MV – Chapter 153: The Invitation and the Minor Villain

Toko was left stunned. The scene unfolding before him was unexpected and, by even the most optimistic judgment, this outcome spelled trouble for him —at worst, it was catastrophic.

“T-This is…disastrous! I’ve ended up trapping the successor of the Shukou family! Who set up this teleport trap? It’s a top-tier magical artifact, something so rare now that it can only be found in ancient ruins!” (Toko)

He foolishly yelled about it, and realized too late the stupidity of his words and went pale.

“What’s going on here? Are you saying that you set up such a trap on Lan -I mean, Arata?” 

Arata’s lover closed in on Toko, her face flushed with anger. Her sharp beauty only intensified her glare, making Toko shrink back at her mere gaze.

Well, of course. There’s only one person here who could use such a rare magical tool: the next head of the Yoroizuka family. 

And come to think of it, this dojo, despite being brand new, is completely empty. He was the one who invited them here, and there was a magic circle already placed inside. There’s no need for a third party’s investigation. He looked totally guilty.

(But I didn’t do it.) (Toko)

“Why would I set up such an obvious trap?! Anyone can tell this would point straight at me! And we’re talking about the Shukou family on the dramatical rise here! Now that I think about it, why did I even suggest a duel over something so trivial?” (Toko)

“Didn’t you simply think it is exactly because you are so obviously the one that it is instead not the case? Didn’t you think you could cover it up, relying on the power of the Yoroizuka family?” (Chihiro)

Hands on her hips, Chihiro pressed the accusation, but…

(Even if it’s a trap, Lan wouldn’t die from it, right? He’d probably come back unfazed as ever.) (Chihiro)

She had no real basis, but her intuition told her as much, so she wasn’t actually that mad.

(More importantly, isn’t this a chance to squeeze as much money as I can out of the Yoroizuka family and proudly present it to Lan?) (Chihiro)

Chihiro feigned anger and mentally prepared herself to demand compensation from the Yoroizuka family.

Seeing the two noisily bickering, the trio of Toko’s followers smiled faintly but didn’t interfere. Toko and Chihiro were too busy arguing to notice.

◇◇

A world cloaked in darkness. Not a shred of light pierced through, leaving only Libra’s body to glow. Lanpeach had the stupid thought that this was pointlessly increasing the divine aura of Libra.

Lanpeach frowned at the voice that was coming from somewhere.

“Hiring me for Harkein, huh? That’s unexpected, and while I appreciate the headhunting from such a major company, do you understand what this means?” (Lanpeach)

Though a bit flattered by the headhunting offer, Lanpeach, who had no prior experience with anything like it in his previous life, couldn’t help but grin slightly as he responded.

“I understand what it means. You’re a human hunter with the strength to take down even an immortal demon. Recruiting someone as talented as you is only natural, don’t you think?”

That was a fair point for the forces of evil. Rather than making an enemy, recruiting someone with good conditions made strategic sense.

“This feels a bit too modern for my taste. So, what’s the contract like?” (Lanpeach)

[Wait, Soldier?! You don’t have to ask about the terms! Why would you even ask that?!] (Libra)

A minor villain is always scheming to betray someone. Asking such questions is just in a villain’s nature, as is the fate to eventually get betrayed and meet a grim end.

“It’s simple. We’ll grant you eternal life and unthinkable wealth. Specifically, you’d be promoted to a managing director or senior executive which is a core position in the Harkein Company. The signing bonus and benefits would secure you a life of luxury for all eternity.” 

“…Isn’t this where you should be offering me ‘half the world’ or some impossible prize instead? Then after being given that ‘promise’ of ‘half the world’, I’d fall into darkness like some perverted hero in boomerang underwear! This is a bit too realistic, and it’s shaking my resolve. Is it a salaried position? You’re not going to terminate me on a whim like an overseas company, right?” (Lanpeach)

Lanpeach considered betrayal after pondering the tempting conditions. His loyalty was even shakier than Lu Bu’s, who could be bought off with the Red Hare steed.

[You must not, Soldier! You got this strong thanks to me and the Space Library!] (Libra)

Libra squeezed Lanpeach’s neck and hissed wildly as she rampaged.

“Rest assured. We offer lifetime employment. Although we do have temp workers, the gap between their conditions and those of regular employees is stark. Unlike temps, full-timers enjoy benefits, easy access to paid leave, and even long-term sick leave if they need it. Our parental leave system is also fully established.”

The speaker hinted indirectly that temp workers were disposable. Lanpeach couldn’t help but reflect on this terrible system while slightly horrified.

“I will consider it seriously, so may I ask a couple of questions first?” (Lanpeach)

“Of course. Hiring top talent requires thorough discussions.”

“Alright, first question: Is Toko involved in this trap, or is it those three followers of his?” (Lanpeach)

If Toko’s involved, then he’s a master actor. He’d better keep a close eye on him if he’s involved.

The speaker probably wouldn’t answer honestly, but Lanpeach asked with no real hope, only to be met with a soft chuckle.

“Heh, neither he nor any of his associates know about the trap. It’s pure coincidence. And the lover you secretly suspect also knows nothing.”

The speaker casually informed him that he was suspecting Chihiro. Although Lanpeach doubted she’d betray him, he had considered that she might be under someone’s control. He still trusted Chihiro despite appearances.

“Second question, then. Do you realize what your contact with me signifies? You’ve revealed that the Harkein Company still operates, not as an ancient relic but as a current entity. That’s a critical issue.” (Lanpeach)

This wasn’t just recruitment. That demon calling itself a Night Stalker had been dormant since ancient times, with no real connection to the present.

(But by contacting me, Harkein is declaring that it is active behind the scenes. This is incredibly important…) (Lanpeach)

For some reason, the soft chuckling continued.

“The Hunter Guild is aware of our existence. I’m surprised they haven’t told you yet. We’re waging an underground war, you know?” 

Lanpeach turned his head like a rusty, worn-out tin villain, and cast a wary look at Libra. 

(Seriously? Why didn’t you tell me this?) (Lanpeach)

[Well, there’s no point in bringing it up now, right? What could you do, anyway? I’m always here with you. Or more like, I am attached to you. So you forgive me, don’t you? Squeeze!] (Libra)

[Yeah, I guess you got a point. I probably wouldn’t have bothered with it even if you told me.] (Lanpeach) 

Today’s encounter has a lot of skin involved, is what he thought, as Libra was showing off her chest more than usual and pressed against his face. Anything is fine as long as it is soft.

“Fufufu, I believe you now understand your position. The Hunter Guild mistreats you, and they’re likely siphoning off a large part of your earnings! If you keep working as hard as you do, you’ll be cut loose by middle age. Why not leverage the guild as a stepping stone, skill up, and secure a bright future as a full-time employee at a new company?  The Harkein Company has freedom. The idea of being able to get as many jobs as you want is an illusion. After 40, job prospects quickly dry up!”

The persuasive force of these words was overwhelming. Frankly, the Harkein Company sounded more reasonable by the second. Adventurers in fantasy worlds are expendable assets for their guilds, and the modern Hunter Guild feels no different.

The minor villain’s resolve wavered. He seriously considered switching to the Harkein Company. There’s a high chance he would have betrayed them if not for Libra’s warmth and softness. Her warmth, of course, refers to her heart, okay? Not physically, okay?

He barely held himself back, took a shallow breath, and steadied his focus.

“Alright, last question. What is this place? My Dimension Pouch doesn’t work, and I can’t get any signal. It feels completely isolated. Why wait until I was defenseless?” (Lanpeach)

He has been trying to pull gear from the Dimension Pouch for a while now, but it wouldn’t open, and his calls to Mira weren’t going through.

“Kusukusukusu. That’s precisely because we’ve prepared for the possibility of refusal. This is the next stage of Harkein’s strategy if headhunting fails.”

The unending laughter prompted a sigh. Got it.

“This space is the interval of [Instant]. An interdimensional gap. No assistance will reach here. I trust you understand what refusal might entail?”

“Fumu… If I refuse here, does that mean I’ll be left stranded in this space?” (Lanpeach)

“We would also take a more direct approach.”

With that, a menacing aura crept in from all around.

“Now then, let’s make a contract. If you stake your name and soul, it will be binding. What will you do?”

Looks like this isn’t an ordinary contract. No surprise there. it must be a classic demonic contract.

“My answer is: I’ll take it home and review it positively. You don’t know where the loopholes are if you don’t read the fine print -especially with a soul-binding contract like this!” (Lanpeach)

“Understood. It’s a perfectly reasonable response. Then, until we seal the contract, you remain a Hunter and, thus, an enemy, so…”

There was a snapping sound of fingers.

“Until then, we’ll be aiming for your life as well. Don’t hold it against us, alright?”

“Fine, I won’t. But don’t come back asking me to cover repair costs if I wreck this place, okay?” (Lanpeach)

“Fufufu, let’s see how long your spirit holds without equipment. Best of luck, Hunter.”

The speaker’s presence vanished, and a threatening aura gathered around Lanpeach.

“When headhunting, addressing someone by name is standard. It’s a great way to build goodwill.” (Lanpeach)

Reading the opponent’s intent, Lanpeach took his stance and grinned defiantly.

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