Chapter 18. Crafty as a fox, Noroi.
No one noticed the death of Yurka, who was in a secluded room.
“Just act natural. They won’t suspect a thing.”
“Yes.”
As Allean passed by with a nonchalant expression, other lower-ranking members bowed respectfully.
Sirius also followed Allean casually.
The fact that Calstein Gumdal had used Allean as a sacrificial lamb was known only to the higher-ups.
Even if Allean wandered around with Sirius, there wouldn’t be any trouble.
The lower ranks didn’t even recognize Sirius’s face.
“But, Sirius.”
Allean whispered cautiously.
“There might be members of the Yuterus family inside. If they see you, Sirius…”
“Yeah, from there on, I won’t be able to roam around peacefully.”
As they moved away from the entrance, it became quieter.
Climbing up the deserted mountain path, Sirius spoke.
“So, from here on, we go faster.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ll go first.”
“…!”
Using Gyunggong, Sirius flew through the air.
Allean hurriedly chased after from behind, but the distance between them grew.
Finally, a building in the valley came into view.
According to what Allean had informed, the 3rd and 4th seats would be present.
“Unite! Hap!”
As they approached, the sound of training shouts could be heard.
Dozens of people were training with wooden swords in hand.
There was also the figure of a giant sitting on a chair in front of them, likely Balgat of the Calstein Gumdal 4th seat.
Nearby, there was a woman sitting askew on a chair… she seemed to be Yurein of the 3rd seat.
“Hmm…?”
Balgat, who was directing the training, raised his head.
But it was already too late.
“Ugh…!?”
Sirius’s blade, flying over the tree, ruthlessly tore through Balgat like the talons of a bird of prey seizing its prey.
It was the Black Shadow Blade Law, Jayshik’s Eagle Claw Blade.
“Balgat!?”
Seeing Balgat fall, bleeding, Yurein urgently stood up from her chair.
“I, that guy…!”
“Miss Yulein! He is Sirius!”
“He’s the one who killed Lord Nael!”
Among those undergoing training, there were also members of the Yuterus family.
Yulein quickly grasped the situation and drew her sword in haste.
“How did you manage to come up here!?”
“I walked.”
“Ugh…!”
Yulein displayed a cautious attitude.
Having witnessed a life being lost in an instant before her eyes, she took a defensive stance, unfolded her magic sword, and awaited Sirius’s move.
“Calstein Sword Technique, 3rd Form, Yulein.”
Sirius slowly addressed her.
“I heard from outside that you are a specialist in human trafficking.”
“What…?”
“I’ve heard that many young children who lost their parents end up being sold as slaves.”
The just-defeated 4th Form Balgat is a specialist in material resources.
The 3rd Form Yulein in front of her is a specialist in human resources.
It seems to be a system of division like that.
“Is what I heard true?”
“W-what is that supposed to…?”
“It seems to be true.”
Sirius took a step forward.
Yulein flinched and took a step back, but immediately after, Sirius’s figure disappeared.
“…!?”
Suddenly, Sirius was in a position to strike at Yulein’s side.
Swiftly rushing in like a wolf tearing at the throat, he attacked Yulein with the Black Shadow Escape Sword Technique, the Jeil Style Nanggyo-in.
“Urgh…!”
However, Yulein was also a Calstein Sword Technique, 3rd Form.
She forcibly twisted her body to evade a fatal blow.
Although a deep wound was etched on her left shoulder, it was not a life-threatening injury.
“Haap!”
Yulein swung her sword towards Sirius.
It was a considerably fast and sharp Quick Sword.
Of course, it was futile.
“Ah…!?”
The moment the blades clashed.
Yulein’s magic sword began to falter.
It was due to the Common Sword Energy deployed by Sirius’s blade.
“W-what is that Common Magic Sword…!”
Yurlein shouted in astonishment.
“Even Kalstein’s master uses such magic swords… Ugh!”
Crash!
The blade of the northern sword inflicted a fatal wound on Yurlein.
After knocking down Kalstein’s three disciples with a merciless attack, Sirius glanced around.
“Ugh…!”
The people around, including the Yuterus family who had shouted earlier, stepped back in fear.
However, Sirius was no longer interested in them.
He spread his wings and left the place.
Shortly after, Alayon’s voice was heard from behind.
“C-Calm down! I’ll chase him! You all wait here!”
Alayon, who arrived late, was hurriedly dealing with the aftermath.
Leaving the task to Alayon, Sirius continued deeper into the mountains.
—
Deep in the mountains.
Inside a sophisticated building made of wood, two men were drinking tea.
One was an old man full of wrinkles, and the other was a middle-aged man with a physique twice the size of an average person.
“Has the carriage reached its destination?”
“I believe so, Master.”
The burly man replied, bowing his head.
“If our organization reveals its plan to take over the Yuterus family and even swallow up the Regel family, they won’t dare ignore us.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
The second disciple of Kalstein’s sword sect was currently outside on an important mission.
“Palis, I am not content with just controlling a minor region in the northeast.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Once we seize the Yuterus family and even bring the Regel family, one of the Five Great Houses, to submission… we can expand into a wider world.”
“I will support this endeavor with all my might, Master.”
Palis, the senior disciple of Kalstein’s sword sect, bowed deeply.
For the ambition of Kalstein, the 7th Circle mage-swordsman, Palis was prepared to sacrifice his life.
“Naiel Yuterus, who never showed any vulnerability, suddenly died, and the Yuterus family came to us for help.”
Kalstein spoke in a calm voice.
“We must not miss this opportunity. Do you understand?”
“Of course.”
Palis replied in a serious tone.
“We will definitely take down the youngest heir of the Regel family.”
“Yes, eliminate him, and we will control the Yuterus family.”
Saying so, Kalstein tilted his head.
“What was his name again?”
“Sirius… Sirius Canisruth.”
“Hmm… Sirius, named after a star.”
Karlstein nodded his head and spoke.
“Pretending to be a weakling who can’t do anything while poking holes in the reputation of the Yuterus family, we won’t stand for that.”
“Of course.”
The fact that Sirius wielded a sword was already known through members of the Yuterus family. Even if he managed to pierce their reputation, being the one who brought down Nael, his skills were likely not ordinary.
“After properly assessing his skills, we will make thorough preparations before launching an attack.”
“Yes, that’s why we sent Alayon…”
Right at that moment, Karlstein suddenly stopped speaking.
“Why are you acting like this?”
“This is…”
Karlstein’s gaze changed.
Seeing his demeanor, Palice’s expression also became serious.
“Palice.”
“Yes!”
Palice immediately stood up.
Taking the sword hanging on the wall, she headed towards the entrance of the building.
And the moment she opened the door.
“…!”
Meeting the eyes of a handsome young man, Palice was astonished.
A person like Sirius Canisroot, who shouldn’t be here, was standing in front of the door.
“Sirius Canisroot…!”
“What an unexpected welcome. Coming out to greet me.”
Palice desperately scanned the area below the mountain.
Below, there was 5th Seat Yurka, 4th Seat Valgat, and 3rd Seat Yullein.
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Had no one noticed Sirius coming up here?
“The 5th, 4th, and 3rd Seats are already dead.”
“What…!”
“It was said that Cha-seok from the 2nd Seat went on a business trip. Then you must be the 1st Seat disciple.”
Hearing that, Palice was shocked.
The fact that he had defeated Yurka, Valgat, and Yullein was astonishing… and it was hard to believe that Alayon had shared information about the internal affairs of the sword sect with Sirius.
“It seems the 6th Seat has betrayed us.”
…!
At the voice coming from behind, Palice swallowed hard.
“Palice, let him in.”
“M-Master, but…”
“Are you going to defy my order?”
“N-No, Master.”
Palice hastily stepped back.
Suddenly, Sirius entered the building without any hesitation.
“….”
After a quick scan of the interior, Sirius turned his gaze towards Kalstein, who was sitting in the center.
“So, you must be Kalstein.”
“Such insolence…”
Palace’s eyes widened at Sirius’s rude tone.
However, Kalstein gestured to stop her.
“Sirius Canisroot, I didn’t expect you to appear here in person.”
“You lack imagination, old man.”
Sirius retorted coldly.
“Haven’t you heard that I personally visited the Yuterus main house? In that case, you should have considered the possibility of me appearing in your domain as well.”
“I see. I was short-sighted.”
After meekly admitting it, Kalstein spoke again.
“It seems you’ve taken down the 5th, 4th, and 3rd seats. Despite all being part of the 5 Circles, the 3rd seat showed considerable skill. Did you take him down as well?”
“Just now.”
“….”
Kalstein furrowed his eyebrows slightly.
“Palace.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Deal with him.”
Instructing Palace to confront Sirius, Kalstein continued, “He has come this far without a scratch. It seems toppling Nael Yuterus wasn’t just luck.”
“It appears so.”
“Since there’s no challenger, you’re the only one capable of defeating him. Settle the score for our disciples.”
While Kalstein addressed the other disciples by their rankings, he called Palace by name, indicating his trust in her as the top disciple.
“If you bring him down to avenge our disciples, I will teach you the skill you’ve coveted for so long.”
“…!”
Skill.
It referred to a technique crafted with great effort by a mage or magic faction.
As a mage of sufficient caliber to gather disciples and form a force, Kalstein possessed his own unique skill.
Palace’s dream was to be acknowledged by Kalstein and inherit his skill one day.
“Understood, Master…!”
Palace replied with excitement.
“I will bring him down and uphold the honor of the Kalstein Swordsmanship!”
With that declaration, Palace raised her sword towards Sirius.
However… Sirius stood still without drawing his own sword.
“You dullard.”
“What…?”
“Is this a situation that warrants your joy?”
With a scornful expression, Sirius glared coldly.
“Your master simply wishes to use you as a sacrifice to observe my swordsmanship.”
“…!”
In front of the wide-eyed Palace, Sirius turned his gaze to Kalstein.
“I already see through that old man’s inability to defeat me with your skill. However, if I make you fight first, I can learn what kind of swordsmanship I’m up against. That’s why I want to gather information before facing you.”
Staring coldly at Kalstein with his icy eyes, Sirius spat out his venomous words.
“You’re a cunning old fox, Kalstein.”
One of Kalstein’s eyebrows twitched.