Chapter 46

A bustling scene stretched out before us within the city.

Even within my field of vision, there was a wide variety of races.

People were browsing stalls or engaging in heated price negotiations with shopkeepers.

The cluttered atmosphere was brimming with vitality.

The overall impression was almost identical to the Fortress City.

Since it was a city ruled by a Representative, I had imagined a more orderly streetscape, but apparently, that wasn’t the case.

I preferred this kind of atmosphere, so it was for the best.

It looked like it would be easy to live here.

If I were to point out a difference from the Fortress City, it would be the magnificent castle standing near the center of town.

It was many times larger than the surrounding buildings.

It towered over everything as if to make it known who the ruler was.

Even from a distance, it was so massive that I couldn’t grasp its entire silhouette.

Dorgu was likely in there.

The lead vehicle was also heading in the direction of the castle.

From here, it shouldn’t take much time.

That aside, something had been bothering me for a while.

The city folk who caught sight of the lead vehicle were quickly clearing the way.

To be precise, they were looking at the flag attached to the vehicle.

As expected, that emblem carried a significant meaning.

It was just a guess, but it was probably the symbol of Dorgu’s organization.

It seemed to wield great authority in this city.

Thanks to the crowds splitting in two along our path, we were able to drive comfortably as we followed behind.

We weren’t getting stuck in traffic at all.

“It’s just like Moses.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Just a metaphor.”

After that, we arrived at the castle without any notable incidents.

The castle was surrounded by a deep moat, with a bridge spanning across to the gate.

As we crossed the bridge, I peered down into the moat.

“Heh, interesting.”

Shark-like creatures were swimming in the water.

Was it a trap designed to eat anyone who fell in?

However, considering the maintenance costs, its practicality should be low.

With the technical level of this world, far better traps could be installed.

In that case, it was likely just a rich man’s pastime.

Given where they were being kept, I didn’t think they were for decoration.

Perhaps they were there for someone to enjoy the sight of people suffering after being dropped in.

It seemed a man with wonderful taste lived here.

Beyond the castle gate was a parking space.

Several vehicles were parked there.

These vehicles were equipped with armor and hatches.

They were constructed in a way that allowed them to fire mounted cannons.

“Tanks, huh?”

However, since they ran on tires rather than tracks, calling them armored cars would be more accurate.

In any case, they were undoubtedly combat vehicles.

It was just like an army.

They could start a war without exaggeration.

I stared at the armored cars and casually pondered ways to destroy them.

The first thing that flashed into my mind was landmines.

One could thrust up from beneath the chassis to cause a total functional failure.

If the tires were damaged, mobility would drop significantly.

Infiltrating the interior through a hatch wasn’t a bad idea either.

It would also be possible to hijack the vehicle and use it in a fight.

“Weapons development seems to be advanced. How intriguing.”

Alice seemed to be looking at the armored cars from a different perspective.

Apparently, she was searching for features that could be incorporated into the golem car.

At this rate, she might not just imitate them but upgrade and install them soon.

I’ll look forward to that in secret.

The lead vehicle slowed down and pulled up alongside the armored cars. Following suit, I brought the golem car to a stop nearby. The masked woman stepped out of her vehicle and approached us quietly.

“From here on, we proceed on foot. Anti-theft measures are in place, so please rest assured.”

“Understood. I’ll leave it to you.”

Led by the masked woman, we made our way into the castle. The interior was meticulously maintained to the last corner. Even if someone told me this was a King’s residence, I wouldn’t have doubted it for a second. In fact, it didn’t pale in comparison to the Imperial castle of the people who summoned me.

The private soldiers and servants moved to the side of the corridors and bowed the moment they saw the masked woman. They didn’t twitch until we had passed completely. It seemed the hierarchy was strictly enforced. And it was clear the masked woman held a considerably high rank.

Along the way, I asked something that had been on my mind.

“By the way, shouldn’t you take our weapons?”

“No. That is Lord Dorgu’s will.”

The masked woman replied instantly without breaking her stride. I was surprised by that answer. I couldn’t believe he would permit an audience while we were armed. It was unheard of.

Was Dorgu an utter fool?

Or did he have absolute confidence in his own strength?

I found myself feeling more than a little intrigued by this ruler named Dorgu.

“This way.”

After a while, the masked woman came to a halt. Before us stood a massive set of doors. Their height easily exceeded that of a man. What’s more, they looked sturdy. A standard bomb would probably struggle to do more than leave a dent.

“I have been told my guidance ends here. I shall take my leave now.”

Having said her piece, the masked woman turned on her heel and vanished. She was one-sided in her speech from beginning to end. A person loyal to orders. Like a robot. Left behind, I checked in with Alice.

“Are you mentally prepared?”

“Yes, no problem.”

Alice nodded with her usual composure. Being calm even in a place like this makes her reliable. I knocked on the door and then pushed it open. The doors creaked as they swung wide.

“—Ho. So you’re the one they call the Bomber.”

A low-frequency voice that made the floor vibrate hit my ears. Deep inside the vast room sat a throne adorned with jewels. The figure sitting there was the one who had spoken.

No—could you even call that a person?

The speaker possessed a giant frame comparable to an elephant. And that was while he was sitting. If he stood up, he’d easily be thirty feet tall. It goes without saying that he was many times larger than a human. It felt like my sense of perspective was breaking.

“Hey now, are you serious?”

I gave a wry smile at that nonsensical size. I had to laugh. It was clearly absurd.

“What is it? What’s so funny?”

The figure on the throne questioned me with an amused air. Eyes like a reptile’s directed a damp, heavy gaze toward me. I felt a prickly sensation of wrongness against my skin.

It was the kind caused by someone’s fighting spirit or intimidation.

It was the dread that only the strong emit.

It was the premonition of pure violence that could never be cultivated through status or honor.

It was something that evoked an instinctive fear.

‘As expected of another world. They really do whatever they want.’

Accepting reality, I shrugged my shoulders. Observing us from the throne was a demi-human with the head of a dragon. He wore black leather trousers and a fur mantle over his shoulders. A body covered in red scales peeked through. He was incredibly well-built.

I could tell even through the scales. It was the kind of level that would make a bodybuilder run away barefoot.

‘This guy is another outrageous monster.’

I scratched my cheek, exasperated. Eurea is a meritocracy. His visual was like the embodiment of that custom. I could understand why he’d call for someone like me. He was confident in his power and believed that a bit of trouble wouldn’t be an issue.

“A Great Dragon-Man—a crossbreed between the Giant race and a Dragon species. It’s a very rare race. It’s my first time seeing one, too.”

Alice added in a whisper. If he carried the blood of both giants and dragons, that size made sense.

“My name is Dorgu Vingria. I am the one who rules this city.”

“I’m Jack Aaron. This is my partner, Alice.”

I introduced myself in a casual tone in response to the Great Dragon-Man Dorgu. There was no need to be strangely formal. It was a declaration of intent that we would interact as equals. Dorgu didn’t get angry at my tone; instead, he laughed gently and continued.

“Ho-ho, I’ve heard the rumors. Didn’t you blow up that brat Ralph?”

“Sorry about that. Given the circumstances, I didn’t have much of a choice.”

I put on an apologetic face and laughed. To bring up the destruction of the organization right off the bat—as I thought, was this a summons to reprimand me for my actions?

If it could be settled with money, I intended to pay quietly. I had funds I’d plundered from several organizations. If I returned to the Fortress City, it was possible to earn more. An amicable solution was preferable. Contrary to my expectations, Dorgu shook his head and groaned.

“No. I don’t care about that. I have a different matter to discuss.”

“That’s got me curious. Tell me about it.”

When I replied, Dorgu’s smile deepened. Then, he spoke with a friendly atmosphere.

“—I’ve taken a liking to that power of yours! If you’re willing, why not become my subordinate?”