Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Joseph (1)
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Oliver stepped down from the truck and walked along the yellow outer wall, just as written in the letter.
Thanks to that, he didn't get lost even in this unfamiliar place. A moment later, he spotted a massive plaza with a fountain at its center.
In the middle of the large fountain, a baby angel statue was peeing, surrounded by benches, hot dog stands, and ice cream booths.
The visitors were mostly elderly folks, women, and children—no one who looked threatening.
After scanning the surroundings thoroughly, Oliver headed toward Exit 3, as instructed in the letter.
He kept observing his surroundings as he went. It truly felt so different from Wineham.
It wasn't just the crowds or the flashy clothing.
The emotions of the people here were different too.
In Wineham, negative feelings like anxiety, depression, anger, sadness, and hatred dominated.
But at least in this plaza, positive emotions like leisure, peace, kindness, and compassion were far more prevalent.
Sometimes that positivity bordered on superiority, but overall, the atmosphere was much brighter.
Oliver was curious.
What made this place different from Wineham? What caused such a stark difference in people's emotional states?
But what intrigued him even more was the opposite side of the city, far removed from here.
That area radiated even more negative emotions than Wineham.
He couldn't see it clearly with his current vision, but he could vaguely sense it.
Dark, murderous feelings were emanating from afar—far worse than anything in Wineham.
Even though it was the same city, the contrast was so extreme. It was fascinating, and he wanted to know why.
"You've arrived?"
Oliver turned toward the voice, interrupting his observation of the city, and bowed politely.
Standing before him was Joseph, dressed in a shiny silk top hat and cloak.
He looked exactly like the Randa people. If Oliver had been distinguishing people by appearance rather than emotions, he might not have recognized him so easily.
Joseph sounded impressed.
"You've got sharp eyes."
"Thank you for the compliment."
"The money?"
Oliver patted the bag strapped firmly to his back.
Joseph chuckled and started walking, leading Oliver along.
"Sorry about this. I usually don't send kids on money errands, but the circumstances are special this time."
"No problem... But may I ask a question?"
"What is it?"
"Where is Andrew?"
"Ah... He's getting treatment right now. From a black wizard who's not exactly legal and charges a fortune, but whose skills are reliable."
"I see..."
Oliver examined Joseph's emotions as he replied. They flickered unsteadily, like a lie that wasn't quite a lie.
At this rare sight he'd never seen before, Oliver furrowed his brow. Joseph leaned in close and said,
"For now, we're heading to the hotel."
"The hotel... you say?"
"Yeah, the hotel. A really fancy place."
Joseph's words weren't a metaphor or figure of speech.
He led them to a massive hotel near the plaza.
The hotel was grand and luxurious, filled with wealthy-looking guests. Above the main entrance, elegant script read "Blue Moon."
Joseph seemed right at home here. The doormen, bellboys, and others greeted him warmly, clearly on familiar terms.
"Hello, Mr. John."
"Good to see you, Mr. John."
"Yes, yes. Good to see you too."
Oliver watched silently. Joseph turned and asked,
"Why the surprise?"
"Pardon?"
"I'm asking if you're shocked that I'm familiar with such an expensive hotel."
"No... Not really."
"Ha, is that so? Most people are. The reason I'm used to this place is that I always visit Randa first when recruiting disciples, and I stay here every time. Do you know why I stay here?"
"Uh... Because it's fancy?"
"Hahaha, not entirely wrong. But not the full truth. It's because of childhood memories."
"...Memories?"
"Yeah, memories... Hmm, hold on a second."
Joseph stopped in front of an iron door and spoke.
Above the door was a large clock face with hands. The hand moved from 6 to 5, then to 4, 3, 2, 1.
Ding-dong—
The iron door slid open automatically, revealing a small space with a bellboy inside.
"Welcome, sir. What floor shall I take you to?"
"Third floor, please, Jackson. Nice gloves. New ones?"
"Yes, they are. Thank you."
Joseph led Oliver inside.
The bellboy pressed a button by the door, which closed, and the space began to move.
"This is..."
"It's called an elevator. It's safe, so don't worry. Right, Jackson?"
"Yes, of course."
Soon, the space stopped, and the door opened.
Joseph pulled a bill from his pocket, handed it to the bellboy, then led Oliver out and into a room.
It had all happened so quickly. As soon as they entered, Joseph said,
"First, let's check if you did the errand right. Put the bag here."
He tapped the table.
Oliver did as told, removing the bag and placing it on the nearby table.
Joseph opened it and began stacking bundles of bills on the table.
"...Twenty-eight, twenty-nine, thirty. Thirty bundles of 100,000 Randa bills. Exactly as requested."
"Yes, Master."
"Good job. Not many kids I can trust with this."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah. Bills carry magic power. Stack enough of them, and they make you think foolish thoughts. Could even make you miserable."
Oliver tilted his head, not understanding.
"...Like some kind of black magic?"
"Black magic? Ha... Sort of, yeah."
Oliver tilted his head again. The conversation felt slightly off-kilter, but he didn't press it.
He stood there blankly for a moment before cautiously speaking up.
"Master. Is my job done, then?"
Joseph, repacking the money, asked,
"For now? Why?"
"Then, may I head back?"
"Why? Why leave so soon?"
"Uh... If there's nothing else, I figured you'd prefer I leave. Is there something you need?"
"Of course. We're picking up Andrew tomorrow. I need help."
"In that case, I'll stay."
"Good boy... But first, one more thing."
"What is it?"
"Have dinner with me tonight."
That statement wasn't a metaphor either.
When evening came, Joseph bought Oliver a nice suit and took him to the hotel restaurant.
They sat at the best table, overlooking the cityscape.
"Dressed up like that, you look pretty decent. Uncomfortable?"
"No."
Oliver replied, lightly touching the suit he was wearing for the first time. It actually felt comfortable, as if it were correcting his posture.
"Good... Ah, the usual for me, Joey."
After ordering from the waiter, Joseph looked back at Oliver.
They stared at each other in silence for a while until Joseph finally spoke.
"My god... Are you always this quiet? When we first met, you wouldn't stop asking questions."
"Ah... Sorry. I was just excited back then."
"No, no. I'm not scolding you for that. I'm asking if you have nothing to say. Most people, when alone with me, ask questions or at least flatter me..."
Oliver recalled the mine kids fawning over the supervisor.
"You look... particularly dashing today?"
"You're killing me. I wasn't telling you to flatter me. And why the question mark at the end?"
"Sorry, Master."
"Ha... Really, nothing you're curious about? Like why I left you as a temporary disciple after bringing you in? I know it's harsh, but doesn't it feel like a betrayal?"
"I assume... you had your reasons."
"Ha! That's how you flatter. But it's true... Come to think of it, I haven't properly taught you much. Must've been busy. That's why I set up this dinner. Answer me: What's the greatest virtue of a black wizard?"
Caught off guard, Oliver pondered.
The greatest virtue... For Oliver, to whom black magic came easily, it was a tough question.
Snap!
Joseph snapped his fingers.
"It's desire. Doesn't matter why. Desire for black magic—be it for money or power. A desire strong enough to sacrifice anything. That's the greatest virtue."
"...Is that why you took in Marie and Peter?"
"Why? Hear something?"
"Yeah... Just overheard it by chance."
Joseph leaned back, lost in thought.
"...I remember. Marie lived where dye factory waste poured out. First time I met her, she was nearly raped?"
"Raped?"
"Yeah, by local thugs. I happened by and saved her. Even then, the venom in her eyes impressed me. No real talent, but her hunger for power was unmatched. That's why I took her in."
"Ah... I see."
Oliver responded flatly.
Joseph continued, immersed in memories.
"Peter lived in a single room with three other families besides his own. Day-to-day hell. That desperation for success, plus some talent, made me take him."
Oliver nodded and asked,
"And... the other disciples too?"
"Yep. The more desperate, the more eager they are to learn black magic, letting them focus solely on it... But you lacked that."
"Pardon?"
"Desire for black magic. You found it fun and were willing to learn, but nothing beyond that. How to put it... You lacked that 'do or die' desperation. So I made you a temporary disciple. Figured it'd spark something eventually. Doesn't seem like it did, though."
"I see... But don't worry, Master. I'll study hard."
"What if Andrew comes back and I offer you his direct disciple spot?"
"Well, I just need to learn black magic..."
"That's not how it works. A black wizard is power. Power is authority. Anyone who yields their position easily gets devoured, no matter how skilled."
"...Did you become a black wizard that way, Master?"
"Hm?"
"Ah, sorry. I shouldn't have asked without permission... Just curious."
"Asking how I became one?"
"Yes. Forgive me if I overstepped."
"Not quite... Truth is, I became one after being taken in by my own master."
"Oh, really?"
"Yeah. The way I recruit disciples? Learned it from him. But when I was first taken in, I wasn't that enthusiastic. Just happy to beg or steal no more."
"Ah, then how did you..."
"I saw a wider world. This hotel."
Joseph dramatically spread his arms toward the hotel.
"While helping my master, I came here and first learned the world had such wonders. But I also learned a sad truth."
"What was that?"
"That I'd never taste this world, even in death... So I resolved to become a capable black wizard like him, training with deadly determination. Ta-da, and here I am."
"So that's when your desire for black magic ignited."
"Exactly! Spot on. I vowed to become a great black wizard, by any means. And actually, God helped me."
It was ironic. A black wizard helped by God? How?
"...If it's all right, could you tell me how your master taught you?"
At that moment, Joseph's emotions twitched and flared. Like poking a sore spot.
"That's..."
"Sorry to keep you waiting, sir. Your food has arrived."
The waiter appeared right on time, skillfully setting down the plates.
On the pristine white plates was white fish in a sauce like paint, smelling divine.
Joseph smacked his lips.
"Let's eat first and talk. I'm starving."