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[HSRGSS] Chapter 28: Sycophant Sampo
🕑 Added 2025-07-16 01:49:53 +0000 UTCAs Lucian checked more hatches, he discovered a spaceship behind one of the hatches on the lowest level.
Sadly, it turned out to be an unfinished model.
It honestly made sense, since when the Antimatter Legion invaded, every weapon Jarilo-VI had was used in the war, so naturally, every usable spaceship had been sent out, leaving behind only the ones that were never finished.
Fortunately, after searching around, he also found blueprints and program data for building the spaceship, so as long as the researchers from the Overworld could study them, it should be possible to recreate it.
"No need to check further. Let the Overworld's research institute take over this armory. You'll supervise and guide them."
Lucian patted Svarog's arm, then turned to leave.
As long as it could be restored, this armory alone would be enough to arm all of Belobog and push its technological civilization to the next level.
Needless to say, this trip had truly been worth it.
Lucian planned to return to Boulder Town and immediately had someone inform Cocolia to send Bronya over to manage the arsenal, since he did not trust anyone else with it except Bronya.
As for why he didn't do it himself, it was because he understood nothing about technology, let alone those powerful algorithms. Even ordinary researchers in the Overworld probably understood far more than he did.
Because of that, he came to one solution—he did not need to control the technology and only needed to control the specialists of the technology.
Svarog was an example—he was his capable assistant when it came to managing military technology.
'Now that it's done, time to head back to Boulder Town, have a drink, and wait for Bronya to take over.'
With that, Lucian bid farewell to Svarog, then said goodbye to Clara.
===
After several minutes of walking, Lucian arrived at the entrance of a tavern in Boulder Town with its rundown sign, and several of the letters in its neon lights were burned out.
Whenever someone pushed open the tavern door, the wooden door would let out a harsh screech, so there was no need for a bell since the noise alone was enough to let everyone know a customer had come in.
As soon as Lucian entered, he immediately drew over a dozen gazes, all from the drinkers who recognized him at a glance.
"Oh! It's the great hero!"
Someone shouted in surprise.
"I know you! You're the one who broke the blockade and let us go up and down freely, breathing under the sunlight again!"
Someone pointed at Lucian and loudly recited his heroic deeds.
"Please, take a seat, my lord! Everything's on me tonight!"
Someone eagerly invited Lucian over and offered to pay for his drinks, but he just smiled and waved his hand lightly, declining the offer.
He had no intention of drinking with strangers, especially male strangers.
Just then, a man with a flattering smile approached Lucian on his own, carrying two glasses of expensive wine.
"Sir, you really are insanely handsome. Your name's famous everywhere—I've looked up to you for ages."
"Oh, and I'm a trader, by the way. Sampo Koski's the name, but you can just call me Sampo."
Sampo respectfully offered a glass of wine to Lucian, who eyed him with a faint, ambiguous smile.
As Lucian expected, Sampo spoke differently to different people, tailoring his words to fit whoever he faced.
Look at Sampo's groveling posture—he was the textbook definition of a sycophant.
Of course, Lucian understood well that for the Masked Fools, being a sycophant was just one of countless personas they could put on.
Lucian took the glass from Sampo without hesitation and drank it elegantly.
"Sampo-something-or-other, I know who you are. A Masked Fool hiding your mask. Are you here trying to cozy up to me, or do you just want to mess with me?"
Hearing this unexpected question, Sampo was frozen on the spot.
Clearly, he never expected Lucian to know his identity.
He had already changed his name, hidden his mask, and besides, who would recognize him here in this godforsaken Belobog?
Most importantly, to his memory, he had never met Lucian before, let alone dealt with him, so how did this Emanator know who he was?
"Sorry, sir, but have we met before?"
"No need to test me." Lucian said calmly. "We haven't met, but your little secrets can't be hidden from me, so don't try anything that would upset me. Just know, as long as I'm happy, you can live here quite comfortably."
"Right, right, you're totally right!" Sampo nodded repeatedly, forcing a smile while rubbing his hands together in a flattering manner. "I'm just here to make friends, not to cause trouble. I swear in my name, Sampo Koski!"
He had witnessed Lucian's ways of doing things before, so he had a general idea of Lucian's character. As long as he didn't cross any lines, there was no problem at all—he might even get Lucian's help.
Of course, Sampo still stayed alert.
He knew well that many factions outside were hostile to the followers of Abundance.
If the followers of the Hunt ever invaded, he would definitely be the first to run.
Lucian, on the other hand, was quite satisfied with Sampo's attitude—even if it was just an act, it was still pleasant to see.
Although Sampo looked unreliable, he did have some skills and could be of use.
As the two continued their conversation—
Creak—!
Suddenly, the tavern door screeched again, making all eyes turn to the entrance once more.
Lucian instinctively glanced over and saw a girl with purple hair.
Who else but Seele?
"So you were here? I've been waiting for you forever, and you still didn't come back."
Seele hurried over to Lucian, then noticed Sampo beside him.
"I'm warning you—don't try anything funny with him, or I'll make you pay every time I see you."
She clenched her fist at Sampo, looking as fiery and fierce as ever.
"Me? I'd never!"
Sampo hurried and hid behind Lucian, acting all pitiful.
"Come on, Miss Seele, you've got me all wrong! If you don't believe me, just ask him. Oh, and this drink's on me, y'know."
He was honestly afraid Seele might start a fight here.
If that were to happen, he would have to pay if anything broke.
He didn't know why, but Seele always chose her fists over words when dealing with him, so if he said another word, she would definitely beat him.
"Seele, you need something?"
Lucian cut off their bickering before it could blow up.
"Um, are you in a good mood right now?"
Seele asked cautiously, her tone softened tenfold.
Lucian had no idea why she asked such a weird question, but he still nodded truthfully.
Seeing him nod, Seele grew a bit bolder as she grabbed Lucian's arm and pulled him outside.
"Come with me. I have something to say to you in private."
At Seele's sudden change of attitude, Lucian could only give a wry smile as he finally understood what was going on with her.
Apparently, it must have been the impression he left from killing people before, so now Seele felt the need to ask about his mood before even talking to him.
Meanwhile, as Sampo watched the two leave, the corners of his mouth curved up and his eyes sparkled.
'Oh my, is that really the same guy who just killed hundreds of people without even blinking? He's way too chill.'
'But with that fast-changing attitude... He and Sparkle are basically a perfect match, huh...'
As he thought of a certain girl in red, Sampo shook his head.
'Nay, nay. I can't let that maniac mess up Belobog. I absolutely can't let those two end up together.'
