Caron returned about three hours later, having been busy sifting through, collecting, and organizing the information before making his way back here.
During that time, I wasn’t merely idling away.
Sitting in the chair, I nodded off as I waited for Caron, whose arrival time was uncertain.
I could say that I performed a task just as arduous as Caron’s.
‘I hope I wasn’t caught.’
I’m an owner of slit eyes, often mistaken for being lost in thought as I sit cross-legged with my arms folded, a misconception many would pass by.
I’ve even used this during class, and explaining its effectiveness would be painfully tiresome.
“Keke, you took your time. I almost fell asleep waiting.”
“…Wipe the drool from your mouth before you speak.”
Ah, I hadn’t considered that.
Typical of the Empire’s rat, Caron. There was no room for complacency.
“Anyway, it did take a long time. Weren’t you already aware of this?”
“I knew the numbers of the dead and missing. But there were quite a few families who hadn’t reported missing members among those who had been inactive recently. It took some time to contact them and confirm.”
If what Caron said was true, then his speed was incredibly fast, not slow.
“What were the results?”
“…Seven more added. The previous missing were eight, and those who died suddenly were five.”
That made a total of twenty.
I don’t think ‘Red King’ Broken killed all those people.
‘There might be others tangled in different incidents or who actually disappeared.’
But the fact that twenty victims had emerged from the Empire was significant.
The Holy Kingdom, the other Kingdoms, the Duchies, etc. If it’s assumed that a similar number of victims appeared in other countries…
‘At least a hundred must have suffered.’
The number in the hundreds.
The weight of it was far from light, especially if those involved were higher than six stars.
“As much as I hate to admit it, we’ve been thoroughly outplayed.”
“What makes you so sure?”
“Four months ago, Gardener, a hero from the Selvis Kingdom, died under mysterious circumstances. At the time, it was thought to be a natural death…”
He was of an age, but he was too hearty to just fall over dead.
His always carried weapon had gone missing.
And parts of his flesh had turned black and rotted.
“Upon closer examination, there were more than a few suspicious points.”
“Why was it assumed to be a natural death at the time?”
“Because there were no signs of battle. Realistically, it’s impossible to fight a nine-star knight, who is a titled hero, and leave no trace of combat.”
That makes sense. A nine-star knight transcends human limitations.
If a fight had occurred, some trace would have been left.
Unless the opponent was ‘Broken.’
“It’s highly likely to be the work of the Last of the Four Heavenly Kings.”
“It’s safe to say that. No one can just kill a hero. The existence of a black mage capable of killing a hero… Hard to believe, but we must accept it.”
Caron’s face grew grave.
A black mage capable of instantly killing a hero?
It was almost as if everyone in the Empire could fall prey to his magic.
“Was he the only hero who died?”
“That’s correct. Although other nations might be hiding their heroes’ deaths… It’s unlikely.”
“Keke, this is the worst.”
“What do you mean?”
“A person capable of killing even heroes in one strike. And yet, there’s only one dead hero. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?”
“Could it be…”
Regrettably, that ‘could it be’ was correct. Nodding, I continued.
“He’s been killing those who wouldn’t be noticed first. So that no one catches on that something’s amiss.”
Yes, the Four Heavenly Kings have been moving stealthily yet effectively.
In the game, the existence of ‘Red King’ Broken is only realized in Chapter 4. By that time, the number of people he had killed had already exceeded 500.
These were all individuals of six-star capability or higher, all of whom had lost their lives to Broken.
From Chapter 4, once his identity was revealed, he began to assassinate heroes and others of similar skill.
As a result, the strength of the human alliance army, gathered to fight against the Legion Commander, was significantly diminished.
Thus, the continent was set on a path to ruin by the Legion Commander and the Four Heavenly Kings.
“So that’s it. If heroes continue to die one after the other, anyone would start to sense something off and begin to take measures. It’s not just about ability… He’s quite intelligent. Or is it confidence?”
Heroes and nine-star knights who are beyond the scope of ordinary humans.
The confidence that he could kill them at will, whenever he wanted.
This also highlighted the strategic brilliance of Broken.
“And if this assumption is correct… he’ll start to act more aggressively now that the existence of the Four Heavenly Kings has been made known to the continent.”
“…!”
Caron’s eyes widened.
Now that the continent was aware of the Four Heavenly Kings, killing six-star knights would be a loss.
It would be more advantageous to kill heroes and nine-star knights before countermeasures could be prepared.
“We should make it a practice to stick together for the time being.”
“Will that be enough?”
“It won’t be enough, but it will make things more difficult than usual. If we’re lucky, we might even discover some trace of his power.”
Whether Caron thought it was reasonable or because there was no immediate better strategy, he began to write a note right away.
One might think that it’s somewhat insufficient as a countermeasure.
But it isn’t. This is the ‘correct answer.’
‘Broken has been granted a power specialized in curses.’
Moreover, if there is only one enemy, all attack damage is increased fivefold.
It’s a staggeringly unfair trait. However.
This only applies when there is ‘one’ opponent.
If there are two enemies, the damage is not quintupled but reduced by 50%.
And if there are three or more, only 25% of the damage can be inflicted.
It means that Broken is strongest in one-on-one battles.
‘With the powers Broken currently has, he would be much weaker than what I know. If six-star knights stick together, he wouldn’t dare engage recklessly.’
Of course, even in such situations, he could still handle about a dozen six-star knights.
However.
‘That itself is a trap. Not only to measure his strength, but to pinpoint his location as well.’
Caron must have thought this through as well. That’s why he is moving so hurriedly.
“It would be good to alert other nations as well.”
“We have no obligation to do so. You know well enough that it’s an issue we can manage without others getting involved.”
Caron’s eyes gleamed menacingly.
If the Empire’s defenses are solid, Broken will target other nations, and the devastation they would suffer is predictable.
It’s natural for Caron, who is devoted to sacrificing his life for the Emperor, to think this way.
‘This is the critical point.’
In the final chapter, how many of the Legion Commanders and Four Heavenly Kings are alive? How many humans are left on the continent?
Depending on these numbers, the final boss’s specs and skills will change.
This is why I will spread the [Fleur Family Style] throughout the continent.
The more people who survive on the continent, the weaker the final boss will become.
‘Convincing Caron, who is devoted to the Emperor, won’t be easy.’
But it must be done. For the defeat of the final boss, which has been my goal for 18 years and has now become the purpose of my life.
“Keke, even if you rule the continent, if there is no life left on that land, what would be the point of unifying it?”
“…”
“People are the issue too. After the black mages have slaughtered everyone, having land but no people isn’t a victory at all. Instead, it would lead to numerous problems.”
“…Indeed.”
Caron responded and started writing a new note.
‘Huh? Is he satisfied with just this?’
I was on guard for a moment, but Caron was too busy writing a note to the rats.
It was a strange situation. I had expected a more challenging exchange.
‘Well, maybe my passionate argument got through to him.’
I decided to think positively. It’s better to look on the bright side.
After a while, as Caron tucked the note away, he murmured,
“By the way… it’s just as you predicted again.”
“Excuse me?”
“The Four Heavenly Kings. How do you manage to pinpoint them with such small clues? It’s quite remarkable. Don’t you think?”
I shifted my gaze to avoid his stare. Of course, with my slit eyes, he couldn’t see my eyes moving!
‘Did I rush things?’
Starting with Lucius Black, then Lizbeth and Volkan, I had revealed their existence.
But to have an inkling about the last one too.
It was natural for Caron to be suspicious.
‘I was too hasty. If Adonis dies at this point, the story would collapse completely.’
I scratched the back of my head and slightly bowed.
Pretending to be foolish sometimes is the best tactic.
“Keke, I just got lucky.”
“Luck is part of skill. You’re born under a lucky star.”
“Uh, keke… is, is that a compliment? Thank you.”
Caron chuckled. Enjoying the sight of me flustered. The man’s a psychopath.
I don’t know. I’ve always known him, but now I can’t fathom his intentions at all.
Why does the phrase ‘when people change, they die’ come to mind at times like this?
Of course, it’s Caron who has changed, but it would be me who ends up dead.
Caron is a maker of bad endings.
He approached slowly. Maybe he was planning to twist my neck.
It was time to use Luna’s Friend Shield, a secret technique reserved for Caron.
“This deal ends here. It’s time to give you your reward. Is there something specific you want?”
“A reward?”
“We’re business partners, aren’t we? The discovery of Volkan and the new Four Heavenly Kings was thanks to your information, so it’s only right I compensate you adequately.”
Only then did I snap back to reality.
As Caron said, we are in a business relationship. As long as I’m of use to him, he won’t harm me casually.
Of course, being dragged away and tortured is a separate issue.
‘A reward…’
I had something in mind already, but with the sixth quest, ‘Adonis’s Suspicion’, having just begun.
Proving to Adonis that I’m an ally had become the most urgent matter.
‘It’s a complex issue, but… using Caron can simplify it.’
Zero is just a strange kid, not a suspicious one.
Just saying that much should keep Adonis from trying to kill me.
Mentioning a ‘reward’ would force Caron to agree, a very simple solution.
However, there was one problem.
If I say, ‘Please clear up the misunderstanding that made Adonis go after my life!’, Caron would first ask, ‘Why?’
On the surface, Adonis is just a fifteen-year-old child sent from the Holy Kingdom.
Me, afraid of him?
Caron would find that strange and quickly deduce the truth.
‘Does Zero know that Adonis is actually Lord Douglas? A state secret known by fewer than ten people in the Empire?’
He’d drag me to the torture chamber immediately.
‘So, what I need to do now is…’
Make Caron realize through deduction that ‘Douglas = Adonis’.
That must be established first.
‘I’ll somehow tie even the smallest piece of information back to this.’
My life was on the line, so I had to do my best.
Clearing my throat, I began to speak.
“I want information about Lord Douglas as a reward.”
“I reject that.”
“Keke, considering the value of the information I’ve provided so far, I believe that should be possible.”
“You underestimate the value of classified information. Most of what you’ve given had to be verified in person, meaning my efforts were greater. Let’s see… yes, your share is about 2%.”
Such a scoundrel. Not even willing to share a tiny bit of information, such an ungrateful attitude.
There goes my liver, spleen, and love(?)—I’ve given everything!
This is why it doesn’t pay to be nice in this world.
‘I’ll become twisted.’
I’ll start by pulling Rezé’s bangs, kicking trash cans to earn demerits from Rodelin, and tormenting Luna…
“Ugh!”
I had to clutch my stomach. Imaginary Luna had kicked me there.
Hmm, on second thought, tormenting Luna seems impossible. That’s on hold.
Anyway, I’m going to become a delinquent student. I won’t give Caron any more information.
“Are you sulking? What a cheeky attitude.”
“What am I supposed to do? I’ve been milked for information without getting anything I want in return.”
“Well, if you really want to know, there is a way.”
Caron perched on the windowsill. At the same time, a system window popped up in front of me.
[Job Change Quest]
Change to the special job, ‘Caron’s Rat’.
Benefits: Acquire rat-exclusive skills.
Learn Caron’s secrets whenever specific conditions are met.
Receive desired information depending on Caron’s favorability rating.
Rejection Penalty: Favorability decreases by two levels, ???
[Will you change to ‘Caron’s Rat’?]
“Zero, become a rat.”
The Empire’s rat, Caron, extended his hand to me.
–TL Notes–
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