Chapter Text
[Which will not be blown up?]
“What kind of question is this?” Cage questioned, yet the smile on her face betrayed the excitement that she felt towards being the first to answer such a fun question, not to mention that this was the very first question from the mysterious box that chose her.
No one was certain what exactly landed them in this situation. Most of the room was tense and ready for battle yet their weapons, magic and auras had somehow disappeared. Yet those ‘in the know’ seeing the token red hair of their young master who was sprawled on a couch munching on snacks that had also appeared out of nowhere, were relaxed.
Taylor let out a chuckle as he saw the light shining in the eyes of his best friend who always cared for him more than he could ever thank her for. Cage was always a bit mischievous, so this question seemed like a perfect fit for the ex-priestess.
[ a) Wind Island]
“Wind Island?” Cage questioned. Her eyes sparkling at the premise of an island of wind that she had never heard of.
Meanwhile those who knew of the eastern continent and it’s three restricted regions were shocked, especially a drunken fool and his best friend who was holding the slouching man up. “Glenn I think this might just affect us” the blue haired drunk whispered with calculating eyes that were not glazed over by the excessive drinking. He scanned the strong individuals in the room and took another swig of the bottle firmly clutched in his hand to hide his trembling as he slung his arm across the poor mage’s shoulder and whispered in his ear. “Tell the guild to look into everyone in this room.” Glen’s eyes flashed in understanding while sighing at his friends fake drunken antics as he realized that there were many strong individuals in this room.
[ b) The Gorge of Death]
This time more people reacted as most of those present knew about the five forbidden regions in the Western continent, not to mention how dangerous they were. Even those who didn’t know could guess from the intimidating name. To think of such a dangerous location being blown up was crazy. Both Rosalyn and Alberu had a shocked face at the notion of one of the forbidden regions that bordered their kingdoms being destroyed.
[ c) The Alchemist Bell Tower]
“…”
This time no one knew what to think. It must be impossible yet neither of the other two seemed to be a viable option either. How could THE empire ever stand for one of their most prominent heritages to be blown up?
[ d) A swamp full of dead mana]
“To think such a thing even exists!” The absurdity of the answer choices simply increased as they read further. No one knew what to expect next.
[ e) The Henituse Castle]
“What a normal answer.”
“…” No one was sure who said it, but they all agreed. Out of the 5 answer choices, the last was the most likely to occur no matter what. It was the only option they could imagine the disaster to occur in, even if it would cause a tragedy for the people of the territory. But that would also mean that at least three of the other impossible options would also be blown up. It was unthinkable.
“Are you sure that the question is worded properly system-san?” Alberu questioned with a dazed look. “Are you sure it’s not meant to say, ‘Which will be blown up?’” Not that he wished for a territory in his kingdom to be bombed, but if he knew about it in advance, he could send people to stop the attack or prevent most of the damage. At least they could hopefully evacuate the citizens in time. It would be a completely different story if the question was written properly and all but one was attacked blown up in some way.
[One moment please… Scanning for errors, scan complete. No errors found.]
Shock filled the faces of everyone present. They had all had the same thought as the prince, that there may have been a problem with the question.
For some reason Cale had an iffy feeling as though all the mentioned arson would be something he would experience. He shook his head and smiled as he remembered that he only needed to do a few more things before finally enjoying his slacker life. No way will I be involved with so much, that will all fall on the protagonist. Not like any of it is my problem… Unless something happens in my territory, I might just have to step in… He glanced over at the ancient dragon he had just met and felt the heat of the baby dragon clinging to his back. Yeah, no way it’ll affect me. Choi Han will take care of everything. The red head gave a happy sigh and grabbed the slice of pie that had magically appeared in front of him while everyone was freaking out at the first question.
The ancient dragon felt uncertain about the look the red headed dragon slayer? gave him and sighed out the words “unlucky bastard” once again feeling iffy as though the words were strangely familiar even though he had only said them once.
Meanwhile Cage had no clue what the answer to the question could possibly be (even though only one of the events had actually occurred) and the many important and influential figures in the room were contemplating the effects of the correct answer and paying attention to her next words. The scrutiny of others didn’t bother her as she was used to such looks from those at the temple of the God of death prior to her excommunication. So, she happily blurt out a random answer, “I believe that it is B.” The confidence she had in her answer immediately subsided as they heard a distinct buzz.
[Zzzt. Wrong Answer. The correct answer is E. Showing a scene from the past.]
No one paid attention to the small sigh of relief that escaped from a certain red head who was happy that his slacker life could be achieved in his territory. It’s a good thing he won’t have to step in…
[An image of Cale Henituse and one of the blue haired strangers appeared in front of a vast black swamp]
Many of the individuals in the room only knew the red head as the eldest son of the count, a lout who likes to drink and cause chaos, but a few of them had also heard of the Cale Henituse who was a hero, who saved their friend, who saved the capital from a bombing, who saved her brother/his son, who bought the magic tower from them, those who found out the truth of his identity, someone who saves lives. There were many opinions of the red head floating around, yet none had expected him to be the arsonist of the dead mana swamp.
[“Yes. We will make another deal.”
“What does that have to do with dealing with this situation?”
“I will take care of it for you.”]
Alberu cast a questioning glance at the red head who watched the images with a sharp expression not even bothering to meet his eyes. So that’s where he got the dark mana. I will make you tell me everything. The crown prince sighed at being ignored by his own subject. I do have the upper hand… He recalled their last discussion. Don’t I?
Thank God… Gods… Actually no, this is probably their fault somehow. Thank… the box? they aren’t showing any of the children. I don’t know what I would do if so many people discovered that I was with a dragon. Please let this end soon and not involve me. I’m not even the protagonist!! Cale screamed internally. Why isn’t it Choi Han? Didn’t he help destroy some castles in the Breck kingdom? That must be far more interesting. (Cale you truly wish you weren’t the protagonist you dense idiot >.< ).
Everyone else in the room looked at the red head with confused expressions. How was this lout/hero who only had alcohol/a shield for a weapon going to do to a swamp that big?
[Cale pointed to the swamp and gave a short answer.
“I’ll just destroy it.”
Witira looked at the black swamp. The very large black swamp. What did he say he was going to do to this?
She looked back at Cale. He still had a smile on his face and seemed to be very excited.
“I will get rid of it for you, so make a deal with me.”
This was the Forest of Darkness, somewhere where nothing would seem weird. It was a place where he could claim anything that happened to be an accident and feign ignorance.
[…]
A black pillar shot up into the sky making it look like night and day coexisted together. However, all of that quickly disappeared. The black pillar turned into dust and blew away with the wind.
Crackle.
The black swamp had disappeared, but everything else remained normal.]
“What a fun scene! I wish we could’ve seen how but what a lovely explosion!” Cage exclaimed laughing as she walked up to the sulking red head who had drawn the entire rooms attention. “A cheers to arson!” she miraculously pulled 3 wine glasses and a bottle from the sleeves of her priestess robe and poured drinks for Taylor, whom she dragged over with her, Cale and herself. Cale once again wondered if there was spatial magic cast on the sleeves to make the alcohol appear without dragging down her robe. Bud who caught the scent of a fellow drinker sided up to the trio and took the box of questions from the priestesses hands.
“Seems like fun” He giggled like a child as he reached inside for a paper while chugging the rest of the wine bottle Cage had so graciously handed over after she finished pouring for the three.
He froze for a second as he read the paper silently, looked up at Cale as if he was the bit of an unreasonable joke.
The red head glared at the weird blue haired guy who was sniffing? Him. -This guy is somewhat strong human, like Choi Han but weaker- Raon spoke in Cale’s mind as he took a sip on the Henituse vineyard wine that was poured for him and proceeded to choke on it. -He smells kind of like the whirlpool you blew up. Why wasn’t that a part of the previous question weak human? Also why wasn’t I shown? Only a great and mighty existence such as myself could destroy such a large swamp so effortlessly- Cale drowned out the last part and focused on clearing out his windpipe, contemplating the fact that this person was like Choi Han, meaning that he might even be a sword master, not to mention that he seems to have a wind based ancient power. Who is this drunkard?
[What is the Mercenary King considered in the future?
- The Strongest sword master
- Cale Henituse’s Secretary
- Protector of Wind Island
- Sober]
“Hahaha” A bolstering laugh leaves the blue haired man as he pauses to take another swig of a new wine bottle that somehow appeared in his hands. Did all drunks have a spatial pocket for alcohol? Cale needs to invest. “Well, it’s surely not the last one,” another booming laugh of the drunken man yet if one looked closely, his eyes were clear and sharply measuring up everyone in the room.
Glenn sighed at his best friend’s antics that was drawing the ire of many of the guests, including the one he does not want to be recognized by any means that he had been hiding from since a while ago.
So, he really is a sword master. And the Mercenary King at that. Cale scrutinized the fake drunk who was studying him back. Cale’s face was already flushed red, even from the small amount of alcohol he had consumed to avoid the stares, mostly the crown prince… Seems he may be related to the first question. And why would I want a drunk as a secretary. What a stupid notion. There is no way-
“Why not have a little fun, live a little more, drink even more..” Bud’s voice slurred and he gulped down another sip, took a drunken step towards the red head and said, “B, being this kid’s secretary should be fun, I heard you like to drink hic.” A drunken smirk and a hiccup. He’s almost as good as the original Cale, Kim- Cale thought to himself.
[Ding. Correct! Playing a future clip!]
The surprise that flashed across the supposedly drunken man’s face was not missed by the red head nor the disbelief of the red head toward the blue. The future scene played out.
[“I suck at drinking! I am weak! I will definitely lose the drinking bet!”]
“Pfttt” Glenn guaffed at his best friend’s behavior as he acted like a complete doofus towards the unknown red head who blew up a giant swamp like it was nothing.
[‘…What the hell?
Why is he suddenly acting like this?’
“That is why, the White Star.”]
The blue-haired drunk stiffened as did his best friend. That bastard that was after him, who was slowly taking over the underground dealings of the eastern continent, who smelled similar to this pale red head. It seems like being his secretary might prove to be useful. I need another drink.
[‘Hmm?’
“I will be your secretary until we get rid of that bastard.”
‘Hmm?’]
“Who the hell is the White Radish Star bastard” Cale muttered out loud as he saw the Mercenary king slide up closer to him.
“If you can help me get rid of that bastard star I can be your secretary” the blue haired man smirked as he whispered in Cale’s ear, breath reeking of the wine he was still in the process of drinking. Cale pushed him away with a scowl.
“Shove off, I don’t know any White Thing so keep your secretary nonsense to yourself” Cale shuddered thinking he had barely escaped from a strong person.
[Cale became anxious.
Cale and Bud’s drinking bet. Bud had to be Cale’s secretary if he lost.
Cale was anxious at how Bud was suddenly bringing this up, however, Bud was serious.
“You really are the greatest hero that I know about.”]
“Bull” Cale muttered under his breath. How in the world am I a hero never mind the greatest when there is the swordmaster Choi Han, Wolf King Lock and Tower Master Rosalyn. I mean there are so many heroes, why would he lump them in with trash like me. Also I initiated the bet? Did Ron and Beacrox really leave like I planned… But I still have Hans… The clip finished while the red head was lost in thought.
[“Ah.”
Cale got goosebumps after hearing Bud’s words.
He had to hear such terrible words from the moment he woke up.
“Put me to work! Use me, my friend!”
Bud Illis, this bastard really was crazy.
Cale made sure to remember that fact.]
Everyone else agreed with the red head’s sentiments.
Cale wondered if this place had something against him since he wasn’t even the main character.
The next person to pull a paper was Glenn Poeff who was sweating bullets as the ex-patriarch eyed him like a tiger would its prey.
He didn’t even give a courtesy lookover of the question before reading it aloud.
[Which of Cale’s ancient powers loves money?
- Scary Giant Cobblestone
- Indestructible Shield
- Fire of Destruction
- Sky Eating Water
- Vitality of Heart]
It wasn’t until he finished reading it that he did a double take. Which? You can have more than one? And how does one know if a power likes money? It’s not like they could talk.
Bud, who knew that Cale had multiple powers saw that he did not currently own all of the powers he would have in the future and wondered if money had to do with the test to gain the missing power.
Meanwhile Cale’s head is bombarded with Roan’s bright loud voice, I know this one human!! It’s when you were laughing scari- weir- excitedly? Yeah, excitedly at the lava! All the coins… His voice slowly becomes softer as he remembers the look on his human’s face and the culture? shock he felt that day.
The small black dragon shook his head, loudly proclaiming “It’s C” suddenly feeling iffy on what the screen will show. Cale simply sighed thinking that what the dragon meant to say was weird or even scarry? Well, it’s whatever he thought. What’s more important are the other two, sky eating water? Scary Giant Cobblestone? What the hell are those names anyways? Well… I guess I succeeded in gaining a balance. But I already have water so why do I need another one? Questions kept piling up in his head as the chatty dragon suddenly went quiet after giving the correct answer.
Cale looked up and realized the child’s blunder as he watched the others in the room who weren’t aware of the Raon’s presence look around the room in shock, searching for where the childish voice came from before being interrupted with a
[Ding. Correct! Playing a future clip!]
[“…That bag is a t, ten billion cound bag! T, this is shocking!”
Silence filled the area.]
Silence filled the area. The eyes and mouths of nearly everyone in the room were wide open.
“Interesting” Eruhaben muttered, noticing his presence in his elven form and the continued masking of the child who had blurted out the answer.
[Forget Choi Han, On, and Hong, but even Eruhaben could not say anything this time.
“This crazy bastard.”
The cheapskate shouted in Cale’s mind at that moment.
– You’re crazy! 10 billion! 10 billion! 10 billion!
The Fire of Destruction, that cheapskate fiery thunderbolt, had heard what Raon had just said. Cale could feel the power of fire running wild inside of his body.
– 10 billion! Ahahahahaha, ten billion! Ahehehehehehe!
Cale hesitated for a moment.
‘…Did he go nuts?’
The fiery thunderbolt seemed to be slightly, no, extremely excited.
It was the moment Cale’s expression turned odd. He heard the Super Rock’s voice for the first time in a while.
– This is bad.
The Super Rock continued to speak in a concerned voice.
– The power that burned the North will appear again.
The Super Rock described the current situation in a few words.
– It’s the second coming of a disaster.
‘…Disaster?’
Cale flinched as he looked down.
Boooooooom-
Fire was not weak.
It symbolized the thing that was in its full name. Destruction.
– Ahahahahahahaha! It’s a party, a grand old party! I’ll burn everything!
Cale frowned because the fiery thunderbolt was too loud before opening his eyes wide.
“…Shit!”
– It’s a party, a grand old party!
The Fire of Destruction was figuratively jumping up and down in joy.]
(“Wait.. Before we go on let me get this straight.” Bud started talking as soon as the video finished. “You can hear your ancient powers talk?”
Cale gave him a dead fish stare, “You can’t?”
“…Hmm?”
“Hmm?”
The confused Cale made eye contact with Bud and asked back. He had never met another person with ancient powers other than himself.
“…Huh?”
Bud asked once again.
Cale stopped for a moment. Bud’s reaction was odd, as was his question. “Don’t the owners of the ancient powers usually talk to you?” Cale questioned.
“Huh?”
This was how Cale-dense-Henituse learned that it was unusual to speak to his ancient powers. And everyone got over it XD)