The Guardian

Chapter 216: Coupon

Aurora looked at the machine with a serious expression.

It was a rather large machine that could take up half of a container.

While she was not an expert in matters of technology or theoretical magic, she could notice the mix of magic and technology in the machine.

A sphere contained complex engravings inside and that was the spell that made the creatures come out.

“Magic and technology. Duke Kristoph himself analyzed the spell. It is a spell that weakens the dimensional barrier. In normal times, it would be used to bring in a few monsters, but if used with a machine, it can generate a ripple to weaken the barrier,” reported the chief investigator and reviewing his data, he explained. “It weakens the dimensional barrier over an area of several tens of kilometers, but its effect is not enough to tear it apart. Even if several machines were put together, it would be impossible to cause the ‘tearing’.”

It was common knowledge that the dimensional barrier weakened slowly and the Earth Gods tried to make it slower than natural, seeking to let the energies enter subtly without causing serious danger.

For this reason, a greater number of S-ranks were seen today than a few years ago.

The density of the current magical energy allowed many to ascend in rank, and in the future, it would surely be even more clear.

The tear, on the other hand, was a crack in a ship... If it was large enough, then water would begin to enter and before they knew it, it was possible that it would sink.

Of course, in this analogy, the ‘water’ was ‘Chaos’, that supposedly divine energy capable of creating heinous monsters.

Aurora could not deny her relief at the realization that the machine could not create such atrocities.

“Can you locate the waves emanating? Or can you at least create a radar to try to locate such signals?” Aurora asked curiously and earnestly.

The ‘waves’ the machines emanated were undetectable because of the superficiality of the action, but it equally weakened the dimensional barrier in this area.

The machine seemed to give it that undetectable quality for archmages of space magic.

It was interesting if one thought about magic.

If someone used a machine to teleport, then an archmage of space magic would only detect that space was stirring, but not that magical energy was moving.

It was like a psionic and a mage... Both could control fire, but the mage used the ‘fire element’ while the psionic used the ‘physical’ laws.

By means of magical and psionic energy, they reached the same point, but by two different paths, with their own independent ‘rules’ and ‘laws’.

That was why it was costly to combine magical energy and technology and, despite the cost, many succeeded.

Here was present a researcher from the company that pioneered this combination of all-in-one harmoniously.

“Yes. Already the Cosmos Company is developing a countermeasure. It is difficult to say if it will ever work because the frequency can always be changed. Still, we will try our best,” replied the researcher and looking at the machine, he detailed. “We will also analyze the components and try to see a mark or something that will allow us to discover who designed it.”

If there was one wonderful thing Earth had, it was its technology, and that was something that even Terra nova or the demons that came five years ago didn’t have.

But that would not be forever and just as the Falion Empire, according to Cithrel, enforced measures for the use of technology in their empire, the demons were the same.

Only the biggest difference was that on Terra nova they didn’t have the experts they had on Earth and that meant that if the demons got an ally among the humans, it was possible to create feats like this.

After all... the demons were using technology!

A single machine caused the monster’s appearances to increase enough to alarm the authorities and if one were to think about it, then the possibility of it being worse appeared.

“There is no need for alarm. While they can create this machine, it surely took a great deal of time and cost to develop it, but they are still far behind... We can create a more powerful one,” said the researcher proudly, and perhaps because the machine was not a good thing, he coughed and commented. “Sure, it is also possible to create a countermeasure to prevent this machine from having an effect.”

One could tell that the researcher was among those at the core of the Cosmos Enterprise, as his pride was not only evident, but the capability of his department was as well.

Perhaps he acted proudly to relax her expression, in the end, it didn’t matter.

“It’s great, but the problem is that not every country can afford a countermeasure and if we are more pessimistic, not every city could have this kind of machine,” Aurora analyzed and, seeing that her comment didn’t sound pleasant, she added. “The best thing would be to have a detector to track the source of those waves.”

She understood that countermeasures could be created and not only on the technology side but on a magical side... Technology and magic were impressive in their own way.

The problem was that if demons used these in areas where they could not afford to buy a countermeasure, people could suffer cruelly without being able to find the cause.

In that sense, she was quite lucky to find this machine, but luck would not be on her side in the future.

An increase in monsters was appearing. Not only was it happening in this small town but also in the fields and other surrounding towns and villages were also suffering the same.

If it wasn’t because the more time passed, the more people joined the allied forces and it was possible to send them to those areas, then they would surely have problems.

“I also think so. We’ve already been given permission to take it and we’ll start right away,” replied the investigator earnestly as he was swayed by her tone.

Aurora left him to do his work with the Cosmos Enterprise team.

—Your seriousness agitated him.....

Her system gave a silent comment, making Aurora’s expression tremble.

She couldn’t deny that she became too serious, but that was the case when she thought that demons used technology.

It was known that the Cosmos Enterprise was too limited with their research projects and did not share their technology.

While it was a matter of criticism, it was also a method of limiting development.

If they gave out their blueprints to create these huge ‘Cosmos Portals’, it would be naïve to think that only the ‘good guys’ would use them.

Let alone other technologies they might have.

A spell could destroy an entire city, it was true... But so could a nuclear bomb.

Worse, if development was left free, producing a bomb with magical or psionic energy was possible.

Magic, with its ‘forbidden’ spells and dangerous research, was considered a problem, but technology had its own thing too.

If she was asked what the way was, then she would have no answer.

Development was necessary and so was research.

It was not the ‘knowledge’ that was dangerous, it was the people who used it and how they used it that was dangerous.

And that way could extend to anything, even something as ‘simple’ as a sword or any weapon.

Giving a long sigh, her holographic clock chimed, letting out a call from Urfin.

“Sorry to disturb you, I was hoping to call you a little later to give you confidential information and your next mission, but... Someone came to visit,” Urfin said with a professional and serious look.

“Who is it?” Aurora asked without denying her curiosity.

“It’s someone looking for you and Alice...” Urfin replied and, letting out a sigh, he muttered. “Looks like a personal visit.”

******

Aurora looked at the person inside the room.

She was a long-eared elf who had great beauty even among elves, but what stood out was not only her professional secretary uniform but her white eyes and hair.

That individual stood up and gave a professional smile, the same one she gave to high-ranking diplomats when she was at Emperor Victor’s side.

Aurora looked at Alice, wondering if she was related, but seeing her shake her head, she spoke.

“Sorry for the delay.”

“No, apologies are necessary. I interrupted in the middle of your work and practically made you come,” The elf said, and bowing, introduced herself. “Ersin. Secretary to His Majesty Victor Pellegrini.”

Respectful and friendly, her smile was cordial despite the fact that this woman was close to one of the most powerful men in the world.

Aurora introduced herself next to Alice, even though she knew it was unnecessary, and then sat down on the sofa, inviting her politely, but just the same, she could not hide her doubt and surprise.

Why was she here?

That question flitted through her mind and even though her sister was eating her chips, she also had a look full of curiosity.

“I was just passing by and His Majesty sent me to deliver your rewards,” Ersin reported, ignoring the doubt from both of them.

Was it disrespectful to hesitate at this time? Yes, it was, but that was all they could do when the secretary of Emperor Victor himself came in person.

Pulling a medium-sized box from her space ring, Ersin carefully opened it, revealing a bottle containing a reddish liquid with small silver tints.

Aurora could notice that Alice’s expression was narrowing, and the reason was...

—That’s no ordinary elixir.

“This is the Elixir specially designed for a fighter,” Ersin reported and without worrying about their more serious looks, she explained. “Thanks to your help last time for stopping the criminal, His Majesty Victor was more generous when it came to preparing this elixir.”

“The word ‘generous’ is belittling what you are offering,” Alice interjected, setting her chips aside and giving a serious look.

—That elixir will not only give ‘possibilities’ for an A-Rank to ascend, but it will strengthen the body, giving an overall physical improvement. Endurance, strength, and reflexes among some benefits to the mind and internal organs.

Basically, it was...

“A little treasure. That’s what you are offering for stopping a criminal and winning an international tournament. Quite unlike any other student,” Alice said earnestly, as if to prove that what they were giving was too far-fetched.

Other students had already received their elixirs and Aurora had also seen the ‘common’ elixirs of the fighters.

It was true that the B-Ranks increased in rank immediately, but the problem was that all the elixirs looked similar to each other and while they were excellent, it wasn’t like this.

“As I said, His Majesty is just showing his kindness in this simple way,” Ersin replied with a professional smile, diminishing the matter to a minimum.

Aurora sensed there was more to it, but tried not to be impolite, so she gave a half-hearted smile and commented. “Thank you.”

Then she gave Alice a look that was wary, and she nodded simply.

It wasn’t that Aurora didn’t have her doubts, but the other side made it look like an upgrade to Alice’s reward and like it was a ‘reward’ for her stopping the criminals.

—It’s targeting you.

Her system gave its comment again and Aurora’s expression quivered for a moment... Clearly, she knew, and that was why Alice was cautious.

It wasn’t as if the ‘elixir’ might be poisoned, it was too much consideration for simply stopping a ‘criminal’.

She had felt the ‘consideration’ from the authorities of the South American empire and now she was feeling it again.

“There’s also the ‘random’ reward,” Ersin added with a quiet smile, looking at Alice and regardless of their stares, she pulled out a small ‘coupon’ and announced. “This... It can be considered as a coupon for a favor from Emperor Victor.”

Aurora’s expression fell, as did Alice’s, but Ersin continued.

“It will allow you to use it and ask for a favor directly from His Majesty. One that he will try to fulfill with all his will.”

Alice immediately looked at Aurora, and seeing her stunned look, they both shook their heads.

“We don’t know the emperor, and we don’t deserve such a magnificent reward. So it seems strange to me that it should be offered so ‘kindly’.” Alice interjected with a sarcastic tone that did not hide her doubt and wariness.

Aurora coughed and commented. “We refused. I don’t think we deserve this.”

She was being offered a favor from Emperor Victor, and many people would be laughing happily at receiving such a reward.

It wasn’t just Emperor Victor’s strength, but also his wealth and authority in the South American Empire... The favor of such an individual was something that would surely be extremely valuable.

“Besides, I think the elixir is enough,” Aurora announced with a smile, but with serious eyes.

They had been warned before Xu Long’s duel and asked for Alice’s cooperation, it was a clear example of consideration for both of them... Since even if they were not warned; it was possible that the situation would end the same way.

That was a sign of goodwill to show a little of what was going on.

That day Emperor Victor was attacked by dozens of media and important people from all over the world, only for the next night to leave them all stunned before the great cleansing of the mafias.

It was obvious that everything was prepared, and he wanted it that way... Maybe there were things that Aurora did not know, but it was the same.

A person of such caliber would not show his consideration unless he desired-or wanted something from them, and Aurora would not like to ask favors from strangers and then return them.

After all, one never knew what the other party would demand, and she did not wish to have to cross boundaries for a favor from someone she did not know.

In that sense, she felt just like the demons who made deals and whispered nice words with pleasant rewards, only to tie her up completely.

Paranoid? Perhaps, but if she gave in and came to the worst, she wasn’t strong enough to stand up to someone on Emperor Victor’s level.

Ersin, instead of being annoyed by her caution, laughed in amusement.

“This isn’t a trick or anything like that. The truth is, His Majesty Victor didn’t have a way to reward you, so he thought of this,” the elf pointed out calmly.

Was it the truth?

Her smile seemed to say there was more to it, but her words sounded believable... At that level, was the person she was talking to.

“If you don’t believe me, you can look at the coupon,” Ersin said and when Aurora received the coupon and noticed her expression quiver, she showed. “We had just come from lunch and were given this coupon... His Majesty Victor, not knowing what to give you as a reward, gave a favor coupon. In his words, a voucher for everything.”

Aurora’s expression crumbled for the second time that day, and her lips quivered at the sight of the coupon for a Greek restaurant.

It didn’t appear to be a fancy restaurant, which made the coupon rather plain, but if one looked at the free part, it was written ‘favor’ and then bore the tiny signature of the emperor.

Alice put on a strange expression and, just like Aurora, gave Ersin a look as if she expected it to be a joke.

“It would be great if it was a long-term plan or a sign of goodwill, I wouldn’t be obligated to bring ‘it’,” Ersin said with a tone that revealed slight annoyance as she pointed to the coupon, but then returned to a smile and commented. “However, this is what it is.”

One could tell that her emotions overtook her professional performance, but in the end, she recovered with a dashing smile.

Before Aurora could say anything, Ersin continued.

“This ‘coupon’ is insignificant. The act itself is what it’s worth.” Ersin expressed and giving a professional smile, detailed. “His Majesty Victor also mentioned that he did it for his acquaintance. You may know him as the ‘Steel Giant’. Even though he has retired, in his time he had a great connection and that’s why his consideration for his daughters.”

If a randomly made coupon caused her wariness to diminish, that it mentioned her father’s title led Aurora to relax a bit.

It made sense that he would be considerate of them when they were the daughters of someone he had known.

Their father was someone who had been very active before and even though he had retired for a while, his title was still recognized.

They were kept very well hidden and few knew that this man had daughters or that the two were connected... At that level was her personal safety and that of her parents, so it was remarkable that anyone knew them.

It also gave her a chance to call her father to ask about Victor and, if it was good, receive that ‘coupon’ from him.

“For now, you can keep it,” Ersin said, and checking her holographic watch, she added. “I apologize, but I have to take my leave.”

With those words and a clear farewell, she calmly walked away.

Aurora activated the barrier in the room and, with a serious look, asked. “What do you think?”

“It felt strange. As if her final words were an excuse that was prepared in case we tried to reject it,” Alice replied, reopening her bag of chips.

“That was an accurate analysis,” Aurora muttered, but agreed completely.

However, the way to check was to simply call her father.

******

Space distorted at the top of a building and a white-haired elf stepped out, heading for the man standing at the corner of the building swinging his feet.

This building was several floors high and would scare the drop out of any ordinary person, but that man was just watching like a quiet child.

“Oh, from what I can see, it was difficult...” Emperor Victor muttered as he gave her a glance.

“Your coupon worked, your majesty. I didn’t think your act so out of character would prove to be effective,” Ersin said honestly, getting Emperor Victor to laugh.

“That’s normal. Someone smart will have too many thoughts when someone powerful wants to ‘gift’ them a favor. And more so when it comes from someone like me,” Victor said with a smile and looking at the city Constantia where the goblins were located, he explained. “That’s why it has to be an ‘unexpected’ act. Those actions that powerful people do when they are bored and seem to be done spontaneously.”

“I also said that you knew the ‘Steel Giant’... Those two little things made me accept your actions.” Ersin added casually and with curiosity, she asked. “Do you really know him, or did you lie?”

Emperor Victor looked ahead at the green, creature-infested city and smiled.

“Well, I went to his house several times to visit my friend and since that time I know him.”