<h4>Chapter 279</h4>


    "The Imperial Ark Caravan, huh? There are fewer carriages than what’s recorded. Was there a problem?"


    Ian, leaning back in his chair, absentmindedly listened to the voiceing from ahead. It was probably the captain of the guards at the city gate.


    They had reached Midfert, arge walled city, two and a half days after departing from Basmut.


    Fael continued, "We’ve already sent more than half of the carriages ahead to Borta. Right now, we''re only carrying a small load of wine for delivery. This trip is more about buying than selling. We’ve got a few custom orders to ce, and the artisans here are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship."


    "Well, you’re not wrong about that. Still, it looks like you’ve got four or five carriages. Have you arranged for a ce to stay?"


    "We’re thinking of renting a guest house for a few days. Do you have any avable?"


    "You’re in luck. There’s just one left."


    "Oh, that’s great news. Then—"


    <i>It’ll be disgustingly peaceful here too, I see.</i>


    Half-listening to the conversation, Ian clicked his tongue briefly.


    For citizens, travelers, and nobles, this ce was likely a paradise. But for mercenaries, words like <iw </i>and <i>peace </i>held little appeal.


    It wasn’t surprising that most of the mercenaries had flocked to the frontier or the North. If you weren’t skilled enough to get a long-term contract somewhere, making a living wouldn’t be easy.


    <i>Looks like things will stay like this until the corruption starts.</i>


    Ian pondered a thought that had crossed his mind several times since arriving in the central region. In hindsight, tackling the game''s major events early wasn’t necessarily a good thing. Even so, he didn’t feel any urgency to rush to the capital after finishing his tasks here. There would still be plenty of time to go once the ck Wall made its move.


    Until then, he nned to keep wandering like this. No matter how peaceful things seemed, there were bound to be a few more side quests waiting for him if he kept looking.


    "This man will guide you. Follow him."


    "Thank you. And go easy on that wine."


    At that moment, the sound of footsteps grew closer. Fael and Philip were returning. As Philip climbed up to the driver’s seat, Fael grinned and opened the carriage door, stepping inside.


    "I bet you were bored without me around for the past half-day."


    He said cheerfully as he sat across from Elia. Despite his earlier difort, Fael had been casually hopping in and out of Ian’s carriage throughout the trip. After sending most of the caravan members ahead, he had practically lived there.


    As the carriage started moving, Ian chuckled briefly. "I enjoyed the peace."


    "Just bear with me for a few more days. <i>Haha</i>. By the way, what’s the youngdy so engrossed in?"


    Fael turned his gaze toward Elia, who was sitting across from him. With a Magic Stone Lamp ced beside her, she waspletely absorbed in her book, unaware of Fael''s presence. Ian nced at her as she quietly flipped a page, a faint smile forming on his lips.


    "She''s watching the birth of a dark mage."


    "The birth? What do you mean...?"


    "It’s the journal of someone who lost their head."


    "...!"


    "I’d been meaning to read it for a while. Thanks to you, I finally got the chance today," Ian remarked casually.


    Fael, who had been sitting frozen with wide eyes, blinked in surprise.


    "T-That’s not the point here... I’m shocked you’re carrying something so dangerous. You know one wrong move and you could lose your head," Fael stammered, lowering his voice in a panicked rush.


    Ian, blinking in mild amusement, tilted his head indifferently.


    "My neck? Who would dare?"


    "Ah... well, indeed. Knowing who you are, such absurd suspicions wouldn''t arise. However... it still feels unsettling to see the youngdy reading such an ominous book..."


    Fael responded awkwardly, his gaze lingering uneasily on the journal.


    <i>Ah, right. He''s a sponsor now.</i>


    "Researching the ck Wall is dangerous. That’s why I’m letting her know in advance about the things she needs to be cautious of while Philip and I are here."


    Ian added calmly, shrugging his shoulders as he met Fael''s gaze.


    "Besides, there’s nothing particrly dangerous in that journal."


    Though Fael nodded, his expression was still uncertain. It wasn’t just empty words, though. Ian’s pocket dimension contained far more dangerous items than that journal. In any case, Elia waspletely absorbed in it. She had likely witnessed the journal’s owner''s demise with her own eyes.


    <i>It’ll probably heighten her awareness.</i>


    The contents Ian had read just a few hours ago shed through his mind. Dario was the curse caster''s name, and, as expected, he still had an affiliation with the Blue Magic Tower. His mercenary activities were merely a side job to fund his research materials.


    Like the other magic towers, the Blue Magic Tower was desperately trying to ovee the twilight of magic. Dario was no different.


    His research began with an attempt to increase spell efficiency, using less magic power toplete spells. Naturally, that failed. Next, he sought a way to umte particles of the magic power stored in magic stones within the human body. Of course, that too failed.


    After repeated failures, it was only natural that he, like many of his peers, turned his gaze toward the ck Wall. He believed there had to be a way to filter the void magic that the ck Wall asionally emitted.


    N?v(el)B\\jnn


    What followed was a predictable progression. He became captivated by the void’s magic and eventually stepped into the realm of dark magic. The other mages in the tower were likely no different.


    <i>At least he wasn’t conducting human experiments like the Gray Tower.</i>


    Thinking, Ian let his gaze wander to the scenery outside. The well-maintained streets bustled with clean, carefree passersby, their faces devoid of concern, as if oblivious to the thickening clouds overhead.


    <i>He said chaos feels clearer.</i>


    Ian clicked his tongue, recalling the line from the end of the journal. Unlike those oblivious people, Dario had realized that a new era was beginning. Other corrupted ones and demons might have sensed the same.


    For now, only the signs were visible, but once the ck Wall’s erosion began, everything would change uncontrobly. Even the citizens of the central region would soone to fear the night and the world beyond the walls.


    "<i>Ahem</i>..."


    An awkward, intentional cough broke the silence a few secondster, signaling a change in topic.


    "Now that I think about it, by now, word from Basmut must have reached the capital." Fael''s words brought Ian’s attention back to him.


    Fael nonchntly added, "Not that I''m worried. Since you’ve proven yourself, there shouldn’t be any issues."


    "The Alliance''s name is spreading as well, isn’t it? That’s what matters to you, no?"


    "To be honest, I’m not entirely thrilled. We’ve only just been formed, after all. But still, therger tradingpanies will find it harder to target us now. At least for a while."


    <i>More than just a while, I’d bet.</i>


    Ian shrugged internally. It remained to be seen whether the Imperial family or the Order would act, but there was no way they would overlook the fact thatrge guilds had hired corrupted beings as assassins.


    Especially now, with the Hexagonal Alliance as a new alternative. The authorities were likely preparing to tighten their grip on the merchants who had previously wielded power through their wealth.


    Or they might simply execute them and pocket the gold that would spill out.


    "There’s a branch of the Steel Vault in this city, I hear." Ian, after thinking that far, spoke up softly. He also had gold in hand from severing a merchant''s neck.


    "Where do we need to go to find it?"


    "If you follow the main street westward, you’ll see it. It''s on the opposite side of the church. ... By the way, was your business in Midfert rted to the Steel Vault?"


    Ian slightly nodded. "That’s not all of it, but it’s part of the reason."


    "That''s unexpected. I thought you wouldn''t be interested in a ce like a bank."


    "Are there mercenaries who aren’t interested in money?"


    "I’m just surprised, that’s all. Of course, being assigned to the Steel Vault isn’t something you can achieve with just money, but you’d still need a substantial amount of wealth. If you don’t mind me asking, how much are you storing there?"


    "Let’s see. I’ve heard I have over a thousand gold coins."


    "A... a thousand coins...?" Fael''s eyes widened in shock for a moment, but then his head slowly tilted to the side.


    "But why do you speak as if you’ve only heard about it?"


    "Good question. Why do you think that is?" Ian asked calmly in return.


    Fael, who had been quietly staring into Ian’s ck eyes, eventually turned his gaze away with an awkward smile.


    "It seems you received it aspensation for a job. <i>Haha</i>... Oh, we’re almost there. Look outside." With an exaggerated tone, Fael opened the carriage window and pointed outside.


    "This is the mansion you''ll be using as your lodging."


    <i>Teasing him has a certain charm to it.</i>


    Ian suppressed augh as he noticed the relieved expression on Fael’s face, then looked out the window toward Elia’s side. The guard who had been guiding them was opening the gate of a mansion surrounded by a low wall.


    Beyond it, the mansion with a small yard came into view.


    Although a bit faded, it was still a reasonably spacious two-story mansion. Though the yard was small, it was big enough to park the carriages, and the house itself lookedrge enough to amodate the caravan members.


    <i>Traveling with the tradingpany is indeed convenient for matters like this.</i>


    "You three can use the best rooms on the upper floor."


    Fael, sneaking a nce at Ian, subtly added, "It’s toote to take care of any business today, so how about a drink while we rest? There was a banquet in Basmut as well, but that wasn’t exactly for celebration, was it?"


    "Let’s save that for the night before you leave. Tonight, I want to rest and take care of some other dyed matters."


    "What sort of matters?"


    "I n to review the dark mage''s journal for the youngdy. At my leisure."


    "A dark... mage...?"


    "I’m also going to be handling something even more dangerous, so make sure no onees near my room. While I don’t need to worry, others might not be so lucky, don’t you think?"


    Fael, seemingly at a loss for words, opened and closed his mouth a few times before finally nodding deeply.


    "No one will disturb you, I’ll make sure of that. Including myself, of course."


    ***


    "You’ve arrived."


    It was noon. Fael, who had been sitting at a table in the corner of the main hall, sprang to his feet.


    Ian, fully armed, along with Philip and Elia, wasing down the stairs.


    "I heard you’ve finished your meal, so I’ve been waiting for you."


    "I thought you’d be busier," Ian said as he walked.


    Fael shrugged. "I’ve finished all the tasks this morning. The wine has been delivered, and I’ve ced an order for the insignia. Now, all that’s left for me to do is wait."


    The sounds of people having ate lunch in the dining hall spread, making it seem less like an empty remark.


    Ian nodded as he stepped out the door. "Then keep an eye on things so we don’t get swindled. Sir Philip isn’t good at haggling, and the youngdy doesn’t know much about the ways of the world."


    "To be honest, I’m not that bad at it either. It’s just that you’re exceptionally talented, my lord." Philip, who calmly added this, subtly lifted his armored arms.


    "I even put on this armor to avoid being underestimated."


    Ian nced at Fael. "You see what I mean. This is the level we’re working with."


    Fael chuckled heartily and nodded. "Trust me. You mentioned you’re purchasing protection gear and supplies for the youngdy?"


    "And an excellent sword for Sir Philip, and some decent magical tools or weapons."


    As they stepped out of the mansion and onto the street, Ian nced over at Philip.


    "Be careful not to lose the money."


    "Don’t worry. I’ve ced it closest to my heart. My chest feels heavy. A very pleasant heaviness," said Philip, while patting his breastte.


    Inside his chest te were all the gold coins Ian had earned from his recent job, as well as the coins Philip had received. Elia’s money, on the other hand, was untouched, meant to be sent ahead to the capital with her.


    "Once you’re done, would you like to meet at the workshop district behind the church? There’s a tavern nearby called the Dragon’s Wing. The food is excellent, and of course, the drinks too. They serve a variety of southern alcohols made from fruits and herbs," added Fael as they reached a crossroads.


    Ian nodded. "That sounds like a good ce for dinner. As long as nothing goes wrong."


    Philip tilted his head slightly through his visor. "Is there any reason for trouble when you’re just visiting the Steel Vault?"


    "The Steel Vault itself is the real problem," Ian added, casting Elia a look that warned her to take care before turning away. His pace eased shortly after separating from the group.


    <i>As expected, it’s morefortable being alone.</i>


    Midfert, even to Ian''s modern eyes, truly felt like a city. It had small andrge buildings, alleyways between the main streets, pleasant scents, street vendors, and crowds of diverse people. Not only were there fairies but also orcs adorned with gold on their tusks, and even a beastfolk, though only one.


    <i>If every city on the continent was like this, life would be much morefortable.</i>


    From Ian’s perspective, giving central cities thebel of <i>transport hubs</i> was pointless. Each city had its unique significance, positioned at key crossroads along the sprawlingwork of roads. The Empire’s dominance over the continent wasn’t just due to geographical advantages but also their strategic use of those advantages.


    Moments like these made him realize this world had be reality. In a world full of absurdities from a modern perspective, there were moments when it all felt oddly convincing.


    <i>... Convincing, my ass.</i>


    Ian clicked his tongue as he gazed at a building in the distance. It was a rectangr, grayish-white structure. Above its wide-open doors was a statue of a steel hand clutching a gold bar.


    It was the Steel Vault. Unlike the lively streets behind him, the sight of it reminded Ian that this world had once been just a game. The building was almost identical to the one in his memories, even though it had been a different branch back then.


    <i>Do they all build them exactly the same?</i>


    With that thought, Ian pulled the vault key out of his pocket dimension, fitting it deeply into the middle finger of his ungloved left hand as he continued walking.


    Standing by the wide-open door was arge orc dressed in formal attire.


    The orc nced at the ring Ian held out and silently bowed. Despite the stark and imposing exterior, the interior hallway was elegantly adorned, with an almost eerie quietness that made every step echo. This sight, too, was not much different from what Ian had seen in the game. It seemed the Steel Vault maintained a uniform design across all its branches.


    Then again, people foundfort in the familiar. And of course, it wasn’t just the appearances that were likely the same.


    <i>The procedures I’ll have to go through are likely the same too. Maybe even worse...</i>


    The hallway was divided into three counters, each separated by wooden partitions. Behind each counter sat a human who appeared to be an employee.


    On the wall behind them was a door, each nked by orcs in formal uniforms standing like statues. Their yellow eyes tracked Ian’s movements as he approached the central counter, but Ian acted as if he didn’t notice.


    The employee sitting across from him smiled.


    "Wee. What business brings you here today?"


    Ian looked at the employee’s painted-on smile and responded calmly.


    "I’m here to withdraw money."


    The employee nced at the key Ian extended from his left hand and nodded.


    "Please wait a moment."


    At the employee’s signal, the orc standing behind stepped forward. Bending down, the orc reached under the desk, pulling out something heavy. Muscles bulged under the orc''s yellowish arms, and the gold chain attached to his tusk swayed as he worked.


    <i>Thunk...</i>


    Soon, the orc ced a heavy metal box on the desk. It was a square box that resembled a vault, covered in intricate geometric patterns. Inside, there were likelyplex magical circuits and mechanical devices.


    On the side facing Ian, there was a long, narrow slit.


    "Please insert your hand."


    Ian, sitting coolly in his chair, inserted his left hand into the slit.


    <i>Rumble...</i>


    He immediately felt magic inside the box. The magic was scanning his hand, or more precisely, the key.


    <i>Click, click, clunk–</i>


    Inside the box, gears and mechanisms began to whirl and turn.


    Ian watched the box in silence.


    <i>In the game, this would’ve been over with a single click...</i>


    This recognition device was probably the peak of this world’s technology. Countless master dwarven artisans, craftspeople, and mages must have contributed to its creation.


    <i>Tick. Tick. Tick.</i>


    The sound continued from the side of the box that the employee was watching. It was probably disying the amount of money stored in the vault.


    As the ticking stopped, the employee’s face filled with increasing astonishment. Even the orc behind him shifted his yellow eyes between the box and Ian’s face.


    Then the box grew silent.


    "T-Thank you for your patience." The employee blinked a few times before springing to his feet, his demeanor now much more respectful as he looked at Ian.


    "How much would you like to withdraw, sir?"


    "All of it."


    "Pardon...?" The employee’s smile froze in ce.


    Looking into the confused eyes of the employee, Ian repeated his words.


    "I’d like to withdraw all of it."


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