Unleashing the Shadow Hounds
Red candle flames lined the long corridor, illuminating the darkness. Bizarre light flowed from the walls adorned with glittering jewels. The somber silence was broken by the footsteps of two figures. A silver-haired high elf, Ariel, and a white-haired old gentleman, Walter.
"Is this truly the best course of action?" Walter muttered softly. Anxiety laced the voice of the Sword Saint. Knowing what this meeting signified, his expression was grim.
"Yes, we must meet Celestia. It's what the Captain desires."
"And yet, it defies the Captain's orders at the same time."
"In the Captain's absence, I believe this is the optimal choice, Sir Walter."
Ariel's response carried unwavering resolve.
"Hah, then it can't be helped."
Walter nodded. Ariel was the only one who could sense the Captain's will. He had no authority to stop her. He could only hope for a favorable outcome.
"It's quite the trek, isn't it? At my age, everything feels burdensome."
Walter tossed in a light joke to shift the mood. The place they walked was a dungeon. Had it been an ordinary one, there would have been no unease in the Sword Saint's voice. This was the dungeon inhabited by Celestia, a member of Black Raven and the Empress of Succubi. The dungeon itself was hidden so deeply and secretly that few knew of it. Even among Black Raven members, not everyone was aware. Within Black Raven, various factions existed, and entry was permitted only to those under the High Council.
"I wonder if we can truly negotiate with that demon."
Walter's concern was understandable. Celestia was no human—she was a monster. And not just any; she wielded overwhelming power.
7-star Mythic grade…
No matter that he was the Sword Saint, Walter couldn't defeat Celestia. Even combining forces with Ariel, victory wasn't assured.
Only the Captain could handle that demon.
Celestia obeyed only the Captain's word. Perhaps because of that, the Captain had taken some sort of 'measure' against her. No one knew the reason. In this situation, would she even listen to Ariel? Even as fellow Black Raven members, the perspectives of humans and monsters were worlds apart. Everything felt uncertain and dubious.
But Ariel smiled and replied.
"Don't worry, Sir Walter. Celestia's loyalty to the Captain is unwavering."
There was no hesitation in Ariel's eyes. Treading the smooth marble floor, they ventured deeper down the long corridor. At its end stood a grand door, adorned with grotesque statues that seemed to gaze at them with flickering, lifelike eyes.
Moments later, the door opened on its own. Beyond it lay a vast hall welcoming them. In the center sat an ornate jade throne, and upon it lounged a woman. Lustrous black hair cascaded down, her rose-red lips glistening in the light. At the ends of her seductive eyes gleamed a subtle golden hue. It was the Succubus Empress, Celestia.
"It's been a while."
Celestia spoke with haughty arrogance. The black monsters surrounding her growled and drooled. They had form yet no substance, visible yet elusive, exuding a paradoxical presence. If living darkness existed, it would look like them—writhing and undulating endlessly as they prowled her vicinity.
"So, what brings you to see me?"
The air froze at her icy tone. Crimson eyes occasionally emerged from the swirling shadows, only to vanish. It felt as if countless eyes watched Ariel and Walter from every direction, sending chills down their spines.
"……."
Walter felt a shiver run up his spine. The terror that those monsters could pounce at Celestia's command at any moment overwhelmed him. At the same time, the Captain who commanded such beings seemed all the more extraordinary. But Walter was a loyal old gentleman. He stepped forward and spoke first.
"The Captain has returned."
Celestia's eyes widened in an instant. She shot up from her throne and looked at Ariel.
"Is it true?"
Her voice trembled. Ariel nodded slightly.
"Ha!"
An inexplicable emotion flashed across Celestia's face. With a wave of her hand, the ferociously snarling monsters retreated.
"Tell me everything. What exactly happened?"
Descending from the throne, Celestia approached. Her usual arrogance was gone. Her voice held even a hint of eager anticipation when questioning about the Captain.
Walter glanced at Ariel. It was her turn now.
"The Captain has issued a command."
"Yes, Ariel. You can sense the Master, can't you?"
Thanks to that, she knew Ariel served as Black Raven's vice-captain.
"The Captain ordered an investigation of the magic stone mines."
"Magic stone mines?"
Celestia's brow furrowed. Ariel continued calmly.
"Recently, the Arcadia Empire has set its sights on Black Raven. As retribution, the Captain desires the Hailstone Principality's mines."
Celestia fell deep into thought. Ariel pressed on.
"The Captain wishes to send a clear warning to the Empire. For that, we need your assistance, Lady Celestia."
"Indeed, a decision worthy of my Master."
The corners of Celestia's lips curled upward. She reclined seductively on the throne once more, crossing her legs as she spoke.
"What precisely do you need from me?"
Licking her lips with a red tongue, Celestia smiled. Ariel smiled back and answered.
"We will collapse every magic stone mine the Principality possesses. No mercy beyond utter retribution."
"Then, Ariel, 'that' must be prepared as well?"
No sooner had she spoken than Ariel's eyes sharpened. Undeterred, Ariel stepped closer to Celestia and drew an aged parchment from her bosom. The yellowed paper was densely inscribed with unknown runes.
"From this moment forth, I declare, by the authority of the Vice-Captain in the Captain's stead: The seal upon thee, Celestia, is hereby lifted."
With the solemn declaration, a blue flame erupted from Ariel's hand.
"Celestia, as a member of Black Raven, continue to fulfill your duties henceforth."
The blue flame writhed like a living thing, devouring the parchment. In an instant, the paper turned to ash and scattered into the air.
And then.
Crack—zzzt—!
No sooner had the parchment vanished than cracks spiderwebbed across the invisible barrier enveloping the dungeon. Finally, a sharp sound like shattering glass pierced their ears. The suppressed energy burst forth in all directions, shaking the air.
Grrrrowl—!
The black monsters roared in ecstatic frenzy. Celestia reached out, stroking them.
"A most satisfying answer. I shall play along gladly."
The smile on her lips was cold and cruel. Beautiful like a venomous flower, yet lethally so. It evoked an image of a demon freshly escaped from hell. Nay, an aura so malevolent even demons might flee in terror.
"Go, my minions."
Celestia whispered lowly.
"Bestow nightmares upon them."
The creatures of darkness howled as they scattered in all directions.
I stretched upon waking, the first thing as always.
Feeling refreshed today, too.
I inhaled deeply the fresh air and smiled. Morning meant the start of grueling labor, but I just felt good.
By now, they're investigating.
Three days prior, I'd issued orders to Black Raven via the status window: investigate the Hailstone Principality's magic stone mines. With Black Raven's prowess, they'd comb every inch. Perhaps uncover some fatal scandal. That would stir chaos in the underground mines. The ensuing turmoil would create my opportunity. My lips curled at the vision of a free future.
Synchronization has stalled, though.
It had frozen at 10%. I could still command Black Raven, but it left me a bit wanting.
If it rises further, maybe I can do more?
Not just commands—perhaps wield everything like in the game. Hope flickered as I pondered.
Just then.
"Move it, you bastards!"
The sharp overseer's shout echoed. Even that sounded pleasant today. Roll call over, my steps to the mess hall were light.
Entering the dusty hall, a pungent smell assaulted my nose. But in my good mood, it was nothing.
"Ethan, something good happen?"
As always, Emilia spoke while ladling gruel. The day I recovered my memories and asked for more, she'd eyed me oddly. Persistent requests broke the ice; now we used names. Best of all, she served extra without prompting.
"That obvious?"
I couldn't very well say, 'I'm thrilled 'cause escape's near.'
"Just extra refreshed today, y'know."
I brushed it off vaguely, but Emilia eyed me suspiciously—like that first day.
"Yeah... you're one weird guy."
Ignoring her, I plopped down on the nearby floor. Great mood meant tasty gruel, right? Spooned a mouthful with a grin.
"Blech…."
The gruel still tasted like crap.
Breakfast ended. As everyone finished a brief rest and prepared for work.
"Everyone, assemble!"
The overseer's bellow rang out. He gathered us immediately upon arriving.
"...Soon, an important guest will arrive!"
Important guest? No one had visited since I'd been here. Why the grim face?
Glancing around amid the murmurs, someone rushed to the overseer, whispering urgently.
"O-Overseer!"
"……!"
I caught a flicker of shock on the overseer's face during their hushed exchange.
"Fuck! Already here?"
Murmurs rose at his curse. And that was his last word.
Thud—!
With a grotesque sound, the overseer's head exploded. Blood sprayed everywhere; he died without a scream.
"……."
In stunned silence, all held their breath, staring. Amid the terrified hush, a black-robed man approached slowly.
"Even an overseer shouldn't be so rude. Cursing in my presence."
Cold voice, lifeless eyes. He regarded the corpse like an insect. Muttering an incantation.
No way…?
A chilling premonition at his appearance. And it proved true.
"Go, do your duty."
One command. The fallen overseer's headless body jerked unnaturally upright, puppet-like, grabbing a pickaxe and shuffling into the tunnel.
"……."
Oh, hell… Even I was speechless. That was magic. No ordinary spell—black magic.
Black magic's illegal, though?
On the Ellunsia continent, black magic was heresy, strictly forbidden. Necromancy especially was reviled by the Holy Kingdom. Yet here it was, in this mine.
Something's off.
And this necromancer spelled trouble for me.
Security'll tighten.
Everyone now knew of him. Would he let witnesses leave? Showing himself meant he figured trapped kids posed no issue.
Fuck…
Making a corpse work? Absurd. Pitiful fate, mining even in death. Speechless with disbelief.
The situation muddled my plans—an unforeseen variable. Why now? Questions swirled.
Briefly. Another overseer by the necromancer spoke.
"Quiet! From today, this is our guardian! Show gratitude, all of you!"
His voice quivered in fear, eyes stormy with terror. Probably dreading pickaxe duty himself.
Guardian of this place?
Who needed a necromancer's protection? The mine had been peaceful for years—my decade here, uneventful. As Principality land, it was effectively Empire territory. Who'd dare touch it?
Ah… one group.
Black Raven, my organization, was the exception. Aside from them, none would challenge the Empire.
That realization hit: the necromancer's sudden arrival was to protect the mine. Meaning someone recently threatened it. And three days ago, I'd ordered Black Raven to investigate.
Black Raven moved?
Good news. But one curiosity: How thorough was the probe to summon a necromancer…?
My thoughts halted. The ground began shaking.
"What is this! An earthquake?!"
"W-We’ll investigate the cause immediately!"
As if an actual quake, the earth trembled wildly. Soon, a massive rumble shook the entire mine.
What the—!
Panicking, I braced to dodge when—
From pitch-black darkness, crimson eyes blazed. Grrrrowl— Monsters dwelling in shadow. Worse still.
"No way—why are those bastards here?!"
They were Celestia's Shadow Hounds.