150. Code 0

Through empty hallways, Zack headed towards the basement.

Going past aged corridors that stank of rusted iron, he stopped before a large door. He retrieved a key from his breast pocket and turned the lock. Checking behind him to make sure he hadn't been tailed, Zack entered the room.

I heard the lock click as soon as the door was closed.

I too checked my surroundings and seeing no one there, I revealed myself.

I turned the door handle. Locked, as expected.

I jutted some slime into the keyhole and picked the lock. Lockpicking is something I learned in my past life so it was a breeze. What's a power in the shadows if he can't open a few closed doors?

Incidentally, I have my slimes hidden inside my body so they won't find anything even with a full pat down.

I checked the presences on the other side and, determining it to be safe, stealthily entered the room.

It was a large, dimly-lit room. A celler of sorts.

At the back of the room, there was a lit lamp with a number of men gathered around it.

I sneaked closer and hid behind a crate. I checked and the crate was empty.

The men were discussing something in the dark room. Zack was among them.

"Boss, we're all here like you ordered."

"Seems so…"

The man who the others seemed to defer to as their boss stepped forward. I'd imagined him to be something like a boss grunt, but he turned out to be a lot younger.

In his early 20s, most likely.

He had gray hair extending down to his shoulders and was well featured. He was no grunt. In fact, he even looked sort of intelligent.

From his musculature and posture, I could tell that he was trained in martial arts.

He didn't have the air of an prisoner at all.

I like it. Breaking the mold and all that.

"Well met, brothers. The Doem Faction is pleased with your various contributions."

The boss said with a practiced voice, casting his gaze over the surrounding men.

He then proceeded to ask each one of them what he desired.

I see, so the thing about giving it to a guard was a lie.

"Zack, what about you?"

"I want— food. Good food and more of it. Enough for two people at least."

Nicely done Mr. Zack!

"Gonna put on 'em pounds, Zack!"

Zack cringed from the surrounding jeers.

"Boss, let's have another stripper show with the boys!"

"That shit's great, boss!"

"Again? …Try to keep it in moderation, men."

Like that, Mr. handsome bossman listened to everyone's requests one by one.

And once he was done, his face turned serious for the first time.

"Brothers, we are in difficult times. Lately, there have been more attempts to cull our numbers. Why only yesterday, a coach carrying officers was assaulted, resulting in 7 dead."

For a moment, I thought that was talking about me, but I didn't leave the camp yesterday, so it must be someone else.

"He's skilled. Every time he's killed, he's done so without a sound. We've taken to calling him OWL."

OWL, eh… sounds important.

"And believe it or not, there are signs that this bastard OWL is in this camp."

That got a slight reaction out of Zack.

"Zack, something the matter?"

"N-nothin', boss…"

Zack lowered his gaze to escape from his boss's overpowering stare.

"This OWL likely wants to get in contact with Clara Oriana. We must find him before he does. Is that clear?"

All the men nodded.

"Then that is all for now… no, there is one last matter. We have a traitor amongst us."

The bossman drew a knife and poised it towards Zack.

"—You."

And with surprising speed, he threw it.

Other than me, none of the men gathered could dodge a throw like that.

The knife grazed past Zack's ears and sunk into the face of the man behind him.

"This is the fool who dared to leak our info to the Royalists."

The other men simply looked on silently as the traitor bled and died.

"That is all. You all may leave."

And leave they did without a moment to spare.

"—Zack."

Zack, however, was the only one told to stay.

"You're— not hiding something, are you?"

The bossman looked at Zack with chilled eyes.

"N-never, boss." Zack squeaked while seating bullets.

"—All right. I will believe you." The bossman patted Zack on the shoulder once, and left the celler.

Now left alone, Zack heaved a shuddering sigh and wiped off his sweat.

Which is when I decided to also pat his shoulder.

"Oo, ooooahh!? Wait what!! You!! What the actual fuck!!"

Mr. Zack got extremely freaked, and then seriously angry.

"Oops, didn't mean to do that. Thanks for keeping the secret."

"Like I have a choice. He'd kill me soon as I told."

"Likely, yes."

"But damn, so you're really that OWL…"

"Truthfully, I'm really not."

"… Wait, you're not?"

Zack didn't seem very convinced.

"I never went out yesterday. This OWL is likely someone similar to me."

"Yeah, sure. You think you can pass any info about OWL to me? You saw it right? Bossman's suspicious of me. Mainly 'cause of you."

"It shouldn't take me long to find out who OWL is. I can't guarantee if I can have you know, however. There are few people in my line of business… those of reputable skill often turn out to be acquaintances…"

I said this so he doesn't ask any more questions. Since I had no clue who OWL is.

"Fuck me. You gotta help me out, man. Boss is fucking ruthless, you saw him right? You might be fine. You can use your mana. But me, I got nothing'."

"Oh, by the way, your boss's mana seal coller. It's a fake."

"Y-yer kidding me!?"

"Nope."

"Fuuuck… so he's even stronger than you?"

"—What do you think?"

I did the instant mana release trick causing a small gust.

"Uh, yeah, maybe not…"

"It doesn't really… oh? What's this…"

Due to the sudden wind, a small piece of paper landed at my feed.

I picked it up— and got a brilliant idea.

"— Interesting."

I muttered cryptically.

"What's going on?"

"A note from one of my agents. I know have a very good idea who this OWL really is."

"What!? That's way too fast!"

"Take a look."

I handed over the blank piece of paper.

"I, can't see anything!"

"It only responds to very specific mana signatures. Namely mine. It's also an encrypted message."

"Seriously… looks completely white to me…"

Zack scrutinized the page from all sorts angles.

"Can't you tell me something, even a hint?"

"… You're sure?"

I closed in and whispered to him.

"Code 0."

"Coat jeer?"

"Zero being the first of numbers, meaning—"

"Me-meaning what?"

Zack gulped.

"—All will begin at last."

I said while simultaneously erasing my presence and moving out of sight super fast.

"— HUH!? He's gone!? Fuckin hell, the door's still closed, how…"

Inside the empty crate, I stayed hidden until Zack left.

151. Who Do You Think You're Dealing With?

I was genuinely curious about OWL so I walked all around the camp the whole night. Results: nothing.

I'm really going at it blindly.

The only thing I know is that OWL is supposed to be somewhat strong.

I couldn't check each and every person in the camp, but I was about to determine that there were around 10 people who might fit the bill.

I did this by looking at how they walk and how they handle themselves, but that didn't mean much. Not really.

There are times when a weak looking guy is unexpectedly powerful, or when a musclehead might actually be a really weak.

So basically, I gave up. With so few clues, I couldn't do it.

Maybe I should go out into town tonight and ask around?

I'll think about it later.

Okay, that out of the way, I went ahead and had the breakfast that Mr. Zack so graciously prepared, and was currently out on a walk under the refreshing sunlight pouring down on the camp courtyard.

I very much liked the cool winter air coupled with a beautiful, sunny sky.

The sky was clear, and, I can't explain this well, but it sort of felt like my soul was being reinvigorated.

"Mmm."

Walking past the hobo-like prisoners having their bad soup and worse bread, I noticed that I didn't look like a mob at all.

Don't get me wrong. I can pull off the mob role no problem in a town.

But compared to these people, I wasn't dirty and ragged enough. Well, I'm still new here, and blending in should come naturally with the time, so…

I noticed people shouting.

"How dare you accuse us!?"

A crowd had formed.

I squeezed my way through them. I felt like this was going to get fun and I wanted front row seats.

"Don't you dare deny it."

Said Clara Oriana facing a mobbish dude at the center of it all. The guy was some no-name from the meeting in the cellar last night.

Behind Clara stood people who were probably from the Royalists camp, and behind the no-name stood people from the Doem side. Among them, I could see Zack and also their boss.

"Royalists and Doem Camp are going at it…"

"Things might get bloody…"

The rabble chattered.

"One of ours was murdered last night. When we found him, there were signs of an assault and torture."

Mother of crap. Since I was out looking for OWL, I missed a key event.

"We dindu nuffin!!"

"He was tortured! You're about the only people who'd resort to that, confess at once!"

Clara cried furiously.

"Serves him right! I say good fuckin' riddance!!"

"—Knave!!"

In her anger, Clara slapped the no-name.

Suddenly, everyone got quiet, as if time had stopped.

— Then.

"Done it now, bitch!"

The guy who got slapped grabbed and raised the club at his waist.

Yeah, this be no good.

Clara can't handle that. Worst case, the club cracks her head open and she's dead.

Yeah, sorry, but I don't like it if some no-name mob suddenly kills a major character.

"—Huh?"

Muttered Clara, her eyes wide in shock.

Right before her eyes, the man who was about to swing down a weapon at her, had spontaneously collapsed. The club he was holding was flung high into the air.

"—HUH!? What just happened!?"

"How'd he just!?"

The rabble were scared and confused.

"It can't be— OWL?"

"Find him!! He's here somewhere!"

"…Owl?"

Both Royalists and Doem Camp went on guard.

I was the culprit though.

It was simple. I had a piece of slime detach from the bottom of my shoe and burrow underground. Then I had it shoot out from under the guy and hit him under the jaw.

No one noticed, but that's fine. That right there was very much was a power from the shadows would do.

Or so I thought, by Mr. Zack was glancing at me with suspicion.

I made a cryptic smile, and purposefully looked away— Perfection.

Now that's what I call a job well done.

Which was when I noticed it. The club that had been sent flying was coming down my way.

And suddenly, I had a eureka moment.

— Show ain't over yet!

My role of that of a power in the shadows is done for now.

However, I have yet to fulfil my role as a mob!

I took only an instant to determine the club's trajectory, and as it wouldn't actually hit me in my current position, I swiftly moved to the spot where it would land.

Having expected I'd need it at some point, I placed a small blood back in my mouth and looked upwards.

And the club struck down right on my nose.

"Bhoorfff!?"

I blew the prepared blood in my mouth from out my nose and fell back.

The blood sprayed out like a fountain, glistening in the light of the sun. Quite artistic if I do say so myself.

Mob Arts: Nosebleed Splasher

This is a pretty high level technique.

"Ugh! I'm gonna puke!!"

"Eghh, it's on my face!"

To you people of the camp who wished to see carnage, I present to you a fountain of nose blood.

— And there you have it.

While the power in the shadows aids the MC, some random mob gets the unfortunate role of being collateral!

"Wait, you're hurt!?"

I was collapsed on my back, completely sated, but seeing as Clara was running over, I quickly pretended to be out cold.

152. The Princess's Mob Friend

I was carried into a room and laid down on a bed.

The blood from my nose had dried due to the cold air outside, and someone was in the process of wiping it clean.

I took that as an opportunity to wake up.

"Ugh… where am I…?"

I made a show of looking around everywhere confused.

It was another private room. While the dimensions were the same as the room Zack was using, this room was a lot more modest, containing only necessities and no leisure items.

Clara was beside the bed, and one of her faction men was standing at the door giving me the stink eye.

"I'm so glad you're alright. You were struck hard so try not to move right away."

"Huh, aren't you…"

"Oh pardon me, I've yet to introduce myself. Though it's likely you already know, I'm Clara Oriana."

"M-my name's Cid Kageno. I, uh, see you took care of me. My utmost thanks…"

I spoke in a shaky voice as if trying my best not to offend the royalty before me.

"It's all right. In the first place, you were unluckily caught up between our dispute."

"No, I—"

That was when the man in front of the door clicked his tongue.

"Lady Clara, I believe you've done enough. We have no need to concern ourselves with him any longer."

"Guin… I understand, but he's still not able to move with his injuries."

"He might be a ploy to approach you, milady. We do not have time to deal with such minor things. We have a duty to our people, do we not?"

The guy called Guin was looking at me in contempt.

"You're not wrong, Guin, but that doesn't make it fine to ignore someone so injured right in front of me."

"Please under—"

"Enough. Guin, he doesn't know anything. And to my eyes, he seems no criminal. Is that not so?"

Clara turned her eyes to me.

"I, yes. I accidentally ran into bodies left in alley by OWL. They said I was suspicious and…"

"If I can't even help a single injured boy, how could I possibly try to protect my country?"

Clara declared and grasped my hand.

"—By your will. I shall be outside." Guin said and then left the room.

Before the door was fully closed, he gave me one last mean glare. But if I wasn't seeing it incorrectly, it wasn't just at me, but also towards Clara.

Once the door was shut, Clara let out a sigh.

"I apologize. He means well for me, it's just…"

"No, I'm alright."

"Everyone's under a lot pressure. Even I… The one who's supposed to have this role isn't even me, but…" Clara spoke glumly.

"Um…"

"Don't worry about that. It's really none of your concern after all. You're, not from Oriana, are you?"

"Th-that's right. I'm a student from the Midgar Magisword Academy…"

"—Eh? The Magisword Academy? Then, do you perhaps know of my sister?"

Clara turned and faced me curiously.

"Er, yes, I do know Miss Rose. I've spoken to her before."

"You have? Then do you know about the incident where she killed my father?"

"… Yes. I was among the spectators when it happened."

"Are you sure? Was it really her who did it…?"

"Yes, it was definitely Miss Rose."

"So it was…"

Clara's shoulders drooped in defeat.

"Father had been strange for some time before, and I knew that she was looking for the cause. Really, why did it have to end up like this… Everyone is calling her a traitor to the nation now. I couldn't believe it, I didn't want to…"

I was somewhat at a loss as to what I should say.

I let out a sigh and decided to just speak what's on my mind.

"The way I saw it, she had an important reason for doing what she did. I don't know what that reason was, and I can't say if you'll be able to accept it even if you knew her reasons. What I do know is that Miss Rose had done it with the utmost of resolve."

"Resolve… is that how it looked? Haha, thank you, that made me feel somewhat better. You know, I really loved my sister who could do anything and everything. I looked up to her. So when I heard of the tragedy, I couldn't, I still wanted to believe in her…"

Clara shook her head side to side, as if driving away the negativity.

"You must've gotten along with her well."

"Well actually, I faced her once in the Senbatsu Tournament during the God of War Festival."

"You have! What happened?"

"I completely lost."

"Well, you do look terribly weak."

Clara said with a mischievous grin.

"Cid, may I call you Cid? You can simply call me Clara as well."

"That's kind of…"

"Oh, no need to be shy. In here, I'm a prisoner same as you."

"Uh, well… then sure. But only when in private, please?"

"Right. If Guin were to find out, I'd never hear the end of it. That aside, tell me more about how my sister was at the Academy."

And that's what I did for the next few hours.

This might not seem like the thing a mob should be doing, but not to worry. I can fix it. I am simply one of Miss Rose's many mob friends and because of that fact, I am a mob who Clara can talk to.

153. Evil Encroaching

After leaving Clara's room, as I was randomly strolling the halls, I sensed people approaching.

Expecting a story event happen, I stayed in place.

"Newcomer! Great work getting in that woman's good graces!" Said one of them with a toothy grin while grabbing my shoulder.

These men, no-names from the Doem Camp, had surrounded me.

5… no 6 of them.

I spotted Zack standing at the back with an awkward face.

"Listen kid, we need you to do us this favor." Said the man after drawing close to my ear. His breath reeked.

"W-what favor…?"

Not only was my voice the definition of wimpy, I was already bodily shaking as if I was a lowly Slime being stared down by a Dragon.

"No need to be scared now. You do us this favor, and we'll be best buds."

"O-Okay…"

"Here's the deal. We want to talk to the princess is all, but the bastards around her keep getting in the way. That's where you come it. You're someone she trusts so we need you to get her to meet us."

"Y-you need me…?"

"Yeah, you're the best man for the job. Do whatever you want, but get it done. You know what, here's a little something that might help."

He then took out a powder.

"This here's a little drug that helps you get a good night sleep. Mix it in they drinks and bam, they're sleeping like babes."

"Wa-wait, no, I, I can't…"

"Listen you little shitstain!! I'm trynna be yer friend and ya won't even listen to one favor!? Got'a fuckin' death wish do ya!"

"Hiyipe…!!" I curl in on myself looking terrified.

"Uhh, let's, not get too violent, yah guys?" Zack spoke up from the back in a stiff expression.

"The fuck, Zack. You finally goin' soft on us?"

"No, uhh… anyway, I don't think it's a good idea to, uh, do somethin' rash."

"Fuckin' pussy, we ain't gonna get nothin' done like that!! We'r gonn take the bitch hostage and that damn OWL's gonna show up right where we want'im!!"

After that outburst, the guy slugged me in the face.

The moment the punch connected, I loosened my neck, and let my body flow with the impact.

It's called slipping.

A good punch to the head can cause a concussion, but knowing how to get hit can prevent that with surprising success.

There's two ways to get hit. One is stiffening up and absorbing the strike, and the other is what I did just now, flowing with the impact.

And since it looked at if my whole head was flung away by that punch, it also doesn't detract from my mob role.

"Uoff…"

I pretended to get knocked off my feet and fell on the floor.

"Hey, I told them to stop. I did, alright?" Zack was already backing away, as if to say he wasn't involved.

"You know your job. Now do it. We'll wait 3 days. You get us the girl, and I'll get you good food. Don't do it, and…"

The man put his foot on my chest and pressed.

"Yer dead, kiddo."

He said finally, and they all left.

"I see, that's how it is. Take Clara hostage so OWL comes out to play."

How smart of them.

I stood up and brushed off the dirt on my clothes.

While I was doing that, Zack came back.

"I know you're unhurt, but we still cool yeah? I was just there, I didn't do nothing."

Mr. Zack looked awfully frightened.

"It's fine. This is all within predictions."

"What… fucking hell, you knew this'd happen!? I mean, I was surprised how you got yourself bonked to get along with the princess, but you even predicted… that we…!"

"The gears of destiny are finally in motion… all according to plan, of course…"

I casted a sidelong glance towards Mr. Zack, and grinned cryptically.

"…!! Y-you, who are you…! Y-you're on the Royalists side right? You don't look like you're on our side…"

"… I'm neither really."

"Nei, ther…?"

"I support neither the Royalists not Doem. My true enemy—"

And right there, I speedily got out of sight, only leaving echoes.

"Is the Evil that lurks in the shadow of the divide…"

"He disappeared!? But I can still hear him, how!?"

Zack started looking around every which way in shock.

Now, whatever shall I do.

154. —Looks like We're Done.

5 men were gathered around the low light of a lamp in the underground cellar.

"You think he'll pull through?"

"Kid didn't look too bright to me. Whatever, he fails, we kill 'im. The end."

"At any rate, tonight's the big night. It's almost time. Where'd Zack go?"

"In 'is room. Stomach pains, he says."

"The hell? Bastard's been acting strange lately. You don't think, he's leaking intel to those Royalists—"

"Oi, it's time."

Signalled one of them as the door to the cellar opened.

In the dark, decrepit room, a single figure approached the five.

The figure's identity was slowly revealed as he approached the light.

"You're alone. Where's the girl?"

"Tsk. Didn't pull through after all."

The men were badly disappointed.

The black haired boy standing before these intimidating prisoners looked the definition of ordinary.

His dark eyes were looking down, staring at the shadows extending across the floor.

"Hey, you better not say you got cold feet."

One of the men pulled out a knife.

"Hey! Talk! Where's the princess!?"

He threatened, holding the knife at the boy's throat.

The boy began trembling like the weakling he was— or so the men had imagined.

The boy didn't do that. He didn't shake, he didn't even move. He simply kept staring at the shadows below.

"The princess, Clara…"

He muttered softly.

His voice wasn't loud but everyone could hear it clearly.

"Isn't coming…"

His eyes were yet glued to the floor.

However, his lips held a tiny grin now.

"The fuck are you talkin' about, huh!? Ya got cold feet and came here alone, that it!?"

The boy was silent.

"What now? We kill 'im?"

"Gotta at least show him not to mess with us."

"Yeah. We beat him up and try again."

The men all stood up and surrounded the boy.

"Messin' with us, eh dipshit?"

The man who had the knife at the boy's neck grabbed a fistful of his hair with his other hand and pulled his face up.

What the man saw there was the boy's eyes, pitch dark eyes lacking in emotion.

"I don't like that look."

Looking annoyed, the man grazed his knife along the boy's neck.

A line of blood escaped the shallow cut.

"I said, I don't like that look."

But the boy didn't comply. He just kept staring blankly.

No, not quite. The small smile on the boy's lips had grown into a visible grin.

"What're you laughin' at!!"

The man smacked the boy's face with the butt of his knife.

But the boy's smile didn't falter, not in the least.

"You don't seem to realize you're in deep shit, brat."

Another smack.

Stronger this time. Enough to break the cheekbone, maybe even knock loose a tooth.

Still no reaction from the boy.

The boy simply kept on looking at the man with a grin across his face.

"—!"

"Oi, you goin' easy on 'im or what?"

From the side, one of the man's comrades came up and punched the boy in the face.

"That's how ya punch a face. Leave 'em half dead and they'll never— Huh!?"

That punch was meant to knock the boy out cold.

But the boy just stood there as if he felt nothing. The spot where he'd been battered had remained spotless.

Those emotionless eyes still peered at the 5 men.

It was freaking them out.

"— Is that it?" Finally said the boy.

"—!! You'll regret that!!"

Furious, the man began pummeling the boy with ferocious fists.

He punched like no tomorrow, until his breathing became rough.

"See, this is what happens when you— HUH?"

"— Are you done?" Said the boy, ever smiling.

His face revealed not one bruise.

"This kid's fucking strange."

"Tsk. Gimme the knife."

The man from the side took the knife and stabbed the boy in the ribs.

— But,

"What, how—!?"

The knife, penetrating only the boy's clothes, stopped there. Even putting more strength into his arm, the man couldn't cut the boy's skin.

"O-oi, what're ya playin' around for?"

"Stab him, do it!"

"Sh-shaddap! Knife ain't going in!!"

The man tried stabbing again and again.

The knife never penetrated even skin deep.

His breathing had gone arid as the man stepped away. His eyes couldn't believe what he'd just witnessed.

"W-what, the hell are y—"

"— So you're done?"

That's when the boy swung his fist.

Yet, no one saw it move. Such was its speed.

What they saw was the result only.

The boy's fist had punched through the man's chest and come out the other side.

"Ah… ahyauu…"

The man dropped to the ground, creating a large pool of blood.

"Wha!?"

"N-no, fuckin…"

"D-did this guy just punch a hole through…"

"Hyai…!"

Splich, splich.

The boy walked on the the bloody floor.

"— Done?"

He taunted the men, still grinning.

The remaining mens' faces stiffened.

"Goddamn… w-we'll take 'im down with all of us!!"

"D-don't mess with me!!"

"D-Die, fucker, dieeee!!!"

"H-hyi-hyeeeeeeee!!"

Four shadows converged on the boy. The flame in the lamp flickered.

— Dancing shadows.

Once the flame regained its calm, on the floor of the cellar lay 5 corpses with holes for a chest.

"— looks like we're done."

No one answered now.

Splich, splich. The boy stepped over the blood as he walked away.

155. Soul Searching

I had left the kingdom of Midgar where I was born and raised, and now, have ended up in a concentration camp in Oriana. In this unknown land where not a soul knew me, I sought to find myself.

That's what this was after all. I journey of soul searching.

All the actions I've taken in my life has been for one purpose: to be a power in the shadows.

But am I truly on the correct path to reach my ultimate goal?

Is there not something more I can do?

I've had various thoughts on the matter, and I've narrowed it down to one thing that I believe I currently lack.

That is— Overwhelming might.

A power in the shadows must be strong. That is a given fact.

The issue is how to display that strength to the fullest.

Instakill my foes— the simplest idea. But it's dull and boring.

Show them power beyond imagination— of course I will. But that's still not enough.

Be unharmed no matter what the enemy dishes at me— YES! This!

As a power in the shadows, I will let them know despair by showing that their attacks mean nothing to me, then use power beyond imagination to instakill my foes!

The point is to make sure the enemy has exhausted all their trump cards, and being fine regardless. That is the moment when they will drown in despair and truly lose to me, and any witness to such a feat would surely gain an instinctive sense of overwhelming might that is a power in the shadows.

So the question is, have I done that for my enemies so far?

Have I sent them to the pits of despair?

I have not.

This was what I was lacking all this time! Overwhelming might!

With that reasoning in mind, I tested it out with those 5 hoodlums, taunting them to give me everything they had. It wasn't enough. It was not enough.

What am I doing trying to get some level 1 convict to throw out trump cards?

I should just instakill low-level plebs like that.

Here I was expecting those last 4 could launch a special combo suicide move or something. Imagine my disappointment.

Instakill any mobs, that's how a power in the shadow rolls.

And for boss characters, I make sure they exhaust everything they have, that's also how a taepodong dongs.

Though I'd need to kill some of them faster too. Depends on how much I can handle really. Gotta always adapt to the situation and get the best out of it. That's how a power in the shadows should be.

And doing that, I'll be one step closer to my supreme goal.

Happy with the knowledge that I'd learned and grown, I was on a stroll in the camp courtyard.

The icicles glistened under the morning sun.

My breath was white in the cold air.

Oops. Stepped on a body. Dead from frostbite.

Ah, what a refreshing morning.

As such, I was blending in with the all my other mob campmates when I noticed a familiar presence.

"Hm?"

Perhaps noticing me turning around, the other party did the same.

"—Eh?"

For a few moments, we stared at each other.

He… no, she looked like a man at a glance.

Her prison clothes were dirty and her head was wrapped up in a cloth, revealing only her amber eyes.

She was disguising herself to hide any feminine curves.

Epsilon uses her slime bodysuit to do something similar. Well, the opposite actually.

Yes, I know her.

"Miss… Rose."

"C-Cid…"

Both of us were surprised.

After the thing at the God of War Fest, she was working part-time for Mitsugoshi Co. as I recall.

Then how come she's here….?

Oh… I see. So she's been thinking too.

You can't be working part-time forever.

She's clearly thinking constructively about her future.

And so, she's also on a journey of soul searching.

She quit her job and is here— to take back her country.

In the first place, her killing the king was the start of all this.

So her being here is not surprise at all…

"Miss Rose… So, you're…"

I was so amazed by her resolve that I was at a loss for words.

Incidentally, the mana sealing collar on her neck was a fake.

Which means that she too infiltrated this camp. And gathering all these clues, there is only one conclusion to arrive at.

She, Rose Oriana— is OWL.

156. Sorry, Ya Lost Me.

"Cid… Why are you here, of all places…" Said Miss Rose, eyes wide in surprise.

"Uh, I was worried for a friend and travelled here. Then they said I was suspicious and…" I said in mob-like stutters, trying to get across the feeling that I got mistakenly involved.

"S-so, you were that worried for me…?"

"Huh? Uh, I mean…"

I just said 'a friend', not her in particular, but, actually, isn't her misunderstanding sort of convenient for now?

"Yes, that's right. I was so worried after what happened…"

"Cid…" She looked at me earnestly. "I'm so sorry, because of me you ended up in this sort of place… Still, to think you could tell it was me right away…"

She finished with a slight smile.

"Oh, never mind me. I did this on my own accord so."

"No, this is wrong! I, I… I can't… return anymore…"

She shook her head furiously, amber eyes stained in tears.

"Can't return?"

"…Please, just forget about me."

"Eh…?"

"… I'm sorry, I can't say why. If I do, even you'd become involved…"

"Um, I don't understand."

Sorry, ya totally lost me there.

"My feelings are still the same. On the last day we spoke, I said I wanted you to believe in me. And you did. You even came all the way here. And that's enough for me. I won't ask for anything more. So… please… I, I don't want you to get hurt because of me…"

Miss Rose tightly held my hands.

"Cid, you don't need to worry about me anymore. I'll make sure you escape from this camp. So please. Just, just forget about me…"

"… Okay."

I nodded seriously.

Yeah, she's technically a criminal after all. A mob isn't someone involved with criminals.

Still, it's surprising how far she'd go to take the throne.

Very well. I should help out in a way that she succeeds.

"Thank you for understanding. You and I don't know each other… We're complete strangers and our paths with never cross again…"

"… Of course."

"Farewell."

She said, still smiling. The tears in her amber eyes rolled down her cheeks.

"Farew—"

I was about to also bid farewell when,

"Oi, you the one called Cid?"

Someone roughly grabbed my shoulder and turned me around.

"Yes, that is me…?"

All of a sudden, people from the Doem Camp were surrounding me.

"You're the brat Marco hired, right?"

"… Marco?"

Do I know a Marco?

"Don't play dumb!! Yer the one those guys called out!!"

The man grabbed me by the collar and looked mad.

"Eh, please, I don…"

I really don't know a Marco. People are misunderstanding things a lot today.

I made a stealthy glance at Mr. Zack, and and he just gave me a nod.

What's that supposed to mean? Why did you nod, man?

"Quiet down."

Someone put a hand on the angry man's shoulder.

"Boss…"

It was the gray haired handsome man I saw in the cellar. Their leader.

"I am Maximilian. I run things around here. Five men have recently approached you for a task, no?"

"Uh…"

Oh. The drug and kidnap the princess mission.

Yeah, they all suddenly got holes in their chests so mission failed I guess.

"Those five were mysteriously killed last night."

"A…!"

Wait, am I a suspect?

"You will tell us everything."

Said Maximilian in a tone that won't take no for an answer.

"Y-yes…"

And so I nodded in assent. And with my shoulder still held, I was about to be taken away.

Which is when,

"Move it."

One of the Maximilian's men shoved Miss Rose aside as she was standing blankly in the way.

"Ah…" I voiced worriedly.

"Hm? Do you know him?"

"…No." I shook my head as she hid away her face. "I don't know him."

"Move along."

I was then pushed to go wherever they would take me.

Behind me, I could feel her gaze on me the whole way.

157. Action Spy

Like that, I was brought into the cellar.

I was seated down on a chair with the underling's iron grip still on my shoulder. Around me were faces of the Doem Camp. In front of me stood Maximilian.

"Now…" The bossman looked down at me with cold eyes. "Those five I mentioned. We found them this morning with their chests pierced through. You don't happen to know anything about that, do you?"

I could see traces of the blood from yesterday on the floor.

"I, I don't know anything, sir… please believe me!"

"Then tell me, what were you doing last night? Were you not supposed to drug the princess and bring her here?"

Ah, looks like he knows about that.

"Yes, I was indeed told to do just that. But I… I just couldn't…"

"So the nerves got you." Maximilian said, his gaze turning sharper. "And then, a coward like you had the audacity to carefreely stroll around in the camp. One would imagine you would go into hiding… no?"

"Hm…?"

H-he's right!

Me acting like I had this morning isn't something a mob like me should've been doing.

You're brilliant, Maximilian.

"N-no, that wasn't! I really was scared and…"

"You certainly looked fine to me. Until my men and I arrived, you looked not the least bit scared. Now, you will speak what you know."

Maximilian drew his knife. The sharp blade glinted in the flame of the sole lamp.

Right. So I've failed.

Too bad. Let's kill them now.

I was about to go Shadow-mode and unleash slime hell on them when— I sensed her coming.

Not a moment later, the lamp went dark.

"Someone's there!!"

She had arrived.

Wearing a pitch black slime bodysuit, with her slime sword, she launched a fierce attack towards Maximilian.

"Damn you…!"

Maximilian also reacted fast to the sudden assault.

He quickly turned and avoided the blade coming for his neck, then jumped back to take distance.

It wasn't a perfect dodge however, as blood gushed from his shoulder.

"Bastard! You must be… OWL. And you're a woman."

She didn't answer.

Some of the other men were already down on the floor near her. She's gotten more skilled.

"Hmph, seems you've made it easier for me."

Maximilian took out a sword from a crate.

He fell into a loose stance and observed his opponent. Yup, he's somewhat skilled too.

"… Surround her."

The remaining men also found swords and did as their boss had commanded.

If they'd been holding guns instead of blades, it would've been like some spy movie action scene.

So exciting.

I gulped in anticipation.

And Maximilian made the first move.

He quickly closed the distance and thrust his sword.

The point didn't reach her, as she had swiftly evaded with a half step and cut down a man who came from behind her.

As she did, Maximilian made his next move.

The man's swordplay was sharp and precise.

No risky, flamboyant movements. A logical sword. I didn't think I'd see this sort of sword in Oriana of all places.

The kingdom of Oriana had a culture of looking down on magiswordsmanship. The magiswords in of this country were either people of the lowest caste, or foreign mercenaries.

So what martial art does the high class practice you ask? It's called blade dancing.

Yes, that's right, I said dancing.

They take a sword, and they dance with it.

Imagine figure skating while holding a sword, that's basically what it amounts to. Being the Country of Art, in Oriana, they hold blade dancing duels and victory goes to the most beautiful dance.

It goes without saying that blade dancing is total weaksauce in a real fight.

But for the people here, it seems that beauty is strength.

I mean, I can see how it could make sense, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder as they say.

Whatever.

Basically, this is why I was surprised with Maximilian's swordplay. It made sense. At the very least, it made sense not in the Oriana kingdom way. One could claim it's the start of a new era for the nation.

He was using such a sword to assail OWL.

Swords sparks lit up moments of the dark cellar, and he was landing glancing strikes on the girl's body suit.

Maximilian was using numbers to his advantage to give her no space to maneuver.

"Give up while you can. You will not win."

Huh, things aren't looking too good for her. He's a handsome guy after all.

As I was thinking that, she made her attack.

Maximilian easily dodged, as he had much more space to work with. He was taking full advantage of the stage.

He was far enough that the slash wouldn't reach.

Yet, suddenly— her sword extended.

"—!!"

If Maximilian hadn't craned his neck to dodge, his face would've had a hole in it.

The slime sword only grazed him, and blood flowed from his cheek.

Maximilian had barely dodged, but that position broke his balance and he had to step further back.

Taking advantage of the inattention, the girl swept away the men around her, cut down the cellar door and ran out.

"After her! Now!!" Maximilian roared, and his remaining man chased after her.

"Boss, what do we do with the kid?"

One of them said, noticing me.

"OWL takes priority. We won't need him anymore if we can capture her. Do not let her get away!"

Saying that, Maximilian also ran out.

Suddenly, I was the only person in the whole cellar.

"…What to do…"

Things were getting rather busy upstairs.

158. Cut Down Anything!

It'd been much too soon to make her move.

Rose ran across the camp hallways, still sensing pursuers behind her.

Her mission was to take Clara, the flag of the Royalists, and deliver her to her faction's army waiting outside of the city.

Originally, that role had belonged to Rose herself.

However, currently, Rose couldn't be considered an ally of Oriana under any pretense.

She was, after all, the traitor who murdered their king. The public already knew Rose as such.

She held no ability to lead her people anymore.

She could only remain in the shadows, never to return.

But she still wished to devote herself to her country.

For that reason, she had volunteered to take part on this mission.

To use her life for her people.

But then, he had appeared suddenly.

Cid Kageno.

The boy she had once wished to spend her life with.

That boy had worried for her, going so far as to travel to Oriana. When she learned of that fact, the emotions hidden in her heart became turbulent.

The happiness that he had sought her out.

The regret that she had caused him harm.

And mostly— grief towards his feelings that she could no longer answer.

No matter how deeply she loved him, she could no longer be with him. She was a criminal. Getting involved with her would surely lead him to misfortune.

So, she had resolved herself to give up, and yet—

They met. And Rose's feelings were raging to point of pain.

She wanted to dive into his chest without a care.

But she couldn't.

For after the momentary bliss, only cruel, merciless reality.

Thus, no matter how it tore apart her hear, Rose told him clear words of parting.

And it was supposed to be over with that, it was—

Until Maximilian took him. The inside of Rose's head had went blank.

Maximilian was a dangerous man.

He was one of the Named Children of the Order of Diabolos and held the title 'Coldblood'. He was also allied to Doem who held the reins of the anti-Royalist Faction.

On the face of it, he was one of Doem's underlings, but within the Order, their positions were that of equals. As such, they were fellow competitors.

Word was that, based on the results of their occupation of Oriana, one of them may get promoted to a seat of the Rounds.

In other words, even they were underlings to a degree.

A Knight of the Rounds apparently also has a hand in Oriana's current turmoil— one Sir Mordred.

Shadow Garden has been scouring everywhere for this Sir Mordred, without any results.

But this man held a very prominent position within the Order, that is known for certain.

The aim of Shadow Garden is to find and eliminate him.

To do that, Shadow Garden has been aiding the Royalists take back Oriana so as to drive the Doem Faction to a corner.

Which evidently leads Rose's own goal of protecting her country.

Rose was well aware of her duty. She was.

But before she had realized, she had already drawn her sword at Maximilian.

—I can't.

—I should still bide my time.

—I need to find Clara and take her out of here.

No matter how much she tried to reason with herself, her feelings had won out overwhelmingly.

I've got to save him!!

Which leads us to the present.

Surely, soon enough, the whole camp would know that OWL had infiltrated the premises.

Rose was still worried whether her sister Clara would believe in her.

Plus, the matter of the traitor among those around the princess. Rose had wanted to eliminate that danger before contacting Clara… that wouldn't be happening now.

"There she is!!"

"Over here!!"

Behind her were Maximilian's men, and in front of her stood armed guards.

Never stopping, Rose readied her black blade—

"Haaahhhh!!"

Cutting down any obstacle.

159. Beacon of Revolt

The camp was in a frenzy.

Guards were running every which way, and sounds of destruction could be heard from the courtyard and halls.

Clara, who was in her private quarters, spoke. "Is it true that the OWL has appeared?"

The princess's pink blond hair shook in the cold wind.

"It appears so, milady. For some time now, the guards have been shouting that they'd found this OWL." said Guin standing at her side.

"Right..."

Meaning that OWL was in a bad situation.

While they usually opted on the side of caution, it might also be prudent to see this as an opportunity.

Clara had to make a decision now. For Oriana, and for the loyal retainers who had followed her all this time.

"What do you all think we should do?" She queried the people of the Royalist Faction surrounding her.

"We must save the OWL and escape together! We will surely be able to join back with the army!"

"We don't yet know whether this OWL is enemy or ally! We should wait and see!"

"The guards are all busy outside! We have to make our move now or never!"

"We mustn't make rash decisions! Think of the greater cause!"

Her retainers staunchly voiced their respective stances.

Guin said calmly, "We must have caution. We do not know if OWL is an ally. And even if we do save him, there is no guarantee we can escape the camp with his aid."

Then, they all turned to Clara.

"Your highness, what do you wish to do?"

And demanded her decision.

Clara felt her chest tighten as if her heart was being squeezed.

She glanced around the room, looking at each of her people's faces.

More of them favored the wait and see approach. It was a matter of course. They wouldn't have a second chance. Failure most assuredly meant death.

And Clara understood that the chance of success was not favorable.

Still—

If they don't act now, would they even get another chance so opportune?

As things stood, they were on the palm of Doem's hand. Who knew if they'd all be sent for the guillotine tomorrow?

Was it really fine to let go of this chance in uncertain hopes for the next?

Had those who wanted to wait not realized that the chances of a similar event happening were exceedingly low?

Clara closed her eyes and contemplated. Her hands felt awful with sweat.

Perhaps it was that these people had gotten too accustomed to the camp? She was sure they had a stronger sense of danger during the time when they were first put here.

They no longer had the leisure of choosing their opportunity— was what Clara believed.

Then again—

Clara once again looked at the faces of her people.

Yes, most did want to wait. They were older and better experienced, they were the majority.

Clara was but a lass of 15.

Weren't their opinions more learned and wiser than her own?

Furthermore, were she to ignore the majority outright, wouldn't they doubt her judgement as a liege?

And if that happened, the Royalist Faction would fracture.

Yes, Clara should just listen.

Yes, if she listens, then they won't…

"I, I believe we should..."

"— Your Highness." A man had spoken up, interrupting her.

He was a man in his middle years, a man with skin bronzed by years of work under the sun.

"Listening to everyone's opinion is good. But you shouldn't stare at their faces so much."

His speech was hoarse and unrefined, yet had a certain nostalgic feeling for her.

"Batt..." Clara spoke his name.

He was the gardener that Clara had known since childhood. He knew neither politics, not war. What he could do, and do well, was make the royal gardens a stunning sight to see.

Yet it was his words that rang most true for her.

Recently, she'd developed a habit of checking everyone's faces and expressions.

She wasn't confident in herself.

She was scared.

She wanted to rely on something outside herself…

"Gardener! Milady didn't ask your words!" Guin glared at Batt.

"Stop that! He too is one of us."

"How so? He's a mere gardener. What can he do?"

"He is because he's here. A mere gardener had no reason to follow me here. And yet Batt did. Because he too believed in me."

"So what if he did. It would be foolish to glean a gardener's wisdom."

"I said stop, Guin. Not another word about that."

Clara and Guin locked eyes. Guin looked away first.

"... My apologies, milady."

"It's fine. I know you always mean the best for us."

Saying that, Clara once again gathered her thoughts.

She went to the root of it, what was her goal, what did she want to accomplish.

For a single instant, she remembered her childhood, where she, batt and her sister played together in the beautiful royal gardens.

If it was her, she would…

"We will help OWL, and escape. This is our chance, we must give it everything."

Glancing at Batt, she saw him smiling.

"Very well. Men, you've followed Princess Clara until now, what say you? Are you ready!?"

"Ready as can be!"

"We've been waiting patiently for this very day. Let us show those usurpers they can't hold us down!"

The men all stood.

From a secret compartment in the wall, they picked up hidden weapons.

Even Clara received a sword of her own.

She couldn't use it, of course. But just the act of her holding a blade had meaning in itself.

"Now, let us raise the beacon of revolt."

The daily life in the camp ended at this moment.

160. I Can Hear Him But From Where…

By the time I climbed upstairs, what I saw was as expected, chaos.

"R-run 'n hide!! They got swords!!"

"No, we gotta escape, ya dingus!! It's now or never!!"

The numerous prisoners in the courtyard where shoving over one another.

I was caught up by the wave of feet and trampled.

And splendidly at that. Very mob.

"Boof!? Agaagagaaaaa!!"

Oh, this kind of reminds me of newscasts where they report people dying in mosh pits and such.

I wouldn't though.

"Urgh!! Elgh!! Buffo!!"

I was kicked around like a soccer ball and spat blood everywhere.

And once the storm passed, I lay there like a piece of driftwood.

"Hwah!? C-Cid!? What happened!?"

While I was sated of my mobly desires, Clara came and shook me awake.

"Ugh, my head..."

"Oh, thank goodness you're alive. I'm so sorry, you got swept up again because of our..."

She propped me up against an unpopulated wall.

"Don't fret, I'll come back for you soon. For now, I have to complete my duty."

She then stood up and turned her eyes towards the courtyard.

She was watching the Royalists, her people, holding weapons and fighting the camp guards.

"Show no mercy!! We're getting out of here!!"

"Move your feet, time is of the essence!!"

Swinging their swords, they cut down their captors.

And it wasn't only those of the Royalist Faction that were fighting there. Even the rabble, who didn't belong to any faction, were taking the opportunity to give the guards a piece of their fists.

"Fuck! Where'd they get those weapons…!!"

"This isn't looking good, call in reinforcements!!"

Clearly outnumbered, the guards were quickly losing ground.

To the eye, it seemed that the Royalists had the upper hand in this field.

However, I was sensing a large number of people approaching from outside the walls. Most likely, reinforcements for the guards. Some of them were magiswords too.

Magiswords are going to snuff out this riot instantly.

All the camp prisoners had mana sealing collars, after all.

A magisword against an ordinary civilian is like pitting an adult against a child. The child being the certain loser.

"Good. We're pushing them back!!"

"Now, let's get the OWL and we can—!"

And then, mere moments before they had overpowered the guards— the gates to the outside opened.

Revealing armed reinforcements charged with suppressing them.

"Halt!! Drop your weapons and surrender!!"

"Ha? Reinforcements!? Why now—!"

"This is bad. We didn't expect them so soon..."

Yeah, I also felt like they got here a bit too fast. But now that it's happened, the tables were all but turned.

"No— We should have more time still. So why..."

Clara's face was that of frustration.

Looks like she also didn't expect to be stopped at this point.

In trained movements, the newly arrived guards encircled the premises.

"W-we're innocent!"

The factionless who had been going with the flow, all gave up instantly.

"T-that's right, we weren't planning to..."

And they were so lively just minutes before.

Anyway, only the Royalists still looked like they had some fight in them. Their faces were grim one and all, but nevertheless kept a hold on their weapons.

"Final warning, drop your weapons."

Said a man who seemed to be the head guard.

The Royalists still wanted to fight, but they had no chance.

"Sorry Cid. I need to go."

Clara whispered to me. Then she stood up, firmed her resolve, and stepped forward as the Royalist leader.

And it ended just like that… or so it should have. Making sure no one was watching, I made my own preparations.

"Everyone, that's enough..."

Standing in front of her loyal retainers, Clara spoke.

And that's when I, erasing my presence, used super speed and took on Shadow's voice.

"—Seems the fight is over."

Shadows voice resounded from everywhere.

"Huh? What was that!?"

"Who's there!? Show yourself!!"

"I can hear him but from where!?"

With my presence completely concealed, no one here should see me.

"—Do you not have a duty to fulfil?"

This is exactly what I wanted to do.

The moment when all hope seems lost, a voice from the shadows makes its entrance!

"What is going on? Is that the OWL?"

"No, that isn't OWL."

"Just find him! He's got to be close!"

The rabble are going into a slow panic. Nice.

"—Know that your sister still fights. So long as you don't falter, surely you will reunite…"

"Eh, my sister…? Wait, who are you!?"

I replied with power in my voice.

"My name is Shadow… I lurk in the shadows, hunting the shadows..."

"You're shadow!? The one who appeared at the God of War Festival…?"

"Shadow!? The man said to have defeated Beatrix, that Shadow…?"

"T-there's no way! Why the hell would Shadow be here!?"

"Shadow being here means, isn't Shadow Garden allied with the royals…?"

Yes, YES, hype it up!

"—If you lack power, let me loosen your shackles."

I said, launching the many pieces of slime I prepared underground, and breaking every single mana sealer at once.

"T-the collar..."

"B-but how, it's completely destroyed..."

"So it's true, he really is Shadow… why…? No, this is our chance!"

As the hundreds of collars broke and fell, I said some final words.

"—Struggle, fight. Grasp your fate with your own two hands..."

I then let off explosive mana, dying the courtyard a brilliant purple.

161. My Time to Shine?

So began the counterattack.

The men of the Royalist Faction surged up their mana and began attacking the guards.

"Triple Tornado Slash!!"

They shouted out their special move names like the above. This one apparently required you to spin in the air three times before swiping down your sword.

The whole thing looked extremely retarded, but that's what magiswords be.

The guards weren't falling behind much either.

"Swayback Spin!!" Yelled another man, dodging a thrust from a guard. Right, good dodge, I'll give you that.

But do you have to keep spinning like a ballerina?

Both offense and defense seemed to involve lost of dance and rhythm.

I mean, sure, as an enterprising power in the shadows, I too put value in the performance, but too much is careless and unnecessary.

"Butterfly Step!!"

"Death Spiral!!"

It seems shouting out the name each and every time is also part of it.

Let's just say it's like the "Men, dou, kote!!" in kendo.

The type of 'strength' I'm going for is completely different from what they consider strength, but actually witnessing it is sort of refreshing in a way. Just goes to how that everyone has a different way they see fighting.

As a matter of fact, even though it looks to me like they're messing around, they're all completely serious.

But along with actually winning, they also try to present beauty in their sword.

For them, true victory consists of also beating the opponent in style.

They have mutual rules that both parties agreed to adhere to.

So honestly, I shouldn't make fun of it too much.

Anything goes in a fight, and might is right— that is my way. That is how I choose to fight.

But that shouldn't mean I can just deny any other forms of fighting.

It's been a long time since I had a chance to observe a style so different from my own. It's exciting.

Go for it!!

Yeah, you too, enemy team!!

Nice, now, a swift kick to the balls!!

What are you doing spinning there, go for the nuts!!

Argh, fine, then stab the eyes, now's your chance!!

Stop spinning already, what the hell man!!

Sink your teeth in, right in the jugular!!

Daamn, he keeps spinning… fine, you do you.

Hey, maybe striking the crotch and eyes are forbidden or something. Can't you like, bend the rules a bit, and do it stylistically?

This kind of reminds me of the martial arts tourneys I used to watch on New Years TV. I was young and immature back then.

Oh, huh, it's almost the end of the year here too…

As I was ruminating in my thoughts, the tide of battle had once again shifted in favor of the Royalists.

Most of the guards are down. They aren't all severely injured but mostly exhausted of their stamina.

With all that spinning, why am I not surprised.

Also, the Royalist guys aren't delivering any finishing blows to the downed enemies.

What, is that supposed to be some kind of chivalry on their part?

Like medieval knights, or sengoku samurai? I don't really get it, but they seem to have a 'way' of the blade dancer.

Perhaps these blade dancers have developed a style of fighting much more civilized that the rest of the world.

If all wars were fought this way, world peace might've been a lot less of a problem.

I wouldn't like it though.

I love the kind of world where pure and unadulterated violence beats all. What I was witnessing currently was frankly a bit too white dove for me.

Okay, looks like it's over.

"Victory for Oriana! Now, you shall stand aside."

"D-damn you..."

"We won, we really won..." Clara sighed in relief.

Yup, all's well that ends well. Wait, now that I think about it, I didn't get much time to shine.

Ah well, it's just a concentration camp event. I'll be sure to get more chances once outside. Maybe…

So while I was considering making a forced appearance anyway, one man made his move.

"This farce has gone on long enough..."

He, one of the Royalist guys, muttered and then suddenly cut down one of his allies.

The middle aged man who was slashed down his back collapsed to the ground.

"Batt!! Stay with me, Batt…!" Clara screamed and ran over to the downed man.

"Guin!! What, why..." She thundered at the man who cut one of their own.

"He was an obstacle for my goals. That goes for you too, milady..."

"Guin, I don't understand..."

"Then let me show you."

He then pointed the tip of his sword at Clara's neck.

"I don't plan on giving my life for a clueless lass like you."

"N-No, Guin, you told me, you said that you believed in me..."

"Well, I lied. You don't have the right to rule over others. Didn't you know? All your so-called subordinates laugh behind your back every time you look at their faces for confirmation. They call you the idiot yes-girl."

After listening to his jeers, Clara held her head down in shame.

Right, I should come out sometime soon.

— And then.

"Good work, Guin."

Said the gray haired man— Maximilian.

162. The Ringleader is Here!?

Thick clouds had blocked the sun, and a light flurry had begun.

"I did it for my own purposes. Following you is at least better than listening to this foolish girl."

"Very well. I do not care either way, so long as you do as you're told."

"I'm expecting to be well compensated once Lord Doem gains the country."

"That you will."

Clara could only stare in mute shock as Guin and Maximilian casually conversed.

She thought, if it was my sister, something like this would've never happened.

If in her place it was Rose, as originally intended, they wouldn't have suffered so many cruel betrayals.

Because her sister was strong, dependable, and so people believed in her.

Clara couldn't become like that no matter how much she tried.

Because she wasn't strong, Guin had betrayed her.

Because she wasn't strong, Batt was cut down.

And now, they were at the end of their rope.

"It should've been her, not me..."

Wasn't that the root cause?

She, a girl who knew nothing, couldn't have stood leading others. Her sister would've at least suspected Guin.

Even she had heard talk that a traitor may be in their midst.

But she couldn't even imagine that it'd be Guin, this man who'd served her family for so long.

Thinking back, there were many points where he seemed to be scheming something, but she'd waved those thoughts away as imaginings.

Her people had fought so hard, and they'd even gotten aid from Shadow. Yet, she still lost.

Clara was already shedding tears. She felt horrible for the people who'd put their trust in her, she fest horrible for Batt.

"Do you see this, OWL! Reveal yourself now! That is, if you care for the fate of this girl!"

Only Maximilian spoke in the courtyard slowly filling with snow.

The wind grew stronger and the snowfall increased along with it, creating a curtain of white.

"There is no one else to lead the Royalists once this girl dies. After all, all her other blood kin are gone."

Blood, that's right, blood. Maximilian was right. Clara was only chosen for her royal blood, not because she was a good leader.

Still, there were those who genuinely believed in her, and stayed with her.

Clara wiped away her tears and looked at the cold ground where Batt lay. The blood that had spread out from under him colored the snow red as it fell.

His back was slowly moving.

He was still alive.

She might still be able to save him.

So, the fight, Clara's fight wasn't over yet.

"I will wait 10 more seconds. 10… 9… 8… 7… 6..."

Clara began thinking. What can she do?

Something, anything, she just needed to find…

"5… 4… 3…"

Clara looked around herself, and then she noticed something.

Behind Maximilian stood a man of the Doem Camp. The man who had warned her about the traitor among her people.

He was looking at Clara, he was awaiting her order to strike.

Clara nodded.

Yes, there was still someone who believed in her.

"2… 1..."

Maximilian stopped counting.

"...What is the meaning of this, Zack?"

Zack was holding a knife at Maximilian's throat.

"See that gardener lyin' bloody over there… That's my pops." Zack spoke with wrath wreathing his voice.

"Oh, so you were our traiter after all… Perhaps a survivor of the secret royal guard? I recall they were all executed."

"I'm still a trainee."

"A weakling then… I should've been more thorough I suppose."

"I might be weak compared to you. But even us weaklings have ways to fight. Now, kindly let Her Highness free, boss."

Zack had her knife at Maximilian's neck, which Guin had his sword at Clara's.

"I wonder, should I…?"

Said Maximilian in a bored sigh.