Justice or Good Deeds

Robin, the captain of the Black Guard, waited in the alley behind the detective agency. The place, usually illuminated by magical lights, was unusually dark today. It was clear he had destroyed the lights.

"You really like dark places, huh?"

"Minimizing exposure is a basic principle of the Black Guard."

Robin's expression was hidden in the shadows. I wondered if what he was hiding wasn't just his emotions. I considered conjuring a light but decided against it.

"First, congratulations on your safe return. The family head is very pleased."

"Did you report it? That I applied to the Black Guard."

"…Yes, I've finished the report."

"So, you got scolded by the family head, didn't you?"

"...."

Silence was an answer in itself. I was surprised that my guess hit the mark. Did I have some kind of sixth sense?

"What did he say?"

"It's nothing."

"Well, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I'm not forcing you."

"…Is your decision to join the Black Guard still valid?"

"Of course."

Robin let out a small sigh, trying not to show it. Then, as if he had made up his mind, he spoke firmly.

"The Black Guard operates solely on the family head's orders and internal rules. If you wish to join, the same rules will apply to you."

"That's what I wanted."

"Good. Let me explain the test. But first…"

He implied that a binding spell was necessary. I nodded in agreement, and Robin stepped closer.

"The binding spell of the Black Guard was developed by the second family head of Arahant and has been refined over time. If you reveal any information about the Black Guard, your body will swell and explode."

"I see."

"You must be especially careful after the spell is cast. Even an unconscious slip of the tongue will trigger it."

"I'm not scared of that. Let's get started."

"Also, you can't remove it on your own. If you're thinking of asking Krand for help, you should give up now. Only the family head of Arahant can undo this spell."

"I get it."

He was unusually talkative today. I shrugged, and Robin pulled something out from his pocket. A small black bead. He handed it to me.

"Swallow this. The binding spell will activate."

"Hmm."

It was a bit unexpected. The binding spells I'd seen before involved channeling mana into the head, not swallowing a bead.

*'No wonder… I thought it was strange that Robin, who's only a 7th-circle mage, could cast a binding spell. This is how he does it.'*

Just like summoning a fire dragon with a small box, this bead was likely crafted by Zenedin. So, the claim that only the family head of Arahant could undo it wasn't a lie.

"What's wrong? Are you afraid to swallow it?"

"Not a chance."

—Gulp.

I popped the bead into my mouth and swallowed it. What was there to fear? Binding spells don't work on me anyway. Even if the caster is a grand mage like Zenedin, the result is the same.

**[Trait: 'Champion's Noble Soul (S)' resists the spell 'Dark Binding.']**

See? It didn't work.

I smiled lightly, and Robin's shoulder twitched slightly. Well, if even eating spoiled food is repulsive to human psychology, imagine swallowing a binding spell. It's no wonder he was surprised.

"Now, explain."

"...Alright. The Black Guard is divided into nine ranks, from the highest, the 1st rank, down to the 9th rank. The tests are for the 9th, 7th, and 5th ranks."

What, like a civil service exam? 9th, 7th, and 5th ranks? So, the highest must be the 1st rank.

"Is the Black Guard captain a 1st rank member?"

"Yes. The 2nd rank is the deputy captain, but that position is currently vacant."

"Why is it vacant?"

"I can't tell you. Each rank has limited access to information."

Well, it's obvious. Either he died on a mission or was caught betraying the organization. What's the big secret?

"How does promotion work?"

"…Twice a year. Based on the information gathered and contributions made, the family head personally appoints members."

"So, twice a year."

Let's do the math. The highest you can jump to with a test is the 5th rank. Even with rapid promotions, it would take two years to reach the 1st rank.

'That's too slow.'

I'm interested in the Black Guard, but investing two years is too much. If the Great Mage War breaks out within that time, it's more beneficial to be on the front lines than in the Black Guard. It's a prime opportunity to gather essential materials, including the Elixir.

"Isn't there a test for ranks above the 5th? The 3rd rank seems reasonable."

"No. From the 3rd rank onward, members are classified as executives and must not only contribute but also reach a high level of mastery."

"You said the Black Guard operates solely on the family head's orders and internal rules. Doesn't that mean the family head can promote someone at his discretion, even if it's not in the rules?"

"…There's no precedent."

"That's my specialty."

So, it's not impossible. It's worth a shot.

"Alright, then I'll take the 5th rank test right away."

"That's not possible. Tests must be taken in order: 9th, then 7th."

What's with all the strictness? In civil service exams, you can apply directly for the 5th rank if you qualify. Well, if that's the rule, arguing further would just waste time. It's better to accept it quickly.

"Fine, I'll start with the 9th rank. What's the test?"

"...."

Robin paused for a moment. I wondered if he was deliberately setting up a difficult mission, but that would be overstepping his authority. The Black Guard operates solely on the family head's orders and internal rules, after all.

After a moment, Robin spoke.

"The Black Guard's tasks are diverse, but the core is information gathering."

"So, what's the test?"

"Find the culprit. That's the 9th rank test."

"Just like that? What culprit?"

"We call him 'Mr. Jack.' He has the ability to fly and bears the Arahant crest on his body. He's also staying within Neka City. That's all the information I can provide."

What kind of nonsense is this? Just that much information to find a culprit?

*'He can fly? So, he's a high-level wind mage.'*

I can make some deductions, but it's not nearly enough to narrow it down.

As I furrowed my brow, Robin's voice grew firmer, as if he expected this.

"You can't receive any help. If you seek assistance or advice from anyone, you'll be disqualified immediately."

"This is the 9th rank test? The lowest-ranked members can't even use mana. How is a regular person supposed to catch a high-level mage?"

"It's entirely possible. Every member of the Black Guard has passed this test."

"Ha!"

"There's no time limit. But if you want to give up, just say so."

With that, Robin disappeared in a puff of black smoke. The grin he flashed at the last moment was no illusion. He probably hoped I'd fail the Black Guard test.

"Bastard…"

Maybe Robin even went to warn Mr. Jack not to get caught by me. That wouldn't technically be overstepping his authority.

*'No wonder they're such a renowned organization. Even their tests are ridiculously difficult.'*

This is so convoluted, and it's just the 9th rank test? Maybe I've underestimated the Black Guard. At least there's no time limit, which is a relief.

*'No help or advice allowed?'*

The binding spell didn't work on me. Honestly, even if I got help, as long as it wasn't discovered, it wouldn't matter. But some stubborn pride made me dismiss that option. Using tricks in a test that every Black Guard member has passed would hurt my pride.

*'I wouldn't feel right about it.'*

In the pitch-black alley, I stood lost in thought for a long time.

---------------------

Rup Drang, the heir to the Drang family, is a figure of relentless ambition and unyielding greed. His actions in Neka reveal a man driven by a singular desire for power and control, yet his methods often border on recklessness. 

Rup's audacity is evident when he disrupts a high-end restaurant in Neka, dismissing patrons and asserting his dominance. His disregard for social norms and authority underscores his belief in the Drang family's superiority. This incident is not merely a display of arrogance but a calculated move to assert his influence in the city. 

Rup's focus on reclaiming the Desion mercenary group highlights his strategic mindset. He recognizes the value of Desion's strength and is determined to wrest control from Jade, whom he views as an obstacle rather than a rival. His plan to eliminate Jade and reclaim Desion reflects his pragmatic approach to power consolidation. 

Despite his ambition, Rup's methods are fraught with flaws. His reliance on brute force and intimidation alienates potential allies and creates enemies. His inability to adapt to setbacks, such as losing Desion, reveals a fragility beneath his outward confidence. 

Rup's rise within the Drang family is marked by his ruthless elimination of threats and consolidation of power. However, his aggressive tactics and lack of foresight raise questions about the sustainability of his leadership. While he may secure short-term gains, his long-term prospects remain uncertain. 

Rup Drang embodies the duality of ambition and recklessness. His actions in Neka demonstrate his determination to expand the Drang family's influence, yet his methods expose vulnerabilities that could undermine his aspirations. Whether he will rise to greater heights or falter under the weight of his own ambition remains to be seen.