Chapter 25

The masked man, claiming to be a member of the dark organization Black Cat, looked down on the thugs groaning on the ground with disdain.

"These men were impostors who claimed to be backed by Black Cat and committed evil deeds. I was waiting for an opportunity to punish them, but you saw through them."

"Hmm, I see."

Shuu replied without lowering his guard.

The man had introduced himself as part of an underground organization. It was impossible to let his guard down. Moreover, as an underground organization, they would not want to be known. Revealing this much meant there was definitely something more to it. Shuu was certain of that.

Seeming to notice Shuu's wariness, the masked man raised both hands to show he meant no harm.

"Don't look at me like that. I revealed my identity for a reason."

"A reason, huh..."

"Yes, in fact, I want to recruit you into Black Cat."

"Me?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Shuu's wariness only intensified. Even if it was an underground organization, being recruited so easily felt off. Iris, in Shuu's arms, also looked wary.

Seeing their reactions, the masked man became a bit flustered.

"Please calm down. I was impressed by how you took down those thugs and your keen perception in seeing through my disguise."

"Hmm? Didn't you think we would catch you and turn you over to the police?"

"I would run if that happened. However, you give off a certain air that suggests you're not a regular person. I don't think someone like you would do the right thing."

"..."

Shuu wasn't a regular person... that was true.

While he wasn't exactly a full-time criminal, he did have his share of skeletons in the closet. The man seemed to have picked up on this aura. His observational skills were impressive.

"We, Black Cat, take on various jobs. Babysitting, transportation, smuggling, bodyguarding, assassination... We can find a job that suits you. It's a good place for someone who can't live in the open to earn money."

Upon hearing this, Shuu felt a bit swayed.

Being unemployed and without income, having a job was appealing. Besides, both he and Iris were being pursued by the church and didn't expect to find legitimate jobs. It would be a shame to pass this up.

"What do you think, Iris? I think it's a good idea."

"But it's a crime, right?"

"It's too late for that. I've already destroyed entire cities with thousands of people."

"Oh, right."

Shuu and Iris whispered to each other. The masked man seemed to be inviting Shuu to join Black Cat, which meant Iris was not directly involved.

"In a way, it's an opportunity. I'll take the offer."

"Understood. I'll follow you, Shuu."

"Sorry."

After all, it was his fault that Iris was labeled a witch. He had some resistance to involving her more deeply in the underworld. However, this was why he made his decision.

"Alright. I'll join Black Cat."

"Decisive. Good judgment."

The masked man smiled and immediately said to Shuu.

"Then, please eliminate the thugs behind you."

"Alright."

Following the order, Shuu used 'Death.' The three thugs, who had been groaning, lost their strength as their life force was drained.

The man seemed shocked by this scene, staring in disbelief.

"What's wrong? I took care of them. Quickly, lead us to Black Cat. You were going to take us there, right?"

"Y-Yes..."

The masked man realized he might have recruited an unexpectedly dangerous person. But it was too late to regret it. He decided to focus on the positive, thinking he had recruited a valuable asset.

"This way. Follow me."

"Let's go, Iris."

"Okay."

The three of them left the scene. All that remained was the stench of filth and three dead bodies.

◆◆◆

Shuu and Iris were led to a bar on the main street. The masked man boldly entered and greeted the bartender.

"Hey, is the back room available? I'll have a new bottle of wine."

"...The usual room is free. Use it as you like."

"Thanks, boss."

The masked man headed to the back, and Shuu and Iris followed. Shuu briefly glanced at the bartender, noticing the scars on his shaved head and his predatory eyes, which suggested he was also involved in the underworld. Shuu concluded that Black Cat and the bar were connected.

(So, it's on the main street. Unexpected, but maybe that's why it's a blind spot.)

The bar seemed to be operating normally, with many regular customers. Shuu guessed that using specific code words to the bartender would reveal the Black Cat side of things.

They were led through a dimly lit corridor to a spacious private room. A single lamp was lit, and the walls appeared thick, suggesting soundproofing.

"Please take a seat."

"Alright."

Shuu sat in a nearby chair, and Iris sat next to him. The masked man sat across the table and began speaking.

"Anyway, to officially join Black Cat, there's a test."

"A test?"

"Yes, a mission to assess your skills. Specifically, we want you to assassinate a certain councilor in this city."

"Assassination, right off the bat?"

Shuu frowned, and the masked man smiled in response.

"Oh, the way you took down those thugs was impressive. It's a perfect fit, isn't it?"

"...I won't argue with that."

Indeed, Shuu was the Lord of Death. With his death magic, he could easily kill living beings. His ability to phase through objects made him ideal for assassination.

"Will it be complete once I kill the councilor?"

"Yes. Additionally, if you can steal one of his gold coins, that would be even better."

"Gold coin?"

"Yes. Not the currency, but a commemorative gold coin. Actually, coins are only used in the empire and its vassal states. Here, paper money is more common. The gold coin has a cat with a staff on one side and a skull and a knife on the other."

"Is it okay if I don't get the coin?"

"Yes, in fact, this is a combined assassination and theft mission. The theft is important, but the assassination has already failed once, so we need to complete it quickly to avoid angering the client."

If the masked man's words were true, the councilor Shuu was to assassinate had already survived an assassination attempt by Black Cat. This meant he was heavily guarded, making the mission quite difficult. The masked man seemed to be a bit ruthless, turning such a challenging task into a test.

"...Alright. If I have time, I'll look for the coin."

"Thank you. If you bring back the coin, your induction will go more smoothly."

"Interesting."

Shuu felt a bit intrigued.

He thought he could take on the challenge without pushing himself too hard.

"The wine should be arriving soon. Let's discuss the assassination mission over a drink. This is also a test, and we'll provide you with some advance payment."

"Alright, thanks. By the way, about Iris listening to this..."

Shuu turned to Iris, then back to the masked man.

"She's my partner. For convenience, treat her as my subordinate in Black Cat."

"No problem. Unless she leaks information about Black Cat."

"That's fine, Iris."

"Um, yes."

Iris responded hesitantly.

At that moment, the bartender knocked and brought in the wine.

"Here's your order."

"Thank you, boss."

"...Are these the new recruits?"

"Yes, they're still provisional members."

The bartender gave Shuu and Iris a scrutinizing look. After a moment, he placed the wine on the table and started to leave, but not before saying to the masked man.

"Don't play around, 'Hawk Eye.'"

"Of course not. It's a sign of my trust."

"Is it, though?"

The bartender left the room.

Shuu waited until the door closed before asking the man.

"What's 'Hawk Eye'?"

"It's my codename. Please call me 'Hawk Eye.'"

"A codename, huh..."

It was typical for a dark organization.

'Hawk Eye' likely specialized in observation, meaning he was good at espionage and information gathering. Alternatively, the name could suggest he was skilled at targeting and assassinating.

"Only high-ranking members get codenames. You don't need to worry about it. You'll earn one naturally as you complete missions."

"Got it..."

Shuu was a bit envious of such things.

But he didn't show it and asked 'Hawk Eye' another question.

"The wine is here. Can you tell us more about the assassination mission?"

"Sure. Let's get to the details."

'Hawk Eye' poured the wine into glasses and placed them in front of Shuu, Iris, and himself. After taking a sip, he began.

"First, I can't reveal the client's identity. If you want to know, you'll have to investigate on your own. Or, if you pay more than the silence fee, I can tell you."

"Fine with me."

"Alright."

Shuu didn't have money, so he skipped that part.

However, this exchange suggested 'Hawk Eye' was an expert in handling information.

"Let's talk about the target. The assassination target is a councilor in the Republic of Elise who holds a financial position."

"Hmm. So, he's probably embezzling funds and using them for bribes?"

"Exactly. He's also framing others for his crimes and has bought off judges. He's even covering up his son's crimes. A typical corrupt councilor. This kind of target shouldn't trouble your conscience, even if it's your first time."

"True."

Judging those who couldn't be judged by law.

That was the nature of this mission.

Even Shuu, who had already committed mass slaughter, had some conscience left. It was better to assassinate a criminal than a good person.

"So, Black Cat has already failed once, right?"

"Yes, unfortunately. The target, Finance Minister Nimrod Blatt, has invested a lot of embezzled money in hiring excellent guards. These guards are from a rival dark organization and are skilled mages."

"Rival organizations exist?"

"Originally, Black Cat originated from the empire... so in this region, where the Holy Grinia has strong influence, our position is still weak. It's embarrassing, I know."

Iris thought, 'Who's saying that?' internally.

In the Holy Grinia, the Holy Knights actively eliminated mages from dark organizations, causing smaller ones to be quickly crushed. Only large, powerful dark organizations remained.

The fact that Black Cat could operate in this region suggested its significant influence. Saying they were weak was a gross understatement.

However, Shuu, unaware of these details, believed it.

"So, this assassination mission is also about weakening a rival organization?"

"In a way, yes."

"Alright. If I get the chance, I'll kill the guards too. A strong organization is more useful to join."

"Interesting. You seem confident."

"I consider myself the best at killing."

Shuu said this matter-of-factly, without boasting. 'Hawk Eye' was momentarily taken aback. After all, Shuu was the Lord of Death, closest to the concept of death and skilled in manipulating it. His words were the truth.

"Tell me the target's address. I'll take care of it tonight."

Shuu looked straight at 'Hawk Eye' and said this calmly.