Chapter 60

It has been a week since the death of the magic armorer Schmidt Aliul of "Prison Flame."

Shuu is reading the newspaper at home. The front page, which had been dominated by the commotion he caused, is finally over today. This is because a new scoop has come in.

"A coup in the Kingdom of Corbo... huh?"

"Is it the revolutionary army again?"

"Yeah."

The article states that a coup has occurred in the Kingdom of Corbo, a vassal state of the empire, and the prince who was on the side of the revolutionary army has ascended to the throne as king.

The newspaper argues that the military was in disarray due to the death of General Schmidt Aliul, who was dealing with the revolutionary army, and was unable to bring the situation to a swift conclusion. And it is likely the truth.

"Was this the reason they hired me?"

"I think so."

"I think there are other reasons, but it was mainly for this. That's why the reward was so high. If you're going to overthrow a country, you can come up with the money."

This time, by killing Schmidt alone, Shuu has earned enough money to live comfortably for at least ten years. Shuu came to the Great Empire of Subarokia to attend a meeting of the Black Cats, so he can spend the time until the meeting without doing anything.

However, he intends to accept requests from the revolutionary army, his most important client, as much as possible. Money is never a problem, and gold coins are particularly useful. Even if the empire were to fall, gold coins can be reused as gold. Paper money would be worthless if the country were to fall.

But gold can be used as a valuable asset indefinitely, so there's no harm in collecting it.

"Shuu, what are you going to do for a while?"

"Well, I'll probably just observe. There won't be any requests for a while, and with 'Prison Flame' gone, the revolutionary army will have an easier time moving. If there's nothing to do, I might as well enjoy myself. If my body gets rusty, I might go hunt some monsters from time to time."

"I agree!"

How long will the "Reaper's" rest last?

It is equivalent to the period of peace in the capital Aldar.

People are afraid, the nobles are in awe, and the magic armorers are trembling.

The emperor has finally begun to take concrete measures against the empire's enemy, the "Reaper."

◆◆◆

Gias Srital Thi Murjif Barat Noaz Subarokia.

He is the emperor of the Great Empire of Subarokia.

A direct descendant of the Noaz family, he became emperor at a young age and reigns as an absolute presence with his excellent subordinates. However, the emperor is, after all, just a human. A human who can be killed with a single knife.

It is impossible to leave a destabilizing assassin unchecked.

"Here you are. Ruto Reiven... no, Ruto of 'Absolute Boundary.'"

"Your call, Your Majesty."

The emblem on his chest is a silver eagle, indicating that he is a captain, the second-highest rank after a general.

This is Ruto Reiven, the magic armorer of "Absolute Boundary."

"The other day, you defeated a Catastrophe-class monster. Well done. I believe it was—"

"A nine-tailed fox demon."

"Right. Normally, it would take multiple S-rank magic armorers to deal with it. It's a great achievement that you and your troops managed to do it alone."

A Catastrophe-class monster.

It is a realm where army-level extermination is impossible. It is a monster so powerful that it is assumed to be dealt with by multiple S-rank magic armorers. Among Catastrophe-class monsters, there are occasionally "King" monsters, which are deadly even without a mistake.

The one Ruto led to defeat was a nine-tailed fox demon.

A fox monster with nine tails.

It is extremely cunning and intelligent, capable of using magic.

"It was supposed to be a Calamity-class celestial fox during the investigation phase... but it seems to have evolved by the time you reached it?"

"Yes. I considered retreating, but I couldn't avoid the battle. I am deeply ashamed."

Normally, a single S-rank magic armorer could have defeated it.

However, by briefly losing sight of it, he allowed it to evolve into a Catastrophe-class monster, the nine-tailed fox demon.

He tried to avoid the battle, but it was too late, and Ruto's troops ended up fighting the nine-tailed fox demon.

Ruto was supposed to die.

However, he survived beyond the limits.

As a true S-rank magic armorer... an awakened magic armorer.

"By your achievement, Ruto Reiven... I will give you this."

When Emperor Gias signaled, one of his attendants approached Ruto with a tray.

"This is the emblem of the golden lion. As of today, you are General Ruto Reiven."

"Yes, I am honored."

Ruto took the emblem of the golden lion.

At the same time, Emperor Gias gave him a new order.

"Now, having awakened and with the golden lion, I will have you disband the Absolute Boundary Corps and become the captain of a new unit."

"...Yes, sir."

Unfortunately, the Absolute Boundary Corps, which Ruto led, had lost a significant number of troops to the nine-tailed fox demon. Therefore, it needed to be reorganized.

This was inevitable.

However, Ruto was taken aback and his response was delayed.

"Then... that thing..."

When Emperor Gias signaled again, an attendant brought a tray with an order. Gias took it and read it clearly.

"Ruto Reiven. I hereby appoint you as the captain of a special unit to combat the 'Reaper.' This unit will be known as the Reiven Corps. It is a special unit composed solely of S-rank magic armorers. Therefore, only you, an awakened magic armorer, can lead it."

Ruto was surprised.

A special unit to combat the "Reaper," the assassin who has been causing turmoil in the empire, is one thing, but the fact that it is composed entirely of S-rank magic armorers is so shocking that it seems like a joke.

However, the one who announced it was the emperor.

He understood that it was not a lie.

"The unit will consist of six members, including you as the captain."

"May I ask who the other five are?"

"Of course."

Emperor Gias continued to read.

"The 'Magical Eye,' 'Infinite,' 'Counter Mirror,' 'Sky,' and the new S-rank, 'Flame Dragon.'"

"'Flame Dragon'? I've never heard of him."

"He graduated from the academy and was immediately given S-rank status."

Ruto recognized the "Magical Eye," "Infinite," "Counter Mirror," and "Sky." They were four S-rank magic armorers who were already active, so he couldn't have not known them.

Upon hearing that the "Flame Dragon" had become S-rank immediately after graduating from the academy, Ruto was surprised.

It was an incredible achievement.

Normally, it would have been a topic of rumor.

Why he had never heard of him, Ruto wondered.

Seeing his reaction, Emperor Gias answered.

"He tends to stand out. Therefore, I ordered his promotion to be kept secret."

"Promotion from F-rank as a candidate to S-rank. It would certainly draw attention in a bad way."

"Besides that, there are other elements that could lead to bad rumors... but that's beside the point. He was recognized as a genuine talent and given S-rank status. We can't afford to burden such a valuable asset with mental stress. That's why I took this measure."

The Great Empire of Subarokia is a country where power is prioritized.

It is cold to the weak, but it is extremely generous to the strong. In particular, S-rank magic armorers, who are the highest combat power, are guaranteed a lifetime of security. Even after retiring due to physical weakness, the state will take care of their lives.

Naturally, they are treated even better while in service.

The new S-rank magic armorer, "Flame Dragon," is also a target of this treatment.

"To defeat the world's best assassin. I have gathered magic armorers for this purpose. I expect great things from you."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

On this day, a special unit was formed in the Great Empire of Subarokia.

The "Reaper," the world's best assassin and a member of the dark organization Black Cats. The unit to eliminate him is called the Reiven Corps.

The captain is Ruto Reiven.

An awakened magic armorer who can manipulate gravity, known as "Absolute Boundary."

◆◆◆

The capital Aldar is vast.

It is equipped with various facilities, including a magic training ground for soldiers. However, it is not quite sufficient to contain the power of S-rank magic armorers. Therefore, the area outside the capital serves as a training ground for S-rank magic armorers. Although it is a hassle to move, here, even if something is accidentally destroyed, there is no need to compensate for it.

Nature will repair it on its own.

"Bored..."

One of the girls in the training ground muttered.

In front of her was an unusual scene. It was petrified trees. These were not statues but real trees that had been turned to stone by the power of magic armor.

Mizra Cohen, known as the "Magical Eye," is one of the S-rank magic armorers.

In response to her mutter, another S-rank magic armorer answered.

"I heard we're getting a captain. It's kind of fresh."

The one who said this was another girl.

Her name is Elina Iskater, an S-rank magic armorer known as "Infinite." Her surroundings were filled with countless chains, creating an intimidating atmosphere.

She is called "Infinite" because she can create endless chains and bind her enemies tightly.

"An S-rank magic armorer unit. That's rare!"

The one who answered enthusiastically was Yurie Kruves.

Another girl, she exuded a lively energy. Of course, she is also an S-rank magic armorer, known as "Counter Mirror." However, she was simply sitting on a large tree branch, and her ability was unknown.

"Ladies, shouldn't we be training? You're slacking off too much!"

The one floating in the air with wings on her back was another girl. Her name is Sadina Roane, known as "Sky." She is also an S-rank magic armorer. Her magic armor allows her to fly freely in the sky, but her true strength lies in magic. She can cast all attributes up to the eighth tier alone.

The rain of magic spells descending from the sky is nothing short of a nightmare.

"Hey, speaking of which, where is he?"

Elina, known as "Infinite," asked.

Sadina, known as "Sky," who was watching from above, answered.

"He was running outside the training ground just a moment ago."

"Hmm. He's so disciplined."

"Mizra, you should train that much too."

"No way. It's too much trouble."

Mizra, known as the "Magical Eye," is famous for being lazy and disliking exercise. She has never had an enemy due to her innate magic power and superior magic armor. Just by looking at them, her enemies turn to stone. That is her magic armor.

"Still, the captain hasn't arrived yet."

Sadina, known as "Sky," muttered.

Five S-rank magic armorers gathered here for the first meeting of the newly established special unit. A unit composed solely of S-rank magic armorers is unprecedented in the history of the empire. It would be strange not to be excited.

They were all looking forward to meeting the person who would be their captain.

This was a common sentiment among the four girls gathered here.

There are five S-rank magic armorers gathered at the training ground. The four present are "Magical Eye," "Infinite," "Counter Mirror," and "Sky." The remaining one, the "Flame Dragon" magic armorer, is running outside the training ground.

"Well, if the captain is a pushover, I'll take him down."

Elina, known as "Infinite," manipulated her chains, showing a readiness to challenge the yet-to-be-seen captain. The empire is a world of power. Advancing to the position of captain of a unit requires demonstrating strength.

If one can defeat the captain of their own unit through force, the captain can be replaced.

However, Elina's words were reckless.

Because they were heard by the captain of this special unit.

The awakened magic armorer, Ruto Reiven.

"Well? If you can, try it."

A voice came from nowhere.

But by the time they heard it, it was too late. A powerful gravity field enveloped the area, pinning everything to the ground. Mizra, Elina, Yurie, and Sadina were all forced to the ground by the gravity, unable to speak.