Chapter 68

Ruto, who judged that the mental state of 'Flame Dragon' Ike Aliur was dangerous, applied for a vacation for the Raven team to the upper echelons. If a young person with a future were in such a state, it would be normal for a specialized counselor in the capital Aldar to attempt treatment.

Especially for a rare S-rank magic armorer, they would be treated with special favor. As a result, the upper echelons granted the Raven team a month's vacation.

"Here it is, Captain."

Then, Ruto, Mithra, and Sadina, in order to enjoy their vacation, were searching for a famous café in the capital. This café was well-known even among the nobility, and Sadina, being a noble, had heard from her family that she wanted to visit. They decided to use their vacation to have a little girls' day out.

Ruto, Mithra, and Sadina were all women who had lived in the world of magic armorers. Unfortunately, they were not well-versed in matters of love and currently had no lovers.

In particular, Sadina, being the daughter of a noble, could have had a fiancé at her age. However, due to her being too powerful as a magic armorer, there was no one willing to take her as a wife. Today, they gathered with the purpose of discussing such grievances and other things that only women could talk about.

"That must be the place. It seems to be very busy."

"Yes, I hope we can secure a seat..."

"I want to eat soon. I'm looking forward to the pancakes."

Recently, a cold dessert called ice cream has become popular, and a new creation with ice cream on top of pancakes has been released. Girls who come to try this are endless.

Mithra, who was looking forward to it, had her usually sleepy eyes shining.

Immediately, the three entered the shop. As expected, there were no available seats.

"What should we do? We might have to come back another time..."

As Sadina looked troubled, a staff member approached them.

"Welcome. Are you a party of three?"

"Yes, that's right. It seems there are no available seats. Should we come back another time?"

In response to Ruto's question, the staff member answered hesitantly.

"If you don't mind sharing a table, we can prepare one for you immediately."

"Is the other party okay with it?"

"Yes. Our shop is often crowded, so we ask customers to allow table sharing. It is possible to refuse, but there will be an additional charge."

"Is that okay, Mithra and Sadina?"

Since all three were S-rank magic armorers, they had plenty of money. They could pay the additional charge to secure a table for themselves, but that would mean waiting. Sharing a table was not a bad suggestion, especially since Mithra seemed unable to wait.

"Seems fine to me."

Ruto, understanding the situation, told the staff member that they were okay with sharing a table. The staff member then led the three to a table where two customers were already seated. One was a man with long hair and dark clothing, and the other was a young woman. Both had black hair and did not seem to be from this region.

"Customers, there are other customers who would like to share this table. Is that okay?"

"What do you think, Airis? I don't mind."

"I'm fine too!"

"That's settled. No problem."

"Thank you. Please, take your seats."

Coincidentally, the seated customers were Shu and Airis. It was the moment when the 'Reaper' and the Raven team, who were to hunt them, met.

◆◆◆

At the same time, in the emperor's castle, which symbolizes the Svarogia Empire, Gias Sritart Muljif Barat Noaz Svarogia was listening to the researchers' report in a large underground space.

"The seal is currently 80% released."

"Hmm."

In front of Emperor Gias was a staff covered in countless magical arrays and connected to mysterious devices. It was a long staff, about the height of a person, with a snake design. It had no ornate emblems or jewels, just a shape that suggested practicality.

"Can it be controlled once the seal is released?"

"Of course. Based on preliminary tests, we believe it can be controlled at this stage."

"Can you really extract only the power?"

"Yes, of course."

Gias was an excellent emperor, but he was not involved in the research of magic. While he was knowledgeable in psychology and political science, he was not an expert in magic. Therefore, he could not understand the good and bad points of the technical details provided by the researchers. The researchers, aware of this, made the following proposal.

"Then, let's conduct a small experiment. Would you like to observe it?"

"Hmm. I'll take a look."

"Yes, please wait a moment."

This was a welcome opportunity for the researchers. They could show their results to the emperor, and depending on the outcome, they might receive a reward. The male researcher was enthusiastic about this. He called an assistant and gave an order.

"Start Experiment No. 3. Prepare it."

"What? But that experiment was already conducted recently..."

"The emperor wishes it. Besides, more data is better, right?"

"Understood. I'll prepare it."

"Hurry."

The laboratory became busy as multiple researchers began preparing for the experiment. One researcher operated a machine, and magic power began to be supplied to the sealed staff. Another researcher prepared a caged monster. Yet another researcher activated the measuring equipment. The magical arrays glowed blue-white, and the staff responded.

"The staff of Albein has begun normal magic power supply."

"No abnormalities in the spell."

"The binding spell is reacting normally."

"Please increase the magic power a bit more. The protective spell cannot be maintained."

"Permission granted."

The experiment proceeded steadily, and the staff of Albein activated.

"Your Majesty, please observe carefully."

The researcher pointed to the target, a large ogre. Gias, with growing anticipation, watched the experiment.

A black flame appeared from the staff of Albein. The controlled black flame, in the form of a sphere, flew towards the caged ogre. The cage, designed to calm monsters and suppress their magic power, would normally disperse any magical attacks. Even Gias, who was not well-versed in magic, knew this much. However, in this case, there was no need to worry.

"Hmm."

The black flame melted the cage in an instant and turned the ogre inside into ashes, leaving no trace. It was clearly different from ordinary flames, a flame that defied the laws of nature.

"Your Majesty. Even at the experimental stage, it has this much power. Once completed, it could burn an entire army."

"Hasten its completion. Not only the revolutionaries, but the Holy Grinia are also making moves. I cannot allow them to do as they please."

"As you wish."

Emperor Gias stood up. A servant who had been waiting nearby approached and followed him. He was a great emperor who ruled the Svarogia Empire and its vassal states, with the duty to protect the nation. Following the policy of previous emperors to stabilize the nation through military power, he had governed the country until now. There had been internal strife before, but this was the first time it had become such a serious issue. Among the historical emperors, only Gias had allowed internal strife, which was unacceptable. However, what had happened could not be undone. At the very least, he needed to suppress it.

A weak emperor would not attract strong supporters. This experiment was also to restore the emperor's prestige.

('Inferno'... The assassination of General Aliur was a severe blow.)

This experiment was also part of the research conducted by previous emperors. However, it was also recognized as dangerous. It took considerable determination to bring it to practical use. The one who awakened the sleeping dragon of the Svarogia Empire was undoubtedly the 'Reaper'.

◆◆◆

At the popular café, the 'Reaper' and the Raven team unexpectedly met. However, surprisingly, the atmosphere was quite friendly.

"Wow, you're all military magic armorers?"

"Yes, that's right."

Airis and Ruto had already become friends. Shu thought it was impressive how Airis could get along with anyone.

(These are the famous Raven team, huh.)

Through the introductions, Shu learned the names of Ruto, Mithra, and Sadina. He had heard about the Raven team from 'Hawk Eye' and recognized them. They were military magic armorers, and their names matched. It was unlikely to be a coincidence. Moreover, the three in front of him had magic power that was on par with S-rank magic armorers, a clear sign of their identity.

(And Ruto Raven... This one is exceptional. An awakened magic armorer, no doubt.)

Shu had also heard from 'Hawk Eye' that Ruto was an awakened magic armorer. He didn't think she would cause trouble in the city, but he was a bit cautious. She was known to control gravity magic armor and destroy revolutionary armies with supergravity. Despite her friendly conversation with Airis, she was one of the strongest magic armorers in the empire.

"But, you don't seem very energetic. Did you fail a mission or something?"

"Wh-What? Do I look unenergetic?"

"Hehe, you can't fool my eyes!"

Shu thought Airis was silly but not stupid. She was good at reading people's emotions and had picked up on Ruto's hidden feelings.

"Yes, I am troubled. One of my subordinates is mentally unstable. This is usually handled by specialized counselors, but he won't listen to anyone. His father was killed, and his comrades were killed. Considering Ike's age, it's understandable that he's unstable."

"Ike is an idiot. That's why."

"Mithra, you shouldn't say such things."

Mithra, who had been eating pancakes without much thought, interjected. Sadina tried to stop her, but Mithra, visibly upset, continued to criticize Ike.

"Ike is an idiot. He won't even talk to the captain, and he charges into battle on his own. There's no other way to describe it."

"Mithra..."

Mithra was angry. Usually, she didn't show her emotions, but she had strong feelings about Ike's attitude. She vented her frustration by eating pancakes and complaining. Sadina sighed at the sight.

"Being a captain is tough, huh."

"Oh, Shu, you understand."

"But it's serious. Not listening to the captain's words... A force that cannot be controlled is useless. Maybe he should be discharged from the military?"

"That's not possible. Despite his mental instability, he has a record of achievements. Discharge is out of the question."

In the empire, power was highly valued. While Ike did not follow his superiors' orders, he contributed to the Svarogia Empire's goal of eliminating the revolutionaries. Without a significant reason, he would not be allowed to withdraw from the front lines. Ike was becoming a new hero for the Svarogia Empire. Discharge was impossible.

"Captain, since we're here to enjoy ourselves today, let's forget about work. I know you're worried about Ike, but you're also under a lot of stress."

"Forget about work... I don't like being called 'Captain' then."

"S-Sorry."

Sadina, being a noble, found it difficult to separate her public and private life. Her father's strict upbringing as a noble made her always formal. She could never forget her work mode.

"You're so serious."

"You're the opposite of the Ike I've heard about."

However, Shu felt a bit uncomfortable. It seemed that Ike was quite troubled because of Shu, the 'Reaper'. While Shu had no obligation to solve it or get involved, he couldn't ignore it completely.

(Shu, this is definitely your fault.)

(I don't care.)

(Why not clean up the mess a bit?)

(We haven't been affected, so it's fine.)

Airis used telepathy, a magic ability, to speak to Shu. For Shu, a monster and the 'Reaper', it was not his concern. He had just done his job and was not entirely at fault, but it wasn't worth cleaning up the mess.

(Hehe, this is a chance to boost the 'Reaper's' reputation! If it's known that I can manipulate the empire alone, I can demand higher rewards.)

(Hmm.)

(Meaning, it will be easier to get my hands on the forbidden magic book!)

(That's a good point. You're surprisingly smart, Airis.)

(I'm growing too!)

Airis's suggestion was not bad. It aligned with the original goal of promoting the 'Reaper'. In this case, a bold approach was necessary. Shu took out a piece of paper and began writing something.