Escort

Elon never wavered in his decision to go to Salvador after acquiring the Weapon Summoning System. He spent a long time learning about the system, eventually discovering that the Weapon Summoning System was merely a branch of the broader Summoning System.

That wasn't all. Elon realized he could check his status window, just like in the systems described in the novels he had read, and he learned a great deal about its features.

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**[Name: Elon]**

**[Bloodline: Human]**

**[Rank: Lieutenant]**

**[Approval Points Accumulated: 0]**

**[Approval Points In Store: 0]**

**[Keys: 1]**

**[Title: Banished Prince, Unawakened, Lucky]**

— Banished Prince: You were banished by your father, the King, and deemed unwanted forever. You will only be accepted as a true prince of Salvador after earning 100 Approval Points, at which point this title will be erased.

— Unawakened: Due to your drastic fate, you have been unable to awaken as a mage and are therefore as inferior as a slave. This title will be erased upon accumulating 200 Approval Points.

— Lucky: There were over a million more worthy individuals who could have received the Summoning System, but you snatched it through sheer luck. Thus, Luck will follow you all the days of your life, even in death. This title cannot be erased. (Attachment: In every controversy, 10% Luck will be added to your probability of success.)

**[Achievements: None]**

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"Two terrible titles and one overpowered one. Not bad," Elon muttered, scratching the back of his head shamelessly.

"After all, I'm not the real Elon. I know I would've done better," he thought.

At that moment, he was wiggling his fingers in mid-air inside the cottage, but the sound of approaching footsteps made him flinch. He quickly dismissed the screen. He didn't want Matilda, his mistress, discovering anything about the system.

In most novels he had read, the protagonists kept their systems secret for as long as possible—sometimes forever. Perhaps doing the same would be wise, he guessed.

Matilda entered the room and sat beside him, her expression tense and visibly worried.

"I've thought about your decision to go to Salvador and decided to join you. Although the chances of being thrown out are high since we're both banished, we'll act like strangers just seeking shelter," Matilda said.

Elon nodded quickly; it seemed logical.

"For safety, I'll persuade the Village Head to provide us with an escort through the Terror Zone. It's far too dangerous to cross alone, so we'll need help," Matilda added, standing up.

Elon didn't see why they needed assistance but shrugged it off.

"All right. Get ready. We'll head to the Center as soon as I'm done with the dishes," Matilda informed him before leaving the room.

Once she was gone, Elon returned to studying the system. He wasn't done exploring before she had interrupted.

"So, how do I summon a gun?" he wondered.

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**[Guide to summon a gun requested]**

**[Go to the "Key" tab and click on it. The store will appear instantly.]**

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Following the guide, he opened the Key tab and tapped the icon. A massive display of weapons filled the screen.

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**[Shotguns/Handguns]**

**[Rifles]**

**[Machine Guns]**

**[Explosives]**

**[Tanks]**

**[Ships and Jets]**

...

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"Whoa… bigger than I expected," Elon muttered, his heart racing in excitement.

His experiences from the war had given him some knowledge of weapons, and now he began to feel that his efforts as a mere night watcher hadn't been in vain.

He clicked on the "Rifles" icon, revealing a long list of options, too many to go through at once.

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**Snipers:**

[] Barrett M84 with five free bullets. [] - Price: 30 Keys.

[] Macmillan Tac-50 with five free bullets. [] - Price: 35 Keys.

[] Sako TRG-42 with five free bullets. [] - Price: 30 Keys.

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"Damn… I only have one Key. These are way out of my budget," he muttered bitterly.

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**Typical Rifles**:

[] AK-47 with five free bullets. [] - Price: 25 Keys.

[] M4 Carbine with five free bullets. [] - Price: 20 Keys.

[] Sako TRG-42 with five free bullets. [] - Price: 15 Keys.

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Realizing he couldn't afford any rifles, Elon reluctantly checked the Shotguns/Handguns menu, hoping for something cheap. He immediately searched for the 2.7mm Kolibri, a familiar handgun from his previous life as a night watcher.

The Kolibri, always issued with only three bullets, had put watchers like him in constant danger, but it was affordable.

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**Handguns**:

[]. Kolibri (2.7mm) with three free bullets [] - Price: 1 Key.

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"Perfect." Elon quickly processed the summoning.

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**[You have successfully ordered the Kolibri (2.7mm) for 1 Key. You now have 0 Keys. Summoning in progress…]**

**[Kolibri (2.7mm) Handgun summoning successful!]**

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A small black handgun materialized in front of him, floating in mid-air. It felt weak under his sharp gaze, but he expected that from the smallest firearm in the world—his old world.

After hesitating, Elon grabbed the gun and examined it. Its cold, hard surface felt familiar. With only three bullets, he knew better than to waste them, so he secured it at his belt and got ready for the journey to the Center.

The Center, the Village Head's residence, was considered the headquarters of Fogmount Village. Each new term he encountered brought flashes of memories into his mind.

Matilda soon returned, dressed and ready. Together, they headed to the Center.

The journey took them past a bustling market larger than the Village Estate. Elon pieced together memories, understanding that Fogmount Village had strong trade ties with the Steelhand Dynasty.

They exported timber, cotton, and mercenary services. The Mercenary Guild completed missions for the Steelhand Dynasty in exchange for lucrative rewards, sustaining the village despite its remote, hostile surroundings.

Elon also learned that Matilda was the leader of the Female Mercenary Team and highly respected in the village.

"That's remarkable. No wonder she's confident about persuading the Village Head," he thought, glancing at her.

One thing Elon couldn't stop staring at was the fog-shrouded mountains surrounding the village. It was the first time he had seen such a sight in reality. Despite his excitement, a nervous unease crept into his chest. Truthfully, he felt more fear than excitement.

When they arrived at the so-called Village Head's Villa, Elon was underwhelmed. While the building was more luxurious than others in the village, it was still constructed entirely from timber—a far cry from what he considered "luxury" back on Earth.

They entered the chamber where a middle-aged man with graying hair and a beard sat.

Matilda clenched her hands and bowed slightly upon entering, prompting Elon to do the same.

"What brings you here with your son, Matilda? I'm not willing to risk his life by putting him back on the Mercenary Team," the Village Head said, his voice firm.

"We're not here for that, Your Greatness," Matilda replied.

"Then why are you here?"

"We need help. We request an escort to accompany us through the Terror Zone. My son and I will embark on a journey to Salvador at sunrise," Matilda explained.

"And what if I'm interested in the purpose of your journey?" the Village Head asked, his tone sharp.

"I'm afraid I can't disclose that, Your Greatness," Matilda responded firmly.

The Village Head chuckled lightly, shaking his head.

"The Bandit Raid is in a week, Matilda. You know we need you. Why leave now?" His voice carried disappointment.

"I have an important task to complete, Your Greatness. It's the most significant mission I've ever had," she replied, her sincerity evident.

The Village Head hesitated for a long moment before responding, his expression hardening.

"Unfortunately, I can't grant your request. You'll have to cross the Terror Zone on your own."

Matilda's eyes widened in shock; she hadn't expected this outcome.

"Your Greatness—!"

"That's my decision," he interrupted. "I won't spare any men for this. Anyone willing to escort you may do so, but they will not be welcome back in this village."

Without another word, he left the chamber, his furious expression lingering in the air.

Matilda clenched her fists in frustration, her jaw tight.

They left the chamber in silence, walking back toward the cottage. Matilda refused to say a word, her anger simmering just below the surface.

"Maybe you should have told him the purpose of the journey," Elon suggested hesitantly.

"Absolutely not," Matilda snapped. "Fogmount Village serves the Steelhand Dynasty—an enemy of Salvador. If he found out you're a prince, he'd hand you over in an instant."

"Oh…" Elon nodded, understanding her reasoning.

As they continued their journey home, a man on horseback suddenly approached them from behind.

"Matilda! I overheard your conversation with the Village Head," the rider called out.

Matilda flinched, her hand instinctively reaching for her weapon.

The man, who appeared to be in his late forties, simply smiled and gestured for them to follow.

"Come with me."