A Disaster-Level Assassin Has Been Freed

Chapter 145: Demons (1)

Where did black magic originate?

From Ma—demonic energy.

It was modeled after the will of demons to destroy and annihilate the world, the essence of dark magic.

Of course, nowadays, it had diverged significantly from its original meaning, forging its own path. Unlike ancient Black Magicians, who were mere pawns of demons, modern ones had reached a level where they extracted only the destructive and lethal aspects of darkness, refining them into human techniques.

“That’s why our Holy Kingdom doesn’t actively crusade against Zolder, the city of Black Magicians.”

“Hmph! If it weren’t for the five major Magic Towers in the eastern continent, those guys would already be dead!”

“Haha, true.”

The paladin nodded at Juberroa Schmitz’s words.

But the fact that they were subtly protected by the Magic Towers spoke volumes. They had branched off from demons and were walking a path entirely distinct from them.

Ancient Black Magicians, however, were different.

Their mindset was far closer to that of demons, and their actions mirrored them. They were no different from the Demons who occasionally appeared through contracts today.

Truly horrific, cruel, and destructive beings.

Madmen who would gladly accept the destruction of the entire human world for their goals.

And…

“Godok… is a ritual even those madmen hesitated to use.”

“Right, so what exactly is this Godok thing?”

First-Class Demon Inquisitor Juberroa Schmitz pressed the paladin.

He loathed tedious history lessons. He wanted only the concise, career-boosting information.

But hearing his subordinate’s next words, he couldn’t help but groan.

The ritual’s details were far more brutal than he’d imagined.

“Sacrificing anywhere from a hundred to over a thousand children? Tormenting them over a long period, and in exchange for their sacrifice, awakening the talents of the surviving children to create even more horrific monsters?”

“Exactly. Demons have always favored living sacrifices, especially those killed in the most agonizing ways. The ‘Godok’ method is optimized for both. It forces children into a prolonged survival competition, placing extreme stress on both mind and body.”

“…But it must be highly effective.”

“Indeed. The children who fall first are sacrificed, making the survivors stronger. Those stronger children then become even better sacrifices. Repeat that, and… the few, or perhaps single child who survives until the end is reborn as a monster unlike any in the world. If the process proceeds flawlessly…”

“…”

“…ultimately, they could grow into a being comparable to an Apostle.”

“What? That’s absurd…!”

Juberroa Schmitz snapped.

But his reaction itself acknowledged the paladin’s words.

The Apostle here wasn’t a divine one.

A Demonic Apostle.

Not some lowly Demon created through a mere contract, but the singular being nurtured with the demons’ affection and care.

‘Quite shocking.’

His brow furrowed instinctively.

He’d only read about the strength of Apostles in history books, but that was enough.

A being even a group of Sword Masters would struggle to face.

That single line explained everything.

But as Juberroa Schmitz pondered this, his expression gradually brightened.

Beyond that—

“Heh, hehehe.”

He began letting out a sinister laugh aloud.

It was strange.

Why would a First-Class Demon Inquisitor, tasked with protecting the world and punishing evil, react with glee at the emergence of Godok?

Most would find his attitude incomprehensible.

But the paladin, who had served him long, was different.

With a subtle smile, he continued his explanation.

“Of course, the ritual hasn’t been completed yet.”

“Naturally, naturally… When we probed the mind of the Godok we recently captured, what did he call himself?”

“The 22nd Godok.”

“And the one before?”

“The 28th.”

“Right. That means… there’s still plenty of time before the ritual is complete.”

“Precisely.”

The paladin nodded.

If the ritual were complete, the 22nd and 28th Godoks wouldn’t have appeared in the world. They’d have been sacrificed long ago to pave the way for the final Godok.

So what was the current situation?

Why had the 22nd and 28th Godoks emerged before the ritual’s completion?

‘That’s something to find out from now on.’

Smirk.

The old Demon Inquisitor chuckled with delight.

It was only natural.

The potential emergence of an Apostle-level powerhouse!

It was undoubtedly a massive crisis that could plunge the continent into chaos, but in this peaceful era, it was also a rare opportunity for glory.

If he could capture more Godoks?

Extract information and dismantle the sinister Black Magician group reviving this ancient ritual?

‘A promotion to Special-Class is guaranteed.’

Yes.

This was an opportunity. A golden chance to climb higher.

With that in mind, Juberroa Schmitz praised his subordinate.

“Well done. Excellent work!”

“Thank you.”

“But we can’t stop here. Absolutely not! We need more information—much more. And this mustn’t leak anywhere. I won’t let anyone steal my achievement, not even if the Holy Kingdom falls!”

“Wise words. A kingdom where you don’t receive your due isn’t worth existing.”

“Haha! Such sweet words! That’s why I like you!”

The subordinate’s skilled flattery.

The superior’s smug acceptance.

For a conversation among the Holy Kingdom’s core forces, it was remarkably worldly and tainted, but this was reality.

In the deepening night, they spoke cautiously in a sealed room where no one could overhear.

What impact their secret conversation would have on the continent, no one yet knew.

***

A month had passed since Hagio and the orphanage settled in Marzen.

Adapting was easier than expected—almost seamless, thanks largely to Philip Portville. Hearing that he’d taken special care of these newcomers, Marzen’s residents showed their sincerity in various ways.

Some gave money.

Others provided food.

And others offered various gifts. This opened Hagio’s heart further toward the Portville Family.

‘That old man’s completely shifted his efforts from me to Hagio.’

I wasn’t disappointed. If it meant Hagio and the kids could be happier, that was enough.

The surprise was Sheratiya Viyan.

I wasn’t shocked that she’d sent gifts to Love’s Orphanage—managing connections was her philosophy, more valuable than money.

But the surprising part was that her gifts weren’t given to curry favor with the Portville Family.

“Because of me?”

“Yes, Harang. She said your friend is her friend too and left various gifts. They were the most valuable in terms of cost… but more than that, it felt like she carefully chose items the orphanage truly needed, which made me even more grateful.”

“I see.”

“Anyway, it was a big help. Please pass on my thanks to her. I’ve got to go—things are busy these days.”

With that, Hagio returned to the orphanage children.

Watching his back, Harang decided it was time to visit Sheratiya’s mansion after a while.

‘Come to think of it, I’ve received a lot of help from her.’

Even recently. Without Sheratiya, he wouldn’t have had anyone trustworthy to handle the translation of Delkaro’s Aura Cultivation Method. That alone was a significant debt.

On top of that, hearing she’d greatly helped his few friends, like Hagio, made him feel he should offer some small repayment.

With that in mind, Harang stopped by the shopping district to buy modest gifts.

Flowers and a slice of cake from a popular dessert shop.

Praising his improved social skills, Harang visited Sheratiya’s mansion with a smile, and she welcomed him with a smile too.

Then she said, “Time to earn your keep.”

“…”

“What’s with that face?”

“Hm. No, I was already thinking I should repay you for all you’ve done…”

“If you thought that, that’s enough. Why drag it out?”

“Fair point.”

Harang nodded.

Initially, he’d liked her straightforward, no-nonsense personality, but lately, it occasionally felt odd.

Of course, it was a minor thing.

The important part was what she’d ask of him next.

“I’m heading out to start a new business, somewhere far—central continent, maybe? Or southern. Anyway, pretty far north.”

“A bodyguard mission?”

“You could say that. But more important than guarding the caravan is something else. Ever heard of the mafia?”

“Mafia? Not really.”

“Figures. It’s a corporate organization rooted in the Crove Kingdom, where we’re headed.”

“Thugs?”

“You could call them that… but they’re far bigger than mere thugs. Their business is larger than mine, operating in both the light and shadows.”

“Like delinquent swordsmanship guilds?”

“Yes, that’s a good way to put it.”

Sheratiya nodded.

Harang was spot-on. They posed as respectable businessmen but didn’t hesitate to use force for profit when needed.

That’s why Harang’s martial prowess was essential.

To break into Crove’s market, they needed the mafia’s cooperation, but showing weakness could mean being devoured before the business even started.

“Especially since the new leader, a woman, is said to be quite formidable.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Not on your level, of course…”

“That’s not certain… Alright. I’ll do my best to ensure your business goes smoothly, Sheratiya.”

“Good. I’m busy, so I’ll head out. Meet me at the northern gate in a week at 7 a.m.”

“Got it.”

With that, Harang promptly left the mansion.

Watching his back, and the flowers and cake he’d brought, Sheratiya let out a deep sigh.

“Ugh, why did I…”

Why could she only speak like that?

She couldn’t understand it.

In the past, maybe, but she and Harang were now quite close. There was no need to be so calculating or curt.

“Phew, it’s fine. I just won’t do it again.”

After a moment of self-reproach, she calmed herself.

Yes, she’d change slowly going forward. She knew her personality was prickly, but with effort, she could improve. At least in front of Harang, she would.

‘Besides, this trip will be a long one.’

At that thought, Sheratiya let out a small laugh.

It wasn’t just because he was useful for business.

His companionship itself lifted her spirits. She no longer denied that fact.

Thus began the journey to the Crove Kingdom.

During it, Sheratiya gradually adjusted her speech.

Less abrasive to others. Less venomous to Harang.

“What’s wrong? You’re making me uncomfortable.”

“…”

Though she sometimes got unwanted reactions, she didn’t mind.

If she felt unaccustomed to it, how much more would he?

Regardless, time marched on. The distance to the Crove Kingdom steadily closed, and people slowly adjusted to Sheratiya’s changed demeanor.

It wasn’t bad.

In fact, it was good. The caravan hoped her softened, less hysterical demeanor would last.

‘For that, the meeting with the mafia leader needs to go well…’

‘It’ll be fine, right? I heard they coordinated some details via letters.’

Yes, the caravan was quite optimistic about the deal’s success. Not only did the Viyan Merchant Guild have confidence, but the mafia likely saw the business proposal as highly enticing.

Thus, upon arriving in the kingdom, the very next day, as Sheratiya Viyan prepared to greet the mafia leader—

“Harang?”

“…Maria.”

‘…What?’

How do they know each other?

Seeing the mafia leader address Harang familiarly, Sheratiya Viyan’s pupils visibly trembled.