Genius Warlock

With the foreign gang alliance now dismantled and Fran?ois, their leader, eliminated, Oliver made his way back to the building where the branch manager awaited him, along with Joe and the rest of his team.

Upon their arrival, the branch manager appeared to be skeptical, his doubts regarding their success lingering in the air. However, his uncertainty dissipated upon catching sight of the lifeless bodies of Fran?ois and his men, revealed through Bigmouth.

"Oh… So it's really him. Did you handle it yourself?"

Oliver shook his head.

"No, it wasn't me. Joe took care of him. I didn't do a thing."

The branch manager's gaze fell upon Joe, who wore his usual no-nonsense expression. At that moment, a mix of fear and admiration flooded through him.

It was understandable, for, despite the foreign gang's size of roughly one hundred members, Fran?ois and his crew were a formidable foe. Bullets could not penetrate their defenses, they had withstood bombings, and their weapons could cut through and demolish anything in their path. Once they closed in and brandished their blades, even seasoned soldiers would scatter like leaves in the wind.

Yet, Oliver and his team had managed to turn these once-invincible individuals into lifeless corpses with apparent ease. It seemed that the rumors about the dangerous characters lurking in Landa were indeed true.

"Oh, right… You mentioned there were about a hundred foreign gang members?"

"Yes? Oh, yeah… around a hundred."

"We checked the warehouse, but we found only eighty of them. The other twenty were nowhere to be seen."

"Ah… they're likely patrolling other areas. We'll handle those remaining folks ourselves."

"That's reassuring… By the way, do you need these bodies?"

"Bodies?"

"Yeah, if you don't need them, I'd like to take them. If you need them, then there's not much I can do."

"Ah… we don't really have an appropriate place to store them anyway. Can I at least snap some photos for evidence?"

The branch manager wasted no time in seizing a camera from his office and snapping some photographs as soon as Oliver acquiesced. Watching this, Oliver felt a sense of relief wash over him. It would have been quite unfortunate if the branch manager and his team had refused, but it was evident that they were willing to compromise. Oliver felt genuinely grateful for their cooperation.

‘Now, what should I do with these?'

As Oliver gazed upon the motionless bodies of Fran?ois and his gang, he couldn't help but wonder.

Given Duncan's presence, the necessity for a close-range corpse doll seemed less urgent.

Moreover, there was a scarcity of Childs available, so the number of potential corpse dolls was limited. While Oliver could have opted to control them himself, it would have required significant concentration and thus proved rather inefficient.

‘Um… Do I have to control them myself? Can't I just let the Childs handle it?'

Upon considering the idea, Oliver swiftly concluded that it held some merit. All he required was the corpse of a skilled Warlock capable of manipulating corpse dolls, an attainable objective. It was certainly worth attempting, at the very least.

"Mr. Dave, I'm done taking the pictures."

The branch manager extracted the film from the camera and stowed it away in his pocket. Meanwhile, Oliver had Bigmouth consume the corpses once again before meticulously folding it and placing it in a leather case affixed to his waist.

"Thanks again for your help. If it's alright with you, I'd like to treat you to something…"

The branch manager broached the subject with some trepidation. Oliver was on the verge of politely declining, but upon glancing at Joe and his team, he hesitated.

"Thanks for the offer, but we're kinda tired… Oh, I didn't ask for your opinions. What do you think?"

Everyone, including Joe, shook their heads at Oliver's question.

"No, we're good too…?"

"Ah, got it. You must be worn out since you started working as soon as you arrived today… My bad. I should've been more considerate."

"No, not at all. It's just… Ah."

A bright idea appeared to occur to Oliver.

"Instead, would you mind if I ask you something?"

"Ask me? Well… I don't know much, but if it's something I can answer, go ahead. What are you curious about?"

"Do you know anything about Mr. Shamus? Druid Shamus, I mean."

? ? ? ? ? ?

Fortuitously, the branch manager of the Back Port possessed extensive knowledge regarding Shamus. In fact, the name "Shamus" carried significant weight within the Crime Firm. It was not difficult to see why – Shamus had attained legendary status by rising to the pinnacle of his profession in Landa within a year, solely by his own merits.

What set Shamus apart, however, was his audacious decision to retire at the peak of his success and join the ranks of the Crime Firm. While it was not uncommon for renowned Solvers to align themselves with powerful groups, Shamus's story was truly exceptional.

“Yeah, I only heard about it, but back then, there were better options for him than the Crime Firm. Like councilmen or capitalists, people like that.”

When one considered the factors of power, wealth, and prestige, it seemed logical that councilmen or capitalists would have been more appealing prospects than the Crime Firm. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, Shamus rejected these alternatives and willingly joined the Crime Firm.

In due time, the rationale behind his decision became evident. Shamus began to exhibit skills that he had not displayed during his Solver days, gradually involving himself in power struggles among the directors, securing his influence, and ultimately becoming regarded as a collective entity rather than an individual. Based on these achievements, he went on to establish his own enterprise.

“You mean Leaf Loan?”

“Yeah, that's it. Leaf Loan. It's a loan company even the Crime Firm recognizes. Word is that he started it with his lover's money and somehow managed to find struggling businesses, lent them money first, and grew massively. They say his assets are almost on par with the directors, and looking at his business expansion, it doesn't seem like a lie. There's one here in Back Port too.”

While the branch manager of Back Port held a deep admiration for Shamus, he also held some concerns regarding him.

Gordon Goodheart, too, appeared to harbor a sense of unease around Shamus, and it appeared that even the longstanding members of the Crime Firm found him somewhat disquieting.

‘Is there a special reason?'

Upon receiving some basic information about Shamus, Oliver rose from his seat and retired to his accommodations, where he rested until the late afternoon, courtesy of the arrangements made by the branch manager.

"Thanks for your consideration. I had a good rest."

Oliver exchanged cordial greetings with the branch manager of Back Port, who had arrived to bid him farewell.

"No, don't mention it. I'm the one who should be grateful. You solved a problem that had been bothering me in just a few hours… Thanks a lot."

"No, as I've said before, I didn't do anything, it's these guys who did the work. You should thank them."

Oliver pointed to Joe and his companions, and the branch manager thanked them again.

"Yes… Anyway, thank you again. If you ever visit Back Port, please come to see me anytime. Whether it's official or personal, I'll help you with anything I can… It's a pity, though. I should treat you to something."

"Your kindness alone is more than enough. We also have prior engagements."

"Prior engagements?"

"Yes."

? ? ? ? ? ?

Rather than departing from the city, Oliver made his way to the designated meeting location after bidding the branch manager of Back Port farewell. En route, he engaged in conversation with Joe and his companions.

"You can all head back if you want.”

"Well, what's the big deal if we return a little later? The place we're meeting at is said to be a great restaurant, so let's fill our stomachs as well. Is it inconvenient for you?"

"No, that's not it. I just thought you might want to see your younger siblings."

"I don't like them enough to want to see them as soon as possible."

At Joe's words, Owen and Sam laughed.

"…Was that a joke?"

"Uh?"

“Ah… It seems like a funny joke. I should remember that."

"Not that much of a… Are you joking?"

"Um?"

"Uh?"

"……"

"……"

An awkward conversation ensued, prompting Oliver to shift gears and introduce a new topic in an effort to steer it back on track.

“If you don't mind, could you please take a look at this map for me? It's my first time here, so I'm having a hard time finding my way."

Joe nodded and looked at the map Oliver handed him. He soon skillfully guided them through the streets.

"This seems to be the place," said Joe, stopping in front of a two-story building.

The entire building was a restaurant, and on the sign above was an incomprehensible word, "Cornucopia."

It was the restaurant they were invited to.

As soon as he confirmed the restaurant, Oliver opened the door and entered.

Ting Ting.

A bell rang, similar to the sound at Forrest Restaurant, but slightly different. A burly employee approached and spoke.

"I'm sorry, but our restaurant is closed today due to some circumstances."

"I was invited here."

Oliver presented the business card that the Druid he had met in the warehouse the day before had given him.

On the black card was the word "Leaf Loan" written in an old-fashioned style.

"Please accept my apologies, sir. Boss is awaiting your presence, and I shall promptly escort you to the location."

The employee spoke more politely than before.

Oliver expressed his gratitude and was about to go up with Joe and his companions, but the employee stopped him.

"I apologize for the inconvenience, but I would like to make a respectful request that only the intended guest ascend and that the rest of the party remain below. Boss has expressed a desire to partake in a private dinner with you."

"But these people haven't eaten yet."

"There is no need for concern. Our establishment can serve food on the first floor as well. In fact, it so happens that some of our staff members are currently dining there. Would you perhaps be willing to join them?"

Oliver asked Joe's party for their opinion, and they nodded after looking at each other's faces.

"We don't mind at all."

The employee nodded satisfactorily and called another staff member.

Then, they guided Oliver and Joe's party separately.

"Enjoy your meal."

"You too, Dave."

With the employee's guidance, Oliver went up to the second floor, where he could smell the delicious food aroma.

"Hey there, welcome! You made it just in time!"

Shamus, who was sitting alone among the many tables, greeted Oliver while chewing a T-bone steak down to the bone.

He was dressed more casually than when he had seen him at the auction, but he looked the same otherwise.

His hair and clothes were green, and he displayed the cheerfulness and leisure, and confidence that could only be felt among the Landa upper class.

‘Um, even Mr. Gordon called him the new Landa elite….'

Oliver approached the new elite and greeted him.

"Hello, Mr. Shamus. Thank you for inviting me."

"Haha, you live up to your reputation! It's refreshing to see someone with such great manners. Unfortunately, many Solvers can become arrogant after achieving success, and I have to admit I was guilty of that myself."

Shamus laughed cheerfully. His emotions were filled with joy, delight, and satisfaction.

"I shall take my leave now, sir, and allow you to have a private conversation."

"Ah, take care."

Shamus cordially saw the employee off.

"I didn't know you were running a restaurant."

"Just between us, I'm called the owner for convenience, but the truth is I'm just an investor. The real mastermind behind this shop is my little finger," said Shamus, stretching out his long pinky finger.

"Your little finger runs a business?"

"No, fuck, man. It means my lover."

"Ah…"

"Oh, it seems like you're not familiar with the language."

"I apologize."

"No need to apologize! When I first arrived in Landa, I was in a similar situation. However, I don't think I was quite as clueless as you."

"By the time you first came to Landa, do you mean three years ago?"

"Yeah. How did you know? Did you investigate me?"

"Not an investigation, I just happened to hear it. You're famous in the Crime Firm, Mr. Shamus."

"Oh wow, sounds like I made quite a name for myself! I did a lot of dirty work when I first came here, but now I'm ready to settle down and focus on my own business. Unfortunately, some crazy people keep causing trouble. Be honest with me, everyone was talking behind my back, weren't they?"

"Yes,"

Oliver answered without any hesitation.

"Haha, you're quite honest, aren't you?"

"I thought it was okay to talk behind one’s back since people doing business in Landa always try to kill each other. If it upset you, I apologize."

Oliver expressed his thoughts without any malice. Honestly, as a Solver, he thought that even the daily life in Landa was like this, so it was fine to badmouth each other to some extent.

"Hahaha, that's great to hear! I'm really enjoying your company. Let's take a seat and grab a meal together first. After we're both satisfied, we can discuss some business together."

"Business?"

"Of course. Did you really think I invited you just to have a meal?"

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