Episode 381
The workday at the labor yard begins at 6 a.m., when the sun has not yet fully risen and the world is dark.
I finished getting ready by washing, drying, dressing, drying, etc., and by the time I finished eating, the sun was rising and setting the desert on fire.
So, you can say that the real work starts at 7 o’clock in the morning.
Fill your stomach with delicious food and move to the designated location.
Today’s task is to open roads.
Of course, it is not easy to build a road in such a sandy area.
The soft ground stuck to my legs like a swamp, and the bricks were heavy enough to make me swear.
Above all, the pressure of the heat wave is such that it is difficult to breathe, and even a healthy person would become dehydrated after standing under it for ten minutes.
To sum it up… … .
This means that it is the optimal condition for training.
“What on earth is that guy?”
“It looks like he’s going to pave the road all by himself.”
“Are lizardmen normally able to withstand the heat well?”
It wasn’t my intention, but as I worked hard to scoop out sand and lay bricks, I heard people clicking their tongues.
Just looking at it, it’s not strange since I alone do the work of ten inmates.
“hey. “Don’t push yourself too hard.”
Even the guard in charge of the laborers came up and said,
I nodded and then moved my body in a semi-trance.
And then I thought.
After all, people must move their bodies, and the body and mind are closely connected… … .
Even though I stayed up all night, I still felt frustrated, but as I was working hard under the scorching sun, I felt like my mind was becoming clearer.
It’s not that my concerns have been resolved, but every time I exhale hot breath, it feels like the lump in my chest is also being vomited out.
I’m not saying that when you feel stuffy in your head, you should just run.
Is it because work starts early?
Or is it because I do a lot of work alone?
The morning work ended relatively early, at 11 o’clock.
Of course, work was scheduled to continue in the afternoon, so we also had our meals here, but this time too, the food was canned.
‘People live for the pleasure of eating.’
I’m starting to feel like I need to do something to eat.
This is because putting food into my stomach just to feel full goes against my aesthetics.
Canned goods that are nearing their expiration date are probably a byproduct of the war going on in various parts of the South.
Although big cities like Airuga are safe, wars still break out in remote areas of the south every day.
This is because the south is the most barren and barbaric land in the empire. It was difficult to see such a topic because the population was small.
Ultimately, this means that there is no choice but to fight over limited resources, but even the imperial family tolerates this southern war.
We may be able to stop the war, but what next? Ultimately, nothing will be solved if the fundamental resource shortage is not resolved.
Anyway, back to the topic… … .
The canned food I am currently eating was probably purchased at a cheap price from a labor camp.
Canned food that is nearing its expiration date is tasteless.
It’s not that there’s simply no taste, there’s really nothing that can be called taste.
This is because it is stored for a long time and most of the nutrients that can be called it have disappeared.
‘Since they are serving such things as food…’ … .’
I was thinking about having to think about what to eat, but Leone approached me again.
Of course, with Michael’s face on.
As I was looking at him sternly approaching me with a bucket of water tied to a string and tampering with it, the guy started laughing.
“Don’t look at me with such cold eyes.”
“Do you still have anything left to say?”
“Of course. “A stubborn person like you needs to be persuaded whenever I have time.”
It seems that Leone wants to treat me as a priest in some way.
“Isn’t that the most beneficial direction for you? “If a demon lord from another faction was summoned, it would at least result in the disappearance of Airuga.”
“Are you saying achromatic colors aren’t like that? “If we look at the scale of the massacre, it would not be far behind.”
I said in a nonchalant tone.
Regardless of the propensity for capital punishment, the truth remains that he eventually destroyed a kingdom called Setitus.
Of course there must be a reason… … .
If it’s a massacre on the scale, it won’t make much of a difference whether there is a reason or not.
“of course. “The time of judgment has not yet arrived, so his blade will not turn against mortals for the time being.”
“… … .”
Referee.
Come to think of it, colorless believers sometimes called the devil the judge.
Most believers call those transcendent and evil beings evil spirits… … .
This is apart from the fact that the empire insists on using the title Demon King in order to lower its status even a little.
‘Judge?’
What on earth is judging?
I opened my mouth, hiding my doubts.
“If that is true, then I have no reason not to help.”
“oh.”
“There is a problem.”
“What?”
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“I heard that the Advent ritual requires very specialized knowledge and experience. And you see, I have neither of those things.”
“aha.”
Leone burst into laughter.
“Why are you worried when I have you? “I will be there to assist you, so don’t worry.”
I looked at his face for a moment, then lowered my voice and spoke.
“I’ll be honest. “I don’t trust you.”
“… … .”
“Of course what you say is valid. To minimize damage, it would be wisest to follow your advice. But, regardless of that, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s still a lot you’re hiding from me.”
“hmm.”
Leone said with a wry smile.
“To sum it up, you don’t trust me yet.”
“exactly.”
“Well, I thought so. So, originally, as Michael, I was going to reveal my identity after solidifying our mutual trust.”
“… … .”
“good. Since you revealed your honest feelings, I should also be more honest. It’s as you said. I can’t tell you everything. Honestly, it’s hard to say that I don’t have any other plans. but-.”
Leone looked at me.
Although he still looked like Michael, I felt for a moment that his eyes seemed to glow red.
“I swear. At least in this workyard, I am your ally. “Our interests are perfectly aligned.”
“… … .”
Easier said than done.
If you believe everything you say just because you say it with a straight face, then you are a fool.
First of all, that’s my opinion… … . However, human relationships cannot show such signs as they are.
Since he says that, should I at least pretend to believe him a little? Or would it be better to push harder and get some kind of confirmation?
I was hesitant in many ways, but Leone spoke in passing.
“And depending on the outcome of this competition, our achromatic group may become a force of its own.”
“Independent force?”
What does that mean?
A smile spread across Leone’s lips as she looked at him with a face demanding an explanation.
“You could turn your back on the church altogether.”
“… … !”
My shoulders shook at the bombshell remark.
I looked at Leone with surprised eyes and tried to open my mouth, but closed it again. Leone also pretended to drink water without smiling.
“Hey, Lizardman.”
It wasn’t long before a guard came towards us.
“What’s going on?”
“Yesterday, you played a crucial role in subduing three centurion-level monsters.”
“It doesn’t play a decisive role.”
Leone, who had already returned to being Michael, smiled heartily and said.
“In fact, it’s no different than defeating Mr. Luzard alone.”
“… hmm.”
“What’s wrong?”
The guard, who thought for a moment, sighed and said.
“Aylac is dead.”
Who was Aylac? I thought about it for a moment… … .
I soon realized that he was the director of building 107, where I belonged. Leone also asked with a puzzled face.
“The director is dead? No, somehow… … .”
“It seems like I encountered another monster while going to Building 106 to ask for cooperation. “We confirmed that body pieces were lying scattered in the desert.”
It’s nice to see him running away for his own life, but I never thought that would be the last time he saw me.
I once again realized how tasteful this labor camp was.
“So why did you come to see me?”
“With Aylac’s death, the position of director became vacant. It is estimated that the points you will gain from yesterday’s subjugation battle are around 300 points, and with that amount, you will be the next director-.”
“Now, wait! Wait!”
At that time, someone intervened with an urgent voice.
I wondered what he was doing and saw that it was Joret.
“What?”
“The report hasn’t even been uploaded yet, so wouldn’t it be too hasty to conclude that we will secure 300 points?”
“What do you want to say?”
Then Jorette said with a sly smile.
“There is still time until the settlement date. “As acting director, I will post a report soon, so please wait until then.”
As he said that, Jorette stabbed something at the guard.
Surprisingly, it was a silver coin.
The guard holding the silver coin in his hand said.
“What’s your name?”
“lol. “It’s called Joret.”
“okay. Jorette.”
The guard, who grinned, immediately swung his hand and slapped Jorette on the cheek.
Wow! Jorette’s teeth popped out with a fiery sound.
The guard had quite a physique, and the blow was so unexpected that his teeth seem to have fallen out.
“Uh, oh… … ?”
“This criminal… … . “Who do you treat as an asshole?”
“Now, wait a minute-.”
“Shut up, you bastard!”
The guard excitedly began trampling on the fallen Joret.
“Acting director? Where are you creating your own positions? Am I funny! “Is this funny?”
“Oh, no, no, ugh! “Knock!”
I watched it with a bewildered expression.
These guys suddenly appear, what kind of skit are they doing?
After a while, the guard who had spit on Jorette, who was completely injured, looked at me and said,
“Did you say Luzard?”
“exactly.”
“From now on, you are the director of Building 107, so please understand that.”
“hmm… “Yes.”
While I was nodding, the guard was leaving… … .
Just before this guy left, I saw him briefly exchanging glances with Leone.
“Huh, oh, oh… … . You, you… … !”
Jorette, who was lying down, must have seen the scene, and pointed at Leone with a trembling hand.
Leone said with a grin.
“Buying is about timing.”
“Well, as expected… … ! Wow, how much did you give me… … .”
Leone slowly grabbed Jorette’s index finger and bent it in the opposite direction. A tearing scream echoed everywhere. The guard must have heard, but he was not involved.
Leone whispered with a satisfied smile.
“I don’t know.”
* * *
In addition to a broken arm, Jorette, who now had a broken finger, eventually returned to the living room without being able to perform his afternoon work.
‘Bogs… … .’
Joret couldn’t help but grit his teeth.
At least in the workplace, being able to abandon such work is not a good thing.
This is because I know what fate awaits me if I am labeled as useless here.
The situation is not good.
It’s okay to say it’s the worst.
But even more so, Jorette had no intention of backing down from here.
‘I never thought they would even buy management… … .’
Just by persuading one manager, you cannot change the atmosphere that has taken root in the living quarters and even in the workhouse.
A different race is in charge?
It is not a position you can rise to just because you are stronger or have better results.
Jorrett took a deep breath and calmed his excitement.
It’s painful to miss afternoon work, but it’s not that bad.
At least I was able to talk to the person in power in 107-dong.
“Isn’t this nonsense! “Elder Topepo!”
“… … .”
The reason why the workers in building 107 were able to keep up with other buildings in terms of performance even though they were relatively lacking in skills and were behind in number.
That’s entirely thanks to the existence of this dwarf craftsman.
Rumor has it that they heard quacks outside, but this has nothing to do with this workhouse.
Just because they can repair, inspect, and even manufacture equipment, they are no different from special workers at Rahild Labor Yard.
“If this continues, Building 107 may become a cage for different races!”
Jorrett passionately argued for the crisis in Building 107.
Yet, deep down, I was confident.
Topepo would definitely give him strength… … .
It’s a known fact that this dwarf doesn’t really like other races.
“… … .”
However, his attitude is strangely sour.
He glanced at Jorette and hammered again.
‘Why is the response so lukewarm?’
Joret became impatient, but did not rush and waited for the task to be completed.
When I thought about it, I thought it might be because my work was interrupted.
Topepo finally finished hammering and spoke.
“So what are you going to do with me?”
When the words he wanted came out, Jorrette quickly opened his mouth.
“Nothing much. Just declare that once the Lizard Man becomes director, he will no longer work.”
If Topepo goes on strike, Building 107’s performance will quickly be affected, and it won’t be long before the manager will find out.
If a manager comes to ask why Building 107’s recent performance is the way it is, just say it with an annoyed face.
The Lizardman became the director and this is what happened… … .
‘Perfect.’
The first step is the most important in any plan, and this is no different.
Topepo’s cooperation is essential for this detailed plan to begin.
Jorette looked at Topepo’s mouth with an expectant look on his face.
“hate.”
“As expected… yes?”
“I don’t like it.”
Topepo said with a displeased look on his face.
“When you’re done talking, get out of my workshop right away.”
And then he casts a half-captivated gaze towards the corner of the workshop.
“I am… “Because I have to accept God.”
