Chapter 13

Episode 13

It was an impressive display of coordinated assault.

But I wasn’t afraid. ‘Automatic Combat’ was already activated.

My body moved with a speed and precision that defied conscious thought.

*Clang! Thud! Crack!*

“Gah!”

“The formation… it’s broken?”

“Impossible!”

I effortlessly shattered their formation, eliminating one of them in the process.

‘Automatic Combat’ seems to be getting stronger.’

I had noticed it during the previous battle with the assassins. It was a truly remarkable skill. Even the Seven, with their reputation for lethality, were no match for it.

One of the best things about this skill was that it allowed me to observe the battle with a detached clarity.

Even as blood and flesh splattered around me, I could think, strategize, and execute my attacks with ruthless efficiency.

And it wasn’t just observation. I could alter my course, change my target at will.

For example, if I focused on the man standing beside me…

“Gurk!”

I could eliminate him in an instant.

He stared at me, his eyes wide with shock, then collapsed.

“Focus! We can defeat him if we work together! Don’t hold back!”

“Haaa!”

I sensed their auras. As expected of the Seven, they were all aura users.

But it didn’t matter. ‘Automatic Combat’ adapted effortlessly.

*Hum*

My sword glowed with a blue aura.

It made no difference. Our powers had simply increased proportionally.

‘What should I do with them once I’ve subdued them?’

*Thud!*

The bald man leading the charge screamed as his arm was severed. He stumbled back, blood gushing from the wound.

“Damn it! He got me again!”

“I told you to be careful! He’s not like the others!”

The Seven adjusted their strategy, their auras intensifying, their movements becoming more precise.

But I ignored them, my mind racing.

‘If the eldest son is backing Baron Roman, then this entire operation is part of his business…’

The only female member of the Seven charged at me, her axe whistling through the air.

I dodged effortlessly, countering with a swift slash to her exposed flank.

“Hmph!”

She stumbled, and ‘Automatic Combat’ capitalized on her momentary weakness.

*Thud!*

Another one down. But the remaining members of the Seven pressed their attack relentlessly.

They aimed for my throat, their movements swift and deadly.

But they couldn’t reach me.

“Gah…”

Two more assassins fell, their reputation as the Seven shattered.

Only the leader remained.

“How is this possible?”

He had survived in this brutal industry thanks to their flawless teamwork and their individual skills.

And with Baron Roman’s backing, they were practically invincible.

But the world was vast, and there were always stronger opponents.

“Who are you? Are you really an Inspector? Or are you a knight from House Kalisto?”

“I’m not obligated to answer your questions. But I’ll offer you one last chance. Remember what I said earlier?”

“…”

“I’m placing you all under arrest in the name of the Lucius Inspection Unit.”

They had mocked me then, but not now. I had effortlessly defeated six of their most skilled assassins.

“Unfortunately, I’m not very good at controlling my strength. I seem to have sent them all to the afterlife. So I’ll offer you a deal. Surrender peacefully, and I’ll let you live a little longer.”

“…Don’t be ridiculous!”

The leader raised his sword, but the world suddenly tilted.

“…?”

He couldn’t regain his balance.

The ground rushed towards him, and then everything went black. He realized his head had been severed, but it was too late.

I cleaned my blade and sheathed it, then searched their bodies.

‘Nothing, as expected.’

They were elite assassins. They wouldn’t carry anything that could identify them or incriminate their employer.

But I had other methods.

Knowing that Hylix was involved, I had never intended to let them live.

‘I’ve eliminated the pawns. Now it’s time to target the king.’

The king, in this case, was Baron Roman and Satyr.

I had no intention of sparing Satyr, but I needed to approach Baron Roman carefully.

‘It might be more beneficial to use him.’

House Gerard might not be a major player in the Kalisto Dukedom, but the fact that he was the mastermind’s first target suggested there was more to him than met the eye.

I heard the sound of heavy footsteps approaching.

“Inspector!”

A group of men in white uniforms appeared. There were over ten of them, and the silver lion emblem on their chests brought a smile to my face.

“You’re the investigators?”

“Yes, sir! We received Lady Selendis’ signal and came to assist you.”

“You’re a little late.”

They were well-disciplined and physically imposing. They seemed to be elite soldiers.

“This place is vast. Search every corner and rescue the captives. You have my permission to eliminate anyone who resists.”

“Yes, sir!”

Selendis arrived moments later, her sword drawn.

She stared at the seven bodies, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“…Did you eliminate them all, Master?”

“Hm? Oh, yes. They weren’t much different from the assassins who attacked us before. It was a rather anticlimactic battle.”

She didn’t respond immediately. She had heard the rumors about the Seven. That was why she had rushed back.

She examined the bodies, her eyes scanning the wounds.

They were clean, precise cuts, executed with a chilling efficiency.

“Are you injured, Master?”

“Not at all. How long did it take for the investigators to arrive after you fired the signal flare?”

“Less than five minutes.”

That was impressive. I would make sure to carry a signal flare from now on.

We only had thirty investigators at our disposal for now, but as the Lucius Inspection Unit’s achievements grew, our ranks would swell to hundreds, perhaps even thousands.

‘Perhaps the Lady already has an army of her own.’

The thought of her being the mastermind made me uneasy, but I couldn’t afford to dwell on it.

“Where’s Jericho?”

“He’s outside, tending to the wounded. He’s planning to transport the healthier captives to the safe house.”

“Good. Make sure they’re fed and given a warm place to sleep.”

I started walking towards the emergency exit. Selendis followed.

“Where are you going, Master?”

“Why?”

“The Seven are dead. We need to capture some of their associates.”

“Don’t worry. I have another plan.”

We emerged from the hideout. Jericho was busy casting healing spells. I couldn’t help but smile.

“I’m going to see the Lady. You should stay here and assist Jericho.”

I was pleased that she didn’t question my decision to travel alone.

It seemed she was finally acknowledging my strength.

“Once you’re done here, track down Satyr. He’s probably still in town.”

“As you command, Master.”

One of the investigators had thoughtfully prepared a horse for me. I rode towards the capital, leaving Selendis behind.

***

I had ridden through the night, and exhaustion was catching up to me.

I considered resting at the safe house, but I couldn’t risk being observed. I rode straight to Duke Kalisto’s castle.

I was grateful to be inhabiting the body of a twenty-year-old. If I were any older, my joints would be screaming in protest.

“Inspector!”

A familiar voice stopped me in my tracks. Lilith, her eyes wide with concern, rushed towards me.

“Are you alright, sir? You look pale.”

“I haven’t slept. And I haven’t eaten all day.”

“Would you like me to bring you something?”

I smiled and declined her offer. Seeing the Lady was my priority.

Her chambers were open, as usual.

Most nobles, including those in House Kalisto, valued their privacy. Their doors were always closed. But the Lady was different.

I entered the room.

Lady Lucia was reading a book, a gentle breeze blowing through the open window. Her hair flowed around her like a silken waterfall, her eyes clear and serene. She looked like a painting.

“My Lady, I apologize for interrupting your reading.”

“Come in.”

She closed her book and gestured for me to sit. But I remained standing, delivering my report.

“I raided a secret facility believed to be Baron Roman’s primary source of funds. We rescued the captives and eliminated all hostiles.”

“That’s something Jericho should report in writing. You seem to be in a hurry.”

“I have something important to discuss.”

She dismissed the servants with a wave of her hand.

“Speak.”

“Their primary operation is human trafficking. Baron Gerard’s businesses are just a front. He’s amassed a fortune through illegal activities, and he’s even using the profits to indulge his depraved desires.”

“Do you have any proof?”

“Not yet, my Lady.”

She stared at me, her expression innocent and guileless.

“I intend to gather evidence, with your permission. That’s why I requested this audience.”

“You’ve discovered something, haven’t you?”

“I believe Lord Hylix is backing Baron Roman.”

Her expression didn’t change. She simply tilted her head slightly.

“My brother…?”

“He’s the heir apparent. It’s not unusual for him to receive financial support from his vassals.”

“But you believe the funds were acquired illegally, and that it’s related to our mission?”

“Yes, my Lady.”

I had expected her to hesitate.

But she responded immediately, as if she had been expecting this.

“What would you do, Aubrey? If you were in my position…”

“I believe we should proceed according to the law.”

There could be no hesitation in my voice.

“May I ask why?”

“If you were vying for the succession, I would advise caution. But you’ve made it clear that you’re not interested in power. So I say, strike boldly. We have both the law and morality on our side.”

“I like your answer.”

She smiled, her expression as pure and innocent as ever.

It was almost frightening.

“I agree. My brother wouldn’t accept funds acquired through such despicable means.”

She rang the bell.

A maid appeared.

“I believe Sir O’Brien deserves a reward. Could you bring him some Mana Tea?”

The maid obeyed, returning moments later with a steaming cup of tea.

It was the perfect remedy for my exhaustion.

But a thought occurred to me.

“My Lady, I’m overwhelmed by your generosity. But if I may, I’d like to use this tea for another purpose.”

“Another purpose?”

“You’ll see.”

She stared at me, a faint smile playing on her lips, then nodded.

Was it my imagination, or had her gaze intensified?