Chapter 88: The Split of the Black Cat
In the western part of the continent, including the Subarokia Empire, there are many guilds. Guilds are mercenary organizations created by magic knights, providing personal protection and more. Since the military doesn't provide personal protection, these organizations are necessary. Some guilds also create their own magical tools and spells.
They serve as a source of military power.
Among the guilds, there are those known as illegal organizations, referred to as the "Dark Syndicate."
The Black Cat, in particular, consists of elite members and wields tremendous influence.
They have established multiple bases in the splendid city of the Imperial Capital.
Today's meeting took place in a high-end restaurant known for serving traditional dishes of the empire.
"Now, let's begin today," the boss, known as the "Black Cat," announced.
Eleven executives gathered around a round table, enjoying their meals during the meeting.
"I heard that 'Death' and 'Hawk Eye' pulled off some tricks during the last mission. How about sharing the results?" the boss inquired.
Although he said that, all the executives gathered here were well aware of what was happening in the Imperial Capital of Aldaal. There was only one unusual event to speak of.
"Death," Shuu, replied somewhat reluctantly, "Most of the nobles in the Empire are dead. Not by natural causes, but because of the walking corpses. It seems there are still walking corpses lurking."
"Is that so?" Genju reacted with disdain towards Shuu's nonchalant attitude.
In the previous meeting, Shuu had revealed his true identity as the Dark Lord Arklight. The deeds of the Dark Lord Arklight were easily discoverable through research.
"Kingdom of Ramsa's capital annihilated, Holy Knights killed. Subsequently, successful assassinations and leading the Liberation Army to victory. Rumor has it he even dabbles in forbidden spells," Genju's supplementary explanation seemed to be something everyone among the executives knew. None of them showed any change in expression.
Shuu had expected this much, considering that he might be leaking information to "Hawk Eye." He didn't mind.
"Is that a complaint, Genju?"
"Are the walking corpses not the result of your magic? I recall you mentioning death magic. Mass destruction magic, complete freezing magic, and the magic of the walking dead... Quite versatile, aren't you? It's quite fascinating."
"Would you like me to explain more later?"
"Oh? Are you admitting it?"
"There's no need to hide it."
He openly acknowledged that it was his doing.
It was a fact that was bound to come out eventually. He wasn't concerned at all.
"Regardless of who instigated it, it doesn't matter. The fact is, the Empire has lost most of its functionality. That's an unchangeable reality now. Let's focus on what comes next, as Death and Hawk Eye suggested," Black Cat continued to summarize, showing his usual unreadable expression.
Currently, the incident of the walking dead in the noble district continued to escalate. Even though more than a day had passed, the military couldn't eliminate all the zombies. The reason was that they couldn't distinguish between living humans and the walking dead. Many incidents occurred where oblivious nobles were bitten by their relatives and friends who had turned into walking corpses. There were also disturbances during the night, and inadequate information was relayed. As a result, many nobles had turned into walking corpses before they could be on guard.
The identity of the walking dead was a new type of magic created by Shuu through his magic. The Imperial Army couldn't even figure out its cause. They were merely predicting it as acts of terrorism using magic equipment. With many nobles already killed, there were concerns about governance as well. Currently, the Emperor and the Grand Duke were working tirelessly at the center, but it was likely to collapse eventually.
The Subarokia Empire relied heavily on power, for better or worse. To become rulers, one needed wealth and power. In other words, the nobility ruled the vast empire. If these nobles were to disappear, political turmoil was inevitable.
Unresolved incidents with the zombies, the advance of the Liberation Army, and the pressure from the Holy Grinia.
With any one of these, the likelihood of the empire's downfall was high.
"We'd like to support the Empire," White Snake and Young Branch said, echoing the sentiments of Black Cat. Even the likes of Libra, who engaged in gambling and lending money, seemed to share the same sentiment. They were all quite determined.
White Snake and Young Branch, who conducted research on magical tools and drugs, could conduct legitimate research if they so desired. However, the Magic Church, which frowned upon gambling, would not permit Libra's involvement.
"Hmph. I've already provided a substantial donation to the Empire! I'll support the Emperor!"
"Shall we go to war, then?" Shuu declared coldly, fixing a stern gaze on his opponent. Knowing that Hawk Eye was aware of his identity as the Dark Lord, his opponent was becoming anxious. His opponent was the strongest assassin, and getting killed by mistake would be catastrophic. However, today, Hawk Eye was feeling bold.
"How dare you? You think you can oppose the Subarokia Empire, even if you're a king's monster? You fool!"
"Is that so?"
"Of course. You're a monster, so you wouldn't understand! I'm the awakened Magic Knight of the Empire!"
"Hmm..."
He cast a sharp gaze around the room, sending a chilling atmosphere. Everyone stopped eating and focused on Shuu.
"As a matter of fact, I've received a request from the Liberation Army Rebellion. They want the Second Regiment to be crushed."
"Hahaha! Destruction is my specialty!"
"I have a track record of fortress destruction as well. My range of killing includes individuals and groups," he said.
Is it assassination, everyone wondered. Despite his title as the Death Lord, Shuu was essentially a monster. He could do anything. The Imperial Army had sent four regiments to crush the Liberation Army Rebellion, and destroying one of them was not out of the question.
The five executives, Red Rabbit, Gray Mouse, Black Iron, and Hawk Eye, were watching and waiting.
Except for Hawk Eye, they were ready to win or lose, whether the Empire fell or not. In fact, they seemed interested in Shuu, who had declared himself the king's monster.
"This is unusual. The Black Cat has split in half," Black Cat, the boss, remarked.
On the other hand, the preparations of the Black Cat were complete. The internal conflicts within the organization, the civil war in the Empire, and the impending continental war... the situation was unfolding on various scales.
"That's enough for today. Let's each do our best for our respective sides," Black Cat concluded the second Black Cat meeting, splitting the executives into two factions.
---
In the southern region, the clash between the Liberation Army Rebellion and the Imperial Army occurred for the first time. Unlike previous battles with subordinate nations, this was a full-fledged war against the Empire. The Liberation Army Rebellion was facing the full might of the Imperial Army for the first time.
The enemy they had to face was the Second Regiment of the Imperial Army.
On the Liberation Army Rebellion's side was a coalition force consisting of two subordinate nations.
"Are those the five legions of the Imperial Army we've heard about?" one of the
generals muttered while peering through a telescope.
He was General Arei, the commander of the Flasio Kingdom's army, and this was his first experience with war. The Flasio Kingdom had long survived as a vassal of the Empire. As a result, the army had become an organization for dealing with threats from monsters and criminals within the country.
General Arei, who was leading an army, was also experiencing a war against the military for the first time.
"S-rank Magic Knights, I heard there are five of them. According to information obtained by spies, they're led by the Grand General..."
"It seems we can't win in terms of quality. The Subarokia Empire has a deep talent pool. The commander's skill will be put to the test."
"You'll surely win, General Arei. I'll assist you with all my might," replied an officer.
To be honest, he was anxious.
General Arei had even unintentionally vented his frustration to his aide. Normally, a commander couldn't afford to be pessimistic due to morale. However, just the thought of going to war against that formidable Empire made his legs tremble.
"Heh..."
He couldn't stay frightened forever.
General Arei gave the command.
"Our enemy is the Empire! For the sake of freedom and a new era, risk your lives! Charge!"
The two armies clashed, shaking the earth.
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