Chapter 64

The resistance of the Revolutionary Army intensified, and the war against the Subarokia Grand Empire was escalating. However, the Grand Empire, as expected, began to take things seriously and deployed a large number of S-rank Magicians.

The participation of elite units like the Reiven Squad, who usually hunt powerful monsters, began to tip the balance of the war in favor of the Grand Empire.

"The Grand Empire's power was underestimated."

In a certain place, Rainvald Cain Richter, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, muttered these words. Originally a small organization, the Revolutionary Army had grown into a massive one, with Rainvald, the king of the Eldorado Kingdom, as its leader. They had incorporated many countries surrounding the Eldorado Kingdom into the Revolutionary Army, forming a coalition.

The Revolutionary Army had gained enough strength to fight the Grand Empire's army. However, once the Grand Empire took things seriously, the Revolutionary Army was quickly overwhelmed. S-rank Magicians had already wreaked havoc on several battlefields, and several coalition countries had fallen.

"What shall we do, King Rainvald?"

"Magicians who use black power, those who create fire dragons, those who generate magic, and those who petrify... These units were confirmed during the war centered on the Toorheim Imperial Kingdom. They have already appeared on several battlefields and turned the tide of the war."

"Magicians who control the weather have also been confirmed."

"Yes, I believe it's the 'Thunder Emperor' Luke Fermat. His controlled thunderbird can manipulate thunderclouds, dropping lightning one after another, burning our soldiers in metal armor."

They were the kings of the countries that belonged to the Revolutionary Army, or perhaps prime ministers.

Thanks to magicians capable of long-distance communication, the leaders could hold meetings while remaining in their own countries. Rainvald, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, was troubled by the current war situation.

"Despite finally getting rid of that 'Inferno'... The Grand Empire's magicians are indeed deep in numbers."

He had recently entrusted the 'Reaper' Shu Arklight to eliminate the S-rank Magician Schmidt Aliur, known as 'Inferno.' Taking advantage of the chaos, the Revolutionary Army had grown and encroached on the Grand Empire's territory. However, the continuous victories had made them forget that the Revolutionary Army had merely exploited a weakness.

"King Rainvald, what will you do? Will you rely on the 'Reaper' again?"

"...I think it's worth considering."

"Will assassination work multiple times? Hiring the 'Reaper' will cost a lot of money."

"I understand your point, but between the cost of training strong soldiers and hiring the 'Reaper'... Hiring the 'Reaper' is still cheaper. It's the same as hiring mercenaries during wartime."

War is not a frequent occurrence. Even for a nation, maintaining a standing army requires enormous financial resources. Training soldiers from scratch also requires a significant amount of tax. Therefore, hiring mercenaries, who are experts in combat, can be more cost-effective. One reason is that mercenaries, who have survived numerous battles, often bring better results than soldiers trained domestically. For the same reason, hiring the 'Reaper' is not a bad method.

"However, assassinating S-rank Magicians one by one seems endless, doesn't it?"

A prime minister from a certain country hesitantly interjected. There is a significant difference in status between a king and a prime minister. Although their positions were equal in this setting, it was natural for the prime minister to be cautious. Of course, the other kings listened to his words without being offended.

"Indeed, that's true. Instead of assassination, how about hiring mercenaries to destroy the fortresses?"

"The Black Cat also had a commander named 'Rampage Dragon.' I believe he was skilled in destruction. What do you think?"

The Black Cat has eleven commanders. One of them is 'Rampage Dragon,' known for his destructive work, which has earned him a notorious reputation worldwide. If they hired 'Rampage Dragon,' he could annihilate the Grand Empire's army. There was no doubt about it. Many kings agreed.

"Indeed, that might be a good idea."

"First, we want to destroy the Elda Fortress..."

"That place is on the route for transporting food to the Grand Empire. Seizing it would significantly weaken them."

"However, the Grand Empire understands the importance of that fortress. I hear S-rank Magicians are stationed there... Can 'Rampage Dragon' handle it?"

"No, the last rumor about 'Rampage Dragon' was that he destroyed a cathedral in a certain country in the Holy Grinia. Is it even possible to hire him?"

The commanders of the Black Cat are always traveling around the world. The 'Reaper' happened to be in the Grand Empire, but the whereabouts of other commanders are a matter of chance. Some, like 'Rampage Dragon,' occasionally have rumors circulating, but others, like 'Hawk Eye,' are completely untraceable.

"The last rumors about the 'Reaper,' 'Black Iron,' 'Scales,' and 'Red Hare' were near the Grand Empire. 'Scales' was a moneylender, and 'Red Hare' was a courier. If we need combat power, it would be the 'Reaper' or 'Black Iron.'"

"However, 'Black Iron' specializes in protection. For destruction, the closest option is the 'Reaper.'"

"Ultimately, it's the 'Reaper'..."

For Rainvald, it was easier to hire the 'Reaper.' They had actually met before, and his track record was solid. It was also known that the 'Reaper' had the ability to freeze large areas, derived from the fifth tier of water magic, 'Ice Pillars,' or the power of magic. However, the truth was irrelevant. As long as large-scale destruction was possible, it was fine.

"Then, shall we hire the 'Reaper' for multiple simultaneous assassinations using his freezing ability?"

To conclude the meandering meeting, Rainvald hurried to a decision. With kings of entire countries present, democratic decisions were difficult. Ultimately, someone had to take the lead. As the leader, King Rainvald took this approach.

"To determine if the 'Reaper' can handle the destruction, let's hire him to destroy the Elda Fortress."

Recently, the 'Reaper' had been reluctant to accept requests. Despite knowing this, Rainvald made the decision. Of course, he intended to show appropriate sincerity and compensation. Considering the necessary budget, Rainvald's head ached slightly.

◆ ◆ ◆

The 'Reaper' Shu, on whom the Revolutionary Army had come to rely, was relaxing in his home in the capital, Aldar, which he had purchased. He worked part-time in the morning and enjoyed tea time after returning home. This was the basic daily routine for Shu and Ailis. It was a time of relaxation for both of them.

At such a moment, a subordinate spirit emerged from Shu's shadow.

"...A request from the Black Cat?"

The shadow spirit, a black snake, climbed up Shu's body to his shoulder and spat out a document and a card. Shu put down the cup he was holding and began to read the document.

"...Another request from the Revolutionary Army. They seem to be under pressure."

"Will you refuse again?"

"Yes, I think I'll lay low for a while."

This time, the request was for destruction, not assassination. It seemed they had chosen the wrong person. Since his current priority was to avoid attention, accepting a request for destruction was nonsensical. However, Shu noticed another card attached.

"What is this...?"

He picked it up and ran his fingers over it. The magical reaction indicated it was a magical artifact. When he infused it with magic, a voice began to emanate from the card.

"Can you hear me, 'Reaper,' a commander of the Black Cat?"

Shu frowned at the solemn tone and placed the card on the table.

"This is a recording device, but it can't record for long. I'll be brief."

"I recognize this voice."

"Me too."

The voice from the magical artifact was familiar to Shu and Ailis. However, they couldn't immediately recall it. After a moment of thought, the answer came from the magical artifact.

"My name is Rainvald Cain Richter. It's been a while."

"Rainvald..."

It brought back memories. He recalled the days when he accepted requests from the Revolutionary Army in the Eldorado Kingdom, assassinating nobles and royals. The Revolutionary Army was still one of his major clients, and they paid well.

"Rainvald is sending a voice message. He must be desperate."

"Please accept this request. I am convinced that your abilities extend beyond assassination. The details are as described in the document."

It wasn't incorrect. Shu, who had once destroyed a capital city, could easily take down a fortress or two. The Elda Fortress, as described in the document, was always guarded by multiple S-rank Magicians. However, a long-range magical attack would make it irrelevant. Magicians are still human, after all.

"I know you are laying low. It seems a new squad specializing in 'Reaper'-related tasks has been formed. However, I am asking you. I want you to stand out. If you do, the Grand Empire will be shaken. You are that formidable an assassin. And I will fulfill your request accordingly."

The compensation was as desired. It was an extraordinary offer, indicating that they would meet any demand, not just financially, but also with dangerous items or restricted information. It was a truly exceptional offer. Shu found it quite convenient.

"This card will self-destruct after the message ends. Please communicate your desired compensation through the Black Cat. I look forward to your response."

The communication from Rainvald ended, and the card disintegrated. Ailis used her wind magic to clean up the scattered pieces and asked Shu.

"You look pleased. Will you accept the request?"

"Yes, I have a specific compensation in mind."

While answering, Shu carefully read the document he had skimmed earlier. The main objective was to destroy the Elda Fortress. This fortress was located on a major road owned by the Grand Empire, a military-only route not known to civilians. Along the road were multiple bases, which would send reinforcements if the fortress was attacked. As it was a crucial route for transporting food, strict security was to be expected.

This military road connected to multiple roads leading to various battlefronts. Once the food passed through this fortress, it would be sent to the battlefields. Reinforcements to the battlefronts also mostly used this road. Therefore, if the fortress were destroyed in a surprise attack, the Revolutionary Army could expect the recovery of the battlefronts.

"Troublesome, but if the compensation is right, it's worth accepting. Destroying a fortress is easy. I might use the 'Black Crystal of Gluttony'... or freeze them with death magic."

"The 'Black Crystal of Gluttony' might reveal the connection between the Death King and the 'Reaper.'"

"That's true. Even though it was used in a country influenced by the Holy Grinia, the information might have reached the Subarokia Grand Empire. You're right, Ailis."

For now, he was careful not to reveal the connection between the Death King Arklight and the 'Reaper.' When the time came, it could be revealed, but for now, it was to be kept hidden. If not using the 'Black Crystal of Gluttony,' the 'Breath of the Underworld' from death magic would be appropriate, as it could also drain magic, making it a two-for-one deal.

"What are you writing, Shu?"

Ailis asked, seeing Shu writing something on a small piece of paper. Shu answered without hesitation.

"The compensation I desire. Of course, I'll demand payment upfront. I'm writing that I will proceed with the request once it's confirmed."

"Compensation?"

"Apparently, anything can be requested. I'm thinking of making a high demand."

"Like a thousand gold coins?"

"No."

Shu shook his head in denial. Recently, the war between the Grand Empire and the Revolutionary Army had intensified, leading to sudden taxation. Money was never enough, and Shu often said so. Ailis thought he might have demanded an outrageous sum of money.

However, what Shu desired was more than that.

"The compensation is a book on wind-based forbidden spells."

"Forbidden spells!?"

"Forbidden spells are called such from the 11th to the 14th tiers of magic. This information is kept secret by each country, and some countries only have partial information... but the Eldorado Kingdom probably has at least one wind-based forbidden spell."

In other words, it was compensation for Ailis. She could already use tactical-level magic, but Shu intended to further enhance her. The outrageous compensation made Rainvald's shocked face almost visible.