Me, the Weakest Member of the Hero’s Party? I’m the Villain Though? - Chapter 112
“Is something like that really possible?”
Elonen asked with his eyes wide, clearly surprised.
“Our technology is unmatched by any race. We’re well known for gemstone processing because it brings in good money, but the weapons we create could be called the strongest in the world.”
Dierko spoke with confidence that went beyond certainty and practically overflowed.
Honestly, I had thought that kind of information wasn’t very important, but the words that followed sent a chill down my spine.
“Ever since we built this underground kingdom, we’ve devoted all our efforts to creating weapons capable of subjugating the Black Flame Dragon.”
As the Black Flame Dragon myself, that was not a welcome topic at all. But Kyle, apparently very interested, asked with his eyes shining,
“What kind of weapons are they? Could you show them to us?”
“Why are you curious about that? Let me say this first, we’ve never sold weapons to humans. Even if you offered an unimaginable amount of money.”
At least it was a relief that Dierko had no intention of selling Kyle a weapon to defeat the Black Flame Dragon.
“Why is that?”
Gerard, who had been quiet until now, seemed interested at the mention of money and asked Dierko for the reason. I could already guess what the answer would be.
“Because humans are greedy. If we sold them weapons, they’d use them to attack us. In fact, something like that happened once. That’s why we haven’t sold weapons to humans for a very long time.”
As expected, it was exactly the answer I had anticipated.
“We don’t intend to attack or invade anyone. We have only one goal, to find the Black Flame Dragon and defeat it.”
“Why are you all pursuing the Black Flame Dragon?”
Perhaps interested that they shared the same objective, Dierko asked.
“I lost my mother and my people to an attack by the Black Flame Dragon, Gerard lost his younger sister, Kakaros lost his homeland and the World Tree, and Elonen lost his temple and his brothers.”
Each time someone’s story was mentioned, those listening let out sympathetic sighs. At last, Dierko’s gaze settled on me.
“And what did you sacrifice to the Black Flame Dragon?”
What had been sacrificed to the Black Flame Dragon was probably myself. If he had lived his life properly, I wouldn’t have ended up possessing this body.
But that was a secret I would have to keep for the rest of my life.
“I… lost myself.”
I had glossed over many things, but perhaps it sounded quite profound, because Dierko’s expression turned serious.
He stroked his chin, lost in thought for a moment, then nodded and answered.
“I’ve confirmed your resolve. If you find the Black Flame Dragon and take your revenge, we would be more than pleased. Leave this place today and go in search of the Black Flame Dragon.”
Before we could even bring up the plan we had discussed together in the cell, Dierko issued a welcome order for us to depart.
“And I know it won’t be easy to face the Black Flame Dragon. So I’ll introduce a few pieces of equipment you can take with you.”
On top of that, he made an unexpectedly generous offer. Kyle nodded more enthusiastically than anyone else.
“Then everyone, eat now. The soup has gone cold.”
With the misunderstanding cleared up, everyone filled their stomachs in a cheerful atmosphere, except for me, who felt uneasy at the mention of being shown equipment.
After the meal, true to his word, Dierko led us to the armory and showed us the equipment.
“Wow, what is all this.”
At Kyle’s exclamation, everyone in the party looked around with their mouths hanging open.
The vast space was packed full of every kind of weapon imaginable, a truly spectacular sight. Even Gerard, who had seemed uninterested the whole time, had his attention drawn to the shelves filled with various kinds of staffs.
“Among the weapons we make, the most valuable are those made of true silver. As a special favor, I’ll give each of you one piece of true silver equipment as a gift, so choose what you like.”
“Are you sure that’s alright? You’re giving us something this valuable without any compensation?”
Elonen, apparently feeling burdened about receiving something so precious from someone they had just met, carefully asked about his intentions.
“The only thing we need in return is the death of the Black Flame Dragon, that’s all. If it still weighs on your mind, you can return it to us after using it. It won’t wear down from a little use.”
At the words ‘the death of the Black Flame Dragon’, my shoulders unconsciously flinched, but fortunately no one noticed.
“In that case, we’ll gratefully borrow them.”
After answering politely, Elonen began choosing equipment with an excited expression. Watching the group equip themselves with impressive gear to kill me left a bitter feeling in my chest.
