CHAPTER 158: ARCHITECT OF CALAMITY [2]

He had thought they were simply targeting the Bell of Pasa, an artifact of significant but limited power. But these were bigger players than he had anticipated, with ambitions that stretched far beyond a single magical relic. The scope of their malice was breathtaking.

’This is outrageous.’

The demonic creature who had driven Altriark into crisis was hiding in Artk, the capital of Altriark itself.

And even gradually eating away at Altriark’s funds as a mercenary.

The darkest place is under the lamp, but this was taking it too far. If it had been Goldenheim instead of Artk...

"...Tearing them limb from limb would be too merciful."

A deep killing intent flowed from Gerhard’s eyes.

"Well, they’re coming to us anyway."

There was no need to do anything extraordinary.

As long as Aint had the surname Armian, he would be very sweet prey for that creature.

Regardless of who would end up being eaten.

’If they’re coming anyway, I just need to keep strong forces around Aint at all times.’

There was no need to measure this and that; they just needed to stay on the barrier.

But.

Did they really have to do that?

’Isn’t that too lenient for those worms who have thoroughly toyed with humans?’

It wouldn’t hurt to completely disrupt their confident plans and inflict greater damage.

’Anyway, the most important thing in this matter is to create a stage for Aint to fight Bairan Osmond.’

As long as that’s possible, even if it differs a bit from the prophecy book, there’s no need to worry about Aint’s experience.

The creature looked quite strong. At that level, he would be a good match for the current Aint who had defeated Andromalius.

Tap tap-

Just then, someone tapped his cheek. It was Wooden, who had returned from his distant mission.

Koong koong!

He pointed at Gerhard’s hand and then at the opposite side of his own head.

When Gerhard patted his head, the red pupils inside the helmet formed a crescent moon.

"Yes, well done. I gained a lot thanks to you. Thank you."

Kuuuung, koong?

"I was just about to tell you. It seems I’ll be able to keep my promise."

Mana gathered at Gerhard’s fingertips. The mana was absorbed directly into Wooden.

With the dense mana, Wooden’s arms shook violently.

Spirits like their contractor’s mana. They grow by accumulating experiences with their contractor, resonating, and receiving mana.

For Wooden, Gerhard’s mana was an incredibly sweet reward. It would be like chocolate for Luina.

Anyway.

’He said he needs sacrifices to summon spirit creatures.’

So where would he get these sacrifices?

It was obvious.

Life. Whether animal or plant, living organisms.

And it would most likely be humans.

From what Gerhard knew, the place where humans could be obtained easily and in large numbers around here was neither the Empire’s army nor the Kingdom of Alfrecen.

"The desert."

The desert tribes living in the harsh Tacklakan Desert.

A race obsessed with strength, where humans themselves were strong.

’They’re still alive even in this chaos.’

He had heard that after being summoned, the spirit creature army had split into two branches, striking a major blow to Alfrecen and the Empire before scattering throughout the desert.

’So probably the surviving tribes...’

Knock knock-

Just then.

"Gerhard. Come out. It’s dinner time."

"I’ll be right out."

It was Luina.

Looking out the window, he saw the sunset had already begun. It was time to meet the Steward.

==

The dining hall of the lord’s castle was very spacious but not particularly luxurious.

A moderately practical feeling. That wasn’t necessarily bad.

It was just the opposite of Goldenheim’s belief in the necessity of moderate luxury and ostentation.

"Welcome to Altriark. Please understand that His Lordship cannot personally welcome you due to the spirit creatures."

The Steward was a dignified man in his 40s, from House Jaber, a vassal family of Altriark.

"We have already received more than generous hospitality. I am Grad Xant."

"Harke Jaber."

"Rosalia Wienderk."

After briefly exchanging greetings with the professors, he also completed introductions with the students.

"Please be seated. The castle chef’s culinary skills are exceptional."

Shortly after, dishes began to arrive one by one on the long table.

"As you may have already heard, you will be moving with the knights heading to the barrier at dawn."

"I’ve never been to the Altriark region before, so roughly how long does it take?"

"It takes about two days on horseback."

The conversation was mainly carried out between the Steward and Professor Grad.

"How is the situation at the barrier?"

"It’s relatively good after the initial big wave. There was a crisis when a thousand spirit creatures attacked at once, but since His Lordship and the Countess personally took the field, the barrier has been holding firm."

"That’s fortunate."

"However, the frequency of attacks has increased compared to before the appearance of spirit creatures. It will probably be quite chaotic."

"It might be inappropriate to say this, but we’re going there to experience such things, so it’s fine."

The meal ended exactly two hours later.

"Ah, you might also experience beyond the barrier."

"Beyond the barrier?"

"Seeing the steady increase in spirit creatures, His Lordship is thinking there might be a rift with hell. Therefore, he’s preparing a plan to subjugate it."

The Steward’s gaze briefly passed over Aint.

Gerhard noticed that he had deliberately mentioned the subjugation plan.

’He’s wondering if Aint Armian might have a way to find the rift.’

They have expectations because of the Armians’ reputation as adversaries of demons. Gerhard suspected that upon arrival, Aint would first have an interview with the Margrave.

’That won’t do.’

Regardless of whether Aint had a method or not, the subject should be Gerhard, not Aint.

His aim was to take advantage of this, then transfer the fame to Aint.

As dinner ended and people began to rise from their seats one by one, Gerhard secretly handed a pre-written note to the Steward.

"What is this?"

"I would like you to deliver it to His Lordship without fail. Tell him it’s a proposal from me."

"A proposal? Student Gerhard, or Gerhard Goldenheim?"

"The latter."

The Steward’s eyes became significantly more serious.

"May I read it?"

"I would rather prefer that you read it and realize its importance."

As the Steward carefully unfolded the note, his eyes widened.

"I believe I can resolve one of the issues you mentioned earlier."

With trembling eyes, as if unable to believe it, he looked alternately at the note and Gerhard.

"...This."

"It’s true."

What was written on the note was just two lines.

[I wish to make a deal with the Count.

I know the next plan of the demonic creatures operating secretly in Artk.]

But they were two lines that could completely turn House Altriark upside down.