Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 173

4. The Black Hand

1

“W-What on earth is going on!”

Fernan, leading the main fleet around Greg Island, stared wide-eyed at the bright flames erupting across the reef zone.

Anyone unaware of the situation would have assumed the privateer fleet had annihilated the Symphonian navy.

Instead, the privateers were firing signal flares into the dark night sky, desperately requesting reinforcements from the Federation. Even the pirate lords on board were urgently reporting the situation via magical communication.

“It seems the enemy’s main force was ambushed inside the reef zone.”

“Even so!”

The Kingdom of Grenada prided itself on having the strongest navy on the continent.

For their pirates to be so utterly defeated that they were desperately requesting help was unbelievable!

“We must rescue our allies immediately… Damn it, we can’t!”

Even Fernan, who knew little of naval warfare, understood the danger of entering the reef zone in the dark.

“Unfortunately, it seems we must abandon the privateer fleet.”

“Yes, I suppose we have no choice.”

At Duke Nayson’s words, Fernan was disappointed but not particularly upset.

It was a shame that the pirates, who could have been used as ground troops during the landing operation, had been decimated. However, he also saw the disappearance of the pirate lords as a potential benefit.

In the Kingdom of Grenada, they were notoriously known for their defiance of the king.

‘Thanks to those Symphonian bastards, my royal authority might be much stronger after the war.’

While Fernan was thinking this, Duke Nayson said,

“Our fleet must continue sailing and attack the Symphonian coastal area.”

“With the enemy fleet at our rear? What if we are attacked from behind?”

“The remaining fleet is enough to defend against them.”

Even after excluding the transport fleet and the 300 privateer ships, they still had 700 warships remaining.

Among them, large battleships and paddle steamers with powerful combat capabilities were still intact.

However, Fernan’s thoughts differed.

“A little while ago, we thought we could wipe out even those who fled with just the privateer fleet. But the reality turned out differently from our expectations.”

“That’s….”

“If we retreat like this, they will surely become more emboldened and run wild. For the sake of our troops’ morale, it is right to annihilate them here and advance.”

Nayson, after pondering Fernan’s argument for a moment, nodded.

He saw merit in the king’s reasoning.

“Understood. But night battles are absolutely out of the question.”

“I know. Instead, send scout ships to monitor the waters around the island. They might try to slip away under the cover of darkness.”

Nayson, having no reason to object to the reasonable order, saluted and withdrew.

Fernan glared at the reef zone, still stained with crimson flames in the darkness, and gnashed his teeth.

“I will not lose this time! Absolutely not!”

As darkness deepened and the clamor of the fierce naval battle subsided, Luke received a report that they had won the battle in the western sea.

The allied forces had moved according to the pre-planned strategy, achieving a great victory as the arrogant enemy fell into the trap of the reef zone on their own.

“Our side lost three large boats and five Song Empire ships were severely damaged, resulting in about 300 casualties. On the other hand, over 200 enemy ships were sunk or ran aground, and we captured 65 ships.”

There were over 2,000 prisoners who had surrendered.

Luke smiled with satisfaction at Sebastian’s report that the enemy’s casualties would exceed 10,000, although a detailed tally would have to wait until dawn.

“So, we practically annihilated them.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. There are a few ships that escaped, but they are so badly damaged that they will not be able to participate in future battles.”

Having said that, Sebastian spoke about what Marquis Volant had suggested a little while ago.

“He suggests that we take advantage of the momentum and attack the enemy’s main force at night with the new ironclad ships.”

“Their enthusiasm is good, but we need to restrain ourselves now. The enemy, having been hit once, will be on high alert.”

Even if they launched a surprise attack against such an enemy, they would not achieve much.

Rather, if they were counterattacked, the morale they had raised with their victory would plummet.

“Attacking the enemy’s main fleet will be done according to the pre-planned strategy. Make it clear that those who move their ships without orders will be punished according to military law.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Sebastian, having finished his report, left the cabin.

Luke, who had been rejoicing in the victory, soon returned to a cold expression.

There was still no report on how the battle in the west was progressing.

And….

‘I wonder if the capital is alright while I’m away.’

Although he had made some preparations before leaving, Luke could not easily shake off his worries, so he took out a communication crystal.

He decided to try contacting them one more time.

2

Brendan, the royal capital of Symphonia.

Although the flames of war had risen in the south and west, the royal capital and its surrounding areas were peaceful.

Of course, it wasn’t that the people here had no worries or concerns.

In particular, the anxiety of those whose children or relatives had gone to the battlefield was even greater.

“I don’t know why wars keep breaking out so often.”

“It’s all because of those Grenada pirates and monsters.”

“Isn’t this what they call a chaotic era? Perhaps even greater wars than this will occur.”

The merchants, loading goods onto their wagons and heading to the royal capital, chatted to pass the time.

Their greatest concern was the state of the nation.

Indeed, their sales and income would vary greatly depending on the nation’s condition, so they couldn’t help but be interested.

At that moment, a priest riding in the same wagon subtly joined the conversation.

“It’s all because the king lacks virtue.”

“What are you talking about? There is no one as good as our King!”

“That’s right. King Luke is a sage king.”

Thanks to Luke, commerce had greatly developed over the past few years.

The tyranny of the lords, who used to collect taxes arbitrarily in every territory they visited, had disappeared. Thanks to the maintenance of the roads and the establishment of public order, logistics could move more safely and easily.

And that was not all.

In the past, only a few large trading companies or nobles would have monopolized the specialty products of the southern continent, but now even small and medium-sized trading companies could buy and sell them if they had the money.

“It’s incomparable to the time when only the nobles and their cronies were getting rich.”

“Of course, I hope His Majesty the King lives a very long life.”

As the merchants praised Luke with spittle flying from their mouths, the priest, feeling he couldn’t let it go on, spoke again.

“Still, isn’t there a lot of damage to the soldiers and the people in the border areas because he keeps starting wars?”

“Hey, where have you been, priest? King Luke has only started one war so far. And that was to punish the wicked Baroque Empire.”

“That’s right, except for that, it was those bastards like the Milton Kingdom and the Grenada pirates who attacked first.”

“My distant relative lives in Lamer City, and he almost died two years ago when those pirates attacked.”

“Anyway, His Majesty must subdue all the enemies around us and eliminate war….”

Listening to the merchants’ stories, the priest frowned inwardly.

The people’s support for Luke seemed stronger than he had expected.

‘Well, even so, if I can persuade the people I’m going to meet, I can carry out my mission.’

Shortly after, the priest, having arrived in Brendan, was able to enter the royal capital with the identification he had prepared in advance.

As soon as he passed through the city gate, the priest said goodbye to the merchants and looked around, then made a startled expression.

‘Is this really Brendan?’

The priest had stayed in Brendan when he was young.

The Brendan he had seen then was by no means a small city, but now it was developed and vibrant beyond comparison.

Along the straight main street, magnificent high-rise buildings were erected, and countless people and carriages were passing through the main street and alleys.

Among the pedestrians, there were quite a few elves and people from the southern continent. In the markets and shops that had sprung up throughout the city, rare goods such as spices, silk, and ceramics were on display.

It was a sight that was no less than Nemesis, the imperial capital of the Baroque Empire during its heyday.

‘There was a reason why those merchants actively supported Luke.’

Nodding inwardly, he entered a shabby tavern located two blocks away.

It was so empty that flies were buzzing around even in the middle of the day. The bald owner, guarding the counter, frowned as soon as the priest entered and said,

“Our shop doesn’t accept priests as customers. And I have no intention of donating, so just go away.”

“I didn’t come as a customer, nor did I come to ask for donations.”

The priest approached the bald owner and said in a low voice,

“I came from the Great Temple of Canaan in the north to meet Michel. If you show him this, he will know.”

The owner snatched the old rosary that the priest had handed him and examined it.

At first, he examined it casually, but then his eyes sparkled when he discovered the tiny letters engraved on the rosary.

He glanced at the entrance and handed the rosary back to the priest, saying,

“If you open the inner door and go in, there will be someone to guide you.”

“Thank you.”

The priest, with a gentle smile, bowed his head and opened a small door behind the counter and went inside.

After passing through the warehouse, he came to an alley behind the tavern.

A rough-looking man with a scar on his face was standing there blankly, and then he spoke to the priest.

“Follow me.”

It was a blunt order, but the priest silently followed the scarred man.

The scarred man circled around a few narrow alleys, checking for any pursuers, and then led him to a mansion.

Creak!

“You’re late, Baron Bruce.”

A voluptuous noblewoman greeted him as he entered the mansion.

The priest, or rather, Baron Bruce, opened his mouth with a cold face instead of the gentle expression he had been wearing until now.

“Perhaps because of the war, the checkpoints are severe everywhere in Symphonia. More importantly, is everything ready for my contact?”

At Baron Bruce’s question, who was an executive of the Livia Kingdom’s intelligence department, Janet, the branch manager of Brendan, nodded.

“Yes. I have gathered them all in one place. We were just waiting for you to arrive, Baron.”

“Good, then let’s go to them right away.”

Bruce decided to meet them right away, as they say, strike while the iron is hot.

Janet then led him to a secret room inside the mansion.

On the way to the secret room, Janet opened her mouth with a somewhat puzzled tone.

“But I don’t understand His Majesty’s intentions. I thought he would only focus on the war with the Baroque Empire, but suddenly he’s meddling with Symphonia.”

“The Baroque Empire is already finished. It’s so close to collapsing due to the mad emperor’s tyranny. Rather, the Symphonia Kingdom is more dangerous. It’s a problem if we let it grow any bigger.”

“Hmm, I wonder what someone who has the power of the Dragonian is so afraid of….”

“Watch your mouth! Do you want your head to fall off?”

At Baron Bruce’s cold interruption, Janet quickly shut her mouth. He was the type of person who would do what he said.

“We just have to do as we’re told. There’s no need to question the mission.”

“I’m sorry, Baron.”

Bruce, having warned Branch Manager Janet.

However, he was also feeling skeptical about this matter. Looking at the affluence of the royal capital Brendan and the atmosphere of the people, he wondered if this matter could succeed properly.

Above all, as Janet had pointed out, he could not understand why they were suddenly meddling with the Symphonia Kingdom.

It was true that they had to keep it in check for the future, but he wondered if it was a good idea to suddenly provoke the other side like this.

‘Although he has the power of the Dragonian, His Majesty is not omnipotent. Even so, it’s hard to understand why his actions have suddenly changed.’

Soon after the founding of the kingdom, Shaikhan, who had not delayed his hostility and attacks against the Baroque Empire despite the opposition of those around him, suddenly refrained from war and suspended his external activities.

In the process, he recruited new talents from outside, and they were all suspicious.

In addition, the atmosphere in Livia’s political circles had changed.

In the past, even if the royal orders were not satisfactory, everyone followed them because they were afraid of Shaikhan.

But now, it was hard to feel even that emotion from the high-ranking officials.

They were just following orders obediently, as if they had become puppet dolls.

Thanks to this, the work was done faster, but it was inevitable that he felt a sense of unease.

‘Tch, I’ve become too thoughtful. Is it because I’m getting old?’

An intelligence officer should not be too thoughtful.

The moment they question their mission, they will feel skeptical and their mission will be disrupted.

That is why, when training new intelligence officers, they were taught to obey any order first.

While Bruce was thinking about this and that, they arrived at the secret room.

When he went inside, he could see four people sitting at a round table.

One middle-aged noble with a greedy look that seemed to drip with greed, and three young men with stubborn and aggressive looks.

The middle-aged noble began to complain as soon as he saw Janet’s face.

“Hey, Madam Janet. I’m waiting because you asked me to, but isn’t it a bit too much to sit me with commoners? I am a hereditary noble of the Symphonia Kingdom with the title of Baron!”

At the middle-aged noble’s words, who was raising his voice with an unpleasant face, the three young men gave a cold sneer.

“Hmph, you’re just a kite with a broken string, but your pride is still alive.”

“That’s right. You were just a merchant who was a money source for the high-ranking nobles anyway.”

“Those who are nothing special are the ones who care more about their status.”

The middle-aged noble’s cheeks trembled at the young men’s harsh words.

“Y-You bastards! How dare you, you lowlifes…!”

Just as the middle-aged noble was about to explode, Janet quickly stepped in.

“Hahaha! Baron Lamerit, if you get so angry, it’s not good for your health. I’ll invite you to our salon later and give you a generous special service, so please calm down, okay?”

“Ahem, I’ll hold back for Madam’s sake.”

Lamerit, whose mouth was agape at Janet’s coquetry, calmed down.

She was running Paradise Salon, a high-end social club in Brendan.

Paradise had only been open for a year, but because there were many hostesses with beauty and refinement, including Janet, it was crowded with upper-class customers such as nobles, officials, and merchants.

Naturally, they also obtained quite a lot of information from the political and business world in this process.

“Hoho, we’ll be on the same boat from now on, so don’t fight. How about we introduce ourselves first?”

“Alright. But who are these impudent young fellows?”

When Baron Lamerit asked in a subtly sarcastic tone, Janet introduced the three young men.

“These are the executives of the ‘Red Dawn Revolutionary Group.’”

“What? The, the Red Dawn Revolutionary Group!” Baron Lamerit looked utterly surprised.

And with good reason. The Red Dawn Revolutionary Group was an extremist organization, considered almost heretical among republicans.

They had been active since before the founding of Milton or the Symphonia Kingdom, and were notorious for using any means necessary to establish a republic.

They had engaged in armed struggles, such as attacking government offices and assassinating nobles, which led to a major crackdown by the Baroque Empire 20 years ago, severely weakening their forces.

However, they had not completely disappeared, and after the founding of Symphonia, they began to resurface.

Even when the parliament was established in the Symphonia Kingdom, they distributed leaflets criticizing it as a mere shell that had not escaped the old-fashioned autocratic aristocratic politics.

However, other than making people aware that ‘these guys are still alive,’ they did not have any significant influence.

Republicans like Hegel and Aiden were wary of the Red Dawn Revolutionary Group.

They were concerned that the extremists’ radical activities might result in the suppression of the republicanism that was budding in the Symphonia Kingdom.

“You said you were Baron Lamerit, right? I’ll make sure our comrades memorize your name.”

Lamerit broke out in a cold sweat at the words of the young executive, whose eyes were particularly sharp.

It seemed he had been marked by these guys, who were practically an assassination squad.

“Now, next, this gentleman is Baron Bruce from the Lybia Kingdom.”

At Janet’s words, Lamerit and the Red Dawn Revolutionary Group executives turned their attention to Bruce.

“What? A noble from the Lybia Kingdom?”

Baron Lamerit was surprised once again. Currently, the Symphonia Kingdom was fighting a monster legion on its northwestern border.

Of course, it had not been definitively proven that this was the work of the Lybia Kingdom.

However, anyone with a bit of sense could roughly guess who was behind it.

Currently, the only country on the Rodisia Continent that could command monsters in large legions was the Lybia Kingdom.

Anyway, as he was introduced, Bruce stepped forward and began to speak.

“You must be curious as to why we have gathered here so suddenly. Let me say one thing in advance: what we are planning will only benefit you, not harm you.”

What on earth could they be planning?

Bruce continued to speak to Lamerit and the Red Dawn Revolutionary Group executives, who were tilting their heads in confusion.

“What I am about to say is top secret and must be taken to the grave.”

With that, he began to explain something to the four of them for a long time.

The four people who were listening to Bruce’s explanation initially wore surprised expressions.

However, as they listened to the vision he presented and the enticing rewards, their expressions changed to ones of excitement.

3

“So, they’re having a meeting at the hideout right now?”

Inside the Prime Minister’s office in the Symphonia Royal Palace.

At Hans’ question, Baron Hudson nodded in response.

“Yes, as Your Majesty predicted, it seems they are plotting something treacherous.”

Before leaving for Lamers, Luke had called Prime Minister Hans and Baron Hudson, the head of the intelligence department, and asked them to monitor the Lybian Kingdom spies.

In response, Hudson had been closely monitoring Paradise Salon, which he had always suspected of being suspicious, and as a result, he had discovered that they were spies from the Lybia Kingdom.

“Are they planning to incite a rebellion by instigating the discontented, as Your Majesty mentioned?”

“It seems that some nobles and radical republicans have already fallen for their tricks.”

Hans tilted his head, as if he found Hudson’s words difficult to understand.

“But even if they instigate them, they won’t be able to threaten the royal capital or seize control of the provinces, so why…?”

Thanks to the military reforms that Luke had pushed through after the founding of the Symphonia Kingdom, the power of the local territorial armies and private soldier groups had been greatly weakened.

Gigantes [large, humanoid war machines] were all confiscated, and the number of knights and private soldiers that could be possessed was also limited.

As a result, the territorial armies had been reduced to the level of maintaining public order or subjugating monsters, and it was unthinkable that they would dare to revolt against the central government.

“Is it possible that Gigantes have been smuggled in or traded through a route we don’t know about?”

To start a rebellion, Gigante forces were essential.

Except for naval battles, most land wars started and ended with Gigantes.

At Hans’ question, Hudson shook his head firmly.

“It is impossible to trade Gigantes within the kingdom while evading Argos’ eyes. And if the goal is to destabilize the rear and cause chaos, there is no need to support strategic materials like Gigantes. We already know that there is something much more powerful and dangerous than Gigantes.”

“Could it be…?”

At Hans’ hesitant reaction, Hudson nodded in agreement.

“Recently, a large number of unidentified individuals have been recruited into the Lybia Kingdom. They were black mages from the Veritas Magic Tower.”

There is a saying in the Southern Continent that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

If Shaikhan had broken the alliance and decided to become an enemy of Symphonia, there was no reason why he wouldn’t join hands with the Veritas Magic Tower, with whom Luke had a long and bitter history.

And if a black mage decided to cause chaos, it was only a matter of time before an entire city was devastated.

“Huh! I can’t believe it.”

“Your Majesty, you know that you subjugated the remnants of the Veritas Magic Tower hiding in the Hell Islands when you returned from the last Southern Continent expedition, right? At that time, you found out that some of the Veritas black mages had headed to the Lybia Kingdom.”

At Hudson’s explanation, Hans asked, not understanding.

“How could His Majesty not have said a word about such an important fact to his vassals?”

He had thought it was strange that Luke had been wary of the Lybia Kingdom since returning from the Southern Continent.

But he never imagined that such a story was hidden behind it!

“It was because he was concerned that the information might leak out. Even the Paradise Salon that was discovered this time had quite a few of our political figures frequenting it.”

“Oh my, oh my…”

Hans, who could not hide his bewildered expression for a while, looked at Hudson and said.

“Okay, that’s beside the point… What’s important now is to stop their machinations. Do we have a way to respond to that? I mean, is there a way to stop them when they infiltrate black mages?”

“Regarding that, His Majesty told us to seek advice from the Black Tower.”

“The Black Tower? From the black mages?”

Hans asked with a somewhat displeased expression.

They had decided to use black mages to counter the enemy’s black magic, but he did not want to owe them a debt or give them a chance to gain merit.

In fact, the truth about the Demon King Seymon had been revealed because of Rakan’s memoirs.

However, that did not completely erase the prejudice against black mages.

In fact, the southern region of the kingdom had been severely damaged by black mage attacks in the past.

However, he could not put his personal feelings first in a situation that could jeopardize the fate of the nation.

“If they come up with a good plan, there’s no reason to oppose it. But if they betray us, even by a small chance…”

“That won’t happen. Most of the black mages currently recruited into the Black Tower are those who have inherited Seymon’s will from the past. They are grinding their teeth at the Veritas Magic Tower and the Baroque Imperial Family.”

It was the Veritas Magic Tower and the Baroque Imperial Family who had relentlessly subjugated Seymon and the black mages who followed him in the past.

The two factions could never be friendly with each other.

“Well, if that’s the case, that’s a relief.”

At Hudson’s words, Prime Minister Hans decided to trust the black mages of the Black Tower for now.

4

Garmel was a mid-level executive of the Veritas Magic Tower.

A disciple of the former Elder Lenuk, he had secretly infiltrated the Symphonia Kingdom with his subordinates under orders from the higher-ups.

The mission given to him and his subordinates was to summon monsters with black magic in Brenden and nearby major cities, or to spread zombie poison among the Symphonia Kingdom army remaining in the center, causing large-scale chaos.

If they did that, those who harbored resentment against Luke would rise up, and the Symphonia Kingdom would be completely plunged into a state of internal and external turmoil.

‘If I succeed in this, that annoying Luke will no longer be able to interfere with the Ancestor’s work. And I will be able to firmly establish myself as the next Elder…’

Whether Arsen knew it or not, there were factions among the leaders of the Veritas Magic Tower.

They worked hard to show favor to the Ancestor and solidify their position within the tower.

This was because they could reign as the de facto ruling power in the dark world where Arsen’s great work was accomplished.

‘I wonder how far my master, who is leading the monster legion, has come by now?’

Before dispersing near Brenden, Garmel and his group had received news of the war situation in the northwest from a Lybian Kingdom intelligence agent.

However, they said that the monster legion’s advance was experiencing considerable difficulties.

The terrain was rougher than expected, and they were struggling considerably against the Symphonia army’s guerrilla warfare.

Since it was bad news, Garmel was not at ease.

That was why he thought he had to succeed in his mission even more.

‘I have to relieve my master’s burden even a little. If this central region falls into chaos, the Symphonia army in the northwest will have no choice but to retreat!’

After making that resolution, Garmel hastened his steps toward the royal capital, Brenden.

In front of the large gate leading into Brenden, he saw a strange sight.

Some beings that looked like dwarves were bringing several beer barrels in a wagon and handing out a glass of beer to people waiting for inspection.

“What are they doing? They’re not holding a festival in the middle of a war, are they?”

A merchant who was waiting for inspection in front of him replied to Garmel’s muttering.

“I heard that a newly opened brewery in the royal capital is doing promotions. They want people to taste it and buy their beer.”

At first, Garmel thought nothing of it when he heard that.

No, he even thought it might be okay to get a glass since he was hungry and thirsty after coming a long way.

“Come on, have a refreshing drink. Our Krombaher Brewery is qualitatively different from other breweries’ beers that taste like horse piss!”

“It’s made with the Golden Hammer Tribe’s secret recipe, so the bitter taste is superb!”

“If you drink it with fried chicken and potatoes, you won’t even know if one of you dies while eating!”

The dwarves shouted and promoted their beer, and their voices could be heard even from the back.

After a while, it was Garmel’s turn.

He received a glass of golden beer overflowing from the dwarves in a large pewter cup, and he was about to put it to his lips when he flinched.

‘Th, this is…!’

It was not ordinary beer.

That did not mean it was very delicious. It was because he felt a tingling sensation as if he was being paralyzed when he put the beer to his lips.

That was because an unusual ingredient was mixed into the beer.

‘Could it be… holy water?’

He had heard that some temples mixed holy water, which contained divine power, into wine that was not used.

However, there was no reason for an ordinary brewery to do that.

There must be a special reason.

“Hey, why aren’t you drinking?”

The dwarf who had poured the beer asked Garmel, who was hesitating, with a blunt tone.

Garmel quickly made an excuse.

“I, I forgot that I had to abstain from alcohol for health reasons…”

“Would a glass of beer cause a big problem? If you drink our brewery’s beer, you’ll actually get healthier.”

“That’s right, even sick people get up and walk.”

Garmel saw the dwarves, who were joking around, subtly picking up axes and hammers.

Some of the inspection forces that had been at the gate had also approached him.

‘Damn it, I’ve been found out. These cunning bastards!’

“Hey, why are you still hesitating when I told you to drink?”

“Do you have something to hide?”

Unable to withstand the dwarves’ more blatant questions, Garmel threw the beer glass and took out a wand from his back, activating black magic.

“Dark Impact!”

“I knew it, you rat-like bastard!”

The moment the magic that spread from Garmel’s wand was about to turn the surroundings black, a dwarf with a yellow beard rushed in and swung his hammer.

A white light flashed from the hammer he swung, and Garmel’s black magic disappeared.

“S, sacred power?”

“Why are you so surprised? Have you never seen a dwarf priest before?”

Although not comparable to the Elkasel Order or the Mars Order, the fairies also had their own traditional beliefs and priests.

The dwarf in front of Garmel was a priest who worshiped such a fairy traditional belief.

He was an existence that was the opposite of a black mage.

“I don’t know how to manifest sacred power elegantly. Instead, I’ll beat you up according to our tradition, so be prepared!”

“Damn it, Dark Bullet!”

As not only the dwarf priest but also other dwarves and checkpoint knights joined in, Garmel quickly dodged the attacks with Blink [a short-range teleportation spell] and fired black magic.

“Ugh, what’s going on all of a sudden?”

“It’s a black mage, get out of the way!”

The people who were waiting for inspection scattered in panic at the sudden fight.

Fortunately, the chaos did not last long.

This was not because Garmel was focusing on running away rather than fighting, but because a skilled person who had been secretly waiting at the gate had stepped forward.

“Black Bind!”

“Ah, no!”

Garmel was startled when black plant stems suddenly rose from the ground and bound him.

He hurriedly tried to pull up his magic power and cut the black stems.

However, the black mage who had deployed Black Bind was more skilled than him and quickly absorbed his magic power.

“Tsk tsk, such unpleasant magic power. I wonder what kind of dirty tricks you used to gather it.”

“Kuh, who, who are you? How can you use black magic…?”

Garmel, who had most of his magic power absorbed, asked in a withered state, and the old man wearing a dark blue robe scoffed and replied.

“This old man is Yohas from the Black Tower.”

“Y, Yohas? Could it be… Dark Moon’s…?”

“Hehe, you know me well. As expected of a lackey of the Veritas Magic Tower.”

‘I’m not exactly a lackey…’

He wanted to retort, but Garmel, who had almost no energy left, lost consciousness.

Thud.

As he collapsed, the dwarf priest approached and asked.

“Hey, you didn’t kill him, did you?”

There was an order to capture the black mages of the Veritas Magic Tower alive if they were found.

There was a lot to find out from them.

“Do you think I’m that clumsy? And although the black mages of Dark Moon are involved in darkness, they respect the word of God to value life.”

The dwarves, as well as the knights, could not hide their bewildered expressions at Yohas’s appearance as he made the sign of the cross.

They had heard that the black mages belonging to the Black Tower were different from the existing black mages, but the sight of him making the sign of the cross did not seem to fit at all.

“Take him away quickly and interrogate him. We need to extract information.”

At Yohas’s mention, the knights and soldiers quickly put magical restraints on Garmel and dragged him away somewhere.

Arsen’s plan to cause chaos in the royal capital Brenden and nearby cities had gone wrong from the very beginning.