Deep within the Rebel Army's position, Mura and Shistoi kept watch from a distance, observing the tent where their rescue target, Sobul, was being held.
Disguised as soldiers, they went through the motions of training to blend in, though Mura could only offer a heavy sigh.
"I can't believe I'm dressed like a soldier... it doesn't suit me at all. And to top it off, we still have no real information."
Despite her complaints, Mura swung her longsword with practiced ease, checking its balance. Contrary to her frustrated words, every strike sliced through the air with a sharp, whistling sound.
It was only natural. Mura had survived the slums since childhood; even if she wasn't a dedicated vanguard fighter, she possessed formidable skill. As a member of Requiem Bell, she had enough power to handle several ordinary soldiers with one hand.
However...
"Don't grumble so much," Shistoi cautioned. "We don't even know where Rei is right now. We can't afford to stand out. We have to move as discreetly as possible."
"Then you should hold back a little more."
The halberd Shistoi swung produced a thunderous roar, moving with such force that it seemed to tear the very air apart. Even if Mura was skilled, she was clearly outclassed by Shistoi, whose strength was tailored for the front lines. His movements were impressive enough to make any adventurer watching from a distance stop and stare.
Unconcerned with any potential onlookers, the two continued their quiet exchange.
"But the rumors say Rei isn't here, right? If that’s true, wouldn't it be faster to just raid the place and grab Sobul now?"
According to intelligence from their cooperator within the Rebel Army, Rei had not been seen in the camp for several days. Or, more accurately, his Gryphon had not been seen.
While Rei was a handsome young man, he usually wore a plain robe and kept his face hidden beneath a hood. If he remained quiet, he could easily blend into a crowd without anyone noticing.
The Gryphon, however, was another matter. It was an overwhelmingly conspicuous creature. Unlike Rei, it was impossible to conceal its presence if it were moving about. The fact that it had been absent for days was the primary reason the assassins suspected Rei was no longer in the camp.
Even so, neither Mura nor Shistoi intended to make a move until they were certain. Having crossed blades with him once before, they understood that no amount of caution was enough when dealing with Rei. If they moved under the assumption he was gone only to run into him by chance, it would be a total nightmare.
"Seriously, he's a headache whether he's here or not."
Mura swung her longsword with a burst of irritation, the blade cutting through the air with a sharp crack.
A knight passing nearby happened to see Mura's swordplay and reflexively stopped. Mura noticed him immediately, and a brief look of "I've made a mistake" flashed across her face.
"Ho, you have quite the arm. What do you say? Why not join my unit?"
"I apologize, sir, but I have no intention of leaving my current post..."
"Is that so? I could offer you much better treatment than what you have now."
"I am truly sorry."
Mura bowed her head, her expression perfectly mimicking that of a humble, regretful soldier. Nearby, Shistoi slightly tightened his grip on his halberd. If the knight tried to force the matter, Shistoi intended to end the man’s life to stop him.
Such an act would undoubtedly make it impossible for them to remain in the camp, but it was far better than abandoning his partner.
"I see. It's a waste of talent, but so be it. If you change your mind, come find me. I am Aurena, a knight serving Baron Hyundl."
Fortunately, the knight named Aurena left without further pressure. If anything, Mura was the one left looking surprised. She had expected him to drag her away under some forced pretext, but he had accepted her refusal without any fuss.
"He's quite different from the knights we're used to," she whispered.
"...Indeed."
Shistoi nodded in agreement and relaxed his hold on the halberd.
"To be honest, seeing things like that makes me feel more of a connection to this side than our own."
"Don't say that. Our path is already decided. Thoughts like that will only dull your resolve."
"I know, I know. I was just thinking out loud. I have no intention of holding back or betraying Requiem Bell."
"Then it's fine. But we don't know where other members of the organization might be hiding. Be careful with your words."
"You're such a worrywart."
Mura brushed off his concern, but she understood his point. Given the scale of Requiem Bell, it was certain that there were other cooperators or operatives embedded here besides the soldier who had given them Sobul's location. If another operative overheard their conversation, they might be branded as unrest elements or traitors. While Mura and Shistoi were top-class experts, they were not the only powerful members in the organization.
"Regardless, we’ve confirmed the target's location. Now we just need to decide when to strike."
Sensing that further lecturing would be useless, Shistoi shifted the conversation back to the mission.
"True. If Rei really is gone, I’d like to finish this quickly... but even then, I need time to prepare the dolls."
"How long will that take?"
"If I just need numbers, not long. But in that case, they'll be nothing but fodder."
"Fortunately, there’s no shortage of people here," Mura added, and Shistoi nodded.
Among those flocking to join the Rebel Army, there were many who were little more than common thugs. Using people like that as dolls would be much easier and cause less of a stir than using trained soldiers or knights.
"Then we need to find a place—somewhere secluded."
"A private room would be best, but..."
Mura trailed off, glancing at their surroundings. Almost everything within sight was a tent. There were a few small cottages, but they were in high-demand areas. Performing the ritual to create dolls there would be impossible.
"It'll have to be a tent, then."
"They're cramped. We can't exactly steal one belonging to a knight or a noble."
"That would be ideal, but it would also be a fast way to get found by Rei—if he's still here, that is."
She let out another sigh of frustration. Whenever they planned anything, the looming shadow of Rei’s power made everything feel futile. They had seen his strength in battle numerous times, and their direct encounter had etched his terrifying power into their souls.
When they had ambushed him in the arena waiting room, Rei had effortlessly neutralized a wave attack from Shistoi and a doll reinforced to the absolute limit without taking a single scratch. In fact, he had done more than just dodge; he had snatched their weapons and counterattacked so fiercely that Shistoi had nearly died. The fact that he was alive now was a near miracle. Understanding that, Mura had absolutely no intention of facing Rei head-on ever again.
Within the castle at the center of the Bestia Empire's Imperial Capital, Rhodos was training to master the Fire Eater he had received from Cabajid.
His training partner was a mage in his fifties serving one of the nobles of the First Prince Faction. The man was a specialist in flame magic. This was on top of Rhodos's mandatory sessions with Pelfeel; he was pushing himself to the limit to master the magic item.
"Are you ready? Here I come!"
At the mage's shout, Rhodos concentrated his focus on the bracelet on his right wrist. This was the Fire Eater—a magic item capable of absorbing flame magic and converting it into mana for the wearer.
"Do it!"
The mage nodded and chanted his spell. In an instant, three spears of fire manifested around his staff.
"Fire Arrow!"
The magic was unleashed, and the three fire arrows streaked toward Rhodos.
"Urgh!"
Just before the fire hit him, Rhodos raised his right hand and funneled his magic power into the Fire Eater to activate it. The incoming fire arrows were sucked into the bracelet just before they could strike him.
All that remained was a faint, lingering heat. The cool autumn air wavered slightly from the warmth before it vanished.
"...Hmph. Not bad, I suppose," the mage muttered, looking satisfied yet slightly annoyed. Seeing his magic neutralized so easily wasn't good for his pride, even if it was just training. He had to remind himself that the magic item was an incredibly expensive rarity just to maintain his dignity as a mage.
"Hah... hah... hah..."
Rhodos panted. Even if the Fire Eater 'ate' fire, he still had to actively present the bracelet toward the incoming spell. He had to stand defenseless against the magical onslaught. The fear of being burned was always there, and his body didn't always move as he wanted it to. What if it failed? What if it didn't activate in time? Every training session was a battle against his own terror and doubt.
(This time it was only three arrows. But Rei’s flame magic is on a completely different level. Can I really do this? Can I actually counter that magic?)
The memory of the flame tornado from the Spring War flashed through Rhodos's mind. It was a monstrous force of nature that had devastated the Bestia Imperial Army. No matter how much he trained, he couldn't see himself handling something that massive.
(No, I have to. I'll make it work. I have to!)
He repeated the words to himself like a mantra. Seeing Rhodos's intense expression, the mage allowed a small smile to form, assuming the boy was simply shaken by the power of his fire arrows. It was a complete misunderstanding, but since it satisfied the mage's ego, it was a harmless one.
"What now? Shall we continue, or do you need a break? It’s all the same to me."
"One more time! I have to be able to do this, or I'll never stand a chance against Rei’s flame tornado!"
"Very well. If you're that determined... then I'll raise the difficulty."
"Bring it!"
Rhodos nodded, and the mage began to chant again. Ten fireballs, each the size of a fist, manifested around his staff. To Rhodos, they didn't look especially powerful, but they were smaller and faster than the arrows.
"Fire Blitz!"
Following the incantation, the small fireballs were unleashed. What truly caught Rhodos off guard was the way they moved; their trajectories were all different. Some fireballs curved in wide arcs from the right, others flew straight, and some rose from below.
"Tch!"
Rhodos panicked. Since they were coming from different directions at once, he couldn't absorb them in a single motion. He had to prioritize—he had to decide which ones to take first. But his hesitation was fatal.
"Whoa—waah!"
That split second of indecision was all it took. The spells struck him one after another. Fortunately, since this was only a training exercise, the fireballs had very little power behind them. There was a series of small impacts and a sharp sensation of heat, but no serious injury.
"Hah... hah..."
"Naïve! You're far too slow. You must prioritize your targets and move to the next action immediately!"
"I... I know. I get it."
He wouldn't back down. He would push himself until he could master the Fire Eater perfectly, no matter what it took. With a look of pure stubbornness, Rhodos spoke again.
"Once more! Do it again!"
And so, Rhodos's desperate struggle to master the magic item continued.