Chapter 81

The war is certain to continue without end.

And in this battle, the Great Empire will undoubtedly be defeated.

One reason is that the battlefield could extend to the imperial capital, Aldar. If the Holy Grinia supports the revolutionary army, it is possible for them to attack the capital. Even the Great Empire of Subarokia, which has Awakened Magicians, would not be a problem if the Awakened Magicians of Holy Grinia can suppress them.

Another reason is that the "Reaper" and the "Hawk Eye" are already in action. The "Reaper" is causing significant damage to the Great Empire through assassinations. And the "Hawk Eye" has the ability to manipulate information, making it possible to maneuver in ways that disadvantage the Great Empire.

"No, no. The 'Reaper' and the 'Hawk Eye' have already taken the initiative."

The leader of the Black Cats looks extremely pleased.

The Black Cats, who bring chaos and misfortune, are increasingly aligning towards the destruction of the Great Empire.

However, the "Young Branch," "Phantom Book," and "White Snake" still seem dissatisfied.

"The regulations will become stricter, which is a problem."

"I understand the war, but if that's the case, why not let the Great Empire win? Why Holy Grinia?"

"I agree."

Drugs, magic, and magical artifacts are recognized as advanced technologies.

Not only in Holy Grinia but also in countries influenced by the Demon God Religion, the church manages advanced technologies. They manage all technologies that could pose a threat to ensure that the church remains at the forefront. This regulation has led to resistance and the creation of vicious underground organizations, but even so, the number of heinous crimes is still lower compared to the Great Empire.

"I don't care either way. As a smuggler, it doesn't affect me much."

The "Red Hare" seems interested in the war but not in who wins. Similarly, the "Gray Rat" and "Black Iron" also seem indifferent, nodding in agreement.

The "Rampant Dragon" is indifferent as long as there is a request for destruction. While he is in favor of the war, he is uninterested in who wins.

"I'm going to pitch to the emperor of this country. I've been destroying the cathedrals of the Demon God Religion, so Holy Grinia won't hire me."

The laughing "Rampant Dragon" seems to have decided to side with the Great Empire.

In fact, he has been wreaking havoc in Holy Grinia and its vassal states. It is inconceivable that Holy Grinia would hire the "Rampant Dragon." The Demon God Religion does not recognize underground organizations or unofficial magicians. They would not use the hands of underground organizations, even in a national crisis. They would try to resolve it with the power of their holy knights alone, believing that their god will lead them to victory.

Thus, if underground organizations intervene, it will be on the side of the Great Empire.

The "Rampant Dragon's" choice is not wrong.

"I will also lend a hand to the Great Empire. I can't let it fall."

The "Young Branch," joining in, seems to have decided to support the Great Empire of Subarokia. Given this trend, the "Phantom Book" and "White Snake" will likely also support the Great Empire.

If things continue this way, it won't go as Shu and the "Hawk Eye" planned.

At this point, Shu released his killing intent once more.

"Don't be too focused on short-term gains... greed will destroy you."

The heavy air was so oppressive that it felt like the entire room was submerged in water.

The presence of death.

No one except the "Black Cats," "Hawk Eye," and "Rampant Dragon" could move in the face of Shu's killing intent. The experienced "Red Hare" was sweating, sensing the difference in strength, and the "Gray Rat" was trying to escape at the first opportunity.

However, Shu did not intend to subdue them with violence.

In a sense, it was a delay tactic.

"Ten days. The situation will change in ten days. I propose holding this meeting again ten days from now. We will see which of the Great Empire of Subarokia and Holy Grinia will fall."

The Great Empire has the advantage in military power.

They gather powerful magicians from their entire territory and promote technological development through competition. From the perspective of military growth, they likely possess many technologies and tactics that Holy Grinia does not.

Holy Grinia does not have an invasion force other than holy knights.

The national army is an organization for self-defense and is not used for invasions.

Frankly, it is hard to see what could change in just ten days.

However, Shu has the power to make it happen.

"This war is an opportunity to weaken the great powers and strengthen us, the Black Cats. The strict doctrines and regulations of the Demon God Religion can be ignored. They will self-destruct soon enough."

"You're confident, 'Reaper.'"

"Of course. The Great Empire will self-destruct anyway."

"What do you mean?"

The "Black Cats" asked without changing their expression.

However, it was the "Hawk Eye" who answered.

"I have obtained information. It seems the Great Empire will use their trump card."

"By 'trump card,' do you mean Awakened Magicians?"

"No, it's the staff that is said to have sealed the 'King's' monster. You might have heard of the Staff of Albein?"

The Staff of Albein is a famous fairy tale in the Great Empire.

It can also be considered history, as it is based on real events.

The magician Albein, who served the emperor, sealed the 'King's' monster. This is the Staff of Albein. While there are rumors that it exists, only a few know the truth.

"It exists... I would like to analyze it."

The "White Snake," who studies magical artifacts, looks interested.

It is a natural reaction to learn that a legendary magical artifact exists. Similarly, the "Phantom Book" also shows interest for the same reason.

"By 'King's' monster, you mean the Hell King Belorg? Are you saying the Great Empire has obtained the means to control it?"

"No, controlling it is impossible."

Shu negates this.

He understands that, as a 'King's' monster himself, he cannot be bound by a mere seal. If the seal is even slightly broken, the Hell King Belorg will break free and fully revive.

"The Great Empire of Subarokia will revive the Hell King Belorg from the Staff of Albein and self-destruct. That is my prediction."

"I don't think so. I am well aware of the Great Empire's technological capabilities. They likely have developed the technology to control it perfectly."

"Don't underestimate the 'King,' 'Phantom Book.' Magic is that powerful. To be blunt, even Awakened Magicians can't stand against it. A seal, if even slightly broken, will be destroyed instantly."

"Hmph. Are you saying you know the 'King,' 'Reaper'?"

"Yes, I do. I know it well."

Shu, with a confident smile, propped his cheek on his hand and produced black magic in his right hand. It is a complete death that steals, erases, and kills everything. The terrifying magic was dancing.

This was the moment Shu had been waiting for.

It was time to use the information.

"I am the 'Reaper.' And I am also the Death King Aclight. I am one of the 'King's' monsters."

Everyone except the two of them gasped. The "Black Cats" and "Hawk Eye" remained calm.

The "Black Cats," who show no emotional movement, are eerie.

For Shu, who thought he could intimidate everyone, this was a miscalculation. However, this level of miscalculation is not a problem.

"For example, my magic, Death Magic, kills everything. Even if sealed, my magic will destroy the seal. Magic is a new law. It is a power that transcends all, including magic and magical equipment."

Shu unfolded a magic circle on the round table and created a clay figure.

He then released the Death Magic from his right hand and aimed it at the clay figure. The Death Magic, which kills even concepts, instantly erased the clay figure.

"Do you still think you can control the 'King's' monster with this?"

The basic abilities of humans and monsters are completely different.

Unlike humans, who can die from a single knife even if they are awakened, monsters are strengthened through evolution. While monsters have the weakness of needing magic to maintain their existence, this is not a weakness for the 'King.'

The shock of a monster being among the Black Cats' leadership left everyone silent.

Or rather, the leader of the "Black Cats" is unreadable.

"The Great Empire of Subarokia seems to misunderstand the 'King's' monster. They have forgotten why Albein risked his life to seal it completely. Self-destruction is only a matter of time."

Then, they should prevent the Great Empire from using the Staff of Albein. Some of the leaders thought this. However, they quickly rejected the idea.

It can't be stopped that easily.

Holy Grinia is determined to deploy even Awakened Magicians. Naturally, the Great Empire will use all their available power, including technologies that violate taboos.

"I see. I understand your point, 'Reaper.' I think waiting ten days is fine. I will reconvene the leaders in ten days. This is the decision of the Black Cats."

The "Black Cats" accepted Shu's proposal, seemingly convinced.

As a member of the Black Cats, they must follow the leader's decision. Or rather, there is a fear that if they do not comply, the "Reaper" will be sent in. The possibility of being killed by an assassin and losing the coin that symbolizes their leadership is real.

The "Black Cats," who are ordinary and thus eerie, might do it.

"Alright, let's adjourn for today. We'll meet again in ten days."

Hearing this, the "Scales" fled the room.

The other leaders also stood up and began to leave. Of course, Shu also stood up.

(But who are the "Black Cats"?)

Shu glanced at the ordinary young man one last time before leaving the room.

◆◆◆

The Great Empire of Subarokia accepts most technologies but prohibits some. One of these is necromancy, a technology for manipulating corpses. Originally a study of immortality, it evolved into a terrifying military technology and was designated as taboo. Similarly, demon summoning and control are also famous.

The Demon God Religion, of course, also treats these as taboos. This is because demons are a type of monster. The Demon God Religion, which aims to annihilate monsters, does not allow those who control demons or demon worshippers.

However, the thorough persecution by the Demon God Religion has led to resistance.

In other words, there are heretical groups that believe in demons.

The God of Magic, El Magia, does not answer their prayers. Therefore, they believe in demons. Many people, especially in poor border regions, turn to demons in their despair.

Of course, these groups are quickly destroyed by the holy knights sent by the Demon God Religion when detected.

"Lord Geiths! Lord Geiths! They have already broken through the entrance!"

"The holy knights are faster than expected..."

The incident occurred in the Republic of Barom, located almost in the center of the Slada continent. This country borders a vassal state of the Great Empire of Subarokia to the west and was once invaded. It was saved by the Demon God Religion, which accepted it as a state religion and sent holy knights.

However, this time, eight holy knights were dispatched under the pretext of eliminating demon worshippers.

Geiths, who was hiding as a bishop of demon worshippers, clicked his tongue.

He then turned around and prayed to the demon statue.

"Please help us. They are arrogant and powerless. Please show yourself."

Geiths had offered many sacrifices to summon a demon, kidnapping children from the surrounding areas and offering the blood of virgins. The number of victims reached dozens. This is why the Demon God Religion noticed him.

Of course, it is impossible to summon a demon.

No matter how many sacrifices are offered, the demon, being a monster, will not respond.

"Lord Demon... please..."

"The holy knights are approaching the altar! Please escape, Lord Geiths!"

Geiths continued to pray.

To the demon statue that would not respond.

In vain, the holy knights stormed the place where the demon worshippers were hiding.

"That's enough!"

A team composed of A-rank holy knights, though only eight, was an overwhelming force. They had already captured most of the demon worshippers, leaving only Geiths and his subordinates in the altar room.

This was the end.

Both the evil bishop Geiths and the holy knights thought the same.

However, a change occurred in the demon statue that Geiths, who was about to give up, was praying to. Dark energy spewed from the wooden statue, and its eyes turned red.

'Is it you... who called me?'

Geiths was overjoyed.