.
“Anyway, everyone, get your wits about you today! President Gaines gave us special instructions to take good care of the three people who are coming. He especially emphasized repeatedly that you should keep your mouth shut. If you go somewhere and divulge anything, you will know that it will not end with your resignation.”
Swiss banks prioritize their customers’ privacy. And the president’s comment is top secret, something you can’t even tell your family.
however…….
“Three of you? Lord Inspector and Lord Caron. Weren’t there only two of you coming?”
The bank president frowned at Secretary Shim’s question and then sighed.
“Oh. I also heard it in a hurry yesterday. But it’s a bit suspicious. For some reason, the president seems to be paying more attention to the last one than the first two. It really shows in the way he speaks.”
The secretary’s eyes trembled. Gaines is a man with quick political calculations. He is a great man who is worthy of being the president of Switzerland, a neutral country.
But is there anyone Gaines watches more closely than Siegfried or Nachal Charon?
It would be absolutely extraordinary. At the same time, I felt an urge to at least say hello to whoever it was.
Secretary Shim swallowed. His mouth felt dry from the strange elation.
Secretary Shim’s gaze shifted to the bank president.
This toad-like bank manager also ended up sitting in that seat after getting on the right track.
He had been working at the Swiss National Bank for ten years, but he still had not been able to escape the position of secretary. He was desperate for promotion.
‘This is your chance… to make an impression… … .’
A strange atmosphere settled in the room. All the staff members were lost in thoughts not much different from Secretary Shim’s.
-Squeak.
The sound of the front door opening. All eyes in the room turned toward that place as if they had made a promise.
The first to enter was the butler, Caron. Following him, the inspector set foot on the marble floor.
The bank manager ran out to the door in a panic.
“Your Majesty! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. I hope you’ve been well.”
The inspector glared at the bank president with a cold air. The bank president’s lips curled up like squid on a grill due to the aura of intimidation radiating from the golden eyes.
In response, the inspector sighed softly. Then he nodded his head appropriately.
“I feel like I owe you something today.”
“Oh, yes, yes. The item you are looking for has already been prepared in the safe in the VIP room.”
“Thank you.”
The inspector dismissed it briefly. The next moment, a shadow of a person appeared one after another on the other side of the door.
Thud, thud.
The attention of the bank president, Secretary Shim, and other employees was focused on that place. Perhaps because it was a target that deserved more attention than the inspection.
The sound of footsteps echoed inside the bank.
Soon, a black-haired boy stood between Siegfried and Charon the Nachal. It was a strong swordsman.
Kang Geum-ma looked around the room with his hands deep in his pockets and his dry eyes. Even though he was filled with shock, his attitude was very relaxed.
“… … !”
The eyes that had been fixed fixedly on that spot shook violently. In the settled silence, whispering sounds could be heard here and there.
The blankness in the eyes that had been watching slowly disappeared and a sense of shock began to slowly creep into them.
Groan, groan.
That scene shows that Kang Geum-ma is already of equal status to the two people.
The boy was seventeen years old.
