Chapter 52: Smell of conspiracy
{TL: By Creed}
After that, we quickly tidied up...
We returned to the guild and had a conversation with only me, Sofia, Licorice, and Cliff.
It seems there's something they can't tell others about.
"This is called the Crystal of Dark Attraction, a troublesome cursed item," Cliff said, tapping the crystal ball I found on the table.
"It has the effect of attracting demons and even amplifying the power of specific demons."
"So, this Stampeed incident..."
"Yeah. There's no doubt this thing is the cause."
I heard it from Sofia...
The number of demons wasn't 5,000, it was ten times that, 50,000.
And the queen I fought somehow evolved into SS rank...
If all of this is the work of this cursed item, it makes sense.
"Where did you find this, Stuart?"
"I found a suspicious man near where the queen was... I couldn't catch him, but he dropped this."
"Heheh, thanks to me pretending to be drunk and stopping Fate at that time! That means it's my achievement! As expected of Licorice-chan, cute and clever!"
Licorice, now recovered from her drunkenness, was as lively as ever.
Sofia pinched Licorice's cheek and continued talking.
"So... this Stampede incident was caused artificially?"
"I had my suspicions. But Stuart here got decisive evidence and testimony. I'm almost certain that's the correct interpretation."
"To think someone would do something like this..."
Unforgivable.
We managed to prevent it this time, but...
We might have failed.
At that time, there would have been tremendous sacrifices and damage.
"We don't know what the culprit is thinking or what their purpose is. But... this is absolutely unforgivable. We can't let it slide."
"Yes, exactly. We mustn't overlook it."
"But hey, if it's artificial, why would someone do such a thing? Well, I know humans can be idiots who kill each other, even among the same species it happens, but still, isn't this going too far?"
Sometimes, Licorice can be quite harsh.
"Yeah, that's a mysterious aspect... why would the culprit gain from doing something like this?"
"Well... not gain, but satisfy their pride, maybe?"
"Cliff, any idea?"
"A very strong one."
Cliff, saying so, wore a very bitter expression.
What could it be?
"Ah... actually..."
When Cliff was about to say something, the door to the guest room opened.
"Don't mind me."
Appearing was a middle-aged man, broad and stout.
Dressed in flashy clothes and accessories, there was no grace about him.
His attire only seemed to convey ostentation, revealing his character through his clothes alone.
Seeing the man who suddenly appeared, Cliff flashed a sarcastic smile.
"Well, if it isn't Guild Executive Falz. It's rare to see you visiting such a rural town. Planning to go on a diet or something?"
"Tch, as disrespectful as ever toward your superiors, you rude fellow."
"Oh my, don't say it like I'm impolite. I just adjust my attitude depending on the person I'm dealing with, you know?"
"You...!"
Though Falz glared at Cliff, he remained nonchalant.
It seemed like he was trying to convey that neither power nor authority intimidated him.
"So, what's up? Do you need something?"
"Hmph. It's not like I have any pressing matters. I just heard about the Stampede incident. So, I came to check on the extent of the damage..."
Falz glanced briefly at Sofia.
"...It seems like it wasn't much of a big deal thanks to the Sword Saint over there."
"Yeah, Stuart really saved the day. And... well, forget it."
"Forget what?"
"Nothing. Anyway, don't you find it strange? A Stampede suddenly occurring, and the scale is ten times what we anticipated. It's weird, isn't it?"
"Oh, that's news to me."
"Oh, are you really sure about that?"
"Really? What do you mean?"
"...Nothing, forget it. Don't worry about it."
"Hmph, truly unbearable... I'll get rid of a heretic like you soon."
With heavy footsteps, Falz left the guest room.
Bang! The door was slammed shut rudely.
"What was that about? Who's that arrogant guy? Not even a greeting for cute little Licorice here, how rude!"
"He seemed to recognize me, at least... but still, he didn't bother to greet me."
"Moreover, it felt like he treated us as nuisances, didn't it...? Hey, Cliff. What was that about?"
"Falz Lutzbein. One of the executives of the Adventurers Guild and probably... the culprit behind this Stampede incident."
TL Note: New character enters the story.
Great. A person so vile he seems like he would risk hundreds of lives just to end one. (insert violent statement here)
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