Chapter 32
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 32
“This is no time for this. We must quickly recall our scattered comrades. At this rate, they’ll all be captured.”
“Mmm, I’ll issue the assembly order immediately, but…”
The man’s voice trailed off as his comrade’s words broke his reverie.
No matter how much they hurried, it was obvious that at least two or three of them wouldn't be able to evade the mercenaries and would end up caught. The problem was that they had ventured too far, assuming the mercenaries wouldn't act for a while.
As if sensing that concern, the man on the left let out a sigh.
“It’s impossible to save everyone now. We have no choice but to save as many comrades as we can.”
“Phew, how did things come to this?”
With heavy hearts, the two men let out deep, ground-shaking sighs. Only a short while ago, everything had been smooth sailing; they never expected the situation to flip so suddenly.
“Speaking of which, what do the hired mages say? If we recall our comrades so abruptly, the installation of the planned anchor points will be delayed.”
“They say they aren't sure themselves. Apparently, it depends on the number of anchor points already installed, but that’s likely just an excuse in case things get delayed. Black mages, honestly…”
“Wait—!”
The man on the right gasped in horror at the term 'black mage.' No matter how certain they were that no one was listening, he couldn't believe his comrade was being so careless.
“Look here, comrade. I told you not to use that word. If word gets out, it could cause a massive headache.”
“Where would it leak to? We’re as good as dead anyway, now that our contact point has been discovered.”
“It’s a problem even if it reaches the ears of our own people, not just the enemy. Above all, isn't it a term the mages helping us despise?”
Generally, black mages referred to those who dealt with magic involving human life, blood, vitality, and souls. While theoretical study alone might be fine, magic always required practice. Because they kidnapped people to use as sacrifices for their pursuit of magic, the very existence of a black mage was considered that of an atrocious criminal.
Naturally, decent mages loathed being called black mages and viewed it as a grave insult.
“These are people whose entire school was framed as black mages by the Empire. What do you think will happen if what you just said reaches their ears?”
“What could those bastards possibly do? They’ll just endure it. You seem to be walking on eggshells around them far too much, comrade. Mages are a lot that need to be put in their place from time to time.”
Watching his comrade snort in derision, the man on the right pressed a hand to his forehead. He knew well why the other man disliked mages. The mages' rebellion was less an insurrection against the Empire and more an attempt to usurp power from the nobility. To someone steeped in aristocratic elitism to his very bones, it must be incredibly grating.
‘But what is the point of prioritizing that damned elitism when we need to cooperate? If the mages turn their backs on us at a critical moment, it’ll be a total catastrophe.’
Despite belonging to the same organization, he felt acutely that their dreams were different. Compared to the man who truly desired the liberation of his motherland, his counterpart’s only goal was to wield power without Imperial interference. This was why, despite having spent over a decade together, they could never truly call each other friends.
‘I want to give him a piece of my mind, but he wouldn't listen anyway.’
Swallowing a sigh, the man nodded and spoke as gently as possible.
“Still, don't be too hard on them until the operation is complete. It won't do us any good if their resentment builds up and causes problems with the work. Let’s save the ‘education’ for after everything is finished.”
“Hmm, I suppose. Mages are narrow-minded creatures by nature, after all.”
The comrade reluctantly nodded at the man’s words. It wasn't a satisfying response, but it was the best he was going to get. Relieved, the man discussed their future schedule for a bit longer before they went their separate ways. Now that things had gone sideways, they needed to clean up the mess as quickly as possible.
Lucian stationed the mercenaries at designated spots and waited for a fish to bite. If even one was caught, he planned to rush over and dig for information before Tristan could find out. Of course, he didn't forget to subtly check if any information had come from the prisoners already captured.
‘With six of them caught, there should be plenty of mouths to talk. Even if they hide the existence of mages, they should at least be interrogated.’
No matter how much of a rivalry Lucian and Tristan had, they were a community bound by the fate of the same family. If necessary, he could certainly demand a share of the information. Unfortunately, Tristan’s answer was less than encouraging.
“All six of them haven't said a word since they were caught. No matter how much I coax or threaten them, they won't even open their mouths.”
“Surely you didn't just ask them with words?”
“Of course not. Naturally, I tried torture. But it was as if their sense of pain was paralyzed; there was no reaction.”
“I see.”
Lucian let out an involuntary groan. He had heard rumors that such a drug existed. A potion that, once consumed, made one completely unable to feel pain, though it also cost them some of their five senses, including taste. He had heard it was a drug used only by fanatics or assassins because there was no way to reverse the effects once taken.
‘To think these guys would have taken it.’
If that was the case, there was no way to make them talk through torture. The only way was to shake them mentally and force the information out.
“May I have a look at them?”
“No.”
As expected, the refusal was immediate. Lucian opened his mouth to persuade him, but Tristan spoke firmly before he could.
“You seem to be weighing the Imperial family’s support in your head right now, but as long as you’re holding those scales, I have no intention of letting you face them. It’s better for you to know nothing than for the scales to tip one way because of some half-baked information.”
“A major catastrophe could occur if we aren't careful.”
“You worry too much.”
Tristan dismissed Lucian’s hypothesis.
“If mages are involved, they must be from an exiled school branded as black mages. Do you really think a school that has been hunted as witches for over 300 years would have that kind of power? They’re people who can't even earn their own keep, let alone pass down knowledge.”
“Mmm.”
Lucian found himself at a loss for words at the blunt reality of Tristan’s statement. The life of an unauthorized mage, hunted by the Imperial family for over 300 years without a proper base, was generally miserable. It was common for schools to go extinct because it was too difficult to train disciples, and some even starved to death because they couldn't make a living. Unless the school’s nature was suited for survival or they sought refuge within underground organizations, it was hard to maintain their lineage.
Tristan knew this fact well, which was why he didn't take Lucian’s words seriously.
“Stop worrying about useless things and go back. I’ll handle the interrogation. If any information worth sharing comes up, I’ll send word, so just wait.”
With those final words, Tristan turned his back and walked away. Left alone after his path to persuasion was blocked, Lucian flashed a bitter smile.
‘This is a headache. Though he’s not entirely wrong.’
As Tristan said, mages usually struggled just to look after themselves. There were plenty of schools that were half-ruined because too much knowledge had been lost over the 300 years. However, there were always exceptions.
The story changed if the school’s direction was suited for large-scale destruction or chaos. Furthermore, it was one thing if a mage was alone, but what if an organization like the Empire Liberation Front was providing support?
‘It’s the perfect setup for a massive blow.’
But unless one experienced it firsthand, no amount of talking would make them understand. It seemed he would have to give up on getting information from Tristan. The only thing left was to wait for a fish to get caught in the net he had cast.
“Third Young Master.”
Just then, Raymond’s voice broke Lucian’s train of thought. Lucian pushed his worries aside and turned around.
“What is it?”
“We have a bite.”
“…!”
Lucian’s eyes snapped open at the pre-arranged code. It meant a prisoner from the Empire Liberation Front had been caught. A smile formed naturally at the impeccable timing.
“Let’s go at once.”
Lucian immediately headed to the designated location. It was in the middle of a path leading from the northern edge to the Yellow Forest. When he arrived at the destination, the mercenary group looked at Lucian with triumphant expressions.
“Hahaha! Young Master, look! Here is a member of the Empire—!”
“Shh!”
Lucian quickly approached and covered the mouth of the mercenary captain who was shouting boastfully. He then whispered to the startled captain.
“Quiet. Do you want to advertise to the other mercenary groups that you’ve made a fortune? Let’s just keep it quiet, take your one platinum coin, and be done with it.”
In truth, he wasn't doing it for their sake but because he didn't want Tristan to find out, but he decided to use that as his excuse for now. The mercenary captain looked surprised for a moment but soon nodded his head up and down. Lucian quickly pulled a pre-prepared platinum coin from his pocket and pressed it into the captain’s hand.
“Here, the platinum coin I promised. Keep it to yourself.”
“Hehe, thank you. You certainly are reliable when it comes to paying.”
Grinning as he tucked away the platinum coin, the captain quickly led his subordinates away. He seemed to have realized that Lucian wanted this whole affair kept secret. After scanning the surroundings, Lucian approached the prisoner, accompanied only by Raymond as his guard.
“Are you from the Empire Liberation Front?”
“…”
“To be caught by mercenaries… you’re more careless than I thought. Or were you overconfident in your abilities?”
“…”
“You seem to move quite well through a forest crawling with monsters. What’s your secret?”
“…”
The young man didn't say a word, as if his lips were glued shut. Having expected this attitude, Lucian decided to get straight to the point.
“You hired a mage, didn't you? Gnolls and kobolds are monsters that shouldn't be able to coexist, yet they’re roaming around together quite well.”
“…”
“Only magic could make such a thing possible. Is it the Beast School? Since both are beast-like monsters, they can be controlled?”
“…”
“That’s a lie. The Beast School can't use that kind of magic. This is real black magic.”
“…!?”
The young man, who had been unresponsive, snapped his eyes open for the first time and stared at Lucian. He realized his mistake a beat late, but his broken composure couldn't be helped. Lucian looked the young man straight in the eye and spoke calmly.
“It’s common for black mages to use the names of other schools and pretend to be unauthorized mages. They especially say that kind of crap when they’re controlling monsters, but it’s all a lie. Monsters aren't natural beasts; they’re corrupted beings.”
“…!”
“You seem to think you’ve hired a mage, but it’s the opposite. A black mage has blended in among you while pretending to be a mage. Do you have any idea what you’re doing? You’re assisting in a large-scale sacrifice ritual that will offer up every life in this area as an offering.”
At Lucian’s words, not only the young man but even Raymond gasped in horror. If that were true, wouldn't every human within a certain range die the moment the magic was completed?
The young man spoke for the first time, his voice involuntary.
“L-don't lie to me. Do you think I don't know you’re just trying to get me to talk?”
“You fool. I don't know what you were thinking, hiring someone when you don't know the first thing about magic. Do you still not get it? It wouldn't be strange if a massacre that goes down in history occurred right here!”
Lucian, having barked his rebuke, stood up abruptly. He then lashed out as if he were a sage reprimanding a fool.
“I would have understood if this ritual was only targeting us. To you lot, the Empire is the enemy, and the commoners under it probably don't seem much different. But to think you’d include your own lives in the ritual! There’s a limit to how stupid one can be!”
The young man’s eyes shook violently. He wanted to believe it was a lie, but the other man’s words were filled with absolute certainty. What if those words were true? What if all his comrades, including himself, were being toyed with by a black mage?
Feeling dizzy, the young man hesitated before asking in a trembling voice.
“Is it true… that this magic is such an evil ritual?”
Lucian didn't meet the young man’s gaze and turned his back. Then, he let out a deep, performative sigh and muttered to himself.
‘Actually, I’m lying.’