Chapter 115: A Complicated Boy, A Simple Goal

Chapter 115: A Complicated Boy, A Simple Goal

That was fast. Ira examined a cylindrical metal rod while speaking to a haggard man.

Yes, well. I wanted to get back to my research. The bearded man with unkempt hair coughed while slightly twitching.

Ira narrowed his eyes, Charles you should go take a bath or something at least. You smell terrible.

The brilliant alchemist who was known for his tendency to solely focus on research was a shell of his former self, well, only in appearance. In Charles point of view, his mind was sharper than ever as he walked down the road to discovery.

Before I return to my studies, I must ask, why is it you need a lightning rod? Charles already guessed it was because of the Black Book in Iras possession but he had to be sure.

Whenever I bother you for something its always the same thing, right? Ira confirmed his theory while storing away the lightning rod.

Thats true, now if thats all you needed for me Ill be returning to my experiments. Charles was about retreat back into the darkened room, but Ira placed a hand on his shoulder.

Experiments about what? Ira asked with interest.

It isnt about the bloodline formula as we agreed so there is no need to threaten me. My main experiment is pulling out the latent potential that exists in everyones bloodline. I theorize before the collapse that average people were more resilient than the common populace of today. The second one is detailing the infusement of magic arrays into the body of living beings. So far the only solution is to inscribe them into the skeleton, but even with an unconscious specimen it usually leads to death. I tried to inscribe a low-level heat array onto the skin of a rodent, but as expected it malfunctioned so that means Charles was about to continue when Ira held his hand up.

I have a question Charles, Ira smiled.

...Yes? Charles answered cautiously.

How do you feel about the Dark Elf Empire? Iras smile grew a little bit brighter.

...

Rhys approached the guest room and hesitated before knocking. A pair of footsteps moved in response so she waited.

Unfortunately, the one she was expecting didnt appear and it was instead Harper.

What? Harper asked as she yawned.

Rhys grabbed her notepad and wrote one word, Ira?

Hes not here, Harper answered as she opened the door and walked back to the bed.

Rhys entered and looked around the room she wasnt familiar with.

Do you like Ira? Harper asked with curious eyes.

Rhys became flustered at the random question but calmed herself as she scribbled on her notepad, [I do.]

Harper laughed as she climbed on the bed and began to jump, I knew it!

Rhys smiled wryly as the little girl celebrated for some odd reason.

Harper stopped and contemplated before speaking, Do you want me to tell him?

Rhys hurriedly shook her head and Harper frowned as if she was disappointed.

If you like him whyd you make him sad yesterday? Harper questioned.

Rhys wrote on her notepad in response, [He was sad?]

No...Not sad, something else. Harper held her head as she thought back to Iras emotionless expression at that time. It made her sad just to look at and Rhys felt similar in that regard.

Suddenly, the person in question appeared with a black book in one hand and a pastry in the other. Whenever Ira had free time he would take a peek into the book in order to search for something.

Well, Ill be back in a few moments. You should be ready by then right, Rhys? Ira asked as he stood up.

*Jonah Pov

I adjusted my stationary, while he showed no sign of impatience. He maintained a faint grin that never really faded while waiting for me to finish. The one sitting in front of me was Ira, one of the strongest people in the Grenitian Kingdom who had recently become a leading figure in the Kingdom.

The rumors didnt do any justice to the young man with black hair and yellow eyes. From a glance, I could see a well-trained physique that would put even the greatest warrior to shame. His outfit was oddly simple for someone who should have been able to buy a portion of land and create his own territory. A black shirt rolled up to his elbows, black pants, and a pair of simple leather black boots. On his finger was a wedding band that was made from some type of special metal and on his hand was an insignia of a wolf. He looked more like the handsome young master of a noble house, but he had an air of wildness about him that didnt allow one to mistake him for one.

How long have you been a Mercenary?

He took a few seconds to think before answering, A bit over a year maybe?

I admit I was taken aback, but there was no way he would lie. The Mercenaries Union would have that information readily available.

A lot of people are curious about your rate of growth and there have been rumors that you were hiding your power the entire time. In order to dispel them would you like to illustrate a timetable for your growth?

He nodded his head before answering without any sign of nervousness or hesitation, When I first started I was B+. I grew to A shortly after and in half a year I ended up as S+. As of right now, Im SS.

I was speechless. Even writing the words now, I still struggled to gather my thoughts. As he watched me, he flicked his hand and a status card appeared in his hands which he showed me. The combination of letters stood without a hint for doubt. My eyes couldnt help but to wonder about the rest of his abilities, but he flicked his hand and the status card vanished.

Its probably better if you dont write about those abilities. He chuckled a few times, but he didnt seem serious about it. I guess his motive of concealing the details of his abilities was for my own safety.

The Dark Elf Empire is said to have a vested interest in you, with that I was wondering what your reaction to that was?

Im honestly thinking of moving to the Dark Elf Empire. He answered simply.

Is the Kingdom lacking to you?

Well, the Dark Elves are more agreeable. I dont know if you knew, but politics and things like that are really fucking annoying. He certainly didnt mince his words as he spoke bluntly.

While on the topic of the Dark Elves, what is the reason for their interest in you?

He shifted his position in the chair and smiled wryly, If you were a bit quicker when looking at my status card you wouldve noticed I have a blessing called Keeper of the Red Moon. The Dark Elves seem to love the Moon so you can see the connection. I dont plan on posing as a Religious Figure but they dont ever take my words to heart.

...What does that mean? When the Red Moon appeared with the Golden Aurora did that mean it was summoned because of you?

His expression shifted as he looked to be immersed in some unpleasant memory, but his smile reappeared as quickly as it left. Something like that. His ambiguous answer indicated he was unwilling to speak on the topic anymore so I moved on to my next question.

Ive done some investigating of my own and found out that a lot people in the Capital call you Yellow Eyes. How do you feel about your nickname?

Ive been called worse. Its not a name Im too keen on seeing as Ira is only three letters, but it doesnt matter. He shrugged in a nonchalant manner.

I felt as if I took up enough of his time so I moved on to my final question.

Youre arguably one of the strongest people on the continent. Youve bested three of the strongest warriors our neighboring countries had to offer and youve grown tremendously in the short time span of a year. What are your plans for the future?

At my question, his smile brightened. Im going to retire as a Mercenary and raise my daughter somewhere nice.

In my opinion, he wanted a simple thing, it was a plan even the common man could agree with. He didnt speak of prestige, fame, influence, and money, just something mundane that was unbefitting of his current accolades.

After hearing him speak, I can honestly say I hope he achieves his goal.

Jonah finished writing and looked at Ira with admiration.

Ira nodded after realizing they were finished before standing up and leaving. At the moment, there were dozens of people investigating Iras history, but no one wouldve guessed that the easiest answers would come from a small towns paper. After it spread every ruler would realize how much of a massive problem Iras existence was.