Dark Fantasy Normalized – Chapter 21

[Title: Does anyone know why this chaos happened again? T_T]

Content:

[Picture] This was the original party composition and

[Picture] This is the current party composition but

Why is this happening?

Why did the heroine suddenly leave the party?

And why has her affection level reset and turned to indifference?

-: Seriously, what were you doing…

-: Did you do a deal check with the heroine?

– [Original Poster]: Why the hell would I do that, you crazy bastard

-: You should have made a move carefully;;

-: I also said let’s grab a meal together after the running group, but it seems like I can’t make it starting tomorrow.

– [Original Poster]: What the heck, I didn’t do anything!

-: That’s exactly it, since you did nothing, her affection level reset.

-: Women are complicated…

-: What if they don’t like it when you approach them, and they still don’t like it when you don’t touch them?

-: They just don’t like us.

-: Our lives are just dark fantasy, huh?

– [Original Poster]: No seriously, my head is getting warm, can’t I get a proper answer?

– [Original Poster]: If the heroine’s affection doesn’t recover, I’ll have to start all over again.

-: Did you happen to ride a carriage near Bondales?

– [Original Poster]: Bondales? How did you know? I was just farming a bit in Haeyern and moving to the next area.

-: Did you happen to see a gold sun brat on the carriage?

-: Ah, lolololol

– [Original Poster]: I’m not sure since I turned to set up camp right after getting on;

-: That’s right, you got ‘Eron’d’, huh? lololol

– [Original Poster]: What the heck is Eron, dammit?

-: It’s a random event that happens when you ride a carriage near Bondales.

This brat, if there’s a female character with low mental magic resistance riding in the carriage, there’s a chance she gets mind-controlled.

-: Sometimes male characters get caught too, yes yes.

-: Dammit, why do they get dominated?

-: It’s not dark fantasy, it’s brown fantasy;;

-: I got curious and looked it up, and the conditions are wild lol. If the female character resists control, she gets mad and dominates the male character to make her angry.

-: What a politically correct gold sun…

-: That bastard Eron is the worst! If the player’s riding alone as a female character, the event doesn’t trigger.

-: The one principle he sticks to is that he doesn’t even look at anyone without the NTRALAL mark…

-: Even a vegan wouldn’t adhere to it so strictly, it’s really affection though.

– [Original Poster]: No lol

– [Original Poster]: [Picture] Look at how this gold sun brat wraps him up when I try to kill him lololol

– [Original Poster]: He even offered all the items I gave him lololololol

– [Original Poster]: I’m done with this.

—

[Signs of Trouble]

[“Why are you suddenly shouting!?”]

[“I’m not shouting, it’s just that you’re not answering my question-“]

[“Then don’t you think you should talk to me later?”]

[It was the first time]

[She looked at him with that expression]

[“What?”]

[“You were just talking about Eron. I was paying attention, why are you butting in? You’ll just end up talking about something pointless anyway.”]

[“Wh-what? Why are you talking like that!?”]

[“Look, you’re shouting again. So uncouth… Anyway, let’s get to the point. Don’t you see Eron is concerned about us?”]

[“Ah. I’m fine. I’m sure you have something important to discuss. You two should continue your conversation. We’re comrades, after all?”]

[“You’re ever so thoughtful… So, what’s this important topic?”]

[It was the first time]

[She looked at someone else with that expression]

[“I was just thinking about who would take the night watch tonight…”]

[“…How annoying. Was that all you needed to discuss? If it’s that important, can’t you just do it yourself?”]

[“I stood watch yesterday.”]

[“Then shall we do the night watch together today?”]

[“What!? No! That’s my job, you don’t have to help, Eron!”]

[“No. It’s against my nature to leave a lady in distress while I lounge about.”]

[“How can you be so different in so many ways…”]

[“Well, since we’ve decided on the night watch, let’s get back to the conversation—oh, should we move positions?”]

[It was the first time]

[To see her eyes, which were so dull]

[As if she were enthralled by something]

[It wasn’t just her]

[The entire group was behaving like they were spellbound by him]

[Except for himself]

[It felt like being left alone]

[Thinking it was just an illusion]

[Believing things would get better with time]

[Completely unaware that disaster was already upon them]

—

Beautiful appearance? Sure.

Add a charming personality to that, and it’s perfect.

They brighten the atmosphere of the place just by existing.

When Eron, with his stunning looks, actively led the conversation, the atmosphere in the carriage became lively in an instant.

“I was originally going to find a merchant carriage heading to Bondales and escort it, but it seems all the carriages are taken. So in the end, instead of making money while moving, I ended up spending it.”

“No wonder you seemed disturbed; there was a reason behind it. When I first saw you guys, I honestly thought you were mercenaries.”

“Hey, mercenaries!? Eron! That’s disappointing! How could you think we’re like those scum?”

They introduced themselves as the “Marik Party,” a group of adventurers based in Bondales.

As Marik mentioned, they had been very uncomfortable when they boarded the carriage, for some reason.

With metal and leather armor,

Their well-maintained gear emitted an aura of discomfort and tension.

But now, they beamed at Eron with bright expressions.

To them, Eron was an inherently likable person and—

Not just a pretty face.

“Now it’s my turn to ask questions. What business do you have in Bondales, Eron?”

“Well, a friend of mine is hosting a social gathering, and he wanted me to introduce myself to the attendees.”

“A social gathering…? Don’t tell me, among nobles—”

“No, it’s not like that. It’s just a gathering of like-minded friends from the city.”

“…So, not everyone, but a certain number of nobles will likely attend?”

“That seems likely. Considering the nature of his business, it probably leans more towards nobles than commoners.”

…

At Eron’s words, the adventurers’ eyes sparkled.

Longing for high society. Awe. And expectation.

This was the moment.

The adventurers carefully expressed the thoughts they had about Eron from the beginning.

“Seeing how close you are to such a person— You’re also a noble, aren’t you…?”

“Haha, a noble? Do I really look like someone that grand?”

If he were a noble, he wouldn’t be riding such a shabby carriage alone.

His outfit was somewhat plain for a noble.

And surely a noble wouldn’t treat adventurers so casually.

Yet, Marik’s group, internally, had already made some conclusions.

Eron was a noble.

Or at least, a young master of a high rank.

Because, not all nobles are the same, right?

In this vast world, it wouldn’t be surprising if there was at least one noble as humble and friendly as Eron towards adventurers.

Above all, that dazzling beauty.

The relaxed and confident demeanor.

If he’s not a young master, who could be?

“Is it not so?”

“Well…”

“Then let’s leave it at that. It seems Eron ‘si’ has his own circumstances.”

“Haha, now you’ve got me in a bit of a predicament. You really are quite the adventurers.”

“Were you in some kind of situation with them…?”

“My acquaintance said that the toughest part of doing business was dealing with adventurers. They’re sharper and more perceptive than even the average merchant, and talking with them makes my blood run cold— At the time, I didn’t understand what they meant, but now, talking to Marik, I begin to see their point.”

“Haha! I certainly didn’t intend to drain Eron’s blood.”

From that point, the interest and affection from Marik’s party toward Eron became markedly pronounced.

With sparkling eyes, they all focused on Eron, paying attention to his every move.

It seemed as if the carriage belonged to him.

In their eyes, Eron couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

He couldn’t help but break into a bright smile.

“Eh? What did Eron just say—”

“Oh, it’s nothing. Just having a silly thought.”

Eron discreetly covered his mouth with his hand.

The hand covering his mouth couldn’t hide the malicious smile that formed.

This was Eron’s true self.

At this moment, Eron was having the time of his life.

Seeing these fools completely open their hearts simply because they were lured by his appearance.

Above all—

“Then, Catherine, are you and Marik an item?”

“Y-Yes!? No, um, it’s—”

“Hahaha!!! Marik, buddy, you’re in trouble! Catherine’s eyes are practically hearts right now!”

The sight of a woman forgetting the man she’s interested in was utterly delightful.

‘Inferior and ugly beings…’

Such moments that only further solidified his thoughts were particularly sweet for Eron.

Now all that was left was to wait for the seeds he had sown to bear fruit.

Unbeknownst to them, they were already under Eron’s influence.

The power of fascination.

Eron planned to liberate them when the power of this fascination fully bloomed.

To crush these inferior beings—not all men, specifically.

And to take women in front of the saner ones.

To instill loss and revel in the thrill of superiority.

“…”

At that moment, Eron’s focus shifted elsewhere.

“By the way, you two haven’t said a thing since earlier.”

“Sorry. We must be too loud, huh?”

“Don’t say that. Let’s have a chat together. How rare it is to talk with someone like Eron here.”

Marik’s group addressed another passenger.

A couple that appeared to be part of the party. They hadn’t spoken a single word since they first introduced themselves to Eron.

In a place where everyone was chatting, they stayed silent—

They were wearing drab gray robes that were flipped over their hoods and bowed their heads, making them ironically the most conspicuous.

“Should we?”

The man replied.

But Eron’s gaze was focused on the woman.

“…”

Eron remembered the face of the woman he had briefly seen earlier.

He had seen many noblewomen and ladies, but none had such a delicate and mysterious aura as hers.

Eron felt his lips and tongue dry.

But he couldn’t afford to be anxious.

First, he needed to ascertain the relationship between her and the man.

“Risir, was it? What business do you have in Bondales?”

“I have several purposes, but let’s just say I’m trying to broaden my magical horizons for now.”

Oh?

Marik’s group looked surprised and gazed at Risir.

They continued the conversation on behalf of Eron.

“Are you a mage, Risir?”

“Yes, but it feels like I’m lacking a lot to say that. For now, I’m attempting to walk the path of magic. I thought if I didn’t, I’d have to find some other way to make a living.”

“Ha, why speak so—”

“You’re an interesting person.”

“…?”

Eron felt discomfort as he watched them have a friendly conversation.

Their interest in the inferior person in front of them, right before him.

It wasn’t just petty arrogance.

Marik’s group was currently under the influence of the power of fascination.

Although that power wasn’t fully developed, it wasn’t unstable either.

Normally, they wouldn’t be able to show interest in anyone other than Eron.

Eron belatedly realized.

‘The power… has disappeared?’

That the power of fascination that had been implanted in them was now gone.

“Everyone, don’t hold back and talk with me. Risir seems to be in the mood to relax—”

“Ah—is that so? Risir, have we bothered you?”

“No. It’s fine. I’m already sitting back and resting; how much more can I relax here? Well, I suppose I could lie down if you wanted me to.”

“No—Risir, are you really a mage? I’ve never met a mage who wasn’t eccentric like you in my life…”

“I guess that’s proof I still have a long way to go.”

“…Hahaha! I see what you mean.”

“I never thought I’d laugh at a mage’s joke…”

Even when Eron tried to speak, Marik’s group continued their conversation with Risir.

Bondales was a city where not only adventurers but also many mages had settled.

Marik’s group, as adventurers in Bondales, knew well how troublesome mages could be.

Their eccentricities and arrogance rivaled those of ordinary nobles.

Yet look at Risir now.

There were no traces of eccentricity or arrogance.

In fact, he seemed courteous and humble.

Moreover, his aura was, to say the least, extraordinary, rivaling Eron in its own right.

While he didn’t have the dazzling looks that catch the eye just by being still like Eron, there was a natural air of dignity about him that ordinary people lacked.

Was it due to his glossy brown hair?

Or his porcelain-like white skin?

Or perhaps his vividly blue eyes?

Maybe it was that unique accent.

Where had he heard such an accent before?

As Marik reminisced, his eyes suddenly widened.

“Risir, may I ask…?”

A trembling voice.

“Whose family do you belong to, if I may inquire…?”

“I cannot reveal my family name.”

“…Why not?”

“Because I’m a bastard.”

“…Pfft hahaha!”

Marik’s group burst into laughter all at once.

They took Risir’s self-identification as a joke.

It was only natural since what kind of bastard would openly claim to be one while laughing like Risir was?

Fear of qualification and compensation psychology.

Bastards often behaved more arrogantly and rigidly toward commoners compared to regular nobles.

They tried to hide the fact that they were bastards thoroughly and, if acknowledged by their family, would insist on their family’s authority.

“Well, laughing like that might hurt my feelings a bit.”

Unlike the man named Risir.

“Don’t you hear the other mages say you’re peculiar? In a fun way?”

“Well, I think I might have heard something like that before.”

In the end, Marik concluded that Risir wasn’t a bastard.

If that was the case, then what was he? A noble?

A noble who is also a mage?

Yet he has this character?

Is that even possible?

Marik’s gaze was growing more intense with curiosity.

“Are you two traveling together?”

“Ah, actually, there is one more member in our party. It could be said they briefly got separated for some reason.”

“Is that so? By the way, where did you learn magic?”

“I happened to have a connection with a wonderful master—”

“Is the person next to you also a mage…?”

“The girl is certainly more eccentric than a mage, so I’d recommend keeping your distance.”

“…”

“Hahaha! I’ll keep that in mind!”

Once again, the atmosphere in the carriage became lively.

Even more so than when Marik’s party was facing Eron.

“…”

Eron looked at them with a displeased expression.

Could it be that the disappearance of the power of fascination was due to ‘that’?

‘…No.’

Not a chance. Eron also had mastery over magical power.

He could feel that Risir’s magical prowess was insufficient.

It was far from being powerful enough to counter the power of fascination.

The woman next to him was the same.

Eron sensed no magical power from her.

This hinted at two possibilities.

Either her magical power was too faint, or it was too enormous.

As Eron, aspiring for the fourth tier, thoroughly dismissed the latter possibility.

So what could it mean?

Why was his power of fascination—

Actually, it was now rather irrelevant.

Both Marik and his beloved Catherine were already enamored with Risir.

While Eron was left behind.

That was particularly unacceptable for Eron.

“By the way, you guys are adventurers, right?”

Most of all, that accent was the most irritating.

‘That brat, is he really a noble?’

Because Eron, who put effort into presenting himself as noblesse, could see.

How noble Risir was by carelessly displaying that accent and behavior.

Inferiority complex. Or perhaps a sense of defeat.

Before confronting his ugly feelings, Eron extended his hand to Risir.

“Risir. So you are a mage. Actually, I’m also on the path of magic—may I ask which school you belong to?”

To pick at him and drag him down.

Moreover, to dominate him with the power of fascination, to confirm once again that he was superior to that inferior being.

Risir took his hand.

“About the school—well, I’m not sure.”

Eron’s lips curled into a sneer as a rotten smile crept unseen.

In the instant that he attempted to summon the power of fascination…

“?”

Eron hurriedly pulled back his hand, staring blankly at it.

The glow in Eron’s golden hair began to fade gradually.

──────────


[There is a peculiar presence nearby]


[You are too close to the target]


[The target’s influence is too strong]


[Your stats are permanently reduced]


──────────


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■Eron

Level: 19 > 18


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