Tilea's Worries

After that, the man who introduced himself as Bito started giving orders to the men who appeared to be his subordinates. After a short while, one of them handed me a plate, the proof of being an adventurer. They had completed the registration on my behalf.

I was officially an adventurer now. The plate was made of copper, marked with a "G," the symbol of a novice adventurer. The rank was the lowest, but it didn't matter. As long as I was registered, I was in the game. 

Just as I was about to take on a bunch of requests, Bito told me, "There's some work for the organization; come with me." 

I had no more use for him.

I leaned forward, ready to cut off Bito's head right then and there, but he revealed an unexpected fact: taking on jobs for the organization could significantly speed up my rank advancement.

This guy might still be useful.

Honestly, I couldn't be bothered with herb gathering. It was the perfect opportunity, so I decided to take on this organization work. 

Bito led me to meet the boss of this rogue group. The boss turned out to be an arrogant little girl, a human who had grown overconfident and was nothing but a cheeky brat. To make matters worse, she had the nerve to doubt my abilities.

Normally, I would crush such a foolish human on the spot. But she had some value. I took out her bodyguards to silence the onlookers.

The humans were astonished...

Their level was so low it made me yawn. On top of that, despite being called an "evil organization," their job was apparently to eliminate some arrogant young lady.

Pfft, how ridiculous...

It's better than gathering herbs, but still utterly stupid. And then they started talking about analyzing the target's information and planning the operation, which was just plain tedious.

Why in the world would I need to discuss so much just to take down one human girl? 

This was an insult to me, Ortissio, known as the fiercest fighter in Camilla's brigade. 

My irritation was reaching its peak, but I held back. After all, these were weak humans' ideas. I told them to wake me when it was time and decided to rest on the sofa.

And then...

This is what happened.

When I followed their lead, I found Camilla-sama standing there with a defiant smile. She was glaring at me with the fierce eyes of a predator, ready to kill.

In other words, their target was the great Camilla-sama!

Aaahhh! Ack! Cough, cough, cough!

I got so excited that I started choking.

Haah, haah, what a blunder. 

I should have listened to the details about the target.

I was completely deceived.

Given the quality of these idiots, I assumed the target was just some noble girl with a decent amount of magic power.

Who would have thought it could be Camilla-sama? 

When it comes to magic, no one in this world can surpass her. Except for Tilea-sama, she is the most powerful demon in existence.

She ranks among the top three in the world!

And yet, these ignorant humans are provoking Camilla-sama.

Calling her a brat. 

Shouting, "Kill her! Kill her!"

One even had the audacity to insult Camilla-sama, comparing her to some random harlot.

--These scum!

They dared to insult Camilla-sama, the greatest being, as if they were equal! I imagine her heart is filled with a rage like magma ready to erupt.

And all that anger is now directed at me.

Wh-What do I do? What can I do? 

Camilla-sama said she would kill me. There's no way to pretend we're strangers who just happened to meet.

Ugh, I can't stop sweating. 

My shirt is soaked, like it could fill a bucket if I wrung it out.

Lately, it’s been nothing but situations like this.

...Should I just run away without saying anything?

Right now, Camilla-sama is throwing the rogue group members one after another. They tried to attack her as she approached.

These humans are conveniently buying me some time.

Camilla-sama has stopped moving for now.

Maybe I can escape?

If I leave this place, Camilla-sama might not chase after me to execute me—No, that’s wrong. If I run, it will only make Camilla-sama angrier.

That’s not the best option. It’s a bad move.

Then there’s only one path left.

I look around.

The members of the rogue group are stunned by Camilla-sama’s strength.

You fools, now you finally understand who you’re dealing with. Tremble in fear!

“Heh, not bad! Looks like I’ll have to get serious for the first time in a while,” Bito, standing next to me, is spouting nonsense. He seems to have mistaken Camilla-sama for some worthy opponent.

He’s beyond arrogant. It’s just exasperating at this point.

...I’ll do it.

I grabbed Bito’s shoulder firmly, just as he was about to foolishly attack Camilla-sama.

“Hm? Ortissio, what’s with the hand? Don’t tell me you’re thinking, ‘You can’t handle this. Let me take over’?”

“You…”

“Come on, that’s not necessary. It’s been ages since I had prey this lively. Let me handle it.”

“You… What the hell are you doing?!”

“Gyaaahhh!!”

Bito’s death scream echoed around us.

I tore Bito’s shoulder apart with all my might.

Blood sprayed everywhere.

Bito twitched, and then stopped moving altogether.

“You, you traitor!”

“How dare you break the rogue group’s code!”

“Shut up, you scum!!”

I blew away the idiots who got all worked up over Bito’s death.

Yes, there’s only one path left.

I must eliminate these foolish humans who dared to disrespect Camilla-sama and beg for her forgiveness.

“You think you can just anger us rogues, us outcasts, and get away with it—Guh!”

“Shut up, shut up, shut up! Rogue group? Outcasts? Well, let me spill your guts then!!”

“Gah!”

“Gyaaah!”

As I was disposing of a few more humans, 

“What, what are you doing!

"You've lost your mind! Defying me won't just ruin your chances of promotion; you won't survive as an adventurer at all! Do you think you'll be able to live in the capital after this?!" The leader of the rogue group, Elizabeth, shouted at me, her face twisted in anger.

Elizabeth, was it...?

What an annoyingly loud human. I should get rid of her quickly.

"Insect, shut up! You're a foolish bug who dared to defy Camilla-sama. Just wait—I'll strangle you to death and rid the world of you."

"Camilla-sama... Wait, are you with that silver-haired brat? Ugh, I won't forget this!" Elizabeth spat out her last words before attempting to flee.

"Oh, you're not getting away—"

"What have you been doing all this time?" I was about to chase after Elizabeth, but suddenly, Camilla-sama spoke to me. Her voice carried the chilling air of a blade.

"Uh, Camilla-sama?"

"Ortissio. I asked, what have you been doing?"

"W-Well, I was just taking care of those foolish humans who dared to defy you, Camilla-sama."

"Foolish... I thought you were foolish, but to think you were this foolish." Camilla-sama's voice was laced with a deadly chill, her eyebrow twitching in anger. She was clearly furious.

"Um, did I do something wrong...?"

"Ortissio, listen well. Those people were toys I found to amuse myself during the mind-numbingly boring days at the academy. And you had to go and break them."

"S-So that’s what it was! I deeply apologize. Please, go ahead, chase after that human. I won’t interfere with your hunt, Camilla-sama." I quickly stepped aside, clearing the path toward the direction Elizabeth had fled.

But Camilla-sama continued to glare at me in silence.

"R-Really, it’s fine. There’s not a soul around to interfere. You can use your full power, whether it be teleportation or magic missiles."

"Ortissio, I'm well aware of that. Are you mocking me?"

"N-No, I would never..."

"Hmph, fine. But rather than that, come at me."

"Huh?! You’re not going to chase after that human?"

"She’s a toy that adds a bit of excitement to my academy life. Breaking her too soon would be a waste. For now, my focus is on you."

Camilla-sama assumed a combat stance.

She was fully ready for battle.

I-I need to explain myself. Quickly!

"Uh, um, I’m only infiltrating the Adventurers' Guild under Tilea-sama’s orders. I didn’t intend to rebel against you, Camilla-sama."

"I know. But in the process of your infiltration, you’re now standing against me!"

"You knew? That’s exactly right. This was an unavoidable situation, having to face you, Camilla-sama. It’s part of the Evil God Army’s duties."

"Hmph, Ortissio, you’re quite cunning. I know everything. You even had the nerve to ask for a position in the direct guard force."

W-What!? How did she know that?

...I see. It must be because of that snitch. That loose-lipped half-demon, I won’t forgive him.

"Ortissio, your greed is incomprehensible. While that is unforgivable, you made such a bold claim in front of my sister. I won't tolerate anything half-hearted. If you’re going to dive into Guild work, do it with all your might."

The pressure from Camilla-sama intensified.

It seemed that escaping or making excuses was no longer an option. She wouldn’t accept anything but a fight.

Tilea-sama...

As expected of you. I finally understand the meaning of your warnings. I never imagined that infiltrating the Guild would be this incredibly dangerous. I underestimated the level of risk—it’s a life-or-death situation. It seems the time has come for me to go out in a blaze of glory.

Ugh. I-I can’t see through the tears!

"Ca-Camilla-sama, please lend me your strength... Woooooooah!!"

"Hmph!!"

"Gyaaaah!!"

-------

Elizabeth, having barely managed to escape, stormed back into her quarters, her hair flying wildly as she fumed. Her face, twisted with frustration, could easily be described as that of a demon. The betrayal of Ortissio, whom she had held in high regard, had led to the total annihilation of the rogue group's main force. All that was left were second-rate fighters. Even seasoned warriors like Bito couldn't stand a chance.

The remaining members, upon learning of the main force's destruction, were enraged and eager for revenge. Their bravado was high as they swore to make their enemies regret underestimating the rogue group. Everyone was filled with anger, but Elizabeth's fury far surpassed theirs. She wouldn't calm down until she had cast her enemies into the depths of hell.

However, unlike these simple-minded fools, Elizabeth was not so impulsive.

Calm down. Stay composed.

She analyzed her enemies coolly. With Ortissio now on their side, and the swordsman Myuhen among their ranks, they were unstoppable. Sending just any old fighter would no longer suffice; only the very best would do.

As Elizabeth was contemplating a plan to eliminate the silver-haired girl, she was interrupted.

"Elizabeth-sama, the person you were expecting has arrived," her steward announced.

Finally.

The Black Reapers—a group of assassins unrivaled in the world, reigning supreme in the underworld.

Perfect timing.

"Show him in."

"At once."

Following her command, the steward led a man into the room. He appeared unremarkable—average build, a friendly face, and his magical power seemed ordinary as well. It was hard to believe he was a top-tier assassin.

But then again, Ortissio had proven appearances could be deceiving. It would be premature to judge based on looks alone.

"Nice to meet you, contractor. I am Ryuko, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of the Black Reapers," the man introduced himself with a formal greeting. He looked so ordinary, perhaps even frail.

"What is this? This is one of the world's top assassins? Impossible!"

"Elizabeth-sama, could this be a fraud pretending to be from the Black Reapers?"

The onlookers began to mutter.

It was understandable. The man looked like an ordinary person. If not for Ortissio's example, Elizabeth herself might have thrown him out without a second thought.

"Silence!"

"But…"

"I said, silence!"

"Y-Yes, ma'am."

Elizabeth quieted the chatter and turned back to Ryuko.

"Are you truly from the Black Reapers?"

"Indeed," Ryuko replied nonchalantly, unfazed by the suspicious looks from the others. At the very least, he had the composure to withstand pressure.

But composure alone wasn't enough to gauge his abilities. Elizabeth decided to test him against her targets to see if he was the real deal.

"Very well. I will tell you your targets."

Elizabeth briefed Ryuko on the silver-haired girl and the foolish blonde. They were practitioners of ancient martial arts, powerful enough to take down the rogue group one by one. It irked Elizabeth to speak so highly of her enemies, but she had to provide accurate information. Losing because of underestimating them would be unbearable.

"I understand."

"Do not be fooled by appearances. They are not just ordinary girls."

"Most practitioners of ancient martial arts are like that. They may look small, but their skills far surpass those of a large man."

"It seems you understand."

"Of course. Do not underestimate the Black Reapers."

"Very reassuring."

"Now, let's discuss the payment."

"I understand. Upon success, you will be rewarded as you wish."

"One billion gold per kill. And I require an advance of twenty million gold. Any additional expenses will be billed separately."

"What?! That's outrageous! Are you seriously demanding two billion gold just to kill two girls?!"

"Hmph, didn't you just warn me not to underestimate them?"

"Th-That's true, but two billion gold is too much!"

The sum was far beyond what Elizabeth had anticipated. The costs incurred so far were already considerable. While it wasn't an impossible amount to pay, she hesitated to offer such a sum to someone whose abilities were still unproven.

"Elizabeth-sama, this guy's definitely a fraud."

"Yeah, he's planning to take the advance and run."

The murmurs began again.

The atmosphere was tense, with the onlookers clearly ready to rebel at any moment.

"Hmph, fine. Consider this a service," Ryuko's demeanor suddenly changed.

A cold, murderous intent, characteristic of an assassin, filled the room.

The crowd, which had been noisy a moment ago, fell silent. Everyone was overwhelmed by Ryuko's presence.

So, he had been playing coy.

Ryuko moved swiftly.

Even though they were second-rate, the group was still skilled. Yet, Ryuko eliminated them in an instant. His movements were so fast that many of Elizabeth's subordinates were dead before they even realized it.

Such overwhelming power…

This was indeed the Black Reapers!

And then…

All of Elizabeth's bodyguards—members of her household's rogue group—everyone in the room except Elizabeth herself, were dead.

Ryuko, without even breaking a sweat, approached Elizabeth.

"Now, do you understand my abilities?"

"Y-Yes, your reputation is well-deserved. Very well, I will pay you one billion gold per kill."

"The contract is sealed."

"But what exactly did you do? My formidable subordinates couldn't do anything and died just like that."

"Contractor, what do you think is the most powerful poison in this world?"

Ryuko didn't answer Elizabeth's question but instead asked her this in return. He smiled faintly and quietly left the room.

Heh, victory is mine. I will win!

This monster will crush them completely!