[Silver Ash] - Become The Strongest In Another World
CHAPTER 266: Asterisk Discussion

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It is already midnight, the right time to undergo the process of 'beautiful sleep'.

That's what Noelle did. Lying on his comfortable bed, sleeping quietly, until finally a vibration all over his body made him jump instantly.

"What … "

Waking up like that is no fun thing. Noelle had not even had time to process the actual incident.

He stared in a daze at the empty space, but then realized that the vibration was not from external factors.

"Seriously? At this time? "

A voice that hints at pure aggravation.

Noelle resentfully ruffled her black hair, and raised her right hand forward. The palms are positioned facing upwards.

Instantly, a faint light appeared, and a violet crystal that was scattering holy light and aura formed above his palm, visible floating while rotating at low speed.

It was the Souris crystal, which he had as a member of the Asterisk.

"Whoever makes this organization must not have adab."

He muttered to insinuate a figure he did not know, but then threads of thin light shot out from the Souris crystal, and enveloped him.

The usual view of her apartment room was instantly replaced by total darkness, with a gray mist enveloping her.

Noelle immediately sat in her chair without waiting for the fog to thin, and she felt some other presence suddenly appear.

After the gray fog that covered their sight disappeared, the eight Asterisks, including Noelle stared at each other for a while.

Noelle could see some clear faces still very sleepy. That includes her, Tania, and Pauper Colyn who always look like that.

Surprisingly, everyone other than the three of them still looked fresh despite not exuding a good atmosphere.

"What's going on? " Noelle opened the conversation by asking, but none of the other Asterisks could answer.

After all, they also suddenly got a signal from the crystal, which then brought them here.

Naturally, no one knew the reason why they suddenly got the call.

Damian calmly analyzed the situation while looking at the large crystal floating in the middle of the table. The crystal seemed to be indifferent to everyone's reaction, and continued the round at low speed.

Before long, some names with task details came to their minds.

Various reactions came from all of them, but the most striking came from Noelle and Tristan Asher.

"After ignoring us for quite a long time, did he end up giving us a job? "

Caver Arnaz snorted in annoyance as the names and details of the mission disappeared from his mind.

Arnaz used the word 'he' to describe the person who created this small group called the Asterisk. And it's true, it's been quite a while since Asterisk got their first mission. Since then, they have never gotten any jobs involving organizations. At most, they only took care of such a small matter when helping Noelle change her identity.

"More .. His mission this time is recruitment, yes …. It will be a little troublesome, because I don't know those names very well" Damian said after sighing lightly.

Yes, the mission this time is not something big, but it is a recruitment mission for subordinate members. It was clearly stated in the details that had previously appeared in their heads.

The reason was still unknown, but all one had to do this time was recruit eight people to become subordinate members of Asterisk.

Being a subordinate does not mean they know they are seen with the Asterisk. But, this was more like the Asterisk would control them without their own knowledge.

But of course, whether they knew it or not was not a problem, because the mission details provided stated that Asterisk was free to tell them or not.

"Damn … "

Noelle secretly clicked her tongue, but soon hoped not to be heard by anyone. Unfortunately, Lucia who was sitting not far from him realized that, and looked at him through the black cloth that covered both of his eyes.

"Do you have a problem, Souris? "

Noelle wanted to shake her head, but realized it was a waste. In the end, he could only sigh and wave his hand lightly.

"I know some of them. To be exact, three of them."

That expression left most of the people there shocked.

Three people, that's quite a lot, considering they only need to collect eight.

Assuming Noelle could recruit all of them smoothly, then another Asterisk would only need to gather five more people.

"That's surprising. Of all those names, who do you know? " ask Lucia with little interest in her voice.

The people that Asterisk had to gather numbered eight people, and their names were; nantz sil Grandbell, Kino, Saint Leticia, Harold Elgustav, Fitz Walstein, Wilbert, Dolca, and Arcal.

Of all those names, all Noelle knew for sure was Nantz. It was stamped with his full name, and he had also just met the man earlier this afternoon.

The problem was that he was not sure of the two names. It was Kino, and Harold Gustav.

There are a lot of people with the name Kino, and Noelle could have been mistaken. However, the additional description for the person without a surname is much more detailed, so Noelle is convinced that the Kino in question is the same Kino that gave her information about Feran Cerces.

Then there's a guy named Harold Elgustav. There is not much description of her, but just hearing her name Noelle is sure. It was Harold whom he knew.

It wasn't hard to figure out, as he could relate Harold's name to Elgustav being his surname. After all, Elgustav most likely had the meaning of El-Gustavia, an ancient Empire that stood at the time of the attack of the demon lord.

(So his full name is Harold Elgustav, huh?)

Putting aside the question that came to her mind, Noelle told everyone about anyone she knew.

Upon hearing that, Lucia and Damian seemed to stare at each other for a moment, then nodded as if agreeing on something.

"That's great. Can you recruit them? "

Noelle casually shrugged her shoulders. "Come, but I'll try."

Maybe Harold wasn't a problem, and he could take advantage of Nantz because of the deal he just made this afternoon. However, Kino will be a little troubled.

Noelle only knew Kino from the missions he put out for the Bounty Hunters, and Kino certainly knew more than a hundred people, considering he controlled a vast intelligence network.

Moreover, she and Kino only established a temporary cooperative relationship, and Noelle wasn't sure she could take it for granted.

That's why, instead of giving a confident answer, Noelle gave her answer accompanied by a little doubt, so they did not expect her too much.

Everyone there, except Colyn probably understood that because they nodded at him.

"There are five people left. I don't mind taking care of Fitz Walstein because I know some things about him, it's just .. It's good for you not to expect too much" Asher said, closing his eyes.

His two eyes then opened, displaying a sharp glare.

"But, I refuse to make Saint Leticia a member of our subordinates."

"Can you explain why? " Lucia asked, a little surprised by that.

Asher was usually a quiet person, which was why Lucia was a little surprised to see him so hard in conveying his thoughts.

Shortly after, Asher finally replied, "Saint Leticia is the Saint of the Lumine Church who is under my protection. I would never involve him in any dangerous matters relating to this group."

That's a reasonable reason.

Asher was a holy knight, or in the Lumine Church better known as the Knights Templar.

Although there were many divisions with varying duties, they basically had one duty of absolute priority; that was to protect the Saint, the face of the church and the god they served.

Despite the fact that Saint Leticia was Asher's childhood friend not being so scattered, just knowing that Asher was a Templar Knight was enough for the Asterisk to make up his own thoughts.

Asher's choice to refuse made Saint Leticia a subordinate member very reasonable, so that no one could refute her.

But that doesn't mean they have other options.

They were well aware that the Asterisk would not accept such a trivial task. Although they had only ever executed one official order, they already knew that the mission had such a huge impact on the future.

(Ohh, this is going to be hard.)

Noelle crossed her arms while closing her eyes. He then tried to think hard so that the action would not put him to sleep.

"I don't care about the rest, but I won't let Leticia get involved. What are you guys gonna do now? "

The question did not contain the slightest ill intent, but it felt like a powerful provocative sentence.

Some people, like Arnaz and Colyn don't want to think too much about it. They just keep quiet while trying to keep themselves awake in the midst of overwhelming drowsiness.

Then, a subtle sound from a small bell appeared. It came from Lucia who raised her hand. The bell is an accessory that is mounted on the ear like an earring.

"It seems that this discussion will not end well. Therefore, how about we delay the decision for Saint Leticia? We don't know what situation is waiting ahead, but it's good not to fuss about this."

Noelle opened her eyes, slightly impressed at Lucia who was calmly mediating between Asher and Damian.

The choice to push back on this issue is not wrong. After all, the discussion had already ended up deadlocked ever since Asher had refused to make Saint Leticia a subordinate member.

Even though the Asterisk would move depending on the sound more, they would still think long to oppose Asher who was a Knights Templar. Moreover, if this were to be a prolonged matter, the Knights Templar unit itself would definitely interfere.

This is not a simple matter at all.

Seeing the situation, Noelle chose to join the discussion.

"Well, let's get Saint Leticia's name off the list for a while. Then about Fitz Walstein, I wish you'd still recruit him."

Damian did not seem to mind the change in direction of this discussion. He responded to everything calmly. Same with Asher.

The three remaining people are Wilbert, Dolca, and Arcal. None of the Asterisks knew them in the real world.

Not even people with extensive information networks like Damian and Asher.

To his surprise, Arnaz who had been silent since then now raised his hand.

"I don't know him, but I've heard him a lot. He was a quite famous adventurer in the Empire."

(Country in the east, yes …. It was too far from my location.)

The republic itself was to the west of the continent, along with several other small countries. Meanwhile, some major countries such as the Alacrylia Empire that bordered directly with the Holy Kingdom of Quinnella were to the east. It was the very opposite direction from Noelle's current location.

"Empire, yes …. "

This might be troublesome. Both Damian and Asher immediately thought so.

After all, the two of them had absolutely no access whatsoever to everything that was there.

The Alacrylia Empire tended to shut itself down in terms of other religions, and the majority religion there was a religion that worshipped True Sun God Qulhod.

Asher found it troublesome because the church actually discriminated against followers of other religions. And although adventurers rarely get involved with the church, it could be that the person named Arcal is related to them.

Meanwhile, Damian was a military superior. He might be able to gain access to the Alacrylia Empire, but it was impossible to get involved with the church. If he wanted to attract their attention, then he would have to change his own religion.

Damian looked at the rest of the members.

"Are any of you currently in the Empire or its surroundings? "

No one answered, until finally—

"Ughh … "

—A girl, Colyn raised her hand while growling uncomfortably.

"Why am I the only one around the Empire? Caver, shouldn't you be there too? "

Colyn knew Arnaz in the real world. Not because they have a relationship, but because of the connection as adventurers.

Although Colyn rarely appears in the public (she will only appear when she needs money), she still often hears about famous adventurers such as Arnaz, who have conquered many deadly labyrinths.

About how he was able to find the connection between the adventurer named Arnaz and Caver, was because he had seen him once in the real world.

Sensing the gazes of many people, Arnaz only snorted a small snort in response.

"Unfortunately almost a week ago I left there, and now I'm already in the Yves Kingdom."

The Kingdom of Yves was a small country, located in the south of the Republic. It doesn't border directly, but it's pretty close.

"It's not fair … "

Colyn seemed annoyed that maybe only he would get the job of recruiting Arcal.

"Fufu, then, how about I help? "

Reflexes turned his head, Colyn looked at Lucia with sparkling eyes as if seeing new hope.

"My mission is a bit far from the Empire, so maybe I will ask for your help to teleport. Hows it? "

"agree! Let's do! "

It would be great if Colyn could get Lucia's help. After all, Colyn was not the type of person who was socially active, so it would be difficult for her to get close to Arcal.

Now only Wilbert and Dolca remain. None of them knew that name. But—

"Wilbert is a name often used in the Republic, so I'll take care of this. Of course, I still have to investigate who that person is. Then to Dolca … "

It's just a random thought, but Damian has an idea of where Dolca is.

Dolca is a white-haired girl with somewhat dark skin. Likely, he was from a country in the south, around the Neutral Region of Elfrieden to be exact.

It is only in the southern part that people with physical features such as Dolca are located.

"Tristan, you're in the south, right? "

Asher nodded, "To be exact at the sacred mountain shrine of Haten."

"Then can you take care of it? "

"I don't mind, but I might not have much time to do it."

After all he was a Saint protective knight.

Noelle tapped her finger on the surface of the table with a small laugh. "That shouldn't be a problem. Unlike before, our mission this time is not time-restricted. Which means, we can be free to do it anytime."

In her own place, Tania nodded with a sleepy face.

Several times Noelle glanced at him, but it seemed she was not aware of it. He had not joined the conversation this time either.

(Yahh, I think he's quiet.)

"Then this division of tasks is complete. Besides teleporting Auger, we can leave now, right? "

There are Arnaz, Tania, and Ethan who have not been assigned. Of all those people, Tania and Ethan are the least talkative. Or rather, Ethan hadn't even spoken in the slightest.

He closed his eyes, but would occasionally flinch and try to keep his consciousness still.

Noelle finds it a little funny because Ethan actually shows appropriate behavior with the kids.

Just before the discussion ended, Noelle raised her hand.

"What's up, Souris? " ask Damian.

Noelle clenched her own shoulders, then leaned against the chair. "It's not mission-related, but I want to talk about it while I can. Doesn't it matter? "

If they don't agree to talk about it now, then it doesn't matter. After all this was not so important, and Noelle could talk about it at the next meeting.

But, considering a few things, Damian and Asher immediately nodded in agreement.

Not everyone has a lot of idle time to attend meetings, which is why, it is better to talk about everything while you have time.

Noelle nodded with a slight smile, then with her finger, she pointed at the row of statues behind.

The statues are all members of the previous generation, with a total of 376 members divided into 47 generations.

There was nothing strange about them, but a thorough investigation had yet to be conducted, as every member of this generation was a little too busy, or even lazy to look for them.

Noelle wanted to investigate the statues one by one, but it would take a very long time, so she chose to postpone it.

"What do you want to talk about? "

Lucia Khora turned his head and asked while smiling gently at him. The same goes for some others. They clearly showed a curious face to Noelle.

Noelle smiled, and said, "Asterisk is an organization that has stood for 47 generations, if we count, then it will be 48, right? "

Damian seemed to have understood which direction this discussion was going, as he nodded with a deep expression.

Ignoring him, Noelle continued.

"But this is strange, aside from our generation, I've never heard of any generation, be it public or church intelligence networks."

It is impossible for an organization that has stood out from when like Asterisk to be unknown to the world. At the very least, there must be some records about them.

That's what the problem is. Noelle had never heard of another generation of Asterisk other than the current generation.

It would make sense if the previous 47 generations did their job secretly. But even so, there should be one or two pieces of information about them, and that information will re-emerge to the surface when this generation of Asterisks appears.

"That's right, I've never found it in the Republican military archives either. Maybe I missed it, so I'll figure it out again" Damian said with a sigh.

Imagining the previous 47 generations was completely unknown to the public, leaving Damian feeling a little afraid.

Even until now, its own members still do not know much about what Asterisk really is. They don't try to figure it out, because it can be dangerous, but the human curiosity often gets out of control.

Asher, Lucia, and Noelle one by one nodded. Members other than them, who had no other information network apart from the guild, could not do anything.

Guilds were organizations managed directly by international associations, and all kinds of confidential information would be heavily guarded, even from the country where their branch was located. There was no way an ordinary adventurer could figure out those things.

(I want to check the church archives, but .. I don't even have authority there.)

Noelle had thought of sneaking in, but she immediately threw away the thought. After all, he still did not know clearly the defense system the church had. He could have been caught immediately while trying to sneak there.

Sighing for a moment, Noelle then patted her hand once.

"All right, that's all. Some people don't seem to have the energy to stay awake, so we'd better end up here."

Lucia nodded, then glanced at Ethan who was clearly asleep while leaning on his desk.

"We'll share a report once a week. Do you guys agree? "

Each of them nodded, including Ethan whom Arnaz had forcibly awakened.

"Then—"

Their figures slowly faded away, and a gray mist again filled that world.

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