Esis carefully took out a small, pale blue crystal shard from his pocket. It was something the employer had given them during their first mission, to be used for contacting him in case of emergencies.
They had never used it before—not just because nothing major had happened, but mostly because, the moment Esis saw the shard, he almost lost control and blurted out an estimate of its value to Hilika. Consequently, Hilika decided that they should avoid using it at all costs.
However, "at all costs" often has its limits, and the current situation was one of those exceptions.
Staring at the small crystal shard, Esis sighed, his tone filled with the pain of a parent offering their child as a sacrifice. "If we could sell this to Celeste or the Tooth Tower in the East, it would be worth at least two thousand gold coins—even just as magical material. This is a Star Fragment…"
The Star Stone was one of the most mystical, rare, and valuable magical materials of all. Like the Magic Jade, it was only found in the Saundfest Mountains. But unlike the Magic Jade—known as the "Source of Magic"—it couldn't resonate with any type of magic or store magical power. Its only function was to produce a magical ripple that no other material could replicate, capable of piercing through space itself.
The era in which the Star Stone was discovered is lost to history, likely as ancient as the origins of magical culture. Its miraculous magical ripples had once captivated countless mages, who devoted their lives to studying it. Yet even after countless years and the efforts of untold brilliant minds, the continent had never seen a single spatial mage. One grand mage had once lamented that the time and energy spent by countless geniuses on Star Stones could have advanced magical culture by another two centuries.
Still, their efforts were not entirely in vain. Although the essence of these magical ripples could not be deciphered—nor could they be converted into the flexible, versatile spells of other schools of magic—trial and error led to the development of practical tools like teleportation arrays and teleportation scrolls, albeit with only a rudimentary understanding of how they worked.
All spatial magic relied on Star Stones to function. The most complete form of a Star Stone was known as the "Star Eye," an exceedingly rare object and the core of teleportation magic. Over centuries, fewer than ten teleportation arrays had been established across the continent, primarily due to the lack of Star Eyes. Fragments of Star Eyes, known as Star Fragments, could be used to create temporary, one-time-use teleportation arrays. Even the smallest speck of Star Dust was an essential material for crafting teleportation scrolls.
Other than intact Star Eyes, any fragments used would be rendered useless after a single use—Esis's shard was no exception. However, this fragment was highly unusual; its surface bore hair-thin, intricate patterns forming a magic array across the palm-sized shard. The craftsmanship alone, so delicate it bordered on artistry, was a testament to its immense value.
"Stop dragging your feet and get on with it," Hilika said sternly.
Esis nodded, his face twisted in sorrow, as he slowly infused his magical energy into the shard. A blue magical glow began to shine in his hand—the distinct light of teleportation magic, though smaller and purer than usual.
Using a Star Fragment in this manner, no matter how intricately crafted, couldn't enable true teleportation magic. However, it could produce a similar effect. Unlike the instantaneous flash of a teleportation scroll, the magical glow remained in Esis's hand, gradually coalescing. Before long, a figure began to appear faintly within the glow. A voice, old yet brimming with vigor, spoke: "What's the matter, mercenaries?"
"Honorable sir," Esis said with a reverent expression and tone, akin to one praying at a magical academy years ago. "We've encountered a minor mishap and discovered someone who may be of great interest to you…"
Not long after, in a concealed spot near the thieves' hideout, a man called Saundfest also took out an identical Star Fragment. Infusing it with magic, a blue light emerged, forming a figure within.
"There's been a change of plans—a holy knight has shown up midway," the man said to the figure of light. "I've decided to adjust the plan and…"
"I already know," the figure sighed, cutting him off. "Those mercenaries contacted me earlier, and I can guess what you're trying to do."
The man froze. "What did they tell you?"
"They revealed your identity. They told me you're a fake necromancer and asked me to come and capture you."
"I didn't expect those mercenaries to have sharp minds. I thought I could keep them in the dark a bit longer," the man said with a faintly surprised smirk, his expression as insincere as ever. "What did you tell them?"
"Naturally, I told them to keep quiet," the figure in the light replied. "I instructed them to use you in Turaleone to get things done, and I assured them I'd deal with you afterward. The reward I promised them is more than enough to make them willing to do anything, haha." The laughter from the shadow sounded delighted, even with a youthful undertone. "Since it's an empty promise, there's no harm in making it extravagant."
"Let's just hope your acting skills hold up," the man replied with a grin. "You said you figured out my plan?"
"You're trying to drag the Church into Turaleone, aren't you?"
"Partially right. My target isn't the Church, but the Necromancer Guild," the man said, his voice calm. "I've already ensured that word of my presence in Turaleone has reached the temple knight. Originally, I was considering how to discreetly let her go, but now, with this unexpected helper, it's saved me quite a bit of time. Once that knight reports back…" He chuckled. "Before the people in Celeste catch on, the Necromancer Guild will have already figured out who I am. They'll rush to Turaleone immediately. And if we can draw Dehya Valley's attention to the World Tree Leaf in Turaleone, the elves will beg for your help without us even asking. Then, Orford can name its price."
"Hmm… To be honest, I've never been confident these thieves could apply enough pressure on the elves," the shadow mused, sounding worried. "I've also considered drawing the Necromancer Guild's attention, but I was hesitant because it's risky. There are too many variables. I haven't taken that step because I couldn't predict Dehya Valley's or Celeste's moves with certainty. What if their reactions surprise you? Are you sure Dehya Valley will act before the Church?"
The man gave a faint smile. "Don't worry. I dropped Sandru's name. The Church's priests and bishops might not understand the significance, but the necromancers will know instantly who I am. They won't want me falling into the Church's hands, so they'll act before the Church does. I trust they'll find a way to keep the Church out of this."
"It's still a big risk…" the shadow said slowly, his tone turning grave. "Never underestimate them. No one has the right to underestimate them."
"I never have and never will," the man replied. "But I know how they think. With the World Tree Leaf added as bait, they won't be able to ignore it."
"I understand that, but it doesn't ease my concerns," the shadow admitted, his voice hesitant. "Dealing with them requires absolute caution…"
The man shook his head slightly and sighed. "Who can truly control all variables? A little risk is unavoidable. After all, we're running out of time. If we can divert the attention of the Church and the Necromancer Guild here, it will benefit Orford's situation greatly."
"True. Time is running out. Perhaps it's worth the gamble," the shadow said with a sigh. "Notify us at the right moment. Grutt and I will come immediately. With the three of us, we should be able to handle a few necromancers."
"It'd be nice if we could take a few out while we're at it, haha," the man chuckled.
"Don't get too optimistic. Just achieving the goal will be blessing enough," the shadow said with another sigh. "I've just received news. It seems the Church is preparing to send people to the Empire of Einfast, likely signaling a full adversarial stance against Orford. They probably also want to fill the power vacuum left by Ronis's death."
"The Empire of Einfast?" The man frowned. "That… shouldn't be an issue, right?"
"There's the peace treaty holding things back, but I'm still uneasy. If the Necromancer Guild truly intends to manipulate events, a piece of paper won't stop them. Let's just hope Dehya Valley gets your message in time and shifts its attention here," the shadow said, his tone heavy.
"I trust my message has already spread across Celeste," the man nodded, then hesitated. "If things go well here, I was thinking… of returning to the magic academy for a visit. Would that be allowed?"
"You don't need to ask," the shadow said with a chuckle. "I have a mission for you in Einfast, so you can visit your family while you're there. Just don't let personal matters interfere with official duties, my shadow leader of Orford's team."
The man made a peculiar expression. "Of course not. I was just concerned and wanted to check in. And don't call me a leader—it's just me, isn't it?"
"I've set up a team for you," the shadow replied, amused. "It's just that orcs don't blend well into human society. You'd better find some human companions—those who, like you, work in the shadows and have decent skills. That's exactly the kind of talent Orford needs most right now."
"I've gotten used to working alone," the man said with a faint curl of his lip, his tone indifferent.
"This isn't about what you're used to. It's about necessity. Having a team at your disposal will make things much easier—and allow you to accomplish more," the shadow countered. After a pause, he added, "You'll have plenty to handle in the future, especially when you return to Einfast..."
The man frowned, thinking for a moment before finally nodding. "You might be right. I do have some potential recruits on hand... I'll think about it." He suddenly froze, letting out a soft sigh. "First, consider if it's necessary... Why do I feel like I'm becoming someone I don't even like anymore?"
The faint glow from the shard of starlight in his hand began to flicker, its magical energy running dry.
"Unlikable people tend to live longer. Or perhaps, people who live long enough inevitably become more unlikable, hahaha," the shadow said as its figure began to fade, leaving behind one last sentence.
With a sharp crack, the shard's light extinguished entirely, crumbling into tiny fragments of ordinary crystal. The man shrugged helplessly, tossing aside the remnants as he turned to leave. He scratched his head as he walked, muttering under his breath, "Unlikable... Unlikable..."
When he returned to the thieves' hideout, two grinning thieves greeted him enthusiastically.
"Mr. Saunders, the boss has prepared the best room for you. Please enjoy a good rest," one of them said.
The man nodded dismissively, following them to a more secluded part of the manor. The other thieves, evidently under orders, stayed well away from the area to give their honored guest some peace.
The room, while a little dim, was surprisingly clean—unexpectedly so for a thieves' den. Apparently, some among them had a knack for housekeeping. After shutting the doors and windows, the man sat on the edge of the bed and sighed.
Then, in a cold tone that could freeze the air, he said, "Do you want to wait until they think you stabbed me in a sneak attack, or would you rather come out on your own?"
"Why not make it the third option—you pick me up and carry me out?" came a husky yet sickeningly sweet voice. "Aren't you a man? Can't you tell I'm a woman? Haven't you noticed we're alone here, just the two of us, one man and one woman? Can't you imagine what I want to do?"
"I'm not so naive as to grab a woman just because she's here, no matter what she intends to do," the man replied, not even bothering to lift his head. His voice was cold as ice water. "This is your last chance. Come out on your own."
From the shadows behind the door, a figure emerged with feline grace and the presence of a prowling leopard—a female leopard.
"What's so bad about being naive?" The woman had jet-black hair cascading down her back, large dark eyes that seemed to sparkle like obsidian, and dusky skin that blended beauty with untamed wildness. Her black tight-fitting outfit clung to a body that was both lithe and strong, exuding raw allure.
Her voice, a stark contrast to the man's icy tone, was sultry and burning hot. "You've said it yourself before—everyone starts off naive..."