Chapter 75

Did he get caught? He wondered.

However, due to the nature of the death magic, which drains energy, it cannot be detected by magical perception. Since he had removed the seal on the forbidden library with death magic, it should not have been detected.

He had even eliminated the mechanism that would alert of the seal being broken, so there was no mistake.

Shuu cautiously turned around.

"Quite a coincidence, Mr. 'Reaper'."

The man who stopped him by placing a hand on his shoulder knew Shuu's true identity.

For a moment, Shuu was on guard, but he relaxed upon sensing the man's magical power.

Shuu brushed off the hand and replied in a low voice.

"Ah, it's been a while, 'Hawk Eye'."

Though he appeared to be a humble researcher, the familiar magical power confirmed that it was indeed 'Hawk Eye.' As a professional information gatherer, he was skilled at disguise and could apparently change his voice at will.

"What do you want?"

"Well, I happened to witness you about to enter an interesting place, so I thought I'd follow. I might get killed if I don't get your permission, you know."

"Well, I would have killed you immediately if a suspicious person had been following me."

"Wow, that's scary."

'Hawk Eye' did not change his expression.

It was hard to tell if he was genuinely afraid. Moreover, Shuu's intrusion was not a mere coincidence. Anticipating that Shuu, who had tasted the power of forbidden magic, would come here, he had been lying in wait.

'Hawk Eye' was not only excellent at gathering information but also at manipulating it.

Information has no value unless it is used effectively. 'Hawk Eye' was exceptionally skilled in this regard.

There was no reason to refuse 'Hawk Eye's request.

"Alright, you can follow. But in return, give me some good information."

"Sure. Let's talk while we move."

Shuu quickly checked his surroundings and headed towards the forbidden library. 'Hawk Eye' followed.

The forbidden library was usually sealed and managed by magic, and only authorized researchers were allowed to enter. Even among those, only a few had access. It was rarely used, and even if someone spent a few days inside, they wouldn't be noticed.

Considering that the library was sealed, it was also a good place for confidential conversations.

"So, what brings you to this library?"

"Well, I'm worried that the Great Empire might fall soon because a certain assassin has been too active. I thought I'd gather some secrets before it happens."

"I see. A certain assassin, huh?"

It was undoubtedly about Shuu Arkwright, the 'Reaper.'

From 'Hawk Eye's perspective, the Subarokia Great Empire was already in shambles. Of course, the unknown power of awakened magicians was still a wildcard, even for 'Hawk Eye.'

"So... what information are you going to give me?"

"Don't rush. We've arrived at the forbidden library. It has quite a collection. Let's take a look first."

"That makes sense."

'Hawk Eye' would not break his promise.

Shuu knew this from past dealings. This greedy information broker would provide information as long as he was paid.

Besides, he could always listen to 'Hawk Eye' later, but he had limited time in the forbidden library. It was more efficient to check the forbidden books first.

Shuu scanned the shelves and picked up a book on magic.

'Hawk Eye' was flipping through a book a short distance away.

(This... is close to necromancy. Producing immortal soldiers that don't die through undeadification. I see, that's why it's forbidden. This is too dangerous to use.)

There were several types of forbidden books.

Some were kept secret because they contained information that couldn't be made public, others because they posed a danger to the world, and still others because there was no one who could effectively use the information.

This magic for intentionally creating undead was sealed due to its danger.

Additionally, the fact that an undead lord ruled the southwestern part of the Subarokia Great Empire was also a factor. The Undead King Xenon Life created undead followers through necromancy, which is why it was treated as forbidden.

(This is alchemy. Creating gold from earth, a true alchemical study. This is a study unique to the Great Empire, which uses gold coins.)

Currently, the gold coins used in the Great Empire contained other metals besides gold. Pure gold coins would run out too quickly. However, this alchemy had failed. Moreover, if someone completed this research and created counterfeit gold coins, it could cause problems. It was natural that only a select few would be shown this information.

(Ah, a book on magic circle analysis.)

Flipping through it, it was quite detailed. The theories used were similar to the magic circles Shuu handled. However, it was not useful because he had already established more advanced theories.

There were a few interesting magic books, but the forbidden spells were a priority.

(Forbidden spells... forbidden spells...)

There were many forbidden books.

This was a great nation with a long history.

Of course, it had once ruled half the continent, including its vassal states, and had collected records of forbidden and divine spells during that time. They had been studied, though not used, and ended up on the forbidden bookshelves due to a lack of users.

Shuu finally found what he was looking for.

"This is it..."

Not only books on wind forbidden spells and divine spells, but also those on fire, water, and earth attributes were all there. Since he was here, he took them all without hesitation.

The forbidden library was shielded from magical detection, so using magic wouldn't be noticed.

He summoned a shadow spirit and entrusted the forbidden books to it.

The snake-like black spirit swallowed the books and returned to the shadows.

Just as he finished, he sensed a presence behind him.

"Are you done?"

"Yeah, how about you, 'Hawk Eye'?"

"I've gathered a lot of interesting information. Thanks to you."

"Good to hear."

Though it was hard to tell if 'Hawk Eye' was genuinely happy, he was clearly pleased.

However, 'Hawk Eye' suddenly became serious.

"Let's talk now."

"Sure... by the way, there's a meeting of the executives, right? Where is it?"

"Yes, it's here."

He pulled out a memo from somewhere and handed it to Shuu. 'Hawk Eye' was versatile, and Shuu couldn't figure out where he had gotten it from. He was quite dexterous.

When Shuu checked, it was a well-known high-end bar. The bartender would guide him if he gave the password. It was surprisingly casual. Shuu, who had expected a secret basement, was somewhat disappointed.

However, it also indicated the power of the Black Cats. The famous bar was likely run by the Black Cats behind the scenes.

"I see."

"Yes, this country will soon be absorbed by the Holy Grinia. The meeting will discuss how the dark organizations will operate in a country where such activities are difficult."

"That's not necessarily true. Unifying the continent will bring more complications, and there will be opportunities for us to act."

"I hope so. However, organizations like 'The Scales,' 'The White Snake,' and 'The Young Branch' will likely find it difficult to operate."

"Are they part of the executives?"

"Yes. 'The Scales' deals with loans and gambling, 'The White Snake' with illegal magical artifact research, and 'The Young Branch' with drugs. The Demon God Church regulates these activities."

"True, the Great Empire is more favorable for us to operate in."

The Subarokia Great Empire was driven by economic and magical power. Even dark organizations could infiltrate the country with economic power.

On the other hand, the Holy Grinia was dominated by the Demon God Church. Magicians were strictly managed, and all research with military applications was confiscated by the church. The system did not allow individuals to possess their own military power. Gambling was banned, and loan rates were strictly regulated. Illegal magical artifacts were quickly seized, and drug regulations were strict.

The Black Cats would likely find it difficult to operate.

"What about you, 'Hawk Eye'?"

"Me...?"

Shuu asked out of curiosity.

'Hawk Eye,' skilled in information gathering, could likely operate under the Holy Grinia's rule. He could also work as a spy, a stable position as a government employee, or even as a holy knight.

However, 'Hawk Eye' smiled menacingly, a smile filled with hatred that made Shuu flinch.

"I will destroy the Great Empire. Yes, I'm all for it."

"Surprising. You'll destroy the country with your information manipulation?"

"No, no. I have only one goal."

"Goal?"

Shuu asked.

'Hawk Eye' answered immediately.

"To destroy the Holy Grinia. Ruthlessly."

His voice carried a long-standing grudge.

◆◆◆

--- Twenty-two years ago.

An incident occurred in a vassal state far to the south of the Holy Grinia.

It was a case of children being brainwashed by monsters.

"Hey, knight sir."

"What is it, boy?"

"I'm hungry."

"Here, eat this."

The armored knight handed the boy some food. It was a sweet fruit.

The boy took the fruit and put it in his mouth.

"I'm tired of this."

"Don't complain. Meat is precious."

"Sir, you're not good at hunting. You always crush the prey."

"I'm sorry..."

The fully armored knight looked dejected.

Even the eerie knight was affected by the boy's words.

However, he suddenly looked up and scanned the surroundings.

"What's wrong?"

The boy asked.

But the knight put a finger to his lips, signaling to be quiet. The boy complied.

"Someone's coming."

The knight drew his sword and raised his large shield.

From the direction he was looking, there was a rustling sound of grass being parted. It was not an animal but something humanoid.

About thirty people in white uniforms appeared.

They were all holy knights of the Demon God Church.

At the front were a man and a woman.

"This is the disaster-level monster, the Demon Knight."

"Yes, and there's a child with it. About five years old, I think?"

The Demon Knight, a monster, hid the boy behind him.

Despite being a monster, the Demon Knight was protecting the human boy.

However, the holy knights did not see it that way.

"Taking a child hostage...!"

"Disgusting!"

"This position makes it impossible to attack from a distance!"

In the Demon God Church, monsters were taught to be evil.

They never imagined that a Demon Knight would protect and raise an abandoned child. They did not recognize that monsters could have compassion.

One of the holy knights asked the couple at the front.

"What should we do... Mr. and Mrs. Silverblade?"

The couple were husband and wife.

They had a daughter about the same age as the boy and wanted to save him. However, they also had thoughts about the Demon Knight, who was hiding the boy.

"Hey, Daria."

"Yes, Rose... that monster has the same aura as a parent."

It didn't look like the Demon Knight was taking the boy hostage. The boy showed no fear and seemed to trust the Demon Knight.

As parents, they saw a parent's shadow in the Demon Knight.

The boy, hiding behind the Demon Knight, trusted him. The Demon Knight was trying to protect the boy.

It almost made the holy knights look like the villains.

However, Daria Silverblade asked the Demon Knight.

"Can you hand the child over to us?"

"I'll hand him over if the boy wants it. I raised him. If it's by force, I'll resist."

"That's a problem..."

The Demon Knight was trying to protect the boy.

He had found the abandoned infant in the forest and raised him. Of course, the boy knew the knight was a monster. However, he was not afraid of the Demon Knight, who was like a parent to him. In fact, he thought of the Demon Knight as his real parent.

The boy had been raised with the Demon Knight's love.

So, the boy clearly said:

"I want to stay with the knight sir!"

The evil-looking Demon Knight seemed somewhat pleased.