Ch.8Transcendent-Grade Artifact

# 1.

The story returns to a moment earlier,

Just before encountering the Emperor.

After summoning Lactea and Luna through a messenger, I arrived at the district gate with Ruby and was putting on an act.

“If you interfere, I’ll kill this woman.”

“…No. Hold steady and wait. We can’t let them escape from the Blue Tower.”

The mages of the district branch surrounded the gate with full preparations after receiving contact from the Gafeld Viscount branch, but—

“The, the intruder is estimated to be among the world’s top 10 according to headquarters!! Everyone stand back!!”

Thanks to what seemed like a serious misunderstanding by the Blue Tower’s leadership, we were able to escape easily.

“Pfft. Those foolish tower mages. Calling the Captain merely one of the world’s top 10.”

Indeed.

These mages cowering before an ordinary person and claiming they’re world-class.

That’s far too generous an assessment.

“By the way, Ruby.”

“Yes, Captain.”

After leaving the district gate, I whispered to Ruby, whom I was holding like a hostage.

“Gafeld is still alive?”

It was a question I had temporarily set aside due to the status screens of Han-ryang and the Emperor.

“Ah. I forgot to mention it, but it seems he didn’t completely die because he possessed a transcendent-grade recovery artifact.”

“A transcendent-grade artifact?”

My eyes lit up at those sparkling words.

In the <Babylonia> world, items are classified into four grades: <Common>, <Legendary>, <Mythic>, and <Transcendent>, so…

‘A transcendent-grade item is practically an endgame item in the <Babylonia> world?’

This is a world where finding just one <Legendary> artifact can turn an ordinary person into a mercenary.

And now a <Transcendent> artifact appears before the prologue is even over?

“Yes, Captain. One transcendent-grade, two mythic-grade, and three legendary-grade. They’re famous in the underworld, so I even know their unique names from previous users. If we sold all of these, we could probably establish a small kingdom.”

“Gafeld had all of these by himself?”

“Yes. But well…”

When I asked without thinking, Ruby gave a vicious smile and added:

“That’s Gafeld for you.”

That’s Gafeld for you.

The typical villain merchant who, under the alias of the Golden Merchant, deceived people with false kindness while pursuing only his own pleasure.

‘Come to think of it, after examining the original work, Gafeld survived until episode 12 out of 15.’

It’s startling to obtain what would eventually become the <Hero Party’s> spoils before the prologue even ends.

This was the strange situation of a newbie who just started the game obtaining endgame items, but they were the ones who forced me to possess this body first.

‘Good job, you bastard administrator. Use it well. Balance patch or not, it’s up to you.’

Anyway, as soon as I heard the word <Super Recovery>, a good idea came to mind, so I extended my hand toward Ruby.

Thump.

Ruby naturally placed her chin on my outstretched palm.

“…?”

“…?”

I gently pushed away that soft cheek and ordered Ruby again.

“The artifacts. Hand them all over.”

“What? Ah, yes, Captain! Let, let me explain them one by one…”

Ruby, her face as red as her eyes, began explaining hurriedly.

“This, this is…”

Among the spoils obtained from eliminating Gafeld’s group, there were three useful items:

Transcendent-grade – Ring of Iasos (SS+)

Mythic-grade – Ring of Vulcanus (A+)

Mythic-grade – Sword Ghost’s Necklace (A+)

From top to bottom, they possessed the abilities of <Super Recovery>, <Magic Disruption>, and <Aura Absorption>, but what I needed most was the super recovery, <Ring of Iasos>.

‘The others are useful too, but first I need to deal with this situation.’

After selecting the ring I would use myself, I whispered to Ruby, who nodded and handed me the Ring of Vulcanus and the Sword Ghost’s Necklace.

And finally,

for the Ring of Iasos…

“Hand it over, you bastard.”

“Kieeek!!”

“Oh? You want to live that badly? Okay. I’ll turn you into a doll, so hand over the ring first.”

“Kieek!!”

Crunch!

“Ah, here it is! Here, Captain!”

“Oh, thanks. Yeah…”

Ruby detached Gafeld (or what was left of him), wiped off the blood and flesh, and placed the ring directly on my finger.

【Transcendent-grade Artifact – <Ring of Iasos (SS+)> is activated.】

【<“Remember, no pain shall ever kill you.”>】

Along with a gentle voice, the ability of the <Ring of Iasos> flowed into me.

‘Recover without dying.’

Simple and clear,

yet absolute.

The other equipment was similar.

【Legendary-grade Artifact – <Ring of Vulcanus (A+)> is activated.】

【<“Magic too is like heated iron; if struck with sincerity, it will break.”>】

A firm voice,

the Ring of Vulcanus, and,

【Legendary-grade Artifact – <Sword Ghost’s Necklace (A+)> is activated for <Nahan>.】

【<“Covet, and it shall be yours.”>】

A voice that seemed to barely suppress a nightmarish madness even worse than Ruby’s.

‘…With these.’

Even though I only have <Villain Chapter 1 – Posturing>, I should be a bit stronger now.

As I was familiarizing myself with their basic usage, I heard familiar voices.

“Sorry for being late, Captain.”

“…Sorry, Captain.”

It was Vice-Captain Lactea and No.4 Luna.

As I mentioned earlier, I had no intention of revealing the identity of <Black Wolf> for the time being, so I briefly ordered Ruby:

“Carry out your instructions.”

Ruby Red, who had been a hostage of the Black Wolf, would be abandoned in the underworld in a battered state.

“Yes, Captain.”

As soon as the words left my mouth, Ruby disappeared, and only then did Lactea and Luna approach.

Especially,

“So-sorry. I’m so sorry, Captain…!!”

“…?”

“Because of me, Han-ryang… I… I sent him on an errand for no reason…!!”

Click.

Luna, who had even removed her mask, trembled with her emerald eyes glistening.

“It’s my fault. I’ll rescue him myself, so please allow me to release my <Restriction>, no. Please allow me to make amends, Captain.”

Grip.

Her small, scarred hand clutching my black robe trembled pitifully.

Lactea explained that Luna had sent Han-ryang to buy food ingredients for me, but he encountered the Emperor and trouble ensued.

She seemed determined to take responsibility alone, believing Han-ryang had been killed or captured because of her, putting <Black Wolf> in danger.

However,

『If the mistake was made against a <Black Wolf> member, most errors are silently forgiven.』

With this information already inputted in my mind,

“We will rescue Han-ryang.”

“But, but Captain!?”

“Enough.”

Pat.

Stroke, stroke.

I placed my hand on the trembling Luna’s head, stroked it, and then turned around.

“Let’s go.”

“…Huh?”

Was it my imagination?

“…Th-thank you, Captain.”

Her face seemed to redden even behind the mask, but time was of the essence.

“Lead the way, Luna.”

“…Yes! Captain!”

And so we departed for the battlefield.

# 2.

And so we return to the present.

“Luna.”

“Yes, sister.”

Swish.

After slipping through Luna’s emerald barrier into the battle between the Emperor and Han-ryang, I fingered the <Ring of Iasos> while waiting for the right moment.

Unlike the S+ grade Emperor in perfect condition, Han-ryang with his <Black Wolf> restriction and no weapon was at best A+ grade.

“…I’m sorry, Captain.”

Han-ryang’s defeat was inevitable.

“Release the barrier, Luna.”

“Yes, Captain.”

As we revealed ourselves, we directed our gaze toward the Emperor and knights.

“Who, who are you?!”

“Shh. I’ll be the only one speaking for a moment. White Sword Ghost, Persona. I’ll kill you if you open your mouths.”

“Yes, Captain.”

“Yes, Captain.”

Lactea’s ominous aura and Luna’s eerie mana instantly dominated the surroundings, and I scattered flesh dolls as if dusting off dirt.

Thud, thud, thud,

Boom!!

Ruby’s <Flesh Dolls>, each with physical abilities comparable to A-grade, completely surrounded the Emperor and the dozen or so knights.

Sudden intrusion of creepy strangers and grotesque flesh dolls into the battle.

Normal people would have been trembling and screaming by now, but,

【<Black Curtain> activation failed.】

【Reason: There are those who do not feel <Fear> toward <You>.】

As expected of the Empire’s Emperor and her guard knights, they shrank back but weren’t afraid, so.

“…Ruby?”

I approached Han-ryang, who had finally raised his head, grabbed him by the neck, and whispered:

“You disappoint me after all.”

“Ah…, Ca-Captain—”

“So this is punishment.”

Simultaneously activating the Sword Ghost’s Necklace.

【<Greed> – Stealing target <Han-ryang(S)>’s strength for 5 seconds.】

After stealing Han-ryang’s tremendous strength, I tightened my grip.

Crack!

The terrible sensation like breaking a wet log with bare hands, yet it was easier than expected, making me wary of how simple killing was.

“…That monster with one hand?”

“That’s impossible…!! Check carefully!!”

“He, he’s definitely dead.”

Only then did the Emperor and knights become frightened, and the system window appeared again,

【Detected fear from the target(s).】

【<Black Curtain(Ex)> is activated.】

As the previously failed skill activated, I slowly removed the <Ring of Iasos> and placed it on Han-ryang’s thick finger.

Crack, crack, crack!

After confirming that his breath returned along with his crushed neck, I took the ring back, put it on, and turned to Luna.

“Persona. Take him back.”

“Yes, Captain.”

As I prepared to retreat, watching those frozen in fear who couldn’t even think of capturing us,

─『Sub-quest generated!』─

◆ For the Worst.

: Give Babylonia’s Emperor <Reina Babylonia(S+)> a piece of your mind!

◆ Completion Conditions.

1. Mention <Black Wolf>.

2. Receive special wanted order.

3. Kill guard knights. (0/3)

◆ Reward.

: <Lactea Babylonia(S+)>’s love.

◆ Upon Failure & Rejection.

: <Lactea Babylonia(S+)>’s death.

Another sub-quest appeared. This time, it wasn’t my life at stake, but,

“Captain. What do you intend to do?”

The Vice-Captain,

Lactea’s life was at stake in this quest.

Tap, tap tap.

I tapped my thigh, naturally adopting the Black Wolf’s habit.

It’s nerve-wracking enough to escape right now, and they want me to provoke the Emperor too?

If something like,

-Your Majesty, scratch?

-…?

-Scratch? Scratch? Ah, got you scratched, lol.

-…Forget fear, I’ll kill you right now.

-Eh.

If such a situation were to occur, how would I stop that S+ grade monster?

‘Plus, the conditions are demanding.’

First, I must reveal that I am the Black Wolf,

Second, receive a special wanted order,

And third, kill three of those monster-like A+ grade guards.

‘Damn administrator.’

Right after I mocked them about balance patches, they immediately patched it to hard mode.

“Captain. What do you intend to do?”

“…That’s the question.”

Everyone was frozen in place, waiting for my next move.

It was a bit burdensome, but as dawn gradually broke, urging me on.

‘Let’s see, information that would irritate the Emperor…’

Having completely memorized the original <Babylonia> content and the <Setting Book>, I rose after careful consideration and approached the Emperor.

“Pro-protect His Imperial Majesty!!”

“Ugh…!! My, my legs won’t move…!!”

“Ah, don’t come closer. Don’t come!!”

Somehow the knights were making more noise than the Emperor at the front, but this was actually a perfect opportunity to speak so only the Emperor could hear.

“…You, what is your name?”

Right on cue, the frightened Emperor glared up at me, so,

“Black Wolf.”

【Condition met!】

【Condition 1. Successfully mentioned <Black Wolf>!】

Having instantly fulfilled the first condition, I leaned toward the Emperor and whispered:

“Reina. If your father saw you like this, he’d be so angry he’d break out of his coffin.”

“……”

Sorry for being so rude on our first meeting.

‘But I had no choice.’

The Emperor’s complexes described in the novel were all related to <Family>.

Having lost the previous Emperor to the nobles’ schemes and her only sister on the battlefield, this was the surest way to provoke her.

Sure enough,

“Did you say Black Wolf?”

Crunch,

Crunch, crunch!

The Emperor, gritting her teeth so hard they might break, approached me, resisting her fear with bloodshot eyes.

“…Say that again.”

“I said if your father saw you now, he’d be so angry he’d break out of his coffin.”

“…I see.”

After nodding once, Reina slowly raised her head and declared to me:

“You can’t speak if your head is cut off.”

“…?”

“Proud knights of the Sun Empire, hear me. From this moment, this person, <Black Wolf>, is an enemy of Babylonia and its allied nations.”

As soon as she declared this, clear hostility gleamed in the knights’ eyes.

【Condition met!】

【Condition 2. Successfully received <Special Wanted Order>!】

Having proclaimed the special wanted order, the Emperor finally drew her sword and pointed it at me.

“To insult the late Emperor twice. I shall cut off your head right now.”

Fear greater than when Ruby doubted me washed over me, but there was still something unfair about it.

I carefully opened my mouth and asked:

“…? It was only once though.”

I only insulted him once?

The Emperor wrinkled her expression severely and took a heavy step forward.

“Once at first, and again when I asked you to repeat it. Exactly twice.”

【<Reina Babylonia(S+)> advances with <Fear(Ex)>.】

“So I shall kill you twice, Black Wolf.”

Wait a minute.

‘The second time was because you asked me to!’

Just as I was about to voice my indignation,

Slash.

A chilling cutting sound pierced my ears.

“…?”

A strike too fast for human senses to even react to.

As I stood frozen, saved by someone without even realizing it, a gentle voice soothed me:

“I’ll end this persistent ill fate with my own hands.”

But I wasn’t the only one who heard that voice, and another person who heard her lowered their sword and asked quietly:

“…Sister?”

And the next moment.

“It’s been a while, Reina.”

You still look terribly stupid.

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【<Black Wolf Mercenary Group>】

-Alias: Incompetent Mercenary Group (temporary), Trash Collection (temporary), Mercenary Kindergarten (temporary)

-Grade: D (temporary)

-Members

◆Captain: <Nahan – Black Wolf>

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◆Vice-Captain: <Lactea Babylonia(New!) – White Sword Ghost>