[60] The scale of world power began to break down IV

After the tense battle and successfully seizing the spoils from the Basilisk, Roxy observed Zephyr, who was busy sorting through the remnants of treasure and monster parts they had defeated. With a deep sense of curiosity, she decided to ask something that had long been on her mind.

"Zephyr..."

Zephyr paused for a moment, turning with a questioning expression that reflected just how surprised he was by Roxy's sudden question.

"Hmm?"

"You're 14 years old, aren't you?"

Zephyr fell silent for a moment, then looked at Roxy with curiosity clearly visible in his eyes. "Yes, that's right. Why do you ask, Roxy?"

"And you're already this strong?" Roxy added, her voice filled with undisguised astonishment.

Zephyr felt a mix of relief and slight embarrassment at the compliment. He laughed awkwardly, feeling a blend of joy and admiration in his heart. "Ahahah! I wondered what you were going to say... well, yes! I didn't want to disappoint my master when he returns, so I've been training non-stop," Zephyr said, scratching the messy hair at the back of his head.

"No, no. You realise that this monster is ranked A!" Roxy stated with a tone of mild surprise. "And we just defeated it! Our initial plan was merely to drive it away from the settlement!"

Zephyr opened his eyes wide, looking surprised and slightly confused. "Eh? Is this really A-ranked?" He pointed towards the shattered Basilisk corpse lying in the snow.

"Haah," Roxy sighed heavily, "It is. I'm beginning to feel like my common sense is starting to waver lately. Have I really reached such a high level? It feels like everything is becoming nonsensical."

"Ah, Roxy is just worried," Zephyr said with a broad smile. "Isn't it natural for everyone to grow over time? If this monster is considered strong by adventurers, that means we've surpassed it! This means our power scale might not be measured by the standards of this world!" Zephyr exclaimed passionately, trying to convince Roxy that they had truly surpassed existing limits.

Hearing Zephyr's enthusiastic words, Roxy felt inspired. Despite doubting her own abilities, she couldn't help but feel intrigued by the new power scale they had just encountered. It was truly fascinating to think that if they continued to develop at this pace, the limits of power deemed normal in this world might collapse before them.

Roxy let out a long sigh, exhaustion clearly etched on her face. She felt as if all her energy and focus had been exhausted in the battle against the Basilisk. Meanwhile, Zephyr grinned proudly, seemingly unaffected by the battle they had just faced. With high spirits, he continued sorting through the loot they had obtained, his hands moving nimbly and skilfully, carefully sorting each item.

---

Meanwhile, in the capital city of the Asura Kingdom, Ars, within the Costatine company's meeting room, a formal and structured atmosphere prevailed. The meeting room was decorated with classic-style furniture, giving an elegant and luxurious feel that reflected the company's grandeur and status. The distinctive aroma was a blend of polished mahogany and soft air fresheners, creating an atmosphere almost like a journey back to an era where luxury and elegance dominated.

Raphael, with his striking appearance and commanding presence, led the meeting with his characteristic confidence. Beside him, Aurelia sat with a calm yet attentive demeanour. The atmosphere in the room was a stark contrast to the typical workspaces of nobility; even the meeting rooms of middle-class elites might pale in comparison to the elegance and beauty of this room.

In front of the company executives seated with attentive postures, a team member was explaining the issues they were facing. His voice, firm and clear, echoed throughout the room, conveying deep concern regarding the surge in product demand. "The demand for our products has been increasing significantly day by day," he stated, "and this has led many customers to demand additional stock for certain products. The problem is further complicated by the need to balance production with the ever-changing market needs."

The depiction of the meeting room and the ongoing discussion reflected the challenges faced by Costatine in dealing with rapid growth and increasingly complex market demands. Raphael, with his authoritative and meticulous presence, understood the importance of finding the right solution in determining the company's future.

"I will not approve additional stock for that product," Raphael said firmly, his sharp eyes fixed on the team member standing before him. "You already know that the raw materials are scarce and heavily taxed. So, it's your job to calm those customers down or, if necessary, blacklist those causing a ruckus."

The team member looked slightly anxious, sweat dripping down his forehead, but he nodded obediently. "I understand, boss."

"Alright, is there anything else that needs to be addressed?" Raphael opened his hands in a waiting gesture, offering the other team members the opportunity to speak as the meeting neared its end.

A large man with a bulging belly, who appeared like a third-rate thug but was actually highly competent and loyal to Costatine's values, raised his hand. "Boss, we have an issue regarding a certain individual," he said, his voice sounding nervous.

Raphael could already guess who the person in question was and let out a long sigh, briefly covering his face with his hand. "Haaaah~… So, those bastards have come to bother us again today."

Aurelia, who was sitting next to Raphael, looked slightly concerned and gently voiced her opinion, "This was inevitable, wasn't it?"

"Yes, indeed," Raphael replied, closing his eyes briefly. "Costatine has grown this large and holds significant influence within the kingdom's society, so it's natural for them to act this way. However, if they keep bothering us at every turn, that's a different story." His heart prayed with resolute determination, 'O Merciful God, forgive this sheep who is about to sin.' He opened his eyes and said something that surprised everyone in the room.

"I have a risky plan," Raphael began, his gaze sweeping over each person present. "But if we all work together, we can execute this plan before the throne transfer process. We need to act now."

All eyes were on Raphael, each with an expression of curiosity and surprise. "Alright, here's the plan," Raphael continued, explaining the complex and ambitious strategy in detail. The plan involved disguising a Costatine member in a highly influential government seat within the Asura Kingdom. Information about the individual had been gathered in detail, and someone had already been trained to impersonate them.

The plan elicited various reactions among the team members. Some were surprised and amazed by Raphael's strategic brilliance, while others felt the plan was insane and highly risky. However, Raphael's determination and precision in explaining the necessary steps gave everyone in the room a boost of confidence.

"This is a risky plan, but it's also crucial for Costatine's further development," Raphael asserted with conviction. "Do you all understand?"

"Yes, boss!" the team members responded in unison, their voices filled with enthusiasm and determination.

Once again, Costatine would secure a crucial pawn in the Asura Kingdom.