“Without using my hands?”
Cheong’s complexion turned pale at my words.
He must be well aware of how rude it is to behave this way in front of one’s own lord.
However, I was undaunted.
At least with the Arkhan I know, there was always a clear give-and-take in any type of deal.
She isn’t the type to forcefully impose a one-sided trade based solely on her authority.
But this time was different.
“Looks like you’ve finally crossed the line.”
A massive flow of mana surged around the space.
Arkhan was blatantly focusing her killing intent directly at me – her target being none other than myself.
Though she was merely projecting her intent as a single pointed threat, the impact was so intense it caused cracks to form on the very ground beneath me.
Rudine and Cheong were struggling even to breathe.
“Didn’t I make it clear? That it’s mine.”
I raised my head and met Arkhan’s gaze directly.
Despite the overwhelming and oppressive killing intent, I felt no threat whatsoever.
The crucial point was that Arkhan’s previously amicable attitude had abruptly changed.
‘Hmm, not an incomprehensible situation.’
Yeah, she’d be angry. The precious tome she’d been searching for so long ended up destroyed by some unknown human, and now that she wants it returned, I’m asking for compensation first. Given that, it was only natural for Arkhan to be enraged at me.
But that’s a misconception.
“Did you say that cursed tome was stolen property?”
“You’re making me repeat myself.”
The oppressive atmosphere in the space intensified.
Rudine clenched her teeth and gripped her dagger in reverse, while Cheong also drew his sword, further escalating the tense atmosphere.
Though it still hadn’t affected me in the slightest, the tension was thick and a fight seemed imminent.
“Well, I can understand. Considering how you’ve been searching for it, it must have been quite precious to you.”
“Knowing that, how can you…!”
“But that’s only from your perspective.”
Exactly.
Her perspective is hers and hers alone – not something I need to concern myself with.
“As you know, I’m the administrator here. Thus, it’s naturally my duty as an administrator to investigate the western sector, and in the process, I happened upon a labyrinth. What could I do? In the extension of my duties, I had to attempt to explore it. And that’s when I found the Elder Sage, who was obviously a threatening individual, so I dealt with them personally. Any issue with that?”
I was confident, truly confident, and that’s why I could handle the situation this way.
“The Book of Pindal, right? That ominous item was also a spoil obtained while conquering the labyrinth.”
The witch Arkhan, the head of the Arkhan Lord Council and one of the top figures on the continent, possesses a rather unique power.
Though it’s depicted rather complexly in the original work, its essence is straightforward.
‘She can pierce through lies.’
Lies don’t work on her. By simply staring at someone intensely, she can discern between truth and falsehood. But her insight isn’t omnipotent.
“The spoils of a dungeon belong to whoever first conquers it. And I was the one who first conquered that dungeon. Naturally, it’s the result of pouring in a lot of time and resources, isn’t it?”
Between black and white, there are countless shades of gray, and the same goes for truth and lies.
The time spent exploring the dungeon was just a few hours. To others, it might seem like I gained it effortlessly, but if I found it challenging, then that’s how it was.
By now, she must have realized that everything I’ve said was true.
“So, your request is unreasonable. I just explored the dungeon by legitimate means and claimed the spoils as a reward for conquering it.”
“…”
“How would you even know who originally owned that cursed book? If it was something you cherished so much, shouldn’t you have taken the blame for losing it in the first place?”
“That’s…”
“And now you’re asking me to return it because it originally belongs to you?”
Could that really happen?
Never in a million years.
“I removed the curse from the book and eliminated the Elder Sage. Where exactly does your share come into this? Besides, didn’t you lose your qualification the moment the book was stolen? Do you really expect me to hand it over like some fool?”
“Eh… um…”
There was not a single flaw in my argument.
In this world, it’s natural for the dungeon conqueror to claim the spoils. Given her centuries of experience, she must be aware of this basic principle.
Arkhan’s mouth hung open, showing her surprise.
She was clearly flustered, blinking rapidly, and the killing intent she had been projecting gradually dissipated.
“I hope you can calm down and reconsider.”
“…”
“I do understand your position, and I don’t intend to stubbornly insist on my stance indefinitely.”
Here, I decided to pause my rhetoric.
It was necessary to soothe her wounded pride for smoother negotiations.
“But the scales of trade must remain balanced.”
“…Trade?”
“Yes, regardless of the outcome, you must admit I found the lost item you’ve failed to track down all this time?”
So shut up and give me my reward.
Arkhan looked at me with an expression of disbelief.
Of course, I returned her gaze, signaling that I indeed had a point.
“Ha… hah! Hahahaha!”
At last, after a long pause, she burst into laughter.
“Wow, this world actually has people like you?”
“Your answer?”
“Yes, yes. You’re absolutely right. This is embarrassing. I must have been unconsciously too sensitive because I’ve been looking for this item for so long.”
“I understand.”
Yeah, this is the original Arkhan. A person who repays grudges twofold and favors tenfold. Therefore, I reasoned with her logically. If she recognizes that she owes me, Arkhan will surely return an adequate favor.
“Alright. Despite how it turned out, let me officially reintroduce myself. Thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve been saved a lot of trouble.”
Smiling more warmly, her demeanor became significantly softer.
“You can forget about the Dark Shadow Guild incident. I’ll take full responsibility for handling it, so you won’t be held accountable for any related issues anymore.”
“That’s welcome news.”
“Yeah, but… I can’t help but bring up the topic of compensation.”
Right!
About time you came to your senses!
Arkhan chuckled in amusement as she gazed at me.
“Of course. You’re right. I apologize. I guess I’ve been subconsciously too sensitive since I’ve been searching for this item for so long.”
“I get it.”
Indeed, this is Arkhan as she is. Someone who repays enmity twofold and favors tenfold. That’s why I persuaded her with logic. If she recognizes that she owes me, Arkhan is the type of person who will certainly offer a corresponding reward.
“Alright. Though it happened unintentionally, let me formally introduce myself again. Thank you. Thanks to you, I’ve been saved a lot of trouble.”
Smiling warmly, Arkhan’s expression became notably softer.
“You can forget about the Shadow Guild incident. I’ll take full responsibility for handling it, and there won’t be any further investigation involving you.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“Yeah, while we’re at it… I suppose I should bring up the matter of compensation.”
Right!
Finally got your act together, huh?
“The compensation I can offer you comes in two forms: money or items. Which one would you prefer?”
By money, she meant currency, and by items, relics or artifacts.
‘Then again, I don’t need either.’
I already have plenty of money.
After all, I’m supposedly the young master of a baron’s estate within the empire.
As for items? I don’t need those either.
Artifacts or relics require the infusion of mana to activate their primary functions, which unfortunately, I lack, making them essentially useless for me.
‘Then, naturally…’
Hmm, there’s nothing but that.
I concluded my thoughts and lifted my head.
“There’s something else I’d like to request.”
“Tell me.”
“I need manpower.”
“Huh?”
Hearing this, Arkhan tilted her head in confusion.
“What do you mean? Can you explain in detail?”
“As I’ve said before, I’m the administrator of Blackmore. But the territory is so vast that managing it alone is quite challenging.”
“Alright. What’s your point?”
A subtle smirk formed on my lips.
“I need manpower to assist with my duties for exactly five years.”
I prayed silently.
The Arkhan Lord Council is truly a cradle of talent.
Just being part of that organization certifies one’s abilities and qualifications.
There’s more.
The system there concentrates power in the hands of a few select individuals, ensuring their loyalty is equally high.
If even a few members are dispatched here, managing this troublesome magic realm should become much smoother.
Furthermore, given that we’ll likely encounter each other frequently in the future, establishing a connection early on certainly wouldn’t hurt.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Dead serious? Is that really all you’re asking for?”
“It’s enough.”
She stroked her chin, seemingly intrigued by the situation.
And then an almost mischievous smile crept onto her face.
“Interesting. Alright, I accept.”
“Good. I’ll transfer the tome immediately.”
Right as this satisfying deal was successfully closing…
Elsewhere, at Luke Richter’s office, where Adina was left alone…
“Phew… phew…”
There were three men.
Clutching their wounded waists, they wheezed heavily.
They were assassins.
The elite sent to assassinate Luke Richter, the infamous dark figure of the empire.
They were confident.
With their veteran skills, there was no way the mission could fail.
But…
“What…what is this… phew…”
Their grand goal had crumbled into nothingness.
Not because of Luke Richter.
Not because of the labyrinth’s bizarre terrain.
It was because of the fox beastman right in front of them, whose triangular ears were twitching.
Just because of this blasted woman.
“Hmm hmm! This is normal! So those two were just abnormally strong, huh? Guess I wasn’t wrong after all.”
“?”
Were they delirious due to the labyrinth’s environment?
The fox beastman mumble something unintelligible before suddenly turning her head.
Her purple eyes flashed with malicious vigor.
“I’m sorry.”
A silver halo surrounded Adina’s body, emanating light beams.
A cutting white wave of energy brushed over their skin.
It felt like a slow, sticky slash that tore through every nerve in their bodies.
They hadn’t even realized.
The only thing they managed to comprehend was that some strange presence had passed over them.
BOOOOM!
The compressed purple aura that had been oppressing the space erupted like an intangible will into the sky.
As it illuminated the night sky,
And burst forth in flashes of light in all directions,
“!!!”
KAAAAAABOOM!
A massive bolt of lightning erupted into the sky and surged down to the ground.
An awe-inspiring force.
Truly something that could shake the souls of men.
The men who were fully exposed to the thunder didn’t even leave behind a trace.
Their only legacy was a brief, shrill scream.
Meanwhile…
After showcasing a technique that could be called the ultimate art of the White-Haired Tribe, Adina…
“…Hmph.”
Let her silver tail sway gently.
And as usual, was deeply satisfied with her strength, which had once again protected her home.
