Chapter 163: Vacation (2)

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“How is it? We’re proceeding just as the Master ordered. The estimate is roughly around two months.”

Amidst a forest dense with foliage, several men were carrying timber and bricks as construction was underway.

They were building a large-scale facility for cultivating and harvesting rare medicinal herbs.

Of course, that was the facility’s surface-level function—its true purpose was to become NOX’s new headquarters.

The original NOX headquarters had been established underground in the Leipzig territory, hidden in the shadows like Flick’s domain in the capital.

However, as the organization grew, structural limitations became apparent, and eventually, relocation became inevitable.

Unlike the capital, the Leipzig territory lacked sufficient usable space.

Thus, after taking control of Lahan and wrapping up the reorganization of the Western Third Commercial District, preparations for this place’s transformation had also begun.

“The location is ideal.”

“It’s perfect for digging tunnels too. We’ve made more escape routes than before. The city side felt way too cramped.”

Ex spoke cheerfully as he spoke.

Carl, who had his arms crossed beside him, nodded in agreement.

It was fittingly gloomy, just like the shadowy corners of the backstreets.

“By the way, there’s been a lot of interesting activity in the capital. It’s a shame I couldn’t get involved.”

“Thanks to that, it was a great help. The newly reinforced White Labels are all highly skilled.”

“I taught them infused with my essence.”

Ex exuded confidence.

As a former knight commander, he was well-versed in the art of training others.

Combined with the Killing Veil method Carl had passed on, the process may have been harsh, but the results were indisputable.

“And the only one I can entrust this place to alone is you, Ex.”

Carl looked at Ex.

On the surface, the Extra Numbers—King, Queen, Jack, and Ace—were far stronger than the other Black Label executives.

However, Ex too possessed power that rivaled theirs, which is why Carl confidently entrusted NOX’s headquarters to him alone and returned to the capital.

‘If it weren’t for Ex, I would’ve needed to send two executives here.’

In short, Ex had the capability to be among the Extra Numbers.

And yet, he had been assigned as Ex because, unlike the others, he was bound to the organization by a particular contract.

“That’s about it for the exterior. Let’s move inside now. The underground section is already complete.”

“Let’s do that.”

Carl followed Ex as he began to walk.

They had already informed others that Carl was out inspecting the territory, so there was no suspicion.

Most of the family already knew that Carl had been involved in various affairs through ties with the Merchant Group since childhood.

Creak.

Ex opened the door of a building still under exterior construction.

Upon entering and manipulating the wall at the center, part of it shifted back to reveal a staircase leading downward.

“They said they’ll add more camouflage once the building’s finished. Still, the current system will collapse the structure if someone tries to force it open, so there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

“No one’s going to approach it anyway, so it’ll be fine.”

Carl nodded in agreement.

At least within Leipzig, there was no faction that dared oppose them.

To enter the Bavarian Academy, hostile forces had already been rooted out earlier in the year.

Now, all that remained were those holding their breath under NOX’s influence or those who had fled elsewhere.

Furthermore, information spread through the underworld several times faster than in the open.

Rumors had already spread that NOX, after joining hands with Lahan and dominating the Western Third Commercial District, had successfully expanded into the capital—boosting their prestige even more.

Their name had grown so prominent that even the shadows of other territories recognized them; it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that NOX had solidified its place among the powers near the imperial borders, including Leipzig.

‘Because of that, the family started watching me more closely, though.’

Carl let out a bitter smile as he followed Ex down the stairs.

As NOX’s power grew and their reputation spread, the family began watching with increasing wariness.

When a shadowy organization with strength began rallying the underworld and acting freely, it naturally became a headache for nobles ruling over territories.

Moreover, the current Count Eos Leipzig was a hardliner who had never once compromised with the underworld.

He would sooner raise his blade than join hands with them.

‘Not that I ever planned for them to clash.’

Carl had already taken thorough measures to prevent NOX from becoming entangled with the Leipzig family.

He deliberately avoided touching any area or business that might even slightly overlap with the family’s interests and expanded operations by completely skirting around them.

The underworld does not step into the light.

As long as that unspoken rule was upheld, they would be content merely observing.

Though Count Eos was rigid, he wasn’t foolish enough to ignore the existence of necessary evils.

“You don’t need me to explain the interior layout, do you?”

“It’s similar to the original base.”

At Ex’s words, Carl nodded while glancing around.

He was the one who had ordered them to build it in the same format as the old base in the first place.

The structure was something all NOX members would find familiar.

The original base was intended to be used as a backup or abandoned if needed.

Even if it got leaked, they could simply install new traps or structures.

From the beginning, the place was as complex as an anthill, so a day or two of analysis wasn’t nearly enough to investigate it thoroughly.

“And this is the place.”

Creak.

Ex opened the door to one of the many rooms.

Inside was a spacious training hall.

It was a completely empty space, having just finished construction.

Ex lightly tapped the wall with the back of his hand.

Thump, thump.

“Thanks to the new material Seven developed, you could say it’s completely sealed off from any leakage to the outside. Even after raising quite the ruckus, barely any of the aftermath seeped out.”

“Hm.”

Unlike a noisy city, the forest was sometimes terrifyingly quiet.

Even with a facility above, there would surely be moments of total silence.

If sounds from the underground facility leaked out, the organization’s location could be exposed.

Thankfully, Seven’s development of new materials had completely eliminated such concerns.

“So, how is it? I haven’t seen you in a few months. I’m also curious about the Master’s progress.”

“…That was your main purpose, wasn’t it.”

“Of course.”

At Carl’s remark, Ex grinned.

“You haven’t forgotten why I’m with NOX, right? It’s to defeat the Master.”

Ex, a former knight commander, was a man like a wolf.

He desired freedom and wandered in search of strong opponents.

That was how he met Carl and, after a fierce battle, was utterly defeated.

Afterward, he signed a contract with Carl—to serve in NOX until the day he could defeat him.

It was for that reason he ended up as the director of the training facility, using his past experience.

‘He’s basically a fighting hound.’

Carl looked at Ex.

Taller by a head, his body was packed with writhing muscle and a rugged aura.

On the contrary, his face was quite fair, which made for a surprisingly fitting mismatch.

Had he been in the Central Plains, he’d surely be famed as a brawler.

Carl gave a slight nod and said to Ex,

“Right, I suppose it’s fine to reward you for your merits. I’ve got time this morning, so I’ll keep you company.”

Boom—!!

As Carl replied, a massive tremor swept through the training hall.

A greatsword had crashed down on the very spot Carl had just been standing.

Ex nodded as he looked at the sword embedded in the floor.

“Actually, Seven also asked me to test the space with this. To see how durable it is.”

“It’s definitely much sturdier than before.”

Appearing a few steps away amidst a wisp of black smoke, Carl looked down at the fine web of cracks spreading around the greatsword.

Had it been an ordinary building, it wouldn’t have been strange if it had completely collapsed under that blow.

But the fact it only cracked meant Seven’s new material had fulfilled its purpose.

“Then I won’t hold back either.”

Shiiing.

Carl slowly drew the Heavenly Thunder Sword.

Ex, who had retrieved the greatsword from the floor, looked at the weapon in Carl’s hand with a curious expression.

“So that’s the sword of ‘Justice’ I’ve heard so much about?”

“Yes, a legacy left behind by a hero.”

“Too bad it’s a longsword. Would’ve been great if there was a greatsword too.”

“There was a greatsword. ‘Justice’ didn’t just leave behind one sword.”

“…Really?”

“It’s sleeping in a secret chamber beneath the Imperial Palace, accessible only to direct blood relatives. Interested?”

At those words, Ex gave a bitter smile.

“I’ll pass. I don’t want to die yet. I know very well what happens if you get on the Empire’s bad side.”

“Wise of you.”

Carl smiled faintly and slowly raised his sword.

He still didn’t know whether ‘Justice’ was someone like himself, from Another World, or a player like Yuria.

Still, it was worth investigating heroes regardless, so he didn’t plan to stop digging.

‘Yuria did say there were four heroes in the game she mentioned.’

What accounted for the additional three? That too was a lingering curiosity.

Just figuring out where they came from and where they went would be a great help to his path.

‘For now.’

Clang—!

Carl parried the massive greatsword descending on his head.

Following the sword’s arc, a sharp Sonic Burst swept in.

The sheer weight pressed down on his blade, but he bore the force without deflecting it and didn’t back down.

“Haaaah!”

Ex shouted, pouring power into his hands gripping the greatsword.

The muscles in his arms began to ripple violently.

Carl was impressed by how much bigger they looked than before.

“Seems you haven’t been slacking off on your training.”

“Of course not. My goal is to defeat the Master. Then comes the King.”

“We’ll see.”

Carl slightly altered the trajectory of his sword, which had been blocking the greatsword.

“At this rate, I don’t think you’re quite there yet.”

Heavenly Origin Sword Technique – First Form: Heavy Mirror.

A sword move that returns the opponent’s force twofold.

Just as the momentum began to reverse, Ex widened the distance, ending the clash as if he had anticipated it.

He had sparred with Carl countless times and analyzed his swordplay thoroughly, so he could respond quickly.

Or so it should have been.

“…”

Even though he had immediately shaken off the attack, Ex narrowed his eyes at the overwhelming force that traveled through the greatsword.

It had been months—nearly half a year—since their last duel.

Carl might not have been idle, but aside from training the White Labels, Ex had spent nearly all his time cultivating himself.

He knew there was a gap between them from the start, but he thought he had closed it at least a little.

‘Was I just deluding myself?’

Clench.

Ex gripped the greatsword even tighter.

What he believed in was indomitability—strength that would never break.

Though he had suffered defeat many times, he had never let his spirit waver.

Recalling the belief that had supported him all his life, he swung the greatsword toward Carl with ferocious momentum.

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