~VWUUSH~
A portal opened within the KariBlanc Group's Official Building—a place separate from the usual Store.
It was much larger than the store, and with its large compound occupying a considerable amount of land.
Most importantly… it was on the surface.
The pristine white building did not belong in such a dreary place as the black market, so it's squeaky white walls and pristine compound radiated with beauty that could only be seen in the capital.
To the outside world, this was simply a Nobleman's property used for vacation once a year.
But in actuality, it served as the Warehouse of the KariBlanc Group within the capital.
It held items in stock, and it had a secret pathway that led to the Black Market.
Thanks to Lord Blanc's connection with a few Nobles, this was easily a thing he could accomplish.
This was also where Rebal Blanc's office was located; the same expanse where the glowing portal was opening up in.
"Hm…" He raised his head and saw the one who had visited him so abruptly.
It was none other than Ralyks.
His intimidating presence made the older man feel a weight resting upon his shoulders—a weight far heavier than what the current state of his empire made him feel.
He was a very cautious man, so he knew full well what these instincts of his told him.
The man in front of him was dangerous!
'I'm grateful to have him on my side, but…' There was no way to be at ease with him.
Not entirely.
Ralyks proceeded to sit on the chair right opposite where Rebal sat.
Only a pristine desk separated them
When Rebal wanted to rise to pay his proper respects and greet Ralyks, he was told not to bother.
"Don't worry. Everyone is safe, and the goods are all secure."
Ralyks had been given a special device that allowed communication between two parties—though it consumed more Mana the further away the communicators were.
The last time they spoke, he had been informed of the attack, and now that Ralyks was in front of him—all alone—Rebal had been worried for a moment.
"Yuri and the couriers are all back. I teleported them to the designated location before coming here."
Rebal nodded in appreciation, but he felt like this was only scratching the surface.
There had to be something more intricate about this visit.
"We need to talk, Rebal." Ralyks spoke, fully confirming the feelings of foreboding that had been clinging to his heart.
Rebal gulped and nodded slightly.
"Okay, Sir Ralyks. Please tell me what the matter is."
********
It only took a few minutes, but Ralyks was able to fully explain the situation to the Obsidian Councilor.
His eyes fell as he began to make heavy sighs.
"I feared this possibility, but I hoped it wouldn't be the case." He whispered, his voice radiating within his dark office.
It was still pretty dark outside, with most people sleeping in their homes.
For Rebal, though, he couldn't sleep.
Not while the very empire he struggled to build was crumbling before his very eyes.
"So, the Mercenary Gang has sided with Scylla and her New Order…" His tone was grave, and his voice slightly trembled.
With this, it was already clear that they were nearly at checkmate.
However, for some reason, the situation didn't seem as bleak as one would expect.
Why?
Because… Sir Ralyks was still with them.
"I mentioned this before, but I faced two of the Nine Heads. They're pretty strong, but they're nothing to fear if you have me."
Rebal Blanc still found it too good to be true, but after hearing about their descriptions from Ralyks, he had to admit it.
'He really eliminated two of them…'
For the second one, it wasn't an elimination, but more like "placing him out of the equation."
'Sir Ralyks is indeed very strong. I always knew it, but hearing it now…' Rebal was regarded as a powerful man himself.
However, even he had limits.
Without his Enchanted Items aiding him, he would be able to stand a chance against any of the Nine Heads, and even with his Items, he would only be able to stand against one or two.
He wasn't even sure he would come out scathed.
And yet…
'How strong are you, really?' He wondered as he stared at the masked face of the man before him.
"You said you left your subordinates to guard the Warehouse, right?"
"Yes. They're Monsters, so they won't be linked to the KariBlanc Group at all."
"That's a relief."
Rebal had already been informed about the strategy Ralyks used.
The whole illusion of a Dragon attacking the Warehouse to cause distress… It was brilliant.
'It's unfortunate that so many of our employees died, though. I'll have to compensate their families.'
This was no time to mourn, though.
There were a lot of things to be concerned about; especially with the revelation about the Mercenary Gang joining forces with the enemy.
"I suspect they'll make some kind of move on the other two Groups besides yours."
Rebal nodded at Ralyks' words. He also had that sneaking suspicion.
"Asher has already gone as a delegate to one of the Councilors. He stays considerably close to the capital—a couple of small cities away."
The plan was to gain the support of the Groups as soon as possible, so almost as soon as Ralyks took off, Asher also went for his own mission.
"It's possible that they could try something to them, so I think you should reach out to your son. Ask him about an update."
The man nodded and used his Communication Device—an item that resembled a runestone—to connect with the other pair with his son.
However…
"He's not responding.
… There was radio silence.
Rebal's face began to get moist with sweat.
"Has your son ever refused to respond your call under any important circumstances?" Ralyks asked, his tone growing deeper.
"No…"
Even when Asher had reasons to, he never ignored his father's call.
That meant only one thing.
"They've begun to make their move already." Ralyks instantly rose to his feet with that declaration.
"Asher is in trouble."