Chapter 279

Chapter 279

I received various pieces of equipment as gifts from Nameless, and also bought some.

Since I had a good amount of magic stones saved up for personal use, I splurged a bit on equipment that seemed worthwhile.

On top of that, Nameless sold the gear at almost bargain prices compared to their real value. She was an excellent merchant NPC, only selling high when there was demand.

I needed some stuff anyway.

Our equipment had taken a significant beating in the last battle.

Lucass long-worn [Phantom Armor] was in tatters.

Evangelines equipment loss was especially severe.

Her [Golem Armor] was in rags, and the Crossroad familys traditional spear and shield she carried were nearly destroyed.

Equipment is consumable. No need to skimp; lets switch it out.

Ill have to buy a couple sets of armor for the Knight Duo... and I should get some upgrades for the others too.

The main party and the Penal Squad, who had been receiving steady equipment upgrades, were in a better position.

But the recently returned Shadow Squad was stuck with equipment tiers from a few stages back. They need a complete overhaul.

Lost in these thoughts and spending freely, I almost drained my entire stash of personal magic stones. Yikes!

Looking at my empty magic stone inventory and feeling a little queasy, Nameless tapped the counter with a grin.

"Since you bought a lot this time, Ill throw in an extra one. Choose."

"Whoa! Are you an angel or something! Incredible!"

I didnt even know where that weird tone came from, but who cares! Free stuff rules!

So, two free pieces of equipment, and nine more bought with my magic stones. Eleven pieces of equipment in totalshopping complete.

Creating this much wouldve taken both a lot of money and time, so thanks to Nameless, I saved a ton. Thank you!

"Whats there to thank? Watching you and your comrades grow is my joy."

Nameless smiled brightly. Stop it, will you? Youre going to grow wings and fly away!

Having completed my shopping spree, it was time to wrap up this free exploration and return to Crossroad.

"As we discussed beforehand, we will stay here."

At Kuilans words, the Penal Squad nodded. I smiled and nodded back.

They would remain at the base camp and prepare for the construction of the forward base.

Once the teleport gate commissioned from Coco the Severer was complete, they would assist in building the forward base.

"As their senior, I will lead well. Your Highness."

Jackal grinned and did a buddy-hug with Kuilan. Maybe its because theyre both muscle-packed Beastmen, but they seemed to get along rather quickly.

I had requested Jackal to help with the security of this base camp and the upcoming construction of the forward base.

Having lived for hundreds of years in the Lake Kingdom, he had experience and would be a great help.

"Your Highness."

Then, Godhand cautiously stepped forward.

"Well stay here as well."

"Huh?"

"Verdandis party has not yet fully recovered, and this base camp is not entirely stable either."

Godhand glanced around at the various NPCs in the base camp.

"We would like to help the people here. Please allow us to stay."

"Verdandi, are you guys really going to help us, even though were not of the same race?"

"Your Majesty, you helped us even though we belong to different races, did you not?"

Godhand faintly smiled.

"Theres no rule that says you need a reason to help another person."

"..."

I only reached out to you because I needed something.

It felt awkward hearing such a heartfelt expression of goodwill. I licked my lips uncomfortably.

We were just past Stage 10, the boss stage. There was quite a bit of time until the next stage.

If they wanted to help stabilize the base camp while they were here, I had no reason to refuse.

However.

"But can Lilly handle this?"

"Huh."

Only then did Godhand remember Lilly, who was waiting at the Crossroad. His face paled.

I clicked my tongue. You dont seem like a bad guy, but you sure know how to ruin your love life.

"She, shell understand. If its Lilly."

"No way shed understand, man..."

"Could you please choose your words carefully..."

"Do you think shell listen to me?"

The image of Lilly annihilating a boss monster with a massive fire spell flashed through our minds. Godhand and I simultaneously shivered in terror.

Anyway, thats how it ended up.

Five from the Penal Squad and three from the Shadow Squad stayed at the base camp, while Junior and I returned.

I watched the dwarf blacksmith and his assistant vanish, waving my hand in farewell.

After they were gone, I turned my head to look beside me.

"Lilly?"

Startled, Lilly, who was silently wheeling her wheelchair toward the teleport gate, shivered at my call. With my arms crossed, I grinned at her.

"What are you doing?"

"..."

Grumpy. Very grumpy.

Lilly, who had been sweating nervously, rolled her eyes to look at me.

"Well... between the base camp repairs and building the forward bases, wouldnt it help to have someone experienced in alchemy around?"

"..."

A bundle of alchemy-related supplies was hanging behind her wheelchair. I let out a soft sigh.

It was Lilly, who usually disliked dungeons, voluntarily asking to be dispatched.

"Is this the power of love?"

"No, its not like that!"

"Isnt it too late to deny now?"

Humming an impromptu song, I shrugged my shoulders. Yeah, as if you guys are some legendary couple; why would I block your love life?

"Go, have a good time."

"Its not like that!"

Lilly yelled as she wheeled herself into the teleport gate and disappeared in a flash.

I chuckled and gave a thumbs up.

As long as youre happy, its all okay...

***

After the Penal Squad, the Shadow Squad, Kellibey, Hannibal, and even Lilly had left, Crossroad had become noticeably quiet. I stared at the empty hero formation window and felt oddly empty.

Time to get to work.

Repairs for the damaged walls and defensive equipment from the last defense, compensation for the deceased, new equipment orders, new mercenary hires, and stock checks for building forward bases...

There was endless work to do. I immersed myself in administrative tasks for the first time in a while.

A week had passed since the end of the defense battle. The weather had turned quite chilly, and while I was sipping hot coffee and starting my morning work,

"Your Lordship!"

Director and assistant to the Lord, Aider, came running to report.

"Sir Lucas has regained consciousness!"

"...!"

I immediately left my seat and rushed out of the mansion.

Crossroad had multiple prisons, and Lucas was held in the central prison, the most secure facility.

As I entered the lowest level of the underground prison, Lucas was there, his limbs shackled in heavy chains.

He had been trapped here for over a week, still wearing the bloodstained armor from the last battle, and his right hand was tied up with Karma Eater.

"My Lord!"

Recognizing me, a bright sense of relief flashed in Lucas eyes.

The face of the former hero showed no trace of the beast he had been. It was his usual, golden retriever-like, innocently kind face.

Standing in front of the prison, I gave a brief order to the guards.

"Open it."

"Yes, sir."

Creeeak-

The prison door opened.

I stepped in briskly and approached Lucas.

His face brightened further as he looked at me and opened his mouth to speak.

"Lord! Thank goodness, youre safe! The last battle concluded without any major--"

Whack!

Without listening, I swung my hand with all my might and slapped Lucas across the face.

His cheek flushed a bright red. Drops of blood trickled down from his split lip.

"Wh...?"

Slowly turning his stunned face back toward me, Lucas looked at me in disbelief.

"My, lord...?"

"Hey."

I abruptly grabbed him by the collar.

"I told you not to use Beastification, didnt I?"

Grinding my teeth, I spat out,

"Do human words sound like dog shit to you, you fucking mutt?"