Volume 7 Chapter 34-2 Smoldering Flames
It was probably clear on his face, as the man in the silver mask let out a deep breath and told Randy, "On the surface, I serve as Prince Ragnar's personal soldier."
The mask gave away no more, but Randy did not care much about Zaif's rank or title.
"So why have you all come rushing here, right at the death of your comrade?"
"We are here to take his body."
The silver mask turned his gaze to Zaif's still form lying on the ground. Randy's face tightened, troubled.
"His body, huh..." he said, eyeing the broken figure like a shattered doll.
"He's already dead, right?"
"That does not matter. His body, and the magic sword he carries — both are valuable property of the Empire."
With a sharp snap of his fingers, the shadows that had circled Randy shifted quickly, moving to surround Zaif's body.
Randy had planned to toss Zaif's corpse into the government office. Honestly, this whole conversation bored him. But fighting here would be foolish. The other side was an official branch of the Empire.
Though this region had some autonomy, it was still under the Empire's rule. Obeying the laws was only right. Stirring trouble would only slow the growth of the new settlement, Verinea — something Randy did not want.
"I understand. You will take care of the body and the sword."
The silver mask gave a slight bow.
"Thank you for your cooperation."
"Then... please send my respects to Prince Ragnar and... also the Governor."
Randy gave a brief wave and turned away, disappearing into the night. There was no point lingering. He headed toward the town.
As Randy's back vanished into the shadows, a voice muttered quietly.
"I will report to the Governor. Make sure it's done right."
Moonlight spilled through the clouds, casting a cold glow on the silver mask. Though the man's face was hidden, a faint smile echoed in his voice.
The silver mask stayed watching Randy's disappearing figure for a long moment.
"Lord Silvermoon. Zaif's disassembly is complete."
A new shadow stepped forward, holding the magic sword called Curseblade.
"I see."
The silver mask whispered, taking the sword and glancing back to where Zaif had fallen.
No corpse remained. Only bloodstains scattered across the ground told the tale of a brutal fight.
"Deliver part of the body to His Highness the Prince Ragnar. Explain everything. The rest..."
His voice dropped, and he glanced around cautiously.
"To the secret place left by Horace."
At the name Horace — one of the Four Saints of the Pilgrim of Truth — the shadows gasped softly, then silently nodded before melting into the darkness.
"Well, shall I tell the Governor now?"
The silver mask murmured. Then, "But first..." he swung Curseblade toward the blood-soaked grass.
Blade flashes sliced through the air with a sharp shing—shing—shing—and fiery sparks flew, burning away every trace of blood.
"As expected, I cannot wield it like Black Wolf can... It belongs to its true owner."
A small smile crept beneath the mask. He looked up as the moon disappeared behind clouds once more.
"Realizing Truth will take a bit more time."
With those words, the silver mask vanished, leaving only a soft wind that stirred the grass and flowers, as if nothing had happened.
The group once thought crushed when Leonius was arrested and the Four Saints broken... They quietly gather strength, fanning the faint embers that still burn.
...So no one will notice. Slowly, quietly...
* * *
At the same time, deep underground in the government's detention center...
Leonius, the Empire's second prince, sat alone in his cell.
Though a prince, he was charged with conspiring with a cult and plotting a rebellion. He had spent over a month in this isolated prison.
Plans to transfer him to the imperial capital had been raised, but his supporters were too strong in various regions. He remained trapped deep beneath the old kingdom.
Inside that cold, lonely cell, Leonius stared up at the ceiling, a faint smile curling his lips.
"...Then, shall we begin a new 'Pilgrimage to the Truth'?"
A whisper no one else heard.
But at that very moment, those who would bring the world to chaos began their silent, steady move once again.
Character Notes:
• Zaif - A former Imperial Army soldier known as the [Black Wolf]. He has a sadistic personality and is described as a troublemaker who tortured prisoners and hurt training partners. He is Randy's opponent in the mock battle.
• Verinea - A new town located in the Dukedom. It is under development, and Randy is concerned with its progress.
• Silvermoon - A formal representative of the Empire and Prince Ragnar's private soldier. His appearance is characterized by a silver mask that obscures his face. He speaks formally and is tasked with retrieving Zaif's body and the magic sword [Curseblade].
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