Chapter 53

(Elus Pov)

Two hydras were just killed in an instant. Witnessing such an unrealistic scene, Elu and Lifa could not let out a word.

However, Harold himself did not seem to feel any fear, excitement or fatigue from the combat. Wearing his usual cold expression, he asked Lifa.

What are you doing?

Huh-?

Arent you going to pick samples from the hydra? I think that ones corpse is the most suitable.

Oh thats right!

Lifa was startled for but a moment from Harolds world, and the next instant, she stood up energetically and turned towards the hydras corpse while rolling her sleeves.

Perhaps she had a fast recovery, or perhaps this was the work of her unflattering courage.

Not very far from the two, Elu somehow managed to subdue his bodys trembling. Before his head could get around what was happening, his instincts drove him into a sense of fear.

He had a very hard time suppressing this.

I had heard the rumors but to think they were true, that strength is really something. Im impressed

Pretending to be calm, he called out to Harold.

In response, Harolds expression turned to contempt.

The hell are you saying? As if the information you bastard caught hold on would be lacking in credibility

Whatever do you mean?

Elu transparently feigned ignorance. He was just interested in Harolds motives.

From the information he had shared, it was clear that Elu was well versed regarding Harolds circumstances. He wasnt likely to think of Elu as some poor traveler. Moreover, so as to probe how Harold had recognized him, he dared to plainly dodge his claim.

And Harolds next words were enough to catch even Elu by surprise.

Cut the crap, Giffelt

Harold casually revealed Elus true identity as if it were no big deal.

He hadnt given him his name. And he hadnt given him any information that would allow him to assert this.

Although Elu thought he was just shooting in the dark, Harold seemed to be confident.

...... Giffelt? How could a kid like me be such an important person?

Giffelt is the family name that you and your people use. And youre qualified to be referred to as a member of the Giffelt family. Am I wrong?

An even bigger shock than the one before impacted Elu. Harolds words had hit the bulls-eye.

Giffelt was not an individual name but a clan name. Be it men, women, children, adults or the elderly, anyone could use the name as long as they belonged to the clan.

They all dealt in the information business and shared their intelligence within the family. By doing so, they made up the fictional but certainly real image of the information dealer, Giffelt.

A law had been handed down within the family to keep their existence hidden. That secret that could be said to be the most important to them.

Why does he know ? Even if hes acquainted with another Griffelt, I dont think they would disclose this information.

However, Elu knew that absolutes did not exist. It was a fact that Harold knew about this, so there had to be a leak.

Well, that doesnt really matter. Rather, how much do you bastard know about me?

(Harold)

Harold continued talking, as if he considered the Giffelt familys secret to be no more than a story among others, but Elu did not perceive it that way. Harold had grasped the clans secret, and it was up to him to deal with that information as he deemed fit.

It was an awfully vicious threat. If Elu told a lie in this situation, what would happen when that lie came to light? He couldnt help but expect the worst case scenario.

Would you believe it if I said I told Lifa everything?

Absolutely not.

Harold immediately declared so.

That was to be expected. He let Lifa know that he was suspicious of the tribunals deliberation to lay down the conditions for Harold to come probing on his words, but still, the false truth he fed her was based on real facts. The actual truth, however, was that he had lied.

The kingdoms tribunal held the position of a high-order state agency. Normally, even if a prestigious noble family raised their voice, there is no way theyd overrule its judgment.

And, for one who researched what happened behind the scenes beforehand, it was clear just how strange that one deliberation was.

However, if Elu had stopped there, perhaps Harold wouldnt have bothered with it that much. The main cause behind his intervention was definitely the words Test subject.

Based on the official cover-up story, Harold was supposed to have escaped his execution by cooperating in a certain study.

Since he could play an important part in one of the kingdoms projects, in the end he just obtained the position of a Servant to atone for his crimes.

(Maybe I rushed things a little....)

He thought that if he used the word test subject and Harold was shaken, that would mean his own theory was not far from the truth. Therefore, he incited Lifa to do it in his stead.

As a result, he was hit by a counter-attack that he hadnt seen coming.

But, Elu thought again. The fact that his clans secret was found out was certainly threatening, but now he knew that Harold knew. If he hadnt become aware of that, perhaps he would have fallen into a hopeless predicament someday.

Now he had a chance to avoid that future.

Ill ask again. You better hurry and answer

Being asked again, Elu steeled himself.

How much did he know about Harold? The question was a little vague but Elu had an idea which answer he was seeking.

Harold was likely asking him if he knew why he was called a test subject.

And indeed, Elu knew.

The information he had was unbelievable, but he was convinced it was the truth after bearing witness to Harolds strength.

Would Harold kill Elu for knowing? It wouldnt be strange if he did.

But he probably wouldnt act rashly since he understood the group structure of the Giffelt clan.

Even if that information was important enough that he had to silence whoever had it, the one who had it was Elu, a Giffelt. Once it had spread among the clan, there was no stopping it.

They were both holding bombs. And they could finish things smoothly as long as none of them let them out to the public.

......Looks like I can no longer hide it. Im concerned because Ive stumbled upon some quite troublesome facts concerning you and at Im at a loss about how to handle them.

Come on, think about it Harold

, thought Elu as he carefully put his words together. He had to make Harold think that there would be little meaning to killing him. He had to make him consider the risks it entailed.

I mean, youve obtained your powerful strength by cutting down your own life after all. It could be dangerous to mishandle information about such an inhumane weapon being developed.

(Harolds Pov)

In this world, Harolds game knowledge was an overwhelming advantage. It gave him the upper hand in most situations.

Although he had met with many unexpected events, it was thanks to this gift that he had somehow managed to break his death flags.

However, there were two people that he still feared despite having such an unfair technique.

The first one was the genius mad scientist, Justus Freund, the last boss ofBrave Hearts.

And the other was the information dealer, Giffelt, who had access to the meta-knowledge of the game.

He was especially concerned about the unknown numbers of Giffelts. Was the information held by the Giffelt limited to the scope of this world, or were they able to overlook the world from a higher ground like in the game?

He didnt know if they were friends or foes, but there was a risk they would expose many of his secrets.

While having them as friends would be reassuring to him, he still believed he should be cautious when contacting them.

This situation was just the fruit of an unexpected development as he was carrying out a mission for Justus and he somehow ended up being asked by Giffelt to let him accompany him.

And if he had to be honest, had he met Giffelt by himself, he might have turned him down, but Harold also had to serve as a buffer for Lifa, and he wanted to know how strong she was at this point in time.

From there, Harold probed Giffelt with the ulterior motive of finding his opportunity with him.

And just now, Giffelt spoke some decisive words.

He told Harold about his sword, the one with a crystal embedded in it. He told him about how it was developed by Justus, the weapon that turns life force into mighty power. As Harold was shocked in his mind, he admired Giffelt even more.

(The name Giffelt isnt for show... to think they had gotten this far...)

The version of the story that Elu knew could be considered to be Justus last line of defense, We dont need the weapon, but just in case. That was the lie Justus had used to deceive the countrys upper echelons so that he could move Harold as he wished.

It was supposed to make it look like Harold had collaborated with the research using his own life as a form of payment so as to be spared from his execution.

However, Justus couldnt officially announce a deal that allowed him to fiddle with a persons life, even if said person was a criminal, so only a handful of people were told the truth.

But still, the Giffelts could be said to be quite the special group of information dealers, and seeing how they had the power to get information about national secrets, ones that concerned a weapons development at that, their organization had surely reached a worldwide peak.

And, the most dreadful part of that was that Justus had managed to pass under their radar. It would be considerably difficult to prevent such a man from becoming aware of a rebellion once it was put into action.

However, Harold had assumed that from the beginning. And he wasnt over-confident enough to rebel by himself.

As things were, it was difficult for Harold to move freely outside of Justus directives.

Thats where his collaborators would usually come into play. And with Giffelts information network, he could move them more efficiently. He wanted the clan to join his side by any means.

...I see. So youre in that deep, huh

Said Harold solemnly, seeming really serious. Faced with such an atmosphere, it felt like Giffelt Elus face turned blue.

Though Giffelt wasnt the expressive type in the game, this was convenient for Harold who could now read him ever so slightly.

Youve obtained information that only a select few are allowed to know in this country. I cant ignore that.

.... Then, are you going to kill me?

Well, that would be the quickest solution.

Elu couldnt breath. His face turned even bluer.

However, Im not planning to do anything that foolish. Its not even worth considering.

Huh?

You have some quite convenient abilities. Why not become my subordinate and put your talents to use?

....Could it be that youre recruiting me?

Did you not hear what I just said? Are you deaf?

What youre saying is, if I refuse youll kill me, or, or.....

Elu murmured a line that Harold couldnt ignore. Even if he refused his offer, Harold had no intention to kill Elu at all.

Certainly his phrasing could be interpreted that way, but he didnt want to force Elus hand using such an extreme case of stress interview and make his impression of him even worse than it already was.

It doesnt matter to me whether you bastard live or die. If you want to refuse, suit yourself.

... Ooh. If thats true, then does that mean there is no risks for me if I refuse?

No, thats not it. There is indeed a risk that you cant overlook if you decline.

I dont understand what youre trying to say

Then, Ill explain. Dont you seek theStar memory?

Elus facial expression crumbled like never before.

It showed astonishment and doubt. It was hard to describe, a sort of mix between various emotions.

H, how would you know about that.. dont tell me you...?

I have no obligation to tell you

He couldnt tell him that he had knowledge from the game. However, judging from his reaction, the Giffelts werent cheat beings who held information about the worlds Meta.

Therefore it would be slightly easier for Harold to make contact.

So, what will you do? Will you get one step closer to the Giffelts dream? Or will you let that opportunity fly over your head?

... I dont know, its way too suspicious. I cant believe this because its simply impossible..... But its certainly true that were seeking that thing, no matter the cost.

Then, come confirm my words with your own eyes. There is no trust involved in the process.

In the first place, as long as he proceeded as he did in the games story, Elu would manage to obtain theStar memoryfor sure. Harold was just talking big.

Elu, who did not know that, agreed to Harolds negotiations after a short silence. He kneeled on one knee and bowed down his head.

Ill entrust you with my... No, Giffelts power. Please use it as you see fit, Harold-sama

What I want from you is not good attitude, but results, nothing more.

Said Harold, with his usual arrogance, looking down on Elu who respectfully kneeled before him. But in his mind, Harold was delighted.

Giffelt had joined his side. If he combined that with his game knowledge, he just might be able to outsmart Justus.

There were several months left until the time where the games story began. And the foundations of his counteroffensive were steadily building up.l