The number.its about 30 people. Thats quite a large amount for a party.

That guy walking at the front is likely to be the party leader.

I noticed that hes decked out in high class equipment. The guy then gave me a strange smile.

Ive never seen such a smile before.

Who are you.? I grasped the black sword even tighter as I stood there.

Calm down, Fate.

[Yeah, but I feel that that guy will be a problem.]

Unaware of my thoughts, he arrived. He still kept the smile even as he begun talking to me.

[Hi, my name is Norden Alistair. You are really strong. Ive been watching you from afar and yet, I can still feel your overwhelming might. May I know your name?]

Norden said while offering his right hand for a handshake. However, I didnt respond to it.

[I am Mukuro. Just a warrior. Nothing more, nothing less. Would you please? I want to return to Babylon to cash this out.]

As I said that, Nordens party had surrounded me. I couldnt go home if its like this.

I fiddled a little with my skull mask, and hefted the hemp bags back on my shoulder.

Somehow, I had a bad feeling. These people seemed to be infatuated to this Norden, since it didnt seem like they will let me go until hes finished talking.

And to that end, all of them readied their hands on their weapons.

Tsk. so much for adults. The way they see me: its as if Im already dead for not complying with Nordens will.

Whats with that. There is no way this party is meant to do something like this, right? No, it couldnt be.

Then why.?

While I was thinking about the sense of incongruity, my eyes landed on the weapon strapped on Nordens waist.

A holy sword!? I see. So that how it is. But even so, that doesnt mean that I have to change my attitude.

[So you are a Holy Knight]

[As youve guessed, Im a Holy Knight. Today was the first time in my life that I went on vacation. So I brought my men and came to this place.]

I was quite amazed. He considers hunting monsters as nothing but a game. Norden put up a smile while combing his blonde long hair with one hand. If I were a woman, I mightve fallen for him already. Unfortunately, Im a guy.

This is slowing me down.

Anyways, a Holy Knight, eh? Perhaps hes angered from me snatching the 2 squads of orcs just now. Thats probably also why he ordered his men to surround me like this.

[Could it be you want these?]

I pointed at the the two hemp bags that are filled with orcs ears

But Norden shook his head.

Tsk, I guess I was worrying for nothing.

[Let me tell you this: dont waste my time anymore or else.]

This is the world where power rules everything. I can easily do anything that can be deemed unreasonable back in the kingdom.

I drew the black sword and brandished it toward Norden.

[Wait, hold on. As I said before, Im very impressed with your strength.]

[So?]

[How about this. Why dont you serve under me? I can give you anything you want.]

As usual, Holy Knights..Apparently, this is the one thing that hasnt changed even here in Babylon.

They deemed that everything is possible with money and power alone. Thats the kind of story.

If thats true, then I wont even be here in the first place.

[I refuse. You can do that to others. But I only work alone and will not join others. I hope that is all.]

I kept pointing the black sword toward Norden. As Greed said [Indeed, indeed] through Mind reading, I prepared to leave.

If I want to serve anyone, it will only be Roxy and I have no intention to work under any other holy knight. Ive already decided on that the day I left the kingdom.

Watching my attitude, Norden backed down a little.

[I had seen you using that black sword during the previous fight. How I was really amazed. Its shape can actually change, cant it? It was said that there is something like multiform weapons in the past. I read about it in an old document once. Who wouldve thought that it actually exists? If you dont mind, can you show me how it works?]

[I also refuse. I dont have time to do that now.]

Again, Greed told me through Mind reading: [Just kill this fickle guy already. This me will allow you.] Its him being noisy as usual.

Looking at Norden, he sighed and motioned his hand.

His subordinates began to retreat.

[Understood. Then shall we save it for when the next opportunity arises?]

[.there will be no next time. I hate persistent guys.]

[Well see about that. I always got all the things I ever want. And thats not going to change even now.]

Norden let me through with a smile still plastered on his face as usual. As I passed by, I gave his men a glance. All of them seem to be strong. Perhaps Norden himself had recruited them for their talents.

His men also seemed pleased to serve under him.

Good grief..I came across a troublesome guy as soon as I arrived in Babylon. Why does my life seem to be always intertwined with holy knights?

Finally, I managed to extricate myself from Nordens party. When I just thought so, he actually called out to me again. I didnt bother to even turn my head.

[Im working at the Babylons military district under Roxy Heart who just arrived yesterday. Come visit us anytime if you dont mind. Ill be waiting.]

Dammit, so hes actually working under Roxy. Imagining them being together, somehow.that makes me angry.

In addition to that, I can sense some unknown malice from Norden. Im merely a normal warrior, so I cant get close to Roxy easily. I can only pray that Im just imagining things.

There is also the matter with what Eris told me. The grim air around Roxy only gets thicker.

No matter how hard I think about it, nothing comes out. With the hemp bags on my shoulder, I crossed the border between the kingdom and Gallia. Fresh air entered my lungs. The irritation from before died down gradually.

But not all of it. I hadnt felt something like this before but now it kept egging me. I wonder what this feeling is..

[Hey, Greed.]

Whats the matter? Where did your usual energetic self go?

[Thatsno, nevermind]

What is it? Its alright, you can tell me.

[Its fine.]

I tried to consult with Greed, since I felt something weird. But I felt stupid for doing that, so I refrained. Itll be alright.

[Well then, lets return to Babylon. Cash this thing out and buy new equipment.]

Umu, Ive been waiting for that. Craft me a sheath made of pure gold

[Are you kidding me? Thatll be too heavy!]

Hahahahah, consider it muscle training. How about that!

Aside from the muscle training part, hes just too unreasonable as usual. Greed prefers flashy equipment. And he kept nagging me about that. If I were to leave the managing of my equipment to Greed, Ill end up fully dressed in golden attire..I dont really want to imagine it.

If I try to go to tavern or inn like that, Ill end up being a laughing stock.

[What my ass. Normal is the best, normal! Normal is number one!]

Thats boring. I bet youre going to buy another set of black clothes again, arent you~? Too plain.

[Thats right. Black is practical since the dirt stuck on it will be less noticeable.]

Fine, fine.

[Fu~, now while were at it, Ill put a black sheath for Greed.]

That wont do. Your preference is far from impressive.

[Hah! Speak for yourself!]

Really nowwhen you say that, I felt like leaving you behind inside a shelf.

As I continued to converse with Greed, the fortress Babylon came into view. A defensive city protected by outer wall made of adamantite. We went in through the gate at the northern side.

Well, lets get the cash then buy new clothes and sheath. Ill buy some that will match this skull mask. Of course, all of it will be black-colored.