Published: August 2, 2025
Today, two chapters are posted simultaneously.
This is the second chapter.
“So this is the town where the lord’s store is located.”
After leaving the divine realm, I returned to Gimul Town with Mr. Fay and the newly joined companion, Mr. Ox. Thanks to spatial magic and the above-average stamina of the three of us, we managed to force our way here from Gaunago in a short span of just two days.
However,
“That’s true, but... somehow, the atmosphere of the town feels different from usual. It’s rougher, and there seem to be more people on the streets than usual?”
“That’s definitely different. There’s a slightly tense air. Probably because of what’s going on outside.”
Mr. Fay glanced briefly outside the gate we had just passed through.
Outside, the construction of a new town was steadily progressing.
“When there’s a lot of coming and going, the town’s security tends to worsen.”
“Usually, the town is calmer. I find it a little nostalgic this way.”
“I suppose the town Mr. Ox came from was even noisier.”
After all, he was formerly a gladiator in the arena.
It’s expected to be a town rich in gambling and entertainment involving large sums of money.
And the new town being constructed will be the same. Although it was planned to separate the new town from the existing one to prevent a decline in security, it’s inevitable that many workers and others will flow in until the new town is completed. Looking closely, you can frequently see the security forces patrolling to maintain order.
“We should talk to Mr. Calm about this.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
We quickened our pace slightly and walked through the town, which felt different from usual.
Then, we arrived at the store.
Since there were customers lined up at the front, we entered through the back and looked for Mr. Calm.
He was in the break room, drinking tea, but with a serious expression as he read some documents.
He didn’t seem to be taking a proper break.
“Mr. Calm.”
“Ah! Welcome back, manager. Mr. Fay, thank you for your hard work as well.”
He hadn’t noticed us due to focusing on the documents. He also looked quite tired.
“And this is...?”
“Sorry for the late introduction. This is Mr. Ox Lord, a former gladiator and a level 5 dual swordsman. We have newly hired him, or rather, purchased him as a slave.”
“He seems reliable.”
Though his eyes briefly flicked to Mr. Ox’s missing left hand, which we didn’t miss.
“Despite appearances, the lord has essentially given him a new arm. He will definitely be a great help.”
“It's fine. I’ve confirmed his abilities myself. No worries.”
“I’m not sure what ‘new arm’ means exactly, but if Mr. Fay approves, then it should be fine. Sorry for the intrusion. I look forward to working with you.”
...Glad to hear it’s okay.
Now that introductions are done,
“Mr. Fay, thank you for escorting us along the way. Please show Mr. Ox to the dorm and explain life here. You should also get some rest.”
“Understood.”
“Mr. Ox’s room is...”
“Prepared. There’s a name tag on the door, so use that as a guide.”
“That’s the plan. Since Mr. Ox had a rushed journey, please rest well.”
“Understood.”
“Both of you, thank you for your hard work.”
Then, Mr. Calm and I moved to the office...
“You had a serious look on your face. Did something happen while we were in Gaunago Town?”
“Well… you might have noticed already, but the influx of workers has somewhat worsened the town’s security, and the commercial guild is issuing warnings.
Furthermore, according to reliable informants, several organizations coordinating these workers are suspected to be connected with yakuza, which further accelerates the decline in security.”
“I see, yakuza...”
“The new town will eventually have an arena and become a tourist spot. The vested interests arising from that will be enormous. They’re trying to establish a foothold now during construction to exploit it later.
The security forces know such people are lurking, but these are professionals. They operate openly as labor coordinators and workplace intermediaries and appear completely legitimate, making removal difficult.”