How to Survive Against Villains Chapter 305

Episode 305: Midas’ Coin (2)

The Cleaner’s top-priority contract was the capture of Samuel.

It had been commissioned by Gram Seraphim, the star of Demtor, and the reward she offered was tempting enough that Chief of Special Operations Richard moved in person.

That was why he had co to et Lord Azonne Vistas, ruler of Aintrier.

Together with Azonne, they had lured Samuel into the underground waterways, activated a barrier, and imdiately dispatched Zarakan.

Zarakan was a 5-star combatant.

They had assud he could easily capture soone like Samuel, isolated within the barrier.

But the mission had failed, and the report ca that Zarakan had gone missing.

Though Richard sent subordinates to investigate, they couldn’t extract any additional information from the sewers.

All they confird was that no survivors were found near the signs of conflict.

From the surviving Cleaners, there was only one clue—

“The presence of an accomplice.”

Not the perpetrator, but soone who likely knew who had killed Zarakan. The accomplice’s appearance had been reported.

They stood out enough to be recognized at a glance.

Azonne recalled that accomplice and nodded.

“They’re on the guest list, but haven’t arrived yet.”

“When they do, I’ll step away for a bit.”

“Pressuring her without proof is a poor move.”

“I’m not one for subtlety.”

“If this causes problems, I’ll hold you responsible.”

When Azonne said “responsible,” he ant financially—an attempt to control Richard through money. But Richard just scoffed.

“One of our division heads died. Ignoring that ans we’re not Cleaners anymore.”

Azonne silently stared at the Midas’ Coin on Richard’s waist.

Then he smiled faintly and nodded.

“Understood. But move only when I signal. I’ll support you.”

“Finally speaking my language.”

“But when the ti cos, you’ll back off. She’s not just anyone.”

“I’ve got enough sense, don’t worry.”

Richard casually picked up a drink from a tray and stepped away with a wave.

Azonne silently watched him.

Strapped across Richard’s back were multiple swords—greatswords, longswords, rapiers, broadswords.

Each one looked like a rare ancient artifact.

A true weapon collector, Azonne thought.

If any of those weapons were drawn, could the banquet even continue?

“What will he do?”

A precious provocation card had landed in his hands.

While Azonne was considering how best to use it, a commotion stirred outside the garden.

Dozens of guests had entered at once, and attention naturally turned to the entrance.

Azonne smiled, recalling a na currently rising in power—

The World Tree Union.

At its front stood a man with fierce, dark brown eyes.

Alex Marcia—known as the Union’s representative and most influential figure.

“Well then, let’s see how heavy this lump really is.”

Azonne began moving, and Richard followed behind.

Richard’s gaze fixed on a single spot—a twisted grin like that of a feral wolf.

“Wow! There’s a mountain of cake!”

“Woof! Woof!”

“S-Strawberries? They’re this big?!”

The beautiful lodies, the dreamy garden, the lovely attendants—None of it existed in Lily’s world.

All she could see were the dozens of cakes piled high on a grand table.

Drawn by dessert, Lily walked up as if possessed.

With cakes in both hands, she savored each bite and nodded in approval.

“Guess she’ll stay quiet for a while.”

I chuckled at the sight and looked around.

Though many guests wore lavish outfits, I spotted Azonne at a glance.

Radiant attire, sharp features, golden eyes—I could feel his gaze on .

I had thought we’d et in a quiet, private room—Not at so extravagant, chaotic party.

The dazzling lights and shining flowers created a dreamlike setting, but to , it was just a swirl of distractions.

He probably didn’t want to notice his ability.

As I watched Azonne’s golden eyes, I fiddled with the Midas’ Coin.

I was curious—How would my desire appear in his eyes?

[Be careful.]

Just then, Reto sent a warning.

“What is it?”

[I recomnd keeping your distance.]

The direction Reto indicated was behind Azonne—A massive man carrying multiple weapons.

Another dark halo eclipsing Azonne’s golden glow—Richard, the Weapon Collector.

Could I take out the Cleaner’s chief right now?

As I briefly reviewed our strength, I shook my head. Now isn’t the ti for confrontation. Information cos first.

Though I already knew about Azonne and Richard, I needed confirmation.

I had already instructed Lily, so she’d gather their true nas soon.

[Here we go!]

Azonne stopped at the center of the garden and spoke.

His voice, amplified by magic, echoed across the garden.

[Welco to the Golden Garden. At midnight, the final list of items for Dark Sales will be announced. Until then, please enjoy the banquet.]

Midnight.

I looked at the garden’s clock—Roughly one hour left.

[To make the wait less boring, we’ve prepared a small event. You may have heard that a group of notorious raiders plaguing Aintrier has been wiped out. Let introduce the heroes behind that remarkable achievent.]

Suddenly, bright lights focused on us.

I let out a dry laugh, realizing what Azonne was doing.

[Instead of calling each of them out by na, I’ll approach and thank them myself. Please enjoy the party—and our heroes.]

As Azonne began to move, the guests turned their gazes toward us.

Especially toward , Karl, and Lochter.

Karl blinked and asked,

“Heroes? What the hell is he talking about? Why are we heroes?”

“Well, the heads we brought in were worth quite a lot.”

“Those trash? They weren’t much.”

That was Karl’s perspective.

How many enemies could actually endure both Lochter and Karl working together?

“So, what’s the bounty worth?”

“Seems to be around 100,000 gold.”

“…You insane bastard. We left all that gold sitting outside the gates? Shouldn’t we go pick up those heads?”

“They’re taking care of it for us.”

Azonne was personally handling the Leafs—Introducing himself, exchanging brief greetings, and handing over golden boxes.

Attendants followed, each carrying trays filled with these boxes.

At a glance, it looked like far more than just bounty money.

Every ti a box opened, the Leafs’ eyes widened in astonishnt.

It was probably the first ti many had ever seen gold coins in real life.

Karl scratched his head.

“Think one of those is mine?”

“I’m sure one’s mine too.”

“Why would you get one? We did all the work.”

“Hmm… sidekick bonus?”

“You son of a—”

I left Karl rubbing his hands and waiting for his turn and focused on Azonne’s face.

Especially, his eyes.

No one else noticed under the dazzling lights—But I saw it clearly: the fleeting glimr of the Eyes of Greed.

***

To peer into soone’s desire, you need an opening.

Show a chest full of gold, and most humans reveal their greed.

Whether it’s money, craving, or sothing else—The Midas’ Coin interprets that desire and displays it to Azonne.

The Leafs were no exception.

“Thank you for aiding Aintrier.”

“Th-Thank you!”

As Azonne personally greeted them, the Leafs responded with flustered gratitude.

He handed out boxes while observing their emotions and desires.

After eting with thirty of them, Azonne’s brows slightly furrowed.

“Security…”

Each one had a strong desire to protect their place.

People like that are difficult to buy off.

Then what about this girl?

“Oh! What’s this?”

“A lovely gift for a beautiful lady.”

The girl in front of him—The Witch of the Forest, Lily Base.

Her identity was well known in Demtor, so it wasn’t hard to figure out.

Azonne showed genuine interest.

What could a witch feared even by Demtor desire?

That information could be sold at a premium.

“Huh? What’s this…”

Lily’s bright smile vanished the mont she looked into the box.

Her face filled with disappointnt.

“No food in here…”

Laziness, and subtle gluttony.

It was a type Azonne had never encountered.

He had never tried to sway soone lazy, or tempt soone through food.

With a sour expression, Azonne moved past her.

Lily turned to Keros and handed him the golden box.

“Keros, want this?”

“I’ll trade it for at later,” she said, pointing at .

Keros licked his lips, then gulped the box whole.

That scene caught soone’s attention.

“So it can eat anything, huh?”

“Huh??”

“That dog. Can it eat corpses too?”

A hulking man with arms crossed looked down at Lily.

eting his gaze, Lily’s expression slightly hardened.

Keros stepped forward with a growl.

The Witch of Ordor Forest, Lily Base.

Richard had only just learned her identity.

The only clue left behind by the surviving Cleaner was a robed woman with a dog.

He’d reported seeing her casually dissolve a magical restraint while humming.

The Magical Web was a type of binding even mages couldn’t easily break.

But witches were different—their ritual power was the web’s natural counter.

So when Richard heard her na, he beca certain—The one who killed Zarakan is near her.

He looked down at the dog.

“Doesn’t seem like an ordinary mutt. If I cut open its belly, think I’ll find a corpse?”

“You… hmm.”

“Why’re you staring like that?”

Lily silently looked up at him.

It was the kind of gaze you give sothing you’re trying to figure out.

“Pretty eyes. I want them.”

Clenching and unclenching his hand while eyeing his sword’s hilt, Richard looked toward Azonne.

Azonne was currently talking with the others—the so-called big fish.

Since there was no signal yet, he chose to wait.

Richard grinned at Lily.

“Eat lots of good food while you can.”

Lily found that twisted smile unpleasant.

“…Hmm.”

Azonne sighed quietly.

Karl Bastain.

Lochter Felice.

And the man in front of him—Alex Marcia.

He had read their desires through their Midas’ Coins.

“This bastard… really?”

Karl’s desire? “Head Hair.”

Azonne snorted.

Lochter’s desire? “Training.”

Both were laughably mundane.

But the strangest was the man before him.

Alex showed two conflicting desires at once—

[I want to die. And I want to live.]

The most contradictory desire Azonne had ever seen.

He had assud knowing soone’s desire would give him an edge in negotiations, but instead, it left him more confused.

After a mont of thought, Azonne quickly scribbled sothing on a piece of paper.

He called over the Golden Mask, handed it over, and the masked man bowed and departed.

Azonne looked at the clock. Midnight was drawing near. He couldn’t delay any longer.

The Leaf of the World Tree

He had to get his hands on it—no matter what.

With a smile, Azonne approached Alex.

“Alex Marcia, care for a little chat? I promise it’ll be… quite interesting.”