Chapter 40

"I will explain the rules."

As I and the Heavenly Wing Knights face each other, Harold begins to explain the outline of the contest.

"The condition for victory is the extermination of the depth eight demon, the Mind-Reading Baboon King, who has already manifested in the present world. By the way, are you familiar with the Mind-Reading Baboon King?"

"It's a demon that can read human minds."

I answer Harold's question.

"It's about four meters tall, classified as medium-sized among demons. Its appearance is almost that of an ape, with a third eye on its forehead that can read human minds. It also possesses high intelligence and understands human language. Therefore, it is cunning and cruel. There are even records of explorers who failed to exterminate it enduring ten days of brutal torture until they were on the brink of death. Demons are generally violent, but the cruelty of the Mind-Reading Baboon King is the worst. If you fail to exterminate it, it is recommended to commit suicide while you still have the strength. The main strategy is—"

"Noel, that's enough. Thank you for the explanation."

Harold interrupts my explanation and clears his throat.

"The demon to be exterminated is as Noel described. The Heavenly Wing Knights and the Azure Outliers will compete to exterminate it."

"I don't quite understand what you mean by 'compete.'"

Leon tilts his head, and Harold smiles.

"Exactly as you say, Leon. After arriving at the site, I will give the signal to start, and you will aim for the Mind-Reading Baboon King. The party that succeeds in extermination first will be the winner."

"But I understand that part."

Kaim frowns as he speaks.

"However, if I take your words at face value, it means we should exterminate the Azure Outliers before the Mind-Reading Baboon King. I'm sorry, but we don't kill people. Even if the opponent is a bandit group, we capture them alive and hand them over to the military police. If you're ordering us to kill each other, we will withdraw."

Kaim's words are echoed by Leon's nod.

"I apologize for taking this opportunity, but we cannot kill people. This is a fundamental issue for us."

Not killing people, huh? It sounds like a noble stance, but it's a belief backed by solid strength. Capturing criminals alive is, of course, more difficult than simply killing them, even if the opponents are weaker.

Therefore, most explorers plan bandit extermination operations with the assumption of killing. However, the Heavenly Wing Knights are different. According to my investigation, as Kaim said, they have never killed anyone. They have captured bandit groups alive eight times, including some major ones.

This is truly the integrity befitting the Heavenly Wing Knights.

"Please rest assured, both of you. I am not ordering you to kill anyone."

To the two who are on guard, Harold continues explaining the rules.

"Since this is a competition, interfering with the opponent is allowed. However, killing is a violation. I will monitor the designated abyssal space with my skill at all times. Therefore, all actions are transparent. Even if you try to kill someone and blame it on the demon, it will be in vain. At that point, the party of the violator will be disqualified."

"Up to what point is interference allowed?"

Leon raises his hand, and Harold answers.

"I would like to say anything except killing, but that would be ambiguous. Let's put it this way. If the opponent is down, further attacks are prohibited. If you attack further, it will be considered an intent to kill and disqualification."

"Is capturing allowed?"

"Allowed, but only in areas where there are no demons. Abandoning someone in a dangerous area will be considered an intent to kill."

"I understand. In that case, there's no problem."

Leon exhales in relief and smiles at Kaim.

I can read their thoughts. They plan to capture us as soon as the test starts. That way, they can focus on exterminating the demon.

"Ah, one more thing. Interference is allowed only after both parties enter the designated abyssal space. Any interference outside of that is prohibited, and disqualification will occur if violated. We don't want participants dropping out before the test starts, which would be counterproductive. I also want to avoid that. Do you have any questions or objections?"

As the two shake their heads, I raise my hand.

"I want the rules for interference outside the test to be more explicit."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm only being monitored during the test, right? You can't know what happens outside. The other day, I was almost assaulted by a member of the Heavenly Wing Knights, Ophelia. Despite their reputation for good conduct, the Heavenly Wing Knights are no different from other roughnecks. I feel very threatened. I might even be attacked in the dark."

As I laugh, Leon strokes his chin, looking troubled.

"Noel, I'm truly sorry about that night. It was our fault. Please forgive us. We won't cause you any more trouble."

"Do you really think I can believe such words?"

"Ugh... Alright, you're right. Harold, can you follow Noel's suggestion? We will comply."

Leon agrees, and Harold nods.

"Then, Noel, please state the rules you want. However, I can't make rules that clearly favor you. If Leon agrees, the test would lose its meaning."

"I understand. My request is simple. Instead of just prohibiting interference before the test, make it a condition that 'all members of both parties are in perfect condition on the day of the test.' If even one person is missing, regardless of the reason, the test will be indefinitely postponed until all members are present. How about that? No one loses, right?"

Not only does no one lose, but this rule also ensures everyone's safety. There's no reason to refuse. The two from the Heavenly Wing Knights nod, and Harold looks at me.

"Indeed, it's a rule that doesn't disadvantage you. However, indefinite postponement is not allowed. If the postponement extends, the abyss will expand. The maximum delay allowed is three days. If the test cannot be conducted after that, both parties will be disqualified."

"I'm fine with that," "We understand."

With the agreement, Harold looks around at us.

"Lastly, this is not a rule but a condition for participation. This test is a special measure. Do not think it will happen multiple times. To confirm your resolve, the losing party must dissolve their team. You can continue as explorers, but you cannot operate with the same members, as the Explorer's Guild does not allow it. Is that acceptable? If so, please sign this agreement."

Harold places the agreement and a pen on the table. I sign first. Leon consults with Kaim, hesitates, but eventually signs.

"Agreement is reached. The test will be held at noon three days from now. I will send detailed information by letter tonight. Please prepare accordingly."

As Harold announces the test date, Leon stands up and comes to me.

"Noel, this might sound arrogant, but we are far superior in strength. Normally, you have no chance of winning. However, you seem special. You have the ability to overturn common sense. Therefore, I won't underestimate you and will challenge you with all my might."

With the declaration of war, Leon extends his large right hand. I grab it and shake it, grinning without restraint.

"Let me tell you something good."

"What is it?"

"Among all professions, tacticians are known for having the highest intelligence bonus. And as a tactician, I can predict the future with my advanced computational ability."

In reality, my "future prediction" only sees about two seconds ahead. Beyond that, it's just a highly accurate prediction. However, since I'm the only tactician in the current capital, it should function well as a bluff.

"I can see it. The sight of you crying and wailing in front of me after your defeat."

For a moment, Leon flinches at my provocation but quickly smiles.

"I'm looking forward to it, Azure Outliers."

†

†

"First, let me commend you."

After the Heavenly Wing Knights leave, only Harold and I remain in the room. Harold sighs and continues with a complaint.

"Bringing a noble party like the Heavenly Wing Knights into a competition is quite an achievement. Normally, no matter how much you tried to use them as a stepping stone, they wouldn't even consider it. I admire your cunning. If not for this—"

In Harold's hand is a letter.

"I didn't expect you to forge official documents. It was effective in pushing the cautious Heavenly Wing Knights, but it's excessive."

"Excessive? That's not what someone who agreed with my plan would say."

"I agreed to follow your script because it benefits us. I didn't agree to deceive the Explorer's Guild."

Despite his tough stance, Harold, as a co-conspirator, cannot publicly denounce me. This is part of the plan.

Originally, the Heavenly Wing Knights' clan application was rejected because I instructed Harold to do so. To use them as a stepping stone, I needed to bring them into a publicly recognized battle. Even if I eliminated them in a covert operation, it wouldn't count as a real achievement.

A clan creation contest monitored by an Explorer's Guild inspector is the perfect stage to determine superiority and is also a hot topic.

Of course, Harold had no obligation to follow my instructions. However, the Explorer's Guild genuinely intended to temporarily restrict clan creation.

Even without Loki's investigation, it was easy to predict. It's more valuable to focus on and cultivate promising clans rather than spread out requests.

Thus, my proposal was a godsend for the Explorer's Guild. If the strongest B-rank party, the Heavenly Wing Knights, had to take a test to create a clan, others would have no choice but to follow.

"Mr. Noel, you think I have to tolerate this because I'm a co-conspirator?"

"I do, but is there a problem with that?"

As I answer immediately, Harold sighs deeply.

"You really lack charm. I wish I could make you drink a potion made from my granddaughter's fingernail clippings. That might teach you some charm."

"Stop saying such mean things. What if I get diarrhea?"

"Just talking..."

Harold changes his expression and looks at me directly.

"Mr. Noel, I can only cooperate up to this point. From here on, your abilities as an explorer will be tested. If you win the contest against the Heavenly Wing Knights, your evaluation will need to be significantly revised. But can you win? Not just against the Heavenly Wing Knights, but against a depth eight demon?"

I stand up from the sofa and smile at Harold.

"I will win. The way of battle I learned from the immortal demon is just that."

†

†

Kaim, the sub-leader of the Heavenly Wing Knights, is from the same hometown as the leader, Leon, and is his childhood friend. While his skills as an explorer are inferior to Leon's, he serves as a spiritual pillar for the team.

However, he has no friends outside the team and enjoys drinking alone at his favorite bar. The only person who joins him is Leon, who isn't much of a drinker, so Kaim is usually alone.

"...What do you want?"

When I visit Kaim's favorite bar, he is visibly on guard. I ignore it, sit next to him, and order wine.

"What do you want?"

I laugh at Kaim's stern glare.

"Scaring me won't work. Do you remember the rules of the contest?"

"I remember. But isn't this interference? No matter what your purpose, coming to the opponent's place is insane. It's unreasonable to expect me not to be on guard."

"Ah, did you forget the rule about interference outside the test? 'All members of both parties must be in perfect condition on the day of the test.' In other words, any contact that doesn't hinder this is allowed."

"Did you request that rule for this purpose?"

Exactly. I requested that rule to ensure my contact wouldn't be considered interference and to prevent him from using violence as an excuse to drive me away.

"Hehehe, you're more interesting than I thought. Fine, I'll listen to your purpose. Entertain me."

"My purpose is simple. Kaim, betray the Heavenly Wing Knights."

When I state my business, Kaim bursts into laughter.

"Hahaha! Are you trying to laugh me to death!?"

"I have no such intention. First, if I kill you, the test will be canceled."

"Hmm, are you serious? Interesting, continue. What do I get if I follow your words? Money? Status?"

From Kaim's mocking tone, I can sense a strong resolve not to agree to any deal. The bond between Kaim and Leon, childhood friends, is unbreakable. No amount of money or status could sway him.

But I know what Kaim desires more than anything.

"Freedom. I will give you freedom."

"Freedom?"

Kaim tilts his head, and I continue.

"I looked you up in the newspaper. Every journalist praises the Heavenly Wing Knights as a wonderful party. But the name that always appears is Leon's. The other three are mentioned, but only as supporting roles."

"Of course, Leon is the leader."

"No, it's because Leon—only Leon—is special. You, his childhood friend, should know this best, right?"

"That's..."

"Why did you—why did you have to give the leader's position to the younger Leon? The answer is clear. Leon is far superior to you."

"You... how do you know..."

Kaim is speechless at my knowledge of their past relationship.

"Kaim, the Heavenly Wing Knights are skewed. Even if they become a clan, you will eventually fall behind Leon's talent. How much despair will you face then? Yet, you still plan to continue? Even if you work yourself to the bone, the only result waiting for you is failure. Kaim, be free. This is your last chance."

As I speak quietly, Kaim looks down.

"You're right. We are skewed. We will eventually fall behind Leon. He is a true genius. But—"

Kaim slowly raises his face, with a sad smile.

"Still, I want to support him. My wish is not freedom. It's for my dear younger friend to succeed as an explorer. Supporting him until the end is my duty as an older friend."

"Are you really okay with that?"

"Of course. You wouldn't understand, being a kid like you."

Kaim places the money for the drinks on the table and stands up. His resolve seems firm. I can sense his determination to walk a path that won't be rewarded as he heads for the exit.

But no matter how strong his resolve, it's meaningless in front of me.

"If you don't betray, Leon will betray you first."

Kaim stops and turns to me.

"......What did you say?"

Yes, the 'third person' has fallen into the trap.