Chapter 80: The Meeting of the Black Cats - Part 1
In a room filled with golden light, eleven men and women gather.
Each one of them is a high-ranking member of the underground organization, wielding the kind of influence that can shake the world.
On the round table, coins representing the leaders are lined up.
"Well, you've all gathered here. Welcome," says an ordinary-looking young man, the first to speak.
His face, physique, and demeanor are utterly ordinary. He lacks any distinctive features. You could say he has an air of insignificance.
In front of the young man are coins engraved with three cats. In other words, the unremarkable young man is the leader of the Black Cats, one of the organization's top members known as "Black Cat."
"I inherited the 'Black Cat' coin from the previous generation. I only know you through information. Would you be willing to introduce yourselves?" he continues.
Among the members who have changed before this meeting, there are a few others besides Shu.
Generally, the Black Cat organization revolves around its core members. Even if a member were to disappear, as long as someone inherits the coin, they become a new member of the leadership.
Just like the 'Death's Coin,' there are cases where coins are forcibly taken.
At such times, the Black Cats spare no effort to retrieve them.
"Well, then... let's start with the person on my right."
"Me?," a woman in a white coat responds sleepily.
In front of her is a coin engraved with branches, leaves, and fruits.
"I'm 'Young Branch.' I deal with pharmaceuticals. Lately, I've been working on improving magical drugs, but it's challenging to avoid causing addiction symptoms. I haven't been getting much sleep lately," she says.
There are dark circles under her eyes, so it's clear she hasn't been sleeping.
The magical drugs she's developing are banned as dangerous substances. They temporarily enhance magical power, allowing for the strengthening of magical equipment, or they can be used as doping agents for handling difficult magic.
Either way, they are not safe substances.
They are highly addictive and have negative effects on the brain.
"Magical drugs are a weak pursuit," says the large man next to 'Young Branch.'
He exudes a perpetually violent aura and has a condescending attitude toward 'Young Branch.'
"I am 'Rampaging Dragon.' If there's something you want to destroy, you can ask me," he declares.
The coin with a spewing dragon represents 'Rampaging Dragon.'
He takes on all sorts of acts of destruction, and there are often rumors of destruction incidents attributed to 'Rampaging Dragon.'
"Next up is me, 'Phantom Book.' I research magic. I'm currently stuck in my research, unable to obtain experimental subjects," says the elderly man with a staff by his side, wearing a suspicious grin.
The coin bearing a candlestick and books symbolizes 'Phantom Book.' It represents the wisdom of dedicating oneself to magic.
But to acquire such wisdom, ethical considerations are cast aside.
If necessary, even human experimentation is not out of the question.
"I'm 'White Serpent.' Pleased to meet you," says the man in white attire, similar to 'Young Branch.' He looks pale and has the appearance of a scholar. 'White Serpent' is responsible for magical tool research, including illegal items.
He studies prohibited techniques and dangerous technology.
As indicated by the serpent biting its tail on his coin, he possesses the kind of expertise that can turn against even himself.
Staring at 'White Serpent' next to him is a stern and serious-looking man.
"You make my life difficult with your unnecessary research. Illegal magical tools are often used for assassinations," he rebukes.
"I've told you before, 'Black Iron.' I'm just doing my job," 'White Serpent' responds.
The coin with a sword and shield represents 'Black Iron.'
He works as a bodyguard, not for important individuals, but for those in the shadows who are constantly targeted. For the bosses of underground organizations, having 'Black Iron' of the Black Cats as their guard is an absolute guarantee of safety.
Due to magical tools like the bombs and poison-spraying devices developed by 'White Serpent,' 'Black Iron' faces various challenges.
This is how conflicts sometimes arise among the Black Cats' leadership.
But that's all according to the will of the leaders.
"Next is me," Shu places a coin depicting a skull and a knife on the table.
"I'm 'Death's Reaper.' Nice to meet you. I've made quite a profit in the Imperial City," he says.
In the Imperial City of Aldar, 'Death's Reaper' is known for his assassinations. It's not public knowledge, but his assassination of General Schmidt Arilool of the 'Inferno' is a well-known fact.
Furthermore, a special task force has been formed just to eliminate 'Death's Reaper.'
The leaders are curious about the new assassin.
However, for now, they choose to remain silent during this introduction phase.
"I'm 'Hawkeye.' Some of you may remember me. Let's work together in the future," says 'Takame,' the information broker who has many connections with other leaders.
His power may be subtle, but it's quite significant.
The man with a cigarette in his mouth, with many scars on his face, looks intimidating due to his appearance.
"I'm 'Red Hare.' I came all the way to the Empire for this meeting. My exploits may not be well-known," he says, calmly.
He gives off a cool demeanor.
A man who has been through many battles.
'Red Hare' works as a courier and has ventured into dangerous places numerous times. The coins depict a rabbit and wheels, signifying his role.
Then, sitting opposite 'Red Hare,' there is another man of the same age, but he appears overweight and sloppy. He's bald, and several of his teeth have been replaced with gold. Although his clothes are clean, his appearance makes him seem unclean.
He speaks while shaking his belly.
"It's me! 'Libra,' and I'm still focused on making money. I've even opened a new gambling den!" he announces.
The coins with scales and stacked coins perfectly represent him.
'Libra' uses various underhanded methods. He's involved in high-interest loans, among other things. He doesn't shy away from even more sinister methods.
Despite 'Libra's' disapproval, 'Ashen Mouse' seems to be the only member of the Black Cats who openly dislikes him.
"I'm 'Ashen Mouse.' I'll steal what you ask, but I won't work with someone like him. He should just die," she remarks, sarcastically.
Her words are sharp.
What 'Ashen Mouse' dislikes is not 'Libra's' line of work but simply the fact that she can't stand him on a personal level.
However, 'Libra' doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all.
"Now then!"
With a clap of their hands, they gathered attention.
Leader Kuro Neko stood up after the introduction of the executives had concluded.
"Let's begin our Kuro Neko meeting! The only topic for this time... is the Empire."
As expected, Shu thought.
Kuro Neko was an underground organization, and for their operations, they needed a certain level of society. Capitalist nations like the Grand Empire made their activities easier. Conversely, in controlled societies like the Holy Grinia, they would find it difficult to operate.
They had operated under the influence of the Holy Grinia until now.
But now, the Grand Empire of Subarokia was being dismantled by the Revolutionary Army Rebellion.
What would Kuro Neko do?
Would they assist the Grand Empire?
Or would they destroy it and establish their foundation before the Holy Grinia solidified its rule?
"Kuro Neko allows its executives some discretion in their activities. However, on this matter, we would like to hear the opinions of the executives."
"Kuro Neko, do you want to hear our thoughts?"
"Yes, Grand Bookstore's old man."
"In that case, I think it's better for the Grand Empire to survive. Magical research is easier in this country. The Holy Grinia monopolizes magical research."
For the Grand Bookstore, freedom to research was preferable. In other words, the Grand Empire was a more convenient country for them.
The same could be said for White Snake and Young Branch.
"As researchers, I feel the same way."
"Me too. The Holy Grinia has strict regulations."
And in terms of ease of operation, Libra felt the same.
While shaking his fat body with dissatisfaction, he continued.
"I feel the same way. That foolish country prohibits gambling and has low-interest rates. I can't even work as a moneylender."
In both the Holy Grinia and the Grand Empire of Subarokia, there were executives who didn't have much at stake.
Death, Hawk Eye, Ash Mouse, Red Rabbit, Rampaging Dragon, and Black Iron.
Death and Hawk Eye, who were in agreement on destroying the Grand Empire, secretly conspired against the anti-destruction faction within the Grand Empire.
"I plan to destroy the Grand Empire."
"I plan to do the same."
When Death and Hawk Eye expressed their intention to destroy the Grand Empire, Rampaging Dragon agreed.
"That's interesting. Looks like we're heading for war."
If the Grand Empire of Subarokia was the ruler of the west, the Holy Grinia was the administrator of the east.
When two incompatible nations clash, it will be a war that shakes the continent.
Rampaging Dragon, who enjoyed destruction, had been eagerly anticipating a war.
However, it was the worst-case scenario for Libra.
"Hmph. War doesn't bring in money. I'm absolutely against it!"
It was an opportunity for wartime profits. However, Libra made money through gambling and usury. Dealing in military goods required expertise. Unfortunately, Libra lacked that expertise.
His specialty was getting people to reveal their weaknesses and hand over what he wanted.
He wasn't good at legitimate business.
On the other hand, Hawk Eye was ruthless.
"It's futile. The war has already begun. I leaked some information. The Grand Empire of Subarokia believes that the Holy Grinia is serious about attacking. They are even deploying Awakened Magitek Knights."
"What did you say!?"
"In addition, it seems that the Grand Empire of Subarokia believes that the Holy Grinia is expecting them to deploy Awakened Magitek Knights. By leaking that information, they will actually send Awakened Magitek Knights into the war."
"What... What have you done!"
Libra's face turned bright red as he revealed his frustration.
For him, the war between the Grand Empire of Subarokia and the Holy Grinia was a matter of life and death.
But in this space where the executives gathered, there was an intense aura of hostility.
It was not as simple as having a knife at one's throat. It was a quiet and viscous aura that seemed to melt one's entire body.
The source of this aura was Shu Arklight, the Death.
"Stay silent. Do you want to be killed?"
Dark magic exuded from Shu's surroundings.
It was a death magic that could kill even concepts.
With perfect control, it remained around Shu without killing those nearby. It was a death magic that could kill anything, and it exuded an aura of fear akin to the primal fear of death that all living creatures harbored.
"I hope you understand. Hawk Eye's little game... has sealed the fate of war between the Grand Empire and the Magitek Church. Instead of complaining uselessly, think about how to infiltrate the Holy Grinia."
"Guh..."
To a non-combatant like Libra, Shu's hostility was overwhelming.
Contrary to a moment ago, he was now pale and frightened.
On the other hand, Leader Kuro Neko remained calm.
"As expected of the Death... to exude such an aura of death so calmly."
And the one immersed in battle, Rampaging Dragon, was excited.
"Good aura... it's like my blade is being honed."
It felt like he could pounce at any moment.
Of course, Rampaging Dragon, who knew the situation, restrained himself. He wasn't a fool who started fights anywhere. If he received a request, he would bring destruction. He was a man who brought calamity, Rampaging Dragon.
"It seems that war is inevitable... in that case, Kuro Neko has no choice but to be prepared."
The ordinary young man muttered.
Kuro Neko seemed intriguing.