The Bomb Has Been Planted

Although Hans likes to be discreet, pulling the mission paper from the bulletin under the eyes of everyone attracted unwanted attention. 

Spies raised their eyebrows while the Harisan Empire's scouts rubbed their noses. 

Even then, no one moved. Indeed, it's impressive that someone took an interest in those nigh impossible missions. 

Their eyes restlessly scanned Hans but after seeing his unblemished and young face, their interest disappeared. 

It's common for arrogant people to accept those missions without proper knowledge or preparation. For them, Hans was also one of those fools who has an idiotic brain. 

Sensing numerous gazes around him, Hans faintly smirked. 

It's not that he wanted to be high profile. However, the mission is basically forcing him to do this. One month isn't long. Every second counts. 

What's more, he's also bothered by the other two people who entered the tomb with him. 

He hasn't met Aviante or whoever the other guy is but for sure, they should be here somewhere else. 

Hans glanced around and took the mission to the counter. According to rules, he needs to sign a waiver in case something unexpected happens.

Hans stopped by the counter and slid the mission paper towards the woman he met earlier. The name tagged on the right side of her chest can be seen. 

'Sarah huh?' 

This woman threw him into the pit earlier. He won't forget that but now is not the time. 

"Here." 

Sariah picked the paper and her forehead wrinkled as she read through the mission's contents. She took a short glance at Hans before pulling a paper from under the counter and lightly slamming it in front of Hans. 

"Read through it and sign if you want to continue this mission." She said while also sliding a pen. 

Hans received it with open hands. There, it is stated that the Harisan Empire would not be held accountable for what happened during the mission. Also, the contract stated their intention to interfere if ever the mission became half complete. 

Meaning, they would only send reinforcements when they were certain about winning without too many casualties. 

As Hans read the contract thoroughly, a line there caught his eye. 

'If the mission is completed without assistance, the Emperor shall grant you any rewards you want as long as it is in the Empire's ability.'

This is the reward for the mission but this time, he could meet the Emperor personally. 

'Finally, there it is.'

The purpose of handling such a difficult mission is to attract the eyes of the Emperor. As long as he could meet him, his plans can be started. 

Before signing, Hans asked Sariah. 

"The loot I get from the mission is mine, right? I mean, the Empire won't just barge at my place and demand a share right?" 

"Don't worry, all spoils you get will all be yours; be it treasures or money." Sariah leaned closer and whispered to his ears, "If you complete the mission that is." 

Her face is basically an inch closer to him. 

[Hans, the entire world is waiting for your response.] 

"..." 

Hans cocked his head to the side and he could instantly feel her face just an inch closer to him. 

'This should be considered revenge right?'

Thus, without hesitation, Hans bit her ears. 

...….. 

After Hans exited the mission hall, he strolled around searching for valuables first. The mission might take him days so supplies like food and water are a must to have. 

The blistering cold bit his skin. Even though he has two coats layered around his body, the chills still pierced inside his clothes. 

Hence, Hans rushed towards the nearby clothing shop. They sell ordinary style clothes but in fact, they are enhanced by mana. On Earth, he won't be able to find normal clothes that have the function of real armor. The only item which came close to it is the leather armor. 

Blacksmiths also tried using the webs of spiders and silk of other monsters but their abilities weren't perfect enough to do it. 

The interior looks just like a thrift store albeit this shop has a large mana concentration. An ordinary person would struggle to keep his balance once inside. 

After buying cold-resistant clothes, Hans roamed to every shop and bought all he needed. 

From foods, weapons, and useful items, Hans bagged them inside his storage pouch. He even bought another one as the pouch was already full. 

Hans raised his head and stared at the gradually dimming skies. 

'It's almost night.'

Fortunately, there's a teleportation device that he could use. Even then, it would only drop him to the borders of the Harisan Empire. 

From there, it would take about 2 hours of running to arrive at the Baru Empire. 

'This is a perfect time.'

Hence, with a determined face, Hans packed his belongings and went to the teleportation circle.  

The circle wasn't really a circle. Its appearance is just like those payphone stalls albeit slightly larger. 

Unlike what he expected, aside from the guards, no one really treats it as special. People passed by as if it's nothing. 

For them, it's like a car used for transportation. 

Perhaps, they were already used to seeing it but if Earth has this, people might treat that as a sacred place. After all, anything that costs enormous money was always treated as a tourist spot.

After presenting his card, the guards briefly inspected it. Shortly afterwards, he was allowed to go inside. 

Due to the card pass, he didn't have to pay the outrageous amount of teleportation fee. The guards put a shimmering silver stone in an empty tube and pulled down the lever.

The surroundings exploded in blinding lights. The space rippled in the air. Hans himself glitched before his eyes blurred and a strong force knocked swallowed him whole. 

......….. 

Harisan Empire.

Emperor's Palace. 

Inside the grand hall, it was embroidered in precious shimmering stones. A long red carpet stretched from the large steel door toward the throne. 

A large golden chandelier hung atop the cone-shaped roof. It illuminated the entire room as its warm light perfectly reflected in the dark blue tiles. 

High-ranking knights stood on the side of the carpet while another man was kneeling in front of the Emperor sitting boredly on the throne. 

Alexander Rocuina VII. 

He's the current Emperor of the current dynasty. Alexander is an old man in his 50s, but his face showed little to no wrinkles or droopy cheeks. If not for his long beard and mustache, it's hard to identify if he's young or not. 

The golden lights reflected on his long gray hair and his pitch-black pupils gazed coldly at the man kneeling in front of him. 

"Why are you here, Gabra?" 

Gabra is a former Elite Knight but was injured and he eventually retired from fighting in the frontlines. Now, he would go to slums and every small village to scout talented people and recruit them to be a knight. 

Gabra put his hand on his left chest and raised his head. 

"Your majesty, I have important news I need to report to you."

Alexander raised his eyebrows. 

"Is it good or bad?" 

"Your majesty, I'm afraid I can't answer that." 

"I'm all ears."

Gabra cleared his throat and explained everything he witnessed earlier. 

"I saw a promising young man at the mission hall earlier…" 

Then, Gabra explained the event in a detailed manner; From Bart's notorious bullying all the way to the young man's smart move to avoid trouble. 

Alexander listened attentively. His eyes brightened at every positive word Gabra said.

However, the next events caught him by surprise. 

"...and the young man took the 5-star mission about the Baru Empire." 

Alexander frowned. He glared at Gabra, with his eyes narrowed. Gabra kept his head low so as to not anger the Emperor further. 

In the end, Alexander sighed dejectedly. If Gabra's observations are true, then that young man is simply a hidden gem. 

Discipline and self-control were always important factors in nourishing an excellent soldier. That young man is born to be one. 

'Should I send someone to retrieve him?' 

The threat of war always loomed above the Harisan Empire. Nearby empires were already preparing to invade the last living Empire which has stood for hundreds of thousands of years. 

This war will determine if the empire will be able to live in the future or its legacy will die in the present. 

This was the reason why he's been at wit's end, trying to train future elite soldiers which could amplify the Empire's strength even if it's only a little. 

However, Alexander knows an exception.

"Tell me Gabra. Why would you think a young man like him would take such a mission?" 

Gabra slightly tilted his head, "Overconfidence? Or maybe… I don't know, your majesty."

"Overconfident you say? Hmm, he should have fought Bart then." 

"Your majesty, what are you implyi—?" 

"You still haven't realized?" Alexander chuckled. 

Gabra raised his head and stared at the Emperor who was looking over him with a faint smile. 

At that moment, a sudden thought rippled in his mind. His rather cold eyes twinkled while his jaw dropped. 

"Could it be?" 

As all people who tried completing a 5-star mission ended up as corpses, this thought hasn't crossed his mind at all. 

"Let's make a bet Gabra."

Alexander spoke with a rather excited expression. 

"What is it, your majesty?" Although confused, Gabra replied.

"A bet on how many days it will take until that young man comes back." After a brief pause, Alexander continued, "I bet 4 days. In 4 days, he'll be back."

Looking at the Emperor's mischievous grin, Gabra's eyes twitch. 

He hasn't even agreed to the bet yet! 

Having no option, Gabra eventually tried to guess the approximate time it'll take. 

"I—I bet 2 days, your majesty?" 

"Oh, you really overestimated him?" Alexander put his hand to his chin. 

The Knight's on the side maintained their calm composure even though they were already bursting into laughter on the inside. 

Cold sweats trickled on Gabra's forehead as he mustered his courage to ask. 

"Your majesty, W-what is the betting price?"

"Good question. Hmm… if you win, you can request a year of vacation with free expenses."

An ominous premonition enveloped his subconscious as Gabra listened to the Emperor's next words. 

"But if I win…" Alexander displayed a perverted grin, "I get to marry your daughter."

......…. 

Rustle—, rustle—

Hans stepped out of the bushes and scanned the humongous wall protecting the Baru Empire. Soldiers were stationed on top of the walls and some knights patrolled the surroundings. 

Just like the Harisan Empire, their knight's strength was also powerful. Based on the Intel written on the mission, the Baru Empire is a 2nd Class Empire. 

Although the Harisan Empire could easily trample them, it would cause a chain reaction and eventually trigger a war. 

The Baru Empire's allies were always on guard so any movements of the Harisan Empire will always be monitored. 

This is why they hire mercenaries and adventurers to do it. However, no one could really complete the mission. 

Hans equipped himself with light armor and planted explosives around the empire wall. 

For the first time, Hans used the two skills he merged earlier. 

[Eclipse (A)] 

Now, Hans not only could blend in the shadows, but he could also make himself totally invisible even in broad daylight. 

Even then, this would probably be noticed by someone of S-class rank. Fortunately, based on his observations, no knight of such strength was lurking around. 

[The Bomb has been planted. Hihi~] 

'Oh please, not now.'

The explosives were the blood of the shadowborns he killed. With the [Exploding Blood], he could create somewhat atomic bomb-like explosions enough to injure powerful knights. 

After an hour of planting explosives, Hans eventually went back towards his previous position. Just a few meters away from him, the main entrance of the Baru Empire can be seen. 

He has already planned how to attack the empire. 

'First, let's start a commotion.' 

It's time for the fireworks display.