Chapter 295
Chapter 295
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 295
Chapter Title: The City's Proposal (2)
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"How about taking a break from fixer work for a while?"
Forrest said out of the blue.
It wasn't exactly shocking, but it was unexpected.
Brokers usually wanted to squeeze every last drop out of talented fixers rather than let them rest.
But Forrest wasn't your average broker, and Oliver knew that.
"Hm... The reaction's more intense than I expected."
"Ah... Sorry. I was just curious about the reason and needed a moment to think."
"The reason, eh? Think you know what it is?"
"No, not really. Did I do something wrong, by any chance?"
"Actually, the opposite. You're doing the job too well."
"Too well?"
Oliver tilted his head, genuinely puzzled.
Too well at the job, so take a break?
Of course, it wasn't unwelcome or inconvenient. He didn't know the pay yet, but he'd planned to wrap up this mission and rest for a bit anyway.
Money wasn't pressing, and it was about time to head back to the Magic Tower.
Still, he couldn't help but wonder why.
Luckily, Forrest cleared it up soon enough.
"To be precise, you've gotten too strong. Strong enough to make Randa's vested interests nervous."
"Is that so?"
"It is. Didn't you take down Shamus and his crew all by yourself? ...Ah, no rebuttals. I'm not here to debate it. The point is, that's how the world sees it now."
Just as Oliver opened his mouth to argue, Forrest smoothly cut him off. After three years of watching him, he knew exactly where Oliver would nitpick.
"What matters is that people perceive your power that way, whether you like it or not. So let's not waste words on it."
Oliver quietly lowered the finger he'd raised.
"Yes, got it."
"Thanks... Sorry if I came off harsh. I'm a bit tired, and there's a lot to say, so it came out strong."
"No, it's fine. More importantly, is something going on?"
"It's nothing, don't worry about it... Anyway, back to the point. You're now one of Randa's top fixers, fair and square. You beat Shamus one-on-one—no one can deny that, not even you."
Forrest's tone was uncharacteristically firm and definitive, unlike his usual gentle, roundabout way of speaking.
Oliver wondered if he was angry, but no—he was worried. About him.
"Yes, I understand. Please go on."
"Thanks to that, you're the new Shamus in their eyes."
"Me?"
"I get it. You're nothing like him in personality, and you don't run a business... But that's how people will see you. When a man dies, his name lives on—and the one who took him claims it."
"Ah..."
"That's why more people will start checking you, using you, or turning against you from now on. Not just the small fry, but the big fish too."
"May I ask why?"
"Lots of reasons, but basically fear. You handled what a thousand troops couldn't, alone. I support you, but some of Randa's power holders will find your very existence uncomfortable."
"That doesn't quite make sense to me."
"It's not something you understand—it's something you feel. People are cowardly by nature, especially those with a lot to lose. No matter what the other guy thinks, anyone stronger is scary at first. Hateful, even. Like jealousy... Got off track. The point is, you need to lay low, watch your surroundings, and read the board. You can't stay safe without knowing the game. No matter how strong you are, ignore the board and you're dead meat."
Forrest meant every word, and Oliver nodded, convinced. He'd heard variations of this before.
"I'll do as you say, Mr. Forrest."
"Really?"
"Yes. I was planning to rest anyway."
"Good. Appreciate the cooperation."
"No problem... Just to be sure, will staying in this city become difficult for me?"
"Hm... World's unpredictable, so I can't say for sure, but it won't come to leaving town. I was harsh to drive the point home, but for every enemy, there are plenty who like you—and more will come."
"Ah, that's a relief."
"On that note... How about joining an organization?"
The suggestion was even more sudden than the break.
Oliver tilted his head again, and Forrest sighed, bracing to persuade him.
"Any reason?"
"Hm... Same as before. You're too strong and too famous now. People will check, use, or oppose you."
"You just said there are people who want to get along nicely."
"That's why I'm saying this. Friendly ties are good, but belonging to an organization makes you untouchable."
"Hm... Not really appealing."
"Figured as much. Still, think it over. Not trying to trick you."
"I know."
Oliver answered immediately.
Forrest's proposal was almost counterproductive from a broker's perspective.
Oliver joining an org could complicate future deals.
Yet he'd made it out of genuine concern.
"Ultimately, it's your call. Safety comes with strings—they'll expect things from you. But consider it positively. If you want, I can negotiate with the Sisterhood, Crime Firm, Fighter Crew—anyone who wants you."
"Hm... One question?"
"Shoot."
"You haven't even seen the board yet. Why worry so much?"
Forrest hesitated, then spoke.
"...Your traits."
"Traits?"
"Yeah... You handled the World Tree and extracted nature's power, right?"
"Yes."
"No brag, but I've spent ages in Randa's super-infested underworld. Never seen or heard of your case."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Rare mana users, sure, but wielding the World Tree with it? Never. Except you."
"......"
"Makes sense. Only a select few talented mages handle the World Tree."
"......"
"Plus, you extracted and used nature's power. Never heard of that either."
It rang true on reflection. The World Tree aside, pulling out nature's power was bizarre.
Even Oliver hadn't heard of it happening.
He'd only tried because Shamus's growth, power, and techniques inspired him subconsciously.
He hadn't expected success. Hm...
"...That unusual?"
"Honestly? Yes. If it's rare to me, imagine the mages."
"Mages..."
"...Magic Tower mages. They'd want to kidnap and study you."
Study. Human experimentation, really. Randa's open secret about Tower mages.
Oliver had pushed it to the back of his mind, but never forgotten.
"...Mages might attack me?"
"Maybe, maybe not. Rash judgments are dangerous here. But your value's clear now. A black mage with unseen traits."
"Hm..."
"Not underestimating you. Most mages couldn't beat you now. But the Tower isn't full of 'most' mages. And solo, you have limits. No matter how strong."
"I see."
"Yeah. They could nab you while you sleep or poison your food. Dirty, but effective."
"I cook my own food."
"Then poison your groceries."
"Oh... Logical."
"Or hit you when weak or tired, frame you... That's the individual vs. organization gap. Why even supers toe the line."
"I get the gist... Don't think they'll do it, but I'll think positively."
Forrest gave a weary smile at Oliver's honesty.
Classic Oliver, yet still worrying.
"Got it. No more nagging from this old man. Sorry for bothering you despite knowing you hate it."
"No, I'm grateful."
Forrest pushed his worries aside, trusting Oliver, and spoke again.
"One last thing, then I'm done. Carver wants to meet. To deliver ABC mission rewards and propose a deal at a hotel tomorrow."
"Hotel?"
"Yeah. Perfect for deals—good venue, total secrecy."
"Mission's over. What deal does Carver have for me?"
"Dunno? But I think there is one."
"What?"
"Say, an unofficial alliance with the City."
"The City's... unofficial alliance?"
"Yeah, the City's unaffi—"
"—Exactly as it sounds: an unofficial alliance with the City. Doesn't exist officially, but unofficially, we pursue mutual safety and aid each other when needed for symbiosis."
In a four-star hotel room, Carver recited Forrest's words verbatim.
Such alliances existed with the Magic Tower, Crime Firm, Sisterhood, Brokers' Guild, etc.
"...And the City hopes to ally with you, Dave, through me."
Carver proposed politely, and Oliver went silent.
After a moment, Carver spoke cautiously.
"Anything not to your liking?"
"No. Just unexpected."
Oliver referenced Forrest's talk to respond.
"Unexpected?"
"Yes. I'm a black mage. Didn't expect this from the City."
"Ah... Mind if I'm frank?"
"Go ahead."
"First, Randa City sincerely thanks you for your role in the mission and highly values your abilities. Thanks to you, we resolved the ABC incident, ousted seven corrupt councilors, and etched Security Bureau into Randa's awareness. Many issues solved at once."
Sincere.
"But as you said, some hesitate because you're a black mage. Not distrust—it's just..."
"...Black magic's social stigma. I'm fine, don't worry."
Carver nodded slightly in thanks and understanding.
"That's why, as I said, the City wants an unofficial alliance through me. If exposed, it's my rogue action. For reference, I want it too. For our great city."
Sincere.
Oliver replied.
"More honest than expected."
"Yes. I'm not fool enough to lie obviously and lose credit."
"Ah... Joke?"
"Yes, but sincere too. I want to keep faith with you. Rare to find skill and reliability combined."
"Hm... I'm just a fixer. Is this necessary?"
"Not after soloing Shamus and his crew. Plus, it reassures the councilors. They need safety nets."
"I see."
"Yes. Lifelong in Randa's scheming politics, they've long lost faith in people."
"Sounds sad."
"Not really. They gained power and wealth."
"Hm... What does a City alliance entail?"
"Nothing."
"Pardon?"
"Just don't threaten Randa City. It's mutual non-aggression and loose cooperation, dressed as alliance for optics."
"Ah..."
"Optics matter more than you'd think. Higher-ups get childish on details."
"Joke?"
"No, sincere."
"Ah..."
"Councilors probably want to pressure rivals via you, like with the Tower... But no pressure. Sounds scammy, but no obligations. Just consider City requests positively when needed."
Sincere. Carver pressed on.
"In return, we'll exempt you from cleanup duties, emergency drafts, etc., and shield more from Pater Church interference. Assuming you don't give us cause first."
"Generous."
"Honestly, peanuts next to your feats. Just claiming some credit."
"If possible, can I have time to think? Not used to this."
"Of course. But please hurry. Delays breed suspicion. Not a threat—genuine concern."
Oliver nodded.
"Alright, enough business. Time for the mission's final step."
With that, he pulled twenty anonymous passbooks and a file from Shamus's briefcase.
Carver handed over the stack first.
"ABC mission success reward: 20 billion Randa."
"20 billion??"
Oliver parroted the astronomical sum, detached from reality.
"Yes. We recovered 3 trillion untouched, so we owe more, but others take shares. Forgive us."
No forgiveness needed. It shattered his sense of money, leaving only daze.
"Really okay to take this?"
"Yes, take it. You earned it, and it's a trust-building gift."
Oliver pondered, then checked the passbooks.
<Gold Smith Bank>, <Luban Golden Urn Bank>, <Memenism Bank>, <Golden Cape Bank>, etc. Major and mid-tier Randa banks, each stamped with 1 billion Randa.
"Wanted to consolidate, but splitting into billions is safer."
"Ah, yes... Thank you, then."
"Your right. No need to thank."
"If okay, what's the file with the passbooks?"
"Second gift."
"Second?"
"Yes. Info on Holy Knight Joanna and her orphanage, plus official Randa ID."
Carver opened the file. Inside: Joanna's details and a genuine City-issued ID.
"Not your fake—real, issued by City authority. Valid in Randa and United Kingdom. Now you travel safely anywhere."
Carver seemed proud, but Oliver's eyes went to Joanna's info below the ID.
Oliver said,
"Truly grateful for the thoughtfulness."
[End of Chapter 295. The City's Proposal (2)]