Chapter 76: The Vigilance of an Ancient Family
Join www.patreon.com/KeyofStars for advance chapters
~~~
Around two in the afternoon, David arrived with his coworker.
His coworker was named Bob, whose clothes were dirty and tattered, his hair disheveled, and he leaned on a crutch made from a tree branch.
Hobert carefully inquired about the details of the incident. The process was actually quite simple—Bob had one leg and one arm pulled into a machine while working, causing his disability.
After listening to Bob's account, Hobert made it clear: "Although Mr. Bob did make some mistakes in this incident, it does not affect our ability to claim compensation."
He then addressed Bob: "However, this case will still be difficult. You need to be mentally prepared."
Bob, who was already quite disheartened, waved his half-remaining arm. "Sir, I have nothing left to lose now, and nothing can be worse than it is."
Hobert nodded. "One more thing: if you want to win, you must follow my arrangements to the letter."
"No problem," Bob replied. "I'm already grateful that you're willing to take my case."
"If there are no further questions, please sign the contract." Hobert produced a pre-prepared contract. "Due to the difficulty of the case, I will charge 18% of the compensation as my fee.
"Of course, if we win, the other party will pay this amount."
…
In the Southern Continent, in a small town that doesn't exist on any map.
Elliot received a notification that he was to accompany Elder Calvin to Crowlier City for negotiations with the Feysac Empire.
What puzzled him was that the other family members accompanying them were all recognized elites, yet he had only recently advanced to Sequence 7. It seemed he wasn't qualified to participate in such an important mission.
He suspected that the elders had started to doubt his recent behavior. So, before they set off, he took the opportunity to pray to the "Creator" in his room, reporting his actions and suspicions.
After lunch, Elliot and the others, led by Calvin, left the small town in five separate carriages.
Not long after leaving the town, a majestic throne and a towering figure appeared before Elliot's eyes: "Understood."
Elliot breathed a sigh of relief, no longer worried about the journey.
…
Backlund, 192 Blanca Street.
Hobert also agreed with Elliot's suspicion: A Beyonder family cursed for generations couldn't possibly be so careless as to not have any sense of vigilance.
Hobert began to consider whether to let more of the Balk family know about his existence.
During the recent surprise attack by Loen mercenaries, Elliot had played a significant role, and the "Spirit Necklace" he had offered was incredibly useful.
Particularly since Hobert was planning to take on the roles of "Baron" and "Earl." In Backlund, it would be almost impossible to obtain a title, but in the Southern Continent, things were different. Though still challenging, there was at least the possibility of gaining real power as a baron or earl.
Developing the Balk family would be crucial for his future role-playing.
Thus, Hobert planned to support Elliot, helping him grow strong within the Balk family while making him his representative in the family.
This would require him to display his strength. With the existence of the Nation of Disorder, Hobert could project powerful forces, particularly in the domains of Order and Distortion, which could solve many practical problems.
And if a problem couldn't be solved? That was fine too. It would simply mean that the great being on the Iron Throne wasn't interested in their prayers, and Hobert had the final say.
With this decision made, Hobert waited for Elder Calvin's probing. If everything went as expected, Calvin would certainly find a chance to test Elliot.
This matter wasn't urgent, though. What concerned Hobert now was whether there would be any mystical items at the upcoming weekend gathering that he could use. He wasn't sure if he had enough money.
At present, the "Spirit Necklace" had covered his lack of inspiration, and the "Combat Ring" had improved his weak fighting skills. He didn't have any urgent need for other mystical items.
But what if something valuable appeared? The Beyonder world is never short of surprises.
With this hopeful mindset, Hobert arrived at the Mercenary Club early on Sunday with all his belongings. After practicing shooting, he waited in the lounge area for the gathering to begin.
By noon, the lounge area was filling up with people. Hobert even saw the officer from the last gathering who had purchased the Secrets Supplicant's Beyonder characteristic. They shook hands and exchanged a few brief words.
Through casual conversation, Hobert learned that the officer also intended to buy a few items at today's gathering.
As always, the gathering began at 1:30 in the underground theater.
As expected, after two team-up requests, someone started selling Beyonder characteristics from the Hunter and Warrior pathways, along with some mystical items.
Several of the sellers were familiar to Hobert; they had participated in the Southern Continent's surprise attack.
However, most of the items being sold today were Beyonder characteristics and combat-related mystical items.
Hobert wasn't interested in Beyonder characteristics, and the combat-related items overlapped with the abilities of his "Combat Ring." So, by the end of the trading session, he hadn't made any purchases.
Hobert wasn't in a rush, though. From his lunchtime conversations in the lounge, he had learned that the longer the gatherings went on, the better the items would often be.
During the exchange segment, Castor Augustus, the mercenary leader who had gone to the Southern Continent, stood up and said, "After this battle, a certain power vacuum has appeared in General Anthony's territory. If the Feysac Empire doesn't fill this vacuum within a month, a small-scale colonial conflict is likely."
Hobert crossed his arms. From what I know, someone's already willing to fill that vacuum.
It was "inside information" he had gotten from Elliot, but of course, he wouldn't reveal it at the gathering.
Castor then pulled out a sketch: "Has anyone seen or heard of this powerful individual?"
Everyone scrutinized the sketch closely. It depicted a mysterious figure seated on a throne forged from swords, looking both solemn and divine.
Hobert was stunned. That… that looks like me!
Castor continued, "We encountered this powerful individual during the mission. However, they didn't show us much hostility. If anyone has seen this person or can provide valuable information, I will offer a generous reward."
Everyone noticed that Castor had used the honorific "your excellency," a sign that this individual was strong enough to command his respect.
Hobert thought to himself, You could never imagine in your wildest dreams that your excellency is sitting right here, watching your astonishment and confusion.
Naturally, he wouldn't offer any clues. He had money now and no need to chase after the so-called "generous reward" and stir up trouble.
Seeing no responses, Castor looked disappointed. He had a hunch that this figure would be pivotal in the struggle for control over General Anthony's territory.
If they could establish contact with this individual while they were still rising in power, it would deal a heavy blow to the Feysac Empire's colonies.