Chapter 47

I raised an eyebrow at Dorgu’s proposal.

Inviting me to join his ranks was entirely unexpected. It didn’t feel like he was joking either. Dorgu was genuinely trying to scout me.

Approaching him, I voiced my doubt.

“Are you sane? I’m the man who crushed your subordinate organizations. You don’t hold a grudge?”

“I don’t hold a shard of one. I value strength. You merely killed your enemies with that power of yours. Though the scales may differ, such things happen daily in this country.”

Dorgu spoke with ease and conviction. I sensed no falsehood; there was only the majesty and composure of a powerful man. This was undeniably his worldview.

“Besides, the organizations under my umbrella number in the hundreds. The ones you crushed don’t even amount to ten percent of that. There is no reason to care in the first place.”

“That’s a bold way of looking at it. I feel sorry for your subordinates who died.”

I couldn’t help but let out a wry smile. Then again, coming from me—the perpetrator—no one would be happy even if I did mourn them. That string of massacres had simply happened as a result of circumstance. It wasn’t a matter of who was right or wrong. The result was simply that I survived.

Meanwhile, Dorgu leaned forward slightly on his throne.

“We’ve strayed from the point, but I want you as my subordinate. Powerful individual combat assets are precious. I truly want you to become an ally.”

“Is there any merit in it for me?”

“I will guarantee your status across the entirety of Eurea. Within the scope of my ability, I will grant your requests. Money, women, honor—I will provide it all.”

If true, it was an incredibly sweet deal. And that’s why it was suspicious. In cases like this, there’s usually a catch. I wasn’t nearly pure enough to believe everything at face value.

I continued to throw questions his way while observing Dorgu’s demeanor.

“If I become your subordinate, what kind of work will I be doing?”

“I’ll have you involved in the management of assigned territories, problem-solving, and the expansion of distribution channels. I intend to place you as an executive. I want to entrust you with various duties.”

“An executive?”

Dorgu gave a calm nod to my surprise.

“You would be a subordinate reporting directly to me. A corresponding rank will be necessary.”

“What about the workload? Sorry, but I have a policy against being overly restricted.”

“I have no intention of binding your actions to an extreme. Basically, you are free to do as you please. I have other executives, after all. I will reduce the work sent your way as much as possible.”

Dorgu spoke with his hands spread wide. As I thought, there was no sign that he was lying. Even so, it all seemed a little too convenient for me.

No, that wasn’t it. Dorgu was an extremist when it came to meritocracy. At the moment he pulled a “Bomber” like me into his fold, it would already yield a corresponding profit for him. He seemed like the type who didn’t shy away from proactive investments. He saw a value in me worth stacking immense wealth upon.

“I highly evaluate your power. I like those crazed eyes of yours. They are the eyes of one who adores violence.”

“Don’t praise me so much. You’re not getting anything out of it.”

“I am not praising you. It is a mere fact. In Eurea, strength is everything. You have acclimated perfectly to that atmosphere. I seek such talent. Well? Give me your answer.”

Dorgu fell silent. He was waiting for my reply. To be honest, the conditions weren’t bad. Gaining the backing of the top man in Eurea was a huge advantage. He’d be an ideal patron. With my pockets lined, I could move forward with various research and developments. Getting back to my original world would surely draw closer as well.

I didn’t particularly mind serving under Dorgu either. I was a man who had lived as a soldier and a mercenary. I was used to give-and-take relationships. Even if he was the boss of a criminal organization, as long as the treatment was good, I had no resistance.

My mind made up, I gave Dorgu my answer.

“The deal is struck. I’ll become your—”

“Please wait.”

A voice rang out, cutting off my words. Looking over, I saw the masked woman standing at the entrance of the room.

She strode toward us with purposeful steps.

Witnessing this, Dorgu narrowed his eyes.

“Shuna, is it? What is the meaning of this? I don’t recall summoning you.”

“Please forgive my impertinence. This man is dangerous. Appointing him as an executive is somewhat premature.”

The masked woman, Shuna, spoke calmly.

Without sparing a glance for Alice or me, she walked straight toward Dorgu.

“It’s rare for you to offer an opinion. Did you not guide Jack here yourself?”

“I was not informed of the purpose of the summons. I assumed Lord Dorgu intended to personally deliver a punishment.”

“Are you that dissatisfied with me becoming an executive?”

Seeing no reason to remain a bystander, I spoke up.

“…”

Shuna stopped in her tracks and turned around.

A frigid gaze from behind the mask flickered over me for an instant.

“I am. I have reviewed the reports of your conduct within Eurea. I do not believe you are suited to be an executive.”

Shuna answered firmly.

The way she said it irritated me slightly.

To be summoned one-sidedly only to be treated like this—she talked as if I were the one in the wrong.

I stepped one foot forward.

In that posture, I locked eyes with Shuna.

“Why don’t you try licking my boots? If you do, I might consider declining.”

“Nonsense—”

Having received the insult, Shuna released a wave of bloodlust.

Her presence suggested she might strike at any moment.

If she made a move, I’d kill her without hesitation.

It would be self-defense.

I doubted Dorgu would blame me.

Just as I reached for the handgun at my waist, Alice stepped in front of me.

She pushed me back while addressing Shuna.

“Don’t lay a hand on him.”

“Alice.”

“Leave this to me.”

Alice refused to budge.

Was she angry?

Since she was standing in front of me, I couldn’t see her expression.

“…”

Shuna stared intently at Alice.

Suddenly, her hand blurred.

“Lord Dorgu made no mention of your treatment.”

Immediately after muttering that, Shuna lunged toward us.

A knife was gripped in her hand.

The soundless movement was that of a first-rate assassin.

The moment Shuna stepped into range, a blue, translucent barrier deployed in front of Alice.

Defense magic.

It was strikingly similar to the shield function installed on the golem car.

The multi-layered barrier caught the thrusting knife.

“…Tch.”

Shuna gave a small click of her tongue.

Though a large portion of it was destroyed, the barrier had fully blocked the knife.

The blade did not reach Alice.

The barrier, having fulfilled its duty, rippled slightly.

Then, its surface sharpened like a bed of needles and extended outward with great force.

Sensing it instantly, Shuna leapt back to take evasive action.

Upon landing, she looked down at her own limbs.

Her black clothing was shredded, and dripping blood stained the floor.

The mask she wore also bore a small scratch.

Alice, dispelling the defense magic, pulled a pendant from her breast pocket.

It was an item adorned with blue crystals and silver filigree.

Without even her breathing being disturbed, she spoke.

“You assumed you could kill a mage before they could finish an incantation. I’d prefer you didn’t underestimate me.”

I placed a hand on Alice’s shoulder.

Flicking my eyes toward Shuna while brandishing my handgun, I asked.

“Want to keep going? Fine by me. I’ll put a lead ball through your brain. You’ll be in the next world in an instant.”

“…”

Shuna remained silent.

The hand holding the knife twitched as if to move.

“That is enough. If a side show goes on too long, it loses its thrill.”

Dorgu uttered words of mediation.

The atmosphere in the room grew distinctly heavy.

A pressure was applied that was sufficient to make any listener submit.

Dorgu fixed Alice with his reptilian eyes.

“To not only parry Shuna’s attack but to turn it into a counterattack… I cannot ignore that young lady either. I shall invite you to be an executive as well.”

“Thank you. I’m honored.”

Alice gave her thanks dispassionately.

Contrary to her words, she didn’t seem particularly happy.

Her tone was purely businesslike.

Dorgu laughed at that, then turned his gaze toward Shuna.

“Shuna. I do not mind attempting to force through an objection with power. However, you are no match for those two. You understand that, do you not?”

“…Yes.”

“I have no wish to lose subordinates pointlessly. Stand down for now. I won’t say it twice.”

“—Understood. I apologize for my overstepping.”

Once Shuna voiced her apology, she promptly left the room.

Her presence faded into the distance.

Dorgu, having watched her leave, let out a sigh.

“My subordinate… my apologies. Her loyalty is sufficient, but she is occasionally far too serious. Since she is an executive herself, she likely felt more inclined to raise an objection.”

“No, we don’t mind. Everyone has their own circumstances. As far as we’re concerned, this was just a bit of play.”

“Hahaha. What a commendable man you are.”

Dorgu laughed for a while, then his expression became serious.

He then moved to make the final confirmation of the negotiation.

“Now, let me ask once more. Will you come under my umbrella and accept the position of executive?”

“Yeah, gladly. I’ll work for you with all my heart.”

Thus, I became a subordinate of the Great Dragon-Man Dorgu, one of the Representatives of Eurea.