Chapter 32

The arrival of the Holy Knights in Alta temporarily quieted the activities of the dark organization. The Red Claws, Demon Lotus, and Fire Grass, who remained in the Republic of Elise, were also on guard against the Awakened Holy Knights.

Even if it is a large dark organization, S-rank Holy Knights are still feared.

S-rank Magic Armors are equivalent to a first-class military force.

The capital, Alta, had become somewhat peaceful, but the general public was unaware of this. They thought it would always be peaceful, so it couldn't be helped.

"Ah, Shu! A new dessert has been added without us noticing!"

"Really? Are they using seasonal fruits?"

"Want to try it?"

"Sure, let's do it."

Shu and Iris were relaxing at a café terrace on the main street. They had earned enough from a recent assassination request to live for a while. However, they had spent 350,000 on information, so their funds were slightly reduced. If the Holy Knights stayed for a long time, they would have to take on another request.

But until then, they had no particular plans.

They had no intention of challenging Awakened Magic Armors, who were said to be able to combat the king's monsters.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Usual is fine."

"Then I'll order it."

Iris called the waiter and placed the order. Both of them were regulars at this café, so they were familiar with the staff. While chatting with the waiter, who said, "Oh, you two are so hot today," "We're in love," "No, we're not," they finished their order.

They decided to wait and talk while their desserts and tea arrived.

"I'm getting a bit tired of this country."

"Indeed, it feels like we've exhausted all the fun."

"Where will we go next?"

"How about... the Empire?"

The Empire, free from the pursuit of the Church and the influence of the Demon God Cult, could be a place to settle. However, the Empire was dangerous. It was meritocratic, and the security was poor. Furthermore, the Empire's tyranny continued, and there were even signs of rebellion in the vassal states.

However, they wouldn't be targeted by the Church.

In that sense, it was safe.

"Hmm?"

Shu felt a gaze and turned to see someone looking at them. The white clothing the person was wearing was familiar. It was the uniform of a Holy Knight.

"Holy Knight... Are they looking at us?"

"Did we get caught?"

"No, we didn't get caught. It's probably because they sensed the aura of the underworld that I carry."

"Shu?"

"I'm not human. They are used to hunting monsters, so their instincts might have kicked in."

They thought they were blending in, but perhaps they couldn't fool the eyes of the Holy Knights.

The Holy Knight approached the table where Shu and Iris were sitting. As he approached, Shu recognized him.

"That's... the S-rank Holy Knight, Celster Altrain."

"Really?"

"That's strange. His face should be well-known since he was in a parade. Yet, no one is making a fuss. Do they not even realize he's there?"

Indeed, the people walking on the street didn't seem to notice Celster. He walked through the crowd as if slipping through them.

He reached the table where Shu and Iris were sitting without anyone speaking to him.

"Hello, nice weather, isn't it?"

"Do you have something for us?"

"Hello."

Shu looked up at Celster, on guard. Of course, he didn't show his caution on his face. However, he wasn't confident he could hide it completely.

He envied Iris, who seemed completely relaxed.

"Something caught my attention. You two seem to have a lot of magic power."

"…How did you know that?"

Shu's caution increased when his words hit home.

"It's simple. I'm suppressing recognition. Only those with a lot of magic power can notice this."

"I see. That's impressive."

He couldn't have imagined being seen through in such a way. He understood why the people walking around didn't notice Celster.

Celster continued.

"I have a question for you two—"

"Here's your cake and tea."

The waiter brought the cake and tea they had ordered. The waiter didn't seem to notice Celster, indicating that the recognition suppression was still working.

"Here's the new cake and your usual tea. Enjoy."

The waiter placed the cake and left.

Celster seemed to relax, scratching his cheek.

"It seems the timing is bad. Let's meet again sometime."

He turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowd.

◆◆◆

"Do you think we were noticed?"

"What do you think?"

After Celster left, Shu and Iris quietly discussed. They had just been approached by an S-rank Holy Knight, so it was natural to think they were being watched.

Shu ate the cake while performing magic power detection.

"There are four of them."

Four people with a lot of magic power were watching Shu and Iris. Given their magic power, they were likely Magic Armors, meaning they were probably Holy Knights.

Looking around, Shu saw four men in Holy Knight uniforms.

They were cleverly hiding, but their uniforms made them easy to spot.

"Should we consider this a challenge?"

"What should we do?"

"Kill them."

Shu extended his right hand and slowly clenched it, using magic power detection to lock onto the death magic.

Iris spoke with a deadpan expression, having noticed his preparation.

"Shouldn't we be more cautious?"

"There's no reason to adjust to their level. If it's troublesome, we'll kill them. That's what the King of the Underworld does."

"Uh..."

"Anyway, there won't be any evidence left. If we're being watched, reducing the number of enemies is the best course. We don't care if we cause chaos in this city. The Holy Knights should be the ones to be cautious."

Celster had approached them, so it was reasonable to assume they were partially identified. People with a lot of magic power were likely Magic Armors, and in this country without an army, Magic Armors were equivalent to Holy Knights. If not, they were part of a dark organization.

Shu and Iris, having been identified by their magic power, were now considered suspicious.

"I'll let them hear the footsteps of the 'Reaper.' 'Death.'"

Shu clenched his right hand, activating the death magic. A spell that converts all energy into magic power and steals it. A power that manipulates 'death' by eliminating energy.

Humans couldn't resist it.

It was a magical power that transcended the laws of the world.

"Did you do it?"

"Yes, I killed them."

Shu sensed their magic power drop to zero. Their life force had also vanished, as Shu had absorbed everything.

"Be moderate."

"As long as they don't interfere with me and Iris."

Iris had given up on humans. She loved Shu, a monster, and had decided to stay with him forever, using the immortal magic armor.

She didn't care much about the death of the Holy Knights.

The death of these four Holy Knights marked the beginning of chaos in Alta.

◆◆◆

The mysterious deaths of the Holy Knights.

Four Holy Knights died suddenly on the main street during the day. It was unclear whether they were murdered or died of illness. They were likely murdered, but the method was unknown.

It was impossible to hide the sudden death of Holy Knights in the main street from the public. The Church was troubled by this incident.

"Have you identified the enemy's power?"

"It's unknown. We have a suspect, though."

In a room deep within the cathedral, Holy Knight Celster Altrain and the bishop were discussing. The deputy leader of the Sealed Holy Knights and two of the bishop's assistants were also present.

The Sealed Holy Knights and the Church were investigating the dark organization while also looking into the mysterious deaths of the Holy Knights.

"Sir Altrain, who is the suspect?"

"From our investigation, a person named Shu is suspicious. We noticed his high magic power, and at that moment, the Holy Knights were killed. If it was the power of a Magic Armor, it's hard to predict. There might be some mechanism... or"

"Magic."

"Yes."

The Church was aware of the witch execution in the capital of the Kingdom of Ramza, where the King of the Underworld, Arklight, appeared and used magic to take the life of a Holy Knight.

The Church knew that the King of the Underworld could use instant death magic.

The mysterious deaths of the Holy Knights.

It would be incompetent to think there was no connection.

"Shu is the King of the Underworld, Arklight. And the woman with him is the witch, Iris."

"Wow! You've already figured that out!"

"But!"

The bishop, who was excited, was stopped by Celster.

He continued.

"We lack evidence."

"Who cares about evidence!"

"Moreover, we lack confirmation. I think it's as black as it gets, but we don't have absolute proof. If we make a mistake, it won't be forgiven, so we must be cautious."

The Holy Knights serve the Church.

Therefore, they must be strict with the law. The Demon God Cult values compassion, respect, and wisdom, and they believe there should be no injustice.

This is why the Demon God Cult has influence throughout the Holy Grinia and its vassal states.

"We are not barbarians. We serve the God of El Magia."

"Of course, sir."

"Therefore... I plan to lure them. If we lack proof, we can confirm it."

There are methods to achieve this. They had the information.

Celster smiled slyly.