Chapter 85

The demonic unrest that had caused a commotion in the Holy Grinia and its vassal states was quelled by the deployment of S-rank Holy Knights. Shu, Iris, and 'Hawk Eye' had each begun to move after observing the aftermath.

"This makes three. It's complete."

In a noble's mansion, where the lights had just been turned on in preparation for the night, a single noble had breathed his last. Shu, acting as the assassin 'Reaper,' had assassinated about three nobles of the Subarokia Great Empire. These nobles belonged to a faction that sought a peaceful resolution to the revolutionary army, and he had eliminated them as they were an obstacle. The revolutionary army was already on the verge of reaching the mainland of the Subarokia Great Empire, and was about to cross the border. The emperor had established a punitive force and declared the annihilation of the revolutionary army. Everything had gone according to plan.

(I wish the war could have started a little earlier...)

The black cat's executive meeting was scheduled for two days later. By then, he had to show the possibility of the great empire's downfall.

(If only I could assassinate the awakened magicians...)

If the awakened magicians were eliminated from the great empire, the revolutionary army's chances of victory would significantly increase. However, this was not realistic. It did not mean that Shu could not defeat the awakened magicians, but rather that it was difficult to encounter them. Therefore, it would be easier to weaken the great empire itself. He had already thought of a method. Shu directed his magic power towards the dead noble and activated the magic circle. This magic was different from the one he usually used. It was a very fragile magic composed of vague images. He had tried it on the other two nobles he had assassinated, but it had failed.

(DNA transcription and brain takeover)

The magic took a few minutes to complete. Then, the noble who had been killed by the death magic rose. His eyes were vacant, staring at nothing, and he drooled and growled like an animal.

"It's complete. Not bad, right?"

The magic created a special virus and implanted it into the corpse. The virus rewrote the biological information by transcribing DNA into the corpse, promoting protein synthesis to reproduce itself. As a result, the virus took over the corpse and activated it through the magic effect. The virus, with its microscopic force, interfered with the brain simultaneously, executing the 'human movements' stored in memory. If the hunger sensation was stimulated, it would start eating whatever it saw. This magic was inspired by the panic horror movies he had seen in his previous life. It was based on the magic to control corpses found in the great empire's forbidden library, with an original infection element added.

"The beginning of a plague disaster."

By making the noble the source of infection, the first to spread would be the nobles. This would inevitably lead to chaos in the great empire. A night of terror had descended upon the imperial capital, Aldar.

◆◆◆

As for Iris, she was at home, staring at a magic book with a pen in her right hand, taking notes on several sheets of paper. She was a very disappointing girl, but also an excellent magician. With her vast magic power, she could even manipulate tactical-level magic alone. She was currently studying forbidden spells.

"Hmm..."

Without chanting, she drew a magic circle with her mental power. This was something that could only be done by understanding the meaning of the emblems contained in the magic circle. She analyzed the magic effect of the forbidden spell, breaking it down and reassembling it. This was Iris's job. Like Shu's 'Gluttony Black Crystal,' she aimed to construct a three-dimensional magic circle and miniaturize the array. It also served as her own study.

"Phew. Ah..."

She took her eyes off the book and yawned, looking tired. She rested her eyes and right hand. When she reviewed the scattered notes, they were a messy record of the content she had deciphered from the forbidden spell book. She would have to organize them later.

(The rough breakdown is done. Next is the assembly...)

Iris was working on the thirteenth tier of wind, 'Earth Annihilation Wind Pressure.' Since she had already used this magic, it was relatively easy to analyze. She broke down the elements that made up the magic and divided them into several smaller magic circles. Next, she aimed to complete a three-dimensional magic circle that would combine these decomposed magic circles.

Shu's three-dimensional magic circle was divided into horizontal and vertical directions. She would deploy the elemental magic circles in the horizontal direction and stack them, then combine them in the vertical direction. The more complex the magic, the more complex the magic circle required. This was a limitation of a two-dimensional representation. The magic circle was a language to interfere with the world, causing phenomena through magical energy and medium. However, the magical energy itself had no will and only reacted mechanically. The magic circle was a type of language, transmitted according to grammar. Specifically, it reacted in one direction in the order set. Therefore, if the same magical elements were needed discontinuously, the same magic circle had to be laid out multiple times. The three-dimensional magic circle resolved this issue.

It used the same method as computer programming. First, she created the necessary types of elemental magic circles, without needing to create multiple copies. Then, she connected the elemental magic circles with a main axis magic circle, setting it to activate the necessary magic circle at the necessary time. The horizontal magic circle was the element, and the vertical magic circle was the flowchart of the magic design. By compressing the forbidden spell, a giant magic circle with a diameter of several kilometers could be reduced to a ball size that could be held in both hands.

(Well... first, temperature and pressure control in the upper air...)

Iris, once a dropout who couldn't even use the first tier, was now a respectable magician. For Shu, and to gain his recognition, she continued to strive, even sparing no time for dinner.

◆◆◆

The imperial capital, Aldar, was filled with a sense of urgency. With the revolutionary army's invasion of the mainland, the army had marched out from the capital. To dispel the unease, a large parade was even held. Now, the military industry was active, and the economic flow was strong. No citizen of the capital thought of defeat. The Subarokia Great Empire boasted a large number of S-rank magicians and their army, which was the strongest. This army had effectively controlled half the continent. For them, the imperial army was truly a source of pride. The army that marched out was twenty out of the empire's sixty-four legions, meaning twenty S-rank magicians were dispatched to annihilate the revolutionary army.

(This is quite a spectacle.)

'Hawk Eye,' who had infiltrated the imperial army, was following as part of the messenger unit. He had revealed his transfer magic equipment, and his mobility was valued, allowing him to serve as an independent messenger unit. He was marching with one of the legions, the Mechanized Legion, led by General Adil Clover, a 'Mechanized' magician. Adil also commanded four other legions, marching with them. The great empire divided its twenty legions into four divisions, advancing on four routes. The first division, led by General Adil, was advancing on the route to directly confront the revolutionary army.

"It's about to get dark..."

Adil, mounted on a horse, muttered. The red light of the setting sun was shining from the front. They should prepare for camping. If necessary, they could march at night, but since the enemy was still far away, it was not needed. A woman riding next to Adil responded.

"Let's stop here for today."

"Yes, Princess Frost."

The woman was a division commander and a general, a person Adil respected. She was a young woman with white hair and blue eyes, wearing no insignia on her uniform, but instead a pure white mantle. This was a special equipment allowed only to awakened magicians, reinforced by magic, and unbreakable even in battle.

"Adil, can I borrow that messenger?"

"Of course."

Princess Frost turned her gaze to 'Hawk Eye,' who was walking slightly behind. Thanks to his transfer ability, he was used for emergency information transmission and followed as a division commander's dedicated messenger. Although awakened magicians were super-legal entities, they were formally under the command of the division commander for military discipline, requiring such permission.

"Messenger, deliver this to His Majesty."

"Yes."

'Hawk Eye,' receiving the letter as a messenger, immediately transferred. For 'Hawk Eye,' who had been active as a magician in the Subarokia army for years, the emperor's castle was a familiar place. As a messenger, he had risen to prominence, delivering urgent reports to the emperor. This time, although he was officially a division commander's dedicated messenger, he practically transferred to the capital daily for Princess Frost's use.

(Well, it was tough to gain trust, but I've secured a good position.)

'Hawk Eye' designated a hideout he owned in the capital as his transfer destination. This place, located on the outskirts of the capital, was never visited by anyone, allowing him to use magic without being noticed. In such a hideout, he opened Princess Frost's letter without hesitation. Opening the emperor's letter was a crime punishable by execution, but 'Hawk Eye' did not stop. He even read the contents.

(Hmm...)

The content was a harmless report that there had been no engagement with the revolutionary army. 'Hawk Eye' put the letter back in the envelope and placed it on a small magical device. The opened envelope was restored to its original state, completely erasing any trace that 'Hawk Eye' had opened it. This magical device was custom-made by 'Hawk Eye' and ordered from 'White Snake.'

(It doesn't seem necessary to alter it this time.)

If needed, he could even alter the most important confidential documents. 'Hawk Eye,' a professional in information manipulation, was indeed bold. He then transferred to the castle, ran to the reception, and made an appointment with the emperor. With a certificate as a dedicated messenger for the first division commander, he was easily granted an audience with the emperor. The audience, however, was not in the grand audience hall used by nobles, but in a regular office. A simple military messenger did not warrant the grand audience hall.

"Permission has been granted. Please wait for the guide."

"Understood. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Good work."

Being skilled in information gathering, he could have gone to the emperor's office alone if he wanted to. However, being guided was a matter of etiquette and for the emperor's safety. To avoid unnecessary suspicion, he accepted the guidance. Normally, the guide was a dedicated butler or maid who cared for the emperor. In this case, it was a butler.

"You are the dedicated messenger for the first division. Thank you for your hard work. Let's proceed immediately."

The butler treated even a simple soldier with courtesy. 'Hawk Eye' feigned a tense attitude, nodded silently, and followed. They walked through the complex castle corridors without hesitation, reaching a door with ornate decorations. The butler knocked.

"I have brought the messenger today."

"Enter."

When the door opened, Emperor Gias was seen struggling with documents. There were three desks in total, one for the emperor and two for the dukes. The emperor's duties were shared on a weekly basis by two dukes. This week, it was the dukes of the Ista and Vesta families.

Gias, taking his eyes off the documents, addressed 'Hawk Eye.'

"It's you."

"I have a letter from Princess Frost."

'Hawk Eye' smoothly handed over the letter, not showing any hint that he had secretly read it. After confirming the content, Gias asked the dukes Ista and Vesta, who were also advisors.

"There has been no engagement yet. Should we increase the speed of the march?"

"There has been no information of engagement from the border defense forces. I don't think it's necessary."

Ista's statement was reasonable. The emperor wanted to quickly subdue the revolutionary army, but there was no need to rush. The first division was formed to directly confront the revolutionary army, and he wanted to deploy it in perfect condition. Unnecessary marches were forbidden. Therefore, Gias adopted this opinion.

"Then, I will respond accordingly."

Gias took out a blank sheet and quickly wrote a reply to Princess Frost, put it in an envelope, and handed it to 'Hawk Eye.'

"Take it immediately."

Due to the time difference, it was already night in the capital, around dinner time. However, the position of the first division was still in the evening. Calculating the distance from the time difference, it was clear that the Subarokia army and the revolutionary army would soon clash. The emperor wanted to maintain frequent communication.

"You will be busy. Be prepared."

"Please give me any orders."

"Hmm, good attitude."

'Hawk Eye' respectfully took the letter. After confirming the content later and delivering it to Princess Frost, his mission would be complete. Although the letters were still ordinary, they would become busy with information manipulation once the engagement began. 'Hawk Eye' was looking forward to it. However, at that moment, a loud knocking sound came from the office. Such behavior in the emperor's office was usually unpardonable. The butler who had guided 'Hawk Eye' frowned and responded.

"What is this? Do you know where you are?"

"It's an emergency!"

The voice was from the emperor's dedicated maid. The butler, recognizing her as a colleague, and Gias, who was cared for by her, understood who it was.

"Let her in."

"Excuse me."

"What happened?"

"There is a riot in the noble district. The instigators and their purpose are unknown."

"What?"

A riot in the noble district was unbelievable. When the common people were dissatisfied, they might riot, but that was something done by ordinary people without power or money. Nobles would not choose such a foolish act. Therefore, Gias, Ista, and Vesta were confused.

"What's going on? A riot among nobles? Is this false information? Or a rebellion by the common people?"

Vesta suspected the maid. If there was a riot at this time, it could be related to the revolutionary army. However, the revolutionary army was still far to the east of the capital, and there was no reason to cause a riot here. If they were to cause a riot, it would be when they attacked the capital.

Similarly, Ista was suspicious.

"Common people cannot enter the noble district. It is the most heavily guarded area. If common people could cause a riot there, it would have been reported much earlier."

"Such a troublesome night... I might not be able to sleep tonight."

Gias sighed and gave orders.

"First, the messenger... you go immediately. You can use your transfer ability here."

"Understood. Thank you."

"Then, Ista and Vesta, gather information. Use the army as needed. I also need you to suppress the riot."

As Ista and Vesta nodded, 'Hawk Eye' executed the transfer.

(It seems 'Reaper' has also started. It's a pity I can't see it up close.)

The capital was enveloped in fear. Although he could not see the emperor and his advisors in a panic, 'Hawk Eye' moved for the sake of his goal. He transferred to his hideout in the capital to check the contents of the letter.