V7Ch5: The battle for the throne begins!

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Translator: Soafp

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[Finally, the day has come! The succession war, after a hundred years, is about to beginーー!!]

Salaman's shout echoed at the base of the World Tree.

We, the participants, had finished our physical inspections and were now waiting in front of the magical gate.

[Of course, your host is none other than me! Salaman of the Red Cavern, the legendary magic swordsman who made it to the final three in the succession war a hundred years ago!! First, let's go over the rules one last time!]

A clear explanation of the rules appeared on the magical orb.

[Today, we'll conduct the preliminaries and narrow the candidates down to thirty. The finals will be held a week from now to determine the winner. Participants will be disqualified if they become incapacitated or leave the designated battle area for too long! And beware—the battle area will shrink as time passes!

Bringing your own weapons or armor is strictly prohibited. You may only use what you find within the battle area! Participants will face other restrictions as well. For example, magic—everyone's magic will be capped to ensure no one has an unfair advantage based on sheer magical power!

Furthermore, the World Tree contains various magical tools! Mastering these magical tools with special functions will be key to victory! You might acquire more powerful tools by defeating formidable foes, solving puzzles, or fulfilling certain conditions—so keep your eyes open!]

As Salaman explained the rules, participants gathered in their respective factions to do final checks.

That meant it was just me and Lalanoa for our strategy briefing.

“Let's do the final confirmation of our ‘Ultimate, Ultimate Plan to Win the Succession War,'” Lalanoa said, her voice brimming with excitement.

“Yeah.”

“In the early stages, we avoid fighting major factions. We'll focus on finding treasure chests and defeating weaker factions to collect powerful artifacts.”

“Got it.”

“If we encounter a major faction, we'll retreat. Any attack should come at the very end of the finals, after the three major factions have fought each other and exhausted their forces. Then, we'll strike with our powerful artifacts, ambush them, and claim victory.”

“Let's hope it works.”

“With you as my Master, I feel confident it will,” Lalanoa said, smiling.

[──And now, the time has come! Are you ready? Line up at the gate in the order of the lottery!]

Before us stood the glowing magical gate.

Apparently, candidates who entered the gate would be transported to a random location within the World Tree. Our lottery number was fifty-seven—not particularly good or bad.

“Then, let the succession war beginーーーーーー!!”

With Salaman's roar, participants and their knights joined hands and leapt into the gate one after another.

Then it was our turn.

Lalanoa and I held hands and locked eyes.

“Alright, let's begin.”

We nodded to each other.

“‘Time for the ultimate nuisance──'”

With that, we jumped into the magical gate together.

---

Before us stretched a breathtaking sea of clouds.

“Whoa…” I couldn't help but exclaim in awe.

The clouds, dyed by the morning sun, and the World Tree spread out like a single, perfect painting.

“This is the… mid-level of the World Tree, isn't it?” Lalanoa said, looking around.

“Mid-level at this height?”

“Yes. The World Tree is divided into three layers—upper, middle, and lower—and the preliminaries will take place in the middle and lower layers. According to succession war researchers, candidates starting in the middle layer tend to have higher survival rates than those starting in the lower layer.”

Lalanoa made a small fist in triumph and muttered, “Not bad at all.”

She then picked up two bags lying at her feet.

“This one is for you, Master,” she said, handing me one.

“So… like initial equipment?”

Inside were a knife, water, food, and a bracelet with a magical orb attached.

“I've got an axe. The starting weapon is random,” she explained.

“I see.”

“Please put on the bracelet.”

I did as she said. Immediately, I felt something pressing down on my magical energy.

“So this is the artifact that limits magic,” I said.

“Yes. This makes it harder to determine superiority in battle just from the amount of magic. The magical orb also displays real-time succession war information.”

“I see… Currently there are 112 participants… oh, 114 now.”

“The war begins at exactly seven o'clock. Anyone not wearing their bracelet by then will be disqualified.”

“Five minutes to go. Can we move around?”

“Of course. But first, we'll check the map on the magical orb.”

Lalanoa taught me how to operate it: tap twice for the map, swipe to move, drag to zoom in and out… wait, that seems familiar. I examined the artifact more closely and saw the small inscription: ‘Technology provided by Mitsugoshi Company'.

Those guys… they actually did it.

“Master, you look serious. Did you notice?”

“Hm… yeah, I did.”

“There's a dungeon nearby. As soon as it starts, multiple candidates will converge there.”

“Hmm… I see.”

“Should we rush to clear it first, or lie in wait outside and see if someone else does it?”

“Clearing it will get us artifacts, right?”

“Yes. Research says whoever clears it first gains an advantage. But it doesn't always guarantee combat-ready artifacts.”

“Alright, let's head for the dungeon.”

With that, we entered the forested branches of the World Tree and moved quickly toward the dungeon.

We moved cautiously, so our pace wasn't particularly fast. No matter how well you suppress your presence, the grass, soil, and air always betray you. The faster you move, the more detectable the subtle disturbances become.

After a while, text appeared on the magical orb:

‘The succession war begins now.'

No notification sound—probably so our location wouldn't be revealed.

“All combat is now permitted. Be careful,” Lalanoa said.

“Understood.”

I began considering how to scout while my magical energy was restricted. Enhancing hearing works, but overdoing it floods you with noise. Effective only at short range. Detecting opponents' magic also consumes too much energy if the range is extended—again, only feasible at short range. Atomic radar would be detectable by the enemy, so that's out. There are tricks to bypass the bracelet's limits, but we'll follow the rules and enjoy the stage. The game is fun precisely because everyone starts on the same playing field.

“We're here,” Lalanoa said, pointing to a staircase leading underground.

“Looks like we're the first to arrive,” I noted. There were no signs anyone had passed through.

“What should we do?”

“The advantage of getting the artifact first is huge. Let's clear it before anyone else arrives.”

“Agreed.”

We quietly descended the dim staircase. About thirty steps down, we arrived at a small stone room. In the center was a pedestal, and at the far end, double doors.

“This looks like a martial dungeon,” Lalanoa said.

“A martial dungeon?”

“There are two types of dungeons: Martial Dungeons, which test physical strength, and Intellectual Dungeons, which test intelligence.”

“So this one tests combat ability, then.”

“If you channel magic into the pedestal, the doors at the far end will open, and the trial will begin,” Lalanoa said.

She reached out and infused the pedestal with her magic. The double doors began to glow. The left door glowed blue, the right red.

“The blue door is easy and offers standard rewards, while the red door is difficult but gives rare rewards,” she explained.

“Then red,” I answered immediately and opened the door.

“W-Wait, Master! The Complete Succession War Strategy Guide says the red door could be extremely difficult!”

“It'll be fine, don't worry.”

“Geez!”

Lalanoa puffed her cheeks in exasperation but followed me through the red door.

After a short walk along the stone corridor, we emerged into a large, open space. Countless roots of the World Tree hung down from the dome-shaped ceiling. The roots were tangled together, and a faint morning light filtered down from far above.

The moss-covered stone floor's calmness contrasted beautifully with the wild, twisting roots, creating a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere.

“…It's beautiful,” I muttered.

“This may be the place where the elf who later became king fought in a past succession war”

“Oh?”

“According to legend, a Mithril sword lies where three massive roots of the World Tree intertwine… ah, there it is!”

She pointed, and there it was—a Mithril sword embedded in the roots of the World Tree.

“I'll get it.”

“W-Wait, Master! Be more careful—!”

I lightly pushed off the ground, leapt onto the roots, and ran up rhythmically. I grabbed the hilt of the sword, which gave off a dull shine.

“Hmph.”

Applying a bit of strength, the sword slid out easily. Good—thankfully, it wasn't a sword only a hero could wield.

The Mithril blade still gleamed, though small scratches and nicks were visible.

“It looks like a perfectly ordinary Mithril sword… is this really the dungeon reward?”

“No. That is just a common Mithril sword used in a far-past succession war. It has historical value, but it's not an artifact,” Lalanoa said, having caught up to me.

“So it's just a leftover… but still historically valuable, huh?”

“If the sword is indeed the legendary one, it could fetch a hundred million zenny at auction…”

“I'll use this sword. Lalanoa should get an even better artifact,” I said, holding the sword and stepping back from her.

“Y-Yes… please do,” she replied.

“But… when will the trial actually start?”

“Legend says that an ancient king fought a monster here.”

“Oh?”

“He lost his sword, and the knight protecting him also fell. Only the king, unarmed, remained.”

“Hmm.”

“The king borrowed the knight's sword and, after a fierce battle, defeated the monster. Over the long years, the monster was absorbed into the roots of the World Tree…”

I noticed the roots of the World Tree trembling slightly. A bad feeling crept over me, and I stepped back.

“The monster…?”

“A terrestrial dragon,” Lalanoa replied.

A putrid stench filled the air. The roots of the World Tree began moving, as if alive. No, they weren't just roots.

The roots were entangled with the massive corpse of a dragon. Moving while tearing through the roots, it fixed its milky, lifeless eyes on us.

“The corpse of a terrestrial dragon… could it be a Dragon Zombie?” Lalanoa said, just as the dragon's corpse let out a roar.

“It stinks…” The vibration rattled my eardrums, and the foul odor made me grimace.

“Master… what do we do?” Lalanoa asked, raising her hand axe.

“Of course… we fight it.” I drew the Mithril sword.

“What should I do?” she asked.

“Stay back.”

“…Understood.”

Lalanoa glanced between me and the dragon corpse, then slowly began to retreat. She must have realized this wasn't her stage to step onto.

Almost immediately, the dragon's jaw lunged toward me, aiming to crush me.

“Alright then.”

I pulled the jaw back to the last possible moment and dodged. At the same time, I infused the Mithril sword with magic and slashed at the dragon.

But my blade only left minor scratches on its scales.

“So this is the magic restriction…”

The unpleasant sensation of my output being suppressed. I'd anticipated it, but simply swinging the sword without strategy wouldn't produce much power.

“Then, I'll have to be a little clever.”

I compressed the magic enveloping the sword, sharpening it as if it were a razor's edge. Thin, deadly sharp, almost fragile to the touch. That should do for now.

“…Not coming?”

The dragon's corpse froze in place. Its sunken eyes fixed on my sword, letting out a low growl. Then it began circling at a set distance.

“Then, I'll make the first move.”

I lightly pushed off the ground and dashed into the dragon's range.

“GYYYYYAAAAAAAH!”

Alongside its terrifying roar came a swipe of its claws. I dodged with minimal movement, cutting the claws as we passed. Two claws were severed as if slicing through butter. The edge was sharp enough.

I stepped in and targeted its arm joints. The cuts weren't complete, but I left deep wounds.

I stayed within its range, swinging two, three times. But the sword was too short. I could continue hacking away, but delivering a fatal blow this way would take too long.

“Now… what to do.”

Observing the dragon, I noticed a concentration of magic in its torso, nestled among decayed flesh and bones. Likely the heart. That will be my target.

I deflected its claws, dodged its fangs, and slashed at its ribs. Thick ribs couldn't be cut in one strike; I had to strike the same spot two or three times to sever them.

“GRRAAAAHHH!”

A cry that I couldn't tell was pain or rage. I slipped past the tail and twisted the sword between the gaps of the cut ribs. One… two… three times. Rotten flesh and fluids splattered.

Still shallow. Six… seven… eight… and on the ninth strike, the blade finally pierced the heart.

“GYAAAAAAH!”

A clear, agonized roar. Blood and fluids poured from its heart as it tried to flee, back turned.

But its speed couldn't match mine. I lightly infused my legs with magic, compressing and releasing instantly to generate explosive propulsion.

I caught up to the fleeing dragon and, without slowing, thrust the sword. Solid resistance. I twisted my wrist, carving into the heart from the inside.

“GRGGGYYYYAAAAAHHHHH!”

The dragon flailed violently, spraying blood and fluids from mouth and heart. I stepped back and sheathed the sword.

It was over. Now all that remained was to watch the dying dragon.

“If there were no magic restrictions, this wouldn't have even been a challenge.”

Watching the writhing dragon wasn't exactly a pleasant pastime, but it taught me the reality of fighting under restricted magic. You can't rely on raw destructive power; the battle becomes smaller-scale, technique-focused.

That's probably why artifacts truly shine in such conditions.

I swayed slightly, losing my footing.

“Master?”

Lalanoa rushed over, worried.

“My old injury flared up and threw me off balance.”

“Are you alright?”

“Sometimes it happens, don't worry. More importantly, did you watch closely?”

Lalanoa stared at me, concerned, but didn't press further.

“Of course. You really did use only the bare minimum of magic.”

“In a stage where magic is restricted, accumulated skill is what truly shines. That's my specialty.”

“Ideal magic control… to think it could produce that much explosive power…”

“I taught the underlying theory to you as well. The rest is up to you.”

“Up to me…”

Lalanoa stared at her right palm, lost in thought.

“What's on your mind?”

“I was thinking… if Master really goes all out, maybe I wouldn't even be necessary for victory.”

“I see.”

“Of course, I know it's not that simple.”

“Good.”

“I want to execute the ultimate prank. But that's not all. Seeing Master's power made me realize I also wanted everyone to recognize my strength, my presence.”

She continued staring at her palm, as if something existed there.

“Hmm.”

“But even if I win as I am now, no one will acknowledge me. I'll only be seen as a lucky lord who happened to have a Master as a Knight. That's why I can't stay like this. I have to refine the techniques I learned from Master, make them truly mine…”

Magic gathered in her palm, crackling and sparking.

“No way… that is—”

“Compression and release of magic. Day and night, I kept molding my magic, exactly as Master instructed, until my brain nearly burned out.”

This was the result of her talent and her obsession with power.

“I'm not just watching Master's back. I want to stand beside you. If I can stand there by the end of the succession war… will you acknowledge me, Master?”

“Ah, of course.”

Lalanoa smiled, visibly relieved.

At that moment, a mechanical voice echoed through the area.

“The ancient trial has been cleared. In accordance with the covenant of the old king, an appropriate reward shall be granted to the one who accomplished it.”

A light appeared in midair, and from it, a single sword floated upward. Slowly, as if guided, it fell into Lalanoa's right hand.

“This… is the reward for the trial…?”

Her voice betrayed her confusion—and understandably so. The sword looked like nothing more than a worn, filthy blade.

“Despite appearances… an artifact? No, that can't be. There's no flow of magic at all.”

“Normally, clearing a high-difficulty trial would grant a powerful artifact.”

Lalanoa lightly swung the grimy sword.

“So it's a dud. Want me to lend you my sword?”

“It actually feels surprisingly comfortable in my hand.”

She swung it twice, then three times.

“A sword that no one even looks at, filthy and worthless. I like it.”

“Then that's good.”

Together, we left the trial room.

---

Lalanoa, about to leave the dungeon, stopped at Nazono's confirming words.

“You understand, but there are people outside.”

The faint presence from outside revealed that someone was lying in wait. They were desperately trying to hide it, but Lalanoa wouldn't miss it now.

“There are four. They're likely from the same faction.”

“What will you do?”

“You could defeat them easily, but… please leave this to me this time.”

Lalanoa looked straight into Nazono's eyes.

“Alright.”

“Thank you.”

Lalanoa gripped her sword and steeled herself. After everything so far, she no longer doubted Nazono's unfathomable strength. She was certain he could sweep aside opponents like this effortlessly.

That's why being entrusted with four enemies made her happy.

They passed through the red door and returned to the dungeon's first room.

The moment she stepped forward, a dagger came from the left, and a spear swung down from the right.

But Lalanoa was already gone. The two weapons cut through empty air.

“What!?”

“Where did she go!?”

The attackers frantically looked around.

“Too slow.”

Blending into the dim light, Lalanoa had already drawn her sword.

“There she is!”

“Behind you, dodge!!”

The two who hadn't joined the initial strike noticed—but it was too late.

In an instant, Lalanoa closed the distance and cut down the two attackers. Their bodies turned into particles of light and were transported away.

“Impossible!”

“Our knights were defeated so easily…!”

The two masters, now without their knights, stepped back.

“Shall we continue? Are you prepared?”

Lalanoa readied her sword again.

“W-Wait… you're Lalanoa, aren't you?”

The men recognized her.

“And if I am?”

Her voice dropped a tone.

“N-No, nothing like that. I have a proposal, if you'll hear it.”

“Our knights lost to a mixed-blood…!”

One of them glared at her.

“Do you have a complaint?”

Her gaze was cold.

“Hey, calm down!”

“How can I calm down!? At this rate, we'll be a disgrace to the prince's faction!”

“That doesn't mean we should lose more strength here!”

“Ghh… but what will they say later—”

“For now, we prioritize preserving strength and regrouping with Otoutorion-sama.”

“…You're right.”

The man said that, face flushed, still glaring.

“Sorry for that unsightly display. Lalanoa Hinoizumino, please hear one proposal.”

“The one next to you looks like he still has something to say.”

“That's just his face. Our proposal is this—would you spare us here?”

“No.”

She answered immediately.

“Of course, not for free! With your strength, once we regroup with Otoutorion-sama's main force, we might even form an alliance. In that case, we could offer powerful artifacts. Since you have no alliance, it's a good deal, isn't it…?”

“No.”

And in the next instant, Lalanoa closed the distance.

“—Too fast!?”

The first man was cut down before he could even raise his weapon.

“Damn it, I'll show you the pride of the prince's faction—!?”

The second tried to thrust with a rapier but was cut down mid-motion.

Both vanished into particles of light, eyes wide in shock. Only their belongings remained.

“…You've grown.”

Nazono, leaning against the wall with arms crossed, spoke.

“Still not enough.”

Lalanoa smiled naturally.

She was happy he had trusted her enough to watch over her.

“So they get transported when defeated. Interesting.”

Nazono looked toward the space where they had disappeared.

“They're transferred to the infirmary. With those injuries, they should still be saved.”

“I see. So the remaining equipment can be used freely.”

“That said, all four only had basic gear. It would just weigh us down, so we'll take only what we can use.”

The two split up and collected only water and food.

After that, they drank some water and took a short rest.

“So, what next?”

“Let's check the magic orb first.”

Lalanoa operated the magic orb attached to her bracelet.

“Like this… and this—see, you can view the kill log!”

“Oh, that's impressive!”

It showed that five minutes ago, Lalanoa had taken down four people.

“In less than thirty minutes since the start, it's dropped from 154 to 110 participants.”

“Right after the start is when the numbers drop the fastest.”

“Beatrix has six kills.”

“She's the kill leader. Apparently, being the kill leader makes it easier to obtain powerful magic items.”

“I see. Alfred has two kills.”

“I win.”

Lalanoa let out a smug little snort.

The two continued checking the kill log for a while.

“As expected, smaller factions are being eliminated early. But among the three major factions, the prince's faction has already lost six.”

“Four of those were you.”

“They'll have it tough if their numbers are reduced before regrouping.”

“With the kill log being public, there'll probably be some kind of reaction.”

“I just hope they don't hold a grudge. In about twenty minutes, the next combat zone will be designated.”

Lalanoa operated the bracelet again and displayed the map.

Within the three-dimensional map of the World Tree, a blue sphere marked the combat zone.

“This blue area is the current combat zone?”

“In twenty minutes, the next zone will be designated, and five minutes after that, the ring will start shrinking toward it.”

“I see… just like that…”

Lalanoa didn't quite understand what he meant by “just like that,” but figured it didn't matter as long as Nazono did.

“This dungeon has already been cleared, so it's safe. We can wait here while searching for nearby artifacts until the next designation.”

“Sounds good.”

And so, they took a brief rest.

---

Otoutorion was waiting in the middle layer of the World Tree, at a place called the Spring of Aide.

Beside him stood his knight, Sakisa, eyes closed. The sheath of the longsword at his waist still bore traces of wiped blood.

“Forty minutes have passed. Who hasn't arrived yet?”

As time went on, members of the prince's faction steadily gathered. They had collected many artifacts along the way and were discussing future plans based on them.

“Ten people. If they started from the farthest location, it would take over an hour just to get here.”

“Then leave a code here and move to the next rendezvous point.”

“…About that.”

Another senior elf hesitated before speaking.

“What is it?”

“Six have already been eliminated.”

“What?”

Otoutorion's brow twitched.

He had expected some losses at the start, but losing six was beyond expectations.

“Who did it? Did Shinji of the reformists go rogue, or was it Alfred from the Mitsugoshi faction…?”

“Two were taken out by Alfred.”

“I thought as much. This is what happens with outsiders who don't understand reason… and the other four?”

His irritation was barely contained.

“That would be…”

“Speak.”

“Th-they were taken out by Lalanoa Hinoizumino…!”

“Lalanoa…?”

At that name, all emotion drained from his face and voice.

“Our faction… defeated by that mixed-blood. And four of them at that.”

“Y-yes…”

“…Do you understand what that means?”

With a killing glare, he swept his gaze over them.

“They'll say Otoutorion was disgraced by a mixed-blood taking down four of his men.”

He spoke through clenched teeth.

“…Add a search for the mixed-blood to the plan.”

“O-Otoutorion-sama, making major changes with six already lost is too reckless—!”

Before he could finish, Otoutorion struck him, sending him flying.

“Do you think we can end it like this!? How much more do you intend to drag my name through the mud!?”

He kept striking until the elf stopped moving.

Wiping the blood from his fist, he spoke coldly:

“Find her. And the moment you do… kill her.”

As if responding to that fury, a man stepped forward.

“Please, leave that task to me.”

It was Secondary, Otoutorion's former knight. Now he participated as a knight under one of the faction's executives.

“Secondary.”

“I will sever Lalanoa's head without fail. Grant me permission to act alone.”

“…Very well. But failure is not permitted. Kill her.”

“Yes. Without fail.”

He bowed deeply.

His fists trembled as he clenched them.

He understood the meaning behind Otoutorion's gaze—why the task was given to him.

He had spent his life at Otoutorion's side as his knight. He knew.

Face flushed with humiliation, teeth grinding, he endured.

“Give Secondary some artifacts.”

Among them were items that allowed communication even at a distance—common dungeon drops, frequently used.

“Thank you.”

“Report once you've secured usable artifacts. Don't fail.”

“Yes.”

As he received them, Secondary shot a brief glare at Sakisa.

“Sakisa… I won't let things go your way.”

A whisper no one else could hear.

The man who had appeared out of nowhere and taken his position.

Secondary couldn't deny the jealousy. But more than that, he was wary.

Sakisa had no loyalty to Otoutorion.

And because Secondary himself was deeply loyal, he could see it clearly—the danger in that man.

Turning his back on Sakisa, he stepped away.

First, he would restore his honor.

“I will take Lalanoa's head… no matter what.”

---

Alfred stood on a branch of the World Tree, looking down at the sea of clouds below.

“Alfred-sama, the next battle zone has been designated,” a voice called out. It belonged to a man with hair as deep and dark as a spring… it was Epsilon in disguise.

“Thank you, Epsilou. Has Betao, who went on reconnaissance, returned?” Alfred said, turning around.

“I've just returned,” came the reply. Silver-haired, with a tear-shaped mole beneath his eye… Beta, in disguise as a man, appeared.

“I've neutralized one enemy unit. During the operation, I also recovered an artifact,” he said, pressing his chest with some discomfort.

“Good work, Betao. You seem in pain—did something happen?”

“Well… it's hard to say, but my ch*st—no, my pectoral muscles—are being compressed by my clothes, so it's a little uncomfortable,” Betao said, wriggling his body.

Crack. A sound snapped.

Looking over, they saw Epsilou had stepped on a small branch and broken it.

“Oh, would you look at that. I stepped on a branch myself… but there was that creepy guy next to me, so I guess it can't be helped,” Epsilou said, raising an eyebrow.

“C-creepy? I'm genuinely uncomfortable here, so it's not something I can help,” Betao replied.

“Wriggling and whining like that… it's pathetic,” Epsilou said.

“You… even you, Epsilou, must be uncomfortable too. Why aren't you suffering like I am?” Betao protested.

“I—I mean… unlike Betao, I'm more precise in my mana control,” Epsilou said in a higher, slightly squeaky voice.

“Hmm… so my mana control is still insufficient. In this regard, Epsilou excels. My ch*st feels unbearably tight,” Betao replied.

“I—I'm feeling a little uncomfortable too! Don't mock me so much!” Epsilou protested.

“What are you angry about? I'm praising you,” Betao said, tilting his head.

“Enough, both of you,” Alfred interjected.

Immediately, both of them straightened their posture.

“Sakura-sama, the next battle zone seems to be a bit far. Shall we move early?” Alfred called out to Sakura, who was a short distance away.

“Yes, I'll leave it to you,” she replied, her attention seeming elsewhere.

“Did something happen?” Alfred asked.

“It seems Lalanoa has defeated four of the Prince's faction candidates and their knights.”

“Lalanoa … that girl?” Alfred raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised.

“I never imagined she'd become this strong… Lalanoa has changed so suddenly”

“Could it be the work of Nazono Senen?” Alfred asked.

“I don't know. But the fact that there's someone beside Lalanoa whose true identity can't be determined by anyone is still concerning,” Sakura replied.

“We've been continuing to investigate him, but there's no trace of him before he entered this country. No one has seen him or knows him,” Betao added.

“What possibilities could there be?” Alfred asked.

“Perhaps a recluse who's lived without contact with anyone for a long time,” Epsilou suggested.

“An optimistic assumption, but I hope that's the case,” Alfred said.

“Or someone whose existence has been erased from history. A powerful individual capable of hiding so well that even we are deceived,” Alfred added.

At his words, there was a heavy silence.

“…The history of this country is long. There have been those unjustly oppressed and those buried in darkness. One or two people with grudges wouldn't be enough,” Sakura said, lowering her eyes after a brief pause.

“Then their goal might be revenge against the nation,” Alfred surmised.

“If that's the case, we cannot leave them be—whether it's revenge against the state or using Lalanoa” Sakura said in a low voice.

“And there's another possibility,” Alfred continued.

“What is it?” Sakura asked.

“The Diabolos Cult.”

“…!” At Alfred's words, Sakura swallowed hard.

“Someone who erases all traces, deceives us, and is able to participate in the throne succession war—it wouldn't be surprising if they belonged to the Diabolos Cult,” Alfred explained.

“Indeed… we still haven't identified anyone connected to the cult,” Sakura said.

“If they are from the cult, their disguise has been perfect. They've deceived us flawlessly,” Alfred added.

“If they are cult members, what is their goal?” Sakura asked.

“They're probably using Lalanoa to achieve something. If her recent changes were the work of someone from the cult… she may have been given dangerous drugs,” Alfred said.

“The drugs we talked about before… the ones that grant immense mana at a cost…” Sakura's face twisted in anguish.

“Whether it's someone holding a grudge against this nation or the Diabolos Cult, we need to re-investigate Nazono Senen,” Alfred concluded.

“Please do. If he's done something cruel to Lalanoa… I will never forgive that man,” Sakura said firmly.

“Understood. Also, there's something else I've been concerned about…” Betao lowered his eyes as if recalling something.

“Concerned about?” Alfred asked.

“In my homeland, there's a legend. Deep in the mountains, there used to be a hidden village where assassins mastered a secret sword technique passed down from parent to child. They acted in the shadows, secretly eliminating those who threatened the country…” Betao said.

“I've heard of that too. There used to be an organization specializing in dirty work in the shadows. But at some point, they disappeared,” Sakura added.

Sakura's eyes widened as she remembered something.

“Two hundred years ago, there was a great fire in those mountains. When the flames died down, burned-down houses and countless corpses were discovered where no one should have been. And the bodies bore marks of being cut by someone…”

“That was during the Dark King's era. Records were lost, and rumors never ceased,” Alfred said.

“If they are descendants of that assassin organization, it would be no surprise that they've hidden themselves and disguised their abilities… Betao, Epsilou, I want you to investigate thoroughly, including the erased records. It's been exactly two hundred years since the fire—hopefully, it's just a coincidence…” Alfred said with a worried tone.

“Yes,” they replied.

“Understood,” Alfred confirmed, then looked at Sakura.

“There are uncertain factors, but there will be no changes in our approach during the throne succession war. Is that clear?”

“Yes. First, let's observe the skills of the three major factions.”

“From here, we will split into two groups. Sakura-sama and I will take the east, Betao and Epsilou will take the west.”

“And from the east and west, we'll gradually weaken the forces of the three major factions. Slowly, bit by bit,” Betao said.

“Eventually, they won't be able to hold, and the cult will slip up. We'll flush them out,” Epsilou added.

“From now on, we'll communicate using the recovered communication artifacts. Everyone, beware of eavesdropping. Alright, operation begins,” Alfred said.

At his words, they quickly dispersed.