Chapter 364

Words : 2323 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

There was a bite to Nikolai’s sarcastic words. John Doe. Why did you fight there for the people of Theon, he asked. Since he wasn’t at the scene, he couldn’t know for certain whether Rudger had actually fought to protect them or not. However, based on combining information from circulating rumors and witness testimonies, one could make circumstantial guesses. Above all, Rudger even received a medal from the Imperial Family for this incident. He became a hero who prevented terrorism. That fact alone was enough for Nikolai to tear into Rudger. “Surely, you’re not planning to betray us.” Of course, that was just the surface justification. The real reason Nikolai called out Rudger was his anger about having his work interfered with. His plan to secretly use the Liberation Army for terrorism from behind the scenes while simultaneously eliminating John Doe had completely fallen through. Naturally, he needed to corner Rudger here somehow. But as if he had anticipated such words would come, Rudger’s response was without hesitation. “What nonsense you speak. From the start, I didn’t fight as a teacher to save anyone. Rather, those vermin interfered with me so I eliminated them.” “Then why did you receive a medal?” “That’s probably because I killed the most vermin.” “What? Is that what you should be saying? If you had just stayed put, the Liberation Army could have dealt a huge blow to Theon. To that Theon.” Anger gradually began to seep into Nikolai’s voice. Rudger, conversely, responded calmly and coldly. “There were high-ranking magicians and elite imperial forces gathered there anyway. Even a ‘huge blow’ would have just meant killing a few rookies. What could those Liberation Army vermin possibly do? Rather than that, it was more beneficial to solidify my position.” “From my view, it seems you had no choice but to step in to save those few. Am I mistaken?” “Nikolai, you’re unusually emotional today. Or perhaps the Liberation Army consisted of subordinates you cared about?” Indeed, it was true that Nikolai had instigated and encouraged the Liberation Army from behind to carry out the capital terrorism. After all, he had confirmed through information gathered over a long time that there was a huge abandoned facility under the capital, and made it into the Liberation Army’s hideout. “If that’s not the case, I really don’t understand why you’re getting so angry.” “...” The effort, labor, time, and funds Nikolai had invested there were by no means small. How could he not be angry when it all went to waste because of John Doe right in front of him? “Or do you have something to say?” “Hahaha. How could that be?” But Nikolai decided to stop here. Getting emotional would only disadvantage himself. If he continued arguing with Rudger here, he would be the one getting swept up in emotions. “Why would I use such guys in the first place, what use would they be? Aren’t you looking down on me too much?” Nikolai naturally laughed while denying any connection to this incident. Rudger looked at Nikolai with a somewhat surprised gaze. For someone who put in this much effort into a failed plan, the impact must have been significant, yet he accepted reality quickly. It would have been better if he had been a bit more emotional, what a shame. “Everyone’s here.” Just then, Zero Order arrived at the meeting hall. As always, he sat in the head seat while leading his adjutant. “The reason I called you all here today is to introduce a newly recruited First Order.” A newly recruited First Order? All the First Orders gathered showed interest at once. They were curious about what kind of being would be the Black Dawn Society’s new executive. The appearance of someone who could become either a colleague or competitor brought a different kind of vitality to this frozen atmosphere. “Introduce yourself.” Along with Zero Order’s introduction, the First Order revealed herself from her seat. “Yahoo! Nice to meet everyone! I’m Helia!” It was a bright and lively voice that didn’t match the solemn atmosphere at all. The eyes of all First Orders present turned cold. What’s with this one? Most had similar reactions. First of all, from her cheerful greeting and speech style to her actions were extremely frivolous. The dignity and charisma unique to strong ones that First Orders should possess were not felt. Of course, First Orders don’t necessarily need to have dignity. Just look at Victor – he has nothing to do with dignity or charisma at all. But at least Victor proved himself through ability. And beyond that, his madness. ‘A bit unreliable. But still, Zero Order personally selected her.’ ‘I suppose her abilities must have been verified?’ ‘More than that, she’s female. It’s quite a strange coincidence considering she’s filling Esmeralda’s vacant position.’ While everyone held their own impressions, Helia asked: “Oh? Somehow everyone doesn’t seem very welcoming. Still, we’re going to be colleagues from now on, so let’s be friendly!” “Hmph. What colleagues? Just don’t hold us back.” At that moment, someone shot back at Helia with a venomous voice. ‘Ventmin?’ The other First Orders’ gazes turned toward her. Ventmin was glaring at Helia with a look beyond displeasure, bordering on contempt. Even though she had no pupils, everyone in the room could feel it to that extent. Ventmin’s voice always had sharpness like thorns on a rose, but now it carried even more emotion. Even Victor, who usually lacks tact, was restraining his usual laughter to avoid disturbing Ventmin’s mood. “You probably have decent skills since Zero Order selected you, but we clearly work in different fields. So just mind your own business. Don’t even mention unnecessary things like friendships.” “Wow. I just got hurt by those words.” Seeing Helia complaining in a voice that didn’t sound hurt at all, Ventmin got angry. “You truly lack any seriousness, you vulgar one.” “Huh? But I’m serious about everything?” “Ha! Are you joking now? How is anything you’re saying serious? I don’t care if it’s a joke. But you don’t even show a hint of dignity. You’re dull and frivolous on top of that.” Even at those words that were close to verbal abuse, Helia didn’t back down. Rather, she innocently threw a question at Ventmin. “Heh. So you think you’re noble and great?” “If it weren’t for this place, you wouldn’t even be able to face me or exchange words with me.” “Ah, really? But I’m curious about something.” “What is it?” “What’s your name?” “...” “Come to think of it, I only introduced myself, we haven’t properly exchanged names, right?” “Ha. If you’re so curious, why don’t you find out yourself?” Still maintaining her innocent attitude, Ventmin now seemed unwilling to even respond to Helia, openly dismissing her opinion. Finally, Leslie, who couldn’t watch anymore, stepped in. “Ventmin. That’s enough. What kind of disgraceful behavior is this in front of Zero Order?” “Hmm. So your name is Ventmin?” At that moment, Helia’s eyes lit up. The small black flame flickered once as if containing mischief. It seemed the other First Orders felt the same way, as they all wondered about Helia’s changed attitude. “Hmm? I thought it was an alias, but some people just use their real names, I see.” “What did you say?” “Ventmin. That’s your real name, right? What a coincidence! I know that name!” At the words that she knew the name, Ventmin glared sharply at Helia. Just as Ventmin sensed something was wrong and tried to stop Helia’s words. “Of course I do! After all, Ventmin is the name of the head of the Lifrey family from the Elf Kingdom.” Helia quickly spoke the truth, innocently and naively. Silence crashed over the assembly like a wave. “How did you...” Ventmin said that and then realized she had made a mistake. She should have pretended not to know here. By showing this kind of reaction, she was essentially admitting that Helia’s words were correct. “Ventmin. You were an elf?” “Oh, oh hoho. My goodness. Not just any elf but the head of a family.” “I never met her in person so I didn’t know, but this is quite shocking.” The other First Orders each threw in their comments, apparently not knowing this either. Rudger was quite surprised as well. ‘To think Ventmin was the head of the Lifrey family.’ It was just recently that he fought with the Shadewarden’s trackers. And it was the head of the Lifrey family who sent those Shadewardens. ‘First Order Ventmin. To think her identity was the head of the Lifrey family, which holds the highest position among the seven elf families.’ Rudger’s gaze naturally turned to Zero Order. ‘Zero Order has such a being as a subordinate?’ Though both have lived for a very long time, this would mean Zero Order ranks higher in status. Or perhaps there was some kind of deal between them in the past when Basara was sealed. Though it’s quite surprising as it happened suddenly, Rudger saw this as an opportunity. Learning Ventmin’s identity is quite a gain. This could become a weapon to strike at her if they ever came into conflict in the future. ‘When I first saw her searching for something, it must have been the Plante family survivor.’ This too was an amazing coincidence. The Plante family survivor she had been searching so desperately for was actually active as a Second Order in the Black Dawn Society. The saying about it being darkest under the lamp fit perfectly. ‘I’ll have to keep information about Sedina even more hidden.’ After quickly calculating, Rudger observed Ventmin and Helia again. Ventmin was staying quiet, but not because she was speechless with anger. Rather, she seemed to be carefully considering what to say. “...You. Are you an elf like me?” “Huh? No. I’m not an elf?” “Then how do you know information about me...” Ventmin, who was about to argue something, shook her head. “Fine. I’ll acknowledge it. That you’re worthy of being a First Order.” “Oh really? Thanks for acknowledging me!” “If you ever have a chance to visit the kingdom, make sure to come find me. I can give you a very special reception.” It seemed Ventmin decided to just openly reveal everything since her identity was exposed anyway. Though her words were calm, killing intent toward Helia was surging underneath. Helia must have known this too, but she nodded while smiling happily. ‘A confrontation between an ancient elf elder and a long-lived demon. What an amazing matchup.’ You couldn’t see such a rare sight anywhere else in the world. Just as he was thinking this, Zero Order, who had been quiet until now, spoke. “That’s enough.” The assembly fell silent in an instant at those words. “The reason I called you all here today is simple. First, to introduce the newly acquired First Order Helia. And there’s a second reason.” At the mention of a second reason, everyone sat quietly and listened. “I have to go somewhere very far away for a while. It means I’ll be away.” “You’ll be away?” Leslie asked in disbelief. Even knowing it might be seen as disloyalty, he couldn’t help but ask. “I will return eventually. But if any problems arise with the organization in the meantime, that would be unfortunate.” Zero Order said this while tapping the edge of the table with his fingertip. “So I’ll leave this space maintained as is. Even if I don’t call you, if you need to hold meetings among yourselves, you can gather and discuss.” An executive meeting without Zero Order? Even if forced, these people wouldn’t do it, so leaving it voluntary seems quite pointless. Rudger knew of course that Zero Order was saying something he didn’t really mean. From the start, he had no affection for the organization called the Black Dawn Society. They were just convenient chess pieces to use. If they were truly precious to him, he wouldn’t even mention being away. ‘I don’t know why Zero Order is trying to be away again. However, this could be an opportunity for me.’ At least there was now a possibility to eliminate other First Orders without Zero Order’s interference. Rudger’s gaze naturally turned to where Leslie was. With his deep loyalty to Zero Order, he seemed quite shocked, his black flame trembling slightly. “Leslie.” “Yes! Zero Order sir.” “It’s almost time.” “...Yes. That’s right.” “I hope your wish comes true.” “...!” Moved by those words, Leslie responded with an emotional voice. “Yes. I will definitely achieve it.” Rudger doesn’t know exactly what that plan is either. But if it’s something Duke Heiback warned about and Leslie boasts about, it must be no ordinary matter. Something that will cause huge waves in the magic world. ‘I can’t just let that happen.’ Just knowing that something will happen is certainly useful enough. At least he won’t have to just quietly watch unexpected events unfold without knowing anything. That’s when Zero Order spoke to Rudger. “John Doe.” “Yes, Zero Order sir.” “I hope you achieve what you desire as well.” “...” For words directed at him at this timing, it was very meaningful. Zero Order probably knows that this side will participate in the Night of Mystery and that he could come into conflict with Leslie. Knowing this, he’s still saying to go ahead and try. In that case. “Yes. I understand.” There’s no choice but to gladly accept.

Chapter 364

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