LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 254.2
Chapter 254.2. After Defending Hakata
I remember the first time I met Ohki-kun and can’t help but chuckle. Nostalgic… he tried to punch me back then, didn’t he?
“Or maybe it’s that you were trembling in fear?”
“It wasn’t exactly the friendliest of encounters, that’s for sure.”
Ignoring Yukihana’s skeptical expression, I shrug and check the loot by opening the exchange store.
[You have obtained 1 Rare Monster Core B]
[You have obtained 2246 Monster Core B]
[You have obtained 4869 Monster Core C]
Alright, good enough. I’ve also picked up a few other Rare B Cores, plus one Special Core B from a monster I managed to take down before it showed up during the stampede. This makes the fifth B-Rank dungeon cleared. The total of B Cores collected has surpassed 10,000.
“Your status doesn’t go up from this anymore, so there’s not much benefit, Master.”
“Next, it’s gotta be an S-Rank, right? Having that level of dungeon pop up constantly would be a pain, though. And getting so many B-Rank cores is a big win—at least from the company’s perspective.”
As I start walking toward the city, Yukihana pouts and mutters in a bored tone. Her comment is very much her style, and I grin as I tread over the rubble.
That should wrap up the high-level dungeons in this area. Now, I’ll leave the rest to Karin, Yukihana, and Ohki-kun. I plan to focus on my role as the company’s CEO.
I stop as I see the welcoming jeep approaching and think about how to handle the upcoming discussions.
Even in what was supposed to be the safe inner city, Hakata had taken hits from the monsters. I spot buildings with gaping holes from lava projectiles, and homes and shops toppled over.
Sitting in the jeep’s backseat, I look around and feel a twinge of sadness, thinking of those who couldn’t be saved in Hakata’s ruined streets. Though, the people of this area were wiped out more than three years ago, so there’s no point in feeling regret, only sorrow.
I aim to be the world’s savior, but I’m not arrogant enough to think I can save everyone, nor am I the type to dwell on it.
“We’ve arrived, Amano-san.”
“Thanks, you saved me the trouble. Thought I’d have to walk. Here, this is for the fare.”
The driver announces our arrival, and I hand him a C-Rank monster core in thanks. He looks at it curiously, so I explain.
“The Adventurers’ Guild’s temporary branch should be open, so you can probably sell this there for 30,000 yen.”
“Oh, thank you! I’ll cash it in later.”
Hearing the amount, the driver pockets the core with a happy grin and nods gratefully, and I wave him off as I head into the building in front of me.
It’s a rugged concrete structure, the kind that screams “command center.” All the windows have metal bars, and the outer walls are left in bare, gray cement.
There’s a sentry at the entrance, but no one bothers to question me. Either they know who I am, or they’re too distracted by Yukihana, who’s dressed in a kimono that teases a bit of her chest.
“You’re relentless in promoting the Adventurers’ Guild, aren’t you, Master?”
Knowing why I’ve been so generous with the monster cores, Yukihana chuckles. Promoting ourselves is essential. Small actions now can yield big gains later.
“Let’s spread monster cores all around. It’s called a ‘core distribution policy.’ Once people realize they can sell these, everyone will flock to the Adventurers’ Guild.”
We chat as we walk down the building’s hallways, our footsteps echoing on the concrete floors.
“Won’t the people here buy up the monster cores instead of the Guild?”
“Well, it’s too good a deal to pass up, so it’s natural to think that way. But our track record is different. I’ll just smile and say, ‘Leave monster core buybacks to Amatsugahara Corporation.’ My presentation skills are solid.”
“Blackmailing them by exploiting their vulnerabilities isn’t exactly a presentation.”
“It’s better than gunboat diplomacy, right? Well then, it’s time for this company man to get to work.”
As I reach my destination, I dismiss my shadow double. Looking approachable is important—putting them at ease right from the start.
First impressions are crucial. I’ll make this negotiation a success.