The Hidden Ending Strategy of a Veteran in a Dead Game

Chapter 21: Victory Reward

Duarc von Bayerle, the head of the Bayerle Family, was in a good mood.

It was because the martial prowess displayed by his two sons had been exceptional.

Gaiden, who had demonstrated talent in magic, had laid the foundation for moving to the next level, while in Kellen’s case...

"A wolf. I could sense his wild instincts."

The battle itself had been rough and unpolished, but it revealed potential beyond imagination.

It was unbelievable.

Until now, Kellen’s actions had been the complete opposite of what he had displayed.

The matter with Aiselon was no exception.

Boldly, he had taken care of Aiselon's underbelly.

Even Shureg, who had been tasked with keeping an eye on Kellen, had wanted to keep what Kellen had done under wraps. However, as the situation had escalated, he had no choice but to report it.

"Sweeping through an organization boss at the age of fifteen is no easy feat."

After all, Duarc himself had become a champion in an illegal fighting ring at the same age.

He had no intention of underestimating Kellen’s accomplishments.

Duarc liked those who kept their word.

Trust was built on proof and truth.

Kellen’s statement about becoming a wolf had turned into reality.

Had there been a trigger during that time? Or had something that had been building up finally erupted?

It didn’t matter which.

Duarc was simply proud of his sons’ growth.

Without realizing it, a faint smile played on his lips when a sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted him.

“Hmm-hmm! What are you so deeply thinking about? The envoy from Jamal is still here.”

“Have you been standing there all this time? You may leave now.”

Duarc’s words caused Giyon nu Jamal, a vassal of House Jamal, to tremble.

“I haven’t even stated my business yet!”

“You’re quite lacking in tact. That was my way of telling you to leave.”

It was insulting.

Ignoring the envoy of Jamal, the southern frontier duke, was tantamount to disregarding House Jamal itself.

Though Giyon nu Jamal bit his lip in humiliation, he quickly relaxed his expression.

Instead, he eased his shoulders and feigned composure.

“I assume you’ve received the letter. Please provide your answer. My visit, under Jamal’s banner, is to receive an official response.”

Bringing the family’s banner signified an official family event.

Had he come as a secret envoy, it might have been a different matter, but publicly ignoring or disrespecting him would invite the scrutiny of other nobles.

Although the Bayerle Family was powerful enough to disregard such concerns…

“The exchange program is a policy initiated by the imperial family.”

The mention of imperial involvement changed the context entirely.

After all, the Bayerle Family was still part of the empire.

Duarc closed his eyes briefly before looking at Giyon.

“Do you think an exchange program between the Bayerle and Jamal families is feasible?”

“Given that these are the two families supporting the South, it must be done.”

The exchange program he referred to was straightforward.

Each family would exchange direct descendants.

“This is not an uncommon practice. Demonstrating solidarity between the two families will maintain peace in the South and reassure the other houses.”

Indeed, such exchange programs were not unusual.

Families would exchange members to strengthen alliances—or as a form of hostages.

If one party attacked, the exchanged relatives could be threatened with death.

“You, of all people, should know this best.”

There was a barb in Giyon’s words.

The Bayerle Family’s methods of conquering and subjugating other families weren’t too different.

They would invade opposing families, capture their members, and hold them as hostages.

Compared to such practices, an exchange program was far more polite and non-violent.

"This exchange must happen."

Though Giyon pretended to be relaxed, he was actually anxious.

Partly because the man in front of him was a 9th-tier knight.

"Understanding Zarhil’s prowess is one thing, but for the second and third sons to also be at that level... At this rate, Jamal’s future is bleak."

The recent sparring session had been eye-opening.

House Jamal owed its status as the southern frontier duke to political maneuvering.

In other words, if the political necessity disappeared, they could be discarded at any time.

Despite pouring tremendous resources into strengthening their forces and educating their direct descendants, it was clear they were no match for the Bayerle Family’s historical foundation.

"Reconciliation with the Bayerle Family in this generation is impossible. The next generation must be secured."

If possible, tying the families together by blood into a shared destiny would be ideal.

Even if not, forging friendly relations was essential.

The purpose of proposing this exchange program was to achieve that.

Who knows? The exchanged descendants might even fall in love and arrange a betrothal.

Gulp.

Giyon nervously swallowed and rubbed the rim of his teacup.

“Drink. It’s not poisoned.”

“Haha. I never suspected that.”

Even so, Giyon quickly took a sip to moisten his lips before continuing.

“The sparring session was remarkable. Such achievements at an age yet to reach adulthood. Through this exchange, House Jamal hopes to benefit from Bayerle’s—”

“Who will Jamal send?”

Duarc cut him off with a question.

“The seventh young lady.”

“That’s nonsense.”

“Excuse me?”

“I said it’s nonsense.”

Duarc von Bayerle had only four children.

In contrast, House Jamal was infamous for having many offspring.

Through frequent political marriages, House Jamal had expanded its influence in the South.

The Jamal duke, Guiness nu Jamal, alone had twelve children.

While Bayerle would be sending a direct heir and succession candidate, the seventh young lady of Jamal was far removed from such matters.

From Jamal’s perspective, she was expendable.

It wasn’t a fair deal.

“Send the third daughter. That’s the minimum condition.”

“That’s—!”

“Would you prefer to send the eldest son?”

“No, not at all.”

“I’ll await your response.”

With that, Duarc waved his hand dismissively.

It was a clear gesture for him to leave.

After glaring at Duarc momentarily, Giyon stormed out of the room.

“Uh, can I come in now?”

Kellen, who had been waiting outside, peeked his head in through the door.

***

Was My Timing Off?

I came to claim my reward for winning the sparring match, but someone from the Jamal Family popped out of nowhere.

Maybe I should’ve just waited in the reception room.

“Sit.”

“Thank you.”

While assessing the situation, Duarc gestured toward a chair. He was rubbing his temple, possibly from irritation, but his voice remained gentle.

Thankfully, it didn’t seem like he was about to vent his frustration on me. That wasn’t his nature anyway.

I cautiously took a seat.

"Come to think of it, this is my first private conversation with him."

I had never spent time alone with the head of the family before. The only exception was when I was younger, during a meeting to assess my potential—but that was long before I took over this body.

At the time, Duarc had seemed quite disappointed. But now...

“You’ve kept your word.”

“Words should carry weight.”

“That’s right. Never forget the weight the Bayerle Family carries.”

I could see the pride in his eyes.

“Gaiden’s achievements were excellent, but you’ve also proven your worth. When Nohr spoke of your talent, I dismissed it as nonsense.”

This was news to me.

I knew Nohr had been keeping an eye on me, but I hadn’t expected him to directly bring it up with the head of the family.

“I’ll strive to show even greater progress.”

I expressed my gratitude.

“There should be a reward for winning an official sparring match. I heard you’ve reached the 2nd Rank. You’ll begin receiving lower-tier support. Visit the Crimson Hall to claim your allocation.”

Lower-tier support.

It might not sound like much, but it was a structured benefit within the family:

Ranks 1 to 3: Lower-tier support.

Ranks 4 to 5: Mid-tier support.

Ranks 6 to 7: Upper-tier support.

"Lower-tier support is more than enough for now."

It provided access to quality equipment and free repairs. I could also request nearly anything I needed for training and receive potions once a month.

The only downside?

"There’s almost no monetary support."

Since I wasn’t a knight or soldier drawing a salary, the financial assistance was negligible. In other words, I was still broke.

No money? I’d just have to earn it.

“As promised, I’ll also grant you a separate reward. Do you have anything in mind?”

“Allow me access to the Yellow Spear Unit.”

“The Yellow Spear Unit?”

Duarc’s eyes glinted with surprise at my unexpected request. Did he think I’d ask for some rare item or a pile of money? That wasn’t entirely off the table, but...

"That would’ve been a mistake."

This was just a sparring match. The main benefit of winning was mine alone. Asking for something excessive would only paint me as a greedy fool.

Instead, I chose something that aligned with my goals and would catch the head’s attention in a good way.

“I’ve heard that the Yellow Spear Unit handles family missions for knights and those of equivalent standing.”

The Yellow Spear Unit specialized in handling various support missions. Its primary role was to process requests that came into the family. Essentially, it was like a mission dispatch center run by the Bayerle Family.

Moreover, the requests weren’t trivial or low-quality tasks like finding a lost cat.

“That’s correct. The minimum requirement to use the Yellow Spear Unit is the 4th Rank.”

Only those who had reached at least the 4th Rank could officially access it. This ensured that they were recognized as knights or mages wherever they went.

“However, I’ve heard that not everyone follows that rule. Even 3rd Ranks frequently take on assignments.”

While the official standard was the 4th Rank, in reality, those below it often participated. Not all missions required combat prowess, after all.

"If you have other skills, you can still qualify."

For instance, if a mountain guide was needed for a mission, who would be more useful—a 3rd Rank Ranger or a 4th Rank Knight?

Thus, while the guideline existed, it was ultimately just that—a guideline.

Even so, you still needed to be at least a 3rd Rank.

“I believe that being able to face Gaiden, a 3rd Rank mage, proves I’m capable.”

“You’re overestimating yourself. It was just one victory, and that in a sparring match.”

“Precisely because it was a sparring match. Had it been a real fight, Gaiden would be dead.”

Bold words, perhaps even arrogant.

I met Duarc’s sharp gaze head-on, as if daring him to refute me.

After a moment of silent tension, Duarc finally spoke.

“Once the banquet is over, you’ll have access to the Yellow Spear Unit.”

“Thank you.”

I bowed my head deeply, unable to suppress a grin.

The reason I wanted access to the Yellow Spear Unit wasn’t just to complete missions and earn money.

"I need missions to leave the family grounds."

As a direct descendant who hadn’t come of age yet, I couldn’t leave the estate without permission.

To develop the build for Martuga, I needed an excuse to go outside.

“And there’s someone I’d like to introduce to you. At Nohr’s request, this person has agreed to mentor you.”

“If Instructor Nohr requested it, then could it be...”

“Selman.”

At Duarc’s call, the door to the adjacent conference room opened.

Clink. Clink.

A masked figure walked in, bound in chains.

Those weren’t ordinary chains.

"Mana-sealing chains?"

They were capable of binding even an 8th Rank individual. While impressive, such chains had a drawback—they only worked if the target consented to being restrained.

They were usually used on subdued criminals or prisoners of war.

“Kraaa! Hurry up and untie me!”

“Now that the sparring match is over, you’ll be released.”

Selman silently undid the chains.

As soon as they fell, the masked individual ripped it off and grabbed Duarc by the collar.

What the hell? Was this allowed?

“Damn it! Sure, I caused some trouble, but chaining myself up was too much!”

“Quiet. It’s difficult enough managing a southern kingdom criminal hanging around an official sparring match.”

“I said I’d just watch!”

“That was the worst joke I’ve heard all year. Now let go. You reek.”

“Really? I bathed a week ago.”

The woman sniffed herself, wagging her tail with every motion.

Duarc sighed wearily and addressed me.

“I’m sure you’re surprised, but understand this. There are circumstances at play. This is the culprit behind the Aiselon massacre—and your new combat mentor.”

“Uh... um...”

I couldn’t even form a coherent response.

Was it because she dared to act like that with the head of the family?

Because she was the criminal responsible for smearing my name?

Because she was a beastfolk?

No.

"Cayena? Why is she here?"

I knew this beastfolk.

The Golden Lion, Cayena.

A named NPC in the game, she was an extreme martial artist who had reached the peak of the 8th Rank, later surpassing the 9th Rank to touch upon the Saint-level.

And...

"She’s the one who unseals the Season 4 Boss."

She was the character responsible for unleashing one of the future season’s greatest threats.