BXBX NOVEL Chapter 176: - A Small Shining Light
“We’ve arrived!”
The coachman announced our arrival at our destination as the carriage gradually came to a stop.
– Young Master, will you really be okay? If you want, I can immediately turn into your shadow right now…
At the same time, a communication transmission came in from Kania. Judging by her shaky voice, it seemed she was quite worried.
“It’s fine, Kania. After all, she can’t touch me anyway.”
– But what if the Demon King has hidden subordinates? What will you do then?”
“With her current status, she can’t have such subordinates. After all, it was originally meant to be a surprise visit.”
Despite my words, I sensed Kania’s unease on the other side of the transmission. I tapped the walking stick I had been holding in my arms and added,
“And if the situation gets tough, I can always use this walking stick. With this, I can handle most mid-level combat executives.”
-…I’ll intervene if things look even a bit dangerous.
Kania replied gloomily before the transmission was cut off.
“Sir? Are you not getting off?”
Upon hearing the slightly irritated voice of the coachman, I, who had been scratching my head after the transmission got cut, tightened my robe and stepped out of the carriage.
‘Sooner or later, I should custom-order a dedicated carriage for the foundation.’
I mused to myself as I took a step forward.
“G-Good afternoon, Sir…”
“Good afternoon, Sir…”
I wasn’t sure how they recognized me, but the staff and children gathered in front of the orphanage began to greet me with respectful bows.
“……….”
Normally, seeing children in the market street with improved complexions would bring a smile to my face. However, this time, I couldn’t maintain a cheerful atmosphere.
“Hello~!”
It was because, at the end of the group, the most detestable woman in the world stood while wearing a disgusting smile.
“Welcome to our orphanage!”
“Nice to meet you.”
Even though I was on the verge of losing my composure, I still managed to maintain a polite nod in response to the warm welcome.
“…Crack.”
Of course, I couldn’t completely control my facial expression, as my teeth gritted in fury.
“Hmm? Are you feeling unwell?”
“…No.”
“That’s good! I’m glad that you’re fine.”
While I kept my head low for a while, Ruby showed a worried expression and spoke to me.
“You seem a little unwell for some reason…”
Regardless of who observed her, everyone would agree that she consistently lived up to her nickname, the “Little Saintess of the Orphanage,” by caring for others.
“…Sigh.”
However, she was staring fixedly at my walking stick, which I had already turned invisible.
“Please, come inside! I’ll show you around!”
After a brief yet somewhat awkward pause, Ruby, who had taken my hand, brightened up with a smile and guided me into the orphanage.
“Well, please take care of me.”
I showed her a gentle smile and walked into the orphanage, passing by the children who were standing by my side.
I wished I could have given those children a genuine smile before going inside, but in this moment, I couldn’t help but to display a forced one
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“The children look really happy, right?”
“Yes, you’re right.”
The mysterious sponsor and Ruby were happily chatting in the center of the orphanage.
“Seeing the children that were starving on the streets, now living so energetically… It truly feels like a dream.”
When Ruby said this with teary eyes, the staff members around them showed pleased expressions.
“Thank you so much for creating this miraculous space for us.”
Ruby expressed her gratitude with a gracious bow, her smile directed at the discreetly observing sponsor.
“Ah, by the way… could it be that you’re… the ‘Hero of Money,’ Mr. Sponsor?”
People around them began to murmur at that moment.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
The sponsor nodded in response, instantly quelling the murmurs.
“I knew it! So, the rumors were true!”
Ruby’s cheers echoed throughout the orphanage.
“The ‘Hero of Money’ is known for various charitable activities in society!”
“Is that so?”
“Unlike other tycoons, he only engages in charity work! He donates all the profits from his businesses! And his true identity can never be revealed thanks to a special magic!”
Ruby’s eyes sparkled as she explained, and the sponsor couldn’t help but scratch his head.
“On top of that… there is a rumor that you’re also connected to the ‘Slave Market Liberation’ incident this time…”
With a mischievous expression, Ruby continued her line of inquiry to the Sponsor.
“I-I’d rather not respond to that.”
The Sponsor waved his hand in a flustered manner. Laughter filled the hall, transforming the once-awkward atmosphere into one of light-heartedness, thanks to Ruby.
“I’ve also heard a lot about Ms. Ruby’s stories.”
In such an atmosphere, the Sponsor spoke up.
“You always lead by example, take care of difficult tasks, and yet, you don’t expect any rewards. Indeed…”
Compliments flowed freely from the Sponsor’s lips. Ruby, who had been sporting a warm smile that reached her eyes, suddenly stiffened her expression as the sponsor concluded his words with an impassive look.
“…You’re really pretentious.”
“Ah? Ahahahaha!!”
“Pfft…”
A moment later, laughter erupted from all around. In the increasingly cheerful atmosphere, the Sponsor smiled and continued speaking.
“Of course, I’m only joking. You know, Ms. Ruby, there’s that famous incident when the Saintess misspoke something similar to you during her visit here.”
“Well, if Ms. Ruby is considered pretentious… then I guess most people in the world are hypocrites.”
As he said this, he stopped in his tracks; the Sponsor suddenly put on a serious expression.
“Anyway, I think it’s time to end the building tour here and shift our focus to more practical matters.”
“I’d like to talk to the person in charge of the business.”
“Oh, I’m in charge of that.”
“Really? It’s you, Ms. Ruby?”
The Sponsor tilted his head, and Ruby replied with an embarrassed expression.
“The person who usually oversees everything is currently on a business trip. Since I just returned today, I’m temporarily in charge.”
“I see. I apologize; I have so many business matters to attend to that I didn’t even know she was gone. My apologies”
“It’s fine~! That could happen sometimes.”
The two of them began walking to the office together with a warm atmosphere between them.
“Well then, should we briefly discuss some matters over there?”
“Sure!”
“Anyway, where did you hear those rumors?”
“Haha, it’s quite a well-known story, isn’t it?”
They maintained a lighthearted laugh as they continued their conversation while walking.. However, once they were inside the office, the atmosphere took a sudden turn.
– Creak…
“……….”
– Crackle Crackle…
In an instant, various eavesdropping prevention spells were swiftly cast on the office’s door and windows.
“…Huff.”
One second later…
– Zzzzing!!!
A sudden attack from the Sponsor,or to be precise, Frey, flew towards Ruby.
– Buzzzz…
“Oh, you’re adorable.”
However, an unknown force stopped Frey’s full-force attack right before it reached Ruby’s chest.
“You know you can’t attack me, right?”
“…I just wanted to know how it works.”
The once innocent and gentle expression on Ruby’s face had disappeared, and she replied to Frey in a rather low voice while eliciting an eerie smile.
“Each of your actions and words are so adorable and amusing.”
“…Cough.”
“Oh dear.”
Frey eventually coughed with a disgruntled expression, and Ruby, unimpressed, clicked her tongue before calmly sitting down.
“Why did you come in with a fake identity? Wouldn’t it have been better for you if I didn’t know this identity?”
“Are you trying to play innocent here? Didn’t you already know the identity behind this disguise?”
Frey’s response was laced with a chilly tone, and Ruby nodded in acknowledgement.
“That’s right. No one, except those who wield the power of a god or the System, possesses the strength to deceive my eyes. However, there’s no way such a god would be that nice towards me.”
“So, that means you’re also a System user.”
“Didn’t you already know that too?”
Frey answered Ruby’s question while gazing into the air.
Special Quest
Quest Content: Identify the True Identity of the Demon King
Status: Cleared!
Do you wish to accept the reward: Y/N
“I have to confirm your true identity with my very own eyes.”
“So, does it pop up for you too, you bastard? The clear notification window?”
As Frey stared at the window in front of him without a word, Ruby continued, her voice filled with annoyance.
“The penalty only applied to you once I accepted that window. Somehow, it seemed like the only way to get that notification window was to confirm your identity directly with my own eyes…”
“In order to do that, I had to secure a video, serving as the direct evidence I needed even as my poor crow burned its own soul just to deliver that crucial information. However, for you…You could simply confirm my identity by looking at me with your own eyes. How fortunate of you.”
Even as she said that, Frey remained silent, prompting Ruby to raise her eyebrows slightly.
“So, when are you going to press it?”
“…Now.”
Along with that statement, Frey was about to reach out to the window. But Ruby stopped him with a surge of mana infused into her words.
“Wait.”
“Let me make a proposal.”
Eventually, when Ruby tried to speak again, Frey asked in a cold tone.
“What? Do you intend to suggest that we join forces?”
“I haven’t even spoken a word yet…”
“Let us, the System users, join our forces together, get along well, and rule the world. Or if that’s not the case, maybe you want to ask me to be your subordinate. To become a powerless puppet under your control where all I can do is weep helplessly in despair. Perhaps you were fantasizing about something like that.”
With an expression that seemed to say she was so obvious to see through, Frey glared at Ruby before sitting down while Ruby, in turn, started to chuckle.
“Interesting… You’re indeed very amusing…”
“Hmm.”
“Surely you don’t possess prophetic abilities, do you? Or are you reading my thoughts? No way, if you had such abilities, you likely wouldn’t have let your body deteriorate to this extent.”
As she stared at Frey, who wore a stiff expression, Ruby started to approach him while smiling charmingly.
“This will be the last time I extend my hand to offer a proposal to the most intriguing and enjoyable entity in my life.”
“Did something like this never cross your mind?”
“…”
“I mean, really…Not even a hint of desire?”
With that, she inched closer to Frey.
“Do you dislike this young girl’s body? Should I bring out my original appearance?”
“…”
“Well, I’m willing to accommodate you to some extent and have an ‘equal relationship’ with you, until the end of your lifespan…”
She began to whisper in his ear with a low voice. However, upon being met with Frey’s silence, her expression suddenly turned cold, as she begun to speak with a chilling tone.
“You probably have the ‘Mind Reading’ skill as well…”
“Then… from now on, it’s no longer a proposal but a declaration.”
“Next year, I will enroll in the academy starting from the first semester.”
“…”
“Not only that, but I will also reveal my identity as a ‘Hero’ to enroll.”
Frey’s composure briefly wavered upon hearing that.
“There’s no way you think I’ve been idling away for the past few months, right? I’ve already made contact with the Imperial family and the academy. I did all of that while you were busy snoozing in bed.”
“Huh.”
“It won’t be long before there will be an official announcement about the Hero. Also, rumors about you and the Demon King Army will intensify.”
“…”
“Except for a few who have figured out your true identity, the rest will turn to my side. And you will be completely ostracized by everyone.”
Ruby’s face morphed into a gradually more sinister expression. Then, she took hold of Frey’s chin with her hand before continuing to speak.
“If you continue to resist until the end with only those few allies on your side, you’ll eventually lose to me. And then, I will create a hell on earth, specially tailored for you.”
“…Hell?”
“First, I’ll kill all five girls.”
Frey’s eyes began to show murderous intent at those words
“I’ll slowly infuse holy power into that Warlock girl’s body, steadily destroying her from inside. Then, I will tear the Archmage apart while she is still alive. The Saintess and the Imperial Princess will become food for the stray dogs, and I will make that genius into a mentally disabled individual, so she can officially become my plaything.”
After staring at him straight in the eyes and calmly declaring those things, Ruby continued her speech.
“Not only that, I’ll make sure to brutally murder those dear to you as well”
“…”
“Should I create an illusion to make you believe you’re dying? Or should I tell you the whole truth before you fall into despair and die? Either way, it would be entertaining for me.”
“In addition, I will rape you every single day until you die.”
“…”
“‘I’ll break you down slowly, right before your loved ones’ eyes, until you become nothing more than a pet, obediently wagging your tail for me.
With a satisfied expression, Ruby leaned back in her chair as she gazed at Frey, who remained completely unmoved.
“Oh, I’m already looking forward to it. It seems like things won’t be so boring for a while.”
“Now, I have finished my declaration.”
“Um…”
“I’m done. That opportunity earlier was your last chance. Now, hurry up. Accept that window and give me the penalty.”
Ruby cut off Frey’s attempt to speak and licked her lips as she finished her grand declaration.
“Whether you press to accept it or not, you have no chance of winning against me.”
“……..”
Then, there was a moment of silence.
“… Cough.”
What broke the silence was a small cough from the Demon King.
Penalty
[Stack: 1]
[Special Stack: 1]
“Keuhehe… Hehehehe…”
Ruby, who was looking at the penalty window that appeared before her, couldn’t contain her laughter any longer. She sprang up from her seat and cast a pitiful glance at Frey.
“To think you would even lose in a battle of wits.”
“What?”
As Frey tilted his head in puzzlement, Ruby donned a disdainful expression.
“I’m not as fragile as you, even though I’m not in the awakened state. I may not have the lifespan of someone awakened, but I still have far more than an ordinary human.”
“What does that mean…”
“Unlike you, who goes back and forth between life and death with just a few penalties, I don’t collapse with special penalties that only halve my lifespan.”
As Frey fell silent, absorbing her words, Ruby showed a sinister smile.
“…And thanks to this penalty, I got a perfect situation to frame your fake identity.”
“What?”
Right after saying that, Ruby grabbed Frey’s robe.
“I’m so strong that I won’t get hurt from most things. Of course, if I were to harm myself, I would be injured, but then it would permanently damage me.”
“You’re not going to…”
“However, if this penalty causes me internal injuries… it will be perfect for creating the false accusation that the ‘Hero of Money’ attacked the ‘Real Hero.’”
Ruby snapped her fingers, and various pieces of evidence appeared all over the room.
“The System only prohibits us revealing each other’s true identities. However, it doesn’t put any restriction on hidden identities.”
“…Ugh.”
“I would experience no difficulty when making you look like a villain.”
Ruby started applying her own blood onto Frey’s body. She then staggered toward the exit.
“If I were to go outside looking like this and request help, what would happen to you?”
“…”
“The best-case scenario would be the cancellation of your ‘fake identity.’ The worst-case scenario would be the exposure of your identity as ‘Frey.’ Either way, it would be fun to witness.”
“Anyway, it’s been a pleasure to meet with you, Fre—”
However, she suddenly stumbled and collapsed in front of the door, clutching her stomach.
“Kekheugh!?”
“Uh…?”
She ended up wearing a perplexed expression, failing to grasp the sudden turn of events. Just as confusion set in, a new warning pop-up materialized before her eyes, further adding to her penalty count.
Penalty
[Stack: 2]
[Special Stack: 1]
“There were three errors in what you said until now.”
Then, at that moment, Frey, who had approached Ruby, grabbed her chin and began to speak.
“Therefore, listen to this carefully.”
“…Ugh.”
“First, what you just received was not just a special stack from me.”
“W-What…?”
“…Of course, you also have to receive three stacks from Kania, Irina, and Clana as well.”
Right as Frey said that.
Penalty
[Stack: 3]
[Special Stack: 1]
“…Cough!”
Ruby’s penalty stack increased by another one.
“H-How is it possible that those three people at once know my identity…? That’s impossible…”
“That’s not your business.”
“Ugh…”
“Listen to the overall story first before you pass out.”
Therefore, Frey started infusing a small amount of life force into Ruby’s stomach. He tapped with his walking staff as Ruby attempted to close her eyes. With a triumphant expression, he continued speaking.
“The Demon God played a trick on the quest I received.”
“Until the quest was completed, she made sure that no penalties apply to you. Did she do that to buy you time to work on various things while I was lying down? Anyway, it was very unfair.”
“Ugh…”
“…However, that trick turned out to be helpful for me.”
Saying this, Frey put a little more strength into his walking stick.
Penalty
[Stack: 4]
[Special Stack: 1]
“Heuekek…”
“Sometimes overprotection can become a hindrance, and it was your supposed guardian angel’s fault that she didn’t realize that.”
Frey continued speaking as he forcibly lifted Ruby, who was on the verge of death after receiving the fourth stack.
“Secondly, it’s not like I have no chance of winning this battle at all.”
“…”
“Besides the three stacks you just received, you also have received a stack before that, right?”
“…!”
Ruby’s eyes widened as she heard his words, and Frey scratched his head while muttering.
“Actually, I don’t really know what it means either… but Serena said it’s the key…”
“How did you…”
When Ruby asked with a shaky voice, Frey replied with a smirk.
“It is because that’s my only chance of winning.”
As Ruby’s eyes wavered for the first time, Frey whispered in her ear with a low voice, just as she did before.
“Third and lastly…”
“Cough, cough…”
“…You’re the one who’s going to experience hell when everything is all over.”
Having spoken that, Frey looked into Ruby’s eyes, which were dimming as she barely held onto consciousness.
“So, you can look forward to it.”
Then, there was a brief silence.
“Cough, cough… Ugh…”
In that moment of silence, Ruby, who had been vomiting a large amount of blood, suddenly burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.
“Hehe, hehehe…”
“…Indeed, you are really an interesting person.”
With those words resounding in the air, she immediately lost consciousness.
“Phew…”
A brief hush fell over the scene.
– Crackleee…!
Frey cast his stellar magic while simultaneously tapping his walking stick on the ground, methodically erasing the carefully arranged pieces of evidence Ruby had set up.. Soon after, he cried out for assistance with a sense of urgency.
“I-Is anyone outside!!!”
“Ms. Ruby collapsed!!!”
“P-Pardon me?”
“She suddenly vomited blood and collapsed! Could it have been a chronic illness…?”
“N-now that I think about it, last time…”
Frey watched as the gathered employees discussed the incident surrounding Ruby’s collapse and lifted her carefully.
[A Special System has been opened!]
“…Finally.”
Staring at the special system that appeared before his eyes in the midst of the commotion, Frey muttered in a low voice.
“It has finally begun.”
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Meanwhile, at that moment.
“A Special System has been opened…?”
As a faint glow emanated from her body to conceal her appearance, Glare, who had been discreetly observing the unexpected events through the orphanage’s window, suddenly focused on an opaque window that had appeared before the robed man. The window appeared slightly blurred for reasons unknown.
“No, that’s not the most important thing here.”
“…What the hell is the Path of False Evil?”
Her body continued to illuminate the darkness with a small shining light
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