Trash of the Count's Family Vol 2. Chapter 358: Records (3)

“...The Directory?”

“Yes.”

Bud flashed a grin at Cale’s brief response.

“In that case, let’s head to the Mercenaries Guild stealthily!”

Observing Bud’s beaming smile, Cale questioned his choice of words.

“Stealthily?”

‘He doesn’t intend to go there openly?’

“Yes. Stealthily. We must go to the city that houses the Mercenaries Guild’s central headquarters.”

The central headquarters of the Mercenaries Guild.

This was enough information for Cale to grasp the Mercenary King’s intentions.

“...The members of Arm might be monitoring the Mercenaries Guild.”

“Correct.”

Bud extended a finger toward Cale.

“And from what I can tell, any individual ranked above middle-grade within Arm likely recognizes your appearance by now.”

Cale had already clashed with the White Star and possessed a significant probability of facing him again in the future.

While the lowest-ranking members of Arm might remain unaware of him, it was highly probable that middle-grade and higher-ranking members had been informed of Cale’s likeness for strategic purposes.

“Furthermore, I am quite certain that middle-grade ranked members are positioned near the central headquarters, as they are relentlessly pursuing me as well.”

Bud’s explanation required no further elaboration.

Cale gave a nod of agreement.

The White Star was currently contriving to leverage Arm to absorb the Mercenaries Guild and eliminate the Mercenary King.

This very reason was why the Mercenary King was operating under the guise of conducting investigations.

Cale began to speak.

“The latest intelligence they possess about you is your arrival at our inn, so your sudden appearance at the central headquarters would cause considerable commotion. This would be detrimental to both you and our inn.”

“Precisely. That is why I suggest we proceed there discreetly.”

Cale inclined his head. His gaze then shifted elsewhere.

“Gramps! Are you feeling better now?”

Raon, in mid-flight, circled Eruhaben, scrutinizing him. Eruhaben let out a snort before responding with an air of haughtiness.

“Little one, why are you stating the blatantly obvious?”

Externally, Eruhaben appeared perfectly fine. In truth, he looked exceptionally healthy.

The children, who were around nine years old on average, finally began to smile.

“I’m relieved.”

Ron Molan addressed Eruhaben in a gentle tone. Beacrox offered a bow upon meeting Eruhaben's gaze, while Choi Han returned a smile.

This turn of events left Eruhaben feeling rather perplexed.

Throughout his existence, no one had ever expressed concern over his lifespan or his well-being.

He found himself unable to comprehend why such attention was being directed his way in his final year, receiving an unexpected abundance of concern from those around him.

He was unsure of how to process such a situation.

“Goldie Gramps! I’ll build you a house later! Just you wait! I’ll visit you every single day! I’ve saved up so much money!”

“Me too!”

Raon and Hong joyfully darted in circles around Eruhaben. On, too, ambled around Eruhaben at a leisurely pace.

Eruhaben observed the children for a moment before turning his head. His gaze inadvertently met Cale’s.

Cale’s expression remained as impassive as ever, yet the ancient Dragon found himself unexpectedly reluctant to maintain eye contact with him.

However, a smile began to form as he acknowledged that one could not evade certain things indefinitely. Cale then frowned and averted his gaze.

As a consequence, Cale’s eyes met those of the Mercenary King once more.

“What? What is it?”

Cale inquired curtly from the Mercenary King, who was observing him intently. Bud approached Cale and posed a question in a hushed tone, inaudible to others.

“Did the ancient Dragon-nim utilize the ancient artifact, by any chance?”

Cale’s gaze landed on Bud’s pupils behind his spectacles. Bud responded with a smile, attempting to offer an explanation.

“No, I was merely pondering why my friend might have suddenly decided to enter the training grounds alone. That’s why I inquired, considering one of the many possible scenarios I had envisioned.”

Bud’s green eyes, visible through his glasses, curved upwards as he smiled.

A reflection of Cale, mirroring his smile, could be seen in Bud’s glasses.

Cale also whispered, his voice carrying a surprisingly significant volume.

Apart from the nine-year-old children who were still merrily conversing beside Eruhaben, the others had gravitated towards Cale, who was standing at a slight distance from them.

Cale spoke in a low tone, yet it was sufficiently audible for seasoned individuals like Choi Han, Ron, and Beacrox to discern.

“There is no longer an ancient artifact available for anyone other than Eruhaben-nim to utilize.”

This statement was, strictly speaking, the truth.

Although the ancient artifact was in Cale’s possession, he was reserving it for Eruhaben's use.

Cale observed Choi Han, who was looking at him intently after hearing his declaration.

He noted Ron and Beacrox nodding in agreement as well.

Cale had abruptly entered the training grounds unaccompanied. Naturally, everyone was curious about the activities Cale and Eruhaben had engaged in within those confines.

They likely harbored their own theories regarding the events that transpired.

Cale glanced back at the Mercenary King and quietly added.

“So, let us make haste.”

He recognized the necessity of completing the immediate tasks as swiftly as possible.

* * *

“...Is this truly necessary?”

Beacrox was the one who voiced the question. A severe frown creased his face as he shuffled along the ground. They found themselves within a completely darkened passageway. This narrow tunnel was just large enough for an average adult male to barely squeeze through, leading to Beacrox’s neatly styled hair becoming coated in dust. "I had thought we were proceeding towards the marble structures, given your earlier statement about heading to Resting City." It was a rare sight to witness Beacrox sighing and muttering in such a manner. He observed the dust clinging to his person, his frown deepening. His pristine white gloves were already utterly soiled. Resting City, a free city situated in the central expanse of the Eastern continent, was historically the location of the Mercenaries Guild's inaugural branch. It also housed the edifice presently serving as its central headquarters. The original base of the Mercenaries Guild comprised an antiquated three-story wooden dwelling on the periphery of Resting City. Formerly the central hub, the Mercenaries Guild acquired land within Resting City approximately two centuries ago, erecting a new, remarkably grand and towering central headquarters. This new headquarters was constructed from marble, renowned for its exquisite and opulent facade. Choi Han, navigating the crawl space ahead of Beacrox, interjected. "You are being quite bothersome." "...What did you just say?" Beacrox's frown intensified. However, neither Choi Han nor Beacrox could utter another word. "...The both of you, just be quiet." Their silence was prompted by the ancient Dragon's resonant voice. Eruhaben was also crawling along. "Huff, huff, huff, huhuff-" Mercenary King Bud Illis, leading the procession, began to break out in a cold sweat. He stammered, "I, I apologize. The headquarters will be notified if any unauthorized magic is used within this tunnel." Throughout the tunnel, intricate magic circles were embedded. These sophisticated arrays seemed incongruous with the tunnel's dilapidated state. This was a clandestine route known only to the highest echelons of the Mercenaries Guild leadership, with safeguards implemented to prevent any unauthorized magical use within the passage and its terminus. "Enough, just continue forward." Cale's command made Bud flinch, causing him to accelerate his crawling pace once more. He managed to add, "Ahem, I should have mentioned this beforehand, but I didn't recall it until we reached this point. Ha. Ha, haha-" His statement was the unvarnished truth. The urgency to bring Cale to this location swiftly and discreetly had caused the Mercenary King to overlook the unique characteristics of this specific tunnel. It was at this moment that Ron's voice was heard, delivered in a deceptively warm tone. "The Directory is situated at the conclusion of this tunnel, is that correct?" Nevertheless, Bud perceived a chilling undertone to the inquiry. It carried the implicit threat that Bud's life was forfeit should the Directory not be found there. Bud quickly responded, "Yes, sir! The chamber containing the Directory is at the end of this passage, patriarch-nim! That is precisely why I am guiding the way! Hahaha." The Mercenary King's mage companion was currently infiltrating the central headquarters discreetly. Left alone with Cale's group, Bud couldn't help but tremble upon hearing Ron's reply. "I see. So that is the reason we have been crawling for the past hour." Such was the current predicament. Cale's group had been crawling for a full hour. "Weakling Human! Shall we take another respite? Your arms are trembling! Are you finding it strenuous? Would you like another apple pie? Human, we have already rested twice, but we can pause again if you are struggling!" "We can rest again!" "You're the only one sweating so profusely!" Bud's cold sweat intensified upon hearing the nine-year-old children. Raon fluttered his wings, moving with ease through the air, while On and Hong ambled along in their kitten forms. The nine-year-old children, being so small, were merely captivated by the novelty of the tunnel. "Ahem, the central headquarters will also be alerted if any unauthorized ancient powers are utilized." This was the only additional information Bud could offer. "...Just hurry up and get going." Bud commenced crawling with increased speed after observing Cale's terse remark, delivered instead of a sigh. Cale suppressed a chuckle at Bud's visible reaction. His arms were indeed shaking. However, they had taken two breaks during the hour of crawling, and Cale was managing. Even though his muscle mass had diminished, he hadn't devolved into a complete weakling. Cale simply disregarded the children's overzealous concern. Instead, his mind raced, contemplating the words Bud Illis had spoken before they entered the tunnel. 'This tunnel was engineered by the first Mercenary King. Its creation dates back to a time when the Mercenaries Guild was small and insignificant, when mercenaries were largely regarded as mere disposable pawns.' A modest dwelling nestled within the forest, outside the perimeter of Resting City. The tunnel originated in the basement of that very house.

Magic circles erected by the Mercenaries Guild had completely concealed that particular house.

‘This tunnel serves as the sole passageway to the Directory’s location.’

Cale posed a question in response.

‘Precisely where is the Directory situated?’

The Mercenary King offered a smile before replying.

‘Beneath the very first branch of the Mercenaries Guild.’

The three-story wooden structure lacked any apparent route leading to a basement.

Yet, within that concealed basement lay a secret chamber housing the Directory, arguably the most critical repository of information for the Mercenaries Guild.

‘And that chamber is engineered to detonate if anyone attempts to breach it using any form of power.’

This critical detail explained why Cale's entourage was currently navigating the confines of the tunnel.

“F, finally!”

The excited declaration of the Mercenary King reached Cale’s ears.

Beyond Bud, faint glimmers of luminescent stones became visible.

“Those radiant stones mark the entrance! They’re affixed to the door! Hahaha!”

Bud’s laughter, the first in an hour, echoed. He then perceived Ron’s voice.

It was a voice imbued with warmth and gentleness.

“My, my, it certainly has taken quite some time to arrive. Mercenary King Bud, might you spare a moment for a chat later?”

Bud inexplicably felt an unnerving sensation, as if the hair on his nape were prickling.

Despite the pleasant tone, an undeniable chill permeated the voice.

“L, let us proceed there swiftly!”

The Mercenary King hastened his progress through the crawlspace, ultimately reaching the tunnel’s terminus.

He proceeded to touch the shimmering stones interspersed throughout the area.

Cale observed the luminescence of the stones gradually extinguishing as the Mercenary King made contact.

Upon touching the final stone...

Boooooooom-

The tunnel began to tremor violently.

Bud’s voice boomed, filled with excitement.

“Here it is!”

Ooooooooong.

The reverberations subsided.

Boom!

A new entryway materialized with a resounding crash.

“Kindly follow me.”

Cale watched as the Mercenary King entered the newly revealed opening, proceeding to follow in his wake.

“I shall illuminate the area.”

A distinct click sounded, and Cale slowly began to discern a vast expanse.

Flash. Flash. Flash.

Lights sequentially flickered to life, banishing the darkness.

They had navigated a narrow tunnel to gain access to this expansive chamber.

Cale rose to his feet.

He then surveyed his surroundings.

“...A library.”

Choi Han's voice registered behind him.

“Astonishing.”

Beacrox, who had been murmuring to himself, seemed even to have forgotten the dust clinging to him.

“...Ho.”

The ancient Dragon vocalized his amazement.

Disregarding the others' reactions, Cale commenced his advance.

Tap. Tap.

The floor beneath them was constructed of stone.

Bud Illis spoke as Cale took in the details of the chamber.

“I daresay this represents the Mercenaries Guild's most profound source of pride and achievement.”

He chuckled, presenting the location to the assembled group.

“Behold, the Eastern continent’s inaugural and preeminent repository of records.”

The sheer scale of this place suggested it could accommodate multiple dwellings.

This entire area was densely packed with books.

Preservation enchantments had been meticulously applied, ensuring their optimal condition.

Every single volume within these shelves chronicled a singular subject.

“This is the compilation of formidable individuals meticulously gathered by the Mercenaries Guild over centuries.”

Formidable individuals.

The founding Mercenary King and the inaugural Mercenaries Guild initiated the documentation of powerful figures as a measure for survival.

Bud Illis approached Cale, continuing his discourse.

“While I have referred to them as records of strong individuals, however...”

The Directory.

The profound significance of these records extended beyond mere profiles of the powerful.

“In truth, one could describe this as the chronicle of the Eastern continent spanning the last millennium.”

Tens of thousands of books filled this immense space.

The library's records were safeguarded by spells governing humidity, temperature, preservation, and security.

The Mercenary King offered a smile and directed a question at Cale.

“What are your thoughts? Do you believe the information you seek can be discovered within these walls?”

Tens of thousands of volumes.

The group fixed their gaze upon Cale and the Mercenary King.

Their expressions conveyed a palpable sense of unease. Even the ancient Dragon appeared somewhat dismayed.

Tens of thousands of books.

Their objective: to locate information pertaining to the reincarnated individual, the White Star, within this vast collection.

It was at this precise juncture.

“It has been some time.”

The Mercenary King observed a wry smile manifest upon Cale’s features.

Cale emitted a soft laugh, proceeding to articulate his thoughts.

“Indeed, it has been quite a while.”

His gaze, losing its warmth, slowly swept across the myriad of tomes before him.

“What has been a while?”

Cale addressed the Mercenary King's inquiry.

“I had anticipated this. Records spanning a thousand years would inevitably accumulate to such a magnitude.”

The chamber designated for the Directory.

Cale had considered it a certainty that an immense quantity of information would be housed here.

Cale’s hand drifted casually across his eyes.

“It appears I shall need to engage in recording once more after a considerable interval.”

Kim Rok Soo had perceived an anomaly upon his initial awakening within Cale Henituse’s body.

He retained memories.

Although Kim Rok Soo had transmigrated into the persona of Cale Henituse...

For reasons yet unknown...

Kim Rok Soo held onto every detail from volumes 1 through 5 of <The Birth of a Hero>, along with all the other information he had meticulously documented.

These records remained etched in his mind, enduring the passage of time without fading.

Even the exchanges he shared with others during his time as Cale were vividly recalled.

These weren't memories a typical person would easily retain, yet...

He remembered precisely what he intended to remember.

To be more precise, they had been systematically recorded.

It was at the moment Kim Rok Soo grasped this truth that he understood.

‘My brain has accompanied me.

No, a part of my abilities has transferred with me.’

Cale once again ran a hand over his eyes.

The eyes of Cale Henituse were a deep reddish-brown.

Similarly, Kim Rok Soo's own eyes shared this same reddish-brown hue.

Kim Rok Soo, identified as a Grade 1 Ability User.

His primary brain-related special ability: 'Record.'

The medium through which he utilized this ability: his 'eyes.'

His gaze slowly scanned the vast collection of records, and he began to move towards the countless books.

For the first time in a significant while, Cale encountered a scene that stirred a sense of familiarity as he loosened the top button of his shirt.

His mind tended to overheat whenever he engaged in the act of recording.

He had unbuttoned that button to alleviate the feeling of stuffiness.

This was a familiar habit for Kim Rok Soo when engrossed in his work.