IMTDIK 13

Chapter 13, “Thorough Calculations.”

Vernell Marquis. Age: 27. Graduate of Veritas Academy, Class of 525. Title granted: “Complete Mess.” Residence: semi-basement in the slums of Escolaya (the previous tenant ran away in less than a week). Current assets: 72 gold coins.

“When the hell are you going to pay me back, you bastard?!”

-72 coins.

Two big men were wrecking his home, and one slightly smaller guy with a menacing face. And a man, trembling on his knees, helplessly watching their rampage.

The scrawny man, wearing large glasses, started rubbing his hands together.

“P-please, just give me a little more time. It’s a long-term experiment, so the results might take a bit longer—”

“How much longer are you asking for? I gave you a whole year. You said you’d have meaningful results by then.”

“I-I said it could, uh, possibly work out, but collecting the monster carcasses has been difficult, and I—”

“Ah, enough of that.”

The loan shark waved his hand dismissively, cutting him off mid-sentence.

“I don’t need excuses. Can your current progress be turned into money or not?”

“Well, uh, it probably… can’t be turned into money right now. There are still variables to—”

“Hah…”

The man towering over Vernell was none other than the loan shark. A guy who lends money at high interest rates to losers who can’t even get a bank loan. Their usual goal? Snatching the research before the borrower could finish it.

“Goddamn, I really stepped in shit this time.”

He shut his eyes tight, realizing he probably wasn’t getting his money back from Vernell Marquis.

The loan shark dragged a worn-out chair in front of him and sat down, lighting up a cigar.

“Alright, I’ll give you more time to pay back your debt.”

“R-really?”

“On one condition: You give up on your current research.”

“…What?”

The loan shark exhaled a thick puff of smoke.

“I heard you were something back in your first year at the academy. Checked your records, and you were the top of your entire year, not just your class, huh?”

“Ah, yeah, that was because I didn’t know what to do back then, so I kinda just did whatever and ended up at the top…”

Kinda just did whatever.

This guy was the only person who’d describe being first in the year as “whatever.”

“That’s why I’m saying, do something else. Just half-ass another project and get results. I’ve got a few projects I took from other losers. I’ll hand them over to you, so just finish one and bring it back. Then your debt’s cleared. How’s that sound?”

“Uh… Could I maybe work on it alongside my other research? If it’s just that much—”

Thud!

A dagger flew down and lodged itself precisely in front of his chest.

“Eek!”

“Look at this guy, acting like he doesn’t care when I’m being nice for once. You know how expensive organs are these days, right? Something about morals or whatever is driving up the price. How much was it they’d pay again?”

“Judging by what I heard, just keeping you barely alive would pay off all the interest.”

“What do you think? Sell an organ, and you can keep doing your research. But you don’t want that, do you?”

“N-no, that’s not really…”

“Then give up on your research and do mine.”

“That’s also not really…”

Wham!

The loan shark’s foot slammed into Vernell’s side.

“You think this is a joke, huh?! ‘Don’t want this, don’t want that!’ Then just die, you worthless piece of shit!”

“Ugh! Ugh! Ugh!”

Curled up and getting beaten helplessly, Vernell couldn’t even scream. Inside, he cried out desperately.

‘Someone… someone please save me!’

His prayers for a rose blooming in the middle of this sewer never reached anywhere.

“Enough of that.”

But today was different.

The beating from the thugs and the loan shark stopped. They all turned their heads toward the broken door they’d kicked down. Vernell also raised his gaze to follow theirs.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt your little bonding time, but how about you call it a day?”

The ray of salvation Vernell had been praying for.

Its color was gray.

‘Ah…’

Vernell despaired. The man was a stranger. And strangers don’t save people like Vernell. So despair was all he could feel.

The loan shark, who had been mindlessly beating Vernell, scratched his head and licked his lips.

“You look like some rich kid from who-knows-where, but don’t butt in here.”

“Apologies, but I’m going to have to interfere.”

The man with gray hair pointed at Vernell.

“I have business with that man.”

By the time Ferda entered the semi-basement, the beating was already underway.

Seeing his “master” getting beaten like a dog outside the door, Ferda thought to himself,

‘Talk about perfect timing.’

Appearing at the exact moment Vernell would be desperately hoping for salvation.

“Enough of that.”

And with that, Ferda stopped the loan shark’s beating.

Vernell was now a secondary concern as the loan shark leaned back in his chair and sized up Ferda.

“You’re not like the usual goody-two-shoes from Escolaya… Are you from out of town?”

“Yes, I’m from out of town.”

“So, did that guy borrow money from you too?”

“No.”

“Then wait your turn. I’m first in line. Once I’ve dealt with him, you can talk to him.”

“How generous of you. But what if I pay off his debt instead?”

A brief silence.

The loan shark’s expression turned complicated as he finally opened his mouth.

“With interest, it’s 72 gold coins. Can you pay that?”

“Of course.”

“Then just pay me and be on your way.”

Seventy-two gold coins. For Ferda, now the lord of Valdrova Castle, that amount wasn’t particularly large. It was something he could easily toss aside, like throwing away a spare rib bone.

But Ferda didn’t agree right away. His blue eyes shifted toward Vernell, who was curled up and bleeding.

Seeing him, Ferda made a proposal.

“How about this? We knock off the cost of the stuff you broke and call it 50 coins. Deal?”

The loan shark let out a bitter laugh.

“Hah, you’re nuts. The stuff we broke isn’t worth more than 3 coins.”

“Is that so? Then how about 49 coins? You’re practically getting that man you beat up for a steal at 20 coins.”

“Are you insane? Just because I knocked him around a bit doesn’t mean I’m losing 20 coins!”

“So, no deal?”

“No deal? You’re straight-up robbing me, you bastard!”

“No deal, then.”

Ferda raised a finger.

“In that case, we’ll settle things the old-fashioned way, Ruri.”

The girl who had been standing behind Ferda stepped forward.

“Make sure they get back exactly what they dished out.”

“…”

“I’ll honor my promise, so don’t worry about that.”

“Haa, understood.”

The silver-haired maid with her side-tail neatly tied up walked forward with an emotionless face.

“What’s with this little girl?”

“Bringing a kid into a slum like this, are you out of your mind, you dumb rich boy?”

The thugs laughed mockingly.

Unlike the big guys, the loan shark, who was more observant, immediately realized. This wasn’t just some kid.

And right then, the “kid” unleashed a portion of the power she’d been hiding.

Her silver eyes glimmered strangely.

Beeeep!

A sharp ringing echoed in their ears simultaneously.

“Ugh!”

“What the hell?!”

The thugs and the loan shark panicked.

But more shocking than the sound itself was the fact that—

“Ugh… Ugh…”

“M-my body…!”

Their bodies wouldn’t move. They tried to do something, anything, but all they could do was tremble. Their bodies were like stones, heavy and unresponsive.

Ruri scanned them with her eyes, then approached the nearest thug.

“I’ll start with you.”

She pointed a finger at him.

Suddenly, the air around the thug distorted like a mirage.

Wham! Wham! Wham!

A barrage of invisible blows slammed into him, and the thug crumpled to the ground.

“Ugh… Ugh…”

His body was covered in bruises, and blood dripped from his nose as he groaned on the floor. He looked exactly like Vernell after his beating.

‘What the hell is that?!’

The remaining thug and the loan shark broke out in cold sweats. This was beyond anything they could comprehend.

Ruri’s eyes turned to the second thug.

“You’re next.”

“Wha—?!”

Wham! Wham! Wham!

Though the loan shark was seeing this for the second time, he still couldn’t understand it. The air twisted, and simultaneous blows landed.

‘Magic!’

He understood it was magic. But understanding didn’t mean he could comprehend it.

‘It’s magic, but how?! What kind of magic does that?!’

Ruri’s magic didn’t involve magic circles or chants. She just flicked her finger, and this level of destruction occurred.

The girl turned to the last remaining person.

“And finally… you.”

“Ugh… Aaaaaah!”

The loan shark screamed in desperation. He tried with all his might to move his frozen body, shaking and trembling violently.

But his vision distorted.

Wham! Wham! Wham!

He toppled forward.

Snap!

“Ahhh!”

A sharp scream burst from his mouth. His right index finger had bent in the wrong direction when he fell.

“Ahhh! My finger! My goddamn finger!!”

A completely unexpected twist.

“You bastard! You said you’d make it even! A broken finger wasn’t part of the deal!!”

The loan shark flailed around, screaming in rage. The loan shark’s face, which had looked menacing just moments ago, now contorted like a kid throwing a tantrum.

This man, the leader of the loan sharks, had started his career with threats and extortion to gather his first funds. That talent was shining through right now, at this very moment.

It was a truly ridiculous scene—but Ferda didn’t think so.

“You’re right. This is quite the unfair situation.”

Ferda’s expression turned serious as he quietly looked down at the loan shark. The man felt a strange, unsettling chill crawl down his spine.

“So, what you’re saying is, it feels unfair that only your finger was broken, huh?”

“D-damn right, you bastard! What the hell are you gonna do about my finger?!”

Ferda turned to Ruri and nodded toward her.

“This gentleman says he feels wronged.”

“I understand.”

There were only two ways to resolve a grievance like this: Either you compensate the aggrieved party appropriately… or you make everyone suffer equally.

Ferda had no intention of compensating him.

Crack!

“Gaaaahhh!”

Snap!

“Aaaahhh!”

The fingers of the other two thugs were broken, one after another, just like their boss’s.

Thinking the situation had been wrapped up, Ruri turned to leave.

“Ruri.”

Ferda called her name.

“Yes?”

“There’s still one left, isn’t there?”

“…Are you serious?”

Ruri furrowed her brows as she asked, and Ferda nodded.

“Of course. We have to be thorough in our calculations.”

Ruri looked baffled, as if she couldn’t understand.

If they were being thorough, there was still one person who hadn’t been dealt with yet.

“Huh…?”

Vernell Marquis.

Crack! “Gaaaahhh!”

Ferda broke Vernell’s index finger without hesitation.

The loan shark, his henchmen, and even Vernell were utterly speechless as they stared at the scene.

‘W-what the hell?!’

‘Why is he breaking that nerd’s finger too?!’

‘Wasn’t he on Vernell’s side?!’

The pain in their own broken fingers was momentarily forgotten.

Ferda had declared things would be made equal—and so Vernell’s finger had been broken too.

Now, all of them were in exactly the same state.

‘This guy’s a crazy psycho!’

It was at that moment that fear began to creep into their hearts as they looked at Ferda.

Ferda glanced at them, surveying their condition, and nodded in satisfaction.

“To me, it looks like things are even now. If anyone feels they’ve been punished too harshly, speak up.”

Ferda smirked slightly.

“I’ll make sure everyone is treated fairly.”

“N-no! No complaints!”

“This is fine! It’s more than enough!”

“Is that so?”

Ferda extended his hand toward Ruri. She pulled a pouch from under her skirt and handed it to him. Ferda tossed it toward the loan shark.

Inside were exactly 69 gold coins—the amount remaining after deducting the value of the broken items.

“Well, your debt’s cleared. Now get out of here.”

“T-thank you!”

The loan shark and his goons didn’t even look back as they bolted out of the semi-basement.

As Ferda watched them disappear, he casually spoke to Ruri.

“You’re quite skilled with magic.”

“I only used the basics.”

“Do those basics include healing magic?”

“I can use it to some extent.”

“In that case, could you heal Vernell over there?”

“Ugh… No need.”

Vernell, who had been groaning in pain, waved his hand weakly.

“If you use too much healing magic, you can develop resistance to it later. If I end up in a situation where I really need it, and it doesn’t work… That would be worse. I’ll endure this much.”

“Very rational, like a true scholar.”

Vernell grabbed his broken finger with his other hand.

“Gghhh…!”

Crack!

He snapped it back into place with a sickening sound. Afterward, he flexed it a few times to make sure it was back to normal, then wiped the sweat off his forehead.

“Whew… Thank you for saving me.”

…Even though you broke my finger, too.

He swallowed those words and asked Ferda hesitantly,

“May I ask your name?”

“Ferda Valdrova.”

“Valdrova? Isn’t that the name of the Red Dragon?”

“That’s correct. I’m to be her mate.”

“W-what? Don’t tell me… You’re the one engaged to that king?”

The blood drained from Vernell’s face. He dropped to his knees and prostrated himself, bowing deeply.

“I-I apologize for not recognizing the Consort of the Great King of Kings!”

“There’s no need to apologize. It’s only natural, you wouldn’t know. Don’t worry about it.”

“And I’m not her consort just yet. I only use the Valdrova name for now,” Ruri interjected with a small correction.

Vernell introduced himself.

“My name is Vernell Marquis. I’m a scholar commonly known as ‘Complete Mess,’ as you’ve probably heard. Haha…”

“Yes, I’ve heard of your reputation.”

“What brings someone as distinguished as you to visit someone like me?”

“Let’s not beat around the bush. I’m interested in your research.”

“My… research?”

“Yes. I want to use it to create weapons.”

Vernell’s expression stiffened.

“Weapons…?”

“That’s right. Using your research.”

The excitement that had been bubbling in Vernell just moments ago vanished in an instant. He shook his head firmly.

“Then I can’t do it.”

“That’s quite something to say to the man who just paid off your debt.”

“Even if you put a knife to my neck, I can’t do it. I… I only wish for peace on the continent of Serdes. All I want is for the people living here to be happy.”

Ferda had expected this wouldn’t be easy. Vernell Marquis was, after all, a staunch Pacifist.

“Weapons of war… only lead to more victims. Even if you’re my benefactor, I cannot do this.”

Ferda propped his chin on his hand and muttered,

“So, even if I put a knife to your neck, you won’t change your mind?”

Vernell felt a chill run down his spine. He’d been threatened countless times before—people saying they’d kill him or maim him—but this was different. This time, it felt like death itself was wrapping its arms around him from behind.

“But think carefully.”

Ferda swiped a finger across the dusty floor.

“Do you really think you get to sit in this sewer-like dump and quietly pursue your research thanks to your own choices?”

“This is what I chose for myself.”

“No, it’s not. This peace you enjoy—it wasn’t created by people like you making ‘choices.’”

Vernell felt his tension rise. Ferda’s tone had shifted, filled with unmistakable emotion.

“The great King Valdrova, who is to be my mate, heads to the frontlines nearly every three days. She fights monsters capable of destroying this entire city without breaking a sweat. And each time, what do you think she risks in those battles? Some land? The people of the eastern territories? My life?”

Ferda jabbed a finger at his own chest as he answered.

“No. She risks herself.”

“While people like you waste your lives clinging to noble ideals, she uses her life as a sacred sword to cut down the enemies threatening our peace.”

Ferda had always watched Valdrova as she fought on the frontlines. From the highest point, he had secretly observed her. And now, it felt as though her figure was appearing before his eyes again.

His chest tightened. Ferda’s fingers dug into his chest unconsciously. All that remained for someone as powerless as him, who could only watch, was guilt.

“And so, I’m willing to do anything for her.”

A flame flickered deep in Ferda’s blue eyes.

“No matter what you think, I’m going to make you create weapons with your research.”