Published at 13th of September 2026 5:22 pm

Chapter 2012: Truth of the World

This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl

Adam knew that if he were the one to suggest visiting City Hall, then that would come across as suspicious.

And so, he made it so that Gregor had no way but to ask him to come to City Hall instead. He knew the Paladin wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.

Gregor’s gaze swept across the ruined throne room as he continued, "And frankly, I believe it would be beneficial for all of us."

Adam looked at him with a frown.

Gregor clasped his hands behind his back and said in a solemn voice:

"This secret plane is far more dangerous than any of us initially anticipated. Monsters are lurking throughout the city, and there may be even greater threats hiding in places we have yet to explore."

He paused before adding, "We cannot afford to remain divided."

Adam remained silent, showing a slightly thoughtful expression. At the same time, he also made sure to display a hint of reluctance.

Gregor looked directly at Adam and continued:

"If we pool our strength together, our chances of surviving will increase considerably. You and your brother have proven yourselves capable by slaying the High Priest and the Last Knight. I would rather have people like you fighting alongside us than wandering this nightmare alone."

Adam stared at him for a long time. He couldn’t help but think to himself in amusement, Pool our strength together, huh?

The words sounded reasonable enough. Perhaps even sincere.

But Adam knew better than to take them at face value. If he didn’t know that these bastards were in league with the enemy, he might have even believed them. But he knew the truth.

Gregor wanted to bring them back to City Hall because it would be far easier to keep an eye on them there.

Neither Adam nor Luca had been part of their original group. They had appeared out of nowhere, survived an encounter with the monsters, and somehow even managed to defeat two of the most powerful ones in the city.

That alone was enough to make them a potential threat in Gregor’s eyes. So he wanted them somewhere he could watch them.

Of course, Adam was aware of Gregor’s machinations. In fact, this was exactly what he wanted.

He glanced at Luca. The man was unconscious and completely spent. He pretended to hesitate briefly before his grey eyes flashed with resolve. Then his lips curled into a faint smile.

"Very well," Adam finally said. "Take us to City Hall."

Gregor nodded, seemingly pleased by the answer.

As the group began making preparations to leave, Adam’s eyes briefly narrowed.

Keep watching me all you want, he thought.

Just make sure you don’t regret what you find.

"Oh, by the way," Gregor suddenly said, seemingly casually.

"The castle had been out of bounds for so many years. I wonder if you found anything interesting here?"

Adam looked at him with a faint smirk.

"It’s not polite to meddle in other people’s business, Paladin. Why don’t you lead the way to your little safehouse?"

Gregor’s expression faltered for the slightest moment before he nodded.

"You’re right," he said. "Apologies. The loot belongs to the one who slays the monster."

Adam sneered. "Who said there was any loot?"

"Of course. Of course." Gregor nodded.

Then, he and his party led Adam and the unconscious Luca out of the castle.

***

The morning sun cast muted rays across the broken city, its pale light slowly pushing back the darkness of the night.

Most of the monsters had retreated into their hiding places by now, disappearing into abandoned buildings, dark alleyways, and whatever corners of the ruined city they called home.

Some, however, still remained on the streets.

Fortunately, they posed little threat to a group that included a Templar Paladin and a Seed Magus. Any creature foolish enough to approach was swiftly dealt with, allowing the group to make their way through the city without much difficulty.

Although Adam did notice that the number of monsters in the city had increased. The observation further gave credence to the ’balance of power’ that the councilors of City Hall so righteously claimed.

Before long, the group had arrived at the entrance of City Hall.

Adam glanced up at the imposing building. Guards stood watch along the battlements, and the moment they noticed the approaching group, several curious yet wary gazes settled upon them.

More specifically, they settled upon the unconscious Luca slung over Adam’s shoulder. Neither of the two was familiar to them. But since they were accompanying one of the councilors, the guards did not react any further.

As the gates opened, allowing the group to enter, Adam was reminded of the last time he was here. Back then, he had been driven out through these very gates because he had refused to hand over Hannibal’s Handwraps.

And yet, now he was being granted entry. The difference between the two circumstances was simple.

Strength.

And social standing.

Adam couldn’t help but inwardly sneer as he thought, It’s almost a crime to be weak in this world.

When he had possessed neither strength nor influence, they had treated him like an inconvenience that could simply be thrown out. No one had cared about his opinions. No one had cared whether he lived or died.

But now?

Now, they were opening the gates for him.

Funny how quickly people change their attitudes when you become strong or influential enough to be a problem, he thought.

Such is the truth of the world.

If being weak was a crime, then the punishment for it was simple. You were ignored. You were exploited. And if you were unfortunate enough to stand in someone’s way, then you were discarded.

Under Gregor’s lead, Adam passed through the towering main gates. Curious and suspicious eyes were on him, but he paid them no mind.

Finally, he arrived at the secondary security checkpoint, the very place where his refusal to hand over his artifacts had caused a scene almost a year ago.

One of the guards, a Paladin, stepped forward with slight hesitation. He glanced at Adam, then quickly looked at Gregor.

"Sir, that... your guest’s artifact," the man spoke meekly. "According to the rules, they must..."

Seeing the guard make a fool out of himself, Gregor interjected. He turned to Adam and said politely, "Magus Bucca, we spoke about rules and regulations, did we not?"

His eyes scanned Adam’s robes and then Luca’s belt-like artifact, which contained several compartments.

"I’m afraid you’ll have to hand over your artifacts," Gregor added. "Well, temporarily, of course."

Adam turned to the Paladin and silently stared at him for a few moments.

The atmosphere around him grew heavy.

At last, his lips parted and he spoke coldly:

"Make me."

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