Protagonist Knows Everything

Chapter 16: Hostage

Cold sweat is flowing on Kashas forehead.

Defense and attack. Using two spells simultaneously just shows how powerful she is. But it will be difficult to keep it going for a long time, right?

Before Burns could say anything Kasha rained some of the fire arrows upon him. To be precise, not Burns himself, but the area around him.

The ground burst into flames just by the sheer heat of the arrows. Burns was sweating, but he didnt flinch at all.

If one of those hit me, Ill just melt, even my bones wont be found, but you cant really target a person.

Youyou havent fought against humans before right? Then this will be easy.

With that Burns attacked me once again.

[Klang]

I can hear the sound of iron clashing. Good. The invisible barrier around me is still holding. Burns ruthless slashes were putting quite some stress on Kasha. Kasha was struggling to defend and attack at the same time.

Haha! It lasts quite a while!

Each time that Burns slashed, his sword dug deeper into the barrier. He was being attacked with those arrows at the same time. But he didnt care about Kashas magic at all, and he threw his sword at me whenever he got a chance.

Are all A-class adventurers this strong?

It was a big deal, according to Burns he was the weakest A-class in the Wyvern Guild, so much so that he wasnt given any proper quests.

What about other A-classes? Even the weakest one is this strong.

Kasha was sweating profusely. It seemed that the simultaneous operation of defense and attack magic became too difficult. She hurled a huge fiery arrow at Burns, as if she was trying to finish this once and for all.

But why is he smiling?

Burns quickly escaped. The arrow was heading to the frit reserve that he had heavily oiled a little while ago.

Oh! shoot

Kasha hurriedly tried to change the direction of the arrow, as if she had noticed Burns intentions.

Fortunately, she reacted quickly and the frit habitat was safe.

However, that sudden strain temporarily released the defense magic that Kasha placed on me

Ive got you now.

[Swish]

The next moment, Burns was pointing his sword at my neck.

Teleportation?

Burns muscles were swollen and throbbing.

Ta..Tay

Kasha was calling out to me, she sounded almost as if she was crying.

Burns glared at me and said, Woo. Whoa. Damn it. I cant fool my body, Im already tired.

Hey. Tay. Dirk really cares about you.

Even if I fail to burn the reserve, hell forgive me if I give him your head. Hell continue to give me quests, and my income would be secured.

Then Kasha spoke. She had a voice that reminded me of one of those horror movies I watched in my previous life.

Youll regret living if you touch Tay.

Ill melt your whole body starting from your limbs making all the way to your heart. Youll regret being born as your whole body melts away in the span of 24 painful hours.

If you could curse like that then why didnt you do it before?

Even though her threat was genuinely scary, Burns wasnt intimidated at all.

You dont want your Tay to die either. So move your flames out of your hands and burn those frits over there.

With that all of us will return home happy and healthy.

Kasha bites her lips tightly. Kasha moved out from her home after that whole incident with her party, maybe shes still scared of hurting people.

After considering my options I started speaking

You are really strong Burns, I admit it. So why dont you retreat now?

Dont bluff, why would I do that.

The first was Mary, the second was Hugh, then Xenia The youngest was Sylfia, right?

[Huerrgh]

Burns sword was trembling.

What

Think carefully. I already knew that Dirk commissioned you before coming here.

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I also knew that my precious little adventurer here never fought against other people. Did you really think that I came here to face you without any insurance?

Burns legs were shaking.

I spoke in a relaxed voice, Did you think that the Hagnut Guild was like your guild where no one cared for the other one?

No way

Kasha and I must return to the guild safely by midnight. I directed them to dispose of THEM if we dont reach the guild by midnight.

[Rattle]

For Burns, his children were his sole purpose of living. He loved them alot. Enough to have to accept dirty requests like this.

The kids dont touch my family.

I wont. If you take the sword away.

Burns put his sword in his trembling hand away. My throat was numb due to being stretched for so long.

Now go back. Report it to Dirk.

I think you have to give up touching the Hagnut Guild.

Burns said, staring at me with a terrifying look, Where are the kids?

First, go home. Then you will know soon.

Cause theyll be at home anyway.

Burns seemed to admit that he had nothing more to do with it. While grinding his teeth he turned away.

And as soon as he returned to the carriage,

Brother. WHAT IS IT?

Did you win?

Shut up and get on fast. Were retreating.

Then, Burns party jumped onto the carriage. Burns grabbed the reins and drove away without looking back.

I tried to turn slowly. But I couldnt. Because Kasha stuck tightly on my back from behind.

T_T.

What is it?

Sorry. Even though I said that Id protect you, this time I wasnt able to do anything Im really, really sorry. Tay.

Okay, why dont you let me go now?

Who said that sorcerers lack physical strength? Shes hugging me so tight.

Who said you didnt do anything? If it wasnt for you, I wouldve lost my head twelve times over.

Butbut

It was my mistake that I didnt tell you about the plan beforehand, I was never good with people to begin with.

Everyone has a specific talent. Not recognizing that talent is my failure as the HR manager. I have to reflect.

Kasha slowly released her arms. After turning around I saw. Her face is messed up. How many tears did she shed in that short time?

She said, rubbing her reddish eyes, Oh huh. Ugh. What is a HR manager?

You want to cry or ask questions? Choose one.

T_T

It seems that she chose to just cry. I gently patted her head. It was then.

Is it over?

Ron, who was hiding behind the rock, came out.

He said while scratching his cheek with an awkward expression, Did I interrupt something?

No! Not at all!

Kasha was agitated all of a sudden while answering. Embarrassed, she turned around. Maybe shell keep trying to wipe her face until her crying stops completely.

Meanwhile I said, Anyway, everything went well.

Yeah. I See.

There are so many things I want to say, but first I must go back. I am very tired today.

Yeah. but first gather the frits.

Obviously, 50, right?

So we gathered a bunch of mushrooms and boarded the carriage. On the way back, Ron didnt say a word.

In the meantime Kasha, who was back to her usual self said, That Tay. But you know.

Huh?

Are you really holding Burns kids hostage?

I replied with a smile, No of course not.

I didnt know that Burns would be so strong until I got here. If I knew it, I wouldve made the necessary preparations.

Wow, is it? Phew. Thank God.

Of course it is. Huh. Because its Tay.

I dont know what she was thinking, but I decided not to ask.

Actually, I am very tired too. I leaned on my chair and closed my eyes.

***

Ron kindly dropped us off at the Hagnut Guild.

He said before leaving,

Ill send you the compensation for the A-class quest later.

Please pay for the repairs as well. You even made my little adventurer cry.

Embarrassed at my words and Kasha pinched my side. Im sorry, but Im not that weak.

.

Lets go. In the future, I want to maintain a good relationship with the Hagnut Guild.

Ron beckoned to the coachman with the words. Soon, the carriage moved away.

Sigh. Lets go in. Im really tired today.

Kasha smiled brightly, her eyes were swollen.

I went inside and reported todays work to Sain.

And at that moment.

[You have earned 540 personnel evaluation points from Kasha.]

[Received 340 HR evaluation points from Sain.]

880 points?

And why is Kasha so generous?

[Level: 1st year employee/Next level: 2nd year employee]

[Personnel points required until the next promotion: 1280/1300]

[Newly available information: Worries]

Concerns! This is good. I used this in my file that I made in my previous life as well

Thats

Sain was saying something in a trembling voice.

You mean Tay was about to die?

Kasha once again intercepted my answer.

Yes. Because of me I couldnt do anything.

I put my hand on her head.

So what? Will you cry again?

No!

Then stop feeling depressed. Its not your fault.

Yes. Thanks. Tay.

Meanwhile, Sain put her hand on her chest and let out a sigh of relief.

Im really glad. Mr. Tay.

For what?.

Because you came back in one piece even after taking up such a dangerous task.

I told you about the plan right. I just executed the plan, nothing more.

Even though I answered so, Sains expression didnt change.

She said sincerely, Mr. Tay. It would be better for you to take a few days off.

Huh? No I am not that hurt.

Except for a sore neck.

No. Thats not it This event must mean a lot of trouble for the Wyvern Guild.

Its not just because we got a long term contract in their place, its about interfering with other guilds quests.

If the rumours start then Wyvern Guilds reputation will plummet.

Oh.

Sain shook her head.

Of course, one of my concerns, the Guild Master of the Wyvern Guild is

You must know.

The guild leader must have heard the name of Mr. Tay following that event. Maybe even before that.

So take a few days off

Boss.

Yeah?

The Wyvern Guild will be dissolved by us in no time.

At my words, Sains expression changed. She looked surprised.

Why are you so surprised?

I have a plan. So you dont have to worry that much.

So just practice the expressions and speech that well give, once weve overtaken their guild.

Slowly, Sains lips trembled. She said with a trembling voice, Before Tay joined us, overtaking the Wyvern Guild was just a dream for me.

But now, that dream seems like something we can actually achieve.

Because I am here now. Anyway, I will come to work tomorrow on time. So dont cut my annual salary.

I threw a joke in that conversation.

First of all, we dont even have an annual salary system.

But no one got it. My jokes didnt work in previous life as well so this wasnt surprising.

Well, thats it. But for now lets focus on Hans.

***

Guys!

Burns opened the door of the house and ran in.

What if these kids arent at home? What if I only see an empty, cold gray space? I dont want to lose them.

Dad!

Oh? Honey. Didnt you say youd be late today?

But he was greeted by his wife, who was preparing for dinner, wiping her hands on her apron. The kids ran to him as always and hung onto his arms and legs.

Burns shed a few tears.

Uh? Are you crying?

Wow, honey. What happened?

Burns spread his arms wide and embraced his family. Burns thought, burying their heads on his chest, You tricked me

Seeing their reaction, I think I know. Nothing happened to them. I was completely fooled by Taylor Mason. He must have heard the names of my family somewhere, remembered them, and used them on the fly.

Damn it.

While muttering those words, Burns shed tears.

Dad. Are you okay, Dad?

While watching their dad cry, even the children started crying.

Burns replied with a smile, Sorry. Its nothing.

T_T. Do not cry. Dad.

Its okay. Now, lets have dinner.

My wife, who is quick to notice, quickly took the children.

Burns had a blissful dinner that evening. It was late at night, so it was time to put the children to sleep and have a light drink with his wife.

Now tell me. What happened?

It was the same as usual.

Burns took a sip and looked up to the ceiling.

I should stop doing this.

What? Being an adventurer?

No. Not being an adventurer

I dont want to handle the guilds dirty work anymore. But If I dont do this, I wont have any work. And at this age

Nothing.

As he murmured, and he thought.

If I go to the Wyvern Guild tomorrow, maybe theyll yell at me. I couldnt do anything in the end.

Lets move this time.

If I go to a smaller guild, I will still be able to receive B-class quests. However, I am still contracted to the Wyvern Guild.

Maybe I should leave this guild as quick as possible.