Chapter 187

Chapter 187

Investing Through the Status Window.

Episode 187: The Finger Of God (2)

Business sailed smoothly.

Of course, Allen didn’t just leave the money earned from the business idle. Even before the magic lamp venture, he had been continuously investing in the inn industry, and whenever an inn building in a prime location was up for sale, he immediately jumped into the auction competition. Naturally, there were successes and failures. No matter how much money he had, if the price seemed too high compared to its value, he gave up. There was no longer a need to invest in buildings at a loss.

And, not long ago, the Charlotte-Mercenary Group, which had joined the Allen-Union, was now fairly well-equipped. Honestly, if it weren’t for Allen, it would have been impossible to form a mercenary group in such a short time.

Anyway, now that the mercenary group was decently organized, Allen gave the first task to Group Leader Charlotte. The regular grain transport supply from the mid-city Malziel.

“I’ll complete it neatly, without any issues.”

In truth, it wasn’t a particularly difficult task. She had experienced transport missions several times back when she was with the Count’s house. Moreover, since the level of the mercenaries had improved since then, there was no need to be afraid of bandits. Of course, that didn’t mean she should be complacent.

“Still, be careful. This isn’t the South. You never know when or where you’ll get stabbed in the back.”

Honestly, it would be unwise to trust mercenaries unconditionally. Of course, Allen had filtered out those who seemed completely unreliable.

“I’ll keep that in mind. I won’t do anything to disappoint you.”

The Blonde Charlotte, after showing her resolve, led her mercenary group and left Vermandois. Allen personally saw her off on the monumental first departure of the newly formed Charlotte-Mercenary Group. Her gaze towards him was so warm that Geese, watching from a few steps behind, let out a sly chuckle.

As soon as the mercenary group left, Geese muttered to himself as if he had been waiting.

“She’s really smitten. Our Group Leader sure has a knack.”

“…Smitten, my foot. Enough, let’s go.”

Around that time, Old Dog Kalisman also started to bring up retirement.

Now, having long surpassed his 40s, it was tough to keep up with the energetic mercenaries.

“It’s a shame.”

“…There’s nothing we can do. No one can escape time.”

Kalisman had an attitude of adapting to this inevitable flow. He had already secured enough funds to marry off his daughter, so his purpose in reversing his retirement had already been achieved.

Allen, who was staring blankly at the other person’s face, slyly brought up something he had been harboring for a long time.

“I’ve mentioned it to you before, haven’t I? That I’m thinking of creating a second unit.”

“Yes, Group Leader.”

“I’d like you to take the position of leader for the second unit. You don’t have to worry too much. It’s a position that requires more experience than stamina.”

“I see.”

Kalisman smiled faintly. It wasn’t an issue he could decide on easily.

“I’ve been away from my family for too long. I need money, but my family is more important.”

“Then how about bringing your family here? You mentioned they’re farming, right? As you know, as our business expands, we need more hands. Wouldn’t this be better than the hard work of farming? Of course, I’m not saying we don’t have our own struggles, but it would be better than farming.”

The middle-aged man pondered seriously.

…In truth, it was a very tempting offer. As the Group Leader said, helping with his business was obviously much better than farming.

Moreover, the future of the Allen-Mercenary Group was clearly promising, and Group Leader Allen was someone he could trust and follow to the end.

“…Are you really sure about this?”

“Of course, it’s fine. I’m not forcing you. Do as you wish. It’s just a shame to let such a valuable experience go to waste. As you know, my ambition doesn’t end here. I want to rise higher. And for that, I greatly need your help.”

After much deliberation, Kalisman eventually accepted Allen’s proposal.

“Understood. Then, I shall do so.”

“You’ve made a wise decision.”

Thus, Kalisman officially stepped down from the 1st group and took on the position of leader of the 2nd group. Although the 2nd group was still vacant, eventually, each position would be filled.

The Old Dog left to bring his family from his hometown to Vermandois. Naturally, there might be some troublesome matters along the way, so it might take longer than expected. Therefore, he couldn’t set an exact return date, but he intended to finish it within half a year if possible.

Aside from that, it was a continuation of peaceful days with no particular changes…

Until the letter from Prophetess Aloa reached Allen’s hands.

-Beware of the Finger of God.

-Please.

Allen, reading the letter nonchalantly, felt a chill run down his spine the moment he saw Aloa’s warning about the ‘Finger of God.’

He finally realized why Group Leader Grenzo had relayed a message through the Milk-Jug Mage to be cautious in everything.

…It seems the cursed ancient city’s gates have opened.

Group Leader Viola was living the happiest days of her life, well past her thirties.

Love.

Who would have dared to imagine that loving someone could be this blissful?

Every time she thought of Group Leader Allen, she couldn’t contain the overwhelming happiness that surged from her heart. It was only natural that these feelings would lead to blissful family planning.

Two sons, two daughters… Or is that too ordinary? Three sons, three daughters? The more, the merrier, right? They say there is greater happiness in a house with many children…!

Whenever a good name crossed her mind, even while at work, Group Leader Viola would jot it down and keep it in her drawer. There were already dozens of name slips piled up in that drawer.

Sigh.

Gazing at the blue sky outside, she indulged in happy imaginations with her chin in her hand, until the urgent knock at the door suddenly snapped her out of her reverie.

She adjusted her posture and attire neatly, then told them to come in, facing the door. Suddenly, a terrified male employee burst through the door hastily.

“Th-there’s a-a guest here… But…”

“Who?”

“Th-there…!”

Before he could answer, someone pushed the male employee aside roughly and entered the room without permission.

Ah!

Viola, who rarely flinched at anything, couldn’t hide her surprise upon recognizing the intruder.

“It’s been a while, Viola.”

Viola quickly signaled the male employee to leave. The door slammed shut, leaving only the two of them in the room.

A tense silence lingered for a moment.

“What brings you here, Group Leader Dagon?”

Dagon was reduced to a loser after being defeated by Vice Group Leader Elizabeth and lost his place in the Top 10. Since then, he had disappeared without a trace, but suddenly, after several years, he appeared before her without any warning.

His already haggard appearance had worsened, and his attire was shabby and unkempt. For some unknown reason, the place where his right arm should have been was empty… His once-glorious mercenary skills were likely not what they used to be.

“Isn’t it too cold-hearted to be like this when we meet after such a long time?”

Dagon, who had aged and lost all his muscle compared to before, sat down on a chair with a familiar smile directed at Viola.

“…I missed you.”

Though initially surprised, Viola quickly mastered her emotions and looked at him with a calm expression.

“What brings you here?”

Dagon smiled sadly.

“You can at least offer kind words.”

“…Think about what you’ve done until now.”

“I had no choice but to do it to survive.”

“No, you did it out of greed.”

“…Fine, I’ll admit it. There was some greed involved. I wanted to live well. I wanted to live in luxury. People like me, ignorant and lowly, don’t know any other way.”

“Don’t bother making excuses now. And, in the first place, you shouldn’t be here. Leave. Right now.”

“Viola… My love.”

Truly understanding love, Viola shuddered at Dagon’s mention of it.

“Don’t let the word love pass your lips. It’s not love, it’s possessiveness.”

Despite the harsh denial, Dagon nodded quietly.

“Yeah, it might be possessiveness. But this is the best I can do.”

“Leave. Before we end up clashing. I won’t announce your presence here.”

“Viola…”

The once-great Dagon, leader of the Top 10, had become a toothless tiger.

…He pleaded with her pathetically.

“Please… hold onto me. Hmm?”

“I told you to leave immediately. Don’t show me your filthy face anymore!”

“You’re my last chance. My last—”

“You’ve already been given countless chances. You threw them all away. Chance? Don’t make me laugh. You’ve crossed the line way too far…”

Though she didn’t claim to be a saint who prioritized human life, his misdeeds were too severe. Almost akin to a band of thieves.

“All of this is the karma you’ve brought upon yourself. Leave. And never come back. Go quickly!”

Dagon’s face hardened terrifyingly. For a moment, even Viola felt a pang in her heart. Instinctively, she cautiously grasped her weapon.

“Alright, I understand. I’ll leave. There’s no one on my side in this world anywhere! Damn, what a shitty world…”

He muttered lamentingly as he stood up. His gaze toward her had grown cold.

“I trusted you, Viola. At least my love was not a lie. Don’t regret it.”

She didn’t respond. She felt he wasn’t worth answering.

At her cold indifference, he laughed hysterically as if he’d lost his mind.

A bizarre laugh mixed with hatred, resentment, disappointment, anger, and affection.

Then, suddenly, he started pointing and screaming.

“Would I… Would I have known I would die like this? Damn it, screw this! It’s unfair for only me to die! Yeah, I’m a selfish bastard! That’s right. I’ve lived like that since I was born! But I loved you. I did love you! At least, just once, just once, I wanted you to… to…!”

With bloodshot eyes wide open, he gritted his teeth. He couldn’t bring himself to finish his sentence and clamped his mouth shut.

And then, suddenly, he started laughing as if he’d gone mad.

“Yeah, live well… you bitch…. Hehehe.”

Dagon slowly turned and left the office with slow steps. His retreating figure looked like that of a vile human swearing revenge.

Viola felt as if a heavy stone had plummeted into her chest. He remained filthy until the very moment he left.

Dagon, having left the guild house, laughed like a lunatic even on the street.

He entered a deserted, secluded alleyway and plopped down onto the dirty ground.

Soon, figures wearing bizarre masks stealthily emerged from somewhere and surrounded him.

He chuckled to the point of tears, raising his one remaining left arm. Then, as if pointing at the fucking bright sky with his index finger, he lifted it.

Go on, take it.

Yes, take it all.

This fucking world.

Dagon’s left index finger was swiftly cut off.