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The next day, Luton headed to the Holy Kingdom, while Jin and Murakan came to the Mila Kingdom.
This was to visit the top-secret tavern of Grace Schilz (Misha) known as 'Tabernacle.'
The waiter recognized the two immediately but gave them the same answer as the last time they visited.
"The master is not here at the moment."
"She wasn't here even when we came a few months ago. When will she return?"
"The master has never returned since the two of you visited last time."
It was common for Misha to be absent for a month or two. She was not only a representative of Solderet but also had many hideouts besides the Tabernacle. It was natural for her to have busy days.
However, it was almost unheard of for her not to visit the Tabernacle even when the seasons changed.
"Did she leave a separate message for us?"
"No, she didn't. It's been so long since we had a case like this, and we were worried about the master."
"When she returns, please make sure to let her know to contact us here."
Jin took out a piece of paper with the address and a small purse of gold coins, and the waiter nodded with a dignified attitude.
Until evening, the two traveled through several transfer gates multiple times, visiting the other hideouts Misha had informed them about. Once again, they couldn't find her anywhere.
"Haha, they say even dung can be used for medicine!"
Murakan seemed content just not to meet her.
"You seem to like it quite a bit. You should worry about her a bit."
"What's there to worry about? It's not a big deal if the dragon leaves its place for a few months. It's not like it's been decades. She's probably just gossiping somewhere."
"I have a strange feeling about this."
Jin said, and Murakan snorted.
"A strange feeling? That's good. It might not be so bad if she gets beaten to death by some powerful human. But the problem is that there are probably very few people in the world who can beat her like that."
As Murakan said, it was fine to say that there was no one who could catch Misha.
During the thousand years that Murakan had been asleep, Misha had never been caught, even while battling with the Spectre Corps.
"True, but..."
Jin had so many things he wanted to hear from Misha as soon as possible.
Things like Temar's tomb, Kinzelo's leader, Demon Dragon, Chaos, Valeria, and more. While Misha couldn't explain everything clearly, she could provide some clues.
Especially when it came to Valeria and her "Record Device Restoration," only she could give the most appropriate explanations.
"Don't worry, let's go find the Black King mercenaries."
***
Black King Mountain Hideout was located in the 'Bise Kingdom,' a unprotected territory in the central continent.
The Bise Kingdom was a minor country that did not belong to any of the prominent three factions, now four (Zipfel, Runcandel, Vermont, Kinzelo). Although the royal family and the army were maintained, in reality, no one considered the master of the Bise Kingdom to be the royal family.
It was a common belief that the Black King mercenaries and its leader were the true masters of the Bise Kingdom.
It was a natural consensus. The Black King mercenaries had enough power to destroy the Bise Kingdom with just a part of its 3rd division.
It was widely believed that the Black King mercenaries did not take over the kingdom just to maintain their identity as a "mercenary group."
"Well, these guys are quite something."
"What do you mean?"
"Usually, when a military organization like this establishes itself in a small country, they tend to take control of the royal family and exploit and oppress the civilians."
The Black King mercenaries were far from that. They provided substantial support to both the royal family and the civilians, to the extent that it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they were actually nurturing the Bise Kingdom.
As a result, the Bise Kingdom was perceived as a pleasant country to live in, and immigration applications never stopped. It was a place bustling with the footsteps of academy professors, scholars, and students due to the well-preserved ancient ruins and artifacts.
"It is contrary to the typical image associated with mercenaries who are obsessed with money."
"These seemingly kind and cute guys, indeed. If they become uncooperative, we can gently persuade them."
"Kind, huh? We'll see about that."
Jin responded with a smirk.
"Why? Is there a problem?"
"The fact that the Black King mercenaries manage and take responsibility for the Bise Kingdom is not because they are kind-hearted philanthropists. This Bise Kingdom here is a hostage storage facility for the Black King mercenaries."
As Jin said, the Black King mercenaries were using the Kingdom of Bise as a hostage storage facility and as the best shield to maintain 'neutrality'.
In order for any major faction to forcibly subdue and absorb the Black King mercenaries, they would have to trample over the Bise Kingdom. It will lead to deaths of numerous residents and the destruction of ancient ruins would be inevitable.
When Jin explained this, Murakan's eyes widened.
"I see... So, they're playing the role of villains while maintaining their image and interests at the same time? They're truly clever and cunning. I don't particularly like the name 'Black King' though."
Of course, the Black King mercenaries could maintain their neutrality without the Bise Kingdom, but having more options at their disposal was always preferable.
"Well, no hostages have been killed since I was born. We are almost there. You should transform."
Fwoosh, meow!
Murakan transformed into a cat, and landed on Jin's shoulder. Jin has altered his face and dyed it with red fur using Golden Snow tribe cosmetics, making him unrecognizable to the gatekeepers and civilians of the Bise Kingdom.
However, Jin was convinced that someone within the Black King mercenaries would recognize him if he moved around the Bise Kingdom in this form.
'Murka and members of 3rd division couldn't forget this appearance.'
When it was revealed that the black cat Jin had when he left for the Storm Castle was indeed Murakan, the story became a topic of discussion within the Black King mercenaries for quite some time. After all, they couldn't believe that the "Young Emperor" was simply carrying an ordinary cat with him.
The city was frequented by outsiders, so Jin and Murakan didn't attract too much attention. Jin roamed the vicinity of the lively city while observing the advertisement boards and bulletins hanging around.
He was subtly emitting an aura that those below 6-star level couldn't sense.
Before long, as expected, Jin felt a mercenary approaching him.
"... That cat. Don't tell me it's you."
He seemed unsure, but the mercenary soon became convinced that the feline before him was none other than Jin Runcandel, whom he had directly escorted on a protection mission long ago.
"Sir Latam."
Jin spoke first before the mercenary could say more. The mercenary looked surprised and could only stare at Jin in shock. He hadn't expected Jin to remember his name.
"I didn't know you remembered my name. I am ashamed of myself for not recognizing you right away, sir."
Latam hurriedly answered with a silent bow.
"I remember you as the one who often stood by Sir Murka's side at that time. It's good to see you."
As they shook hands, Latam realized the accuracy of the rumors circulating about Jin in recent times. He was also secretly impressed by the immense power emanating from Jin's grip.
"You didn't just come here for nothing, did you? Do you have business with our leader?"
Latam explicitly mentioned the leader without referring to any other higher-ups, so it showed how he evaluated Jin's stature.
"Yes."
"Fortunately, the leader is at the mountain fort. I'll guide you there personally. However, please understand that there is another guest who arrived before you."
The 12th flagbearer of Runcandel is in a position where he can meet the leader at any time without prior notice. However, Jin couldn't meet the leader while disregarding other guest.
Jin gleaned one piece of information from Latam's words.
'The other guest is someone of higher rank than me.'
And he was correct.
Currently, there was a guest of higher status than Jin within the Black King Mountain Hideout. Therefore, Jin had to wait until that person's business was concluded.
'Who could it be?'
There weren't too many people who immediately came to mind. Jin didn't mind this peculiar encounter, as long as it was not a very uncomfortable encounter.
"Of course, I understand."
"Thank you, please follow me."
Following Latam, Jin arrived at the Black King Mountain Hideout, and it was close to midnight.
While it didn't exude an overwhelmingly powerful aura like the Ghost Castle, there was a unique energy in the rugged mountain range where the fortress was situated.
The visitors who came to the Black King Mountain Hideout were not guided or escorted. If you couldn't traverse the mountains on your own, you'd have to be carried by someone, appearing rather pitiful.
Traveling by dragon or airship was the only way to maintain dignity. However, there were only a handful of people in the world who could soar through the skies over the Black King Mountain Hideout.
Finally, when Jin saw the spectacular view of Black King Mountain Hideout, he couldn't help but be impressed. The deeply carved mountainsides gave the impression of giants having dug them out, and on top of these were massive and dark castles lined up. There also appear to be fortified walls.
It seemed as though they were prepared for the invasion of dragons. Rows of massive mana cannons pointed towards the sky, and various magical devices and traps writhed like serpents.
'The Garden of Swords looks quite simple when I see something like this.'
Jin thought to himself as he marveled at the formidable defenses of the Black King Mountain Hideout.
As they entered the central castle, a line of mercenaries standing in formation saluted. The news of Jin's visit had already spread throughout the mountain hideout before he even started climbing the mountain.
"Welcome, Sir Jin Runcandel! It's good to see you again."
Murka greeted Jin. As they made their way to the reception room, Jin occasionally looked for Zephyrin.
Just as Jin was curious, he heard Zephyrin's unique lively voice coming from in front of him. It was right in front of the Black King leader's reception room.
"I'm sorry, Second Captain!"
"Sorry? That's it? Do you know how much trouble you will be in when the 3rd captain finds out? Huh? What were you thinking, showing such disrespect in front of the leader's guests!"
"I didn't know!"
"No, and the leader didn't even call for you, so why did you come to greet the guest? Do you have any shame? Moreover, why on earth would you want to meet the 1st flagbearer of Runcandel...?"
"You will hit me in my head!"
"Oh, my head. Hey, can someone please get her out of my sight!"
Just like when he first saw her at the Sword Emperor Castle, Zephyrin was once again causing trouble and was visibly flustered.
"Oh... I... Haaah! I'm sorry, Sir Jin. I am showing such rudeness again."
"It's alright."
"What do you think you are doing, huh? Zephyrin! Come here right now!"
Zephyrin ran in a hurry and Jin could not help but smile.
Jin and Murakan couldn't take their eyes off the massive axe-sword strapped to her back, which seemed larger than her body.