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Chapter – 09
Fate (1)
At that moment—
Redin, who had finished Shakron’s errands and was on his way back, came into Boledo’s line of sight.
Redin was still in a pure, uninformed state, completely unaware of what had happened at Arcio Shelter.
He would likely be shocked once he returned and saw the aftermath.
The Demon Hunters were among the most notorious groups even the northern border guards of the Soviérn Grand Territory avoided.
“Wait, you there.”
“Yes?”
“Do you happen to know where Shakron von Midios is?”
What kind of day was this?
People who looked like important figures kept stopping him.
First Shakron, now this man.
But Redin recognized him immediately.
He was a highly skilled mage of the Licen Empire—Boledo Ephros.
‘Why is a great mage suddenly looking for Brother Shakron? Don’t tell me he’s a wanted criminal?’
A chill ran down his spine.
When big figures start asking about someone personally, it usually isn’t good news.
For example, someone targeted for extermination by descendants of a forbidden magical kingdom.
Or a demon contract holder under a kill order.
Boledo continued.
“I heard there was some commotion around here.”
For a moment, Redin thought, Am I screwed?
It felt like a small shrimp caught in a clash between whales.
A great mage personally searching for someone was no trivial matter.
Boledo immediately read Redin’s nervous expression and smiled gently.
“There’s no need to be tense. I’m only looking for him to ask a few things. Not to accuse him of anything.”
“Ah… I-I’m sorry!”
“Haha, you were quite nervous.”
Redin exhaled without realizing it, then quickly covered his mouth, embarrassed.
Boledo then asked,
“Did you see him yourself? And if so, could you describe what Shakron did?”
“Actually…”
Redin carefully recounted everything he had seen and heard.
As he spoke, his eyes sparkled, and his fists trembled slightly in excitement.
The memory of what he witnessed was still vivid.
Through Redin’s account, Boledo learned about Shakron’s actions toward the guards.
And he reached a conclusion:
‘This doesn’t match what Crasus described. But it doesn’t look like the behavior of a demon contract holder either…’
It felt… bright.
Although Shakron had become more aggressive and prideful compared to his once meek and obedient self, this was not the behavior of someone corrupted by demonic power.
He had even shared bounty money with the guards for a celebration.
Even if it was technically from Teneum’s funds, it still showed consideration.
Perhaps beneath the rough attitude, there was still warmth.
The mystery deepened.
He needed to meet Shakron directly.
Not just for the investigation—but for his own curiosity.
A human who had once been weak suddenly becoming strong enough to suppress a 6-star swordsman overnight—
Such a thing had never occurred in the entire history of the Western Continent.
If anything similar existed, it would only be found in myths.
‘Shakron… how did you obtain such power?’
Boledo’s gaze deepened.
His assignment from Crasus had become secondary.
Now, his curiosity dominated everything.
If it wasn’t forbidden power, then what was it?
What had changed him?
Perhaps he had crossed oceans, passed through hellish seas ruled by sea dragons, and reached the Eastern Continent?
His imagination continued to expand beyond reason.Meanwhile, Shakron
Shakron arrived at the Demon Hunters’ hidden base with the leader’s blade resting casually at his neck.
The place was not truly “hidden”—just remote and poorly accessible.
Even without knowing the route, no one would ever find it.
“Sniff…”
“I want to go home…”
Even before entering, he could hear the faint cries of women inside.
They were likely captives.
If left here, they would never be found. Not even by their families.
And once people heard it was a Demon Hunters’ base, even guards would hesitate to approach.
‘I’ve met many women in the Tower… but at least those relationships were mutual. Not like this filth.’
Shakron’s gaze turned cold.
As expected, the situation was worse than he imagined.
Nearby, an elderly man in chains was forced to chop firewood.
A slave.
Dressed only in thin rags despite the cold.
Shakron’s expression hardened.
The leader had been pretending to be afraid all along, guiding him toward this place—
Toward a hidden trap.
Shakron could clearly sense it.
A concealed pit covered with leaves.
And spears designed to launch from hidden branches once someone fell in.
A well-designed trap.
‘If you don’t know, you’d fall for it instantly.’
It was clever.
Almost too clever.
But Shakron could feel the disrupted flow of mana exactly where the trap was.
Years of survival in the Tower of Radiance had sharpened his senses to detect ambushes and hidden intent.
“Are you really going to let me live?”
“Yes. As long as you give up everything you have. You can’t kill me anyway.”
The leader swallowed his fear and replied.
Shakron calmly responded.
“That’s true.”
The man then led him toward a side building.
“There’s a storage area with gold and relics… and if you want… there are women too… hehe.”
A greasy voice full of greed.
But Shakron didn’t care.
Then—
“You really are trash.”
Thud!
“Gah!”
Shakron shoved him directly onto the trap zone.
Perfect aim.
The man fell.
And—
WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH!
Dozens of spears launched from hidden branches.
“W-what?! A trap?!”
The leader tried to cast a defensive spell, but it was too late.
He fell directly into chaos.
“Ugh…!”
In moments, he was pierced and torn apart.
His last glare was full of resentment, but it quickly faded.
Shakron had no emotion.
He had already predicted this outcome.
He then freed the captives first.
He considered demanding ransom, but it was too much trouble.
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
“We’ll never forget this kindness!”
Everyone bowed deeply.
Shakron gave them only a simple escape route.
He had no intention of escorting them home.
Then—
“I am Shakron von Midios.”
He stated his name plainly.
Using the house name was convenient.
It spread reputation—and confusion—for Crasus.
‘Let him wonder what his son is doing.’
Shakron thought calmly.
Then—
A man stepped forward.
He looked disheveled but carried noble dignity.
Their eyes met.
Shakron paused.
‘Wait… I know this guy.’
Not from this life—but from his previous life in the Tower.
‘Eugene de Rochepole. The youngest of House Rochepole.’
A man who would later become something far darker.
In his past life, Eugene had been a rival in the Tower.
After his noble house was destroyed and he fell into ruin, he had turned to demonic power.
And eventually became a mass killer climbing the Tower.
‘So he’s here already.’
Shakron observed him carefully.
Unlike others, this man was valuable.
Very valuable.
A future asset.
A connection worth cultivating.
‘This guy… is practically a useful fool.’
An accurate assessment.
