Chapter 37: A Life as Insignificant as a Fly
WD0LsF2The magical investigator, Yuren, turned his gaze toward Perda. There was suspicion in his eyes.LZ6o
yWQMX1“Excuse me, Regent, but could you tell me where you obtained this?”jNQC9g
Z1EJDZPerda replied.mq9Ld
bJJXm“It was found in Count Consilus’s territory. It seems a foreigner hid his identity until the end and ended up being captured by the guards.”eNnbR
oPY6tx“That heretic…”z3coFmh
4QcXHa“He bit his tongue and died before we could even interrogate him. Just in case there was any spell that would activate after death, we executed him directly by cremation.”UZ5EVb
UjhVNOtBurning the unidentified corpse was precisely for that reason.rqFJr
Lx3NB“Well done. Those filthy black mages do not die cleanly even after death.”DOy1
ebYThe investigator clicked his tongue.ZNFyfu
kLiCFIt was a sign of frustration at not being able to further investigate the demon followers.OtwkQ
lPPBZaMHowever, the answer had been perfect, so there was nothing to criticize.DThjP
QdEHm7f“But even so, for there to be someone capable of handling a demonic language of this level… it seems there is someone more dangerous than we thought within the Empire.”QObG
EJxKDpV“Is it something serious?”xEKUg6
RKUKgOlivia asked, and Yuren nodded.q4bK8d
CLrcZ“Yes. From the level of understanding of the characters, it is undoubtedly a black mage who has reached at least the 5th circle.”GWUL
P7txRHL“And what level is that?”WUCAZ
9nD“I am a 5th circle master mage, but a 5th circle black mage can practically be considered a 6th circle archmage. He can draw mana from hell and use it as his own.”VBr38g
RpORv“6th circle? Then… a level comparable to the supreme archmage…?”uu4SYAd
4vWIndeed, most black mages who had made a name for themselves on the continent, both in the past and present, were of the 5th circle.EZb
74ZmmHZThat was because, by paying a great price, they obtained power that surpassed the 6th circle.YtiY3B
JXCjlu‘Like the shadow grimoire I am going to obtain.’BFin
wl4vNIn case it revealed his true intentions, Perda quickly pushed that thought aside.uRUKKh8
MTm“If we do not act quickly, the Empire will fall into great chaos.”c4cgqA
ukF“That cannot be…!”oQR
QyHxgZOlivia bit her lower lip, horrified.hSqZNOQ
wy1c“A black mage of that level… it should be difficult even for him to enter the Empire. How is it possible that he is inside the capital?”O3kbtR
uFO5143“That… I do not know. No matter how good the surveillance system is, it is not perfect…”jDWS
yAmY7The investigator also shook his head repeatedly, confused.9ZY06rv
tvGXB“Even so, if it is a follower capable of using a language of this level, he should have been detected long ago…”UjNm
0IC1GThe Empire’s surveillance always prioritizes eliminating the greatest threats.dfOs
WybIt may overlook minor things, but if a 5th circle black mage had entered, an emergency alarm would undoubtedly have sounded.pYJv
IHcuY9He could not find an explanation.NUXsu
dOMIt was logical.wVG0
IioCRgd‘A mage of that level should not be in the imperial capital.’WwRk
qhTiA follower capable of using such a demonic language would normally choose to hide in a village, not in the capital.DcL0
I1z4IAnd the origin of that demonic language written on the paper?xSA
iS5kONone other than Morida.LuPU0
Mz2Within her mind was the Universal Library, and among its contents there was even a demonic language dictionary.lcIlX15
q8rwGGShe simply translated and wrote according to what Perda ordered.f2S
B5wlv6‘Even if it is a fabricated test…’VonKlRP
bcYHiBSThe demonic language is real, and its content is also real.cN6Q75
kIZjzLBlack mages really were hiding in the sewers.J1Bp
XahfAnd it was also true that they were preparing an attack in the Empire.fdBaze
C4rs***MSd
VBIyThe Empire’s underground sewers are vast.O8dz
aN2sThe founding emperor, worthy of being called a great man, placed special emphasis on creating an appearance befitting his greatness, and one of those places was precisely the underground system.F4E
N35The underground was even more complex than the surface of the city.M9IAP2j
F6WXbHowever, constructions do not always turn out as planned.FIhNhy
lUY45‘For example, underground reservoirs to prevent flooding.’4vx0P
Z2ZUBut since they required a lot of money and the climate did not favor flooding, the works were halted.Mbih
nUbIn those cases, instead of filling in the excavated land, they would usually build walls and leave them abandoned.OJha
MwF2YG5There were many such spaces within the Empire’s sewers.gr8y2rL
GtLGVAnd Perda knew one of them.3kajG
bjs3pTmA place that had slowly been forgotten in the Empire’s maps.ywX
ytBTAnd which, having been cast into the shadows, the rats found as a new refuge.rEFlMD
Q1sge‘A meeting point for rebels planning to attack the capital.’Ypy1
Udq13rAttacking exposed targets was common, but entering the sewers directly like today was rare.mHdlK4
TTJQ6There, the knights and the magic unit surrounded the area and prepared for an assault.f68
2COZlEverything had to be resolved quickly.PZWBfS3
rfGtA mistake could cause casualties, and at that moment, the battle would turn into chaos for the black mages.6fRH
82xThe magic unit prepared silence spells and concentration interference, while the knights moved to eliminate the weakened mages.YjC
QwNiVzThe advance team, which moved along touching the wall, suddenly stopped and pointed at a spot.7OD
rsCKW“Here. Behind this wall there is a space we can enter through.”hvl1dLy
OHfWdLo“Good, fall back. Howard.”uoEYD5
vGljE“Yes!”EkE8
BX5xCKA massive knight with a war hammer stepped in front of the wall.ngf
Ch6K1Even through his plate armor and chainmail, his bulging muscles were visible.9HE
L7bC1He raised the hammer and swung it forcefully.ANSg8hT
oGRp“Hup!”VzM81
i8dq8ZUBoom!kGK8
uNiSWith a single strike, the wall collapsed.3CIyBj
uWx3b“Kyaaak!”G0Ql
dpAfN2H“W-what is this?”sXaXFa
L8dW“What’s happening? What’s going on?”866hk
p847The confused voices from inside mixed into chaos.zahu
D0h0ifAnd more chaos had to be added to that chaos.QmZqs
ele“In the name of the light!”jq0YfM
jwu“In the name of His Majesty the Emperor!”mEw8ob
7nk“Long live the Emperor!”WOMo
YaiIW7“Oh light!”iZ8g7L
4Vb23CQWith the shouts of the knights, they burst inside.7KT683
ifoKJWhat followed were screams.D1T1CX
B9IGJmz“Aaaagh!”LZ5F
uOj7SYa“Kyaaaah!”MTGhLUC
dY2Screams without distinction of gender.JLpnvP
EcCtfBoom! Boom! Boom!IaWc
lUgWThen, explosions.DjAw
i6K5R0UThe sound of metal clashing and something tearing filled the place.j9h
O3yPerda observed everything from outside, waiting.UVSkCNM
ci1kXIOnly chaotic sounds could be heard, but he did not need to see to know who had won.2RXAxkv
7572The commander of the assault group came out first and reported to the magical investigator Yuren and the captain of knights.wvdha0
4Nn“Sir! No casualties in the knight order! We eliminated 45 who resisted and captured 12.”5ilLg
kWXKHzu“And those who escaped?”V18xI
l10p“One! From his position on the platform, he appears to be the leader.”t1b2E
OXzm“Idiots! How could you let the most important one escape? The enemy could be a 5th circle mage!”D7pAF9
qNwalDV“We are sorry! But he was unable to take his belongings, so he will not be able to escape for long.”DbDxy
5zHHpgJ“Blah, whatever. What objects did he have?”GlNj
olyl3z“They are inside.”RiHzr5Z
my3There were one or two greedy knights, but even so no one recklessly touched the belongings of a black mage.O0F
qG9GAjpNo matter how valuable they were, if they were cursed, they would lose their minds.oGI
UqlzNP“I see? Then it is fine.”voFt
xaSly6LThe magical investigator smiled in relief.j1rKz4
SlDY“How good.”LvjDw
NmMPerda, who had been observing everything, stood up from his place.mecOd8U
lvk“May I enter as well?”q73
RWIM“Of course. This way, please.”xg56z
1KoAfter all, he was the regent and the one who had given the warning, so he deserved proper treatment. Yuren opened the way, and Perda entered first.AjWQla
HFPThe scene of the knights’ massacre was there, exactly as it was.N9GyQ1j
9pKbPerda observed one by one.O4LyD
Ote‘There are black mages, but most are simply poor.’nht
apPTents made from worn-out cloth, deformed pots and spoons.pCVK
56tPeople who, unable to eat even a proper meal, had joined the black mages.bUJj0k
ra0waBecause at least they were given food.BXrdl
qS24lc‘Although there is also a reason for that.’kWJv
B7bfThere is no soul more valuable than that of someone who finds hope in the abyss of despair.rN6
azGAll of them were destined to become sacrifices.RCtEWWQ
VidjPerda walked over the corpses toward the leader’s room.yNCdQI
G86l9OAs befitted the leader of that underground depot, it was relatively well arranged, and there were several magical items.mkj
4t0“There is a forbidden book here.”CI4K
yd6Yuren said upon seeing the book on the desk.3Zr
WmUuCdThe cover, made of human skin, looked as if someone were trapped inside the book, screaming.KrqR6
woMKPerda recognized it instantly.9HKZ
zrBozh‘Gamigin’s necromancy.’5FJ
zvz4Gamigin, the demon of immortality and legions.O7X
WsQZ9It was an object used by necromancers created through his magic.LDHP8g
Pkv1mSOIn fact, the leader who possessed that book would reach the 5th circle and launch a rebellion in the Empire.IvZd
6bnB3‘But it would fail.’pugC
Tg3y0Perda recalled what they did.PRZh
rf4DWhen they began the rebellion, they accumulated corpses in the sewers and made them explode, causing chaos.dwuTHb
U5fIMany people died, and with those dead they formed an army of the undead that ravaged the city.MkS
ZA8It was a resource that could have caused the collapse of the Empire, but Perda did not like it.tThy
RAhW‘Above all, they are useless.’aCxWMrd
EZMCreating corpses through explosions was fine, but their strategy was too naive.cDx
FwJFirst, they greatly underestimated the strength of the knights.vFDgdo1
OANSecond, they attacked the civilian population.4qlTuW
xcJMV7pThat did not create chaos, but instead strengthened unity and hatred toward the demon followers.nF523O
k84hxHeIn other words, the blow they struck to break cohesion only reinforced it.Th8Ow9M
rmBZfEz‘So it is better that they do not exist.’Rkdz
VEdGfRUIf they cannot weaken the Empire, they are of no use.TWo6x2m
7eIYAuaThat is why it was better to eliminate the problem at its root.hwKdjn
6WT5YR“Sir! What should we do with the captured demon followers?”nGBe
UCnyDRThey were all hungry and demoralized. They looked at Yuren with pleading eyes.jpDABe
wOuBut Yuren observed them with contempt.88rS6HI
WYxV7“Take the rest away. They must be transferred to the imperial dungeon as if they were sacred relics. The fate of those who reject the light of the Emperor and fall into black magic must be clearly shown.”YJZOpCd
IraOug“Yes, sir!”fuIIg
SIq2zA merciless judgment.bCU
lJw8r1The poor, terrified, began to beg desperately.NXSAr
XiWG“W-we are not loyal to demons! We were just hungry!”rBn7K7
UNX8cK“Please, give us a chance! In the name of the light, have mercy!”BbI
aeUHyj“Silence! How dare you invoke the name of the light while being heretics?!”yYB9S
WzqJdUyThe one who spoke was struck.JNqt
mGT5kW“At least save my child! I beg you, sir!”4mZlfM
tiRdA woman holding a baby in her arms pleaded.c8FQb
r8qFjpqYuren knew.CTfte
ytglRaaHe knew they were not true demon followers.6g1n9Wd
vexG3That they had only made that decision out of hunger.NMV
ZNnwgF“What are you waiting for? Get them out of here!”SjXpp
xWW8BBut there were too many citizens of the Empire, and there were more reasons to kill them than to let them live.u3IjmZ
snYXx‘Insignificant lives, like flies.’4kfKJgK
qc8If they were discovered, they would die at the hands of the knights. And if they stayed there, they would end up dead by the black mages.KPg
oyIyTrapped by forces beyond them, Perda could do nothing for them.yOC5j
JHEyF8uThe magical investigator smiled as if nothing mattered.4uwRXf
b8g8TJdIn his hand he held the necromancy grimoire.Ypy1L
9b1JNormally, black magic books are wrapped in golden silk for transport.HaBNmS
7JqRX2But Yuren did not do that.zln44h
XSHOn the contrary, he caressed the human skin of the cover, enjoying its texture.7TOf
YlOwrNThen, noticing Perda’s gaze, he coughed awkwardly.QB6JY
FjL“It must look like I am fascinated by black magic, right? Haha…”JG4ren
guhVLqg“A little.”zAhI
o4S“Haha, how embarrassing. It’s just that… I am happy to be able to add one more achievement to my already scarce record.”Qwc
VLDTAs if realizing, he completely covered the book with silk.IfVL
gqgqThen he thanked Perda.XdnuoWK
gBgsZ“Thanks to your warning, Regent, today the citizens of the Empire will be able to sleep peacefully.”nW98jUB
7JvyIJ“It’s nothing. I also do it for my own benefit.”MRdPN
cHp7Sz“What benefits the Empire is good, haha.”qiLt
r8jIt was clear he was trying to brush it off.4QD
3KZ“Then, is there nothing you can give me in return?”CwYWIw
RwHBgy1Perda asked with intention.GgMt
0sKt“Something I can offer you? Of course!”nn5xMw
FFkcvtIf it were someone else, he would have dismissed them with a reward or threats.wkZt
C7yBut this was the queen’s fiancé and also a regent.nNgSQkd
1UyHe had to give him something befitting his status.kb1hb
YIuLdAfter thinking for a moment, Yuren spoke.ZppPSE
ZjqWAHD“By the way, you are also a mage, aren’t you, Regent?”MdqFfD
lPM91vd“That’s right.”jdzjMF
Fhv8“Then… shouldn’t we take you to a place that is like an amusement park for mages?”Dq7hhUd
1LYtHPJThe investigator proposed.tetpH
LnEVL“What do you think about visiting the sealed warehouse?”6JlPXW2
0g3Ms1HThe first step of Perda’s plan had finally begun.aexA
Q5t***Od4ac
6ZcThe Empire’s warehouse is located beneath the imperial palace.98nu0
keme2uIt is the most heavily guarded place on the continent, as one must pass through countless guards and alarm magic to reach it.BDaoO
BrdfbEfIf Perda had not gone accompanied by the magical investigator Yuren, he would never have been able to set foot in that place.C0doOR4
9YbEThe guardian of the warehouse saw Yuren, smiled, and greeted him.wej9Q
pEn“Sir! Magical investigator! Thank you for your work as always.”7NxHz
bhIAixc“You work hard every time as well. I bring confiscated objects, so we must enter the sealed warehouse. Register it.”o9gA
Iox“Understood. But excuse me… and the person accompanying you…?”3Rx
t1xoIThe young man with gray hair and blue eyes standing beside him remained silent, with his hands behind his back.qAutD
NiF9FNgYuren answered in his place.oYDwUS
o0j“Hmm, this is the fiancé of the queen of the eastern frontier. Although he is a regent, he is still responsible for that region.”rB1n
W1y7d“Ah… so that’s it?”yNp
nGB“So you know how to proceed. Understood?”V5Ak6
Ub1“Yes, of course. I will omit him from the record.”kaF3
V7LV4He closed the book without leaving any trace.3eJRRg
CD0“He is a very flexible young man.”oKb
B4AVzBD“Haha, of course. In this line of work, if you’re not flexible, you don’t survive. Besides…”Alz1IA
ikjYuren smiled.uxNVZ
5i7cN0C“Being flexible is not a bad thing.”6vtfpf
SG2Shortly after, Perda and Yuren moved to another room.ImZeFy
az6In front of them was a stone door, and at its center, an embedded crystal sphere.HaUn4U3
CPrF8W“It’s called the Sphere of Truth. Do you know it?”NhYjQP
ZZxG“Isn’t that the object that only emits a green light when you answer its questions correctly?”ATbZJc
krIT“That’s right. A valuable artifact passed down since ancient times.”xgwx
XIjfqThe sphere recognized their presence and began to glow with a blue light.27ymDb
7P4SYuren, as if accustomed to it, approached and placed his hand on it.6Oz8
jFw9ZmAs soon as he did, a voice echoed throughout the room.c6V
tg8— Do you swear not to follow demons nor obey their will?2fVuHjd
2HNubLmThe voice, deep and solemn, sounded like that of a god passing judgment.hNiPnC
8J8mLYuren responded.pVPBy
Mi28zPN“I swear it.”VWxvt
l7X3J— Do you swear that your entry into this warehouse is not due to personal desires?4Zs
lSoj“I swear it.”CkmxOS
GBcib— Do you swear loyalty to the Empire?QxLt5
XbMTpcq“I swear it.”K4NP
2auAfter the three questions, the smoke inside the sphere swirled.B0pI
RUFAShortly after, the blue light turned green.zFnqFR7
qbduKEU— Verified.VkinW
h3W8M9GYuren withdrew his hand and looked at Perda.l25V
dGBRW“Could you place your hand here?”XPirI
h5S44“Do I have to do it as well?”oC8
ZpwPerda knew, but pretended not to. It was more natural that way.OI9gb
RBZz“Of course. If you enter this room and are not verified by the Oath Sphere, you will not be able to pass. Or perhaps…?”iG1u
qaBtcYuren narrowed his eyes.TVEa4q
dujdMM1It was the same look he gave to demon followers.CeHQx
B5Warl“Do you have something to hide?”Ms9pt
8enbaL8Perda shook his head.NkQ
HQy83xx“As I am quite an ambitious person, I fear I might fail the second question.”8dJH5rX
1qvn0Oc“Haha, don’t worry. As long as you’re not thinking of taking something from here at all costs, there will be no problem.”qP870D
08nFHAAIt was still a rudimentary method, but effective.617xHg
fzx‘He had done it before.’gy60wo
7amHe had tried about three times, but all had ended in red, failing.4aLe9mU
OQHpFhIn the end, he simply destroyed it and entered by force.dKi9A
XBUxPerda was that kind of person.oKr9
RI8VvtqSomeone full of personal desires, who also felt no loyalty toward the Empire.ac55iEC
6vvLqDAnd yet, fully aware of that, he calmly placed his hand on the Sphere of Truth.gUsO
5VWre1— Do you swear not to follow demons nor obey their will?c4k
8Do3vThe solemn voice fell upon Perda, as if trying to crush him.yeNa3k
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Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationThey are killing starving people and naming them as FOLLOWERS OF DEMONS what a hypocrisy.