Ch.69Myriad Sword Emperor

They were on their way to gather information about the reincarnators. Before venturing into the wilderness, the group began some light disguising. With simple hair dye and makeup that accentuated facial features, their appearances changed dramatically.

Saeeorin also dyed her hair black and tied it back. Karnok needed to make even more changes. Hair dye was just the beginning; he wore lenses to change his eye color, used transparent tape to pull back his jaw and sharpen his eyes, then applied thick makeup to conceal the tape.

When Saeeorin stared at his transformation, Karnok smiled and explained, “I’ve been active in the Blue Wing for so long that most reincarnators recognize my face.”

Reynard didn’t bother much with disguise. It had been just over a year since his arm was severed, and he had temporarily suspended his external missions.

This meant rumors of a one-armed swordsman in the Blue Wing hadn’t spread yet.

After finishing his disguise, Karnok said, “Now, let’s split up. It’s dangerous, but it’s better to avoid unnecessary suspicion.”

Taking risks for the mission was routine for Blue Wing members. No one objected.

The group divided into three teams, excluding Karnok. Each team consisted of one senior member paired with one intermediate member, while the remaining three intermediate members formed their own team.

Saeeorin and Theo Flora were part of the three-member intermediate team. Before departure, Karnok looked around at everyone and spoke.

“From this moment on, we’re strangers. The mission period is two months. It’s fine if our areas of activity overlap. Don’t rush to help other teams in danger. Unless it’s truly urgent…”

Karnok’s gaze lingered longest on Saeeorin’s group. They were juniors he particularly cared for. Though skilled, it was natural for him to worry. Smacking his lips, Karnok turned away.

“See you at the border in two months. Now, let’s move.”

Karnok disappeared first. The moment he stepped forward, his figure vanished. Only faint footprints and the swirling dust above them indicated he had been there.

Saeeorin’s eyes traced Karnok’s trail. He had layered his mana manipulation to achieve explosive speed. Yet there was no shockwave typical of mana discharge. His efficiency was chillingly perfect. Most people couldn’t replicate his mana technique even if they understood it.

‘Amazing as always.’

Such skill was befitting of a vice-commander. Saeeorin felt the immensity of the gap, like facing an insurmountable wall.

“Well, we’ll be going too. Everyone be careful.”

“Hope we all return safely.”

The other two teams departed as well. Only the trio including Saeeorin remained. As a dry wind carrying dust blew past, Saeeorin moved forward. The other two naturally followed.

The region known as the Merciless Wilderness had no maps. Everything was determined by strength. Even established villages would become ruins after a few years. The landscape frequently changed due to battles between reincarnators.

Maps had lost their meaning in this place.

Instead, a camping culture had developed. The campsites were massive, forming clusters based on tents that could be dismantled and set up anytime. Travelers of the wilderness could stop there for rest.

Of course, this came with the condition that one had to be capable of self-defense. Saeeorin and Theo Flora met this requirement. They were intermediate knights of the Empire. Despite their youthful appearance, they exuded a sharp aura.

When the three appeared at the campsite, the atmosphere grew heavy.

Many whispered among themselves. Even more stared. Walking lightly, Saeeorin asked Flora:

“Are they all reincarnators?”

“Not all. There are also criminals who fled from other countries… Reincarnators aren’t that numerous to begin with.”

They spread mana to form a barrier preventing their conversation from being overheard. The three spoke freely.

“Saeeorin.”

At Theo’s warning, Saeeorin suppressed her aura. This mission wasn’t about hunting reincarnators. Drawing her sword out of displeasure would jeopardize the mission.

The wilderness inhabitants were fundamentally criminals. This meant they were inherently suspicious of strangers. Even after Saeeorin’s group settled inside the campsite, no one approached them.

“This spot looks good.”

The three stopped in front of a large tent. It appeared empty, as if unused. The remains of a campfire and scattered animal bones and vegetable scraps mixed with dirt nearby.

Just then, someone approached the three. Thump, thump—the footsteps were steady and heavy. The person was a young-looking man.

“If you want to use the tent, you need to pay a fee.”

Saeeorin nodded. Before coming here, she had learned about wilderness culture. Midas was the group that built campsites and charged travelers.

Saeeorin didn’t haggle. The Empire was a wealthy nation. Its knights received substantial salaries. Mission expenses were similarly generous.

A shiny gold coin flew from her small leather pouch. The Midas employee skillfully caught it.

“You’re from the Pellima Kingdom, I see.”

Saeeorin didn’t answer. To conceal their origins, they hadn’t brought Empire currency. Gold coins had similar value anyway.

After the Midas employee left, Theo grumbled.

“A gold coin just for tent usage…? It’s not like there’s magic inside…”

“That’s how it is here. Everything is expensive.”

That’s the way of the wilderness. Nothing was free, and everything cost dearly. This was a land killed by reincarnators. Food and necessities were naturally expensive. Since wilderness residents were criminals, they couldn’t obtain goods from elsewhere.

Saeeorin’s group didn’t move much. Like tired travelers, they unpacked in the tent and rested.

As evening fell, perhaps judging it safe, some people approached. A mixed group of three men and one woman. They walked boldly but didn’t exude a strong aura.

Not skilled enough to conceal their abilities. Just thugs who knew how to swing swords. Assessment complete. Not even worth being cautious about. They could be handled barehanded. Saeeorin merely turned her head slightly to look at them.

“I don’t recognize any of you… First time in the wilderness?”

“Yeah, it’s our first time. Just crossed over yesterday.”

At Theo’s response, the man who seemed to be the leader smiled lightly. Then he naturally took a seat by the campfire. His manner was so natural that he could have been mistaken for part of their group.

“I see. The Midas employee mentioned people from Pellima. Could we chat a bit? I’m curious about Pellima. We’ll treat you to dinner tonight. Nothing fancy, but… what do you say?”

He offered food just for conversation. What he presented as a meal was hard bread, dried fruit, jerky, and alcohol. This was actually quite a good meal here. Some couldn’t even afford this much.

He was hiding dark intentions. And the three weren’t foolish enough not to suspect this. Nevertheless, they accepted. What they needed now was information.

“Really? I was worried about the high prices here, so that’s great!”

Theo’s jovial attitude improved the mood. The man distributed food and drinks. They didn’t exchange names. That was wilderness culture. Since they were just passing through and wouldn’t see each other tomorrow, there was no need to ask for names.

Saeeorin first checked the smell of the food. With her sense of smell superior to ordinary people, she wouldn’t miss any tampering.

Sniff, sniff—

The food was fine. Seeing Saeeorin’s nod, Theo and Flora bit into the bread with relief. Next was the alcohol.

As Saeeorin opened the bottle, she noticed a subtle expectation in the man’s gaze. It was clear he had done something to the drink, not the food.

Sniff—

Behind the distinctive alcohol scent, a strong cheap fruit aroma wafted out. They seemed to have used a strongly scented alcohol to mask the smell, but they couldn’t fool Saeeorin’s nose.

A faint tingling, biting scent lingered. It could easily be mistaken for alcohol.

“Come on! Let’s toast to our meeting!”

Seeing Saeeorin holding the bottle, the man spoke loudly. His face, beaming with a smile, was truly disgusting. Saeeorin stood up and stepped forward.

Her leg extended lightly, then stomped the ground forcefully. Immediately after, her hand shot out and grabbed the man’s neck. It happened in an instant. No one reacted. Even the man whose neck was seized only blinked.

“Let’s toast.”

Mana surged from her heart. A cold chill flowed through her hand into the man’s body. Perhaps feeling the intense cold, the man’s mouth opened wide. Saeeorin smashed the bottle she was holding onto his mouth.

Crash!

The shattered bottle fragments and red blood mixed with alcohol splashed upward. Only then did the man’s companions react. But it was too late. Flora and Theo had moved faster, subduing them.

Every single one was pinned to the ground.