They all call me Great Master

The title "Winter Guardian" appeared, and Arthur knew immediately.

Because it was he who had set it—

"Sir, we have spread the title 'Winter Guardian' as per your instructions.

As planned, this evening, it will be 'Winter Blessing Giver'.

Tomorrow morning, I will prompt the newspapers to frequently feature these two titles on the front page headlines."

Hughes reported meticulously.

As one of the first four youngsters around Wiggins who were able to help.

Hughes was immensely grateful to Arthur.

Not because Arthur's arrival meant they were fed and clothed.

But because Arthur's arrival meant their brother Wiggins no longer had to take risks.

They knew what Wiggins relied on to sustain them.

Wiggins, Rat Street, the first Golden Finger.

With his skills, Wiggins could have lived well.

But to care for them, these unrelated fellows, their brother struggled at every step.

And they?

Were constantly worried.

Their brother was indeed the first Golden Finger of Rat Street.

But the previous first Golden Finger had been killed in the street.

They did not wish for their brother to suffer the same fate.

So, Hughes, when he could handle a club, claimed territory in Rat Street.

That was the first time he saw his brother furious—

'I am the "Golden Finger", but you cannot be!

You have a better future than I do!

I will find a way for you to get an education, to become someone important, not like me, a rat in Rat Street!'

When he shouted these words, his brother had hit him.

Not hard.

The palm landed on his back with just a slap.

Afterward, his brother squatted down, hugged his head, and wept bitterly.

Thus, Hughes became even more determined to do as he did.

Because—

He was the second oldest!

Beneath him were the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth.

Six younger brothers and one sister who needed his care.

He also had to share his brother's burdens.

Hughes told his third brother the brother's words after he had fallen asleep.

And the next day…

When Hughes, carrying a club, left the house, the third, fourth, and fifth were beside him.

The four were known for being fierce and desperate.

Because they knew that if they wanted their younger siblings to become someone important, they had to be fierce, they had to be desperate.

Only by daring to risk everything, could they carve out a future.

Thus, Wiggins' small group gained a reputation in Rat Street.

Now, with Wiggins pulled into training at Rick Farm, Hughes, being the oldest, naturally became one of the most suitable Agents.

Yes, just one.

The other was what Arthur predicted as a 'very ambitious agent'.

However, before that individual truly emerged, Hughes had already dealt with him.

To Hughes, that individual's conspicuous behavior could jeopardize his brother's standing in Arthur's eyes.

This was something Hughes would never allow.

Similarly, when facing Arthur, Hughes chose to be honest.

He would not let himself affect his brother's place in Arthur's heart.

Because—

He needed to be responsible for his family.

And Arthur, faced with Hughes who fought for his 'family', smiled.

What could be more delightful than someone who fights for their 'family'?

Naturally, it is…

When one's 'family' is not just one person.

Upon learning from Hughes that there were six younger brothers and one sister, Arthur immediately promised Hughes that if he did well enough this time, he would have South Los's best teachers educate the three youngest brothers and the only sister.

In fact, with the 'family' boost, Hughes did far better than imagined.

"Hmm, well done."

Arthur was never stingy with his praise.

Then, the young Spirit Medium continued—

"Tell those tabloids to start serializing novels like 'Winter's Secret' and 'Winter's Battle' in the evening special edition.

Remember, apart from me.

Also, mention two people.

Madam Susan, Ms. Camille."

Both Madam Susan and Ms. Camille held considerable prestige in South Los.

If such figures became a sort of endorsement, it would definitely ignite public opinion in South Los to some extent.

Especially when both ladies would not come forward to explain...

Arthur could already imagine how explosive the scene would be.

XP would surely surge like a tumultuous ocean.

Of course, this sort of thing was likely only possible to do once.

Even if Madam Susan and Ms. Camille loved him dearly.

They would not allow him to cause such trouble again.

As for why it was only likely?

Of course, there was the variable that was Old Charlie.

Arthur was certain, if his grandfather intervened, the two ladies would agree once more.

Not to mention agreeing to such things.

They would even give their lives to his grandfather.

In this regard, Arthur was extremely confident.

'I wonder where Old Charlie is now? What is he doing?' Arthur silently pondered.

...

The pale, lifeless Land of Death.

A white warhorse pulled a pure white carriage across this desolate land.

Old Charlie sat in the carriage, his hands resting on a cane whose handle was carved from an unknown skeleton's skull, the pure silver ring inlaid with bone on his right ring finger shimmering with a light unique to 'Death' with each tap of his hand.

At that moment, Old Charlie looked undoubtedly like 'Death'.

Or rather...

Under the power of the same source, Old Charlie was, to some extent, 'Death' himself.

However, Old Charlie was well aware it was only to some extent.

He still had some distance from the other party.

But, that distance was being closed little by little.

'Thank you, my dear grandson!' Old Charlie could sense the three Demigods named Hunter, Kate, and Aaron encircling 'Death,' and he couldn't help but smile.

Old Charlie had heard of the organization 'Bell Tower,' to which the three Demigods belonged, but he had never dealt with them directly.

Thus, the appearance of the three Demigods was truly an unexpected joy, making his plan incredibly smooth.

Not only did he not have to sacrifice half of his Body, but he could seize... no, deceive... no, that's not right, take back!

Yes!

Take back!

I, Charlie Credos, am merely taking back the power that originally belonged to me.

'Speed is of the essence!

The objective of the Land of Death has been achieved!

Next is...

The Wall of Sighs!'

Old Charlie thought to himself, and the white warhorse turned the carriage around, speeding towards the location only the Ride of Death could discern.

Using 'Death', he sensed the destination growing nearer, and Old Charlie took a deep breath—

'Dear Yevna, wait for me!

I am coming!

I once swore to you that even Death could not separate us!

So wait for me!

Don't be afraid!

I am coming to take you home!'

Heat flooded his heart, but Old Charlie forced himself not to think about his wife any longer.

He, once again, made himself become indifferent.

He, temporarily became exactly like 'Death'.