Chapter 189: A Cover

It took me around six days to reach Tamyr.

Along the way, I had killed several monsters, and now my core had numerous cracks all around it.

Even without trying to sense it, I could feel the immense power that was trying to leak out of my mana core.

The moment I entered through the gates, I headed towards the casino that I had visited the very first time after arriving in Tamyr.

Entering the casino, one of the staff members, probably a soldier in disguise, guided me to the entrance of the headquarters, which was in one of the shabbiest-looking rooms I had seen to date.

Haa...

Entering through the hidden entrance, I was soon greeted by soldiers on either side of the passage, who saluted me the moment I walked through it.

I was going to evolve my core soon, but before that, I had to inform Julien about it.

I wanted a peaceful area for evolving to avoid any accidents that might happen during the process.

***

"I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to evolve here."

Julien commented while supporting his chin with his right hand, which had a black glove on it.

"..."

I had never planned on doing it underground.

I mean... that would have been foolish, as the entire base could collapse during my rank-up.

This guy—

"Boss, how about the training facility at the river?"

"Hm?"

"Ah! You weren’t here for a while, but a new area for training had been built at the edges of Tamyr. Arthur wanted to train in seclusion, without anyone there to disturb him. Proper measures had been put in place all around the facility, so you don’t have to worry about monsters interrupting you."

That... was indeed a good thing.

"Alright. Tell me the way."

"I will tag along."

Thumping his chest slightly, Julien removed the gloves in his hand before guiding me to the facility.

"Don’t you have work to do?"

"Huh? Boss, I never slack off."

"Sure."

Within a minute of our walk, we were on the surface again.

"There was a teleportation passage for coming up too, right? The staff didn’t use—"

"Actually, it costs a lot to use the passage, so I banned anyone from using it for short distances. Since opening the Royal Bank, our expenses have increased a lot, so I am trying to cut these costs on petty things. Though if you want, just contact me from your device, I will—"

"It’s fine. The walk isn’t that long."

I wasn’t lazy enough to use teleportation for such things.

I just thought that there was some issue with the passage... The cost for a single trip using it was indeed high, and that was the only reason many couldn’t afford teleportation and instead used vehicles for travel.

"Let’s wait here. Our ride will arrive soon."

Julien informed me as we stood at the gates of the casino.

There was silence between the two of us for the entire minute, not that it felt awkward in any way.

"Um..."

Julien’s voice made me look at him, as he kept scratching the back of his head.

"What is it?"

Seeing his hesitation, I decided to give him a little push.

"Uh... Boss, if you don’t mind, can I ask a question? I just wanted to say before asking—please don’t doubt me—"

"Ask."

At my reply, Julien took a visibly deep breath before fully turning towards me.

"Boss, I joined you because I had no job elsewhere. Back then—and even now—I don’t really care about what I do to earn money, but—"

Julien paused, as he debated whether to speak the words.

"Nowadays, I have been stuck on a question. Like... what is your goal behind forming this organization? I mean, apart from spreading it across the entire world and controlling the underworld, what exactly do you wish to do?"

I didn’t reply immediately as I continued to stare at Julien, who, after the first few seconds, averted his eyes, unable to return my gaze.

"Do you pity the innocents?"

Though in the game Julien was a villain and part of a cult, the choice he had taken was out of desperation.

At heart, Julien had always been a kind guy—one who liked to take life the easy way.

Earning a decent pay and living off it... marrying, and then having a wonderful family at the end.

That was who Julien Drake had always been.

"I... I don’t know."

After a short pause, Julien answered in an uncertain voice.

"Who do you think emerges victorious in a war?"

Julien was human, so it was obvious that he would have guilt and regrets over many things that he might have done just to ensure the steady progress and development of D.X., but I couldn’t care less.

What I wanted was an efficient soldier who would serve his purpose in my goals... and for that, I had to redirect Julien’s train of thought in the direction I wanted it to go.

Julien had a light frown on his face as he thought about the answer to my question.

"The one who is stronger?"

Though Julien answered in the end, even he didn’t seem confident about his answer.

I moved closer to Julien before draping my arm over his shoulder.

"Wars... they don’t have victors."

"..."

"The only ones in a war are the losers and—

The Dead."

My words were met with a long silence.

"Sir!"

An armoured vehicle had arrived on the street, as the soldier within stepped out before saluting both of us.

"Let’s go."

Patting Julien’s shoulder, I walked towards the vehicle as the soldier opened the door for me.

Julien followed soon after.

The engine made a rumbling noise as we made our way towards the training facility at the edge of Tamyr, near the river Julien had mentioned.

For the entire journey, Julien didn’t speak, nor did I initiate any sort of small talk.

There were some things... that were best left unsaid.

But I was sure of one thing—

Julien... he had received the answer his mind was subconsciously trying to find.

The answer that could validate his actions.

A cover for his deeds and—mine.