The Return of the Limited-Time Sword Master

Chapter 62: The City of Desire and Despair (1)

After leaving Varehein City, Martin visited several cities and villages.

And everywhere he went, cries of grief echoed.

Since the previous head of the Adalbert family took charge, the family’s influence had sharply declined.

Those who held some degree of power in the northern part of the Empire saw this as an opportunity, focusing on increasing their wealth through illegal activities.

In the process, many of the commoners had to suffer under oppressive rule.

Such situations occurred frequently even when the former head was alive, so after his death, things only worsened.

The oppression and tyranny showed no signs of stopping, and the citizens’ frustration and anger reached a boiling point.

It was then that Martin appeared.

– “If you’ve committed a crime, you must face punishment.”

Martin wielded the hammer of justice mercilessly against the guilty.

Among them were those who tried to hide behind their professions or statuses.

But no one could defy the authority of the young lord of the Adalbert family, and all were punished accordingly.

But that was only the beginning.

Even the lords, who were considered exceptional among the nobility, paid a heavy price for their illegal activities.

Just like Jurgen von Brightner, they lost their heads, and their families were officially dissolved.

There were four such families in total.

Martin’s actions were like a storm sweeping through the land.

Naturally, many were dissatisfied, but that was as far as it went.

No one dared to openly oppose him.

In part, it was because they had committed severe crimes that justified Martin’s actions, but more importantly, Martin’s prestige had soared.

At this point, even if he ascended to become the head of the Adalbert family, there would be no forces in the north capable of opposing him.

“From here on, it won’t be easy for me either,” Martin remarked.

“But you still have the ability to influence things, don’t you?” Sien asked.

“Normally, yes. But not now. The mayor over there has some solid backing.”

“Backing? Isn’t the mayor supposed to remain strictly neutral?”

“We’re living in chaotic times. Rules like that don’t mean anything anymore.”

Martin responded to Sien’s question with a wry smile, his gaze fixed on the massive walls across the vast Debritz River.

Though it was late at night, the lights from the mana-powered street lamps beyond the walls shone brightly.

It felt as though they were looking at a galaxy on the ground.

“When I was young, I thought those lights were so beautiful. It was the first time I realized there were places as beautiful as Varehein City,” Martin mused.

“On the surface, it really is a beautiful city. It’s just that countless people are shedding tears of blood behind the scenes.”

Sien responded with undisguised disdain to Martin’s words.

Free City Akela.

It was a city built on the border between the northern region ruled by the Adalbert family and the western region governed by the Imperial family.

It was free from the influence of any particular power, and its laws were fairly lax.

Because of that, many had succeeded or risen to prominence quickly, earning it the nickname, the “City of Opportunity.”

‘Though behind that opportunity lies the remains of those who have been left behind.’

For every success, there were far more failures.

One could build mountains out of the corpses of the fallen, and seas from the blood they had shed.

“But what choice do we have? We have to go there, for the sake of the family.”

“I’m not opposed to your decision, Martin. Just be extremely careful this time.”

“I know. That place is crawling with people who could kill me.”

With that, Martin climbed back into his car.

Sien started the engine, and the vehicle carrying the members of the White Dragon Knights followed behind them.

A total of four cars crossed the bridge and headed toward the walls of Akela City.

“Halt!”

As they approached the gates, a guard’s voice called out.

Sien stopped the car in response.

“Tch.”

Martin clicked his tongue as he looked at the guards.

Among them, he recognized a familiar face.

A middle-aged man with a sturdy build strode confidently toward the car.

As the man drew near, Martin lowered the window.

“Welcome to Free City Akela, young lord.”

“It’s been a while, Dietmar Hessler. The last time we met was after my father passed away, wasn’t it?”

“As you say, young lord.”

“By the way, why is the mayor’s secretary waiting at the city gate? It’s not like you had to. I would’ve gone to meet the mayor anyway.”

Martin wasn’t particularly bothered that Dietmar had been waiting for him.

Since leaving Varehein City, Martin had made no effort to hide his identity, and his actions had been nothing short of bold.

His movements were being monitored in real-time, so it wasn’t difficult for others to predict his arrival time.

“The mayor wishes to invite you to dinner, young lord. However, there is one more guest who has been invited. If you feel uncomfortable, the mayor said you are free to decline.”

“An invitation from the mayor means we’ll be going to the government residence… Did you also arrange our accommodations there?”

“As you mentioned, we’ve prepared rooms for you at the residence. We’ve ensured the best facilities are ready, so you won’t be inconvenienced.”

“To think the mayor would go to such lengths for me. I’m not sure how I’ll ever repay his kindness.”

A smile spread across Martin’s face.

It was clear that the mayor wanted to keep him close and observe his actions.

Martin could also guess the intention behind inviting the other guest.

Though he didn’t know who it was, it was obvious that the guest was someone meant to keep him in check.

‘It’s more likely someone from the Marquis Royce family than someone from the mayor’s side.’

In truth, there wasn’t much choice in the matter.

Regardless of his own feelings, the mayor’s invited guest would be hovering around him in one way or another.

“What about the White Dragon Knights?”

“As you’re aware, knight orders are generally forbidden from entering Free City Akela.”

“But they’re here as my escorts. That should make them an exception.”

“As you say, young lord. However, only Deputy Commander Fritz Khan will be allowed to accompany you to the residence. The rest of the knights must remain at City Hall and can only act in case of an emergency. This is one of Akela City’s regulations…”

“I’m aware. Even members of the top three noble families and the Imperial family must follow the rules here. Don’t worry, I have no intention of breaking them.”

“Thank you for your understanding. So, will you be accepting the mayor’s invitation?”

“It wouldn’t be polite to refuse after he’s gone to such trouble. I’ll attend.”

“The mayor will be delighted.”

Dietmar Hessler bowed politely and turned to leave.

“You could ride with us, you know?” Martin suggested.

“I appreciate your kindness, but I still have some tasks to complete at the residence. It’s to ensure everything is perfect for your stay, young lord.”

“If you put it that way, I guess I have no choice. See you later, then.”

“Yes. I’ll see you at the residence.”

With those words, Dietmar turned and walked away.

Martin got out of the vehicle and moved toward the back seat.

Fritz Khan, who had been waiting, quickly filled the empty spot and began speaking.

“Jerome Metzelder, the current mayor of Akela City, is famous for being cunning. While he won’t openly harm you, young lord, he’s sure to have set some sort of trap.”

“We’ll just have to deal with it. It’s not like we can avoid going there.”

Though Martin’s tone was calm, his mind was racing.

From Varehein City to Akela City, none of the events that had transpired so far had happened before his return to the past.

‘I had only ever planned them.’

Before the war between the main Adalbert family and the branch families, Martin had been preparing to deal with the corrupt northern nobles. He needed to establish his position as the new head of the Adalbert family and, above all, clean up the northern region, which had become a mess.

In that process, he had learned of the lords’ corruption and illegal activities.

However, even knowing that, he hadn’t been able to crush them all.

Before he could execute his plans, the Gustin family had betrayed him.

Still, the information he’d gained back then was proving useful now.

‘But here, that alone won’t be enough.’

Despite its name as a “free city,” Akela had long since become Nicholas von Royce’s domain.

There was no better place for that man to play his tricks, so Martin needed to anticipate and prepare for Royce’s moves as much as possible.

‘Nicholas von Royce has always targeted the Adalbert family. That’s why he married off his daughter to Valdemar von Rustal. And now that he’s lost his beloved grandson because of me, his rage will be immense.’

Given his personality, it was unlikely that Nicholas would act directly.

Instead, he would probably use someone unconnected to the Royce family.

That person was already here, under the guise of a guest invitation.

Martin thought back on all the information he had on the Royce family.

While they had never clashed directly, there had been many indirect confrontations, especially since Nicholas had been supporting the Rustal family.

After recalling each person who had allied with the Royce family in the past, Martin finally settled on one individual.

‘It has to be him.’

And soon enough, his assumption turned into reality.

—

“Thank you for the invitation, Mayor Metzelder.”

“I only did what was necessary, young lord.”

Martin greeted the elderly man who appeared to have a pleasant demeanor.

This was Jerome Metzelder, the 23rd mayor of Akela City, who had held the position for 30 years.

Like Fritz Khan, he was a 6th Circle knight, but he had a unique trait.

“We are comrades who have both manifested innate abilities later in life, are we not? Perhaps it’s improper to phrase it this way, but as your senior, isn’t it only natural for me to look after a younger fellow?”

“A younger fellow… Personally, I think you’re far more remarkable, Mayor.”

Unlike Martin, who was born into the Adalbert family, Jerome Metzelder was the son of a simple farmer.

And yet, he had manifested his innate ability at the age of 19 and had risen to the 6th Circle.

That alone was impressive, but he also displayed extraordinary political skill, eventually becoming the mayor of Free City Akela.

He was a true self-made man, a figure that anyone would find admirable.

“Haha! To hear such praise from the young lord, it makes all my years of living worthwhile.”

“I’m simply stating the truth.”

Jerome let out a hearty laugh.

With his large build and booming laughter, he truly appeared to be a warm, affable person.

‘The problem is, far too many people have fallen for that appearance.’

There was a reason Fritz Khan had warned Martin about him in advance.

“You probably heard from Dietmar Hessler that I invited another guest. I wanted to introduce this person to you before we eat.”

“I’m curious who this might be. For you to personally arrange this meeting, they must be quite extraordinary.”

“I guarantee that you will be surprised.”

With that, Jerome clapped his hands.

Moments later, an even older man emerged from the adjacent room.

Sien and Fritz’s expressions immediately shifted to one of genuine shock.

‘Why is this person here…?’

‘This man…!’

Both of them, being heirs to the Adalbert branch family and the deputy commander of the White Dragon Knights, had met many high-ranking and renowned figures. Yet, even they couldn’t hide their surprise.

In contrast, Martin maintained his composure as he looked at the gray-haired old man.

And then, he calmly called out the man’s name.

“Heinz Schwarzenbeck, Elder.”

Heinz Schwarzenbeck.

An S-rank adventurer and a formidable 8th Circle powerhouse.

His strength had earned him the title “Crimson Reaper.”

In addition to his many notable achievements as an adventurer, he currently held the position of Elder in the Adventurer’s Guild.

At least, that was his official role.

But Martin knew the truth.

‘The King of Men.’

Like the Dark King, the leader of the Assassin’s Guild whom Martin had previously encountered, Heinz was a major figure in the underworld.

Except his influence surpassed even that of the Dark King.

The reason for that was simple.

He was the true owner of Akela City’s black market, and most importantly, he controlled the largest and most lucrative part of it — the slave market.

That was how he earned the nickname “The King of Men.”

‘And he’s also a hunting dog raised by the Royce Marquisate.’

The former head of the Royce family had secretly nurtured Heinz as a weapon to eliminate the family’s enemies.

It wasn’t officially known, but Heinz was also a sworn brother of the current head of the Royce family, Nicholas von Royce.

Just as Martin had suspected, Heinz had come to tear him apart.

Martin was now certain.

No matter what he tried to do in Akela City, this old man in front of him would be his biggest obstacle.

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