Chapter 8
Chapter 8
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: The Land of Adventurers, Serenia
-----------------------------------------------------------------
00008 Chapter 1. The Land of Adventurers, Serenia
=========================================================================
Caseun had been busy since morning. The moment he woke up, he heard that mercenaries had committed murder inside the castle, and when he learned the victims were Yuda Arshe's family, he hurriedly prepared to go out and headed straight to the temple.
After hearing a brief account from Paladin Seron, Caseun sought his advice. Was there any way to help the child? Seron mentioned guardianship and explained that since the child had fallen into ruin but still held noble status, becoming a guardian required the lord's permission.
The process wasn't overly complicated. The lord of Serenia Castle easily granted permission and issued a certificate. Afterward, Caseun went to the mercenary guild and demanded accountability for the incident. Unusually, the guild apologized by confiscating and handing over all the property the two deceased mercenaries had left behind. Normally, receiving such compensation from the mercenary guild was virtually impossible.
This was only possible thanks to the power of Caseun Sabrak.
Though he had retired from the front lines, in the past, he had been one of the few Mercenary Kings who possessed a Platinum Badge as the [Spirit Sword Owner]. He had even received an honorary noble title from Baekje.
With a name like his claiming guardianship and demanding compensation for the child, the mercenary guild had no choice but to comply.
Above all, he was one of the guild's proudest assets and a living legend.
Once all that was settled, he came to find Yuda.
Seeing the child gazing up at the statue of Holy King Yophiel in the temple's chapel made his heart ache for no reason. Still, it was admirable. The child wasn't shedding tears or moping.
There was a sense of quiet acceptance about it. Caseun approached, greeted the child, and took Yuda out of the temple.
On the other hand, Yuda eyed Caseun suspiciously, noting his strangely satisfied expression.
This legendary hero with the Platinum Badge, the Spirit Sword Owner—how had Yuda's father helped him for him to feel such a debt of gratitude and offer aid like this?
When setting it up, all that was written was something like, 'Yuda's father helped him settle in Serenia Castle.' Yuda was curious about the connection but knew now wasn't the time to ask. He'd put it off. For now, what mattered was that Caseun had become his guardian—nothing else.
'Man, there are really a lot of people here.'
To explain it now, Serenia Castle—named after this region—was also known as the adventurers' homeland. Relics from the ancient魔導 empire were pouring out here. These artifacts from the ancient魔導 empire fetched high prices, drawing crowds of adventurers dreaming of striking it rich.
But all that remained was past glory; now, it was a treacherous land overrun by monsters. No living humans dwelt there, nor any intelligent other races.
Yet adventurers kept flocking in, naturally swelling the population enough to form a city. Two hundred years ago, a man resolved to build a city on this land.
Possessing outstanding charisma and leadership, he was a man of the Piercen family, famed as a [Spirit Sword Owner]. He rallied adventurers, mercenaries, and merchants, erecting a fortress at the sole pass between two mountain ranges, naming it 'Serenia Castle' after the region.
He poured his life's savings into it. He worked for the settlers' convenience, sourced supplies from outside through his connections, and requested aid from two nations: the [Nation of Knights, Phloria] behind Serenia Castle and the [Nation of Revelry, Urun].
He argued that as long as Serenia Castle stood, monsters here wouldn't spill into the interior, and those seeking魔導 empire relics would naturally visit those nations, bringing profit. His diplomatic efforts succeeded, and all nations on the continent agreed to treat the area as neutral territory.
Lord Piercen had no reason to object. Foreign nobles causing disputes here wouldn't claim extraterritorial rights. The agreeing nations had already signed treaties stating they wouldn't interfere if the lord executed immediate judgment on their nobles for crimes in Serenia Castle. This allowed Serenia Castle to stabilize quickly, while other nations viewed it as a small city-state. Even if someone rebelled with force or caused trouble, the lord was a [Spirit Sword Owner], and his subordinates were elite.
A few rowdy troublemakers raging would be like wild boars charging an elephant. Through the lord's might and diplomatic policies, Serenia Castle achieved stability and growth simultaneously—that was 200 years ago. Fifty years after the castle's founding, fragments of Perlneurn fell from the sky, drawing even more adventurers, mercenaries, and nobles.
Serenia Castle flourished dazzlingly, expanding its domain until now it was a fang fortress protected by triple walls. Remarkably, the Piercen family had maintained the honorable title of [Spirit Sword Owner] for generations, as if they had some special secret.
...What secret?
'I set it up that way.'
But he only knew the broad strokes; the fine details were a mystery.
One thing was certain: the floating population in the castle was already high, but it would grow even more ahead. That much was clear.
And for good reason. Most fragments that had fallen across the world already had owners. But the one said to have fallen in the Serenia region remained unclaimed even 150 years later. In the empire's vast territory—overflowing with monsters—venturing deep inside to find an unknown fragment was too much for most adventurers or mercenaries.
Yet those who thought it worth risking life for a fragment kept plunging in without rest. Many never returned.
Still, they kept coming because the fragments' power was immense.
Secure a fragment, and nothing was impossible. One could seize key imperial posts or marry into royalty. Overnight wealth, glory beyond imagination—that was a fragment. It was obvious more would flock here seeking them.
Lost in such thoughts while walking, Caseun spoke up beside him.
"Aren't you hungry?"
True enough, nothing had been eaten since morning soup and bread.
And after dashing around the temple during peak activity hours, hunger was natural.
"Yes, a little."
"Then let's go eat something delicious."
He led them to a sandwich specialty bakery. Yuda was startled upon entering. Magic naturally existed in this world, but its ubiquity was astonishing. The place was as pristine as a modern chain store, and a cool breeze greeted them inside. It wasn't imagination; the pleasant chill on fingertips and skin was real.
"Haha, why the surprised face? Like it's your first time."
Yuda forced a smile.
"...Ah, it is my first time here. Amazing. It's hot outside, but so cool in here."
"Magic and money."
Maybe this world was more livable than expected. No computers or TVs, but with magic's special power, refrigerators, air conditioners, fans, lights—such things were easy. Of course, enjoying them required money, but... Yuda glanced at Caseun beside him.
With a former Platinum Badge Mercenary King at his side, what was there to worry about funds?
He could enjoy it until adulthood.
"Go ahead, pick whatever you want! Today,"
He slapped his chest with a loud thwack.
"I'll buy it all, special treat!"
Yuda chuckled at his bold declaration and, as instructed, selected about six sandwiches from the display. Caseun didn't ask if he could eat them all. He even said to pick more if needed after.
Sandwiches chosen, he paid immediately and they sat at a table.
Wow—
Looks delicious. The sandwich lifted in both hands looked abundantly generous.
Between soft bread gleamed sweet jam, crisp cabbage, and layers of fruit and meat.
Taking a big bite, it tasted even better than expected.
He devoured one in no time and reached for the next.
"Eat slowly, have some milk too."
Yuda drank without hesitation. When bread filled his mouth and threatened to choke, he gulped milk generously.
Delicious. And filling. On the fourth, Caseun laughed, saying he ate well—good to see.
Starting the fifth, Yuda finally felt quite full. His pace slowed naturally.
"Listen while you eat. I requested your parents' bodies be buried in the public cemetery. You can visit around tomorrow."
"...Yes."
"You heard, but I've become your guardian. Do you know what that means?"
"Yes, looking after me until I become an adult."
Caseun nodded.
The body was a child's, but the soul inside was twenty-four.
Well, a pitiful soul only old in years without much knowledge, but he knew basic terms well enough.
"How about living with me from now on? My house isn't far, so you can visit your old home whenever memories stir."
......"No. I'll keep staying in the house we lived in before."
It was a kind offer, but not to decide lightly.
"Then what about food?"
"I can manage. With ingredients, I can handle it to some extent."
He'd solo-lived for nearly two years. Mostly takeout, but simple cooking wasn't beyond him. Sensing firm resolve, Caseun frowned. How well could a kid cook? But he couldn't say that. Deciding to watch for a few days, he nodded.
"Don't worry."
"Hm?"
Caseun startled, eyes widening round. Yuda paused eating, looked up, and continued.
"It's not stubbornness. Now that things are like this, I just think I need to learn to live on my own. It's something I'll have to do someday. Just a bit sooner, that's all."
......
Coincidence or not, it felt like the child had read his thoughts and responded. Even so, those weren't words for a young child. This wasn't a seven-year-old's mindset. It worried him more, but also forced a reevaluation.
'...Mature one.'
No ordinary kid. Already preparing for independence upon realizing he was alone in the world. Growing up at an age for coddling was regrettable, but Caseun liked it. Becoming guardian seemed the right choice.
"Good. Try living alone for a while then. If it gets tough, come to my house anytime. Tell me if you need anything."
"Thank you."
"What, it's a guardian's duty. Speak up anytime you're in trouble."
Caseun smiled kindly and finally picked up his own sandwich.
It seemed he'd have quite the ordeal before bringing this child home.
* * *
──────────────────────
Tip 5. Regardless of race, being able to eat delicious food is one of life's greatest blessings. We derive pleasure from eating. But even in a world where magic is widespread, savoring tasty food requires paying a fittingly high price.
However, as a player, you can gain various effects from eating those foods.
So eat up. Eat twice as much! Just eat deliciously!
──────────────────────
========== Afterword ==========
Q. But author, even if you go through hell to collect all 24, won't other lords covet them, pick fights, or steal them, leaving the protagonist dead?
A. Lol. Could happen, but this world is based on a game. At least, since the story follows that game's plot, no need to worry. And even if, there are about three countermeasures.
1. Perlneurn, owner of the fragments, isn't dead yet.
2. Yuda has a solid backer named "Cyan." Whether he'll help is another story.
3. Die, and you revive returned to the day you acquired a fragment.
No problems!