“Judas!”
As I stepped out of the mansion, the guards, including Richard, rushed toward me.
“What’s going on? You’re being deployed? To Bethany, no less?”
“Seems like there’s been a misunderstanding.”
“Then it must be that. You talked it out, right?”
I couldn’t give them any words of comfort.
I could only force a weak smile.
That was enough of an answer.
“Is it true…?”
“Why….”
“Wait. Let me go talk to them…”
I grabbed Richard’s arm as he was about to head up.
I shook my head at him.
“You don’t need to.”
“You… huh? What’s that black mark on your neck?”
“…ah.”
I had been covering it up, but I forgot today.
I had hidden it just in case Eliya would see and worry.
“It’s nothing. Anyway… if the master says to do something, I have to do it.”
“No matter what, this isn’t right.”
“Yeah! Hey, I may not have been a guard for long, but you’ve been around the lady for years!”
Following Richard, Dillon and Lindell chimed in.
The others also felt wronged in my place.
If someone saw, they’d think they were being kicked out.
I waved my hand with a smile.
“It’s a complicated story. To put it simply… having me around is actually a hindrance, apparently.”
“…….”
“Anyway, it’s come to this. Please take good care of the lady in my stead.”
As I was about to say goodbye, Richard grabbed my shoulder.
“Judas. You’ll be in the middle of it, right?”
“Would I dare disobey orders?”
“You’re really… sigh…”
He rubbed his face with one hand, speaking in a heavy tone.
“Don’t die.”
“I’ll do my best.”
“Judas… is there really nothing we can do to help?”
Dillon asked, looking dejected.
“Just keep an eye on things in my stead. That’s all I need.”
“…….”
I received the farewells one by one.
Honestly, I didn’t even know what I was saying.
It felt unreal.
When I had finished exchanging farewells with the eleven of them, there stood Hermis in front of me.
“Sir Judas…”
Her expression was somber.
As if she already knew everything.
“Hermis.”
“Is there any chance that…?”
“No. I’m going to Bethany.”
“……”
“Instead, may I ask for one favor?”
“What kind of favor?”
“To be precise, it’s not a request but a commission. As a client of the information guild.”
Hermis pulled out a memo and nodded immediately.
After confirming that there were no listening ears around, I relayed one commission to her.
“…Understood. I will cooperate to the best of my ability.”
“Thank you.”
“But I will need some time for it.”
“That’s something I can manage. It’s fine.”
I felt someone watching from somewhere.
I turned in that direction, but there was no one in sight.
Just the window of Eliya’s office, covered by curtains.
I gazed at that place for a moment before collecting my thoughts.
‘It’s time to go. Now.’
Before I leave, should I take a look at Yuel?
—
“Is it delicious?”
I asked, petting Yuel.
I was feeding her yellow umbrella mushrooms in the stables.
Today could be the last time seeing her, so I needed to make sure she ate well.
“Eat a lot.”
It had been a while since I brushed her fur.
Bradley, the stable keeper, peeked in nervously and approached.
“Uh… I’ve heard rumors. Ahem. Is it true?”
“I’m not sure what rumors you’re talking about, but it’s probably correct.”
“Huh…”
He seemed to want to say something to console me but ultimately didn’t utter a word.
Then he dashed off somewhere in a hurry.
‘What’s going on? Is he off to the restroom?’
I simply continued to pat Yuel.
Aimlessly. A bit slowly.
‘…I don’t want to go.’
Pathetically, that’s how I felt.
I didn’t want to leave this place.
Yuel was here, and now, the elite guards of the 13th Room were like family to me.
And…
“Hah…”
As I sighed, Yuel lifted her head to look at me.
“It’s nothing. Nothing at all. Just eat some more.”
When I scratched her neck, she made a pleasant sound and munched on the mushrooms.
Just then, Bradley returned.
“Hey, Judas. Take this.”
He handed me a leather bag.
“What’s this?”
“Just a little something. Potatoes, jerky, corn—threw in a bit of everything.”
Inside was simple traveling food.
The quantity was anything but simple.
The bag wasn’t small either, but it was full.
Beneath the food, there were also basic medical supplies, including bandages.
“The medical tools were provided by that Gale guy.”
Gale.
He was the old physician who always scolded me.
“Whether I live or die, he told me to look out for you… he sure can be so… untruthful…”
I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“It’s a shame I don’t have time to properly say goodbye. I’d appreciate it if you could pass on my gratitude.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that…”
Bradley looked at me with pity, then sighed as he slumped his shoulders.
“Sigh. All I can do is provide help like this.”
He sounded almost apologetic despite lending a hand.
I had planned to stop by the town on my way and buy supplies, and this would save me both time and expenses.
“Don’t say that. Thank you.”
“Just… don’t worry too much. Who knows? The lady might call you back later.”
I simply smiled faintly at his comforting words.
Before I left, I said goodbye to Yuel.
“I’m going now. Don’t follow me.”
Smart little creature.
Maybe sensing something, her innocent eyes were clouded with anxiety.
She whined as she clung to me.
Since it could be the last time, I indulged her and petted her affectionately.
“Stay safe. Listen well to Mr. Bradley.”
The Moon Deer I met five years ago.
We were both so young back then.
As I grew up, this little one grew too, becoming a sturdy adult.
She even has a name now. Yuel.
I had grown attached to her.
But Yuel is not mine.
I just often borrowed her from Eliya.
‘…property.’
One day, five years ago.
When I was petting Yuel, I recalled Eliya’s words.
‘My possession…’
I felt so frustrated that I still couldn’t let go until the very end.
“I really have to go now. Goodbye.”
I pressed my forehead against Yuel’s and said my farewell.
If it dragged on, it would only become painful.
I had to ignore the sounds of her whimpering behind me.
With great difficulty, I exited the stables.
I stood with my back against the closed door for a moment.
I could hear Yuel’s cries.
Bradley was soothing her from beyond the door.
I looked up at the sky for a moment.
Five years.
So short.
Yet, it was the longest time in my life.
I finally detached my back and lifted my heavy feet.
—
“Sir Shylock?”
As I was truly about to leave, Shylock was at the entrance.
Originally a supporter of Balak, he had turned away because of me.
And ultimately decided to side with Eliya.
He sighed as he looked at me.
“…What kind of talks have transpired since that time to lead to this outcome?”
“It’s a bit complicated to explain.”
“Oh… seems like a fierce love battle is underway.”
“……”
“Sir Gawain wanted to pass along his regards.”
Gawain.
The man who was once my mentor.
He was aligned with Balak, not Eliya.
He has returned to his family.
With war clouds looming between Eliya, the Empire, and the Bevel Family, the summons had been issued.
I hadn’t even had the chance to say a proper goodbye due to my sudden departure.
“Don’t hesitate.”
“Don’t hesitate,” Gawain often told me.
Hesitation in battle leads to defeat.
“When you meet him again, tell him I’ll remember his words. And I’d appreciate it if you could send my regards as well.”
“In this situation, when you meet Gawain again, it probably won’t be a situation for such greetings.”
“That’s true too.”
“…Take care.”
“Sir Shylock, please stay healthy too.”
And so, I left Eliya behind.
—
I thought I had avoided the first tragedy.
But that wasn’t the case.
Fate approached me as inevitability.
And it wasn’t over yet.
Tragedy and comedy remained to unfold.
‘Eliya, the one who used fire magic on me. And me, lying there gravely injured, as if I was going to die.’
Two scenes.
Connecting them.
‘Does this mean Eliya will come back to kill me?’
Eliya said.
That she found stability by absorbing the essence of my moon attribute mana.
I understood why she had been calm with the wild flames she bore, but I could not feel at ease.
‘She might come looking to absorb it again.’
And at that time, I would certainly perish.
The second tragedy pointed that way.
‘…Is this unavoidable?’
Fate. Inevitable. Tragedy.
It seems impossible to avoid.
Just as the first tragedy had inevitably found me.
But it need not be so.
There’s one sure way.
A method I had dismissed as meaningless and hadn’t even thought about.
Removing the target of the tragedy.
*
Bethany.
The grave of knights.
When the deployment order is given, it’s practically an exile.
Most people run away during the journey there.
Yet, some arrive at Bethany.
Those who are certain they will be punished by their master for committing serious crimes.
Or those who have lost their will to live and merely drifted in.
Most knights who stay in Bethany fall into the former category.
Hence, constant struggles are waged there.
Violence and theft are daily occurrences.
Robberies, murders, and sexual crimes never cease.
Being the most dangerous frontline, monsters swarm around day and night.
With humans fighting among themselves, the monsters only add to the chaos.
Those remaining in such a perilous place are the human refuse that can’t survive anywhere else.
Moreover, they usually have skills.
The title of ‘grave of knights’ is indeed grandiose.
It even feels like it beautifies the place.
In reality, it is more commonly referred to as a ‘dump’.
From a general perspective, it is a gathering place for the evils of society that rival dark wizards.
Two men were drinking and smoking drugs.
Slurring their words as they spoke.
“Did you hear? The Bevel bastard released a statement. What was it again…?”
“That the monster incident at Judeca was a ploy by the royal palace?”
“Ah, right! That! The world has gone mad.”
“Ha ha… the idiots are something else. I wish a war would break out and wipe them all out.”
“Why not? They say the atmosphere is quite tense over there. It wouldn’t be strange if something happened at any moment…”
As the two spoke, they naturally fell silent.
From the makeshift entrance made of a finely cut log set at an angle, someone was walking in.
Due to the robe that covered from head to toe, they couldn’t see clearly.
The two watched with half-lidded eyes before breaking into grins.
“A newcomer?”
“Seems like it might be.”
“It’s the first time we’ve seen a newcomer who wasn’t dragged in here.”
“Probably just another piece of trash who gave up on life. It’d be great if it’s a woman…”
“A woman of that size… now that’s something new.”
The newcomer, appearing to be oblivious to the danger, boldly walked in.
“It’s necessary to inform you as seniors what this place is like.”
The two discreetly pulled out daggers.
So thin and delicate, they were more like skewers than daggers.
“Hope you have something valuable.”
They approached the newcomer, each with a bottle of liquor.
They hid their daggers under their opposite sleeves.
“Hey there. It’s your first time, right?”
They acted friendly.
“No matter your story, you’ve had it rough. That’s the fate of everyone who comes here. How about a drink to ease your troubles? It’s on the house.”
Alcohol is great for breaking down a person’s defenses.
“And on top of that, it’s very dangerous to roam alone around here, newcomer.”
The other person said nothing.
Only shadows moved beneath the hood.
No expression was visible.
The two unconsciously swallowed hard, tensing their bodies.
The figure looming closer was far more imposing than they realized from a distance.
That being said, with one stab to the side, they’d probably crumple up nicely.
“Seems you’re a bit clueless. First, let me…”
Ten paces left.
Even inebriated and high on drugs, they felt they could close that gap in an instant.
They had lived in Bethany for years.
Their movements—throwing the liquor bottles and reaching for their daggers—were executed in perfect unison.
The moment they rapidly closed the distance and lunged with their daggers—
Darkness rippled.
Swish! A crisp sound echoed.
“…Huh?”
Four arms flew in splendid arcs through the air.
No one could tell whose arms were whose, fluttering in the light.
The only certain fact was that they did not belong to the newcomer.
By the time they realized, it was already too late.
The man’s torso had been severed, crashing against the ground.
From below, the newcomer’s eyes glinted a cold golden hue.
The newcomer.
Judas thought, shaking off the shimmering light of the nonexistent moon.
‘With just 1 point of mana, I can’t even infuse my sword with power. But here I am, getting my initiation right away. This place hasn’t changed, has it?’
This was indeed his first time coming here.
But it wasn’t completely unfamiliar.
He had visited multiple times in his previous life.
Both expecting an ambush and recognizing that the pupil of the moon was an excellent weapon, he easily overcame them.
Though he couldn’t guarantee it would always be this easy.
‘I’ll have to stay here for the time being… I expected it, but already it’s a hassle. I can’t let my guard down for a moment.’
There was no need to bother clearing the bodies.
There are cleaners on duty.
Wild strays in this harsh environment.
Or exiled beasts that feast on human flesh.
Judas proceeded deeper into Bethany.
There were no proper buildings to be seen.
People either lay sprawled on the ground or took refuge under shoddy tents.
‘A pit full of those with neither normal tempers nor skills, where there’s no real ruler.’
Judas leaned against a corner, fatigue washing over him from the long journey, but he couldn’t lie down.
‘The survival experts can wake me up, but I can’t rely on them too much now.’
He closed his eyes.
Keeping the sword close, ready to respond at any moment.
‘War… Eliya…’
The sounds of chaos outside were lingering in his ears, whether he wanted to hear or not.
He wanted to ignore it, but it was harder than it seemed.
Eliya’s face kept resurfacing in his mind.
Whenever there was space to think, it was always like this.
Especially when he was trying to drift off to sleep.
The cold expression she had as she gazed at him. Dry eyes.
The sharp words she carelessly spat with her tiny red lips.
Wishes for his demise.
That he was merely used, nothing more.
And then he recalled the founding of the nation.
The way she shyly smiled.
As if she would never let go, the way they held hands.
The warmth of their closeness.
That delicate moment when they stared at one another in the winding garden.
He tried hard to shake it off and attempted to fall asleep.
It was the first night in Bethany, nearly two weeks after leaving the mansion.
—
A man arrived at Bethany.
At this particular moment, the objective’s deployment was causing a slight deviation in his route.
However, he could not neglect the mission at hand.
That was the pride of the guild.
The man reread the directive.
Subject characteristics.
Black hair. Golden eyes. A strikingly large frame.
Carries a sword as dark as night.
Cautions.
An exceptional individual; must be killed in one strike.
Client. …De Bevel.
After confirming the directive one last time, he burned it.
He delved deep into Bethany.
Without making a sound, the characteristic steps of an assassin guided him.
Searching for his target without drawing attention.
‘…There he is.’
Leaning against a wall of a partially collapsed building, a man was sleeping.
His eyes were hidden, but all other features matched.
Especially, the black sword.
There was only one of that sword in the world.
An object coveted even by the Assassin Guild.
‘Cannot afford to give him a chance.’
He drew a dagger and applied poison.
The guild’s special poison.
Even a brush with it would guarantee death.
Pulling back his shoulder, he aimed.
Targeting the exposed neck.
If it touches the armor below, it may not soak through.
With a swift motion, the dagger cut through the air.
Just before contact, the target tumbled forward.
He had tripped while asleep.
‘…Luck is on my side.’
As he reached into his pocket to reapply the poison—
“Who are you?”
A low voice inquired.
The man held his breath and froze in place.
A cold, hard object pressed against his neck.
Slowly raising his gaze, he found the target looming inches away.
The target, Judas, threatened him with a blade against his neck.
His golden eyes were glowing darkly.
“Who sent you?”
A name he wished to turn away from surfaced in his mind.
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