The Return of the Talented Monopolist is Special

Yujin felt reassured by Jade’s reaction.

He had thought that Jade might react with anger and lash out at him upon hearing the story, but instead, Jade was listening without interruption.

At this point, Yujin decided to act more boldly. He would directly share his opinion with Jade.

Before the Trial of the Dead, Jade had asked Yujin what he thought about Pencell, showing that he was open to hearing the opinions of those much younger and less experienced than himself.

“Let’s speak frankly,” Yujin decided.

Yujin laid the groundwork for his argument.

“Pencell needs to change. I mentioned this before, before the Trial of the Dead.”

“I remember.”

“We need to reconsider Pencell’s position in the continent. We indeed are the strongest in the north.”

“Then?”

“However, that is merely a symbolic facade.”

“…Hmm.”

Although Yujin’s words were bolder than before, Jade did not interrupt him. Jade seemed to admire Yujin’s perspective on the situation, as he appeared to have a deep understanding of the continent’s politics.

“The continent is divided between the Holy Kingdom of the Sun and Heukji, and on the surface, it might seem like they are evenly matched. But in reality, their true military strengths have never been accurately measured.”

“Go on.”

“However, in practical terms, the continent is virtually unified under the Sun God’s Church. If the Church decided to act, they could unify the continent within thirty years. It’s simply that they haven’t chosen to do so yet.”

Jade could not refute this statement.

This was a well-known fact among those who understood the power dynamics at play.

The Sun God’s Church had immense military and political power.

Even the three major factions of Heukji—The Mage Tower, the Cradle of Warriors, and the Tower of Records—could ultimately be overwhelmed if the Sun God’s Church chose to focus all its resources on defeating them.

The Church was that powerful.

“But the problem here is that the Sun God’s Church does not view Pencell favorably,” Yujin continued.

“So, you’re suggesting that Pencell should cooperate with the Sun God’s Church?” Jade asked, with a slightly uncomfortable expression.

Given the context, Jade’s interpretation of Yujin’s words was understandable.

However, Yujin shook his head.

“No. Pencell…”

Unexpectedly, Yu jin’s next words were:

“Pencell must fight against the Sun God’s Church.”

“…!”

Jade’s eyes were filled with concern.

“The Sun God Church has committed numerous atrocities based on the power they possess, and now they are wreaking havoc even more freely.”

“…Did you see any signs of this in the north?”

“No, the north is clean. The Sun God Church is only showing a passive stance because of someone named Fenzel. But in the south, their misconduct is so severe it’s visible.”

What kind of atrocities is the Sun God Church committing?

‘Under the pretext of protecting the entire church safely, they are collecting an outrageously large amount of taxes, and suppressing the resulting complaints with force.’

But that wasn’t all.

‘They also deceive young women or promising young men, turning them into members of the Sun God Church. Of course, the method seems gentle at first, but once they join, it becomes a pit they cannot escape from.’

When they recruit people into the church, they promise favorable conditions and rewards, but once someone joins, there is no way to leave, no matter what happens.

They make them sign unfavorable contracts, take their families as hostages, and sometimes drug them with illegal hypnotic substances.

It’s essentially a form of slave contract.

These were the facts that Eugene had realized during his long time with the Sun God Church in his past life.

Of course, he didn’t directly plan or instigate such evil deeds.

‘This is information Jade would surely know by now. There was simply no way to do anything special because there were no other options. Now, it’s time to get to the main point.’

Jade nodded and asked Eugene.

“But Fenzel rejects the will of the Sun God Church and refuses to cooperate. You’re suggesting we turn our backs on them completely?”

“The way we turn our backs is important.”

“Now, tell me why Julia being the daughter of the Qing Tower master is significant.”

“We need to ally with the Black Hand.”

“…Hmm.”

Eugene added in a firm voice.

“The Qing Tower Master is one of the moderate factions among the four great magical towers, and if we use that to our advantage, we can effectively counter the Sun God Church.”

“So, what about Julia?”

“Julia will be an important bridge to connect Fenzel and the magic towers.”

Jade’s expression shifted slightly.

He was a 10-star Sword Master, one of the top three strongest in the continent.

Even someone like him found the Sun God Church to be a daunting opponent.

Now, Eugene was suggesting they ally with the Black Hand to directly oppose the Sun God Church. That was bound to make him think deeply.

Eugene spoke once more to instill confidence in Jade’s mind.

“Fenzel must remain Fenzel until the end.”

“…”

“A place where no one bows to anyone, and where they boldly take up their sword to cut out the rotten parts—no matter how powerful the opponent is.”

Eugene locked eyes with Jade.

“Even if that opponent is an unbeatable giant.”

However, contrary to Eugene’s intentions, Jade spoke with a slightly stiff expression.

“Eugene, I’ve already realized that you are a sharp-minded fellow, with skills to match. But, no matter how strong Fenzel is, they cannot endure the amount of bloodshed that will be spilled. Do you understand my feelings, boy?”

Jade, the head of the family, referred to himself as “the old man.”

Eugene, once again reminded of the affection Jade had for him, responded.

“Yes, grandfather, I know you see the bigger picture and wouldn’t want to sacrifice too much.”

“Everything you’ve said is correct, but—”

“Then, doesn’t that mean we don’t have to make a great sacrifice?”

Both of them knew that if they went against the Sun God Church, someone would have to be destroyed.

“There is a problem with Fenzel,” Eugene said.

“Indeed, there is a problem. The problem is… that you, grandfather, are too strong.”

“…?”

Jade tilted his head in confusion at the unexpected remark.

The fact that being strong was a problem?

Jade spoke slowly, seemingly confused.

“I don’t think this is flattery, so what do you mean?”

“If Fenzel didn’t have you, grandfather… it would be like a sandcastle.”

As Eugene spoke, he thought that Jade wouldn’t be able to accept this.

‘From the Azure Dragon to the Vermilion Bird knights. There are many prestigious knight orders and even secret organizations hidden within, so it would be hard for him to agree with what I’m saying.’

Having witnessed Fenzel’s decline alongside Jade’s death in his previous life, Eugene knew this to be true.

Fenzel had been overly reliant on the superhuman that was Jade.

But Eugene was also taken aback by Jade’s unexpected response.

“You’re saying that I’ve been ignoring the potential of the people in Fenzel?”

At that moment, Eugene was sure.

‘Jade is a reasonable man.’

Despite his previous experiences with him, Jade’s thinking was truly open.

“The brighter the light, the darker the shadow, after all. So, the main point is, we need to focus more on nurturing talent.”

Jade chuckled wryly.

“Just look at how there was a traitor in Fenzel not too long ago. And that he was defeated by a trainee.”

Eugene couldn’t help but smile awkwardly. Who would have thought that the Wall of the North, Jade, would have such a reaction?

Eugene almost began to suggest the direction Fenzel should take, but then stopped himself when Jade asked an unexpected question.

“Weren’t you afraid?”

“Afraid of what?”

“Afraid to say things like that to me.”

In some ways, this wasn’t a typical situation.

A 13-year-old boy, who had gone through the trials of the world, and who had reached the level of a superhuman or even a god, was daring to give advice and critique to someone like Jade.

But Eugene answered with a steady, unflinching expression.

“I was afraid. Even as I said it, I regretted it. I thought I should have said less.”

Jade burst into laughter at Eugene’s honest admission.

“Haha!”

“But how did you manage to bear such a burden and share such sensitive information with Fenzel?”

“That’s because…”

“If your opinion is rejected, you will be labeled a traitor. Or, if you borrowed the power of your father’s family, the Robergs, you wouldn’t have to push so hard against the rigid walls of Fenzel, would you?”

“Hmmm.”

Eugene paused briefly at this question.

Jade waited.

He knew Eugene wasn’t foolish enough to not have considered this, so his response was even more eagerly awaited.

After a brief silence, Eugene spoke.

“Fenzel is… my mother’s family.”

Jade wiped the smile off his face.

Until now, Eugene had been armed with logic, but his emotional final statement made Jade look more surprised than ever.

“You didn’t calculate this?”

“My mother loves you and my uncles.”

“…”

Jade’s mind gradually settled down.

Lilian had grown distant from Eugene due to the family’s rules, and as a result, their relationship had deteriorated to the point where they were more estranged than strangers.

However, through this child, Eugene learned of Lilian’s true feelings.

It was as if his frozen heart had begun to thaw, and Jade started to wonder if he had truly been bound by the constraints of family and rules all this time.

Seeing Eugene’s filial piety again, a wave of regret surged through Jade for his previous decisions.

“You always surprise me,” Jade expressed, a rare display of emotion.

Eugene noticed the wavering in Jade’s eyes.

‘Jade is just human after all. How much must he have suffered to show such a side of himself?’

Eugene hid his thoughts and gave a soft smile.

“I hope it was a pleasant surprise.”

“So, what exactly do you want? Let’s wrap it up with more specifics.”

“I would like to secretly contact the Blue Mage Tower, ensure Julia’s safe transport, and establish a foundation for our future relationship with them.”

Jade exhaled deeply.

“Hmm… No matter how outstanding and extraordinary you are, you’re still just a trainee in Fenzel. Building a relationship with the Mage Tower through you is impossible—”

“I recommend Sir Muel.”

Eugene cut off Jade rudely, showing his firm conviction.

Muel was someone Jade could trust within Fenzel, and since he had never made a name for himself outside, he could move most freely.

For that reason, Muel would be the most appropriate person to communicate with the Mage Tower, and through this mission, Eugene also believed they could acquire knowledge to help Muel’s treatment.

It was both a way to repay a debt from his previous life and to fulfill Eugene’s intentions.

“You sly little brat, you’ve already planned everything.”

“I just thought about it.”

Jade smiled and looked at Eugene, seemingly curious about how far Eugene had thought ahead.

What exactly could this child be planning?

Eugene, now with less tension on his face, replied.

Although he thought he might face a severe punishment or even death in this meeting, it was a task that had to be done.

Revenge on the Sun God Church.

It was laying the groundwork for that.

Eugene knew better than anyone that great risks come with great rewards.

“Let me think about it. Let’s end it here for today.”

“Oh, the ring…”

Eugene began to mention the ring, but Jade waved his hand.

“That’s your business, take care of it yourself. I know nothing of the secret space you entered or the unknown person you met.”

Eugene, observing Jade’s demeanor, understood that Jade likely knew the ring was related to the tyrant.

Jade’s face became solemn again.

“Lastly, I command Eugene Roberg.”

Eugene quietly nodded. He had expected this to come.

“Eugene Roberg, a trainee of Fenzel, is to be sealed in Aura for three years. During this time, you will face me periodically, and I will monitor your progress. Depending on your efforts, the seal may be lifted sooner or later.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Jade shot white light Aura seal needles at Eugene’s wrists and ankles.

Zzip.

With a slight sting, an oddly suffocating feeling enveloped Eugene.

It truly felt like his Aura had been sealed.

Eugene had killed a Fenzel knight without prior agreement, and whether it was for good or ill, it was a matter that could easily become controversial.

And Jade, being in a position to address this, had to impose such a punishment.

‘An Aura seal for three years. What does that mean?’

Given the context and tone of the conversation so far, Eugene thought that Jade would give him a light punishment.

Something done for appearances, to avoid any scandals.

But the punishment was more severe than he had anticipated, and Eugene was momentarily caught in thought.

There was something deeper behind this.

“Now, leave.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Without a word, Eugene bowed his head and left the Lord’s quarters.

Jade, left alone, smiled to himself.

With a talent that was far beyond ordinary, combined with his understanding of the situation and far-sighted vision, as well as his loyalty and filial piety towards his family…

‘I was worried there was no suitable heir for the next head of the family, but if it’s him…’

Maybe, just maybe, he could be the one.

And at the same time…

‘How long will it take for you to realize that the Aura seal, instead of being a harsh punishment, is the greatest gift I can give you?’

The return of a talent-eating individual is extraordinary.