Chapter 64: Rainvald's Struggle
The resistance of the Revolutionary Army, Rebellion, grew intense, and the war against the Subarokia Grand Empire was escalating. However, even the mighty Grand Empire unleashed its full power by deploying a significant number of S-Rank Mage Knights.
The elite members of the Rayvan Squad, who were usually hunting formidable magical creatures, had joined the war, causing the tide to turn in favor of the Grand Empire.
"I underestimated the power of the Grand Empire," said Rainvald Kain Lichthart, the leader of the Revolutionary Army Rebellion, in a certain place. Once a small organization, Rebellion had now become a massive organization led by King Rainvald of the Eldorado Kingdom.
Rebellion had absorbed many nations around the Eldorado Kingdom and formed a coalition force.
They had gained enough strength to at least contend with the Grand Empire's forces.
However, when the Grand Empire fully committed itself, Rebellion was swiftly pushed back. S-Rank Mage Knights were already wreaking havoc on several battlefields, and several allied nations had fallen.
"What shall we do, King Rainvald?"
"Mage Knights who wield the power of darkness, summon flame dragons, create magic, turn things into stone... These are the units we confirmed in the war centered around the previous Toullheim Empire. Those units have already appeared on multiple battlefields, completely altering the course of the war."
"They've also spotted a Mage Knight who can control the weather."
"Yes, that would be 'Thunder Emperor' Ryuk Fermor. His summoned thunderbird can control thunderclouds. It's said he brought down lightning one after another, incinerating our soldiers in metal armor."
These were the kings of nations belonging to Rebellion, or perhaps prime ministers.
Thanks to Mage Knights capable of long-range communication magic, these rulers could convene meetings without being physically present in the same location. The leader of Rebellion, Rainvald, was currently troubled by the state of the ongoing war.
"We managed to eliminate 'Inferno,' but... the Grand Empire's Mage Knights are truly formidable."
The memory of requesting the "Grim Reaper," Shu ArcLight, to take care of "Inferno" Mage Knight Schmidt Alerioul was still fresh. Exploiting that chaos, Rebellion gained strength and managed to encroach upon the Grand Empire's territory.
However, their string of victories had made them forget that Rebellion had only managed to seize an opportunity, not to stand on equal footing.
"King Rainvald, what will you do? Will you rely on the 'Grim Reaper' again?"
"I believe it's worth considering."
"While repeated assassinations might not be effective, hiring the 'Grim Reaper' does come with a cost."
"I understand your point, but the cost of raising strong soldiers and the cost of hiring the 'Grim Reaper'... The latter might still be more cost-effective. It's like hiring mercenaries during wartime."
Wars don't happen frequently.
Even for nations, maintaining a standing army and preparing for war requires significant financial resources. Additionally, training soldiers from scratch can be quite taxing on the nation's treasury. In that case, it might be more cost-effective to hire mercenaries, who are specialists in combat. The same logic applied to hiring the 'Grim Reaper.'
"However, it seems endless to keep assassinating S-Rank Mage Knights."
A prime minister from a certain nation cautiously interjected.
There's a substantial difference in status between a king and a prime minister. While their positions were equal in this context, the prime minister's hesitation was understandable. Of course, the other kings were receptive without taking offense, and they paid attention to his words.
"That's a valid point. So, instead of assassination, how about hiring mercenaries to destroy their fortresses?"
"The Black Cat should have a high-ranking member called the 'Rampaging Dragon.' He's skilled in sabotage. What do you think?"
The Black Cat had eleven high-ranking members. Among them was the "Rampaging Dragon," known for causing destruction repeatedly and gaining notoriety worldwide.
If they approached the "Rampaging Dragon," he could annihilate the Grand Empire's forces.
There was no doubt about that.
Many kings agreed.
"I see. That might be a good idea."
"We should start by destroying the Elda Fortress..."
"That place was on the route used by the Grand Empire to transport provisions. Seizing that location could significantly weaken them."
"But that fortress is vital to the Grand Empire as well. I heard that an S-Rank Mage Knight is stationed there... Can 'Rampaging Dragon' defeat them?"
"Well, to begin with, the last rumor about 'Rampaging Dragon' was when he destroyed a cathedral in the Holy Grinia. Is it even possible to approach him and make the request?"
High-ranking members of the Black Cat were constantly on the move. While the "Grim Reaper" happened to be in the Grand Empire, the whereabouts of the other members were left to chance. Members like the "Rampaging Dragon" occasionally attracted rumors due to their high profile, but there were also those whose movements couldn't be tracked at all, like "Kaname."
"Near the Great Empire, rumors were heard about four individuals: 'Death God,' 'Black Iron,' 'Libra,' and 'Red Hare.' 'Libra' was a moneylender, and 'Red Hare' was a transporter, if I remember correctly. If we're talking about combat strength, it would be either the 'Death God' or the 'Black Iron.'"
"Moreover, 'Black Iron' specializes in guarding. When it comes to sabotage... the closest one would be the 'Death God,' I suppose."
"In the end, it's probably the 'Death God'..."
From Rainvald's perspective, it would be easier to approach the 'Death God.' They had actually met before, and the track record was solid. Also, it was revealed that the 'Death God' possessed the ability to freeze a wide area, based on the assassination methods.
This power was said to have derived from the fifth tier of water magic, known as 'Ice Pillar,' or from enchanted gear. However, knowing the truth wasn't necessary. If they could achieve extensive destruction, that would suffice.
"So, are we going to request an assassination involving simultaneous freezing by the 'Death God'?"
To bring the wavering meeting to a conclusion, Rainvald hurried. With even a king participating in this gathering, democratic decisions weren't easy. Ultimately, someone needed to take the lead. As the alliance leader, King Rainvald resorted to such means.
"Is the 'Death God' capable of a destruction operation? To ascertain this, let's request the destruction of Elda Fortress."
Recently, the 'Death God' hadn't been accepting requests readily.
Knowing that, Rainvald made a decision. Of course, he intended to show appropriate sincerity and rewards. Considering the necessary budget, Rainvald's head ached a little.
***
"Death God" Shuu, who was highly relied upon by the Revolutionary Army Rebellion, was relaxing in his self-purchased home in the imperial capital Aldaal.
He had worked part-time from morning until early afternoon, then returned home to enjoy tea time. This was the basic routine for Shuu and Iris. Now, it was their relaxing time together.
At that moment, a subordinate spirit emerged from Shuu's shadow.
"...An assignment from the Black Cat?"
The shadow spirit, a black serpent, climbed Shuu's body and reached his shoulder. It then spit out documents and a card from its mouth.
Setting aside the cup he was holding, Shuu began reading the documents.
"...Another request from the Revolutionary Army. Seems like they're in a tough spot."
"Are you going to decline again?"
"Yeah, I think I'll lay low for a while longer."
This time, the request wasn't for an assassination, but rather for sabotage. It seemed like they were completely mistaken about whom they should be asking. Currently, prioritizing staying inconspicuous was paramount, so accepting a request for sabotage made no sense.
However, Shuu noticed another card attached to the documents.
"What's this?"
He picked it up and ran his fingers over it.
There was a magical reaction, so it was likely a magical tool. He tried flowing magic into it, and the card started emitting a voice.
"Can you hear me, executive of the Black Cat with the moniker 'Death God'?"
Furrowing his brows at the serious voice, Shuu placed the card on the table.
"This is a recording device. It can't store a long message, though. Let's keep it brief."
"Sounds like a voice I've heard before."
"That's right."
The voice that emanated from the magical device seemed familiar to both Shuu and Iris. However, they couldn't recall where from.
As they pondered slightly, an answer came directly from the magical tool.
"I am Rainvald Kain Rihitāru. It's been a while."
"Rainvald, huh?"
Familiar.
That emotion surfaced. Memories of the days when he accepted assignments from the Revolutionary Army Rebellion in the Kingdom of Eldorado, assassinating nobles and royals, resurfaced. Moreover, the Revolutionary Army Rebellion still remained a significant client. Being a massive force, their payment was generous.
"Rainvald actually went to the trouble of sending a message, huh? Is he that desperate?"
"I want you to accept this request. I am convinced that your abilities go beyond assassination. The details are as stated in the documents."
No mistake about it.
If it were Shuu, who once destroyed the capital of a country, he could easily take down one or two fortresses. The Elda Fortress mentioned in the documents always has multiple S-rank magicians stationed there. However, long-range magical attacks would make that irrelevant. After all, magicians are just humans in the end.
"I know you're keeping a low profile. It seems a new squad specializing in the 'Grim Reaper' has been formed. But I have a favor to ask. I want you to stand out intentionally. If you do, the great empire will tremble. You're that exceptional of an assassin. And I shall grant an appropriate wish."
The reward is as desired.
An offer that's out of the ordinary. In other words, this is simply an expression of intention to respond, no matter how audacious the request. The reward can include not only money but also dangerous items or restricted information.
Truly extraordinary.
Very convenient. That's what Shuu thought.
"This card will self-destruct after regeneration is complete. Please contact me through the Black Cat with the desired reward. I await a favorable response."
Rainvald's communication cut off there, and the card shattered into pieces.
Since the scattered card fragments were a nuisance, Iris manipulated the wind to clean them up. Then she asked Shuu.
"You're wearing a pleased expression. Will you take the request?"
"Yeah, because there's a desired reward."
While answering, Shuu carefully read through the documents he skimmed earlier.
The main objective is the capture of the Elda Fortress.
This fortress is located along a major road owned by the great empire. This road is a military-exclusive route concealed from civilians. Along this route are multiple bases, and if an enemy approaches the fortress, reinforcements arrive from these bases.
Given that it's an essential road for transporting provisions, it's only natural for strict security measures to be in place.
This military road connects to several routes leading to various fronts, and once provisions pass through this fortress, they are sent to different battlefields. Of course, most reinforcements also advance through this road.
In other words, if the fortress is destroyed in a surprise attack, the revolutionary army "Rebellion" can anticipate a recovery of the fronts.
"If the reward balances out the trouble, I might take it. It's easy to destroy a fortress. Should I use 'Gluttonous Black Crystal Belze Material'... or freeze it with death magic?"
"I feel like using the 'Gluttonous Black Crystal Belze Material' might expose the relationship between the Dark King and the 'Grim Reaper'."
"That's a valid point. Even if it was used in a nation influenced by the Holy Grinia, the information might have reached the Subarokia Grand Empire. As Iris said."
For now, Shuu was cautious not to create the equation of the Dark King Arklight = 'Grim Reaper'. While it's fine for it to be revealed eventually, the plan is to keep it hidden for now.
If not using the 'Gluttonous Black Crystal Belze Material', then freezing it with the 'Cocytus of Hades' death magic seems reasonable. It's a two birds with one stone situation, as it also siphons off magical energy.
"What are you writing, Shuu-san?"
Seeing Shuu writing something on a small piece of paper, Iris asked.
Shuu responded without any hesitation.
"The requested reward. Of course, I'll demand an advance payment. It states that once confirmed, I'll carry out the request."
"A reward?"
"Seems you can ask for anything. I thought I'd try to push the limits."
"Did you write something absurd like a thousand gold coins?"
"No."
Shuu shook his head.
With the ongoing intense war between the Great Empire and the revolutionary army "Rebellion," sudden taxation was even implemented. No matter how much money you have, it's not enough. Given Shuu's usual demeanor, Iris thought he might have demanded an astonishing sum of money.
However, what Shuu desired was something even more than that.
"The reward is a tome containing wind-element forbidden spells."
"A forbidden spell!?"
"A magical technique called a 'forbidden spell' from the eleventh to fourteenth tiers. Each nation holds information about them as classified data. Some countries might possess information about only a portion of the forbidden spells... well, I suppose Eldorado Kingdom probably has knowledge of at least one wind forbidden spell."
In essence, it was a reward for Iris.
Even though Iris can already wield tactical-level magic on her own, Shuu aims to strengthen her further.
Iris's astonished face at the incredibly unconventional reward was as if seen right before Shuu's eyes.