I Ask You #2

However, it took a while for Theo to hear the answer.

It seemed like Gluttony didn't know what had been happening while it slept.

Theo was forced to explain the situation briefly. He spoke about the missing investigator, the ma.s.sive number of undead in the area, and the presence of the warlock who controlled them. There were so many questions, but he had to ask just one thing.

-…Yes, I understand.

Gluttony said as Theo paused.

–According to your explanation, this certainly isn't a normal case. I can guess the source.

"What is it?" Theo was taken aback.

A magician event like this fell into its range of questions and answers? This was unexpected. Gluttony, the grimoire who ate wisdom, pulled out an answer which the two geniuses would've never been able to guess.

–It is likely that a 'grimoire' has been found in the cave.

Theo's eyes widened at the word 'grimoire.'

Numerous magicians called them 'unidentified.' As Vince Haidel had explained, the grimoires possessed huge strength.  They were creatures containing wisdom and power, of which the source and origin were unknown. The existence of the grimoires could make the whole world dizzy.

He couldn't agree with some of the evaluations, but as an owner of a grimoire, Theodore knew just how beyond common sense was the existence of a grimoire. It had made a dunce of the 2nd Circle into someone capable of beating Sylvia.

If the power of such a grimoire had intervened, it was possible to increase a person's black magic in a short period of time.

"There are other grimoires like you?"

-I am a grimoire belonging to the Seven Sins set. When it comes to grimoires… No, I don't know exactly. It would be more accurate to detect it, rather than make a hypothesis.

Gluttony seemed to mumble to itself before making a suggestion.

–User, if you agree, I will consume your power to detect any grimoire in the vicinity. I will look for the place where the warlock is hiding as an extra.

"That’s a welcome offer but…" Theo looked down at his palm in a dubious manner. "Why are you being so nice? It isn't like you, so tell me what you want."

–Hohoho, it isn't bad for you either.

There was the sound of laughter, and the tongue acted like the thought was mouthwatering.

-I can also eat 'grimoires.' It is possible to absorb the knowledge and functions or even free a seal. If so, your achievements as a magician will grow several times faster than it does now.

"…As usual, you are hungry."

-It is my essence.

Theo was worried about the suggestion for a moment, but there was no choice. Even if grimoire didn't exist, it was still necessary to find the location of the warlock. In the end, he nodded, and Gluttony activated the function.

Du-geun.

There was a loud heart beat similar to a wave of vibration, which resonated beyond the range of a human ear. This was a technique which would be called science instead of magic in other societies. Instead of sound or radio waves, the function was reproduced with magic power.

The wave of magic power extended several kilometers before returning to its epicenter.

[Detection complete.]

The voice was heard after the search was over.

–I found it.

Gluttony, which had been silent for a while, had found its target.

–Fairly powerful. It is only the second stage, but it managed to partially block my detection. It also seems to be eating its owner.

"Eating?"

–Not all grimoires have a symbiotic relations.h.i.+p like me. Most of them live by becoming a parasite in a suitable host and manipulating the host's body and mind. The grimoire which attacked you belongs to the Green category.

In fact, grimoires themselves were powerful magic creatures. They were monsters which possessed humanoid intelligence as well as functions equal to national level artifacts.

Theo didn't know their creators, but a grimoire was something which normal magicians couldn't possess. Rather, it was common for grimoires like Gluttony to completely dominate its owner. The thought of this caused gooseb.u.mps to pop up on Theodore's forearms.

–I figured out their location. I think the cave they went to investigate is the base of the grimoire and its host.

Gluttony gave a long yawn after speaking.

–I answered your question so I will fall asleep.

"Ah, wait a minute."

–What is it?

The question had already been over, but Gluttony was generally flexible when it came to questions about his function. Theo knew this and asked, "You… Can you eat the undead? They are also made of magic."

-…Your idea is sound. If that were possible, I could eat stones that were made to float using magic spells. However, the undead only moves through magic. They aren't made of magic power or wisdom themselves. There are some exceptions, but…

"But?"

–I can't answer that until you ask it as a question.

Then Gluttony went to sleep without allowing him to ask anything more. Theo tapped the palm of his left hand several times, but there was no response. It seemed to fall into a deep sleep soon after eating.

However, there was no time to complain about that att.i.tude.

Step… step…

There was the sound of someone's footsteps approaching.

***

The footsteps were uniform and quiet. Most people who had these type of footsteps were masters of martial arts. It was because the body maintained unconsciously its center of gravity, minimizing the noise generated by the body.

Theo a.n.a.lyzed the footsteps using Alfred's experience and quickly realized the ident.i.ty of the person who was approaching.

'Randolph.'

Unsurprisingly, Randolph's voice was heard from beyond the door. "Young Master, are you still awake?"

"Yes."

"Can we talk for a bit?"

It sounded strange. but Theo had been half expecting it. This way he didn't need to sneak out to the village to talk. "Come in."

"Then, I'll do just that." Randolph entered the room after receiving Theo's permission. "I'm sorry, since you must be tired."

"Don't worry. I thought you would come."

"Hrmm?"

The expression in Randolph's eyes changed at Theo's words. Theo was a magician who knew how to fight, so Randolph decided to treat him as a equal. Without further ado, Randolph sat down on the bed across from Theo.

'Cut to the chase.' The two men sensed it at the same time.

It was Theodore who opened his mouth first, "Are you going to reach the limit soon?"

"…As expected, you're not ordinary. How do you know?"

"You had no choice but to fight a b.l.o.o.d.y battle for a week with only 100 people. The fact that you have endured for so long is amazing."

It wasn't exaggerated praise. If it wasn't for the combat power of the 'Wandering Wolves', the Miller Barony would've already become the land of the undead. Even if regular troops were stationed here, they wouldn't have been able to show such achievements.

Theo was really amazed by the ability of the mercenaries to overcome a large difference in numbers using pure skill. However, Randolph's expression simply darkened. "I’m thankful for your words."

"Can I ask one thing?" Theo said.

"What is it?"

In a sense, it was a question which might decrease Randolph's friendliness. However, it was better than having a questionable ally. Theo asked the question which had been lingering in his mind, "Why are you staying in this village? You should be able to break through the undead siege without any problems."

"Simply… I guess you won't believe it is goodwill. d.a.m.n."

Randolph scratched his head before whispering. "I can't tell you everything. Is that okay?"

"As long as you can convince me."

"…Okay." Randolph hesitated for a while before carefully taking something out. It had s.h.i.+ny gold and looked valuable.

The item was a pocket watch adorned with gold. There was a curious image of howling wolves engraved on the watch, but there was no second hand or minute hand on the watch. Only the hour hand was turning strangely.

Randolph began explaining about the object, which was either a watch or a compa.s.s.

"A long time ago, an ancestor of my clan chased after a certain warlock to a foreign country. He left carrying the two heirloom swords and never returned. This watch is an artifact created to detect those heirlooms."

"Then the direction that the artifact is pointing—"

"It is these d.a.m.n mountains. It has been 100 years, so I wasn't expecting anything, but the place that the artifact reacts to is covered in undead!" Randolph let out heartfelt curses.

This was enough to cause Theo to admire Randolph's bad luck. The heirlooms which had been missing for 100 years had been found in the center of such a disaster, so Theo couldn't help feeling sympathy.

However, there was still something which made Theo uncomfortable. "I know that heirlooms are precious… but in the end, you remained because of two swords?"

"They aren't just swords. The techniques that he learned were left in those heirlooms. If I can control them properly, I may become a sword master in 20, maybe 10 years."

"…Indeed." Theo immediately nodded after hearing it.

He could understand this reason. Any magician would value a book which would allow them to cross the 'wall.' Randolph might be able to become a sword master, so it wasn't something he could give up due to some undead. It was like crossing the wall of the 7th Circle for a magician.

However, there was no answer as to the very real limitations. Even if the swords could make Randolph a sword master, it would be useless if he lost his life here.

That was why he muttered with a gloomy expression, "But it is up to here. I don't think I can recover the sword, and my men will just lose their lives. Anyway, the undead will be taken care of by the people sent by the king… So, Young Master, you should be ready to evacuate with the villagers."

Theo's eyebrows raised at the unexpected words.

This was unexpected. In fact, mercenaries cared about nothing but their own bodies. There was no reason for them to protect the residents, except for their voice of conscience which could be ignored.

Nevertheless, Randolph was suggesting running away…? Randolph and the 'Wandering Wolves' were all good people, however, Theodore couldn't accept that proposal.

"Thank you, but I will reject."

"…Why?" Randolph stared at him. It was impossible to find a better suggestion than this. If Theo suggested that he would stay behind to help the evacuation of the villagers, Randolph might beat him up. "I must acknowledge your skills, but in the process, half of the residents here will die."

"No, speak properly. Half will get out alive."

"The result is the same no matter how you express it."

They refuted each other without giving a single concession.

Pajik!

As the gazes of the two people met, the surrounding air distorted. To be exact, it was Randolph's anger reaching out toward Theo. If he hadn't absorbed Alfred's experience, then he might've been frozen by that terrible energy.

Theo barely maintained his calm expression and pulled something out. "So, I have a different offer."

"Offer? You?"

"To be precise, it is a commission. The Magic Society investigator, Theodore Miller, wants to hire the Wandering Wolves."

As Randolph's atmosphere was disturbed by an unintelligible sound, Theodore pulled out three thick pouches from the dimension pocket and set them on the table.

Kung! Kung! Kung!

Each pouch let out a loud thump, and the loud sounds resonated. No, it wasn't just that. Randolph's sensitive hearing heard something inside the pouch. It was a sound which was familiar to merchants and mercenaries.

Finally, Theo grabbed the pouch and poured the contents out next to Randolph on the bed .

Chwarururuk…!

Gold coin, gold coins, and gold coins! 100 gold coins poured out of the pouch. Spread over the tattered bedspread, there were enough coins to hire the mercenaries for a while, giving the bed a strange golden colour.

"Ehhh…?" Randolph stared at the money with a blank expression before looking at the remaining two pouches.

Surely those too? His face was saying. Theo nodded to the unspoken question and said,

"The 100 gold is the deposit, and you will receive 200 gold when the work ends. I will hire the 'Wandering Wolves' for two days with this 300 gold."

It was necessary in order to make this proposal acceptable. Negotiations and the price would come next.

Thus, Theo judged that it was best to get rid of Randolph's soul first.

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I Ask You #3

Indeed, Randolph's expression changed at the sight of the gold coins.

300 gold wasn't an amount which could be taken lightly. However, that huge number became much smaller once divided between 100 mercenaries. Even though it was significantly higher than other payments the Wandering Wolves had received, it wasn't worth risking their lives for two days.

"Let me hear the story."

Theodore's gaze sank at Randolph's ambiguous answer. "It is surprising. Is the pay lacking?"

"Not at all. 300 gold is enough. No, I'm afraid the situation will be a mess. So, I will listen to the story first."

It didn't matter if it was a high or low amount. Randolph ignored such meanings. He was a mercenary, so he knew their essence.

Mercenaries were people who would slander and kill a person for money or chase after a drake only to be killed. They accepted any dangerous request as long as there was money. That was the principle behind being a mercenary.

However, Randolph placed his instincts before those principles. "No matter how good the money is, I won't fight a losing battle. I will listen to your plan and then decide if I will accept this commission. It was foolish of you to reveal your wallet. Frankly speaking, I want to refuse the gold, but you wouldn't have brought out 300 gold without a plan." As the Wolf spoke, his eyes were gleaming.

'This person, he is a little strange to be a mercenary.'

If Theo hadn't brought out the 300 gold, then he wouldn't have even been able to sit at this negotiating table.

Randolph was different from common mercenaries. They didn't know how to calculate the odds and losses, only gauging the commission based on the reward. Since Randolph was a descendant searching for lost heirlooms, maybe he was the descendant of a great warrior.

However, from now on, Theo would be the one in charge of the conversation. "As you can see, holding on is unreasonable. At most, two or three days is the limit."

"It is as you said. The undead are too annoying." Randolph was also sick and tired of all this.

The undead had unlimited numbers and stamina, so it was an extreme disadvantage. This was why necromancers were targeted with a national campaign. They were vulnerable to powerful individuals but superior when causing ma.s.s casualties.

In fact, a warlock using infectious undead had once created a whole undead kingdom. However, the warlock had eventually been killed by a sword master hiding in the center of the city.

"There is only one valid method—a counterattack."

In other words, the warlock's main body would have no combat ability. The grimoire ate away at the host, but the essence was still the same. So, the warlock would be defenseless if Theo and the others managed to jump over the barrier of undead.

Above all, this was a great opportunity to get rid of the warlock.

'The undead weren't walking around here a month ago, and the grimoire hasn't completely eaten the host yet. That is probably why the number and quality of the undead is slowly increasing. This has given me more time before it becomes a disaster for the kingdom.'

There were enough clues for him to form this reasoning: the woodcutter's first discovery of the undead; the appearance of the undead which had then become stronger throughout the week; and the emergence of the ghoul wyvern which had reached intermediate level.

It was obvious that the abilities of the warlock, who had become the grimoire's host, were still improving every day. If he kept growing like this, he would be able to summon advanced undead. Once that happened, it would be the end. This area would turn into a land of complete death, and there was the possibility that the spread of the undead would be faster than the evacuation rate of the village.

Theo planned to strike before that happened.

"You have a point. So, you intend to hit the base with a small number of elites?"

Theo nodded at Randolph's words. "Yes, I've already found the warlock's base. Randolph, if you protect the two of us, then it won't be that hard to take out one necromancer at night."

"Why bother to attack in the middle of the night? It would be ideal to hit the undead in the daytime when they are weaker."

"A night operation is better."

If they were fighting on the plains, then Randolph's point would be correct. However, the target was based in a nearby cave which was so dense that sunlight couldn't penetrate it. He would need to engage in a war with thousands of undead to get to the warlock.

So, it was better to strike when the undead were being sent to the village and the cave was at its most vulnerable. During that moment, the trio of Theodore, Sylvia, and Randolph would raid the base. This was a strategy which really matched the term 'counterattack.'

'…What a monstrous kid. And he's only 19? What the h.e.l.l are the magic towers teaching kids these days?'

Randolph started having cold sweat after grasping the outline of the plan. He had a long history of studying tactics as the descendant of a warrior, yet it was a 19 year old boy who had envisioned such a bold move.

If it failed, Theo would lose his life, but he didn't hesitate to challenge it. It was like he was carrying someone's (Alfred) madness.

Apart from that chill, Randolph had to admit that Theodore's strategy was indeed worthy.

"…I will add a clause here. The Wandering Wolves will remain to defend the village while the two investigators and Randolph attacks the base. If the counterattack fails, the troops will evacuate with the villagers. I will also give you 300 gold. How about it?”

The troops would block the undead steadily as they moved toward the escape path.

Randolph laughed as he realized he had no reason to refuse. If he listened to this and retreated, then it would be humiliating in its own way. He would gain 300 gold as well as the heirlooms, so it was a reward which was worth the gamble.

Randolph finally got out of his seat and took out his mercenary badge. "Randolph, leader of the Wandering Wolves, will accept Theodore Miller's commission. This oath is made in front of Marcus, the G.o.d of War."

The mercenary badge made of steel shone with a red light for a while. It was similar to the 'Gea.s.s Scroll' which Theodore had used in the past, creating a compulsion that would prevent the mercenary from breaking the contract.

If the contract was broken, then the mercenary would be punished by the priest of the G.o.d of War, Marcus. Now in a true sense, Theodore and Randolph were in the same boat.

However, Theo's strategy was far from over. "Ah, that reminds me."

"Huh?"

"During a commission, all the loot normally goes to the people making the commission. Is that correct?"

Randolph blinked at the unexpected question. He just thought that the young magician wanted to know about the rules of the industry. When Randolph nodded without thinking, Theo smiled with satisfaction. He had accomplished his purpose of hiring mercenaries, so it was now time to reap back the money.

This was why people should listen until the end.

"Hrmm, since there seems to be family heirlooms inside the warlock's base… I don't know how much they will cost."

"W-What?!" Randolph's eyes bugged out like he had been hit on the back of the head with a hammer.

The heirlooms weren't near the base but inside it…? If so, according to the rule, the owners.h.i.+p of the heirlooms would pa.s.s over to Theo. In a sense, Randolph's eyes had been blurred by the 300 gold. The smoke screen covering Theo's words had now been removed.

Ultimately, Randolph was stunned by the counterattack. '…Surely, he hadn't been aiming for this from the beginning?'

As Randolph looked into Theo's eyes, he was lost for words. There was a wide smile on the face of the ecstatic magician.

'I did well to read the report carefully.' Theo thought.

Perhaps it had been discovered before the erosion of the grimoire had begun, but the magic tower had given him some reports written by the investigator. In one, it mentioned the presence of twin swords found in the cave.

Theo recognized the hierarchical relations.h.i.+p had flipped and pointed to the gold coin pouches next to him. "Randolph, you have 300 gold at the moment, but would you like to share any with me?"

Randolph had never heard it before, but this was probably the devil's whisper.

***

In the end, Randolph was forced to exchange owners.h.i.+p of the heirlooms for 200 gold. Thus, Theo hired the Wandering Wolves and an excellent swordsman, Randolph, for only 100 gold. A profit of at least 50 gold was made.

'I could have more, but… I shouldn't be too greedy. I can't ask the mercenaries to fight for nothing.'

He looked back on the conversation a few hours ago.

If he had taken back all of the 300 gold, then Theo and Randolph might have become enemies after this task was over. Unpaid labour was a sin for mercenaries who sold their lives. Whereas if Randolph didn't have the 100 gold, he would be forced to pay the mercenaries out of his own pocket or they might abandon him. A few gold coins was enough for Randolph since he was mainly after the heirlooms.

"Well, this is a win-win situation," Theodore muttered brazenly.

Randolph appeared behind him and asked brusquely, "This d.a.m.n employer, how is it a win-win situation?" He was uncomfortable since a 19 year old child had tricked 200 gold from him. However, he would get the heirlooms he was searching for, so the damage wasn't too big.

Theo said with a smile, "We both get what we want, I suppose."

"Hah, you are really good." Randolph laughed and continued saying, "The defenses are all in place. We can still block them off even if what shows up is double of yesterday's number of undead…"

Then as he looked around, Randolph spoke in an admiring tone, "To be honest, it is really amazing. Even though you are magicians, it is great that you can create all of that in half a day."

The plains near the Miller Barony had been completely altered, making yesterday's scenery seem like a lie.

White walls sprang up all over the desolate plains. It was the 4th Circle magic 'Stone Wall' which Theo had used to create improvised defenses. The walls would survive even if a zombie crashed into it a few times.

Additionally, the mercenaries could use these defensive walls to be more efficient than they'd been yesterday. If a flying-type creature like the ghoul wyvern appeared, they would be able to cope more safely than before.

"Well, it is almost all thanks to Mitra," Theo muttered and patted the small girl resting on his chest.

There was a faint [Hoooung] sound which tickled his chest. In order to create these walls which could block the black magic that didn't belong in nature, Mitra had been forced to exert herself.

Then as Theo and Randolph looked around at the walls, Sylvia approached them slowly.

"Hrmm, Theo…"

"Did you wake up just now?"

"…Yes, it has been a while since I took a nap."

Sylvia had a drowsy face, but the magic power around her body was in a perfect state. The mana responded to her sensitivity, so the area around her was much cooler. Randolph looked at her briefly before turning his attention to the forest which the undead came from.

The reddish sky was gradually turning darker.

"It is sunset, Employer."

As Randolph spoke, the two magicians looked in the same direction.

The sun was sinking below the mountains, and the children of darkness came out of the shadows. There were already several eyeb.a.l.l.s visible in the dense forest. The reddish blue light was absolutely not coming from living creatures.

The corpses were glowing due to the power which denied the laws of nature. Once again, the night of the undead began, and the period filled with the stench of blood and death would soon start again.

The mercenaries breathed nervously, and some of them even took a sip from the alcohol they had concealed. It was at this moment that…

"…Until today!” Randolph's pa.s.sionate voice drew the attention of the mercenaries. "You have suffered in the meantime! Enjoy the night until the sun rises tomorrow! Tonight is the last time! We'll say farewell to these d.a.m.n guys!"

After the leader's words finished, 100 shouts exploded.

"Ohhhhhhh⸺!" The shouts filled with anger and joy caused even the hiding undead to tremble. It was like the howling of wolves responding to their leader.

The night wind blew, shaking the leaves of the trees as the sun finally set below the western horizon. Simultaneously, the stench of death emerged from the darkness.

-Roaaaaar!

-Roaaaaar!

The corpses headed toward the mercenaries. Even if they couldn't be seen, the stench of death made it obvious that the undead were coming. Moonlight bounced off the mercenaries' polished blades as they focused their senses.

Undead and humans… This was the moment when the boundary between life and death crossed.

Current schedule:  Another Patreon goal has been reached!! Thank you for the support. There will now be 13 chapters a week. Check out updated posting days here.