LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 109
109. Those Who Meddle In Fate
That day, Count Benedict Laffiel visited the Adventurers’ Guild headquarters.
The headquarters were in the Holy Kingdom Ludhiroum, about a two-day journey from the royal capital of Adonis. The busy count had spared his precious time to visit the headquarters to express his gratitude to the guild.
The Demon General Gyrasvrim, and Dialva— High-ranking demons had attacked the Kingdom of Adonis twice.
In that battle, the adventurers had played a major role.
“Welcome, Count Laffiel, after such a long journey.”
It was Theodora Cruel, the Guild Master, who greeted him.
Her black hair flowed down to her waist, and she had a tall, slender figure. She was an ageless beauty with a captivating air about her.
“Thank you for saving our kingdom during the recent demon general’s attack. Therefore, we wish to offer support to the guild from our kingdom—”
Laffiel expressed his thanks courteously and offered financial aid to the guild.
In addition, he showed tangible sincerity by offering powerful magical weapons—Magic Missiles, essential for battling demons and magical beasts.
The production of Magic Missiles required a large amount of rare magical crystals, so this, too, could be considered part of the financial aid.
After the formal business was concluded, their conversation shifted to casual talk.
“Is the Kingdom of Adonis cursed or something? Lately, you’ve been targeted by some truly terrifying demons one after another.”
Theodora smirked. Despite the serious topic of a nation’s crisis, her face showed a strange sense of amusement.
“According to reports, these demons possess power surpassing even Class S demons and magical beasts. The Six Demon Generals who serve the Demon King—those legends seem to be true.”
“There’s likely some significance behind the appearance of such powerful demons. It’s no coincidence that our kingdom has been targeted in succession.”
Laffiel responded.
“Is there something in Adonis? Or perhaps—”
Theodora’s eyes gleamed sharply.
“Is someone there? Someone so significant that the demons are paying attention?”
“Well, is there such a person?”
Laffiel met her sharp gaze calmly.
“Unfortunately, our kingdom has no one worthy of being called a hero. Unlike the Holy Kingdom of Ludhiroum.”
“Speaking of which, I heard a certain adventurer played a key role in both incidents.”
As if seeing through Laffiel’s thoughts, Theodora inquired.
“Oh?”
“Don’t play dumb. Haruto Riva. I’ve been conducting my own investigations.”
(So, she knows that much?)
Laffiel raised an eyebrow slightly at the Guild Master, who seemed to be aware of their actions.
“I thought I might recruit such a promising talent, so I conducted a little investigation.”
“Recruit? Hmph.”
Theodora snorted.
“I heard even ‘the indifferent’ Luca Avesta had high praise for him.”
“In the battles against Gyrasvrim and Dialva—the Demon Generals—it seems his fighting style was something worth paying attention to. Though not quite on the level of an S-ranked adventurer.”
—Officially, it was said that the Demon Generals were repelled by the efforts of S-ranked adventurers, but Laffiel had heard a slightly different story.
Reports were suggesting that he might possess abilities beyond even S-rank. If someone fought that well not just once but twice, it wouldn’t be mere luck or coincidence, but real skill.
“I wonder. He might even surpass the S-ranked adventurers—”
Just as Theodora was about to finish her sentence, her eyes sharpened even more.
“—Who are you?”
Following her gaze, Laffiel also turned around.
“How did you get in here?”
Without the sound of a door opening, or even a hint of their presence— A single girl stood there.
She wore the traditional garb of an eastern shrine maiden.
The Guild headquarters had far stricter security than most kingdoms. To slip through it so easily would require a person of great power—
Laffiel, now filled with dread, raised his guard to the maximum. And then—
“Please forgive my rudeness, Count. Guild Master.”
From behind the shrine maiden, another woman appeared.
“You are—?”
She looked to be in her late twenties. With her golden, wavy hair and bewitching beauty, she exuded a seductive charm.
Her rose-colored dress was designed to emphasize her voluptuous figure, radiating an alluring sensuality.
“My name is Vanessa Millet, and this is Electra Lavana.”
Vanessa introduced herself.
Laffiel remembered meeting her at a court ball. She was the wife of Duke Millet, one of the great nobles of the Kingdom of Adonis, just like himself.
“The wife of Duke Millet? What business brings someone like you here?”
Theodora frowned.
“We have come to discuss a matter privately with you both.”
Vanessa smiled.
“We are searching for someone. It appears they are an adventurer affiliated with the guild—could you tell us their whereabouts?”
The girl in shrine maiden garb—Electra—spoke.
“Someone…?”
“Sefiria Rize. An adventurer nicknamed ‘Lucky’.”
“…Never heard of that name.”
Laffiel furrowed his brow.
“Her rank is C. She’s somewhat known, but compared to the top ranks like S or A, her name isn’t well-known at all.”
Electra explained.
“On the quests she takes, there are an unusually high number of adventurer casualties. In some cases, she’s the only one who returns after the entire party is wiped out—hence, her nickname ‘Lucky.'”
Though unofficial, as nicknames were usually only allowed for S-rank adventurers.
“Hmm…”
“I hear she’s quite capricious. She occasionally stops by the guild to take on quests, then disappears for weeks at a time. Even we haven’t been able to track her movements. But—”
A faint light shone from Electra’s chest.
“The goddess of fate is Maneuver: Nightmare Vision.”
Her clear, bell-like voice rang out. The light from her chest grew brighter.
“Not far into the future, we are all destined to meet her.”
“Destined to meet”—a strange phrase. As if the future was already set in stone.
“She is—the one who will intervene in both our fates and yours. The final one with the power.”
Electra’s smile was cold.