Episode 53 — The Installation Hangs at 99%

It had been a week since I started the testing phase for the Minority Patch.

I was buried deep in the Throne of Sloth, enjoying a graceful afternoon in the air-conditioned living room with a bag of potato chips.

"...Phew. Spent a whole week doing absolutely nothing. Surely things have progressed by now."

I operated the controller, flying the drone over the Old Town scheduled for demolition. My eyebrow twitched.

"...That’s weird. Those guys are still living there like nothing happened."

On the monitor, the members of the black market were casually laying out their stalls as if the eviction notice was just a suggestion. ...No, that wasn’t all.

I cranked the zoom to its maximum and focused on a guard standing at the corner of an alley.

"...Wait, what’s with that gear? Isn't that a bit too high-end?"

The man wasn't wearing a worn-out set of leather armor. He was clad in heavy lamellar armor with sophisticated, seamless metal decorations. From the hilt of the sword at his waist, I could see a faint blue glow—probably a mana-infused blade.

"...That stuff looks better than the standard gear Bartos and his men use. That’s not something a common thug can afford, is it?"

While I was tilting my head at the anomaly, the living room intercom rang.

As expected, the monitor showed Gustav with dark circles under his eyes and Bartos looking like he was ready to draw his sword at any second.

"Mr. Zect... sorry to bother you while you're busy."

"Pardon me, Master Zect!"

The moment they entered the living room, Gustav let out a deep sigh.

"The negotiations with the Kardos tribe are proceeding very smoothly, just as you suggested. They accepted the title of 'Museum Curator' with pride, and construction has already begun. They also agreed to allow the worship ceremonies to be viewed, saying it was 'not a problem.' ...However."

"It’s Volg, isn't it?"

"Yes. We’ve sent repeated summons, but there hasn't been a single reply. He’s maintaining absolute silence."

Bartos, standing beside him, finally hit his limit and slammed his fist onto the table.

"Master Zect! We can wait no longer! Those bastards have ignored my Lord’s mercy and are insolently continuing to occupy the Old Town. I shall lead the Knights immediately and sweep them away along with that entire cesspool!"

"Calm down, Bartos. If you break the table, I'm charging you for it."

When I said that coldly, Bartos flinched and pulled his fist back.

"A forceful breakthrough is high-cost in terms of both materials and personnel. Besides... from what I’ve seen, those guys are wearing some suspiciously high-spec gear."

At that moment, Bartos looked at me with a start.

"Master Zect... You saw them with... with that... 'Eye of God' of yours, didn't you!"

"Ah, yeah... something like that. I was just checking on the Old Town because I was curious."

(I just saw them through the drone. It’s the eye of science, not a god. Though with 4K ultra-resolution, it is 'god-tier specs.')

I gave a strained smile and turned my gaze toward Gustav.

"Gear, you say? Volg’s subordinates shouldn't have anything more than rusty daggers..."

"No, there was a guy equipped with something that looked like the latest magic tool. At this rate, it might even be better than what you’re wearing, Bartos. The Knights might struggle against them. We should move cautiously."

Gustav nodded.

"...Indeed, that might be wise. If the Knights move, they’ll go into full combat readiness. Let’s prioritize gathering information first. I’ll put out an investigation request to the Adventurers Guild."

"Mrrp. (This looks like it’s going to be a pain. My nap is ruined...) "

Tama, curled up on my lap, let out a massive yawn and looked at Gustav with cold eyes.

***

That evening.

On the bulletin board of the New Felsen Adventurers Guild, a request titled "Old Town Covert Investigation" from the Lord himself was posted.

"...Looks interesting. Time for a little spring cleaning in the Old Town, I see."

The one who snatched the request off the board with gusto was the mage, Lin.

"Hey, Lin! Don't get ahead of yourself. A high reward means it’s a dangerous job."

Kyle shouted from behind her in a panic. He looked at the paper Lin was holding with a cautious expression.

"'Covert' and 'Beware of heavily armed groups'? These aren't just common thugs. There are rumors that they have equipment on par with an army."

"I know. But Kyle, with a reward like this, I can buy a new staff and you can get a brand new shield. ...Besides, even if the two of us are nervous, we can just invite her."

"Her? ...Oh, Meina."

Kyle nodded as if convinced.

"True. With her stealth skills and those bizarre sword techniques of hers, there’s no one better for the job. ...But she’s always so elusive. She said she’d join us if she was free, but where is she now—"

"...Did you call?"

"Gwah!?"

Kyle let out a pathetic cry and jumped.

Before they knew it, a girl in jet-black attire—Meina—was standing behind them in the shadow of a guild pillar. Her sharp eyes stared coldly at Kyle.

"M-Meina! Where did you come from!?"

"...The shadows. Regardless, I’m taking that job. I'm going too."

Meina snatched the request form from Lin’s hand and glared at the words "Old Town" written on it.

(That idiot master has been sitting on his throne for a while now with a furrowed brow, shaking his leg and complaining about how the 'progress has hung' and 'the noise won't go away.' ...If I want to protect my comfortable sleeping environment, I’d better clean this up now.)

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