Demon General

The moment he passed through the giant boulder, Hans realized that he wasn't transferred through space. Rather, that boulder was seemingly engraved with a large barrier containing a hidden place inside. 

Hans' gaze swept around the vicinity. The strong scent of rust assaulted his nose as he slinked towards the large hut which could be seen from afar. 

With his perception running at full capacity, he saw many figures nonchalantly walking in and out of the hut. From his perspective, they seemed like they had just come from a mission due to their drenched clothes and trickling sweats. 

Hans has heard of the thieves lurking in the Empire. 

They are notorious fugitives who terrorized businesses. Few royals were victimized by these people. Now, another two royals were added to the list. 

Many complaints have been submitted to the authorities. The citizens even filed a global manhunt just to catch these guys but they were ignored. 

However, due to the inability of the knights and the lack of quick response, these people get away safely. The worst thing is even the Emperor didn't do anything about it. 

Of course, Hans wasn't suspecting him but he's positive that a certain noble is in cahoots with these people. 

[Will you kill them all?] 

"No." 

[Why? Wouldn't it be better if you just plunder their skills?] 

"I still have my heart, Plundy. I'm not killing anyone without reason. And don't you notice?" 

[The what?] 

Hans' eyes narrowed as he stared at the bunch of thieves eating on a large wooden table. Their eyes were dead as if their minds weren't even there anymore. On their necks, a black collar was wrapped.

Although he wasn't sure of its function, Hans could vaguely sense traces of mana in it. 

He had seen this once and it was called a devil's collar. Usually, this was only given to the dangerous prisoners of the empire. According to books, this was an object to 'subdue' them whenever they attempted to fight back. 

In other terms, these thieves weren't even a robber in the first place but rather, forced to be one.

[I see… so they are slaves huh? Are you gonna save them then?] 

"Hmm… I'm still thinking about it."

His purpose here is to get back the orb of miracle and possibly meet the mastermind of all this mess. He would be a Duke tomorrow and he should at least know which people are his enemy and who's not. 

Mastering the enemy's movement would be a big deal once the 4 great empires attacked. He only has 26 days and he needs to make sure there wouldn't be an inside threat lurking in the shadows. 

Once they were hit in their own territory, the other four empires could easily take advantage of it and possibly end the Harisan Empire's legacy. 

His mission is to repel their invasion, counterattack, and invade them. 

However, if an internal conflict arises, the difficulty of his task would increase. He hasn't found an ally yet aside from Gab. 

Even then, Gab was still an unstable ally due to him being a competitor for the Ruined King's inheritance. 

Excluding the auction house earlier, he hasn't really found even one decent ally. 

At that moment. 

'Hang on.' Hans thought as he held his chin. 

Finding allies who're tilted on the good side would be easy. However, once they found out that his task is to kill all citizens of the 4 great empires, they'll quickly turn their backs on him without hesitation. 

Plundy, who was also listening to Hans' inner ramblings, had seemingly realized Hans' plan. 

[I see… so you're here for another purpose too.] 

'Yes.'

Hans didn't hide his delight. After many calculations of the possible outcome in the future, he eventually led to a decision. 

Looking at the faces of the thieves on the ground, a smile bloomed on his lips. 

'I just need to talk to their boss.'

For Hans, these people would be a really good ally.

 Although they are unstable and might have tendencies to betray him, as long as he played his cards right, they wouldn't even think about it. 

.......... 

"Did you get what I told you to?"

A silhouette of a human figure asked. He was sitting on a crystal chair embroidered with pieces of jewelry and precious stones. 

On the ground, a sight that could make anyone drool was sprawled. A large variety of treasures starting from weapons to various accessories and ancient valuables could be found. 

The room was filled with a golden hue as the light rays shimmered on the gold and silvers. However, these items or treasures were in fact, robbed from the nobles. 

It came from different places and not just the Harisan Empire itself. 

In front of the silhouette's sight, three people kneeled on the floor. They wore black assassin-style clothes together with a mask to hide their face. 

On their necks, the same black collar could be found. 

The leader of the three, Ivan, raised his head but did not attempt to look the silhouette in the eyes. Rather, his gaze locked on the silhouette's foot, purposely avoiding eye contact. 

Ivan gulped the lump off his throat and nervously responded. 

"The mission was a success." 

Ivan rummaged his pocket and took out a cloth wrapped into a circular object the size of a tennis ball. Slowly, he unwrapped the cloth, unveiling the mystical orb in front of the silhouette's eyes. 

"This is the Orb of Miracle. According to the auction house, it could increase the probability of success of almost anything. We have no idea how far this object can increase but we're certain that this is the most priceless item on the auction."

"I see…" 

Flick—

With a flick of the silhouette's finger, the orb flew from Ivan's hands and landed on his palm.

Seeing the object missing hand, Ivan retracted his gaze and lowered his head. For a slave like him, he had no courage to even look at the 'master' eyes. 

However, this time, he couldn't help but be grateful. After all these years of being a slave, he finally has a chance to go back to his old life. 

The master has already ordered that once this mission is done, he would be released and the organization wouldn't bother him anymore. 

As a trained thief for over 7 years, he knows that the organization wouldn't go back on its words. He had made friends here so he has a deep understanding of how this group works. 

If he's useless, they would get rid of him. However, since he's not, they would let him leave alive. It was the contract they signed in front of a devil. 

Thus, Ivan couldn't help but smile as he thought of his freedom being granted to him. 

"Hmm… indeed. This is truly a magical artifact. You have never disappointed me, Ivan." The silhouette praised Ivan. Then, his eyes shifted at the other two thieves and continued, "The same could be said to you two as well." 

Ivan nodded and received the praise with gratitude. Even then, he didn't show any appreciation, after all, the 'master' is only using them for his goals. 

"You two can leave now. Ivan, you stay."

Hearing the 'master's' orders, the two thieves glanced at each other and nodded. The two bowed 90 degrees before disappearing away, leaving Ivan behind with nothing but himself. 

The silence enveloped the room in a tense mood. Chilly winds occasionally breezed through the gaps of the windows sending shivers down Ivan's skin. 

He's a little nervous. Even with his veteran experience, his heart always weakened every time this happened. 

Subconsciously, Ivan swallowed his saliva. 

Gulp—

He couldn't help it. The 'master' was just that intimidating. 

"Ivan, you have grown up into a fine man. How old are you this year?" 

Although he's confused as to why the master would ask such a question, Ivan still complied. 

"I am 26 years old." 

"7 years of loyalty. You really have become a valuable asset to us. But since you want your freedom…" 

Ivan's heart raced inside his chest as he waited for the master decision in anticipation. 

After a brief pause, the master continued. 

"...As one of the Demon Generals, I hereby declared the contract as completed."

At that moment. 

From the master's hand, a red light shot through the air, forming something akin to a brown paper.

Ivan stared at it. He could vividly remember the day he signed that paper. 

It was the devil's contract and a very high-quality contract at that. Breaking the rules in it would result in something horrendous. 

The contract floated in between them. A magic circle projected from the center of Ivan's palm. However, wrapped around this magic circle is an invisible chain connected to his core. 

One slip and he's done for. 

Despite that fact, Ivan wasn't worried. He could sense the chain becoming loose as the seconds ticked by. His strength was seemingly being enhanced albeit it was a little. 

Even then, his eyes brightened in joy. 

"We demons never break a word. You are free, Ivan. As long as you don't appear in our eyes anymore, your life will be spared." 

"Huk, t-thank you, Master." Ivan held back the tears forming in his eyes. He bowed his head to the ground and offered his sincere gratitude. 

Although he have become their slave for 7 years, they also give him strength. 7 years ago, he's nothing but a farmer but now, he's a veteran fighter and more importantly, a skilled thief. 

He could not only steal items but also information as well. This was a great honor as they gave him the power to protect himself. 

"Now, leave."

Without hesitation, Ivan energetically stood up from the ground and rushed towards the exit.

After 7 years of waiting, he could finally reunite with his family again. The joy of meeting them made him quicken his pace. 

Swish—

However… 

"Hehehe, you have graduated huh?" 

The moment he grasped the handle of the exit door, a hideous creature blocked the way. His rough and devilish voice echoed inside his head. 

Just hearing it alone, Ivan shuddered. Cold sweats oozed from his forehead. 

"Who…" 

"Hehehe, don't worry. I'm just here to 'accompany' you for a walk." 

The creature wasn't human, Ivan could tell. He has a long horn curled like a spiral, his body is red and the nails on his fingers resembled a claw. 

Ivan instinctively looked behind him and saw the master's smirking under the shadows. 

At this moment, he finally realized. 

Step—, step—

Ivan slowly backed away. 

"What are you spacing for? I'm just here to send you to deat—, the exit." The man smiled. 

"I, I could go there on my own." Ivan stammered. 

"You don't have to be shy. I don't bite."

"N-no, thank you."

"Sigh—, is that so?" The man sighed in pity and continued, "Then, I'll gladly accompany you."

Swish—

Ivan's eyes widened as he saw a palm grasp his face and slammed it to the ground. 

Slam—

His face destroyed the floor and he could not even resist. Many thoughts rippled inside his mind and none of them gave him answers. 

He's paralyzed. 

He couldn't even lift a finger. 

The man immobilized him just like that. 

"My lord, I'm sorry for our mess."

"Hmm… get him out of my sight. You can feast on him if you want." 

"Thank you, my lord."

Hearing their conversation, Ivan couldn't help it anymore. 

"Master!!!! Help me!!!" he shouted. 

His body was dragged away with no power to fight back. In the end, his voice did not even reach the master's ear. 

"Master!!!!!" 

Thud—

The door closed with a thud. 

........ 

"Hmm… that pest annoyed me."

After Ivan left, the silhouette stood from his seat and stared at the orb of miracle. 

This orb would be detrimental to their force once it fell into the hands of the humans. Although Ivan was a great asset, he managed to resist their brainwashing. 

Such an unstable slave might even be the cause of their failure. After all, once their plans are foiled, there's no second chance. 

Getting rid of him while they could still control him was the best option. What's more, since Ivan is a human, some Demon Generals don't agree with him being an asset.

"Sigh—, it's to go back to—" 

At that moment. 

Swish—

'!!!' 

The silhouette immediately activated all his defensive skills. His eyes restlessly scanned the area which had become silent all of a sudden. 

Mana flowed around him and claws grew on his fingers.

"Who are you!?" 

No response came. Even then, his guard didn't vanish. His senses alerted him that danger was around. Once he revealed an opening, it would be his doom. 

"Come out! I know you're here! There's no point in hiding." He shouted. 

At that moment. 

Step—, step—

"I have never been surprised in my life. But this time, I am truly shocked."

The demon general's pupils contracted as he stared at the shadow slowly walking towards the area where there was light. 

As the moonlight shone on his skin, the demon general gasped in surprise. 

"You are…!" 

"It's nice seeing you again, Demon General, or should I say… Sariah?" 

Sariah clenched her teeth as she glared at the figure in front of her eyes.