After discussing the Eternal Flame Eye with Maylock and the others, Broken realized there was something else he needed to take care of that day. It pertained to the golem he had acquired during the expedition with Elincia.
He had been putting this off for quite some time, and knew now was the perfect moment to work on it, especially since he was already in Slumdon Town. The golem could be used to help protect the town. He thought it would be more effective, given his lack of knowledge on how to easily mobilize such a large golem.
Having the golem in the town would give him more security, especially when he was away. It would effectively bolster the small number of knights he already had.
Although he knew very little about golems, he had discussed the matter with Freya, who provided him with quite a bit of information. Nonetheless, he felt there was something he needed to address first. But what was it?
After a moment of thought, he remembered. He had received complaints from the builders who felt unfairly treated because one of them was being paid more than the others.
Alright, he thought, he’d tackle these issues one by one.
***
The female reporter, who had been watching the builders with great excitement, approached Livelywood once more.
“Livelywood,” she began, “can you tell us if Broken was deliberately deceiving the NPCs, or if he was confident about the challenge he gave to the builders?”
Livelywood, brimming with enthusiasm, replied, “Yes, I’m confident that Broken was aware of the implications of his decisions.”
“Why are you so sure of him when he couldn’t even provide the NPCs with concrete evidence?” the female reporter continued to probe.
“It’s difficult to explain,” Livelywood responded, “but I am hopeful that we will see the outcome of his challenge. I believe you all will be content with the end result.”
The female reporter then faced the camera once more. “Alright, everyone, I’ll be back in a few hours to report on the final results of this challenge. Will Baron Broken suffer great losses because of his wager, or does he have legitimate reasons for his actions? Let’s find out together.”
The people who were watching the broadcast live immediately shared their comments about the event happening in Slumdon Town.
“Can you believe how ridiculous this is? Why is there so much media coverage of that fool, Broken?”
“Ugh, I can’t stand that guy! Just hearing his name makes me want to curse him out. He thinks he’s so cool talking to Princess Alora like that. Gross!”
“I know, right? He’s been getting on my nerves lately, too. Getting such a generous reward from the kingdom just makes me so envious!”
“I’m so over him. I’d rather just watch the attractive and beautiful NPCs in the game.”
“At the end of the day, Broken is just an inexperienced young man who got lucky with a great reward.”
“The members of the Ass Guild must be regretting their decision to trust someone like him, who clearly isn’t up to the task.”
“Yeah, let’s just wait and see how quickly he fails and suffers a major defeat.”
“I’m positive about that. He is so foolish to offer the NPCs such a high price, even though there won’t be any advantage for him.”
“He is so stupid and useless.”
“I wish they would show more captivating news. I want to see my waifu, Princess Alora.” “I want to see Ivana. I love her so much.”
As evening fell, a crowd had formed, buzzing with excitement over the Baron’s challenge. Of the three houses being built, the first two each had teams of five workers, while the third had just one man, Mortar, working on it alone.
“Do you really think one guy can outbuild five people?” one spectator asked skeptically.
“Well, the Baron promised three gold coins to everyone if their team finishes before Mortar,” another chimed in.
“Isn’t he known to be faster than anyone else?” someone else remarked.
“Yeah, but why does he keep yawning? It’s driving me nuts!” a frustrated voice added. Meanwhile, a curious female reporter edged closer to Mortar, who was almost finishing his task. The camera focused clearly on him.
“I think someone many doubted is actually doing an excellent job,” she whispered to the camera.
A few minutes later, the moment they had been waiting for finally arrived. Mortar finished his task ahead of everyone else, causing disbelief among those watching.
“Folks,” the reporter said eagerly, “Mortar has finished his work. He really is quick at what he does!”
Livelywood strolled over to inspect Mortar’s work, grinning when he saw the exceptional quality of the construction.
“It seems Mortar has truly proven his worth. This shows the Baron’s assessment was spot on,” he announced.
The other builders, visibly annoyed and frustrated they couldn’t keep up with Mortar, rushed over to see his handiwork.
“How does he manage to work so fast? I just don’t get it,” one of them said in disbelief.
“But how can he work so fast? Isn’t it impossible? We’ve been working just as hard as him.” “Could it be that Baron Broken judged him fairly? If he works that quickly and efficiently, I think his salary might actually be justified.”
“And what’s up with all that yawning? It’s so irritating,” another added.
Hearing the complaints, Mortar shrugged and replied, “Sorry about the yawns. Ouahhh… It’s just a habit I was born with. Ouahhh… Can’t really help it. Ouahhh…”
The female reporter found it amusing and added, “That’s oddly unique. Ouahhh…”
She paused for a moment, yawning herself, and then smiled. “Looks like your yawning is really contagious, though.”
Just then, Broken appeared from a distance and approached the group. Seeing Broken arrive, the builders who had been complaining incessantly fell silent and felt embarrassed about
their grievances.
The situation seemed unbelievable-how could a seemingly inexperienced builder accomplish work that usually required two or three people and do it faster and just as well? It validated the Baron’s claim that his assessment had been fair. They had to acknowledge the
truth of it.
Broken stepped closer and now stood before them all. “So, has the result been decided?” he asked, looking at Livelywood.
Livelywood nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, Broken, your assessment has been proven accurate. Mortar really does work faster and better than the others.” He then noticed something odd. “Ouaah- why am I yawning too?”
Broken then looked towards the builders, who were now bowing to him.
“My Lord, please forgive us for doubting your-Ouahhh… judgment,” one of them said.
“Yes, My Lord, somehow you were right, and I think Mortar really does- Ouahhh… work better,” another added.
“Why is everyone yawning?” Broken wondered aloud, but then continued, “Good. I hope you all keep working diligently and practicing more. As your skills improve, I’ll also be increasing
your pay.”
The builders returned to their positions while Broken noticed a reporter in the vicinity. He wasn’t particularly keen on talking to them, but he saw them approaching.
The female reporter moved closer. “Mr. Broken, could I have a moment to talk with you? I’m
sure many people would love to hear more-Ouahhh… about you.”
But Broken suddenly let out a deep, long yawn and stretched his arms above his head. “Ouahhh… I’m so tired,” he said before logging out of the game and disappearing from
everyone’s sight.