Chapter 103: The Commission (3)
Hearing Collector Neumann’s words, my heart raced.
If I had to name two things I needed most, the first was an Aura Cultivation Method, and the second was a sword. No, perhaps a sword was even more urgent.
An Aura Cultivation Method might not yield immediate results, but a good sword would undeniably boost my combat strength.
When fighting opponents on my level, I need a far better weapon than what I have now.
I recalled my duel with the Mercenary King.
It was fortunate the situation wasn’t dire, but if my sword had broken during a life-or-death battle… the outcome would’ve been grim. Austin was too formidable to face unarmed.
And situations like that will keep arising.
I’m strong.
That’s an undeniable fact. My battles against countless swordsmen in the outside world proved it. Aside from my duel with Austin, I hadn’t faced a single crisis.
But could I guarantee victories would continue?
Against the village?
Against the upper ranks of Black Hydra?
Or against other powerhouses—true monsters who’d reached the Master realm?
Not a chance. I need to get stronger, by any means necessary. Even if it means relying on tools.
That was the extent of my thoughts.
Looking at Collector Neumann, I gave a faint smile and said,
“I need one.”
“I thought so. They say a craftsman doesn’t care about tools, but I disagree. A true craftsman is pickier about choosing their partner. If it’s not rude, may I see the sword you’re carrying?”
No answer was needed. I handed over my sheathed sword, and Neumann drew it without hesitation. His aged, keen eyes scanned every inch of the blade.
After a brief moment, he spoke.
“It’s shoddy.”
“Is it? It’s the best sword I own…”
“It might suffice for an ordinary swordsman, but it doesn’t suit you. In a way, that’s fortunate. Whatever I give you will be better than this, so I won’t tarnish my title as ‘Collector’… Of course, I don’t plan to hand you just anything. I intend to give you the finest piece in my collection.”
What was in that letter…
I wondered inwardly.
The Mercenary King Austin’s letter was sealed, so I couldn’t check its contents. Not that I would’ve peeked even if it wasn’t, but Neumann’s exceptional treatment made me curious despite myself.
As I pondered, Neumann tapped the floor twice and stepped aside. Clunk! A staircase to a basement appeared. Guild Leader Jindel’s eyebrows twitched, and Shakin let out a Ho of admiration.
“Shall we head down? The others can take their time looking around.”
Unmistakable confidence laced Neumann’s voice.
***
Honestly…
This is beyond imagination.
Jindel and Shakin, touring Collector Neumann’s basement, wore shocked expressions.
Truth be told, they’d somewhat underestimated him. Even if he was called ‘Collector,’ they doubted he could meet the expectations of Red Cloud, a top-tier guild among the five.
But they were wrong.
The basement’s collections, pristine without a speck of dust, each exuded a unique aura under the soft glow of magical lighting.
It wasn’t just one.
Countless weapons far surpassed Jindel and Shakin’s standards.
I thought it was impressive enough that he’s survived in Kalbaron, but this is truly unexpected.
How much? How much to buy everything here? Should I ask later?
With such thoughts, they moved slowly.
But I followed Neumann quietly, my face still expressionless.
“You don’t seem impressed yet.”
“Honestly, no. It’s not that the weapons are lacking. My standards are just high.”
It was true.
The weapons were excellent—leagues beyond what I’d used. I fully understood Neumann’s confidence from before entering the basement.
But I had a feeling.
These wouldn’t withstand my aura.
They might last a bit longer, but they’d still corrode eventually.
With that thought, I couldn’t bring myself to choose, and my words carried a hint of regret.
But Neumann remained unfazed. Despite his collection being dismissed, he showed no offense and even gave a cryptic smile.
He said,
“I expected as much.”
“Did you?”
“Yes. Honestly, I’d have been disappointed if you were satisfied here.”
“…”
“…”
What’s he saying?
Is there more? This isn’t all?
Jindel and Shakin reacted with disbelief.
But I kept my expression neutral, staring at Neumann. Enjoying my gaze, the old man smiled deeply and tapped the basement floor again.
Clunk!
A second basement appeared.
This time, Neumann didn’t lead us down. Asking us to wait, he descended leisurely and returned holding two swords.
Shing.
Shiiing—
The blades, freed from their sheaths, gleamed.
Jindel and Shakin’s eyes locked onto them.
“…!”
“This is…!”
The treasured swords of the ancient Delkaro Kingdom!
They recognized them instantly. The distinctive royal crest was etched near the blade’s base.
It wasn’t just a crest.
They were certain. Immense mana was concentrated there—not merely gathered but intricately designed with complex magical formulas beyond ordinary comprehension.
Artifacts!
Artifacts! Not mere magical swords!
The two swordsmen’s breathing grew ragged.
And understandably so. Even elite adventurers dedicating their lives to treasure hunting rarely glimpsed artifacts. To obtain one, you’d need to raid a royal vault or risk your life in perilous ancient dungeons.
I heard Arcam Magic Kingdom’s recent dwarf collaborations reached this level, but I still find it hard to believe.
He’s giving these away? Really, for nothing?
Shock, admiration, envy, jealousy.
Uncontrollable emotions poured from their eyes. Honestly, they were tempted to ignore the commission and seize the artifacts.
But they didn’t.
More precisely, they couldn’t.
Woooo—!
A sudden, intense presence burst from my body.
It snapped Jindel and Shakin back to reality. Feeling a chill like a blade at their throats or ice water dousing them in winter, they wore shocked expressions, reminded of my strength.
But the truly astonishing event came next.
“I’ll take this one.”
“What!”
“What does that mean!”
The two swordsmen exclaimed in disbelief.
And understandably so. To choose something else when faced with treasures rarely seen even at Paneiro’s eastern auctions!
Their expressions pressured me to change my decision, pleading with their eyes.
“It’s a fine choice.”
But Collector Neumann reacted differently.
As if he’d expected it.
No, as if it had to be so. Smiling, he looked straight at me and continued.
“However, there’s one thing to note. This sword… is cursed. Fortunately, I had a shaman discern the curse’s nature.”
“What is it?”
“It brings events that gravely threaten the owner’s life. A fearsome sword.”
“You seem fine despite that.”
“I’ve been through my share of trials.”
“I suppose I have too.”
I extended my hand, and Neumann handed me the red sword. Its ominous gleam, as if dipped in blood, indeed warranted the title ‘cursed sword.’
But I didn’t care.
I’ve already crossed countless life-and-death moments.
And I’d likely face countless more.
If anything, it was just one more hardship added to a hundred—not much of a curse.
“Hm. I like it. I’m eager to try it out.”
“I’m glad you’re pleased.”
“…”
“…”
As the old man and I exchanged satisfied smiles, Jindel and Shakin struggled to adjust to the atmosphere. Their palpable regret was almost visible, despite not being the ones choosing.
But I was in high spirits.
An unexpected gain!
Feeling lucky for the first time in a while, I said to them,
“When do we start the commission?”
At my casual tone, as if I were going for a stroll, Jindel frowned. But he didn’t voice any complaints. The power dynamic was clear.
He said,
“I’ve called a meeting of the five major guilds’ top executives.”
“A top executive meeting?”
“Yes. A meeting for guild leaders and vice-guild leaders only. I plan to reveal our plan there. Or rather…”
After a brief pause, Guild Leader Jindel continued.
“…I suspect there may be assassins among them.”
“That’s possible.”
I nodded.
Even Red Cloud’s Vice-Guild Leader Chairophon had been an assassin. There was no reason to blindly trust the other guilds’ top executives.
Perhaps not just vice-guild leaders but even guild leaders have been replaced…
With that thought, I nodded again and said,
“We’ll cleanly sweep the assassins in the top executive meeting first, then deal with those below.”
“Exactly. You catch on quick.”
“Understood. I’ll identify the assassins, and we’ll take them down together.”
“Excellent.”
“Uh, Brother. But…”
Shakin glanced at Collector Neumann.
His intent was clear: was it okay to discuss such matters in front of an outsider?
But Jindel didn’t care.
Licking his lower lip, he said,
“It’s fine. The meeting’s soon. They’re probably all gathered by now.”
“What? When?”
“Right after this guy accepted the commission. Speed is key in these matters.”
Muttering in a low voice, Guild Leader Jindel’s eyes burned like lava flowing down a volcano.
“Shall we move now?”
“Sounds good.”
“…”
I spoke with a hint of excitement. It was true. I was itching to try my new sword. Jindel nodded, while Shakin remained silent, his emotions tangled with regret over the artifact and anxiety about the upcoming meeting.
But that state didn’t last long. As an experienced swordsman, he quickly regained composure and said to Neumann,
“I enjoyed your collection. Honestly, I underestimated you, but it’s far more impressive than I thought.”
“Even with the praise, I’m not selling to you.”
“What if we kill you and take it?”
“Try it.”
“Damn. I’ve lived in Kalbaron a long time and kept my principles. No need to worry.”
With that, Shakin left the basement.
Jindel followed, and after offering thanks once more, I ascended last, leaving the building.
“…”
Now alone, Collector Neumann stared at where we’d left for a while before returning to his usual routine, organizing his antiques.
As if nothing had happened, he continued.
***
Some time later.
In a room filled with Kalbaron’s ruling powers, three men appeared.
Guild Leader Jindel of Red Cloud.
His brother, Shakin, a powerhouse surpassing a vice-guild leader.
And a young man in his early twenties, exuding a sharp aura from head to toe.
“Who’s that guy?”
“Look here, Jindel. Who’s this kid, and why’d you bring him to this meeting? And why the rush to call an urgent top executive meeting…”
The Guild Leader of Legacy of the Dead, the tomb raiders’ guild, was mid-complaint with an annoyed expression.
I walked steadily toward him. Everyone in the room stared at the black-haired young man with Who’s this guy? looks.
There was no tension.
And why would there be? The aura I gave off was less than a novice’s.
How was he even surviving in Kalbaron?
As such thoughts crossed the executives’ minds, I stopped.
Facing the Legacy of the Dead Guild Leader, I muttered,
“Acting Lowly works well.”
“What’s that? Jindel? What’s this guy…”
Swish!
Slash—
He couldn’t finish. My cursed sword had already sliced through his neck. As the Legacy of the Dead Guild Leader’s head rolled across the floor, everyone wore dumbfounded expressions.
Even Jindel and Shakin.
Looking at them, I said,
“All of them.”
“What?”
“They’re all assassins. Prepare for battle now!”
Shaaaa—
Instantly, a terrifying killing intent erupted from the seven assassins seated in the meeting room.