Chapter 106: Extraordinary Trade

’This is an extraordinary trade.’

Julian couldn’t help but feel genuinely impressed by the sword Aclyris had given him. Even though Aclyris hadn’t mentioned any special properties the sword might carry, or anything similar, Julian already felt thoroughly satisfied.

He had no idea how long this sword would actually last, but he hoped it would hold up long enough, at least until Julian reached a higher Rank, acquired even stronger skills, and eventually found something even better suited to his needs.

Fundamentally, the sword he’d just received was already more than sufficient for now.

As for Aclyris’s gift...

’A ring...?’

Julian studied the seemingly ordinary ring. A ring apparently crafted from a material he didn’t recognize, its surface cold to the touch, its design dark, set with a small purple crystal at its center.

After examining the ring several times, Julian couldn’t find any special button or anything of the sort. But he also refused to believe it was simply an ordinary decorative ring.

Aclyris had given it as a gift, after all.

Feeling slightly hesitant, Julian tried channeling his Mana into the ring, and the next instant, Julian’s expression tightened.

"Oh."

A sound came out of his mouth, thoroughly indifferent and unenthused. His face stayed just as flat and blank as ever, but Julian genuinely felt taken aback inside.

That was because he could sense that, ignoring the ring’s small appearance, there was an enormous space hidden within it.

Not overly large, but likely big enough to store a considerable amount of equipment. Roughly the size of a short, small refrigerator.

So, what exactly was a ring with a space like this for?

Julian looked at the ring, then his sword, and decided to try putting the ring on his finger, then touched the surface of his new sword.

The next instant, something fascinating happened. The sword Julian held was drawn straight into the ring, and when Julian channeled his Mana into it again, he was able to pull the sword back out.

’This is... incredible?’

It felt exactly like something Julian had commonly seen in a video game. If he remembered correctly, it was called an inventory, or something along those lines.

Genuinely satisfied with that, Julian immediately glanced at Ilunia, who was resting nearby.

Following Aclyris’s departure, Julian had immediately brought Ilunia back into the building, leaving the field behind so they could rest for a moment.

Julian used that time to examine everything he’d gained from this trade.

Now, with everything settled, all that remained was heading back to the safe zone, and finally reuniting with his own bed.

***

Gatherings between the great families were exceptionally rare. There had even been a time in the past when such a gathering hadn’t occurred for a full two years.

But that was actually a good sign. Because these gatherings were only ever held when there was information of genuine, critical importance to convey.

Given that, whenever such a gathering was called back into session, those from the great families naturally felt anxious and noticeably tense.

This was a genuinely delicate situation, not merely because of matters concerning humanity, but also because sometimes, certain pieces of information and the decisions made around them could spiral into political maneuvering, each family trying to undermine the others.

The great families maintained fierce competition over their own power. Even though they rarely appeared to clash directly, that was only because their true games played out behind the scenes, not through open confrontation, but through a contest of who could most cunningly exploit a given situation or decision.

Fortunately, this time around, the Lurker Zoldia faction found themselves in an unusually safe and favorable position. Because, compared to several of the other great families, Zoldia was one of the rare families with a genuine Rank-A on their side.

And this particular gathering had actually been called by the head of the Zoldia family itself.

"Lord Julian, you said?"

Standing right in front of Lurker at this moment was a man covered in the scars of countless brutal battles.

The man was fairly elderly, yet his body remained remarkably fit, he hadn’t lost a shred of his sharpness, if anything, he seemed to grow even more formidable every time he returned.

That man was the current head of the Zoldia family, and, one could say, Lurker’s own father.

Killac Zoldia.

One of the Rank-A legends and a primary pillar of humanity, working out there in the deeper reaches of invaded territory.

"Kaha, that’s surprising. I figured you were just too arrogant for your own good, but turns out even you’re capable of bowing to someone. So, who exactly is this Lord Julian?"

Anyone possessing the ability to influence significant decisions concerning humanity’s fate could attend this gathering between the great families.

Which was exactly why Killac was asking who this figure actually was. Because this marked the very first time someone outside the great families had ever been permitted to join this gathering.

Worth noting, the requirement wasn’t simply having sufficient capability. Identity verification and various other procedures still applied, yet Julian’s situation hadn’t been hindered by any of that at all.

Why was that?

Because the Association had quietly extended their support behind the scenes. Specifically, a decision made by the Association’s current leader.

Which was exactly why Julian could be invited without any concern whatsoever.

Facing his father, who stood in stark contrast to Lurker’s own calm, relaxed demeanor, Lurker let out a small sigh and shrugged his shoulders.

"I’m curious too, honestly, who Lord Julian really is."

Recalling exactly what resided within that man’s body was more than enough to send an unexplainable chill crawling down Lurker’s spine once again.

That was genuinely an experience Lurker would never forget for the rest of his life.

Killac listened with a smirk on his face, stroking his long beard as his grin widened further.

"Alright then, since this man managed to reel in a troublesome brat like you, I suppose he’s worth paying attention to."

After that, he coughed lightly, then leaned in closer to Lurker and whispered hesitantly.

"Hey, hey, so... is it actually true you managed to pull that talented Mivelo daughter over to our side?"

Killac spoke while glancing left and right, as though worried someone might overhear him. But honestly, why was he even acting like that?

They were currently in an office, a private, closed-off room within the Zoldia family’s own grand estate.

Despite how absurd his behavior was, Lurker didn’t even react excessively anymore, having grown far too used to it by now.

So he simply nodded.

And, finally...

Killac burst into loud, booming laughter, looking thoroughly pleased with himself.

No one would have ever guessed a Rank-A Hunter’s life could be quite this absurd behind closed doors.

Lurker wiped his face, splattered with a bit of his father’s spit from all that laughter. He then turned to look out the window.

The gathering between the families had already been decided to take place as soon as possible. And, finally, the timing was set for three days from now.

Lurker found himself genuinely curious... what exactly would Julian do at this gathering?