I Reincarnated as a Mob Villain in a Game World I Had Been Playing~ Using My Knowledge of the Game, I Lived a Carefree Life but for Some Reason I Became Famous Everywhere~ - Chapter 13 - Treasure Hunters’ Association ② (Branch Manager’s POV)

Chapter 13 – Treasure Hunters’ Association ② (Branch Manager’s POV)

The manager wondered when was the last time he received this much attention.

The branch manager—Garagh—approached the jet-black, somehow fixing his twitching face, gulping hard and making his first speech.

“…W-Welcome to the Ardia Branch Treasure Hunters’ Association.”

At that moment, several bursts of laughter could be heard.

This kind of thing is basically the job of the receptionist.

Garagh has never been seen like this in public, nor does he use polite language in a down-to-earth manner.

It was a rare thing, but there was no other choice—

Those who laughed just now, prepare yourself. You don’t understand anything…

It was precisely because the situation was serious and not to be taken lightly that it became even more bothersome when people seemed indifferent or unaware of it.

In fact, high-ranking treasure hunters and those who know Garagh well were speechless. They were stunned.

As if saying, “Is that person really someone to be feared to that extent?”

And the only reply from the jet-black, whose face was hidden by his armor, was a single word…

“…Ah, yeah.”

He seemed a little flustered, but it could only have been imagination.

This jet-black man still hasn’t given any of his information…

There was no indication of expanding the conversation at all.

It wasn’t like the man was bad at talking, but rather he was standing around trying not to give away information about himself.

The possibility that the man is a treasure hunter belonging to the Vertal, a secret organization under the direct control of the Imperial Capital, was becoming increasingly likely.

I mean, there’s no benefit for a mere treasure hunter to do this kind of thing…

Even Garagh doesn’t have inside information on Werthall, but it was easy to see why the man would act the way he does.

The manager proceeded without being passive, so as not to be perceived as unkind.

“How can I help you today?”

“…W-Well…”

“Y-Yes?”

“Well… I’m just visiting the Association.”

“…Visit?”

“A-Am I not allowed?”

“N-No! Nothing like that!”

Garagh was no fool. While watching the reaction, he used his head at the same time.

I guess this visit is just a reconnaissance… Don’t underestimate me…

No one comes to the Association for silly reasons like ‘I want to have a look around’. Because that’s the way it’s always been.

‘Since it’s just the branch manager, a poor excuse will be enough.’ Thinking he was underestimated by the jet-black, Garagh remained calm.

Wait, this situation is…

As soon as the manager changed his mind, the jet-black turned towards the manager.

‘There’s no way I wouldn’t know the information circulating within the association. Do you think you need to come up with a clever deception?’It was as if the jet-black said this.

He understood more than anyone else that time is finite, so he was saying not to waste it. 

The reason why the man could take such a challenging approach is because he is hiding his appearance. 

And it’s probably because he’s mastered multiple weapons and is even wearing multiple pieces of armor.

It is clear that the man has made an effort to avoid being identified.

Truly unbelievable… He can even see through my thoughts…

The man saw the manager’s face at that timing. There was no other way to interpret it.

At that moment, the manager became convinced that the man was from Vertal.

This is what they call “being outclassed”…

Garagh is a man who used to make a name for himself as a treasure hunter.

He was a man who dreamed of belonging to the rumored secret organization Vertal, but couldn’t get scouted, no matter how much fame he gained…

Although he was dissatisfied because of his admiration, he understood when he saw the real thing—The jet black in front of him. He realized that he was not good enough yet.

Hmph, he’s a monster indeed…

Garagh showed respect, wiping his cold sweat.

He felt somewhat refreshed. He was glad the jet black was on his side.

‘Get the hell out of here and go back to the Imperial Capital…’ This feeling was no longer present in Garagh.

“If you’re here for a visit, would you like to visit the branch manager’s office?”

“…Are you sure?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Then… Lead the way.”

“Then come this way.”

Only the highest-ranking treasure hunters and the receptionist are allowed in the branch manager’s office. But Garagh himself guided the jet black into the special place.

＊＊＊＊

“……”

“……”

“……”

The A-rank party maintained silence until the pitch-black figure disappeared from the ground floor.

The three men, now ranked the highest of the treasure hunters in the Association, exhaled loudly.

“H-Hey. What do you think of him? I couldn’t help but feel like he was deliberately showing an opening and trying to lure us in…”

“He wanted to provoke the treasure hunter members of the Association, right? With such impressive equipment, yet so many openings, there’s no doubt about his intentions.”

“If the branch chief hadn’t warned us, someone would have fallen for it completely… He didn’t get the response he wanted because no one took the bait, so he quickly revealed his true intention, showing that imposing pressure…”

“If Garagh-san was even being that cautious, I can only imagine how unstoppable that jet black would be once he starts unleashing his full power…”

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t the Association share more information with everyone…?”

“Maybe he’s someone with high status…”

Despite the many opinions expressed, there was one thing all three agree on.

The jet black was a complete battle maniac.

“If we’re no match for him… Then who would win if that jet black fights with the S rank?”

“I’m glad the S rank was on an adventure in the first place.”

“They would have definitely clashed, wouldn’t they… That S rank has such a beautiful face but she’s a battle maniac, it’s a shame…”

The man, who had already raised the bar for himself, unintentionally created misunderstandings that cascade one after another.

Even though he had no such intentions, he ended up being perceived as deliberately showing openings.

The jet black had no way of knowing that he was gradually becoming more and more pitiful.