Chapter 94

Even if the four-way standoff became a three-way, the situation remained as chaotic as ever.

Rio stood beside Shiraha, showing clear signs of wariness towards not only Muzé but also Conrart.

Despite the circumstances, they had been seen using Magic Slash by the White Mask and the Horned Family, the highest-ranking underground organization in this town. While it was unknown that they could nullify the slave collars, it wouldn’t take much investigation to figure it out. Rio gave a nod to Shiraha and slowly retreated. Conrart looked straight at Rio and grinned ferociously.

"You cut magic... You’re a rare find."

He was completely intrigued. Rio, knowing that Conrart wouldn’t let him go this time, grimaced and pointed his sword at him. Suddenly, Muzé burst into laughter.

"Haha, this might be the best day of my life, or even of humanity! I never expected to see two cards leading to the Saviors at once!"

Upon hearing the word "Saviors," Conrart frowned and pointed his sword at Muzé.

"Don’t get excited, scum."

"That’s my line, mud."

Muzé, who had kicked up and grabbed the scabbard from the ground, pointed his sword at Conrart. Both were eyeing Rio like prey but drew their swords simultaneously.

"If we fight here, we might damage this rare find. Besides, we’ve already made too much of a scene."

"Let’s back off. Given the changed circumstances, we need to clear the suspicions around Rio and his companions to prevent the riffraff from going wild."

The two gradually increased the distance between them. Rio had questions for Muzé, who led the White Mask, but hesitated to call out in the midst of the dispersing crowd. Rio, still troubled, kept his sword pointed at both of them.

From the direction of the supply storage, a group of torches approached. They were likely the guards. Muzé and Conrart, seeing the torchlight, turned around. They glanced at Rio and smiled before disappearing into the alley. The guards, fully armed, rushed into the alley. A middle-aged swordsman stepped forward from the group and confronted Rio and Shiraha.

"Who are you?"

"…We are adventurers affiliated with the Adventurer’s Guild. We’ve slain the Night Stalker."

Unable to relax, Rio kept his guard up while responding to the middle-aged swordsman. The guards, seeing that Rio and Shiraha were still in combat stance, remained on alert. Rio looked at the spot where the Night Stalker’s body had been. It had already dissipated into a black mist, leaving only the curved sword, a cursed weapon, as proof. The middle-aged swordsman addressed Rio again.

"You say you’ve slain it, but why are you still in combat stance? Depending on your answer, we might have to use force."

Rio, already in the midst of chaos, hesitated to explain the entire situation but insisted on being heard.

"The situation is too complex to explain briefly, but please hear me out."

The middle-aged swordsman, who seemed to think that subduing them would be quicker, frowned. However, a familiar face stepped forward from behind him.

"Captain, I know them. If you check with the Miruto School in Sphane, they can vouch for their identity. They’re from the same village as Kairu."

The Miruto School swordsman, an adventurer, winked at Rio and Shiraha. The middle-aged swordsman, now called Captain, seemed willing to listen.

"I’ll have my men surround you. Now, tell me your story."

Despite the help from the Miruto School swordsman, Rio, keeping the details about the Magic Core and the Saviors to himself, explained the sequence of events. He felt that the situation was already beyond their control, but in a town riddled with spies, he couldn’t reveal the truth.

He talked about Muzé’s leading role in the White Mask, their focus on Shiraha, and how Conrart and Muzé had become more interested in him after seeing the Magic Slash.

"…Magic Slash. I heard rumors about it in connection with the Rihelan incident, but I didn’t think it was real."

The Captain scrutinized Rio. Shiraha, holding the curved sword, grabbed Rio’s arm, and before he could react, the Captain drew his sword.

"—It’s gone?"

Realizing what had happened from the guards’ reactions, Rio shook off Shiraha’s hand.

"Don’t misuse it right away. Sorry, she wanted to demonstrate the cursed sword Night Stalker."

Rio bowed apologetically, and the Captain, looking relieved, lowered his sword.

"Cut it out. But it seems you really did slay the Night Stalker."

The Captain focused on the curved sword held by Shiraha. It had a gentle curve and a faint red pattern on the blade, suggesting it was made with special materials or techniques. The Captain sighed.

"Since you two slew it, the ownership rights belong to you. Besides, it’s too dangerous for any organization in this town to possess. We could have entrusted it to the Guild, but the Deputy Branch Manager is a spy..."

Scratching his head, the Captain advised Shiraha.

"Someone will come after you. If you can’t protect it, sell it to a noble and leave town."

"Isn’t it evidence?"

"Seizing it would create a management responsibility. If we can’t fulfill that responsibility, we shouldn’t take it on. This is a secret."

The Captain casually declared his dereliction of duty, and the guards, instead of complaining, chuckled. Rio was dismayed by the lack of proper investigation into the Magic Core. The Captain looked around at his men.

"Head to the Adventurer’s Guild and request Muzé’s presence. Be cautious, as there might be White Mask spies among your colleagues."

The guards, who had surrounded Rio and Shiraha, stepped back, and the Captain appointed a few, including the Miruto School swordsman, to guard them.

"Escort these two to the guard barracks. Conduct the questioning with at least three people present, and avoid private rooms."

After giving the instructions, the Captain turned to Rio and Shiraha, pointing in the direction of the guard barracks.

"If you’re attacked again, don’t worry about us. Use the cursed sword to disappear and escape to Sphane. The Miruto School should be safe."

"Is that okay? We’re not exactly trustworthy right now."

"The Guild isn’t the only one sending spies."

Shrugging, the Captain, muttering about the trouble, led his men towards the Guild. Watching his back, Rio finally relaxed.

"Everyone’s trying to outmaneuver each other. It’s a tiring town."

"That’s why I said you should leave town sooner."

The Miruto School swordsman laughed.