Chapter 45

Thanks to the efforts of the guild master Act Age, Iranks was defeated.

From a great height, a shadow looked down on the scene.

"Truly magnificent, Act. You are indeed remarkable."

The evil god Dostoevsky, seated on a luxurious throne, floated in mid-air. Behind him stood seven men and women, their heads completely covered by hoods.

"Especially that final power, it rivals the abilities of a god. And you are still growing. Oh, how wonderful. I truly hope you will become even stronger and greater."

Dostoevsky smiled. "Let's return, everyone. What? You're asking if Iranks doesn't need to be dealt with? Don't worry, I've cast a spell to erase all memories of me along with the loss of his powers."

Dostoevsky stood up and looked down at Act and Fenrir.

"Until next time, Act. The next time we meet, I will visit you as a fellow [Guild Master]."

The evil god [Fyodor Dostoevsky] laughed joyfully and disappeared into the night.

★

Later, outside the city, Iranks was waiting for a carriage with a knight.

"..."

After that, Iranks was taken away by the knight. He was arrested for causing damage to the city and attempted murder.

As a criminal slave, he was forced into compulsory labor in the coal mines.

"...It's over, everything..."

He lost his guild, his guild members, and even his wife and children left him... He had fallen to the status of a criminal slave.

He had nothing left. Not only that, he had become a criminal. Even if he completed his sentence, the future waiting for him would be... a dark one.

He wished he had been killed. By that guild master... and then, at that moment,

"What's with the gloomy face?" "Act..."

A young man with sharp eyes approached Iranks.

"I want to talk to him. Can I have a moment?"

The knight said he would step aside for a while until the carriage arrived.

Even if he tried to run, Iranks couldn't. A slave collar was placed around his neck, forcing him to obey. Moreover, it was designed to send location information, making it impossible to escape.

"...I know why you're here. You've come to mock me, haven't you?"

Irank said weakly.

"Feel free to laugh... at the miserable end of this pitiful old man..."

Unexpectedly, Act shook his head and said,

"Your life isn't over yet. It's too early to give up."

"What... what are you talking about...?"

"You're not sentenced to life, are you? When your sentence is over, you can restart as a regular citizen."

Thanks to Act, the damage to the city was contained, and no one died, so his sentence was relatively light.

However, it would still be a long time before he was freed from being a criminal slave.

"...Don't be ridiculous. How old do you think I'll be by then? It's too late for everything..."

Act snorted derisively.

"By deciding everything on your own and limiting people's potential, you truly are the worst guild master."

"Damn...!"

Act had completely defeated him, so Iranks couldn't say anything in return.

Moreover, it was true that he had arbitrarily decided that Act was incompetent and failed to recognize his hidden potential.

"But, I'm talking about you as a guild master."

"What...?"

"Even though you've declined, you still have exceptional sword talent, don't you?"

He had reached the position of guild master because of his sword skills.

"As long as you have that talent, you can start over."

In other words, he was telling him to start from zero as an adventurer, not from the beginning as a guild master.

"But... I haven't held a sword since becoming a guild master... and my body is completely out of shape."

"You'll be doing physical labor in the coal mines, so your body might improve a bit."

"But, can I really make it as an adventurer at this stage... and there's no way a guild would accept a criminal like me..."

Act sighed deeply.

"I didn't know you were this much of a washout. Disappointing."

"What...? What do you mean?"

"I was thinking of hiring you as a raw talent when your sentence is over."

This was a surprise to Iranks.

"Are you kidding...? I'm the man who kicked you out. Are you trying to save me now?"

"Don't misunderstand. You were the worst guild master, but you had outstanding sword talent. I was thinking of picking you up and using you, but... I've changed my mind."

He snorted.

"Extending a hand to a lazy, washed-up old man would be a waste of time."

"Lazy... washed-up old man...?"

Anger began to boil up inside him. To be spoken to so freely by a younger man... it made him furious.

"If you beg and grovel, I might consider letting you join the raw talent. But you'll start by fetching tea for me."

"...Don't be ridiculous."

"What?"

"Don't be ridiculous...!"

Irank raised his head and glared at Act.

"Who would ever... rely on a young punk like you...!"

He pointed at Act.

"I'm not finished yet! I'll serve my sentence and come back here, and restart as an adventurer from zero!"

Until a moment ago, he had been like a punctured water bag, feeling dejected.

But now, he was filled with the anger of wanting to show Act.

"Just watch! With my talent as a sword genius, it will be a piece of cake to return to the top of the adventurers!"

Just then, the carriage to the coal mines arrived.

"When I reach the top as an adventurer, you'll regret not letting me join your guild...!"

He knew it.

These were tears of regret.

Looking into Act's eyes, he could see that... Act was pitying him.

Despite being younger, Act had everything he wanted.

Being pitied by such a young man... made him feel incredibly bitter.

"Is that so? I'm looking forward to it."

"! You're such a cocky brat! Make sure you don't destroy the guild before I get back!"

Irank was led by the knight and stuffed into the carriage.

Then, he was taken away from the city... to the coal mines.

In his heart, there was no longer any dark desire for revenge against Act.

Now, he was filled with the determination to show Act.

As the carriage carrying Iranks drove away... Act sighed.

"Quite impressive, Master."

When he turned around, the maid Frederica was standing there.

Act passed by Frederica and returned to the city.

"You are indeed a compassionate person. To extend a hand and even encourage someone who once oppressed you..."

If Act hadn't kicked him, Iranks would have given up on life long ago.

He might have committed suicide while working in the coal mines.

Perhaps Act could see such a future, Frederica thought.

That's why, at the very end, he helped him in his own way.

"Don't misunderstand. I just wanted to use him to vent my frustration. It's a shame he refused."

Frederica, his servant, knew that this wasn't Act's true intention.

He had deliberately provoked Iranks to help him start over after settling his past.

"I deeply respect your compassionate and broad-minded nature."

Frederica smiled quietly. This young man was always so kind.

Even to someone who had exiled him, if they were a helpless weakling, he would extend a helping hand.

That was the guild master of the exiled weakling guild, [Heaven-Given Raw Talent].

"What's so funny?" "No... I just realized how great you are as a guild master."

Act snorted.

"Don't be silly. I'm a corrupt guild master of the adventurer guild."

Then Frederica laughed loudly and said,

"Where is the corrupt guild master in such a kind person like you?"

[To the Readers: An Important Request]

This concludes Chapter 1. From the next chapter, we will enter a new phase.

I will do my best to write Chapter 2.

If you think,

"Interesting!"

"I'm curious about the next part!"

"Please keep updating Chapter 2!"

Please leave a point rating from the stars below the ad!

It will be a strong motivation for me to continue the story, so I kindly ask for your support!