Game Difficulty
Has Gone Crazy
After confirming each prophet’s movements in the Black Order’s archive,
Glen quietly left the archive with Romina.
Romina did smack her lips in regret at leaving everything there, including Prophet Litera, untouched, but—
—I know. This way is more profitable.
The difference between stealing information right in front of them and secretly taking it.
If it were Romina—the same Romina who had tormented players with her cunning mind in the original story—she would know very well how big that difference was.
I even gave a hint, just in case.
And in the first place, with their current strength, Glen and Romina couldn’t wipe out the Black Order’s archive.
Litera was considered the weakest in direct combat among the prophets, so dealing with him alone would be fine, but the problem was that the moment Litera was attacked, Prophet Chel—who would respond through Litera’s shadow—would also have to be faced.
Not that I was planning to fight anyway.
Glen shrugged.
They had already obtained everything they needed from the start, so there was no reason to force a meaningless battle.
I’ll just wipe them all out later together with the cult leader.
Just by learning the movements of the seven prophets—the Black Order’s core figures—Glen had already gained a massive advantage.
So now, the only thing he needed to focus on was the secret meeting that would be held in Lublin Village under the Saint’s supervision three days from now.
Aside from the Black Order, there’s nothing else that can affect the event.
Of course, with Prophet Cluny Sisters—successors to Beveluga—heading toward Lublin Village, the Black Order had indeed become a variable.
But even if it was a deviation from the original story, as long as he understood it clearly, it was something he could respond to.
No way I’m just going to take it lying down.
With his characteristic sly smile, Glen began listing one by one the things he would need to go to Lublin Village.
It was nearly midnight, but he wasn’t tired at all.
“By the way, Glen.”
“Hm?”
Romina, who had been lying on Glen’s bed and rolling demonic energy around with both hands, suddenly lifted her head.
“Why did you take me there?”
“What do you mean, why?”
“When we went to the Black Order’s archive… I was wondering if you really needed to take me with you.”
She asked, worried that she might lose her temper and do something reckless the moment she saw the Black Order.
“Ah… that’s what you meant. If you didn’t have that much self-control, I wouldn’t have brought you.”
Then why?
Romina blinked her amber eyes and sat up, hugging her knees.
“First, going in as a pair looks more natural when entering the Black Order’s archive.”
“And in case we ended up fighting, I’d be extra combat power?”
In short, bringing Romina was like insurance.
Just as Romina said, Glen could have gone alone and still achieved his goal.
But bringing her meant he could respond better to unexpected variables, just by having her there.
Like when we fought Prophet Beveluga at Ursula Monastery.
If Romina hadn’t sniped Beveluga back then, Glen would have slowly died in that drawn-out fight.
“…I see.”
“That’s right.”
“I get it.”
Romina let out a soft breath and flopped backward onto the bed again.
Then, she fell silent.
“Why?”
A question appeared in Glen’s eyes.
She had asked something she already knew, gotten a plain answer, and then ended the conversation.
“Why? You got something else to say?”
“No. I was just… wondering if there was any other reason.”
“Another reason?”
“Nope. If there isn’t, that’s fine.”
Glen tilted his head.
It felt like she had been hoping for a different answer.
“Well, okay.”
Since he had no idea what that answer might be, there was nothing more he could say.
In the slightly awkward silence, someone knocked on the door.
Hockney and Tasha, who had been out on missions all day, returned.
“We have just returned, young master.”
“The mission was completed safely.”
“Oh, you came together?”
“We ran into each other in front of the estate. I will report first.”
Tasha stepped back tactfully, and Hockney stepped forward and knelt before Glen.
He then reported in detail everything he had done throughout the day.
Following Glen’s orders, Hockney had roughly grasped the movements of the nobles in the capital.
It was to confirm whether the overall flow still matched the original scenario, and fortunately, there didn’t seem to be any major differences.
If there’s one difference, it’s the reaction to Wordsworth.
In the original story, the Wordsworth territory was destroyed by a sudden demon invasion.
But thanks to Glen’s relentless efforts, Wordsworth survived and even defeated a demon army numbering in the tens of thousands with only a few thousand troops.
“I couldn’t determine exactly how they evaluate your achievements, but they were definitely mentioned. I apologize for the lack of clarity.”
“That’s fine, Sir Hockney. You didn’t infiltrate their estates, yet you gathered this much information. That’s impressive.”
For now, there didn’t seem to be any issue big enough to force a change in plans.
After praising Hockney briefly, Glen listened to Tasha’s report next.
“The task you assigned was completed successfully, young master.”
Tasha’s mission had been to save Erchiman von Berger, vice-commander of the Crimson Cross Knights, from assassination by poison.
To be honest, since Erchiman died to poisoning right as the scenario began, Glen didn’t know him well—but he was certain Erchiman was someone who needed to live.
So hearing that Tasha had saved him put Glen at ease.
“Good. What about the letter?”
“It was delivered as well.”
The letter Tasha had left on the bar counter as she left the tavern.
It contained the time and place for Glen and Erchiman to meet privately.
“He likely checked the contents, but I can’t be sure he’ll come.”
“That’s fine. Sir Erchiman will probably come. Good work, Tasha.”
—Vice-Commander? He was a good man. If he had lived, wouldn’t he have become the commander of the Crimson Cross by now?
—Erchiman repays any debt he owes, no matter what. Whether it’s gratitude or resentment.
Recalling those lines about Erchiman from the original story, Glen smiled faintly.
“I’m glad I could be of help.”
Tasha bowed her head.
Though her expression didn’t show it, the air around her felt noticeably brighter.
The next morning.
The day in Istirenne passed smoothly.
Two days remained until the secret meeting in Lublin Village under the Saint’s supervision.
With the preparations already underway and time to spare, Glen decided to meet Erchiman in person.
He was currently at a quiet restaurant in the northern district of the city.
“Excuse me for a moment, sir.”
Clink—
A young server refilled the teacup.
Steam rose, and the fragrant scent of tea tickled his nose.
That was when Erchiman appeared.
He entered the quiet restaurant wearing a pure white robe.
