Novels online

Genius Warlock-Episode 386

386. adjustment (2)

Continuously.

When I squeezed the toothpaste-shaped tube, crushed liver appeared on top of the cracker..

Oliver put a cracker in his mouth and chewed it like any other combat ration..

“how does it taste?”

“I like it pretty good.”

“It's delicious... That's good.”

Carver said in surprise. It was a sincere, not sarcastic, reaction..

Although Carver served in the military, he got a job as a civil servant immediately after being discharged and rose to the position of city minister at an unprecedentedly young age..

As the level of food, clothing, and shelter increased as people became successful, combat rations were no longer suitable for them..

Of course, Oliver was similar to Carver, but Oliver had all the standards for food, clothing, and shelter from the bottom mine and orphanage days, so there was bound to be a difference from Carver..

Carver thought for a moment and then spoke..

“Well, it might not be wrong to say that the combat rations made in Landa are edible and delicious..”

“Is that so?”

“Sadly, yes. Most high-ranking people view soldiers as expendable goods, and treat the food they eat as fuel rather than food. Of course, people think that all you need to do is add calories without considering taste. If you're hungry, everything will be delicious..”

“Is there a reason Landa doesn't do that??”

“Nothing special. Based on our own research, we decided that it would be better to feed them delicious food. When you eat delicious food, your morale goes up, and when your morale goes up, you can fight better... Which of samples A, B, C, and D do you like the most??”

Oliver pointed to C, the third of the four combat ration samples he had eaten..

“I think it's good because there is a wide variety of food and the quantity is the largest..”

“And it's also the most expensive. We will take your valuable opinions into consideration. Well then, shall we move on to the main topic??”

The soft air, as if chatting, changed in an instant..

Even Oliver can recognize it..

Now let's talk about serious business. Oliver wiped his mouth with a napkin and then adjusted his posture to sit down..

Carver opened his mouth..

“I carefully read the material Dave gave me last time. It's all information written by Dave about my past and the chosen people, as well as the Paterists and their investigation records that were dispatched to subdue them... I checked everything.”

“You must have been busy, thank you. Minister.”

“Not really. As I said before, the ones who are busy are the employees below, so the Minister is free..”

lie.

“Also, the content that Dave gave was quite interesting, so it wasn't particularly difficult..”

Sincerity.

“First of all, let me say thank you. Thank you for telling me honestly that you are a god worshiped by a pseudo-religion..”

“······Are you surprised??”

“hmm······. To be honest, I was surprised, but I wasn't that surprised either. I was already very shocked by the Magic Tower incident, so my emotions were a bit worn out..”

“ah······.”

“A person who was a secret test subject of the Magic Tower is famous as a back alley troubleshooter, so why is it so strange that he is worshiped as a pseudo-god in a small town? This may sound incoherent, but let's just leave it at that..”

“then-”

Just as Oliver opened his mouth, Carver raised his hand..

“The world is truly complex and confusing. You can tell just by looking at the newspapers piled up on my desk..”

“hmm······. I agree.”

“Thank goodness. So sometimes it may be wise to go simple. Could you please answer my question first??”

“Please tell me.”

When Oliver answered, Carver's eyes lit up..

“Ultimately, what Dave wants is for the city to allow the chosen people to establish a foundation in Landa and to protect them from the Paterism.?”

“Yes, for your information, all those selected will stop their religious activities, including the religious leaders..”

“Yes, I read that from the material you provided. Are you going to change the organization into a community of people who choose? Can I tell you my honest feelings??”

Oliver nodded..

“I bet that will never happen.”

Sincerity. Carver was sincere..

“Because faith is not something that disappears or can be eliminated that easily. I know this because I have seen cults a few times while living in Randa. It's not something that suddenly disappears just because someone tells it to disappear. Even if that... Even if it's a new party..”

“I am not god.”

“Of course I know. It's just that you are a god to them... Oh, by the way, don't get me wrong. Just because he was worshiped as a god doesn't mean Dave has any dark glasses. Pseudo-religions that worship people are a bit more unexpected than you might think, so even if you're not familiar with them, it's not that surprising. People at the bottom of society always look for comfort from someone..”

“oh······. Is that so?”

“yes. If you want, I can teach you later. But for now, let's focus on our topic... In short, the chosen people will not have given up their faith in Mr. Dave. I said I would just do it because I wanted to be by Dave's side..”

Oliver couldn't deny Carver's words..

In fact, after meeting and breaking up with Jane, Marie stopped the religious activities of the chosen people and asked that the individual members of the organization, including herself, be left free to believe, even though she promised to change the organization to a community..

And Oliver agreed with that..

From Marie's point of view, she had already made a lot of concessions, so it would have been a shame to ask for any more, and at the same time, it would have been a bit much for her to interfere with her personal freedom..

This is a problem that can be gradually persuaded..

Oliver admitted the fact and told it to Carver..

“Aren’t you admitting it too obediently??”

“The Minister said this in the past. If there is something that is likely to cause damage to the city, please let me know in advance. I agreed.”

“I remember.”

“That's why I told you. Because it's a promise... Also, honestly, I think it's polite for me to tell you the whole situation..”

under······. Carver sighed inwardly..

Call it honest, upright, foolish, or incomprehensible. It was not easy to define.

The problem was that either way was quite burdensome..

I feel pressured that I shouldn't use the tricks that are running rampant on Landa on this person..

“Minister.”

“yes.”

“I promise you one thing. Even if we do not abandon our personal beliefs, we will ensure that those who choose will never embarrass the city with religious issues while they are in Landa..”

“I trust Dave's credibility, but they aren't very trustworthy. Because I don’t know them... What will you do if they don't keep their promises??”

“Then, I will kill you..”

The short but firm answer sent a chill down Carver's spine just a little..

“······I'm going to kill you?”

“Yes, it's a promise. They also agreed.”

her······. Carver didn't know what to say..

Now that I think about it, I think he said he signed a credit contract like that when he helped with the contract between the fighter crew and the crime firm... Seeing it in person was incredibly believable and creepy..

If interpreted differently, it could mean that this side will be killed too..

“Um, can I ask you one more question??”

“yes. Please tell me.”

“What would you do if we didn't help you and asked you to leave??”

“I have no choice but to take him with me and leave..”

take me with you and leave.

Oliver made a loud noise without any hesitation..

“Are you saying you're leaving together??”

“yes.”

“Even though I say this, don't you think the reputation and experience you've built up as a troubleshooter at Landa are a waste??”

Oliver thought for a moment and answered..

“To be honest, it's a waste. I like this city, and I like the people of this city... But it can't be helped. It would be a burden for the city if we couldn't accept the people who chose..”

“Dave, if you're on your own, you'll be fine. There is an organization called Magic Tower that guarantees Mr. Dave’s identity.-”

“-I think we'll find out more later... Also, I want to help those who choose until they settle down somewhere else..”

“Are you worried about them??”

“hmm······. It seems so.”

It was truly unexpected.

I'm worried. It was a universal feeling, but Dave, the problem solver, was so unique that it felt awkward..

But if you think I'm lying, that's not true..

‘I feel dizzy. He seems really worried, but if he breaks his promise again, he'll kill me... It won't work. It won't work. What matters is the core, and the core is profit and loss..’

After clearing his mind, Carver opened his mouth..

“After reviewing the data I received from Dave, I reported it to several city council members. And they accepted Mr. Dave's demands and expressed their intention to protect him from the Paterism..”

“Is that true?”

I could see with my own eyes that he was serious, but Oliver asked so I checked again..

“Yes, of course, it hasn't been decided for sure and it will take some time. I have to persuade other lawmakers and coordinate various things. For example, where to place the people who make the choices, and what to ask of Dave... I hope you understand. Even if it's an unofficial alliance, these deals need to be clear about back and forth..”

“I understand and have no complaints at all. Rather, I am just grateful for the city's kindness..”

“I'm glad to hear that..”

“Could you please ask how long it will take??”

“I can't tell you the specific time. It's a political issue, and politics is like cooking, so you need to approach it leisurely and not in a hurry..”

“ah······. I know a similar story too.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, politics is like sausage. The reason is that if you know the process-”

“-The rumors are true..”

“Rumors?”

“Yes, Dave is not a person who should joke..”

Oliver looked silently at Carver, the city's Minister of the Interior..

***

click. click. click. click. Tiririk! Tiririk! Tiri━Dalkak!

[Are you?]

A gentle voice was heard over the city's internal communication device..

“Yes, Senator. hello?”

[How are you? Today again, I opened my eyes in bed and got up on my own two legs..]

The congressman joked about his advanced age. Carver didn't say anything and went straight to the point..

“I came and did as I said..”

[Right. Now I have to pray that this is a good choice..]

“I think it's a good choice.”

[I don't think so because of your personal favor toward Dave the Fixer.?]

“I won't deny it. I personally like him. It's rare to see someone with both skills and credibility. Of course, the congressman knows that too, so he followed my advice..”

The congressman responded with silence to Carver's counterattack..

It was Carver himself who persuaded Dave to grant his request, but it was the congressman who accepted..

In other words, the congressman also agreed that it would be a shame to abandon Oliver..

“Personally, I think Rep. Jeon’s choice was right. The world is so chaotic, with the College of Loculi in Gallos, the rebels in Northland, the Red Man Warlocks in the New World, the Anti-Development Committee stirring again, the Central Council continuing to put pressure on the royal family... In the midst of this, it is very painful to lose a competent and trustworthy problem solver..”

[In return, it came into conflict with Paterism.?]

The congressman spoke like an idiot. You must have already done all the calculations and decided..

However, knowingly being deceived is a virtue in this world. Carver immediately rebutted.

“I think it will be okay. We also have a lot to put pressure on the Pater Church. It's not a story to be told using a communication device... Above all, we are a free city. What is the reason to be concerned about religious people??”

No words were heard over the communication device, but Carver could feel the congressman smiling..

This was Landa’s pride. Freedom, pride, wealth, and calling nobles and religious people naughty..

Carver hits the final nail.

“Above all, from a long-term perspective, it is in Landa's interest to help Dave. I don't know if it was intentional or not, but Dave has built a good relationship with not only our city, but also Sisterhood, Crime Firm, and some of the property owners. Like Hogu, he takes on and solves difficult tasks with ease. However, if we get rid of him so easily, no one will trust the city. Just as we evaluate people, people will also evaluate us. so-”

[-good. I understand. I didn't know I'd be nagging at this age..]

“Then, other lawmakers······?”

[Let me try to persuade you a bit. You prepare a formal report and keep an eye on Dave..]

“Yes, I understand.”

[For your information, you'll need to keep a close eye on it. Don't think too easily.]

“yes? what is that······?”

[Oh, I was just wondering if you thought that now that I had something to protect, it would be easier to control and monitor Dave... is not it?]

Carver couldn't deny it. Because he didn't think about it at all..

Of course, I had no intention of using Dave like a pawn, but I thought I could tie his hands and feet if necessary..

When people have something to protect, they become weak..

[It's not a wrong idea, but you should be careful. There is nothing as weak as a human being who has something to protect, but on the other hand, there is nothing more dangerous. It's like a double-edged sword... Did you understand??]

“······I understand and will keep in mind.”

[That's a good attitude. Keep in mind. Because it’s a truly ugly world.]

***

A small town in the center of the continent.

This town once had a name, but now it doesn't..

Because I was dying..

There were seven residents, all of whom were old, and most of them were now dead, leaving only one alive..

This 80-year-old man lying in a crumbling shack..

He was now so weak that it was even difficult to breathe. He was so tired that he didn't even have the energy to shoo away the flies that landed on his eyelids..

living corpse.

There were only two things he could do..

One was waiting for death to come, and the other was just looking at the stranger beyond the broken plank door..

A very, very strange stranger with a hood over his head.······.

He seemed to be waiting for someone, and eventually someone came..

The old man is a man who got out of a fancy car that he has never seen in his life, and a boy who rides a strange bird with a human face and insect wings..

haha······.

The old man laughed helplessly. He seemed to be having a nightmare. nightmare.

Even when I was alive, I lived a nightmare-like life, and even after I die, I see nightmares..

The old man closed his eyes, feeling great despair. And he never rose again.

“Thank you all for coming.”

A village where everyone is dying. The hooded stranger said.

The stranger was a very old man. Elderly people can be seen everywhere.

“It seems like we see each other often these days. Mr. Puppet.”

said a burly man who got out of a very expensive looking vehicle..

Even though I was wearing a neat suit, I could indirectly feel my strong muscles..

“Because you wanted to see me. chef.”

“I have something to ask... By the way, was that kid called by Puppet??”

The human meat chef pointed to the night sky..

A strange bird with black feathers was descending from the night sky..

A strange bird with a woman's head and insect wings.

Of course, what the human meat chef was referring to was not a monster, but an orange-haired boy riding on that monster..

“haha! Nice to meet you old people!”

A lively boy with orange hair said hello cheerfully and jumped from the bird..

He did not have the slightest fear or intimidation even when facing the two fingers representing the black hand..

Because he was also one of the fingers..

“Thanks for coming. Pan.”

The puppet greeted the orange-haired boy, and the boy grinned..

“I thought there would be an interesting story. kick!”