Survival 116

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-Ah, this voice…! Indeed, as the incarnation of calamity, it’s an exact match.”

Surprise mingled with pleasure in the Sword Demon’s voice.

“Ah, I too have heard about the story of my compatriot from the Calamity of Many Faces. He said you handle the sword exceptionally well!”

I kindly responded in kind.

-Ahem. Calamity said that? Uhaha! Well, among those I’ve trained with below, I am indeed the best!”

The fact that his idol had praised him seemed to bring him great joy.

His uncontrollable laughter mixed into his voice.

“However, it seems that he has some concerns.”

-…What do you mean?

“The current operation of Kerzo. Of course, it’s not that he sees it all negatively. In fact, he couldn’t help but admire how far this force has managed to come.”

The timing and the target were perfect.

It was easy for Kerzo’s terrorist members to blend in during the coming-of-age ceremony, when the most outsiders were present.

And if the crown prince were to be injured, it would be the icing on the cake for me.

‘Specifically, it could create problems in producing an heir.’

Unfortunately, in the group project to prevent destruction, the crown prince was an indispensable force.

However, if there were issues with the emperor’s essential requirement of succession, the engagement with Luciana might also dissolve.

Furthermore, the crown prince’s own power would diminish.

Isn’t that killing two birds with one stone?

“However, he said there are many problems with that method.”

-Um. The Calamity said?

“Yes. That’s why I’ve contacted you. I would like to carry out that brilliant intention myself… Unfortunately, as I usually work alone, I have no influence over your decision-making.”

Thus,

“Would you step in and make changes to the operation plan?”

I might not be able to, but you can. I offered him a sweet poison—the task that the ‘Calamity’ himself desires.

A long career in the heretical Kerzo, always on the front lines, assuming dangerous roles.

Isn’t he the right talent for the job?

To ensure the crown prince’s coming-of-age ceremony is thoroughly disrupted.

I made that suggestion to the Sword Demon.

But then,

-Um. Well… I really can’t do that.

I hadn’t expected a refusal from this zealot.

I was momentarily at a loss for words.

…Could it be, he saw through my intentions?

Various thoughts flashed through my mind.

Kerzo, the self-proclaimed executor of justice.

However, in the end, they are a terror group that despises nobility, hostile forces that worship calamity.

Of course, it’s clear that I wouldn’t be doing anything beneficial in Kerzo, and the most desired outcome would be mutual destruction.

While aiming for the injury of the crown prince, I also intended to completely destroy those guys by sweeping them up and causing devastating damage.

Could it be that they noticed this? It was a moment when I momentarily held back my words.

– Oh vessel of calamity, it’s awkward for me to say this, but I’m not talented in that area.

“…What?”

– Talking to convince someone. I absolutely detest it. It’s better for me to swing a sword following someone else’s orders. Sorry I can’t be of help to the calamity.

Fortunately, he did not notice anything strange.

But it was astonishing for other reasons.

‘This is problematic.’

I had planned to use the sword demon as a puppet and lead the meeting.

But this won’t work at all.

While pondering, the sword demon’s voice continued.

– Hmm. Still, there is one good method. As the calamity has said, you seem to be quite eloquent too. It would be better if you persuade us directly.

“…Directly, huh? I don’t know if it might be possible since unlike you, I have no connection with them.”

– That’s the thing, no matter how much I explain, others don’t believe it. They ask where in the world such a calamity exists. It’s frustrating enough to drive one mad.

As if hitting his own chest, sounds thudded from beyond the crystal ball.

I secretly sighed at his uselessness.

I had sent him to increase my influence within Kerzo, but instead, he failed to persuade even a single person and left it up to me.

“..Haha, that’s not too bad either. As one who serves the same calamity, how could I not join in spreading its will? I thank you for giving me this opportunity. So, where should I go?”

Sensing the sharpness in my tone, he hesitated and then spoke.

– I will tell you where our outpost is. All the officers of Kerzo will gather there, waiting for you.

Then, the coordinates that appeared in the crystal ball were south of the academy.

It was near the mountains, outside the city in the central region.

Perhaps because they are heretics outcast by others. 

Indeed, the meeting places are all eerily secluded.

“…I’ll be there soon, my compatriot.”

After ending the communication through the crystal ball, I momentarily tidied the meaningless desk.

“What to do with these?”

The sword demon said that all the officers of Kerzo would gather.

That means, just by gathering a punitive force and taking them there, I’d have the chance to wipe out all the nuisances of the main story.

“Hmm. It’s a definite way, but somehow, it feels lacking.”

I realized this through my recent conversation with the sword demon. The madness born from that faith. If we had such devoted loyalty on our side, willing to risk even their lives, wouldn’t it be quite useful? It’s too valuable a card to simply discard.

“It’s quite valuable as a chess piece. Even its strength is somewhat guaranteed.”

Even the sword demon alone is at the aura expert level, and he has a history of enduring long battles against the dean’s golem troops, who are among the strongest in this universe.

The other officers are also competent in their own right.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to me.

‘What if I could pull all of them to our side?’

Even if it leads to Luciana’s ruin eventually worsening to the worst case scenario.

Even if she is cast out by the crown prince and disowned by her own family.

-…Hans? These people?

– They are people who will protect Lady Luciana without question or judgment.

– This lady is a woman especially admired by the calamity…! We will serve her!

Wouldn’t it be fine to lead a life on the run with her and a new force?

‘The more escape routes, the better. It won’t hurt to have some insurance.’

Putting aside my delusions, I hurried to prepare to go out.

To bring the heretical Kerzo under my control,

***

Inside the tent where all the officers of Kerzo had gathered.

The sword demon tried to ignore everyone’s attention by closing his eyes.

“So? Sword demon, when is he coming?”

However, he couldn’t shut out their voices.

Agitated by the venomous tone of a young girl’s voice, he looked in her direction.

‘She seems so foolish. As a bastard of nobility, how can she be less mannered than someone like me?’

“Still that talk. Do you really expect me to believe that the calamity personally appeared in front of you?”

Her disdainful laughter at the thought that such an honor could befall someone as insignificant as him made the sword demon’s eyebrows rise in defiance.

‘…No. Why should I get angry at such an ignorant child?’

Within him was also a secret sense of superiority.

The ‘puppeteer’ who played the role of a clever strategist within the organization, leading significant operations.

The fact that he had received the call of the calamity before her.

It was an infinite honor for the sword demon.

“Hmph. I didn’t expect to be the subject of your jealousy.”

Isn’t it true that the truly gifted often receive envy?

It seemed almost understandable why nobles so stoically endure the anger directed at them.

“…Really annoying. How did this stubborn person get to this point?”

The puppeteer showed a bewildered reaction.

Sadly.

She had never encountered such a situation, so that must be why she reacted that way.

‘Being too smart is also not good.’

One should simply accept the divine as it is.

Suspicious, or where is the proof?

Their attitude towards acceptance is already wrong.

With such a mindset, how could they ever serve the calamity?

He couldn’t help but click his tongue.

“…It seems we have a guest.”

Amid their ongoing rivalry, an elderly crone spoke up.

‘The Seer.’

In Kerzo, she was the oldest and also the most powerful, and at her voice, everyone in the tent turned to look at her.

“Caw! Seer! Is the one the sword demon mentioned coming?”

“It seems so. Be cautious.”

Her eyes, which seemed to have forgotten how to open under the pressure of deep wrinkles, faintly lit up.

At the end of her gaze,

A young man, neatly dressed in a suit, entered the tent.

“Oh, my compatriots. It’s nice to meet you.”

He walked in smoothly, scanning the assembly, then tilted his head slightly.

“Sword demon, was what you told me false? I thought all the officers of Kerzo were supposed to be here, but only half are present.”

At the same time,

As soon as the newcomer, who had brazenly made such remarks upon entering, pulled something out from his pocket.

-Swish.

A small dagger was embedded in the hand of Puppeteer and the claw of Crow.

Those seated around looked at him with curious eyes.

How did he pick these two out instantly?

As if he was punishing those who hadn’t come in person.

“Showing off your power as soon as you arrive? Hmm. Quite bold for a fraud?”

“Caw! Arrogant! Arrogant!”

The puppeteer’s voice, laden with murderous intent, and Crow, flapping its wings and causing a commotion.

“Everyone, please calm down.”

As if to soothe them,

The calm voice of the old woman filled the tent.

“Caw. Seer, you’re too lenient! He deserves to be punished!”

“I agree with the ‘Tamer,’ do we have a duty to show respect to someone impersonating the calamity? Besides, they started the quarrel.”

Despite the old woman’s mediation, the puppeteer and Crow still voiced their discontent.

“As you can see. You are being tested right now. You who claim to be a vessel for the calamity.”

“It’s truly bitter to arouse the suspicions of my peers.”

“Of course, the sword demon has been with us for a long time. However, it’s unreasonable to judge you solely based on his word.”

As the sword demon appeared ready to draw his sword in defense,

The Seer slowly continued her words.

“Can you prove it? The disaster you serve, was it the Calamity of Many Faces? We haven’t heard such a name before.”

In the midst of everyone maintaining a solemn demeanor at her subtly sharp-toned voice,

“Ha ha! Did you say ‘Seer’? To demand proof of the divine is truly presumptuous, but given the situation, I’ll play along.”

He seemed unfazed by the atmosphere.

“Wait a moment! Vessel! If you act rashly, who knows how they might react…”

“Don’t worry, sword demon. Surely these yet-to-be-converted compatriots of mine won’t kill me?”

The young man, seemingly dismissing the sword demon’s caution, moved further inside the tent. His fearless steps seemed to attest to his faith.

“Fortunately, I am the very body that can prove him.”

“Oh? That means…”

“I will now summon the calamity here. Consider it an honor.”

“……”

“Though we share the same faith, I am not of the same ilk as you small fry.”

Just as the crow and the puppeteer were about to erupt again at the young man’s statement, which seemed laden with intent,

A storm of mana engulfed the tent.

“What is this…!”

To protect the Seer, who had no combat abilities,

The Tamer, the Puppeteer, and even the sword demon all leapt forward to stand in front of her.

“Ah, it’s been a long time since I’ve dealt with devotees like this.”

When the storm of magic finally subsided,

A voice accompanied by static, whose age or gender could not be discerned,

Suddenly, the entity that was the young man became indiscernible, as if shrouded in thick fog.

Only a faintly shining golden mask was visible to their eyes.

“Why hide anything? I am indeed the Calamity of Many Faces. I am your god. I am the being who wholly absorbs your hatred!”

Too frivolous and playful for a deity,

“Let’s engage then. Try anything you want. A question? I will respond earnestly. An attack? Sure, why is it so hard to entertain the trifles of lesser beings?”

However, the sense of intimidation, as if looking down from above, was unmistakable.

He could well be mistaken for a god.

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