Chapter 79

That day, Shuu was a little excited.

It was finally the day of the Black Cat's executive meeting. For this, he had traveled from the southwestern part of the continent to the imperial capital, Aldar. Along the way, he met the revolutionary army and even made a name for himself as the "Reaper" in the capital. However, the true purpose of his visit to the capital was this meeting.

"Master"

He showed the "Reaper" gold coin to the bartender. On one side was a cat holding a staff, and on the other, a skull and a knife. It was indeed the "Reaper's" coin. The bartender, accustomed to such things, called a female staff member without changing his expression. The woman, dressed provocatively, gave off a sense of being well-versed in the underworld. Shuu could definitely sense the presence of someone from the underground world.

"Sir, this way, please."

She began to guide him with a calm attitude. In the bustling bar, she skillfully hid her presence, slipping through the crowd of patrons and reaching the stairs at the back of the store. The stairs led down into darkness, deep and impenetrable.

"I can guide you only this far."

"Is the room in an easy-to-find location?"

"There is only one room down there."

"I see."

This place was for the Black Cats alone; multiple rooms were unnecessary. Shuu, without hesitation, headed for the basement that led to the abyss. The Black Cats were a gathering of madmen, condensed from the world's darkness. An organization that was truly troublesome, as its executives wreaked havoc on the world at will. There was no room for complacency, but showing fear would only invite contempt. As the "Reaper" and the King of the Underworld, he should act with dignity. Shuu had bestowed death and sent souls to the underworld as he pleased. This would not change, nor did he intend to change it.

(I am not powerless in this world. I can protect what needs to be protected.)

He was different from the weak self who had been bedridden in his previous life. He had parted ways with the past where he had been powerless and had his life taken. Now, he had the power to fight for the future.

"The time has come."

Shuu, descending to the deepest part, placed his hand on the double doors in front of him. He pushed them open with a swift motion. At that moment, a golden glow flooded his eyes.

◆◆◆

While the Black Cat's meeting was about to begin, Emperor Gias Sritaldei Murjif Barat Noaz Subarokia was holding a secret meeting with five individuals. Only the heads of the noble families would be informed later; no one else knew. It was a secret that must not be revealed. The five people gathered by the emperor were individuals who needed to be kept confidential.

"Thank you for coming."

Gias expressed his gratitude.

"Of course, in a crisis for our homeland. This Ice Princess Palace exists for His Majesty and the Great Empire."

A beautiful woman with white hair closed her eyes in response. When she opened them, her beautiful blue eyes were accompanied by a cold aura rising from her body.

"Even though I have retired, I served as a Grand General. In times of crisis, I will risk my life, as the invincible gold."

Next, a man with a lion-like ferocity spoke. He was well-built, towering over the delicate Ice Princess Palace like a giant. The arrogant smile of the invincible gold was a source of reassurance for Gias.

"Truly, while I was confined in my laboratory, such a situation arose..."

"You must not complain. You work diligently in times of crisis. That's the condition for your research funding, right? Isn't that so, Ten Thousand Truths?"

"I understand, little girl... no, Yama Kuroba."

Ten Thousand Truths, who looked agitated, was a skeletal man. His appearance was unsettling, and the magic power he emitted was considered evil. He exuded an aura of familiarity with the underworld, even though he belonged to the Great Empire. However, he was still allowed by the emperor. Yama Kuroba, the girl who reprimanded Ten Thousand Truths, looked like a young girl but possessed undeniable magic power. She was far from ordinary.

"My arms are tingling. Even though I have retired from battle, my heart still leaps. As the Secret Sword Saint, I will cut down His Majesty's enemies magnificently."

The fifth person was an elderly man with a gentle demeanor and white hair. However, he possessed a sword aura that could slice through the air. Emperor Gias addressed the five.

"Ice Princess Palace, Invincible Gold, Ten Thousand Truths, Yama Kuroba, Secret Sword Saint... The Great Empire of Subarokia is about to face a crisis. The time has come for you, the Awakened Magicians, to shine."

They were the greatest fighting force of the Great Empire, each one capable of matching an entire army. Some were even stronger than an army. They were considered dead in terms of nationality. The Awakened Magicians, who were immortal, renounced their names and received titles from the emperor. These new names were proof of their loyalty to the Great Empire. Even Ten Thousand Truths, who seemed dangerous, had sworn loyalty to the emperor and the empire. His magic research was all for the empire.

"Gentlemen, the Holy Grinia has finally made its move. Ten Thousand Truths and Yama Kuroba, they must be familiar to you, right?"

"Of course, Your Majesty. I still remember the moment I cast forbidden spells on them."

"It's been about 150 years since I caused chaos in that country with my magic. It's nostalgic."

"You both awakened during the war with the Holy Grinia. I would like you to crush them again, out of nostalgia."

The responses from Ten Thousand Truths and Yama Kuroba were naturally affirmative. They were eager to get back into action. Gias continued.

"Ice Princess Palace and Invincible Gold will handle the revolutionary army. Secret Sword Saint will be on standby. You will step in when the Holy Grinia deploys Awakened Magicians. As the strongest in one-on-one battles, you will not be outmatched."

After all, the revolutionary army was a mere threat that could be crushed by Awakened Magicians. They were forces that should have been kept secret for the war with the Holy Grinia, but it was revealed that the Holy Grinia was backing the revolutionary army. For the Great Empire of Subarokia, now was the time. The world was in turmoil, and the atmosphere of war was intensifying. This was an opportunity for the Great Empire to counter-invade.

"The war is about to begin. We will win."

Gias's declaration was firmly etched in the minds of the five.

◆◆◆

In the basement of the luxurious bar, Shuu, who had opened the door that led to the darkness, saw a golden glow. The chandeliers shone brightly, the carpet was woven with red and gold threads, and the paintings were framed in gold. In the center was a round table made of incense wood. Eleven chairs were arranged around the table, and five of them were already occupied. A middle-aged man with a bald head and a protruding belly, a man smoking a cigarette, a mysterious man with a hidden face, an old man with a cane, and a woman in a white coat who was sleeping face down on the table. Shuu was the sixth executive to arrive.

(There are five coins on the table. The proof of being an executive must be placed there.)

Upon closer inspection, the man with the hidden face was "Hawk Eye." Today, he was wearing his usual mask and hood to hide his eyes. Shuu, who knew "Hawk Eye," sat next to him and placed his coin on the table. It was the "Reaper's" coin, with a skull and a knife on the reverse side. Some of the others reacted, having noticed that the "Reaper" had changed hands. The new "Reaper" was already famous in the capital, Aldar, so they were naturally interested.

"You're getting a lot of attention, Mr. Reaper."

"I'm just a new guy, after all."

He spoke in a low voice to "Hawk Eye."

"Should I just wait?"

"The meeting won't start until everyone is here."

"I see."

In other words, he had some time to spare. Since he had given Iris a magic assignment and left her at home, talking to her telepathically would be a distraction. So, he summoned a shadow spirit and picked up a book. One of the executives, the old man, observed him with sharp eyes. Although he had been sitting calmly, he now seemed ready to stand up at any moment. However, the old man did not move. Shuu, while keeping an eye on his surroundings, read a book of forbidden spells. It was the twelfth tier of earth magic, "Meteor Shower." He chose it because it looked cool, with no other intentions.

(In short, it's about raining meteorites. It sounds fun.)

He also had the intention of studying magic theory for future use, but the idea of raining meteorites was romantic. Even if he never used it, just having the ability was valuable. Silence filled the basement where the darkness-dwelling executives gathered. Five more executives were yet to arrive, and it would take some time.

The ominous meeting of the Black Cats was about to begin.

◆◆◆

In the Holy Grinia, only the Holy Knights and the security forces were allowed to be magicians. The Holy Knights were demon-hunting warriors belonging to the church, while the security forces maintained order, apprehending criminals and sometimes tracking down dangerous criminals. The elite Holy Knights fought against monsters to protect the city and its people. The headquarters of the Holy Knights was located in the capital, Magia, where plans for investigating and exterminating dangerous monsters were made. However, in a secret room within the headquarters, strategies for dealing with humans were being developed.

"Thank you for gathering. Four heroes chosen by the God of El Magia."

Five people were in the room, one of whom was the Pope, who expressed his gratitude. It was surprising that the most powerful figure in the church would show gratitude, but it made sense. The four people present were the four Awakened Magicians that the Holy Grinia boasted. They were the strongest S-rank Holy Knights. Even the Pope, the highest authority in the Church of the Demon God, showed respect to them.

"Aroma of the 'Forest Sea,' Lichtrei of the 'Piercing Light,' Garan of the 'Floating City,' and Floria of the 'Heavenly Eye.' I give you a secret mission. Lead a small elite force or go alone to destroy the great empire of Subarokia. The method is up to you."

The secret mission announced by the Pope was to secretly destroy the great empire. Tension ran through the four. The day had finally come, and they were filled with joy.

"There is a possibility that the great empire will also deploy Awakened Magicians. However, I do not think that heroes blessed by God will lose. It is time to show the world the power of God's blessing and faith. Teach the brutal magicians of that country about the existence and power of the God of El Magia!"

Magic was given by God, so those who wielded powerful magic were treated as those who had received many blessings. In other words, Awakened Magicians were those who had received the highest blessings. Aroma Fidea, the oldest Awakened Magician, responded.

"Since the day I awakened, I have carried the ancient grudge against the empire. I will sever it here."

For her, who had walked for three hundred years since her awakening, this was a long-awaited order. The battle that would shake the Slada continent had already begun.