章節 169: Chapter 328
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
After meeting Tellot, Jin stayed indoors for a while and focused only on his missions.
Through teleportation gates, he traveled around the world, engaging in large and small battles against Zipfel and mediating conflicts between different factions. He rescued hostages, assassinated enemies, and even destroyed facilities.
Within a month, Jin completed a staggering seven missions.
While there were no missions of the highest difficulty level, like Barton Vicena killing mission, accomplishing seven tasks without rest was exhausting, and he couldn't help but feel fatigued.
Naturally, Jin succeeded in all the missions. In five of them, he even achieved additional objectives.
The reason Jin was so enthusiastic about performing missions to this extent was because his punishment of three years of no outdoor activities was still in the "suspended" stage.
Tellot was making efforts, but it was impossible to completely remove the punishment in a short period of time.
In particular, Jorden still held a grudge about his punishment being suspended and would bring up the subject again if Jin made even a slight mistake.
Chomp, chomp, gulp.
"It feels like I've become a delinquent student at the academy, doing volunteer work on campus. Achieving this level of success in just a month, even the Elders' Council will have to look at me differently."
Jin said as he swallowed the meat he was chewing.
"By the way, it reminds me of the old days. It's been almost 10 years since I used to eat together with you and other classmates. The Guardian Knight, Bellop. You haven't forgotten that I always took care of the meat for you back then, right?"
"If I had known you would be courteous about what happened almost ten years ago, I would have taken less, my Lord."
Jin was sitting on the floor of the empty cadet training ground, having a meal with Bellop. It was a diet full of meat, just like in their cadet days.
A smile appeared on Bellop's face as he looked at the meat on the plate.
Bellop Schmitz had returned from the eastern mountainous region of the Mittel Kingdom just a few days ago.
In the end, Kuzan and Yulian drove West Vermont's Mad Jack Glow, the apostate knight of the Vankela, Hwirok into the eastern mountains. Bellop managed to capture them and secured the justification for his return.
Naturally, as soon as he returned, he sought out Jin and pledged his loyalty, and they even carried out missions together until yesterday.
"Since some wanted people suddenly infiltrated the mountain range, at first, I thought it was someone from your hostile forces trying to kill me. But I never imagined that lord had sent those terrible criminals...."
Bellop shivered as he recalled the battle in the mountains.
That was the longest, most intense, and loneliest fight of Bellop's life. Chasing, fleeing, seizing opportunities, ambushing, being ambushed, running out of supplies... He surpassed several treacherous mountains all the way to exhaustion, without any support.
"Haha, you must have felt quite betrayed."
"It was an experience I never want to go through again. However, thanks to that, I achieved a significant advancement. Not just in swordsmanship, but also physically and mentally."
"You seem to have become much stronger."
Bellop, excluding Jin, had always been the person with the highest potential during their cadet days. With that potential, he set his goal to become Jin's knight and devoted himself every day, even teetering on the edge of life and death several times. So his growth was only natural.
"By the way, I suddenly feel grateful that I met you back in our cadet days, my lord."
"Why are you suddenly bringing this up after talking about betrayal and feeling awkward?"
"When did I do that? I was just a little flustered, that's all. Anyway, I just have that thought. If I hadn't met lord, my life would have been very unhappy."
"Why do you think that way?"
"During our cadet days, lord helped me overcome my fear. Even after lord became a reserve flagbearer, even now. I sometimes think about that day."
-Just now, you probably realized it too, but you are weaker than me. And you're kinder than me. I like that about you. But if you only do good things, you won't survive in this hell.
Bellop recalled the conversation Jin had with him during their cadet days. Jin also remembered the same memories, and for some reason, it made his face burn hot.
"Thanks to that moment, I was able to become a Knight of Runcandel. I wouldn't have been able to endure without lord. Perhaps, this is an exaggeration, but I feel like one day, overwhelmed by suffering, I would have given up on life."
"You're saying unnecessary things. Even if it wasn't me, you would have done well enough."
In his previous life, he didn't do well enough.
Before regression, Bellop was exiled from Runcandel, then went to Hairan and trained before becoming Vermont's knight.
Following the orders of the imperial family, he repeatedly committed unwanted massacres and ended his unhappy life by his own hand.
As those memories resurfaced, Jin, who had nurtured him so well, felt even more proud.
"My lord, you have no idea how shocked everyone was by your actions during that duel. It still comes up in conversations whenever our classmates gather."
"Is that so?"
"But the most shocking moment was when the lord single-handedly rescued Mesa. When lord went alone to the land of the beastmen and brought back Mesa, everyone made an oath in their hearts. They swore allegiance only to you."
Looking back, the ill-fated connection with Kinzelo began from that moment.
'At that time, I just thought Kinzelo was a group of crazy terrorists.'
Now, they were such a huge force that even Zipfel hesitated to engage in a full-scale battle. Moreover, the leader's true identity was still highly likely to be a demon.
'Well, Kinzelo is quite concerning, indeed. I should visit Ivelianos family soon and keep an eye on their movements.'
For the time being, there seemed to be no room for such actions. In fact, he was still engrossed in his duties, unable to even visit the third tomb revealed by Olmango.
Jin had called Bellop precisely to resolve that issue.
"I haven't heard flattery like this in a long time. Where did that immature brat from back then go? Did you grease your tongue with oil or something?"
"If the lord wishes, I can continue."
"No, that's enough. But speaking of which, Bellop, there's something I need you to do."
"Please tell me anything."
"From today until I return, you are Jin Runcandel."
"What?"
"You know about the mission departing tomorrow, right?"
"You mean, you...? The mission to rescue the Count of the Ekan Kingdom who was kidnapped by mercenaries?"
"Yes. But now it's not my mission anymore, it's yours. I want you to play the role of Jin Runcandel for a while."
"Are you serious?"
"Well, the count will be wearing a blindfold anyway. Even if someone tries to rescue him, they won't be able to recognize you accurately. Rescue him, pretend to be me for a while, and then hand him over to the Ekan defense force."
"Unbelievable."
"Don't tell me you're not confident in a rescue mission?"
"No, it's not that. How can I pretend to be you, my lord?"
"Why not? The hostage will have his eyes covered, and you'll be wearing a mask. Plus, I've arranged for a fake Sigmund. Just say what you need, and I'll take care of it."
While already completing seven missions, Jin had made a detour to the Picon Minche and requested a fake Sigmund from the disguise.
It was just a sword with no special functions, but it looked exactly the same on the surface.
Of course, he couldn't perfectly replicate Sigmund's uniquely sharp and pale glow, but he could achieve a similar color.
Furthermore, as the counterfeit of Sigmund was also an item made by the god of blacksmith's divine craftsmanship, it could only be a renowned sword in its own right.
"It should be completed by now. And try putting this on."
Jin took off his flagbearer's coat and handed it to Bellop.
Startled, Bellop looked around anxiously. Although there was no one around to see them in the training ground, he considered it a sensitive matter.
"Young master, I mean, Lord. Are you serious? This is the flagbearer's coat. Only the Runcandel's flagbearer can wear this!"
"It's just a piece of clothing. Try it on to see if it fits."
"My lord!"
"It's an order. Bellop, you've grown bold after having a big head."
It was a joke, but Bellop lowered his head with a serious expression.
"No, I will try it on."
"Oh, luckily it fits well. I'll give you hair dye so you can darken your hair."
"Are you sure about this?"
"If by any chance your disguise is exposed and it becomes a problem within the clan, I'll make sure you're not harmed. Don't worry about it."
"That's not what I meant. Am I trying to obstruct my lord's will because I'm afraid for my safety?"
"Never mind then. This is the way you can assist me. You're the best choice. The most trustworthy, with a similar build to mine, and the best swordsman among my knights. There are enough elements for people who don't know you well to mistake you for me. I'd like to send Mesa, but there is a gender problem in her case."
"The gap between me and my lord's battle prowess is much wider than my lord think. I would easily be exposed."
"That's why I have to face the strong ones myself. As you said, they will recognize you."
"My lord, you are not planning to make me impersonate you not only this time but in the future as well, right?"
"Unfortunately, your trust is misplaced. You pay the price for eating meat. I have plenty of work outside the clan too, you know. Can you handle it?"
Sigh.
Bellop let out a sigh.
Then, as if determined, he responded.
"From today, whenever I have free time, I will seek out extreme actors and practice acting. This is also my lord's command, so I have an obligation to do it perfectly."
"Excellent mindset. And if by any chance the Black Sword Association catches up with us, even if the mission fails, make sure you escape without being detected. If you're caught by the chief of the Black Sword Association, it's the end for both of us."
"My lord, just a minute ago you said if my disguise gets exposed, you would somehow ensure that I escape unharmed."
"Did I say such a thing?"
"Yes, my lord always engages in such adventures."
"Since the results have always been good, there was no need to change."
"Sometimes I worry, and all of our comrades feel anxious, my lord."
Adorable guys.
Jin chuckled and lightly tapped Bellop's shoulder.
"When all our other comrades pass the Guardian Knight test, let's gather together. Have a drink and share some words."
"What words do you have to share?"
"I'll tell you when the time comes."
He couldn't tell the youngest division, who would come running with excitement after passing the test, that another hellish training awaited them.
Except for Bellop, most of the youngest division members were at the late 6-star or early 7-star level, making it difficult to use their full strength immediately.
"But, my lord, where do you plan to go while sending me on the mission?"
"I'm going to visit my ancestor."
章節 170: Chapter 329
[Support me here:- https://bmc.link/punisher87 ]
June 5, 1799.
Jin, dressed in a brown robe, disguised as an ordinary traveler, walked along a forest path in the southern border region of the Kingdom of Zhan.
'I think I've memorized this route as well.'
Even though summer had begun, the forest path remained pleasantly cool. The thought of meeting cute and simple friends after a long time put Jin in a cheerful mood.
As Jin leisurely strolled, he suddenly stopped and smiled mischievously.
Once again, the scent of grilled fish filled the air. The aroma of freshly cooked fish wafting from the forest in the southern part of Zhan Kingdom meant that the nearby Watertail Tribe was preparing their meal.
Thump, thump.
The sounds of the Watertails' excited chatter grew closer. Just as always, they were dancing and celebrating around the freshly grilled fish, completely unaware of Jin's approach.
There were three Watertails, and Jin recognized all of their faces.
"Darkflame."
"Huh? This, voice, is..."
The dancing Watertails abruptly turned to face Jin.
"So, you're the Bignose and Bigeyes."
"Jin, Runcandel. Ah, always. Find us. How?"
"Well, I've received your help quite often. This time, I also have a gift. It's not like I'm a fugitive in need this time."
When Jin took out a premium dried eel from his bag, the eyes of the three Watertails sparkled.
"This is eel. Dried. A precious fish."
"Is it for us? Really?"
"Are you serious?"
The Watertails salivated.
"Not just serious, but really. Didn't those stingy Golden Snow never share any money? It's a high-quality dish, and with your wealth, you can eat it three times a day without any problems."
The Watertails were too busy devouring the dried eel to even respond. Jin extended the eel towards them, and they eagerly pounced on it, devouring it hungrily.
Chomp, chomp, yum!
Jin patiently waited for them to finish their meal, and realized that he needed to speak with Golden Snow tribesmen when he met them.
"Oh, sorry, I ate too much. It's delicious."
The Watertails, their mouths full, nodded enthusiastically.
"It's okay."
"Going, to the cave?"
"Yeah."
Following the Watertails, Jin headed towards their secret cave.
'Every time I come here, I realize that this cave is truly like a maze.'
No matter how good someone's memory was, it was easy to get confused within the structure.
The entrance to the area where the Golden Snow tribe and Watertail tribe lived could not be found without a guide, and the abode of the Felinoids tribe was completely inaccessible. There was not a single guide in the world who knew their locations.
If someone were to look for the Felinoids tribe in this cave, they can only find them by destroying the entire cave.
Even then, they wouldn't be able to meet the Felinoids tribe. The destroyers would only be able to glimpse traces of their presence. The Felinoids tribe would retreat deeper into the cave.
As they reached the space occupied by the Watertail tribe and the Golden snow tribe, a faint yellow glow emanated from within.
"Oh, you've arrived! Our strong and mighty partner!"
"Do you know how many letters we receive at each of our branches addressed to you? It's so strange how humans, regardless of age or gender, write love letters and send them. It's hard to understand, even when we know."
"But still, they are all lovely customers, aren't they? You should expect great things, Jin Runcandel. Since we started advertising with your face, our sales have literally exploded. Noble customers are lining up, willing to pay ten times the value for the premium cosmetics, even though production is delayed!"
Upon seeing Jin, Soony, Dori, and Song poured out their words with a delighted expression.
"...What is all this? Gold? Are you kidding me? Did you decorate the entire cave with gold?"
The interior of the cave where the Golden Snow tribe members were sitting was completely adorned with gold. The faint yellow glow that Jin had been sensed from afar now had a clear source.
"Well then! We tried gold plating for once. How does it look? Impressive, isn't it?"
Peng, who was perched on gold coins, smiled at Jin, his front teeth glinting in the light emanating from the gold.
Swoosh!
Peng descended and extended a hand towards Jin.
"Thanks to the promotion we did using you, our Golden Peng business is soaring, Jin Runcandel. I should provide you with a business report. We have some matters to discuss."
"Discuss?"
"Our researchers recently developed an incredible cosmetic product. But the ingredients are quite unique, making the supply difficult."
"How unique are the ingredients?"
"There are flowers that only grow in the Hidden Palace's Forest. Their whitening effect is tremendous, so it had to be done. So, we thought about establishing trade relations with the Hidden Palace, but... I heard rumors that you, um... became the Hideen palace's son-in-law?"
"Where did you hear such rumors?"
"We encounter quite a few humans in our business. Is that story true?"
"It's just baseless rumors."
"Hmm, but smoke wouldn't rise from the chimney for no reason. Is it possible to establish a line of communication with the Hidden Palace?"
The word "line" made Jin remember about Lucas's hotline, and he let out a wry laugh.
"I can't guarantee that. I'm still a human with some sense of shame."
"Sense of shame?"
"I owe a lot to the Hidden Palace, so what's the point of owing them even more? For now, write a report about the business and send it to Tikan."
"I do not know why they are calling you Runcandel's flagbearer. You seem to enjoy reports."
"But, Peng, you have money piled up with golden nuggets inside the cave, yet you don't even buy dried eels for the Watertails?"
"Why are you suddenly saying that?"
"When I gave them dried eels as a gift, they devoured it like they hadn't eaten for days. I hope you didn't withhold the money from selling Bradamante and didn't share it with the Watertails."
When Jin asked in a low voice, the Golden snow tribe members shook their heads vigorously.
"No, we shared. Definitely."
"But why are those guys still living in poverty?"
"Do you know? We gave them money, but they didn't know how to use it. They roughly piled it up in one corner of the cave, so I got frustrated and entrusted it to the bank myself. I even told them that they could buy plenty of dried eels every day. Yet, they seem to be perfectly happy now. What can I do?"
Jin turned to look at the Watertails.
"...And this is all just gilding. It's not real gold nuggets we placed. This is the time for aggressive investments, and there's no room for unnecessary wastage of money. Do you think we would dare to swindle those pitiful guys? We have some compassion."
"There seems to have been a misunderstanding. I apologize."
"No need to apologize. You're the one who brought us to this position. Well, at a glance, we might look like materialistic beings. No, it's true that we are materialistic. But our calculations are more precise than anyone else's."
Peng looked at the Watertails with a proud gaze as he spoke.
"Anyway, what brings you here today? Without any prior notice. It doesn't seem to be related to business problems based on the atmosphere."
"I came to meet the felinoids tribe."
Upon Jin's response, not only the upper echelons of the Golden Peng but also the small beastmen in the cave pricked up their ears.
"Suddenly the felinoids tribe? Do you have to meet them?"
"Yes."
"Well, this is going to be difficult. The felinoids tribe deemed you as the person who would protect small beastmen, but aside from that... They're not the type you can meet just because you want to."
"Right. You would need incredible luck to come across them... Ah, there's no need to say something painful."
Song pointed his finger behind Jin.
"Oh! What, wha-what?"
"Ha! It's interesting. This reminds me of a similar situation we had before."
"Yeah, it was just like this when Jin Runcandel was a wanted fugitive and being chased."
A mysterious race with purple eyes shining amidst their snow-white fur.
The felinoids tribesmen had silently moved about twenty steps away from Jin and the small beastmen, observing them.
"...It seems like you're truly special after all. Could it be that you made some kind of promise?"
Peng alternated his gaze between Jin and the felinoids tribesmen.
In truth, Jin was also inwardly surprised by the appearance of the felinoids tribesmen.
-But, Olmango.
-Yes?
-Do you happen to know who possesses the key to the third tomb?
The conversation Jin had with Olmango while leaving the second tomb.
At that time, Olmango had answered that the felinoids tribe held the key to the third tomb.
'When I asked what to do if the felinoids tribe didn't meet me, he said he didn't know either... Is it really that easy?'
As Jin cautiously approached the felinoids tribesmen, a sudden worry crossed his mind that they might disappear in front of him, just like when he had fled to Laprarosa during his time as a reserve flagbearer.
But soon, Jin could see the felinoids tribesmen making a gesture as if inviting him to follow.
"Hurry! Felinoids can be quite capricious. If you hesitate even for a moment, they might just vanish."
Carefully approaching the felinoids tribesmen, Jin maintained a certain distance between them.
Just before the felinoids tribesmen turned around to walk away, Jin was certain that it was the same person he had seen before. Furthermore, he had a strangely dark expression on its face.
'What could be happening? It feels completely different from the last time I saw them.'
The felinoids tribesmen walked while keeping a certain distance from Jin.
Just following them made Jin's mind hazy. It was impossible to know if it was some kind of device or a spell they had cast. It felt as if he were wandering through a dream, gradually losing touch with reality. However, it didn't feel unpleasant or dangerous.
Amidst this seemingly endless walk, suddenly the view expanded, revealing a beach filled with violet stars.
'A beach!? And the starlight is purple.'
The nearest sea from the southern border of the Zhan Kingdom was located at a distance that couldn't be traversed on foot in a short time.
'I only walked for about five minutes. It felt similar to when I first traveled through the snow garden on the back of the Snow toad, Mort.'
Looking around, Jin spotted the Felinoids who were drawing something on the sandy beach from a distance.
[My name is Neru. The thousand-year contractor, Jin Runcandel. We've met once before, haven't we?]
"Yes, thank you for helping me back then. It's only now that I'm properly greeting you."
[This is our own space connected to the caves. You're the first human to enter here.]
"Thank you for inviting me."
[You won't be able to see this beautiful scenery with your eyes again, so make sure to take a good look. It will take some time until we open the Tomb of Temar.]
Jin naturally understood that it was because the felinoids tribe would not invite him to this space again.
But in the next moment, Neru added something else.
[Soon, your enemies will come here to destroy this place and massacre the small beastmen.]
每周推薦票狀態
200+ 推薦票
榜單 
51 推薦票 您可能也喜歡
段落評論