LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 50
Chapter 50: The Dungeon Core of Decay
In the heart of the dungeon core, tainted by corruption, souls were amassing smoothly.
One might wonder if the obliteration of six parties would raise suspicion. Yet, considering the number of adventurers vanishing mysteriously across the continent each year, this was but a pinch of salt taken from a mountain.
‘A surge of vitality courses through me.’
In my languid and wretched form, a miracle seemed to have taken root, as I felt my condition improving.
How should I describe it…? Like a jar brimming with mana, slowly filling to the brim with a satisfying sensation?
And once the jar is filled with mana, instead of shattering, it feels as if a larger vessel is ready to take its place.
‘Indeed, that’s actually the case.’
Swoosh…
‘It’s my body, yet it fascinates me.’
Faust, as an entity, might be emotionally turbulent, but physically, there are many attractive aspects.
This body’s power is already at its peak. Meaning, without any particular worry or training, my movements are flawless.
Clean and perfect motions.
The issue lies elsewhere.
Only when the body’s durability and stability are enhanced will the true value of Faust emerge.
Like a computer armed with the latest graphics card and luxurious components, unable to manage its heat, uncertain when it might explode – such is this body.
‘Well, time will improve it eventually.’
When that time comes, perhaps I’ll venture outside without trembling in anxiety.
…Enough self-mockery about my body.
“Ruby, do you know why I’ve summoned you?”
“Yeah, isn’t one of the outsiders coming today?”
Crack-!
The werewolf Ruby stretched and yawned.
“Yawn… I was feeling a bit restless anyway.”
Then, someone hidden behind a pillar in the depths whispered to Ruby.
“Ruby… are you really going?”
It was Phenex.
I whispered to Lucifer beside me.
“…I didn’t summon that one.”
“She’s been here for quite some time already.”
“Why didn’t you send her away?”
“I was in the middle of cleaning.”
“…”
Ruby, with a bright smile, responded to Phenex.
“Yeah, Phenex. I’ll be away for a while.”
“…Take care.”
“You too, Phenex!”
As the two conversed, the expected visitor arrived.
“Bill.”
“Faust, sir, he has just arrived.”
Ruby, intrigued by the new face, looked at Bill with a curious gaze.
Both are talents to be utilized in espionage, well-nurtured.
‘Now the issue is…’
Deciding who among them will lead the espionage activities.
Considering the significant difference between five-star and four-star combat abilities, there are many reservations about appointing Ruby as the leader. Her lack of meticulousness and the fear that Bill and Mori won’t be able to restrain her if she’s given authority.
Espionage isn’t decided by force alone… It’s a dilemma.
“Take care, Bill. You’re my captain, right?”
“…”
“I’m not good at strategizing. I just need to follow the captain’s orders, right?”
…Yet, her discernment is quite satisfactory. She understands her position well.
‘Quite pleasing, isn’t it?’
The hierarchy was naturally established.
I feel sorry for entrusting Bill with babysitting, but he’s a promising child; I hope he understands.
Then, moving on…
“What about the trio?”
“We had no leads until recently, but we’ve acquired some credible information.”
“Credible information?”
It’s about the unpleasant trio, the bosses of Stage 2. Like with Carl Kurso, it seemed necessary to gather information in advance, and the tanner I met in the black market had a promise to keep with Romwell.
‘They said they’d contact me when ready… but waiting is a poor strategy.’
I never trusted Romwell that much anyway.
But credible information?
“We’ve found traces of them near Riudira.”
“…What?”
They’re emerging so soon for a confrontation?
“However, we’ve only spotted one of the trio, a man named Qing.”
“Qing… Just one? Are you sure of this information?”
“Without a doubt. We’re currently tracking the other two.”
Strange.
I thought the three always moved together…
‘Is this not yet the time for our paths to cross?’
If the original story were to follow, they wouldn’t appear as the bosses of Episode 2 until much later, but since Carl Kurso, I’ve given up on expecting the original plot to unfold.
The unpleasant trio.
They are individuals from the lands of the East.
Qing, Jing, and Bai – they wield quite unique powers from the East. Their personalities differ, so there’s no need to elaborate, but their exceptional combat skills and synergy are a given.
Many players have been knocked out by their combination attacks… not always for that reason alone.
Anyway, they’re quite brutal and cruel, but their strength is so formidable that Romwell couldn’t easily eliminate them – that’s the original setting.
‘They’re not the type to be caught so easily… It’s strange that they’re separated. Something must have influenced their actions…’
Suddenly, my mind cleared as if struck by lightning.
‘Of course… How could I not have thought of that?’
The recent unusual movements of the trio are probably due to what I’m suspecting now.
‘Is it because of the Grimhal estate?’
If there’s been a significant recent event around here, it must be the death of Baron Grimhal. Although Adelia handled the incident, the lordless estate is still in disarray, isn’t it?
“Bill, by any chance…”
When I asked Bill about this, he nodded.
“I did report it in writing before, but there still seems to be friction regarding the estate issue.”
“Many nobles are eager to swallow the estate whole.”
“They wouldn’t have dared before.”
“Indeed…”
With dozens of trained soldiers whose identities were concealed, that man would have employed even more publicly.
Perhaps the lost soldiers and knights have sought refuge in neighboring estates… and using this as an excuse, a horde of opportunists are likely to step in for the estate’s recovery.
…The calm before the storm?
‘So… they’re playing mercenaries in this silent battle for the estate.’
The trio has probably flowed in as mercenaries, following the trail of money and treasure in this quiet struggle for the estate.
‘A misstep could lead to an unforeseen crisis.’
The unpleasant trio’s individual combat prowess is outstanding, so they shouldn’t be underestimated just because they’re separated.
“Bill.”
“Your command.”
“Let no one die.”
A moment of silence followed.
“I will keep that in mind.”
* * *
“Ruby, how should I address you?”
“Do you always speak so formally to others?”
“I usually do, but…”
Bill paused, thinking of Mori.
“There are exceptions.”
“Heh… Just call me Ruby. It’s easier, isn’t it?”
“A fine name indeed. Then, Ruby, I look forward to working with you. Your strength is something we desperately need.”
“Bill, you’re quite strong yourself, aren’t you?”
Bill shook his head.
“I’m only accustomed to missions like infiltration and assassination. In terms of sheer strength, I’m no match for Ruby.”
“Hmm…”
Ruby didn’t deny it.
The gap between a natural four-star and five-star was immense.
“Well, if anyone bothers you, Bill, let me know. I’ll take care of them.”
“Just hearing that is reassuring. I’ll remember to turn to you if I’m ever harassed.”
“Keheh… Don’t get harassed on purpose, though.”
“Of course not.”
They were in Riudira.
In essence, Riudira was no different from Faust’s front yard. Every building and person here had eyes and ears attached to them.
Even if someone caught on to these arrangements, there was no need to worry. Except for Bill and Mori, no one even knew Faust’s name.
“Bill, when is she coming?”
“That guy, you mean?”
“Yeah.”
“…He’s just arrived.”
Someone appeared in the old shop where only they were present.
Swoosh…
“So you’re Ruby.”
“Huh? You look human?”
“Keke…”
Mori changed his face to match Ruby’s.
“Amazing!”
“Hahaha, what a fun woman.”
“I’m Ruby, and you are?”
“Mori.”
“And that man?”
“Ah, I forgot to introduce him.”
Mori introduced the unfamiliar man.
“He’s one of my subordinates, quite useful.”
“Is he smart?”
“No.”
“Strong?”
“No.”
“Then what’s he good for?”
“He’s quick-witted. He can handle the trivial matters that will need attention going forward.”
The man bowed and introduced himself.
“I’m Ruteo.”
“Ruteo, got it.”
With introductions over, they reviewed the information given.
“First, Ruby. You don’t know anything about this guy?”
“This guy?”
“The one we’re chasing.”
“Yeah, explain it to me.”
Mori glanced at Ruteo, who began to explain.
“There’s a notorious trio around here, known as the Unpleasant Trio.”
“Ugh… I’m already put off by the name.”
“The reason they’re called that has to do with the power the trio wields.”
“Really? They’re not ordinary, are they?”
Nod…
“They’re all from the East, practicing a unique martial art.”
“Wow… I’ve never fought a martial artist before.”
“They wield a peculiar energy called ‘Qi’ in their bodies, known to be a modified form of mana.”
“…That sounds exciting.”
Ruby licked her lips and asked.
“Are these guys strong?”
“Each one is formidable, but the trio’s combined attack has never been defeated.”
That’s enough for introductions.
“Recently, one of the trio has separated from the group.”
“Have they split up?”
“It doesn’t seem so… It’s more like he’s just wandering around.”
“…Why?”
“The strange thing is, while they usually commit evil deeds out of sight, this one who’s separated is killing people as easily as breathing wherever he goes.”
“What kind of people does he kill?”
“Vagrants, merchants, priests, prostitutes… It’s hard to find a pattern, so it seems he kills indiscriminately. Seven have been murdered in a short period.”
“What a weirdo. Why hasn’t Solomon taken him? Why the sudden spree of murders…”
“Border affairs are usually handled by the local nobility, but since Baron Grimhal died suddenly without a trace and there’s no proper lord of the estate…”
Bill cautiously began.
“It seems the local nobility might be backing him, Ruby.”
“Eh? Even though it might become their estate? They’re watching someone who kills their own people?”
“Even such a person is necessary to take over this estate.”
“…Aha.”
“The local nobles are infamous for valuing the lives of their people as little as flies. Do you understand?”
“Perfectly. In other words, there’s no need to be discreet, so he acts without restraint.”
“That’s right.”
“Can I kill him?”
“No. Lord Faust wants to locate him to gather more information.”
“Ugh… That’s frustrating.”
“Besides, we don’t know exactly where he is right now.”
Ruteo pointed to a spot on the map.
“He’s likely to visit this place next.”
“Why?”
“So far, he’s gambled everywhere he’s gone, no matter how big or small the game. Half the murders happened during these games.”
“Murder and gambling… He’s into all the bad stuff.”
“If you follow his path, it leads right here.”
Mori nodded.
“To Menkani.”
“Yes, there’s a huge gambling den there. The racetrack is also a major business.”
“A gambler wouldn’t miss this place. It’s close by, too.”
Nod…
Everyone looked at Bill.
“Let’s head to Menkani.”