Chapter 27: The Measure of Trust

Worry.

It had been humanity’s lifelong companion, starting from something as trivial as choosing a meal menu.

Even minor worries consumed a significant amount of time, let alone those concerning the future.

‘When exactly should I use the Seal of the Black Robe Cultist?’

Before returning, it wasn’t that he had forgotten how to use the seal from the video in the lab.

‘The only thing is to show the seal while dropping hints about demons either before or during the Quest.’

That method was common for entering the main story, but the problem was efficiency.

If he showed it to ordinary villagers with relatively low importance, it would be like training a mangy dog—being tossed around before finally getting to the proper, rewarding main Quests.

But if he showed it to someone of higher importance, like a high level NPC, that tedious process could be skipped.

It meant he could save a significant amount of time.

Time was precious to everyone, like gold, but especially so for Dahav, who had a fixed goal and was running straight towards it.

He pondered carefully.

‘A Quest to meet a high level NPC, huh. Let me see.’

He recalled a few, but soon shook his head.

“The required level is just too high.”

The easiest Quest required at least level 50 to clear.

Unless he used a hidden piece to quickly complete it, he’d have to be around level 70.

It was a harsh negotiation with reality.

‘If I hesitate to use it before meeting a high level, I might not be able to use it at all. It’s best to proceed as quickly as possible… but going back too much would probably do more harm than good…’

He kept racking his brain but couldn’t settle his worries and finally reached Sazam’s office, his destination.

Knock, knock—

Before he could knock, Shazam rushed out in a hurry to greet him.

“Why are you only coming now? I’ve been waiting quite a while.”

“You were waiting for me?”

“Didn’t you find and eliminate the cause behind the sudden decrease in Titan Arum numbers?”

He thought a bit and realized how Shazam knew.

In the story, Elwin conducted research on various insects, including Amorphopallus, to create Amor de Croixoruc.

To easily supply research materials, he bred and scattered Titan Arum Seeds inside the cave.

That was why many users hunting Titan Arum didn’t see their population decline.

But with Elwin’s death, this irregular practice stopped, and the Titan Arum population could no longer be maintained.

Since it was a game, Elwin wasn’t gone forever but would only awaken when users logged in.

Unlike freely roaming Titan Arum unable to breed without Elwin, the number of users remained unchanged.

In real time, one day equaled about three days in the system.

Though short, it was enough for the Evil Stench to spread.

Since users now defeated Titan Arum more than their population could replenish, the Evil Stench naturally spread.

He understood, but the question remained.

“Is that why you were waiting for me so eagerly?”

“To be exact, I wasn’t waiting for you.”

Dahav was about to be flustered, unable to grasp what was happening.

“Lady Alexandra, the lord of Shinaga, wishes to see you.”

At last, the mystery was unveiled, and Dahav’s eyes widened like the full moon.

***

When taking a long-prepared test, confessing to a noble, or making a new attempt—among so many tense and uncomfortable moments, none compare to sitting before a superior who is not close.*

Especially if it was a high-ranking position, practically controlling an entire brand.

Dahav clenched his teeth and fell into deep thought.

‘Timing has to be just right. Still, seeing the lord in person is nerve-wracking.’

It was said that the army resembled its commander.

Shazam, known as the Grand General for his strategic mind, had inherited all his personality and actions from Lord Alexandra.

Alexandra was known among users for being so strict that even players received scoldings from her.

Shazam, walking beside Dahav in the long hallway, looked at the tense man and spoke.

“There’s no need to be so nervous. It’s true the lord is strict with his retainers, but I have already explained well that you’re different from them. Just think of this as a good opportunity. And if things go south, I’ll do my best to defend you.”

“That’s reassuring to hear.”

It wasn’t mere empty words.

Thanks to Shazam’s encouragement, Dahav’s attitude shifted.

‘Yes, like Shazam said, in a way, this is a really good opportunity.’

Thinking coolly, his tension started to fade away.

‘Besides, I know Alexandra better than any other user—or any of the factions.’

Lord Alexandra of Shinaga.

Simply put, she was cold-blooded.

Yet at the same time, she possessed a warmer heart than anyone else.

Most nobles at the ASA rank had distinct personalities, but Alexandra was a very special case among them.

‘One of the few Redeemers in the Southern Noble Continent, inheriting the blood of Ser Vantes of the Helkite family.’

The secret was revealed around the end of 2039 when a player named Babylon suddenly appeared like a comet and hunted the 72nd-ranked demon, Andromallius, putting the main story on track.

While progressing the main story, the 72nd-ranked demon Andromallius descended upon the Palestan Kingdom, causing the kingdom to shake violently, teetering on the brink of collapse.

However, Alexandra, who inherited the Demon Bane bloodline of the Helkite family—immortal beings with the power to destroy demons—played a major role alongside Babylon in defeating Andro Mallius.

It wasn’t just the bloodline’s merit.

Not only did Alexandra defeat a demon, but he also became the kingdom’s first Marquis and continued to revive Shinaga based on his achievements and reputation.

Ultimately, he succeeded in gaining autonomy for Shinaga and elevating it to a duchy within Palestan.

Since then, Alexandra enacted strict policies to suppress jealous nobles who envied his recognition and ruled with unique charisma, solidifying his foothold and proving his ability.

Of course, some say it was just the game’s story unfolding, but regardless, Alexandra’s tremendous accomplishments remain unchanged.

‘Just thinking about who to show the Seal of the Black Robe Cultist to—there’s no one better than Alexandra, a high level NPC.’

She was closer to the world view and the 72 demons than anyone else.

Lost in his thoughts and calculations, Dahav found himself at the end of the hallway, in front of the Audience Chamber’s door.

Shazam adjusted his clothes, then reached for the doorknob.

“Sorry, but the lord said only this visitor is allowed inside.”

The royal guard at the entrance spoke.

Shazam paused briefly, then burst out laughing.

“Ha! Looks like my friend Greg has gotten better at teasing in the time we haven’t met.”

“Is that a joke?”

“…Really?”

“The lord said exactly this. Only the invited visitor may enter, and Shazam should wait outside.”

“Why such a sudden rule? This visitor doesn’t even know etiquette well…”

Before Shazam could protest, Dahav interrupted.

“It’s fine. Thank you for your concern, but since it is the lord’s order, I’ll go in alone.”

He was already mentally prepared, and as he had thought earlier, he knew Alexandra better than anyone else.

‘Besides, it’s not like I can’t follow this far.’

This was also one way Alexandra determined whether a visitor was trustworthy.

“So you’re saying every single one of my actions will be judged?”

After a deep breath, Dahav nodded and Greg carefully knocked.

“Let them in.”

Hearing Greg’s words, the door opened.

Creak—

The moment he stepped inside the lord’s chamber, an unusual feeling washed over him.

“Imposing.”

It wasn’t just the weight of the room.

Perhaps because Alexandra inherited the blood of Demon Bane from the Helkite family, the aura she emitted was undeniably heavy yet surprisingly clear and pure.

The oppressive atmosphere pressed down like a heavy door, but paradoxically, Dahav’s mind grew clearer, as if the scent of winter’s chill tickled his nose.

Following the scent, his gaze moved to the window where dazzling sunlight poured in.

In front of it sat Alexandra, legs casually crossed, on a farmer-style wooden chair.

Her figure was smaller than the average woman.

Yet her presence rivaled that of a dozen burly men.

When Dahav met Alexandra’s gaze, that presence crushed him.

‘Stay calm, no need to be afraid. Just act as you did in the videos.’

Cold sweat formed down his back, but he gathered his resolve and greeted her with the knowledge he had.

“It is an honor to meet Alexandra, the true lord of Shinaga and Palestan Kingdom’s top swordsman.”

“I heard you haven’t been here long. For a visitor, you know etiquette quite well.”

After greeting, Dahav looked at Alexandra closely.

From an arrogant young man to a boxer, Baek Junsu was a tough veteran who mastered survival by reading people well.

The feeling in Alexandra’s eyes was clear.

Curiosity.

‘That’s a good start.’

Now the success of the plan depended entirely on Dahav’s actions.

Curiosity, in a way, could only arise if there was some kind of affection.

Just as Dahav pondered how to continue the conversation, Alexandra spoke again.

“Lift your head, brave visitor. The reason I summoned you is none other than Shazam’s report that you eliminated the source of Shinaga’s Evil Stench. I have questions about it.”

A blunt question.

Considering her personality, which had circulated in 2040, it was a natural way to speak.

Usually, Dahav would have tailored his words to Alexandra’s requests, but he pressed his lips tightly shut.

‘This is the starting point.’

He had seen the footage of Babylon at his prime and knew well.

‘If I simply go along with the pressure and follow orders, I’ll be just another ordinary visitor.’

To not only attract Alexandra’s interest but also win his trust, he had to show proof of his competence.

Remaining silent like a dumb fish, Alexandra’s voice turned cold.

“Did you not hear what I said?”

Meeting Alexandra’s gaze squarely, Dahav answered confidently.

“Before I speak, I have a personal request.”