Chapter 3: Chapter 3 - Golden Rule!
Chapter 3 - Golden Rule!
Renji Abarai felt like he might be sick.
First, he felt an attraction towards a boy.
Then, instead of immediately disbelieving the boy's absurd words, he was caught in a state of confusion and doubt.
Renji knew that if anyone else had said such ridiculous things, he would absolutely not believe them. Given his personality, he would have started mocking them right away.
Rukia was in the same boat as Renji.
She too felt an attraction towards Gilgamesh.
Instead of instantly dismissing Gilgamesh's absurd words, she found herself doubting.
Gilgamesh saw through Renji and Rukia's thoughts at a glance.
After merging with the young Gilgamesh template, his permanently active Noble Phantasm—Omniscient and Omnipotent Star—automatically activated.
The Omniscient and Omnipotent Star is an EX-rank Anti-Unit Noble Phantasm that symbolizes the sublimated wisdom of the Hero King Gilgamesh, combining his clairvoyance, true name discernment, and vast knowledge.
Under the brilliance of the Omniscient and Omnipotent Star, Renji and Rukia's thoughts were laid bare.
Gilgamesh knew that their thoughts were influenced not only by his innate skill Youthful Handsomeness but also by his Charisma (A+).
To rule a kingdom, a B-rank Charisma would suffice, but Gilgamesh's Charisma had reached A+ rank.
This level surpassed mere respect or skill, becoming akin to magic or a curse.
Because of this, Gilgamesh's seemingly absurd words unconsciously commanded belief.
At this moment, Renji shook his head slightly, no longer questioning the truth of Gilgamesh's words. Instead, he asked, "You said you'd pay us. But you also said you're new here. Do you even have money?"
Rukia, hearing this, snapped out of her daze and opened her mouth to speak for Gilgamesh.
Just then, a money pouch fell from the sky, landing right in front of Gilgamesh.
Gilgamesh reached out and caught the pouch.
The pouch opened, revealing coins inside.
Coins were the universal currency in the Soul Society.
Gilgamesh was not surprised; he merely smiled and said, "See, the payment has arrived."
Gilgamesh knew this was due to his innate skill, Golden Rule (A).
An A-rank Golden Rule meant that Gilgamesh would never lack for money and would live a life of wealth.
Unexpected windfalls were ordinary occurrences for Gilgamesh.
But this unexpected fortune was a first for Renji and Rukia, leaving them stunned.
Once they recovered, they looked around to see if someone had accidentally dropped the pouch.
But they saw no one else around.
Recalling Gilgamesh's words, Renji couldn't help but gulp and ask, "Did you know the money pouch would fall?"
Before Gilgamesh could respond, Rukia denied it, "Impossible. He just arrived in the Soul Society. How could he know a pouch would fall here?"
Gilgamesh tossed the pouch to Rukia and calmly stated, "Perhaps the heavens are thanking me for my deeds, entwining my life with fortune."
"I have never cared about money or worried about it."
Though Gilgamesh's words were true, his manner, words, and tone made Renji clench his teeth and fists in frustration, feeling an urge to punch him.
Had Renji been influenced by modern internet culture, he might have understood the concept of humblebragging.
Before Renji could react, Rukia's voice, full of surprise, came through, "100,000 Kan! There are 100,000 Kan in here!"
The purchasing power of currency in the Soul Society was much higher than in the human world.
So, 100,000 Kan was roughly equivalent to 150,000 yen.
Though not a huge amount, it was a considerable sum for Renji and Rukia, who had lived in poverty.
Hearing the amount, Renji set aside his frustration and grabbed the pouch from Rukia, counting the money in disbelief.
After confirming it was indeed 100,000 Kan, Renji turned to Gilgamesh, voice trembling, "Hey, are you serious? If we guide you, this money is ours?"
Under Renji's expectant gaze, Gilgamesh nodded, "Of course. If you agree, the money is yours."
Confirming this, Renji clutched the pouch and excitedly turned to Rukia, "Rukia, did you hear? If we guide him, this money is ours!"
"With this money, we can get a better place to live, without constant fear and hunger."
Rukia, looking serious, said, "Renji, we can't take this money."
"Gilgamesh just arrived in the Soul Society. He needs this money more than we do."
Renji hesitated, wanting to say something.
But Rukia didn't give him the chance, continuing, "You know what kind of place Inuzuri is. Without money, Gilgamesh won't survive."
Renji fell silent, wanting to ask, 'Why are you being so nice to someone we just met?'
But he couldn't say it.
Deep down, he didn't want to see Gilgamesh suffer because of this money.
Finally, Renji stood before Gilgamesh, handing back the pouch, "Take it back. Rukia is right. You need this money more than we do."
"As for guiding you, we'll do it for free."
Gilgamesh smiled at this.
As expected of main storyline characters, growing up in a place like Inuzuri, they still retained such integrity.
Though his Youthful Handsomeness skill played a role, their inherent character made the difference.
After all, his Youthful Handsomeness was only C-rank.
Without taking the pouch, Gilgamesh asked, "Will you follow me and become my subjects?"
"If you do, you'll be my first subjects in the Soul Society. This King will grant you a lifetime of wealth and protection, so you'll never live in fear again."
________________________________________
To read 15 advanced chapters visit my patreon: patreon.com/Jockstrap