My Computer Leads to an Instance Dungeon-Chapter 88 - 84: ’A Certain Someone Is Quite Wealthy

Chapter 88: Chapter 84: ’A Certain Someone Is Quite Wealthy

It wasn’t that he was gloating over their misfortune.

Strictly speaking, the fate of Redstone Town had little to do with him. As far as this instance world was concerned, he was just a passerby.

He had interacted with the people of Redstone Town, but they had their own destinies.

’Respect the destinies of others, and abandon any hero complex.’ This was the basic principle Fang Zhen, a modern man, lived by.

Fang Zhen had told Ande about Baron von Kleist partly because he thought it might unlock clues for the third act of the instance, and partly as an insurance policy for himself.

As someone from Xia Country, he had read too many historical stories of people being cast aside once they had outlived their usefulness.

He had helped Redstone Town get rid of the Kobold menace, but from another perspective, once the Kobolds were eliminated, Redstone Town’s need for him would plummet.

The threat of Baron von Kleist, however, posed an even greater danger to Redstone Town, thereby forcing its people to become more dependent on Fang Zhen.

This was exactly what he wanted to see.

He had some goodwill toward the people of Redstone Town, but it didn’t affect his judgment or actions. In fact, his presence and actions had helped the people of Redstone Town without harming the interests of any ordinary townsperson.

The more Ande and the others relied on Fang Zhen and felt they needed him, the safer he would be.

Rather than entrusting his safety to the kindness of others, Fang Zhen felt it was much more reliable to appeal to their self-interest.

’There’s nothing wrong with seeking a bit more security when you’re all alone in a strange world.’

Sure enough, after a moment of thought, Matthew said, "Baron von Kleist may have been tempted by a devil and become corrupted. I need to write a letter with this information and find a way to get it to the Holy See of the Tade Church."

"When it comes to evil, we must eradicate it completely! Even the slightest clue must be pursued."

"But before that, my safety, and that of Mayor Ande, will likely depend on you, Knight Fang Zhen."

As he spoke, Matthew turned his gaze to Fang Zhen.

Ande also looked over, his eyes filled with fervent hope.

Fang Zhen didn’t indulge their expectations.

He stood up, and seeing that both Matthew and Ande were looking at him, he said, "Gentlemen, I must reiterate my position."

"I am just a wandering foreigner, not a Knight of Viscount Ashton’s Territory, nor the protector of Redstone Town, and certainly not an enforcer of the Tade Church’s order."

"I only do what is required of me. Right now, that is to eliminate the Kobolds and receive my payment."

"As for resisting Baron von Kleist’s attempt to seize Redstone Town, that is not my obligation, nor do I have any such responsibility."

"Your expectations are not my concern."

Ande and Matthew fell silent upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment on their faces.

After a pause, he added, "I don’t wish for anyone to guilt-trip me with morality or anything of the sort. But if you can offer a price that’s tempting enough, I might consider lending a hand."

"I prefer to state these things upfront to prevent you from having unrealistic expectations of me."

Fang Zhen saw that both Ande and Matthew were lost in thought.

After a long moment, Ande said, "I understand, my lord."

"I will consider this matter carefully and discuss it with a few influential and tight-lipped people in town. If we truly need your help, we will do our best to offer a suitable price. But when the time comes, I ask that you provide us with some assistance when it is necessary."

Fang Zhen nodded.

Ande also stood up and said, "My lord, the news tonight has been too shocking. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep. I will go and take care of what needs to be done."

"Also, please rest assured, I am a man who keeps his promises. I will be sure to prepare the red ore I promised you."

"Good." Fang Zhen nodded.

Ande rose, bowed to Fang Zhen and Matthew, then turned, walked to the door, opened it, went out, and gently closed it behind him.

A while after Ande left, Matthew let out a soft sigh.

"Ande is a good man. Unfortunately, in times like these, it’s hard for good men to survive. May the Light of Tad guide him," Matthew said.

Matthew drew an equilateral triangle over his chest, then turned his head to look at him.

"Sir, I sensed earlier that you had something you wanted to say to me alone. Now is a good time," Matthew said.

"It seems Tad has blessed you with a keen perception," Fang Zhen said with a small smile.

"Priest, you mentioned devils earlier. Could you tell me more about them?" he asked. "Don’t get me wrong, I’m not interested in devils themselves. It’s just that I encountered some strange things while exterminating the Kobolds."

"Oh? Please, do tell." Upon hearing the question, Matthew immediately perked up.

Fang Zhen gave a rough account of the parchment scroll he had seen in the Dogman Mine, the evil sacrificial Summoning Array, and the demon formed of black smoke that appeared when he burned the scroll.

"Sir Knight, you truly are a man of firm will. Believe me, if you were to join the Tade Church, your accomplishments would be anything but small." After listening, Matthew looked astonished, with a deep sense of admiration that didn’t seem feigned in the slightest. His words were earnest and sincere.

His gaze was fervent as he looked at Fang Zhen, as if he were looking at a priceless treasure.

Fang Zhen endured the somewhat uncomfortable feeling of being stared at and asked, "How so?"

"The parchment scroll you mentioned was most likely a lure left by a devil. Within the church, we generally call it a ’Devil’s Contract’ or a ’Soul Contract.’ Outside the church, some also call it a Magic Trap," Matthew said.