Aozaki Aoko Case File [97]

Credits: Dalton Pham

Ryuunosuke Uryuu is dead.

In a narrow alley, Stark cast a sleep spell on the two individuals from behind. Once he found the perfect angle, he unleashed Melf's Acid Arrow directly at Ryuunosuke Uryuu.

The spell struck him squarely in the head. In an instant, the acid dissolved the brain of the self-proclaimed artistic serial killer, reducing it to a puddle of sludge. His death was as thorough as it was sudden.

Ignoring the young girl nearby, Stark landed on the ground and used his claws and beak to rummage through Ryuunosuke Uryuu's pockets.

Upon finding the name on the ID in the man's wallet, Stark nodded in satisfaction. After a careful inspection of the backs of Ryuunosuke Uryuu's hands to ensure there were no Command Seals, he contentedly left the alley.

The acidic liquid produced by Melf's Acid Arrow was, in truth, a magical construct. Once its effect expired, it vanished without leaving any trace in the physical world.

Doing good without leaving a name, guarding the peace of the city from the shadows—this is how excellent I, Stark, am. Caw caw!

Moments later, the piercing scream of a high school girl echoed through the alley. Before long, nearby citizens rushed to the scene and called the police.

The Fuyuki City police quickly cordoned off the area, and the high school girl was detained as a witness. However, she was so panicked that she couldn't clearly explain what had happened. A female officer had to console and care for her, waiting for her to calm down before attempting an interrogation.

The officers investigating the body found that the victim's head appeared to have been dissolved by some kind of highly acidic liquid. However, they were unable to locate any residual traces of the substance, leaving the detectives utterly baffled.

This case would later become one of Fuyuki City's infamous unresolved mysteries, eventually archived in police records and rarely mentioned again.

As for the high school girl, she continued to have nightmares for a long time, haunted by the image of the handsome man inexplicably dying right next to her.

...

"Rider, Iskandar, has responded to the summoning!"

A thunderous voice echoed from the center of the summoning circle, and a towering figure emerged.

"I ask you, are you my Master?"

The red-haired giant, who stood like a living fortress of iron, gazed down at the small-framed magus before him.

Waver Velvet was stunned by the sheer presence of the man. This aura was entirely different from the Servant of his professor, Kayneth.

The two-meter-tall giant had bulging muscles and wore light armor that clung to his body. Draped over his shoulders was a luxurious crimson cape, his entire being radiating the commanding presence of a king.

"Hey, kid," the booming voice asked again, now with a hint of doubt.

"I asked you a question—are you my Master?"

"Huh? Y-yes! Yes!"

Waver finally snapped back to reality, hastily answering. He quickly tried to compose himself.

"I am your Master!"

"Hahaha! Now, that's more like it!"

The red-haired man laughed heartily.

"That's the kind of answer I'd expect from someone capable of summoning me, the King of Conquerors, Iskandar!"

He raised his massive hand and gave Waver a hearty pat on the back. The impact nearly knocked Waver off his feet, causing him to stumble forward.

"What kind of behavior is this, Waver?!"

A sharp voice rang out as Kayneth approached, his expression serious.

"How many times have I told you? A magus must always remain calm and composed. A clear mind is more valuable than any advanced spell!"

"Hey, I can't just ignore that," Iskandar interjected, locking his gaze on Kayneth.

"While my young Master may still be immature, he already displays the ambition necessary to achieve greatness. You shouldn't belittle him like that."

"Hmph. Waver Velvet is my student—Kayneth Archibald El-Melloi's student, no less. It's not your place, as a mere Servant, to tell me how to teach him," Kayneth retorted, his voice laced with arrogance.

"Stop, stop!"

Waver quickly stepped between his professor and Servant, trying to diffuse the rising tension.

"Rider, this is my professor. We're allies!"

"Alright, alright, don't panic," Iskandar said, brushing Waver aside like a child.

"But as for this so-called ally, I think it's only fair for me to personally assess his worth."

"Assess my worth?"

Kayneth froze, unaccustomed to being challenged. As the Lord of the Department of Mineralogy and a prominent magus, he wasn't used to anyone questioning his credentials.

Just as Kayneth was about to reply, a golden figure stepped forward, positioning himself between Kayneth and Iskandar. The golden hero faced Iskandar head-on, his stance unwavering.

"I cannot allow anyone to insult my Master," the golden Servant said, his voice calm but resolute. Gripping his spear, he made his intent clear.

"Oh?"

Iskandar's interest was piqued.

"Such unwavering resolve and overwhelming charisma... You truly are a hero among heroes!"

"Say, why not abandon your current Master and join me instead?" Iskandar's suggestion left everyone stunned.

"Wha—what the hell are you saying?!"

Waver panicked, rushing to pull Iskandar back. But no matter how much he pushed, the giant didn't budge an inch.

"Hey, the compensation is negotiable," the King of Conquerors added, rubbing his fingers together in a gesture that meant "I'll pay you well."

"Are you questioning my loyalty, King of Conquerors?"

The golden Servant raised his spear, pointing it at Iskandar. His voice grew colder.

"That is an insult I cannot overlook."

"Enough!"

Kayneth's voice cut through the tension. He stepped forward, placing a hand on his Servant's shoulder.

"Do not act rashly, Karna."

The Servant named Karna obeyed his Master's order, lowering his spear. Without a word, he retreated to Kayneth's side, still maintaining a ready stance in case of further provocation.

"First of all, Waver is my student," Kayneth said, his gaze fixed on Iskandar.

"Second, the alliance agreement is between me and my student—not his Servant. It's not your place to interfere."

Iskandar paused, scrutinizing Kayneth for a moment before suddenly bursting into a booming fit of laughter.

"Hahahahaha!"

"I underestimated you, Professor of my Master!"

Iskandar declared boldly.

"Since you're allying with my Master, I, as the King of Conquerors, have my conditions to add to the agreement!"

Iskandar's eyes gleamed with determination as he stared down Kayneth, his aura growing more intense with each passing moment as if testing Kayneth's resolve.

"Your request seems reasonable. Speak," Kayneth said after a moment of thought, conceding to hear the King's terms.

"My condition is this: if we both make it to the end and my Master and I defeat you and your Servant, you must swear loyalty and serve under me!"

Iskandar grinned mischievously.

"So, do you dare accept?"

PS: Whoho, My king is back!