novelraw Chapter 114: Your Grandson Has Gone Crooked
Chapter 114: Your Grandson Has Gone Crooked
“Balance?”
Leon repeated the word, then glanced over at Marlon.
“What does the Adventurer’s Guild think about the legend of Yoba creating the world?”
“What do you mean?” Marlon looked at Leon in confusion.
“I mean, do you believe Yoba exists?” As an atheist, Leon wasn’t too convinced by stories of gods creating the world. But given this world’s peculiarities and the abilities granted by the System, he had noticed various gods—and especially Yoba—making their presence felt.
“Of course. For ordinary people, it might be nothing more than a myth, but for us adventurers, who roam through all sorts of dangerous places year-round, we know Yoba is real. There’s too much evidence proving His greatness.
As he spoke, Marlon countered, “Don’t you believe it? You used Yoba’s Crafting Altar to forge a Galaxy Weapon, didn’t you?”
“I’m not so sure,” Leon admitted, looking a bit conflicted. “Let me put it another way. With a creator god above us, don’t you feel suffocated? That everything in existence is in His hands, and that if He’s in a bad mood, every living being in this world could face annihilation?”
“Hahaha, so that’s what’s bothering you. I can assure you—no. We are Yoba’s children. Have you ever seen a mother harm her own child?” Marlon laughed as he teased Leon.
“I’ve actually seen it happen,” Leon nodded seriously. After all, not every parent deserved to be called one.Marlon was momentarily at a loss for words, but still reassured Leon. “Yoba wouldn’t. Human civilization’s very beginning was personally guided by Him. If you want the details, go to the library and borrow The Chronicle of Yoba’s Creation. The stories there are drawn from real events. They’re trustworthy.”
“I’ll check it out.” Leon didn’t continue debating the matter. He glanced at his watch and saw it was already evening. “I’d better go. Today’s trip to the mines has left me exhausted. I need a good meal and some rest.”
“Go on, then. Once your papers are processed, I’ll write to inform you.” Marlon made no move to keep him but personally walked him out of the Pelican Town Adventurer’s Guild.
Before leaving, Leon thanked Marlon. The man had told him a lot—information that would greatly help him understand this world.
…
“Looks like you had a good chat with Marlon.”
On his way back, Leon sought out Linus. His bicycle was still with the man. As soon as they met, Linus spoke first.
“Yes, Marlon’s a good guy,” Leon nodded.
“So that was the answer you got from testing him?” Linus pressed.
“How did you know?” Leon looked at him in surprise.
“The wind told me,” Linus replied.
It sounded ridiculous, but coming from Linus, Leon felt it was probably true.
“Just a little joking around to confirm a hunch,” Leon explained.
“Which means it was his first time meeting you, and he doesn’t know you well yet. Otherwise, he’d have seen through your act instantly. That’s not a good thing. Marlon is very strong, and adventurers like him usually act before they think. Push him too far and, if he gave you a beating, you wouldn’t even have grounds to complain,” Linus warned.
“I don’t think so. He’s interested in me. Until he gets what he wants, he’ll tolerate me,” Leon replied confidently.
“Oh? And what do you think his goal is?” Linus asked with a smile.
“To find someone to take over as branch leader,” Leon answered.
“What makes you think that?” Linus pressed.
“He likes money, and he’s powerful. People like that wouldn’t settle for a quiet retirement in Stardew Valley. Here, aside from keeping an eye on the monsters in the Abandoned Mines, he has nothing much to do—and there’s not much money to be made,” Leon reasoned.
“A sharp observation, and it matches what Gil said. But no—he doesn’t need you to replace him. He just needs you to grow strong. That way, he can use the presence of a powerful protector in Stardew Valley as a reason to transfer out of Pelican Town. That’s why he agreed so readily when I invited him to teach you some basic adventuring knowledge,” Linus explained, first praising Leon, then giving the true answer.
“If that’s the case, he could have left long ago. With you here, and with Wizard Rasmodius around, Stardew Valley’s safety should be guaranteed.”
“He doesn’t know about Rasmodius. And as for me? I’m old now. Just a wanderer eking out a living by scavenging from the trash—hardly someone worth mentioning,” Linus said with a smile.
“I don’t believe that,” Leon scoffed. “Even if you gave me one hand, I still couldn’t beat you.”
“Hahaha, you’re an amusing one,” Linus laughed, then said, “You’re still young. Don’t overthink everything. Youth should be full of spirit.”
“Thinking twice before acting is my motto. It’s my nature—hard to change,” Leon sighed.
“A wise saying,” Linus remarked in surprise.
“Alright, take your bike and head back to town. Have a good meal and sleep well—that’s what you need most right now.”
“Can I invite you to eat with me?” Leon offered immediately. This man was clearly a real powerhouse, and it was always good to cultivate such connections.
“No need. I’ve already eaten. This season’s nature offers plenty of delicious food, and the fish in the lake near the mines are especially tasty,” Linus declined politely.
Seeing this, Leon didn’t press. He took his bike and rode off toward the northern foothills.
Linus stood on the slope in front of his camp, watching Leon’s back until he disappeared from view. Then he sat by the campfire and lit it.
As the flames grew, they rose half a man’s height—and began to take shape, forming the face of an old man.
“Old friend, what’s the matter?” The fiery face spoke.
“Your grandson has gone crooked. Did you know?” Linus stared at the face in the flames. “He’s clever in a way that makes him seem like a politician—nothing like you, you silly old ghost.”