episode_0013

The beings known as the beasts of the dark district each have their own territories.

As a result, they tend to avoid interfering with each other’s territories and show little interest in each other.

Therefore, unless something significant happens in their own areas, they do not move.

Among them is a beast responsible for the second district, known as Rize, who was trembling at the report from her subordinate.

“If I haven’t done anything wrong, then, a hero is coming to our district?”

“Yes. However, we don’t know for what reason. It seems quite sudden.”

“This is madness!”

Rize felt a fear and tension she had never experienced before in her life.

Being a beast of the dark district, she knew that rumors about heroes were not favorable.

They were said to be ruthless and behaved like trash without any remorse, truly a breed apart from humans.

If that were all, it might have been bearable, but the fact that they were also powerful made it even worse.

The idea that such a being had business with her terrified Rize to the point of insanity.

“Should I just make things easier now…?”

To the extent of contemplating ending her own life right now.

However, she couldn’t bring herself to choose the option of ending her life.

Recalling her past actions, Rize thought, “No… I haven’t wronged the hero.”

In her efforts to become a beast of the dark district, there were behaviors that could be considered trashy, but she was certain that she had not harmed the hero in any way.

In fact, it didn’t make sense for her to be involved with a hero in the first place.

The status of a hero was akin to the heavens of the empire, matching the emperor himself, and heroes were beings that ordinary people had never encountered.

So, for someone like her, living in the dark district, to have caused harm to a hero was nonsensical.

Rize considered one possibility.

“Could it be one of our organization members…?”

Her influence was significant.

Therefore, she often found herself entangled with nobles who frequented the dark district.

In fact, it was inevitable.

And when considering it, heroes could also be considered nobles.

Although their position held power comparable to the emperor, given the rumors, it wouldn’t be strange for a hero to visit the dark district. And if at that time one of her organization members made a mistake?

If that led to someone coming after her?

“…I will die.”

It was a lifeless existence.

There was not a single possibility of survival.

The only way to survive was to hope for mercy.

For the first time, Rize prayed to a god.

“Oh deity…! I will live kindly from now on! Please spare me!”

She had never believed in gods, but at this moment, she needed divine mercy more than ever.

***

I saw a figure in front of me.

Shaking, shaking.

While the face appeared calm and unaffected, the hands holding the teacup trembled madly. Surely, if she was considered a beast of the dark district, she must have experienced all sorts of things.

Just the fact that I had arrived seemed to fill her with fear.

“Nevertheless, my reputation must precede me.”

If she was known as a beast of the dark district, she must excel in gathering information.

Although it was our first meeting, she would likely perceive me as the scum of the earth and a madman, given the rumors about me.

“I have no apparent reason for coming, so it’s natural for her to be nervous.”

From her perspective, there was absolutely no reason for my arrival.

With no connection or involvement whatsoever, why would a hero like me, known for unfavorable rumors, suddenly appear?

Things were bound to get messy.

The pressure and oppression of potentially offending her inner thoughts could lead to the disappearance of this place.

“Of course, I have no intention of doing so.”

However, that’s only when it doesn’t involve demons.

If it were related to demons, she would have thought of killing them…

“No.”

She was certain as soon as she saw him.

Those associated with demons are always locked in a battle for survival. When involved with demons, one must be cautious in all matters, act discreetly to avoid detection, and if provoked, kill without hesitation, always concealing the intent to kill within.

Moreover, those empowered by demons possess an instinct for slaughter.

There was no hint of such intentions from the person before her.

“It may seem like a failure at first glance.”

It was not.

Instead, it was a perfect opportunity to exploit.

With a smile, I casually asked the unaffected guy,

“What’s your name?”

“Lize…”

“Lize. Do you know why I came here?”

“I don’t know…”

“I came here due to a significant issue. There are rumors that some vermin who harmed me have made contact with the giants of the Dark Abyss.”

Whether Lize felt her life was in danger or not, she desperately shouted, “It’s not me! I swear! I can confidently say it’s not me!”

“But how can I believe you? It could be a lie.”

“The culprit! I will find them with all my might! Just spare my life!”

Lize knelt down to her knees, shouting desperately.

Although taken aback by the more intense reaction than expected, I calmly said, “If you’re that confident, I’ll believe you once. But be prepared if it turns out to be a lie.”

“Whatever happens, I will definitely find them!”

“No, there’s no need to do that.”

“Yes? B-but you just said you believed me…”

As Lize trailed off, asking, I believe her.

No, I already know there is no connection to begin with.

I mentioned it because leaving it to her wouldn’t yield favorable results, knowing that demons view humans as inferior beings.

In fact, to some extent, it is true.

Given their inherent differences and powers, how can they be seen as equals?

In an era where even humans divide themselves into classes, it’s natural for demons to look down on humans.

Moreover, they also have the backing of the giants of the Dark Abyss.

Even if she moves, it will be meaningless.

“Believing in you means that you have no relation to the person I’m looking for. I will handle the search. What you need to do is gather the others here. Warn them that those who fail to come will face the consequences.”

“I-I will inform them immediately.”

Lize seemed to leave momentarily to make contact.

Alone, I pondered deeply.

“They won’t come.”

As much as I say this, there will be one person who won’t show up.

If they have colluded or dealt with demons, they would surely think they’d be exposed to a warrior like me.

I waited eagerly for them to arrive.

***

Originally, I should have gone to find the one who hadn’t arrived yet.

However, contrary to my expectations, all four individuals known as the giants of the Dark Abyss had gathered.

Excluding Reje, the rest seemed a bit uncomfortable, but still, they didn’t overtly show it, probably aware that they could lose their lives if I so much as hinted at it.

“Just a bit of a variable, isn’t it?”

Surely not everything will go smoothly.

Wasn’t this a clash with the behemoth of the Dark Guild?

“That’s not it.”

I reconsidered my thoughts.

It’s certain that I’ve tangled with the behemoth of the Dark Guild.

Without that, these events wouldn’t make sense.

“Well, shall we confirm?”

Though dubbed a fake hero, this body possesses quite formidable abilities.

“One could argue it’s somewhat useless.”

The original owner’s ability.

It was the power to sense something.

Some might question why sensing ability is deemed useless.

To some extent, I also agreed with that sentiment.

“Having an overall sensing ability is quite beneficial.”

Sensing something.

Looking at it solely from this perspective, it’s indeed a great ability.

However, delving into specifics reveals its effectiveness depends on what and how well you can sense.

The sensing ability of this body’s original owner lay on the ambiguous boundary between good and not-so-good.

Yet, this sensing ability, like one magic in particular, astonishingly grasps and responds exceptionally well to magic.

“The ability to sense other things is utterly useless.”

One could argue it’s useless.

Of course, that’s an old saying.

As I advanced, the original sensing ability also grew, now a satisfying skill.

“I may not know which of the three is connected to the demons.”

At least, they won’t escape my gaze.

No matter how much they erase or hide traces.

I gazed at them with a sharp look and moved my hand.