Chapter 60: The Ravane Squad
A week had passed since the death of Schmidt Aryuul, the "Inferno" Magus.
Shuu read the newspaper at home. The front page, stained by the commotion he had caused, would come to an end today. This was because a new scoop had come in.
"Another coup in the Kingdom of Kolbo..."
"Is it the Revolutionary Army Rebellion again?"
"Yes."
The article reported a coup in the Imperial territory of the Kingdom of Kolbo, with the former prince who had sided with the Revolutionary Army Rebellion now becoming the king.
Due to the death of General Schmidt Aryuul, who had been dealing with the Revolutionary Army, the military was thrown into disarray, leading to difficulties in achieving a quick resolution. This was the newspaper's claim, and it was likely true.
"Was this why they hired me?"
"I believe so."
"There might be other reasons, but this was likely a significant one. That's why the reward was so generous. If you're going to overturn a country, you can afford to spend money."
This time, Shuu had obtained enough money to live comfortably for at least a decade by simply killing Schmidt. His purpose in coming to the Subarokia Empire was also to attend the Black Cat Gathering, so he could spend his time until then without worries.
However, he intended to consider requests from his most important client, the Revolutionary Army Rebellion, as much as possible. He could never have enough money. Besides, gold coins were useful. Even if the Empire were to fall, gold coins could still be repurposed as gold. Paper currency, on the other hand, would become worthless as soon as a country collapsed.
Gold, on the other hand, would retain its value indefinitely, making it worth collecting.
"Shuu, what are you going to do for a while?"
"Well, I'll probably just wait and see. There won't be any requests for a while, and with the 'Inferno' gone, the Revolutionary Army Rebellion will have an easier time moving. If there's nothing else to do, I'll just enjoy myself. If my body gets dull, I might go hunting monsters once in a while."
"I agree!"
How long would the rest of the "Grim Reaper's" respite last?
It equaled a period of peace for the Imperial capital, Aldaal.
People were frightened, nobles were in awe, and Magi trembled.
The Emperor, faced with the enemy of the Empire known as the "Grim Reaper," had finally begun to take concrete measures.
...
Emperor Gias Sritalti Murjif Barat Noahs Subarokia.
That was the Emperor of the Subarokia Grand Empire.
A direct descendant of the Noahs Ducal family, he had become Emperor at a young age. He surrounded himself with capable subordinates and ruled as an absolute authority. However, the Emperor was only human after all. He was someone who could be killed with a single knife.
It was unthinkable to let an assassin capable of shaking the country roam free.
"You've come. Lute Ravane... no, 'Boundary' Lute."
"If you call, Your Majesty."
Adorned on his chest was a silver hawk emblem, signifying the position of a senior officer just below the rank of General.
It belonged to the Boundary Magus, Lute Ravane.
"You recently defeated a Catastrophe Ruin-class monster, right? Good work on your mission. If I recall..."
"I am True Nine Tails, the Celestial Fox of the Immortal Path."
"That's right. Normally, several S-rank Magi would be required to deal with such a situation. To accomplish it with you and your unit alone is quite an achievement."
A Catastrophe Ruin-class monster was an entity that couldn't be defeated by a military force. It required multiple S-rank Magi to subdue. Some Catastrophe Ruin-class entities even included "Kings." They were formidable opponents, even if you remained vigilant.
What Lute and his unit had defeated was the True Nine Tails, the Celestial Fox of the Immortal Path.
A fox-like monster with nine tails.
Incredibly cunning and intelligent, it was even capable of using magic.
"During the investigation, it was identified as the Calamity Disaster-class Heavenly Fox Elks... but it seems it evolved by the time you arrived?"
"Yes. I considered retreat, but I couldn't avoid battle. I'm truly embarrassed."
Originally, a Catastrophe Ruin-class monster could be defeated with a single S-rank Magus.
However, a momentary lapse allowed it to evolve, awakening the Catastrophe Ruin-class entity, the True Nine Tails, the Celestial Fox of the Immortal Path.
Lute and his squad had no choice but to engage in battle. Although they attempted to avoid it, they were too late, and Lute's forces ended up fighting the True Nine Tails, the Celestial Fox of the Immortal Path.
In the normal course of events, Lute should have perished.
But he survived beyond his limits.
Becoming a true S-rank Magus... an awakened Magus.
"For your achievements this time, Lute Ravane... I grant you this."
When Emperor Gias nodded, one of his attendants approached Lute, carrying a tray.
"It's the emblem of the Golden Lion. As of today, you shall be known as General Lute Ravane."
"I am deeply grateful for this honor."
Lute received the emblem of the Golden Lion.
Simultaneously, Emperor Gias handed him an official document.
"Now, having awakened and become a bearer of the Golden Lion, I appoint you, Lute Ravane... as the commander of the elite few against the 'Grim Reaper.' This unit will be known as the Ravane Squad. A special force composed exclusively of S-rank Magi. Thus, only you, the awakened Magus, can lead it."
Upon hearing this, Lute was astonished.
A special force designated to counter the assassin known as the "Grim Reaper," causing turmoil in the Empire. And not just any special force, but one composed solely of S-rank Magi. The notion was beyond surprising—it was almost like a joke.
However, this proclamation came from the Emperor.
It was undoubtedly true.
"The unit will consist of six members, including you, the squad leader."
"And what about the remaining five?"
"Of course, I shall tell you."
Emperor Gias continued to speak.
"『Magic Eye,' 'Infinity,' 'Anti-Mirror,' 'Sky,' and the newcomer who became an S-Rank, 'Flame Dragon.'"
"'Flame Dragon'? I haven't heard of it."
"He graduated from the academy and immediately achieved S-Rank status."
The four individuals, 'Magic Eye,' 'Infinity,' 'Anti-Mirror,' and 'Sky,' were already known to Luto. They were prominent S-Rank magical knights, so there was no way he wouldn't know them.
He heard that the 'Flame Dragon' became an S-Rank shortly after graduating from the academy for magical knights.
This was an astonishing achievement.
Normally, it wouldn't be strange for rumors to spread.
Luto tilted his head, wondering why he had never heard of it.
Seeing his expression, Emperor Gias responded to Luto.
"He stands out too much. That's why we deliberately promoted him in secret."
"Promotion from a candidate F-Rank to S-Rank. That's certainly attention-grabbing in a negative way."
"There are other factors that could lead to negative rumors, but... well, that's alright. He became S-Rank because his skill is genuine. We can't burden valuable forces with mental stress. That's why we took this action."
The Subarokia Empire prioritizes power.
They are cold towards the weak, but they provide exceptional treatment to the strong. Especially the S-Rank magical knights, who can be considered the ultimate combat force. They are assured a lifetime of support. Even after retiring due to weakened physical condition, the empire takes care of their post-retirement lives.
Naturally, they receive further privileges during their service.
The newcomer, 'Flame Dragon,' is also among those receiving these benefits.
"To defeat the world's greatest assassin. That's why we've gathered magical knights. I expect great things."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
On this day, a special unit was established within the Subarokia Empire.
The unit was created to eliminate the leader of the shadow organization Black Cat, known as the world's greatest assassin, 'Grim Reaper.' The unit was named the Raven Squad, dedicated to erasing this threat.
The squad leader is Luto Ravane.
He is an awakened magical knight of 'Absolute Space' who controls gravity.
◆◆◆
The imperial capital, Aldaal, is vast.
It houses various facilities, including a magic training ground for soldiers. However, the power of an S-Rank magical knight is a bit too much to be contained. Thus, an area outside the capital was designated as an exclusive training ground for S-Rank magical knights. While transportation is a hassle, there's no need to worry about compensating for any damage caused here, as nature automatically repairs it.
"I'm bored."
A girl in the training ground murmured.
Before her, an unusual scene unfolded. Petrified trees, not statues, but actual trees turned to stone by magical power.
Misla Cohen of the 'Magic Eye.'
One of the S-Rank magical knights.
Responding to her muttering was another S-Rank magical knight.
"I heard we're getting a new squad leader. It feels refreshing."
Those words came from another girl.
Her name is Elina Iskater, an S-Rank magical knight with the title 'Infinity.' Countless chains writhed around her, giving off an intimidating aura.
Creating never-ending chains and binding her enemies led to her being called 'Infinity.'
"A squad composed solely of S-Rank magical knights. That's unusual, isn't it?"
Cheerfully answering was Yuri Kruvus.
Another girl, radiating energy. She's also an S-Rank magical knight with the title 'Anti-Mirror.' She was perched on a large tree branch, her abilities shrouded in mystery.
"Everyone, weren't we supposed to be training? We're slacking off too much!"
A girl with wings on her back floated in the air. It's Sadina Loan, 'Sky.' She's also an S-Rank magical knight. She can freely fly through the sky, but her true talent lies in magic. She can unleash magic up to the eighth tier of all attributes by herself.
The rain of magical spells cascading from the sky is nothing short of a nightmare.
"Hey, speaking of which, where's he?"
That question came from Elina of 'Infinity.'
The answer came from Sadina of 'Sky,' who was watching from above.
"He was running outside the training ground just now."
"Hmm, quite stoic."
"Maybe Misla should try that kind of training too."
"No way, too much trouble."
Misla, known for her laziness, disliked physical activity. With her innate magical power and exceptional abilities, she had never faced a real challenge. Just her gaze could petrify enemies. That was the nature of her magic.
"Anyway, the one who's going to be our squad leader hasn't shown up yet."
Sadina of 'Sky' muttered.
In this way, five S-Rank magical knights gathered, summoned for the inaugural meeting of the newly established special unit. A unit composed solely of S-Rank magical knights is unprecedented in the empire's history. Not expecting great things would be odd.
They were excited to see who would become their squad leader.
This was something all four girls had in common.
Five S-Rank magical knights were assembled in the training ground. Present were 'Magic Eye,' 'Infinity,' 'Anti-Mirror,' and 'Sky.' The fifth, the magical knight of 'Flame Dragon,' was running outside the training ground.
"Well, if the squad leader is half-hearted, I'll knock some sense into them."
Elina of 'Infinity' declared as she manipulated her chains, showing her determination to challenge the unseen squad leader. The empire operates on the principle of power. To become a squad leader is to demonstrate strength.
If an S-Rank magical knight were to defeat their squad leader through force, it's possible for the leadership to change.
However, Elina's words were careless.
Because the one who heard those words was the prospective squad leader of this special unit.
Luto Ravane, the awakened magical knight.
"Oh? If you think you can, then go ahead and try."
A voice came seemingly from nowhere.
But by the time that voice was heard, it was already too late. Intense gravity enveloped the area, pinning everything to the ground. Misla of 'Magic Eye,' Elina of 'Infinity,' Yuri of 'Anti-Mirror,' and Sadina of 'Sky' were all flattened by gravity before they could even react.