Chapter 15
Chapter 15. Dream
Kyle did not answer directly. Instead, he took out a crystal ball and projected a vast curtain of light before them.
A magnificent city slowly emerged upon it.
Sunlight pierced through drifting clouds, casting a fantastical glow upon buildings of different styles and colors.
On wide, immaculate roads, vehicles brimming with a magical punk aesthetic moved back and forth like flowing musical notes.
In the streets and alleys, centaur couriers weaved nimbly through crowds. Flower sprites fluttered about, selling sweet candies. Halflings played cheerful melodies in the plaza. Dwarf and gnome artisans displayed intricate mechanical toys. On an outdoor screen, a live-action version of Tom and Jerry was being screened.
The terrifying monsters and dark creatures that once inspired fear had become film stars and regular guests in horror-themed amusement parks.
From stadiums filled with vitality and cheers, to tranquil forest paths; from bright classrooms echoing with the sound of reading, to libraries vast as oceans—
Regardless of race, regardless of status, everyone could freely pursue their own dreams.
Kyle gazed at the scene before him, a long-lost sense of fulfillment rising within his heart.
This was a world he had conceived by blending the fantastical scenes of anime, films, and novels from his previous life with the real species and cultural elements of this world.
This was the true fantasy world he envisioned—one brimming with hope and possibility, not the current dark fantasy steeped in intrigue and bloodshed.
At first, an adventure world of heroes roaming the lands might seem novel. But after enough time, one would find it utterly meaningless.
Like playing an endless souls-like game—nothing but slaying monsters. Even after clearing it, it merely marked the beginning of the next cycle.
It would be better to challenge the path once walked by great figures himself. Otherwise, what would be the point of living another life?
Caitlin, Dean, and O’Brien had never seen such a sight. Even in their dreams, they could not imagine a world so beautiful it bordered on illusion. Even the legendary Divine Kingdom might struggle to compare.
“This… this is…” O’Brien involuntarily raised his hand, as though to touch the heaven-like world.
“The future I envision. Not bad, right?” Kyle looked at them with unconcealed pride.
O’Brien forcibly pulled his focus back. As a Paladin, he had embarrassed himself enough today. Indulging in illusions would only dull his will; returning to reality was the proper path.
“This is nothing but fantasy. Even the gods cannot accomplish such a thing. Have you forgotten what I told you about the Paladin predecessors who failed in founding a nation? Speak plainly—what exactly do you want to do?”
“I haven’t forgotten. Failure means summarizing experience, not abandoning the effort entirely. The future holds endless possibilities. If you don’t even dare to imagine, how can you move forward?”
“Besides, I have plenty of time. I should find something meaningful to do with my life.”
“For now, of course, we start by finding a feasible path.”
The image on the light screen suddenly shifted. Caitlin and Dean, still immersed in the dreamlike vision, snapped back to reality.
This time, the projection displayed a bird’s-eye view of the entire Coral Thorn City, every street and corner clearly visible.
Kyle pointed at the various districts marked in different colors.
“These are the largest local forces in Coral Thorn City: the Duke’s Mansion, the Silver Moon Chamber of Commerce, the Deep Sea Union, the Shadow Guild, the Local Family Alliance, the Adventurers and Mercenaries Guild, and the weakest—Artisans’ Association.”
“These forces counterbalance one another, which is why Coral Thorn City maintains relative stability. But now, the Artisans’ Association—the representative of the common people—is facing dissolution.”
“The Family Alliance, dissatisfied with the Association’s advocacy for the lower workers, has been assassinating its backbone members. Just last night, while you were ‘chasing’ me, the Association’s next leader was assassinated at home.”
Kyle deliberately emphasized the word “chasing.”
Caitlin and Dean exchanged glances. The battle that had shaken the city’s night sky last evening—could it have been between these two?
O’Brien frowned.
“You’re telling me this because you want me to help the Artisans’ Association take revenge?”
“No. I want you to join the Artisans’ Association.”
“Impossible! A Paladin will not join any faction!” O’Brien glared at Kyle with uncompromising resolve.
“Then join as a warrior! As a forging Grandmaster!” Kyle glared back without yielding.
“Don’t tell me you’re still clinging to those outdated Paladin codes! If a Paladin cannot do it, then do it under another identity! Otherwise, you’ll witness rivers of blood when the Artisans’ Association collapses and Coral Thorn City undergoes a massive power reshuffle!”
If not for Dean’s appearance giving him the opportunity to win over O’Brien, Kyle truly would not have known how to draw the Artisans’ Association into his camp. The identity of a vampire had little appeal.
If word leaked that he sought to control these public forces, he would immediately be besieged from all sides. In the worst case, he might even attract a Legendary.
No one would care whether his intentions were good or evil. What a damned world.
O’Brien narrowed his eyes.
“Have you forgotten that you sent me out to sea to salvage for someone?”
“Of course not.” Kyle’s voice turned teasing again. “There’s a little surprise waiting on this voyage.”
“What trick are you playing now?”
“This time it’s not me—but the pirates under the Deep Sea Union. Conveniently, you need to establish a new reputation and enter Coral Thorn City under a new identity. Using those scum to build your prestige would be perfect~”
At last, O’Brien truly grasped the meaning of Kyle’s title as an ‘Information Broker.’ Not only did Kyle know his movements intimately, he even knew of his identity as a master smith.
Every step seemed woven into Kyle’s calculations, each ring linked to the next, the entire rhythm firmly in his grasp.
“You’re so certain I’ll agree?” O’Brien attempted to reclaim a sliver of initiative.
“Then… will you refuse?” For the first time before O’Brien, Kyle removed his silver mask.
Looking at Kyle’s youthful, devil-may-care face—and recalling how he had been toyed with for three months—O’Brien truly did not wish to agree. Yet the corner of his eye caught sight of Dean, and he could not help but sigh inwardly…
“You win… Your objective is achieved.” O’Brien closed his eyes. He had agreed. Let him be reckless once—for the sake of an ideal.
“Then happy cooperation.” Kyle smiled and performed a gentleman’s bow.
O’Brien merely snorted coldly, saying nothing.
Kyle paid no mind to the familiar tsundere undertone. The man was about to work for him for free—what more attitude could he demand?
“Once you formally enter the Artisans’ Association, I’ll provide sufficient resource support. What you need to do is help promote the various products and cultural concepts I’ve developed.”
“Wouldn’t it be more suitable to approach nobles and merchants for that? And it doesn’t sound particularly difficult?” O’Brien could not understand.
“Of course not suitable. Many of these things would face resistance from nobles and merchants. More likely, I’d simply be devoured whole.”
“These matters are anything but simple. Without someone of sufficient identity and standing to push them, they’ll be nearly impossible to implement. And among those capable and willing, at present I can find no one but you. Even you, in your current state, are insufficient for some of them—we must proceed gradually.”
“What exactly do you intend to promote, that you believe only I would be willing to do?”
Once again, Kyle had piqued O’Brien’s curiosity.