Chapter 31

The day after Shuu and Iris discussed leaving the Republic of Elise, their plans were shattered. This morning, the Holy Knights from the Sacred Grinia arrived in the capital, Altha.

"Sir Holy Knight!"

"It's Sir Celstar!"

"Look this way!"

"Wave at us!"

The Holy Knights were marching in formation down the main street of the capital, Altha. This was a festival-like atmosphere because the official Holy Knights... the Sealed Holy Knights were visiting from their home country. The usually bustling main street was more crowded than ever with people.

However, Shuu and Iris were a bit anxious.

"Are those the best Holy Knights?"

"Yes, they are."

"Just from their aura, I can tell they're dangerous. Iris, don't解除 your magic concealment under any circumstances. With our magic levels, we might draw attention."

"Do we really need to worry that much?"

"Normally, I wouldn't."

Shuu wasn't paying attention just because the Holy Knights had arrived. In this case, it was because of the background. Celstar Altrein, who leads the Sealed Holy Knights, is an S-rank Holy Knight. And he is likely chasing the Demon King Arklight and the witch Iris.

He will investigate anyone suspicious.

Just because of their high magic levels, Shuu and Iris might be noticed.

"During the Holy Knights' visit... anyone trying to leave the capital Altha will be investigated, I suppose."

"So, we can't leave Altha?"

"We can... but we might be asked a lot of questions about our identities and jobs. And we don't have proper jobs."

"I can predict the rest."

If they were to escape from Altha, they would have to do it secretly without anyone noticing. Or they could force their way through. Otherwise, they could stay quiet until the Holy Knights leave Altha.

These three options are the main choices.

However, there is a fourth option that doesn't fit into these three.

"If the Holy Knight Celstar Altrein and the Sealed Holy Knights were to be wiped out in an accident... we would be safe, right?"

"Shuu... that's a bit much..."

It's outrageous, but it could be possible.

Shuu is a monster, and the Church of the Demon God considers monsters to be enemies of the gods. They are fundamentally enemies. It would be reasonable to eliminate them before they notice. Shuu is part of the underworld, so being labeled a criminal wouldn't change anything for him. In that sense, it would be reasonable.

"Well, we won't do anything immediately. The Black Cat will also move because of the Holy Knights. We'll follow their lead first."

"Will you continue with the assassinations?"

"If we have the time. My assassination methods can't be stopped by anyone, after all."

"Death magic is too much of a cheat."

"It's the result of hard work. Calling it a cheat is rude."

The duo watching the Holy Knights' parade from the end of the main street disappeared into the shadows of a back alley.

◆◆◆

That night, when the Holy Knight Celstar Altrein arrived in Altha, the "Death God" and "Hawk Eye" were meeting at the usual bar where the Black Cat has its base. Incidentally, Iris was staying at the inn.

"Do you know about the Holy Knight Celstar Altrein?"

"A little. He's one of the best knights of the Sacred Grinia... an S-rank, right?"

"That's not all."

"Hawk Eye" took a sip of his drink and continued.

"He's an awakened Mage Knight."

"Awakened...?"

Shuu tilted his head at the unfamiliar term.

However, "Hawk Eye" seemed to have anticipated this.

"Do you want to know more about awakening? It's a bit expensive, though."

"How much?"

"Twenty million magi."

"Are you kidding me?"

It was too expensive. Shuu thought it was a joke, but it didn't seem to be. "Hawk Eye" was drinking his drink without changing his expression.

If it were a bit cheaper, he might have bought it, but this was too much. It would exceed his total wealth.

"Awakening is classified information. Only the upper echelons of the state or the bishops of the Church of the Demon God would know."

"...I can guess to some extent. If it's called awakening, it must be a Mage Knight who has gained power that needs to be kept secret."

"Exactly. He's a very powerful Mage Knight."

"The question is, how powerful..."

If it's called awakening, it can't be ordinary.

Shuu listed the possibilities.

"Increased magic power, improved magic quality. These two alone can enhance a Mage Knight. But if that's all, it wouldn't be called awakening. If it's called awakening, it means the Mage Knight itself has changed. Like how the magic used by monsters changes to magic. An awakened Mage Knight is on par with a King's Monster? No, considering they are human, they might be slightly inferior."

"You're on the right track."

However, hearing this, Shuu felt relieved.

If an awakened Mage Knight is on par with a King's Monster, then he wouldn't surpass Shuu. There's no need to fear, just be cautious.

Getting this information for free was a result of talking to the suspicious "Hawk Eye."

"Well, I didn't come here just to get information on Celstar Altrein. I came to talk about how the Black Cat will move against the Holy Knights."

"Oh, is that so?"

"I'm a new member of the upper echelons. I don't know what to do."

"That's right."

Shuu didn't know much about the structure of the Black Cat. He just went along with the flow and performed assassinations, without knowing the purpose. To Shuu, the Black Cat was just an underworld organization that provided him with jobs.

So, he decided to ask "Hawk Eye" about the organization.

"That's why. Tell me about the Black Cat."

"Sure. How about a discount for upper echelons? Fifty thousand magi?"

"Twenty thousand."

"Forty-five thousand."

"Thirty thousand."

"Thirty-five thousand. That's my limit."

"Alright."

Shuu took out the money and handed over thirty-five thousand magi. "Hawk Eye" counted the money to make sure it was all there. During this time, Shuu used a vibration magic to soundproof the area.

"The soundproofing is done. Tell me everything."

"Good preparation."

They both took a sip of their drinks to wet their mouths. They might be talking for a while, so the drinks were necessary.

"What is the Black Cat?"

"Well... if I must say—"

"Hawk Eye" thought for a moment before speaking again.

"—it has no specific purpose. The upper echelons can do as they please."

"Huh?"

Shuu doubted "Hawk Eye's" words.

It was hard to believe that the Black Cat, with its influence and powerful Mage Knights, had no purpose.

"Hawk Eye" began to explain to the surprised Shuu.

"The Black Cat has no specific purpose. The upper echelons join the organization for their own desires and goals. The ten upper echelons have codenames for this reason. It represents their existence and purpose."

"So... we are not individuals in the organization, but a group of individuals?"

"Yes. That's the Black Cat. The boss, 'Black Cat,' aims to gather us, a group of individuals, and form the Black Cat organization. That's all."

"So... we can do as we please?"

"Yes, if you want to kill a Holy Knight, do it as 'Death God.' The organization will fully support you. Conversely, if you do nothing, the Black Cat will be satisfied. The Black Cat doesn't need the overall benefit. The ten upper echelons are the entirety of the Black Cat, and the ten individuals are the purpose."

Hearing this, Shuu understood to some extent.

The freedom given to him as 'Death God' made sense. The Black Cat needed the ten upper echelons. The organization and base were not important. The ten upper echelons were the core of the Black Cat.

As 'Death God,' Shuu was a being who controlled death.

An individual who used death to achieve the Black Cat's purpose.

"Whether the Holy Knights are here or not, the Black Cat will act as it pleases. The organization's conflicts are irrelevant. Individuals can expand their influence and act as they wish."

"So, no matter how the Red Claw, Lotus Flower, or Fire Grass act, we can do as we please?"

"Yes, prioritize your own interests. The benefit of the upper echelons is the benefit of the Black Cat."

Understanding the Black Cat's philosophy, the thirty-five thousand magi was worth it. Plus, the unexpected freedom was a pleasant surprise.

Honestly, he was confused about being suddenly made 'Death God.' He didn't know what to do, and there was no explanation about the Black Cat. However, the freedom to act as 'Death God' was unexpected.

"...An S-rank awakened Holy Knight."

"Yes. By the way, I plan to investigate him."

"Then I'll ignore him."

"You can assassinate him if you want."

"If he gets in the way."

They continued chatting and drinking the prepared drinks.

◆◆◆

Holy Knight Celstar was discussing with the bishop in the Altha Cathedral. The Sealed Holy Knights he led were resting in the back of the cathedral, recovering from their journey. They would start their mission tomorrow.

"Welcome to the Altha Cathedral, Holy Knight Celstar Altrein of the 'Sealed.'"

"Thank you, Bishop."

In a room in the cathedral, a warm cup of tea and some pastries were placed in front of the two men. The room was filled with a pleasant aroma from the flowers in the corner.

Celstar was still in his Holy Knight uniform, while the bishop was in his usual formal attire.

"The Sealed Holy Knights are here because of a connection to the underworld."

"Yes, more precisely, we are chasing the newly born King's Monster... the Demon King Arklight. The Demon King Arklight seems to have a human-like appearance. We believe he is hiding in a human city. And since he has no status, he is likely hiding in the underworld. That's why we are chasing the underworld."

"I understand."

Defeating a King's Monster is not a human task. A King's Monster is a being that has awakened magic and reached the level of magic. In the Church of the Demon God, they are called Demon Kings and are not to be touched. Because angering a King would lead to the destruction of a country.

However, there is an exception.

A Holy Knight with the potential to defeat a King.

A true S-rank who has awakened.

Celstar Altrein is one of those who has the potential to kill the Demon King. That's why the bishop was not afraid but understanding.

"Such a top-secret mission... it's wonderful. The God of El Magia will be pleased."

"However, we don't have any leads yet."

Celstar chuckled, and the bishop shook his head.

Rather, the situation is so serious that even an S-rank Holy Knight is struggling. He realized it was a very serious matter.

"So, what will you do? Since you are here in Altha, do you have a lead?"

"No, not really."

Celstar held his cup with his right hand and brought it to his mouth.

After enjoying the taste, he placed the cup back down with a clink.

"For now, I plan to crush all the underworld organizations."

His smile had a hint of enjoyment.