Jack was dead.
The slave contract transmitted the final moments he witnessed straight into Wade's mind.
The killers were two young human men. Their attack was clearly premeditated—one drove a blade clean through Jack's heart, while the other unleashed a spell designed to block resurrection.
The scene flickered in Wade's vision: Jack collapsing onto his back, a ring of startled onlookers gathering as the two assailants were swiftly tackled by bystanders and restrained by city guards.
But just before the memory faded, Wade caught something strange—two faint, translucent threads glimmering briefly behind the killers. They were there for only a heartbeat, so fleeting that he wondered if his eyes had played tricks on him.
"..."
Whatever it was, it didn't matter. What mattered was that Wade was angry now.
He didn't know if those two had a personal grudge or some hidden agenda. He only knew one thing: the subordinate he'd just finished training was gone—a blatant slap to his face.
When he go out of this place, he'd hunt them down and rip their heads clean off.
More than that, this death threw a wrench into his plans. Did he really have to start grooming another slave from scratch?
"Forget it."
Lying on the altar, Wade muttered under his breath:
"It's still more reliable to do things myself."
With Jack gone, there's no one to help gather his ritual materials. If he wanted progress, he had to interact with adventurers again—a nuisance he'd hoped to avoid.
Who among those he'd encountered so far could he trust?
His gaze shifted toward the image forming inside the crystal ball. After a long moment of consideration, he nodded.
It's decided. It'll be you.
(***)
Swamp Area, Before the Gargoyle Gate
Stella crouched low, anticipation flickering in her eyes as she sprinkled the pale powder of a Furlcalling Finger Remedy across the ground.
But... nothing happened. No summoning sigil bloomed where she expected it.
"Not today either..."
The disappointment in her voice was unmistakable.
Ever since the day she summoned Maldron, she'd returned to this dungeon whenever she could, hoping to see him again.
Not because she had feelings for him—absolutely not. It was just... curiosity. She wanted to know why he seemed so calm in the dungeon, why he helped her without asking for anything in return, and what kind of past shaped him into that kind of person.
Pure curiosity. That was all.
But the summoning sign never appeared. Lately, she'd even started wondering if her Furlcalling Finger Remedy had expired.
Thankfully, the powder wasn't consumed unless it successfully summoned an ally. Otherwise, with how often she used it, she'd have run out a long time ago.
"Sigh... Guess I'll head back and meet up with Ellie and the others."
Her party was planning to investigate a hidden area inside Sein Dungeon—rumor had it the place produced rare ingredients. She'd just come early to test her luck.
Just as Stella turned to leave, a burst of golden light ignited behind her.
"Huh?!"
The familiar summoning sigil flared into existence.
Her heart skipped a beat. Without hesitation, she use Furlcalling Finger Remedy.
And in the next moment—under the alias "Maldron"—Wade descended like a star crashing from the heavens, his form bathed in radiant brilliance.
"Long may the sunshine!"
He struck a bold, commanding pose with both hands raised high. Stella didn't understand the words, but something about his presence radiated confidence, strength, and charisma.
"It's you... We meet again."
Feigning surprise, Wade smiled warmly.
"So, do you need my help again?"
Stella's pulse quickened. Her hands trembled slightly, but she steadied herself before speaking:
"About what you taught me before—I still have so many questions! Could you... spare a little time to teach me?"
"Of course."
Relief washed over her like a tide. She'd been afraid he'd consider her a bother and walk away.
"I've tried finding you so many times but never saw you again," she said naturally as they started down the path toward the Blighttown area. The gargoyle boss had already been cleared.
Her party members waiting for her? They'd forgive her... probably.
"I only come here occasionally," Wade replied smoothly, "just to help those in need."
Those words made him glow even brighter in her mind.
"I remember you said you were traveling to train yourself... Is staying here like this really okay?"
The moment the words left her lips, she regretted them. It sounded like she was trying to drive him away.
Wait—I said something like that?
Wade had no memory of such a claim, but after a brief pause, he answered with calm conviction:
"I was planning to leave, but after seeing so many people struggling, I decided to help before I go."
Perfect—never miss a chance to polish your image. People adored good people.
And judging by the way Stella's eyes lit up like stars, she was no exception. She unconsciously drifted closer as they walked.
"So, what was it you wanted to ask me again?" Wade prompted after some light conversation, just as they approached the Giant Basilisk's lair.
"Huh? What?" Stella blinked, as if shaken from a dream.
"I said... what do you want to ask me?" Wade repeated, a hint of impatience in his voice.
"Oh! Right!" Stella nodded eagerly, staring at him with wide eyes.
"What was it again?"
"..."
Wade's expression darkened.
You didn't summon me just to mess around, did you?
"Ahaha..." Stella gave an awkward laugh. Truth was, she didn't actually have any specific questions. If anything, she just wanted to know more about him—but asking that outright would sound way too personal.
Honestly, she'd come here out of habit. When he actually appeared, she got too excited to think straight.
"Uh... oh! I still don't quite get the proper way to apply force for shield poking! Please teach me!"
"That's easy—let's use that big guy over there as a target."
Wade moved behind her naturally, his hand closing gently around her wrist.
"You need to apply force like this. Don't keep your wrist stiff... Why are you gripping tighter the more I talk?"
Stella's heart thudded in her chest as she felt his hand guiding hers, but she forced herself to focus, adjusting her stance as instructed.
We're innocent. Don't think weird thoughts.
The "big guy" was drawn in and dispatched with practiced ease. Wade finally released her hand and asked,
"Got it now?"
"Mm-hmm..." Stella nodded, though her back ached from the press of her armor. They'd been standing awfully close.
"I'll treasure this technique," she said softly.
"I want to be as skilled at shield poking as you!"
It was a casual remark—but Wade froze, then said with sudden seriousness:
"No need."
Stella blinked, startled by his tone.
Did I say something wrong?
"You don't need to imitate me," Wade continued firmly. "Just be yourself."
"Huh?"
"You're clearly a ranger built for speed. Your strength lies in mobility and high damage output. Shield poking is the exact opposite of your advantages. I only taught you that as an alternative tactic, not a path to bind yourself to."
He spoke like a veteran gamer desperately trying to stop a newbie from making the wrong build choice.
Stella blinked at him for a moment, then broke into a small smile.
It felt... nice, having someone care about her choices.
By the time "Professor Wade" finished his lecture, what felt like an eternity had passed.
"Do you understand what I said?" he asked, exasperated. He'd seen too many players ruin themselves with ridiculous builds—like the newbie knight who dual-wielded a sickle and chain just to cosplay a "Dark Soul." It hurt him deeply.
"Got it, got it," Stella chirped brightly, grabbing his arm with sudden boldness.
"But... I still don't quite get shield poking. Could you teach me again—like before?"
"I just taught you!" Wade groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
This generation of adventurers... no talent at all.
Still, in the end, he managed to slip in his request for magical materials. Though confused, Stella agreed, promising to deliver them in a few days inside the dungeon.
A joyous outcome, truly.