The source of the loud noise was from someone who had swung a mace too big for the inn’s halls.
Swoosh…
However, Yurim effortlessly avoided the attack.
'Should I call this… my first real fight?'
From the opponent's momentum, I could already feel it—we had an overwhelming advantage.
Then… I should be able to use a slightly bold move.
Swoosh—!
Swish—!
Weapons were drawn.
I quickly grabbed Yurim's shoulder and pulled her into the room."Huh—?"
Yurim could have reacted adequately, but she was still acting coy.
SLAM—!
I shut the door.
"Y–You bastard!"
The mace crashed into the door.
Crack…
The wooden door was reduced to splinters by that attack. However, anything could have happened in the brief moment the door was closing.
CLAP—!
As I clapped, Darkness surged.
Whir…
"Huh…?"
To be more precise, it was a cluster of shadow hands.
[You used Black Flower.]
[Summon shadow hands that perform rapid strikes. Each attack deals damage equal to the amount of hands created. Each additional strike on the same target deals 20% increased damage.]
WHOOM—!
They quickly tried to dodge, but it was a futile effort.
Whir—!
Paaf—!
"Huh?!"
"Agh—!"
Paaf!
"AAAHHH!"
After all, shadows could bend as much as they want.
The hands chased after them and knocked them down.
There were those whose bones were broken or whose arms were twisted—compassion was a luxury.
"Seol, stop."
"Okay."
Yurim stopped me.
There was no need to pour effort into a significantly weaker opponent.
According to an internal evaluation from the Veil, they had concluded that our strength wasn't inferior to that of the executives of the Faces.
The problem was the variables that could occur in real combat.
"Y-You bastards…"
The shadows emitted by Yurim had restrained the room's owner since we needed his information.
"Let's make a few things clear. You guys picked a fight first."
"Did you come because of Lian…?"
"Yes, you know, right?"
"Of course. I've been watching over him for a while. Even things like how often his spoon sways while eating or how often he goes to the bathroom."
"So you were tailing him."
"That was the request."
"Request…"
They were members of an unremarkable reconnaissance organization. However, just because they were weak didn't mean their information-gathering capabilities were poor.
"First, could you do something about those guys? They're grumbling too much."
"Ah."
I've been forgetting things frequently these days.
'Is it because of the headache?'
Yurim stepped in and dealt with them. Although, all she did was just throw them into an empty room and inform the inn's owner.
Since the door was gone, I transferred him to an empty room and interrogated him there.
"We didn't know Lian was part of the Veil until later; by then, it was already too late."
"Too late?"
"We had already passed the information to the client."
"Hmm…"
"Please, believe me! It's true! We wouldn’t have taken this job if we knew it was related to the Veil!"
The Veil was rumored to be ruthless to outsiders. It was probably a rumor made to tarnish our reputation, but Agony approached it differently.
- 【It makes moving around easier! So let's leave it like that!】
That was indeed the case.
He was trembling in fear of what I would say.
It gave me a strange sense of pleasure.
Then, I had to ask the most important question.
"Who was the client?"
"They were two sisters wearing masks…"
"Sisters… Sisters…"
Mask…
Sisters…
"Were they wearing identical masks?"
"Yes…"
It was them—Surprised Face.
The Faces seemed to have targeted Lian, a Veil member conducting external activities.
'So he was kidnapped. Or… was killed.'
Yurim's expression darkened as she listened. But her attempt to hide it made it even sadder.
From what I heard before coming here, she often hung out with Lian when they were young. So she became distressed upon hearing the news.
But actually, watching her made me suffer too.
Yurim was like a small bird to me—every action she took made me feel sorry and concerned, and I didn't know why.
"Half of the payment was given to us in advance, and since we delivered the information as we agreed, we're now going to receive the remaining half."
"Hahaha…"
I couldn't help but laugh.
This man was also aware.
"I know they’re part of the Faces… and that going there would likely get me killed. I would be fortunate if they didn't take my life, let alone the remaining payment. But I can't run away either. They will just chase me down to tie up loose ends.."
He was smarter than I thought.
"So that's why you deliberately exposed your identity to us."
"I know the Veil's skills are the real deal, unlike the rumors. I also know that their actions may have many false aspects, but even so, to escape from the Faces, you need the Veil's help."
"You think we're going to spare your life? Despite what you've done? That seems to be a bit of a misjudgment."
"No. I know how to read people. I was sure of it from the moment I saw your face. We can survive."
"Why do you think that…?"
It would have been a lie if I said I wasn't offended by it.
'Did he underestimate me?'
Grin…
The man smiled.
"Because I think you're quite reasonable."
"Are you planning to solve this through negotiation amicably…?"
The man continued, "I'm going to tell you where we were supposed to receive the remaining payment."
"That's obvious."
"But there's one thing I wanted to check. Can you guys really eliminate those guys? You seem like rookies."
He wasn't wrong in being suspicious.
Compared to the infamous Faces, we hadn't achieved anything yet.
"Although I can't tell you, we have a way. Anyway, that's something we will handle. But, is that all?"
"Of course, this much wouldn't be enough. If you guys are planning to take down those annoying masked sisters… well, to be honest, we're cheering for you. In that sense… we're going to share additional information."
"Additional information?"
"After we found out that Lian was part of the Veil, we've been investigating, using every means at our disposal."
"About what?"
"The Faces."
Information about the Faces.
This was something that piqued my interest.
'Was this why he was so confident?'
The man put up three fingers.
"I'll pass on all three pieces of information. Kill the Faces and let us escape."
"I'll decide after hearing the information."
"Yes, but you probably won't be able to refuse. All three pieces of information will be useful."
The man whispered in my ear.
However, instead of feeling ticklish, his words gave me goosebumps because each one was dangerous.
"Are you sure…?"
"There's no sure information anywhere. But it’s highly credible."
If he were sure, I would have suspected him.
"All information is just intended to be used as a reference."
"How did you get the information?"
"You can’t find an answer if you only look at things from one angle. We just drew the big picture and got lucky."
I received three clues from him.
I told him, "You're free."
"See? You are quite reasonable."
* * *
A few days later, at night, a secret meeting was scheduled to take place in a very secluded forest.
The informants who were supposed to be ambushed and killed here weren’t present.
"Ugh… It's cold. Seol, let's stay close."
"Okay."
We leaned against each other on a tree.
A fight would soon take place here.
It would be good to stay relaxed.
'To think my first opponents would be the Faces.'
Surprised Face wasn't just one person. They were sisters.
Their combat capability was rumored to be lower than the other Faces, but when they fought together, they could exert a power comparable to them.
Swoosh…
A quiet sound flowed through the air, as if it were signaling dusk.
'They have arrived…'
I nodded at Yurim.
Yurim took a deep breath and nodded back.
Swoosh…
'Huh…?
Whir…
They turned around and went back.
I could tell because Yurim signaled first.
This changed the plan—whether to chase them or wait here.
There were good motives for each option.
Simply put, if we didn't chase them now, we might lose track of Lian and the Faces. However, there was also the risk of getting lured into a trap.
The option to stay here was definitely safer.
'Because support is coming.'
One external activity member was going to come to support us. It seemed that it was someone Yurim knew as well.
She said she learned how to use the sword from that person during her childhood.
Yurim's sword arts were solid. It was probably due to that person’s influence.
"What should we do? I received a message saying they're coming this way…"
My instinct was warning me; if we let them go, there wouldn’t be another chance.
"Let's leave a trail."
"A trail? Will we chase them by ourselves?"
"We don't have time. Why? Do you think it will be hard?"
I respect Yurim.
She was the primary fighter between us, so I would have to reconsider things if she refused
"Alright! Seol, if this is what you think! I'm okay with it!"
The only problem was that Yurim took my opinion too seriously. Still, it had saved her life many times.
Swoosh—!
After leaving a mark on the tree, we immediately started chasing them. Since they seemed to have sensed us, they wouldn't just flee.
We also increased our pace.
Paf—!
Paaaf—!
Yurim could run much faster than me. She was likely still staying by my side out of consideration.
Papapaf—!
We stopped simultaneously.
"That's why the kids from the Veil are no fun. You guys are from the Veil, right? How did you know?"
Two women wearing masks with surprised faces appeared.
Thud…
A woman with a slightly lower voice tapped her sword sheath.
"We prepared the remaining payment. But it seems like these guys will intercept it."
"We have no choice… Shouldn't we give it to them at least?"
The remaining payment likely meant that they would soon cut our throats. So, it was like a warning or a declaration of war.
'Why do their voices sound familiar…?'
The voices of the two women, their gestures, their small habits… everything about them seemed familiar.
"Name…"
"What…?"
"What are your names?"
"What's up with him?"
"I don't know. Maybe he wants to play house? It seems he's curious about our names."
The older sister answered.
"Well, since we've abandoned those names, I'll tell you. I'm Beldre, I'm the older sister."
"I'm Belian, the younger sister. Haha… Why do we have to tell you this?"
"Then, we can kill you now, right?"
Beldre and Belian…
'Yes. I feel like I've heard their names before.'
Seol..
"Seol!"
"Ah… Yes."
"We have to fight… right?"
Yurim’s hands trembled as she spoke.
She had a bad habit of getting extremely nervous before a fight. In that sense, she was completely different from me.
That habit was probably why Agras was able to capture Yurim.
However, that was her past self.
Swoosh…
I placed my hand on the back of her head.
"Don't be scared."
"…"
"I'm here for you."
It was like a magic spell that gave her wings.
Swoosh…
She instantly calmed down. as if she were entrusting her body to the sea.
Paf!
Slash!
Slash!
One-half of Surprised Face pulled out her sword in a hurry.
"What the…"
"Unni, you felt it too, right?"
Yurim's attitude had completely changed.
'I should be more nervous. After all, this is real combat.'
The problem here was me.
Yurim's reaction was normal. Yet, I wasn't nervous at all.
It was as if I was used to standing on the battlefield, commanding and devising winning formulas.
A symphony unfolded in my mind.
The composition of instruments, the solidity of sounds, and the accumulation of harmonies—everything about the battlefield resonated.
The sisters’ steady strides, the completeness of their moves, the surge of their hearts…
"The younger sister is faltering."
Nod…
Yurim nodded.
At the same time, there was a clash.
Clap—!
[You used Darkness' Servant.]
[You have created a ghost made of Shadow.]
[The ghost is skilled in destroying the surrounding terrain.]
[The ghost is influenced by the summoner's stats.]
Whiioo…
The sisters' swords started emitting light as the Shadow ghost, Darkness' Servant, was summoned.
Sssnnnggg…
Their swords were vibrating.
"Yurim… you know, right?"
"Yes. I'll buy time."
The victory formula we perfected—Yurim would faithfully carry out.
Paanng—!
Yurim sprang out like a whirlwind. She was intending to restrain the sisters before they could split up.
"No you won't!"
Taang—!
Taang!
Two clashes quickly happened.
And in those two collisions, Yurin gained dozens, no, hundreds of times more information than others normally could.
And that was when the winner was determined.
Clang!
After crossing swords with Beldre…
Paanng—!
She kicked Belian, who was charging at her.
"Ugh…"
'Yes!'
If she could block even it once, she would be able to block it thousands more times. Yurim was that kind of person.
'Then, I…'
Clap—!
[You used Expanding Darkness.]
[The area suddenly becomes dark.]
…
It was a spell that affected the surrounding environment.
I was a Summoner, Fighter, and Magician all at once.
Expanding Darkness influenced the surroundings, so it was suitable for moderate-sized battles. In such small-scale fights, such as this one, it consumed too much mana to justify its effect, but I found another way to use it.
Whir…
And that was as food.
As the Darkness' Servant began absorbing the Darkness, I counted down, starting from thirty.
'Thirty seconds, Yurim. Until perfect victory.'
I could relieve her burden if I directly joined the battle. However, that wasn't a sure way to win.
"What…?"
"I'll take care of him first…"
As the Darkness' Servant started behaving strangely, the sisters hurriedly responded.
Then, Yurim swung her sword widely.
BOOM—!
A slash.
"Ugh…"
"What…?"
A straight line was drawn on the ground, right in front of Yurim's feet.
"You won't cross. No matter what."
"How exciting…"
"It seems we'll have to take things more seriously too."
Whir—!
Whir—!
The sisters' sword arts became strange.
They began moving as if they were one.
It seemed that Yurim had also felt it. She focused without closing her eyes.
Ten…
A collision happened.
BOOM—!
"You blocked it?"
"Then, try blocking this too!"
[Belian used Vibrating Sword.]
[The blade of your sword vibrates, making your attacks harder to block.]
[Beldre used Amplification Sword.]
[The effects applied on your sword gradually expand and spread.]
…
Different swords, with different effects…
Five.
Yurim noticed their trick.
Whir…
She raised her energy and prepared for the incoming shock.
"Got you!"
Taang—!
Belian and Beldre's sword overlapped with Yurim's.
Paanngg—!
A shock strong enough to shake nearby trees was transmitted backward from Yurim's sword.
Tsss…
Small wounds appeared on Yurim's face, and her arms trembled.
One…
But she had endured it.
"Oof… Oof…"
"It's over. She can't move a finger anymore… unni?"
"Wait a minute… I can't see that guy."
"What…?"
Clap—!
I supported Yurim from behind and took out the trick I had prepared.
After three years of deliberation.
I followed a path that felt strangely familiar.
Whenever I knocked on that place's door, I suffered from severe headaches, but I kept knocking.
I instinctively felt that my answer was there. That place… it was a treasure vault.
Whir…
[The Darkness' Servant has consumed enough Darkness.]
[You have summoned Darkness Dweller.]
[The Darkness Dweller’s combat power scales with the summoner’s stats and the amount of Darkness used.]
The Darkness grew larger, and a giant appeared from within it.
"What is that…"
"That kind of thing…"
Yurim giggled.
The reason the battle had flowed like this was because she was confident and wanted it to be so.
It felt like a prince who appeared in fairy tales had come to save her.
Whoosh…
The Darkness Dweller pulled its fist back and shot it forward.
PAANNG—!
Crash…
"Cough…"
The Surprised Face sisters defended and minimized the punch's impact, but they were still thrown back, crashing into a tree and getting injured.
"Cough… A power like this… Something like this…"
The older had just said something worth retorting.
Yes, I was reborn.
To shake off the days I endured in hell.
"This isn't power."
"It isn't power…?"
What Toki said the day he pulled me out of hell.
"It's the beliefs of the Veil that has embraced Darkness."
I'm the Veil's crow, and wings that could allow me to fly anywhere had sprouted on me, too.
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter