The Return Of The Genius Ranker Of All Times [EN]: Chapter 120

120.

Lord Leved.

Jun Chil-gang (Seven Strongest), the core of the Lair Knights, a legend among the Holy Knights.

The Holy Knight Commander of the century, adorned with countless splendid titles. The legendary figure who cleaved a tsunami with a single sword now stood before me.

He sat, relaxed.

“Hmm? Is the tea not to your liking?”

“……No, it’s not.”

And there he was, leisurely sipping tea.

The reason Doyun was sharing tea with Lord Leved in his private office was simple.

While everyone else was busy worshipping the hero chosen by the goddess,

Leved arrived just in time, sought out Doyun, and invited him to his office, expressing a desire to speak with him.

‘He is quite skilled, my lord. His aura is unusual.’

‘Dangerous energy… be careful, Master.’

‘Rizariza…….’

‘Yes, I know.’

Of course, it wasn’t truly a private meeting.

Due to the nature of Guardians, who teleport alongside their master when locations change, he had no choice but to bring them along.

-I am my lord’s heart and sword. I can never leave my lord alone!

And Charlie’s unwavering insistence also played a role.

Lord Leved coolly accepted their presence.

“You are the second outsider to set foot in this space.”

“I see.”

“A hero chosen by the goddess… I’m a little envious that you received something I haven’t received even after living for so long.”

“…….”

“I’m kidding. The reason I invited you is to express my gratitude, so I hope you don’t be nervous.”

From the outset, Lord Leved’s intention was to express his gratitude, not to interrogate Doyun.

Doyun nodded, observing Lord Leved’s wry smile.

‘Is that Lord Leved? Even his name tag is intimidating.’

Was this what pitch-black blood looked like?

A red so deep it bordered on black, far beyond crimson, filled the name tag.

He was merely drinking tea, yet he exuded dignity, and the energy emanating from him was extraordinary. Doyun’s gaze involuntarily shifted to the side.

‘Hmm!’

He saw Charlie standing rigidly with his arms crossed, a stern expression on his face.

His wide eyes fiercely conveyed his intention to prevent any absurd actions.

‘……Our Charlie is such a reaction bot.’

They were both knight commanders, yet the power they radiated was vastly different.

Perhaps because it was their first encounter, even Charlie’s serious demeanor seemed like an overreaction.

‘Kireuk!’

‘Riza!’

Jihad and Eliza, mirroring Charlie’s posture with arms crossed and great enthusiasm, also contributed to the scene.

……I’m pretty sure they weren’t getting along.

‘Well, it’s good if they get along.’

Whether it could be called “getting along” was debatable, but it was certainly an improvement from their initial, hostile meeting.

Was this why shared crises fostered closeness?

As they exchanged pleasantries, the tea in their cups dwindled.

Around that time, Lord Leved broached the main subject.

“Looking back, I had a chance. The day I returned from the Dark Forest, I dismissed it as stress, but I didn’t realize it would escalate into such a disaster… It’s all my fault. Wouldn’t you agree?”

“…….”

It was phrased as a question, but it wasn’t really a question.

Leved, with a bitter smile, had already reached his conclusion.

It was regret.

Regret for having dismissed the opportunity to suppress the issue in its early stages, when he was the only one capable of doing so.

He regretted neglecting his loyal subordinate, colleague, and friend.

At this, Charlie’s expression visibly softened, as if he had been on high alert.

‘Hmm. This is the most dangerous time. He’s blaming himself for everything. I hope he endures it well.’

‘Rizariza.’

Charlie, already showing sympathy, expressed his concern, but Lord Leved was an exceptionally strong knight.

He quickly regained his composure, reverting to his usual taciturn demeanor.

Then, he spoke in a voice colder than before.

“He, who was consumed by the abyss, can also be considered a victim… but his actions cannot be forgiven.”

His stance on Takshinel was resolute.

He would not be mourned, nor would he be enshrined in the Hall of Fame; instead, all his sins would be recounted to the world and etched into history books.

This was the ultimate disgrace for a knight.

‘……He is a strong person.’

Lord Leved was not so weak as to be swayed by personal feelings and compromise rational judgment.

He was truly the epitome of a knight, strong in both mind and body.

“Jerdic… it’s a pity that such a talented young man was lost. So much. So many victims were created…….”

Lord Leved, raising his head and speaking with a heavy heart, looked Doyun directly in the eye.

“I heard that the evidence he possessed was of great assistance. Is that correct?”

“That’s right.”

“That man… he lived for revenge, and he finally achieved his goal. I’m sure he feels relieved now.”

Lord Leved, smirking faintly, suddenly rose from his seat.

Then, he bowed his head.

“Thank you so much, hero chosen by the goddess. You took on my responsibility. If it weren’t for you, so many more casualties would have occurred.”

Lord Leved, speaking with his head bowed, was sincerely expressing his gratitude.

Doyun couldn’t help but be taken aback.

‘This is unexpected.’

Lord Leved’s official position was second only to the Gildeiti High Priest, but in reality, his influence was even greater.

Leved’s symbolism, as Brion’s symbol and sword, was absolute.

The reason Brion could establish itself as a Holy Empire, and the reason even the kings of other countries couldn’t treat it lightly, was all due to Leved’s existence.

He never imagined that someone in such a high position would actually bow his head.

“I don’t really care for superficial gratitude. There’s nothing as meaningless as that.”

He didn’t stop at expressing his gratitude.

“Receive this.”

Doyun tilted his head as he accepted the small token being offered.

It resembled the token with the blue peacock feather that Jerdic had taken from Takshinel before his death.

The only difference was that, instead of a blue peacock feather, a red phoenix feather was depicted on it…….

The question was quickly answered.

“If you ever need assistance… I will help you with anything as long as it doesn’t violate a knight’s honor. I will personally intervene when the time comes. I pledge this on my honor as Leved.”

[Lord Leved, the Knight Commander of the Lair Knights, has greatly increased his favorability.]

[The effect of the title ‘Favorability Max from the Start?’ is activated. Favorability increases even more.]

[You have become Lord Leved’s benefactor.]

[Conditions have been met.]

[Acquired ‘Red Phoenix Feather Token’.]

[Red Phoenix Feather Token]

-Grade: Hero

-Description: A specially crafted token bearing a red phoenix feather, symbolizing Lord Leved, the esteemed Knight Commander of the Lair Knights. Only seven such tokens exist, and this one signifies your close relationship with him.

‘Huh?’

……It seems I’ve forged a significant connection.

* * *

The God of Creation wasn’t solely populated by users.

Like other RPGs, NPCs [Non-Player Characters], the residents of this other world, built civilizations, maintained the world, and offered quests.

This was especially true in the God of Creation, with its advanced artificial intelligence.

Therefore, guilds often prioritized their relationships with NPCs.

Since NPCs generally held positions of power above users, becoming close to NPCs with significant influence or status could yield various benefits.

Among these benefits were instances of obtaining hidden jobs by becoming disciples of powerful NPCs.

But…….

‘I doubt anyone else is Lord Leved’s benefactor.’

Even now, with a wealth of information available, I’ve never encountered a guild or user who has become Leved’s benefactor.

Could it be that investing in Leved wasn’t worthwhile?

There was no way his value was negligible, considering he was one of the Seven Strongest and had even starred in an event scene where he split a tsunami before the eyes of users.

The reason no users had a close relationship with Leved was simple.

‘His personality is terribly fastidious.’

Lord Leved, a staunch stickler for principles, never grew closer to strangers than necessary, and certainly never offered favors.

‘Lord Leved’s unconditional assistance like that…….’

In some ways, wasn’t this a reward beyond even the legendary level?

Depending on how it was used, its impact could be immense.

‘Let’s save it for now.’

So-called 존버 (Jonber, slang for holding out). [존버 (Jonber) is a Korean slang term that means to hold out or endure until the end.]

I planned to hold onto it until the optimal situation arose, maximizing its potential.

-Hmm! He was a man of greater depth than I initially thought.

-The tea was good, and the meeting was acceptable.

-Rizariza!

Charlie was pleased that Leved had expressed his gratitude sincerely, Jihad was happy that he had even been offered tea, and Eliza… was simply happy about everything.

Satisfied for their own reasons.

Perhaps for the first time in God of Creation history, the unprecedented event of befriending Lord Leved, one of the Seven Strongest, concluded, and Gamilion, who had been waiting outside the office, greeted him.

“You’ve arrived, Successor.”

“Ah, Gamilion. Were you waiting?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“But where are the other priests? Why is it so quiet?”

Contrary to the commotion I had anticipated, there wasn’t a single priest in sight.

I had assumed Lord Leved had cleared the way out of consideration, but that wasn’t the case.

“Everyone is preparing to commemorate Lord Jerdic. They are also managing the aftermath, so they will likely be occupied for some time.”

“Ah.”

Doyun nodded.

He had considered saying hello and departing since they had grown slightly closer, but it seemed best to allow them to focus on the memorial service.

Involving himself in the situation would only create discomfort for both parties.

Perhaps sensing this, Gamilion said with a pleased expression.

“You will be departing for the next city now.”

“Well… that’s right.”

“I cannot accompany you immediately, but I will visit as soon as matters here are resolved. Please forgive this incompetent servant.”

“Hmm? Servant? Gamilion?”

“Yes. As a descendant of the king, I, who serve you, am naturally a servant.”

Ah, Kashiar was the king of a small country.

He was such a rogue that I momentarily forgot he had royal lineage.

Regardless, Gamilion continued.

“The next city is Sargis. It is also known as the City of Night or the City of Outlaws. A fragment of fate resides there. This time, it’s not based on information or rumors; it’s confirmed.”

“If it’s that certain, hasn’t someone already claimed it?”

“That’s impossible.”

Gamilion shook his head.

“No. The third fragment of fate is being guarded by the lord of that place. It has been for generations, for a very long time.”

“……Is that possible?”

“He probably doesn’t even realize it’s a fragment of fate. I’m certain no one knows. And even if they did, they wouldn’t be able to steal it.”

Doyun grew increasingly confused by Gamilion’s uncharacteristic confidence.

He found it hard to believe, no matter how much he pondered it.

“You’ll understand when you see it in person.”

Gamilion only offered Doyun a knowing smile.

Judging by that expression, he had no intention of revealing anything beforehand.

Tting-

[Main Quest ‘The Third Fragment of Fate (1)’ has been triggered.]

[The Third Fragment of Fate (1)]

-Grade: Main Quest, Job Quest

-Description: Sargis, the City of Night. The third fragment of fate lies dormant there. Acquire a clue to the fragment of fate.

-Success Condition: Linked to the linked quest ‘The Third Fragment (2)’.

-Failure Condition: Failed to acquire the third fragment of fate.

-Time limit: None.

The quest provided no additional information.

Doyun shrugged and closed the quest window.

‘Well, I’ll find out when I get there.’

As Gamilion said, he would understand once he reached Sargis.

There was no need to be impatient.

The main quest wasn’t a competition among users; it was a quest unique to him.

[Superior Skill Gacha Ticket]

‘Even Mt. Geumgang is best seen after eating. Should I try a card gacha before I go?’ [금강산도 식후경 (Geumgangsando Siku Gyeong) is a Korean proverb that means “Even scenic beauty is best appreciated on a full stomach.”]

Right now, the hero-grade skill he was about to acquire was more important!

Doyun was excitedly browsing his inventory when…….

Tting-

[You have exhausted your allotted connection time.]

[You will be forcibly disconnected in 5 seconds. Please move to a safe location.]

“…….”

It seemed that moment would have to wait until tomorrow.