Chapter 132 – Right (3)

The Swordmaster’s proposal to grant me the artifact Andvaranaut came without warning.

A sudden offer, like a turn signal that didn’t even flash before switching lanes.

I had mentioned it before, but artifacts in this world are exceedingly rare objects.

Not only are there very few of them, but their power is such that they are often called “fragments of the mythical era.”

Unlike S-rank weapons, which simply enhance physical abilities, artifacts possess far more complex effects.

But even this is more rumor than fact.

There is almost no confirmed information about artifacts.

And due to their rarity, most are under the custody and study of the Hero Association.

As a civilian, all I know is that they exist.

Even when I was a player, I never learned more.

Because in the game Miracle Blessing M, artifacts were systematically locked so that players couldn’t obtain them.

At least, up to the part of the story I played.

I didn’t know if later in the plot they could be acquired or if they only existed as part of the lore.

I remember this sparked quite a controversy in the community.

== ==

〈Where did you guys get artifacts?〉

I feel like I’m close to the end of the story, but I still haven’t obtained a single one.

Is it even possible to get them?

I’ve already spent the equivalent of a mid-range car on this game, and at this point, I feel bad about quitting…

―――――――――――――――――――――

ㄴ ㅎㄷㄷ: It’s because you haven’t shown enough love to the company. Try spending your rent money, and maybe you’ll get it, haha.

ㄴ ㅌㅇㅎ: Ah, of course. If you didn’t get the item, it’s not the game’s fault—it’s your wallet’s~

ㄴ ㅇㅇ: Literally, hahaha.

ㄴ 꺼북좌: The Diaper Blessing is a god! The Diaper Blessing is a god! The Diaper Blessing is a god!

ㄴ ㅅㅂㄹ: Just quit. Escaping the diaper curse is a matter of intelligence.

== ==

Players’ complaints were always the same.

No one knew where to get artifacts.

More precisely, most of them were in the Association’s possession, but there was no way to access them.

“……”

But now that I’m inside this world, those complaints seem ridiculous.

It’s like someone seeing an artifact in a museum and asking if they can buy it with money.

From the beginning, the story established that the Association managed them.

Did they think they could buy them just because they had money?

I once heard that an oil tycoon offered 10 billion to buy the Mona Lisa, but he was rejected without hesitation.

No matter how much money you have, some things simply can’t be bought.

That’s reality.

“…Though it’s ironic for someone like me to say that, considering I fell into the world of Miracle Blessing M.”

Fortunately, Andvaranaut is a special case since it is managed by the Nibelung family.

Swordmaster Aaron Nibelung obtained it 700 years ago.

Among players, there were rumors like:

“If Leon marries into the Nibelung family, will they give it to him?”

But I never saw anyone prove they had actually acquired it.

Either way.

Why would the Swordmaster want to grant me such a rare object?

If it were Leon, I’d understand.

‘What the hell is going on here?’

I couldn’t grasp his intention or motives.

If it was just a matter of luck, I would accept it without hesitation.

But there were too many unknowns.

So I asked him directly.

“Swordmaster, this is too sudden. Could you explain the reason?”

“Ah! Right, I forgot to mention that first, haha. Looks like old age is catching up to me.”

The Swordmaster scratched his cheek with a somewhat embarrassed expression.

Then, he continued his explanation.

“First of all, let’s be clear about something. I’m not giving you ownership of Andvaranaut, just granting you the right to use it. I’d love to give it to you outright… but there are too many legal and political regulations surrounding artifacts.”

In this world, artifacts weren’t just powerful objects.

They were strategic relics capable of altering the balance of power between nations.

“So it would be better for you to consider it a ‘temporary loan.’”

“If it’s temporary… That makes it sound like there’s something I need to do with Andvaranaut right away.”

The Swordmaster let out a hearty laugh.

He nodded several times and replied:

“That’s why I like talking to you. You understand everything instantly. Saves time for an old man with numbered days.”

“…I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“Sometimes I think… The way you handle things isn’t typical for someone your age. It’s as if you’ve dealt with too many older people before.”

This old man also had a terrifying ability to read people.

“In any case, it’s natural for you to be curious about the reason. I’ll get straight to the point. Andvaranaut is just a means. The real importance lies in the goal.”

“…Huh?”

My eyes widened.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

An artifact being considered just a “means”?

The Swordmaster gave me an enigmatic smile.

“In fact, the reason I brought you to Castle Sigurd was for this… To be honest, I wasn’t sure at first. I planned to train you until the end of the break, but after what Shail told me about the undead dungeon, I changed my mind. Kang Geom-Ma, you already have more than enough merit.”

I fell silent. My mouth went dry.

I had cut down his own son.

Suddenly, the Swordmaster placed a hand on my shoulder.

He had a faint smile.

“There’s no need to make that face. On the contrary, I came here to thank you. I want to give you a proper reward. But first, you need to accomplish what I mentioned. If you succeed, its value will far surpass any monetary reward.”

“……”

He withdrew his hand from my shoulder.

Then, in a heavy voice, he said:

“I want you to fulfill the Swordmaster’s wish.”

***

We headed straight to the Swiss Central Bank.

The Swordmaster simply stated his purpose briefly and directly, then asked me to accompany him.

He didn’t want to give me more details.

He said that explaining it would be complicated anyway, so he preferred to show it through actions.

He has always been a man of few words and quick decisions.

In fact, not just him.

Most adults tend to be like that.

As we left through the castle entrance, Karon was already waiting for us.

“I will take you to the bank safely.”

For some reason, today he wasn’t dressed like the rebellious biker he usually was.

He looked more like the butler of a noble family.

The Swordmaster explained that Shail was on vacation.

‘Well, after all, she went through a lot.’

The Swordmaster and I got into the car. Karon took the wheel.

…But for some reason, his hands gripping the steering wheel were trembling.

I remembered something Abel said a while ago.

That old man doesn’t know how to drive.

As I thought about it, Karon stiffly turned his head back.

“W-we’ll be departing now.”

With an unconvincing tone, he accelerated extremely slowly.

“…….”

I looked up at the sky through the window.

Karon’s car was moving slower than the clouds.

No, it was more like a turtle crawling along.

Suddenly, I missed Shail’s reckless driving.

***

Swiss Central Bank, 2:00 p.m.

The bank director was visibly nervous.

He was sweating profusely while staring fixedly at the wall clock.

“Hasn’t it already been quite some time since the scheduled hour?”

“Yes, sir. The Swordmaster was supposed to arrive at noon… It’s been two hours now.”

Tap, tap, tap.

The sound of elegant shoes echoed through the room.

In contrast, the atmosphere was tense and chaotic.

“There’s no way a Swiss clock is wrong. Why is he taking so long…? Ahh, this is killing me. Secretary Shim, give me two tranquilizers.”

The bank director swallowed the pills in one gulp.

After shivering for a moment, he made a comment to his assistant.

“Secretary Shim, you heard about it too, right? The Swordmaster and Karon barged into the Association’s headquarters. Fortunately, there was no fight, but the scandal was enormous.”

“Yes. It wasn’t in the newspapers, but the rumors have spread in the financial sector.”

“I hope this doesn’t end up affecting us too… Damn it, I don’t know which side to pick. From what I’ve seen, the president seems to be aligning himself with the Swordmaster.”

The bank director bit his nails. His attention wavered without warning.

Secretary Shim asked.

“If he’s supporting the Swordmaster, does that mean he’s also siding with the Director of the Middle Academy?”

“Exactly.

There are already rumors that the Association wants to get involved with the Joaquin Academy… and they will very soon.

At the latest, by next year, and if they hurry, maybe even right after the holidays.”

“…Then the power struggle within the academy will be intense.”

The director shrugged and gestured with his chin.

“That’s right. Even though the Association has grown after the fall of the Elder Council, they lack legitimacy.

That’s why the Joaquin Academy is such an appealing target for them.”

“That makes sense.”

“The Elders held out until the very end because that academy is a key strategic point. For the Association, it’s the perfect place to recruit young talent before they get snatched up by U.S. agencies.”

After finishing the conversation, the director stepped onto the podium.

Then, he looked at his employees with a stern expression.

“Listen up! President Gaines gave us strict orders. We must welcome the three guests on their way here with the utmost courtesy. But most importantly, keep your mouths shut. If anyone leaks information, it won’t just end with a resignation letter.”

The Swiss Bank prioritizes client privacy above all else.

And with the president’s warning, this had become a top-security secret.

However…

“Three guests? I thought only the Swordmaster and Karon were coming.”

Upon hearing Secretary Shim’s question, the director frowned and sighed.

“Yes… I was informed last night. But there’s something suspicious. For some reason, the president is more interested in the third guest than the other two. You could tell by his tone.”

Secretary Shim’s eyes trembled. Gaines was a man with sharp political instincts, someone worthy of being the president of Switzerland, a neutral country.

But was there someone he was paying more attention to than Swordmaster Siegfried or the fearsome Karon?

It definitely couldn’t be an ordinary person.

At the same time, he felt a strong urge to find out who that person was, whoever they might be.

Secretary Shim swallowed hard.

His mouth went dry from the strange excitement welling up inside him.

He directed his gaze toward the bank director.

That old toad had managed to secure his position simply by choosing the right side.

Shim had worked at the Swiss Central Bank for ten years, yet he was still stuck in the position of secretary.

His desperation to rise in rank was overwhelming.

‘This is my chance… I have to make a strong impression…’

A strange atmosphere filled the room.

All the employees were lost in thoughts similar to Shim’s.

Screeeech—

The sound of a door opening.

Everyone present instinctively turned toward the entrance.

The first to step inside was Karon, the butler.

Behind him, the Swordmaster placed a foot on the marble floor.

The bank director rushed to the door in a hurry.

“Swordmaster! It’s a great honor to see you again! How have you been?”

The Swordmaster glanced at him with cutting coldness.

His golden eyes, radiating authority, made the director’s lips tighten instinctively, like a squid shrinking on a hot grill.

The Swordmaster let out a faint sigh.

Then, he gave a slight nod.

“Today, I’ll be taking advantage of your hospitality.”

“Ah, yes, yes. The item you’re looking for is already prepared in the VIP vault.”

“Good.”

The Swordmaster responded briefly.

And at that moment, another shadow appeared at the door.

Step. Step.

The bank director, Secretary Shim, and all the employees fixed their gazes on the entrance.

Perhaps, even more than on the Swordmaster himself.

The sound of footsteps echoed inside the bank.

And finally, a young man with black hair emerged between Swordmaster Siegfried and Karon.

It was Kang Geom-Ma.

With his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his indifferent gaze swept across the room.

Despite the commotion his presence caused, his demeanor remained completely relaxed.

“……!”

The eyes fixed on him began to waver with unease.

In the midst of the deafening silence, scattered murmurs started to spread.

The initial confusion slowly turned into astonishment.

Chatter, chatter.

That scene made one thing clear.

That young man stood at the same level as the two most formidable figures in the room.

And he was only seventeen years old.