The developers behind Blood And Bone were infamous for their perverted creations, not in a lewd sense but more for their gore.

The story changes based on choices.

This, coupled with an extensive degree of freedom, should have been a gamer's dream come true, yet it remained underrated, likely due to its gruesome nature.

The company was notoriously fond of grinding orphans into their narratives.

And now, I found myself in a black market.

A place that seemed to gather only the abyss of the already dark world.

"...Ugh."

I fought back the urge to vomit.

After all, I was wearing a mask.

A mask given to those using VIP entry tickets, impervious to most forms of magical scrutiny.

There was nothing to gain from showing one's face here, so I kept on the wolf mask, although the idea of it getting dirty was somewhat unsettling.

As I averted my gaze from those revolting scenes, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

'What about the others? They're younger than me.'

With that thought, I looked over at Siel.

...She was fine.

Actually, it would have been scarier if she had freaked out in such a situation.

"Why are you covering my eyes?"

I had covered her eyes every time something unsettling passed by, just in case. And that was her question in return.

"...No, it's because of the elves."

Elves usually have a deep sense of kinship. I didn't particularly want to show her the amputated elf slaves.

"It doesn't matter. I don't really care."

It seemed Siel's sense of kinship was rather shallow.

Or, perhaps she even disliked it.

"Besides, that's not an elf."

At Siel's unexpected remark,

I took another look at the slave I had seen before and... soon realized.

An elf at that price?

That's absurd.

And upon giving it some serious thought, it's peculiar that a race as esteemed as elves would be so miserably enslaved.

Even if that were the case, being away from the World Tree long enough for their amputated parts to heal would naturally result in death before that.

Elves and the World Tree are inseparable entities.

To be alive away from the World Tree because of being a half-elf seems unlikely, given the excessive length of the ears.

So, are these just fake ears then?

The deception is crafted with quite the dedication.

Nevertheless, since Siel seemed unfazed, I turned my attention to Lien, who had a more sensitive disposition.

Through the puppy mask, a glint in the eyes was visible.

Eyes filled with madness sparkled dangerously, as if they might explode at any moment.

"...Snap out of it."

I lightly tapped the back of the girl's head using a snap of my wrist.

Was the problem here that she enjoyed this too much?

I had to keep an eye on her to make sure she didn't lose her senses.

As I entertained these thoughts... I soon realized.

Was I the only one feeling terrified here?

A strange feeling crept in.

These kids are fine, yet here I am, panicking.

With these thoughts, I tried my best to avert my eyes from the entrails and various grotesque items as I walked... until I found a comrade.

Miss Rubia was trembling.

Her face, hidden behind a fox mask, was not visible, but I could roughly imagine her expression.

Feeling a strange sense of familiarity and empathy, I approached Miss Rubia, thinking that sharing our fears might lessen them a bit.

And then... the trembling intensified.

How fearful could this person be?

It seems like she's always trembling whenever I see her.

*****

The black market.

The black market is held every six months.

However, the location of the building and the landmarks are all similar.

No, more than similar, they are identical.

The reason is simple.

All these buildings are constructed through magic.

A creation by an archmage.

It's no wonder the Empire dares not tamper with the black market.

'...Well, the truth is, that archmage died a long time ago.'

It's merely his disciple who's recreating the magic using the relics left by the master. However, the Empire is oblivious to this fact.

They wouldn't want to mess with an archmage, and regardless, such illicit trades would surface elsewhere even if banned.

It's a tacit tolerance under surveillance.

It's possible that there might be Empire soldiers hiding somewhere here.

Considering the average in the Empire, there are likely quite a few soldiers who came here not for surveillance but purely for vile leisure.

After all, this place houses all sorts of horrific entertainments.

Like a venue that offers the experience of dissecting a living human. Or places even more dreadful than that.

Just the thought brings nausea back, and I desperately erase those images from my mind.

Anyway, that's none of our business right now.

I roamed the streets, searching for our destination, passing by stores I sincerely hoped not to learn more about... until we entered the largest building.

"Thank you for visiting our auction house."

With a polite greeting,

A man dressed in a sleek suit courteously greeted us.

This was the main event, the largest auction house here.

Naturally, it was bustling with people.

The large building was completely packed.

But that didn't concern us.

There's a reason why VIP is VIP.

Instead of the overcrowded passageways, we were led through a spacious, almost empty private corridor by the staff.

Large glass windows.

A lofty position.

From the private seats, the entire view of the auction house was visible at a glance.

"If there's anything you wish to bid on, please feel free to press the button in front of you."

With courteous service, the man brought us drinks.

...Not that we could drink them, being minors.

Regardless, the man left after offering kind words and reminding us to call him anytime if we needed anything.

The more I looked, the more astonished I became, prompting me to ask her.

"How on earth did you manage to get this?"

Securing a VIP entry ticket is notoriously difficult. Knowing from the original work how much of a struggle it was to obtain one, I couldn't help but be amazed.

"..."

But the look she returned was fierce.

Miss Rubia didn't say a word, and though her face was not visible behind the mask, I could almost hear an accusatory voice saying, 'You're the one who asked me to get it.'

No, I did mention that a VIP ticket would be ideal, but I had no idea it was actually attainable.

I do have a conscience.

With less than three days left, I never expected to actually get hold of such a prized possession.

I felt a twinge of guilt.

"Let's buy something on our way out after the auction."

Being human, I felt compelled to say that.

It would be inhuman not to repay this favor, especially since I had saved a recipe for such an occasion. Maybe Miss Rubia and I could even start a potion brewing business together.

"..."

I said it with that in mind, but the look she gave me was even more intimidating than before.

Her eyes seemed to ask, 'How much more do you need to take from me to be satisfied?'

I was about to quickly explain myself when...

"The first item is a 300-year-old elf eyeball!"

That announcement drew my gaze back through the glass window.

The auction had begun.

Though the item was of little use to me.

"Siel?"

While I was waiting for the next item to be presented, Siel suddenly pressed her forehead against the glass window, scrutinizing the item intently.

When I asked her why, the answer came back far too simple.

"I thought it might be my mother."

...What am I supposed to say to that? After pondering for a while, I barely managed to speak.

"Do you... want me to buy it if it's bothering you?"

However, Siel shook her head, dismissing the idea.

"It's fine. It doesn't seem like her."

"That's... good, I guess."

...Is it really appropriate to feel relieved about this? My head suddenly felt dizzy.

'Why do I feel like we shouldn't have come here?'

The plan was to acquire artifacts and recruit allies, but it feels like we're not achieving anything substantial.

The second and third items were presented. While they could be considered valuable, they were not what I needed.

Perhaps it would have been better to visit an auction house specializing in slaves instead.

It was at this moment, as I sighed deeply with frustration, that something changed.

"This next item is quite special."

The man announced with a sense of gravity. Of course, from his perspective, embellishing the items to fetch a higher price is to be expected.

Something was different this time.

The man presenting the items was moving something while clad in all sorts of protective gear.

Suddenly, Siel wrapped around me. Miss Rubia went beyond trembling legs and collapsed onto the floor.

This strange phenomenon was happening to everyone in the auction house.

Yet, I remained unaffected.

It was clear what this meant: something was contaminating the minds of these people right now.

A staff member, armored in expensive protective gear, showcased the item to the audience.

And then, I was at a loss for words.

It was to be expected.

That design.

That blade.

It was an item I had seen over and over again while playing the previous game.

"An enigmatic cursed sword, emanating an ominous curse!"

It's the holy sword.

The one used by the protagonist in the previous work.

...A broken holy sword, emanating a dark light.

==Chapter 22: Turning Crisis into Opportunity (2)==

In an instant, my mind goes blank.

It seems almost inevitable.

No matter how I look at it, that's the holy sword. I've seen it countless times while playing game; there's no way I could forget it.

'But why is it broken!'

The holy sword is never supposed to break.

Well, it can break, but it's not supposed to.

After all, as long as the wielder's spirit is unbroken, the sword is unbreakable.

But this holy sword is shattered.

Moreover, what kind of disaster happened for it to emit such an ominous light?

'What path must one take for the holy sword to end up like this?'

Blood and Bone was a game where the ending changed depending on your choices.

I've speculated several times about which ending would be considered canonical and set the stage for the sequel.

'Since the holy sword has become corrupt, it could be the Demon King route... but that doesn't make sense.'

A route you can choose if the heroine dies.

A route where one despairs at the world and falls into corruption. If that were the case, the empire wouldn't be intact like this.

It's also unlikely for the holy sword, even if it gained power through corruption, to break like this.

'But there are no other routes where the holy sword becomes corrupt, are there?'

Like the empire's dog route.

Or the empire revolution route.

Or the true hero route.

There are various endings, but in all of them, the holy sword remains intact.

Moreover, the holy sword is indestructible no matter what. The protagonist is not one to easily break.

The only route where the mind might completely shatter is the Demon King route, but even there, it corrupts but does not break.

What on earth must one do to reduce the holy sword to a lump of scrap metal and even corrupt it?

It was completely beyond my understanding.

...No, more puzzling than that.

"This cursed sword was found in the Demon Realm. What story lies behind this demonic sword that emits such malevolent energy..."

Why can't everyone recognize that it's the holy sword?

No, if it's the hero's holy sword, it should definitely be famous.

Moreover, there must be characters from the empire here.

Why can't these people recognize the holy sword?

While I'm panicking, numerous magicians step forward towards the holy sword.

It's clearly a massive magic. Dozens of magicians chant for a long time before the holy sword finally stops spewing its ominous curse.

Well, judging by the pale faces of the people, it seems the curse has only weakened, not disappeared completely.

In this situation, there's only one thing I must do.

I quickly ask Miss Rubia about the history of the empire.

But, there was no answer.

Turning my head, I see Miss Rubia foaming at the mouth, unconscious.

Should I wait until she wakes up?

I was sighing with this thought when,

"...Is it troubling you?"

As always, Siel calmly strokes my head and asks.

At this point, I don't even have the energy to object to her odd behavior. I simply admit it is.

However, what she says next is utterly incomprehensible.

"Then why don't you ask me?"

"...What are you talking about? You don't know the history of the empire."

There's no way I hadn't asked her before. I did ask, and she knew nothing.

Siel, being half-elf, seems indifferent to the human world, and Lien, always holed up in the mountains, knows nothing of worldly affairs.

As for Miss Rubia, she's been too busy running around because of my requests, so I just didn't have time to ask her.

"I do know."

But Siel confidently responded.

I'm completely baffled as to why she's suddenly lying like this.

"No, you didn't even know about the Demon Lord who appeared around 10 years ago."

"I don't know that."

"And you said you didn't know the hero who wields the holy sword."

"I don't."

"But you know the history of the empire?"

"My mother taught me."

What kind of nonsense is this?

I'm so flustered, memories of Lien flash through my mind.

When I asked Lien the same question, this was the response I received.

-I haven't heard of such a thing. I don't really know about matters outside the mountain...

What if it's not that they haven't heard about it?

If both of them have only spoken the truth to me?

I quickly grabbed the unconscious Miss Rubia and shook her.

This was no time to be cautious.

"Miss Rubia."

Miss Rubia, regaining consciousness, still had a dazed look.

I asked her seriously.

"Do you remember the major event that happened about 10 years ago?"

Miss Rubia moved her lips.

Although her speech was slurred, I could make out her question about why I was asking all of a sudden.

"It's really important. Please tell me quickly."

Without realizing, I spoke forcefully, prompting Miss Rubia to break into a cold sweat and finally speak up.

"The, the Mana Stone Mine incident? The one where someone tried to destroy all the mines but failed?"

In an instant, my mind goes blank.

The situation where no one remembers an event that almost led to the world's destruction. There was only one conclusion this could lead to.

For some reason, the Demon Lord did not descend.

The empire never faced the threat of destruction.

This is a world different from any route in the previous story.

Where people are unaware of the hero, the empire never faced destruction, and..

The holy sword is corrupted and shattered.

'How did things get so twisted?'

The one who caused the Mana Stone Mine incident must be the protagonist. It was a quest in the previous game.

But the protagonist wasn't known as a hero.

Furthermore, they corrupted and shattered the holy sword.

Yet, the world is still intact.

It's impossible to grasp what's going on.

But if there's one thing I'm certain of,

"Miss Rubia, I am truly, deeply sorry."

I must acquire it at all costs.

Even if I have to spend one's entire fortune.

Miss Rubia's face turns pale.

"I'll pay you back. Please don't worry too much."

Even as I say this, Miss Rubia's complexion does not improve.

After all, who would believe a promise to repay? It's admirable that she hasn't slapped me after hearing such words. Truly, a saintess in her own right.

But the thing is, I can really pay it back.

I could even make this person the wealthiest in the empire.

So, let's just sell a little, just a tiny bit of our conscience.

I was about to press the button with that thought in mind when suddenly,

-Boom!

An explosion erupted out of nowhere.

Through the glass, the auction house was seen in shambles.

Those who appeared were clad in black robes.

Emblazoned on the chest of those robes was a fang symbol, as if flaunting their identity.

"This place is now under the control of the Black Fang."

*****

'...Let's calm down.'

I calmly collected myself and quickly assessed the situation around me.

Those calling themselves the Black Fang were terrorizing this auction house.

The distant sounds of explosions made it clear that this was not a minor terror act but one aimed at the entirety of the black market.

So, what was their objective?

It didn't take much to figure that out.

Money and slaves.

Items necessary for expanding their influence.

'Should I run?'

After a brief moment of consideration... I concluded.

There was no need for such measures.

Certainly, the Black Fang is a dangerous group.

Thus, if the Black Fang were indeed present in this auction house, the right move would be to flee immediately.

'If these guys are really the Black Fang, that is.'

I looked at the figures who had unleashed terror upon this place. Their faces were covered, but it didn't matter.

I had the clairvoyance magic I learned from Siel.

'As expected.'

No matter how I looked, they weren't the main characters from the game.

They did have a menacing appearance, though.

They are neither beautiful boys nor girls, nor middle-aged men with a rugged charm.

...I know it's strange to judge people this way, but what can I do? This is the world inside a game.

'There's no way that kind of person could be a member of such a major organization.'

If they were that strong, given that this is a game, surely more care would have been taken with their character design. But that face looks just like any common thief.

Understanding that, it's not hard to grasp the current situation.

Someone is impersonating the Black Fang.

"The name of the Black Fang will hit rock bottom now."

This is the problem with secret organizations.

It's impossible to distinguish the real ones from impostors.

It feels almost pitiful for the genuine Black Fang, earnestly aiming to revolutionize the empire, to be exploited for petty theft.

"Can I step out for a bit?"

While I was pondering this, Siel asked me.

The words 'Where are you going in the middle of this chaos?' almost slipped out, but then I realized why Siel was acting this way.

Those eyes.

They must have been bothering her.

I had heard roughly how Siel's mother had passed away. Siel doubted those were her mother's eyes, but still, you never know.

Taking advantage of the situation, it was very likely she could sneakily retrieve those eyes, now that the auction had ended.

Logically, I should advise against it, but emotionally, I wanted to support Siel.

If someone had taken my mother's eyes to sell, I'd do whatever it took to get them back.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I instructed Lien to accompany Siel.

There's no better bodyguard than Lien. When it comes to protection, she's practically invincible.

With Lien by her side, there should be nothing to worry about.

Still slightly anxious,

I added one more thing to Siel.

"Make it quick and come back."

'I'm worried.'

'I hope you return safely.'

==Chapter 23: Turning Crisis into Opportunity (3)==

Rubia seemed on the verge of losing her mind.

It was, perhaps, to be expected.

Amidst the auction, an odd demonic sword was suddenly presented as an item for sale.

And then, losing consciousness only to wake up to that monstrous captain inquiring earnestly about the empire's history.

Moreover,

- Boom!

A massive explosion erupted.

A group in black robes, marked by a fanged emblem on their chest, had infiltrated the auction house.

The Black Fangs. Or more precisely, impostors of the Black Fangs had orchestrated this act of terror here.

Rubia, trembling, sought out the captain's figure.

However, the captain's expression was one of utter calm.

He barely furrowed his brow before regaining his composure.

Even as an organization impersonating his own caused terror, his face showed no sign of disturbance.

His serenity was such that it seemed as if he was unaware such an incident had even occurred.

Such a reaction seemed inhuman.

Upon reflection, that man had always been so.

Amid the ominous aura emanating from the sword, when everyone else couldn't even bear to face it, he alone remained unaffected.

Even as she trembled under the vile curse, he was the picture of tranquility.

He even looked bored, for heaven's sake.

'What kind of person is he, really...'

While Rubia was still reeling in shock, the captain calmly observed the chaos from a high vantage point and muttered to himself.

"The name of the Black Fang will hit rock bottom now."

His tone was utterly indifferent, as if the fate of the Black Fangs mattered not in the slightest to him.

But Rubia couldn't help but tremble even more.

The implication of those words, especially to those two, was crystal clear.

Upon hearing this, the determination in the black-haired girl's eyes shifted instantly. As if to prove her utmost loyalty to the captain, the young girl named Siel promptly asked,

"Can I step out for a bit?"

It was a request for permission.

After a brief contemplation, the man instructed the white-haired girl to accompany her.

"Make it quick and come back."

He ordered.

With those words, the two vanished from the scene in the blink of an eye.

Rubia was terrified by his tone.

The implication to 'make it quick' was horrifying—a chilling command to annihilate everyone, delivered with such nonchalance.

The way he casually ordered human lives to be taken, as if sending someone on a mere errand, was profoundly disturbing.

It was too much, utterly inconceivable that they were of the same species.

"Ah, Miss Rubia."

The monster turned his gaze upon her once more.

Words of pleading surged up to her throat – 'Please spare me, I'll do anything, I'll give anything, just save my life' – but they never made it out.

She simply couldn't bring herself to utter them, feeling as though she couldn't even breathe without the man's permission.

"Why are you trembling so?"

Rubia understood the implication of his words immediately.

She had just disrupted the man's mood.

A slave who had been barely clinging to life by serving and financing this man had just shown him something displeasing.

Collapsed on the floor, Rubia could do nothing but weep inconsolably.

She knew it wasn't right to cry like this, aware that any further annoyance might lead to her immediate execution right then and there.

But the tears just wouldn't stop.

"It must have been frightening because of the terror, I presume," he said, his expression sickeningly malevolent.

It was as if he genuinely cared, his face contorted in feigned concern.

To an onlooker, it might appear as though he was genuinely perplexed and trying to console her. That made it all the more terrifying.

A monster, not a human, was mimicking human emotions.

"Don't worry about those people. They're nothing to be concerned about."

But Rubia wasn't foolish enough to voice her true thoughts, 'Are you kidding me? It's not them I'm afraid of, it's you! You're the scariest one here, you insane monster!'

So, she tried her best to look compliant and answered timidly, "R-right. So, so scary."

The man then chuckled at Rubia's trembling figure as if he found it adorable and said, "Don't worry. It's nothing. Give it a few hours, and it'll feel like none of this ever happened."

As if he intended to erase this black market and everyone in it from existence.

That was the last straw for her psyche.

Rubia's consciousness snapped, abruptly cutting off.

*****

Time and again, I'm convinced.

This person is just too cowardly.

How on earth has she managed to survive with such a weak mentality until now?

With a mental fortitude that trembles at the slightest thing, it's beyond me how she ever conducted business.

'She must have known that this place is protected by defensive magic.'

It's a VIP section, after all.

There's nowhere safer.

Wouldn't it withstand even a significant bomb without a scratch?

Though it might crumble under concentrated magical bombardment, logically speaking, there was no reason for that terrorist group to specifically target us with such measures.

Yet here she is, quivering in fear like this.

I even tried to empathize with her fear and reassured her not to worry, but it seemed it was too much to hope for her to have a stronger constitution than tofu.

At this rate, she seemed like the type who'd faint from fear just by stepping into a haunted house.

That's no exaggeration; she genuinely appeared to have fainted from sheer terror.

I found myself catching Miss Rubia as she suddenly burst into tears and then abruptly collapsed, seating her back down.

Given Miss Rubia's severe state, even as I lifted her slender frame, my normally robust physical condition seemed of little use.

I removed her mask and gently wiped away her tears and runny nose with a handkerchief.

...An adult woman. She looked to be in her mid-twenties to early thirties, and here I was, tending to her like a babysitter, which made the whole situation utterly dizzying.

'Has 'Blood and Bone 2' completely changed genres?'

A big-breasted noona who's ridiculously cowardly and melodramatic sounds like something straight out of a dating sim, not the grim and dark tone 'Blood and Bone' was known for.

It's gotten to the point where one might seriously wonder if the developers decided to change direction.

'Maybe that notoriously cruel game studio finally compromised with reality.'

After dealing with Miss Rubia, I returned to my seat to survey the scene beyond the glass.

People panicking and running, bodies in black robes scattered everywhere - utter chaos.

I watched, then it hit me.

Why am I even staying here?

'There's really nothing for me to do here.'

Wouldn't it be better to do something productive instead?

That thought filled my mind.

Yet, my modern conscience held me back.

Even in such a situation, the idea of resorting to theft seemed against my principles.

But then again, upon reflection, those things weren't all that important.

Up until now, I've tried to live somewhat conscientiously, but in a fantasy world where one must survive against impending doom, killing can't always be avoided.

Non-violence is an unattainable ideal in this bleak universe. I'd avoid it if possible, but hesitation wasn't an option when action was necessary.

And naturally, theft is a far lesser crime than murder.

To be prepared to kill, yet balk at the idea of stealing amidst chaos, is nothing short of absurd.

'Where exactly should I feel guilty about what I'm about to do?'

It seemed obvious upon reflection.

Theft is wrong, but stealing from the despicable is almost commendable.

Especially if those ill-gotten gains are used for a noble cause like saving the world?

There couldn't be a more righteous outlaw.

Moreover, I was already fully equipped for the deed.

The mask I wore was impenetrable to most detection magic.

And my black robe, identical to those of the terrorists, made blending in effortless.

Even if caught mid-theft, there was no concern.

Thanks to the amulet given by Siel, should I sustain any injury, the pair would instantly transport to my side through the shadows.

At this point, it was as if it was divine providence.

The heavens seemed to grant me permission to become a just thief.

'Miss Rubia would surely appreciate this.'

It's ironic, considering my lavish spending. I've caused significant financial damage to Miss Rubia's finances.

The abundant magical power flowing through me might as well be considered the tears of Miss Rubia's labor.

But then, this event unfolded.

An opportunity to grab not only a sword worth the price of dozens of buildings but also all sorts of artifacts as they come.

Only a fool would pass up such an opportunity.

I adjusted my mask and straightened my robe.

Concentrating my magic into my legs, I leaped with all my might.

It was time to become an outlaw with a cause.

Chapter 24: Turning Crisis into Opportunity (4)

Explosions echo from every direction.

Screams of people plunged into panic filled the air. The black market had descended into complete chaos.

In the midst of this turmoil, a man clad in a dark robe cracks a sly smile.

'So far, so smooth.'

The plan to terrorize the black market, claiming to be the notorious Black Fang, was proceeding without a hitch.

Black Fang. A name that struck fear and vigilance in the heart of the empire, now recklessly appropriated for criminal acts.

The reason the man had embarked on this venture was simple.

He was a knight of the empire.

'Fight fire with fire, or so they say.'

The directive from above was straightforward.

To incite terror under the guise of the Black Fang.

The black market had always been a thorn in the side.

Those trading empire-monopolized artifacts, relying solely on the support of the Arcmage.

While previously overlooked and merely surveilled, it was a matter that eventually needed addressing.

The mysteries contained within these artifacts were vital for the survival of the empire.

It was under these circumstances that the Black Fang, a third force, emerged. The empire's leadership decided to make the most of this situation.

They chose to disguise themselves as the Black Fang and unleash terror here.

A false justification was also prepared.

The liberation of slaves traded in the black market. Exactly the kind of cause an organization in rebellion against the empire would undertake.

The true identity of the Black Fang remained a mystery.

Thus, even for an Arcmage, distinguishing between them and the actual Black Fang was impossible.

Unwittingly, the Black Fang would be framed, becoming the Arcmage's enmity without ever knowing why.

Although the man, who held a fairly high position, did not know what the mysteries contained within the artifact were used for, it hardly mattered to him.

As a knight of the empire, one should not question orders.

The retrieval of the artifact.

Claiming a false stance while disguised as the Black Fang.

Some captured slaves were to be released as a diversion, while the rest were to be handed over to the Royal Court.

It was a simple mission.

And it was in the midst of this task that the man was deeply engrossed when it happened.

"Aaaagh!"

There was a scream.

A dreadful scream echoed in his ears.

The man quickly looked around to grasp the situation, but there was nothing.

The subordinates who had been there had vanished without a trace, as if they had never existed in the first place.

His instincts, honed from countless battles, sent him a warning. The man quickly surveyed his surroundings to understand the situation.

Soon, two figures clad in black robes appeared before him. Instinctively, the man knew.

He knew who these people were.

It was inevitable.

His legs were shaking uncontrollably without him realizing it.

Not the position of the strong, but that of the weak.

Not the eater, but the eaten.

The man was personally experiencing this overwhelming feeling.

Yet, he did not give up.

He somehow mustered his wits and spoke.

"I apologize for borrowing the name without permission."

It was no coincidence that the man was chosen as the leader of this operation.

With a gaze filled with an admiration that couldn't possibly be mistaken for deceit, he continued speaking to the two individuals.

"It's an honor to meet you. I'm sorry for using the name, but despite that, I wanted to be part of achieving a noble cause."

A perfectly near-perfect lie, asking if they could help with the slave rescue, assuming it wasn't too presumptuous.

The man was confident.

Confident that he could somehow navigate this situation with his lies.

*****

Siel stared blankly at the man before her.

The man was babbling about something, but Siel wasn't listening.

Of course, she wouldn't.

Why should she pay any mind to what others say when it's not even Ian talking?

"Devour him."

With those words, the shadow morphed into a beast. The wolf voraciously consumed the man's arm.

The screams are noisy, Siel thought, looking at the man writhing in pain with an expressionless face.

"Why, why would you do this?"

The man asked. Asking why he was being attacked.

The question irked Siel.

Uncharacteristically, Siel frowned slightly as she replied.

"You upset me."

To Siel, Ian is everything in this world.

The world revolves around him, and without him, it holds no meaning.

And yet, this man had upset Ian.

Siel still remembered.

The way Ian lamented that the name of the Black Fang would be tarnished.

Siel almost wanted to ask the man.

Shouldn't he be grateful if dying could atone for upsetting Ian's feelings?

"Please... spare me."

While Siel was lost in thought, the man was trying to stop the bleeding from his torn arm and was moving towards Lien.

"I truly sympathize with your ideals purely..."

It seemed like he was planning to spout some nonsensical words to Lien as well.

However, Siel didn't particularly stop him.

She merely added one more line.

"You can play with him. He's not a person, after all."

*****

As I roamed the streets, an eerie sense of unease washed over me.

Strangely, there was no sign of the mysterious figures in black robes. Surely, I should have encountered at least one by now.

Was my luck really this good?

After pondering for a moment, a plausible explanation came to mind.

'Has that apprentice managed to suppress the terror attack?'

He may not be as formidable as the deceased Archmage, but he's no weakling either. Plus, there's been some time since the previous incident.

It wouldn't be odd to think he'd become stronger through training during this period.

'I need to hurry.'

If the terror is indeed being quelled, the window for me to act the part of a righteous hero is rapidly closing with every passing moment.

I must hurry. But...

'Where in the world is that warehouse?'

The security system, activated automatically by the explosion, had naturally moved the holy sword to the warehouse beneath the auction house.

I needed to find the secret passage leading to that warehouse... but where could it be?

Even in the original story, the secret passage was only mentioned in passing, never implemented in the actual game.

Mulling over this for a while, I suddenly came up with an absurd idea.

'It feels like I'm getting influenced by Lien.'

Such a brutally simple solution.

Yet, why did I have this overwhelming intuition that it would work?

I quickly made my way back to the auction house.

I located where the security device had been triggered and positioned myself there. Surely, there must be a passage leading to the warehouse below.

"Phew..."

Taking a deep breath, I calmed my mind.

Just as I had practiced before, I focused my magical energy into my fist. Then, with all my might, I struck down repeatedly...!

- Boom!

With a thunderous noise, the floor of the auction house shattered.

After several attempts, a hole large enough for a person to easily enter had formed.

The mindset of creating an entrance where there was none proved surprisingly effective.

Indeed, when you're physically strong, your mind doesn't have to work as hard.

I immediately jumped into the hole.

Inside, it was not as dark as I had anticipated.

Perhaps sensing someone's entry, lights flickered on as soon as I stepped in.

And what caught my eye shortly after was...

'Why are there children here?'

Children, not even listed in the auction, inexplicably bound here, all shackled by their ankles.

...The situation was dire.

It was rare to find a child in good physical condition.

Some were missing an arm. There was even a child grotesquely stitched up, their arms and legs forcibly swapped.

The situation here was clear.

'Utterly diligent in the worst way.'

This was the auction house directly operated by the disciple of that Archmage.

And as one could infer from the Archmage's involvement in the black market, his expertise was in dark magic.

This was likely the result of the disciple's diligent practice.

Whether diligently practicing dark magic is something to be praised, I'm not sure.

As I was holding back nausea from the appalling scene, I felt a strange sensation near my leg.

A girl, upon making contact with me, immediately recoiled in fear.

Judging by her reaction, she seemed to be blind.

I had a rough idea why this blind girl was frightened of me.

There were marks of being whipped.

She must have mistaken me for her owner.

"Don't worry. I didn't come here to harm you."

I found myself deep in thought, wondering how to resolve this situation.

But my contemplation was brief. After all, wasn't I here to steal?

It just meant there was more to take care of now.

Whether these kids were key characters in the original story, I wasn't sure, but does that really matter?

I'm no psychopath; it's better to save those I can. I don't need to only save those who would be beneficial to me.

"Wh-Who are you?"

The child asked, her expression filled with terror.

In the heart of enemy territory.

For all I knew, there could be eavesdropping magic at play.

Pondering how to respond... I soon came up with a suitable idea.

There is one, isn't there?

A name perfectly sellable in this situation.

"The Black Fang has come to rescue you."