Chapter 26: Wrong Target

That was the problem.

If Lilith went on a rampage, it would likely disrupt the operations of the 3rd Branch.

No, it was practically guaranteed.

This fueled Kemmel’s anger and curiosity.

Who had killed Breck?

At that moment—

Hum!

The communication crystal vibrated.

Kemmel didn’t check who it was, but he had a hunch.

With an irritated expression, he stared at the crystal.

He wanted to ignore it, but doing so would create uncontrollable variables.

Kemmel composed himself and placed his hand on the crystal.

A burst of light emanated, and a figure appeared in the air.

As expected, it was Lilith, the 3rd Elder.

“It’s been a while,” Kemmel greeted politely.

Lilith didn’t respond to the greeting.

– Who’s the bastard?

She cut straight to the point.

Kemmel wasn’t fazed; he’d anticipated this reaction.

“We’re looking into it. If you could wait a moment…”

– You must have some guesses.

– Which filthy bastard took my precious grandson…

Lilith paused mid-sentence, clenching her teeth as her anger surged.

Trembling, she suppressed her rage and continued.

– Tell me who it is.

– If you don’t, I’ll find them myself.

Kemmel furrowed his brow slightly.

“Find them myself” meant she’d tear everything apart.

Damn bastard, Kemmel cursed inwardly before speaking.

“It’s not confirmed, but we suspect Gardion Tower.”

– Gardion? How could those bastards—

– They shouldn’t even have crossed paths.

“Three Gardion Tower mages were dispatched to the Alion family, where Breck was operating. Actually, I’d like to ask you—Gardion Tower is under your purview, isn’t it? Why are they so far out here…”

Lilith, who had been aggressively pressing Kemmel, clamped her mouth shut.

Her face betrayed her panic.

Kemmel realized pushing further would backfire.

“Regardless, we’ll contact you if we get more information. Breck’s death is regrettable.”

– …Contact me if you’re doing anything in the 3rd Branch’s territory.

“Thank you.”

Swish!

With Kemmel’s thanks, Lilith vanished, and the crystal lost its glow.

“Phew.”

Kemmel let out a low sigh, thinking, Damn bastard. How did someone like that become the 10th-ranked?

Lilith was the epitome of recklessness.

Many in the Abyss disliked her.

Kemmel wondered how someone with so many enemies had reached the 10th rank.

Of course, he knew why: overwhelming power.

Lilith was strong enough to hold the 10th rank despite her adversaries.

If she had diplomatic skills too…

Kemmel imagined what might have been if Lilith had built good relations with other Abyss factions instead of acting recklessly.

The answer came quickly.

…It’d still be the same.

Even with diplomatic prowess, the 10th rank was her ceiling.

The top nine were monsters on par with Lilith, and their factions made the gap even wider.

Is that why she’s so reckless?

It made sense.

If 10th was her limit, she might as well live as she pleased.

Just hope she doesn’t cause chaos in our territory…

The best outcome would be finding the culprit and handing them to Lilith, avoiding chaos and earning her favor.

The next best was the culprit leaving before Lilith could wreak havoc.

Hoping for one of those scenarios, Kemmel resumed reading reports.

Then we’ll send them to the Tower!

“Thanks.”

“No, it’s nothing! Considering the favors you’ve done, this is the least we can do. We’ll keep sending them as we find more!”

Oris responded to Gaon with a bright smile, his words heartfelt, not mere courtesy.

The treatment of his heir, Gron.

The defense and closure of the demonic rift.

And handling the Sailer family.

Gaon had done immense favors for Oris.

Elixirs and spirit herbs weren’t enough to repay him; Oris wished he could do more.

“You sure you can handle the cleanup alone?” Gaon asked with a smirk.

The critical situation was over, but the aftermath remained.

In some ways, it was more important than what had transpired, as it could alter the Glaco Kingdom’s fate.

“Yes, since it’s been revealed they’re connected to the Abyss,” Oris replied.

The Sailer family had ties to the Abyss, which had recently opened a demonic rift.

Reporting this to the royal family would likely strip the Sailer family of their title and brand them as public enemies.

“Besides, Rud Tower will do everything to avoid being implicated, so it’ll wrap up smoothly.”

Rud Tower was a victim, but their close ties to the Sailer family were well-known.

To avoid entanglement, they’d assist fully, ensuring the Sailer family’s affairs were settled without issue.

“Fair enough,” Gaon nodded, understanding.

He added, “Don’t forget to watch out for the Abyss.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Then, let’s meet again if there’s a reason.”

“Safe travels.”

Oris bowed deeply, and Gaon boarded the carriage, addressing Taylor at the driver’s seat.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir! Departing now!”

Taylor started the carriage, and Gaon turned to Rotes.

“We just need to deal with the mutated ogre in Gelita Plains, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Any other missions? Anything we can handle on the way?”

Tower missions came with rewards, particularly merit points, which could be used to learn magic, access training rooms, or purchase gold and materials.

“There are some, but weren’t you planning to head straight to the Tower?” Rotes asked, puzzled.

“I’ve got something to think about. As long as it’s not too far out of the way, let’s take care of them. Pick ones with good points.”

“I have a few in mind. Let me check.”

Rotes pulled a book from a subspace artifact—not an ordinary book, but one recording Tower missions.

As he reviewed the missions, Gaon took an elixir from his pocket and consumed it.

After a while—

“There are three missions. The first is…”

“Save the mission details for when we get there. Let’s talk about the Tower first.”

In Rabes, there hadn’t been time for in-depth discussion.

Gaon had only heard a brief overview of the Tower’s internal and external situation.

While it gave him a general sense, it wasn’t enough to identify a traitor.

“How’s the power structure divided exactly?”

“There are four main factions: Sterun’s faction, led by Tower Master Sterun; Graxios’s faction, led by Vice Tower Master Graxios; the Elder Council, led by Great Elder Balversa; and Sdrin’s faction, led by Sdrin.”

“Sdrin?” Gaon echoed, unfamiliar with the name.

“He’s from the Rios Empire’s court, a 6th Circle Master. His faction mostly consists of court mages.”

Gaon nodded in understanding, and Rotes continued.

“Currently, Sterun and Graxios are competing for the Tower Master election in a year, while Balversa and Sdrin are observing.”

“Hmm…”

Oris, sensing the moment, asked cautiously, “Do you have no intention of leading the Tower again?”

Gaon was the first Tower Master, a 7th Circle Master who claimed he’d reach the 8th Circle in a few years.

His symbolism and power were unmatched.

If Gaon took the helm again, Gardion Tower could quickly reclaim its former glory.

“Too much to do,” Gaon replied, shaking his head.

Restoring the Tower was important, but other tasks loomed larger: addressing the crisis in the Varta Kingdom, his roots; uprooting the Abyss; and expelling the Demon Realm.

“I see…” Rotes said with a hint of disappointment.

He genuinely wanted Gaon to lead the Tower.

It wasn’t just about past glory—Gardion Tower was a shadow of its former self and would sink further without change.

“I’m not saying I’ll abandon the Tower, so don’t misunderstand,” Gaon added.

“…!”

Rotes’s eyes lit up, and he continued his explanation with a broad smile.

Gaon listened, mentally piecing together the situation.

Too entangled.

He gave a wry internal smile.

Even when he led the Tower, it had interacted with various nations, but now those nations were directly meddling in its administration.

“That’s about it. Anything else you’re curious about?” Rotes asked after finishing.

“That’s enough on the Tower…”

Gaon had heard all he needed.

Now, it was time to verify things in person.

He moved to the next topic.

“What do you know about Varta’s situation?”

He only knew the Varta Kingdom was in a major crisis.

Though Gardion Tower was far from Varta, Rotes, as an elder, likely had some information.

“I don’t know much, but…” Rotes hesitated, glancing at Gaon.

Gaon raised an eyebrow, sensing something unusual.

Rotes continued, “There’s a rumor that the Dale Dukedom is trying to usurp the throne.”

“What?”

Gaon frowned.

The Dale Dukedom was a historic family dating back to the kingdom’s founding, making the rumor all the more shocking.

“It’s just a rumor. It’s been circulating for two years, but nothing’s happened, so it’s likely baseless.”

“Anything else?”

The kingdom’s poor state wasn’t just due to a rumor.

There had to be tangible issues.

“I’ve heard a monster wave is expected soon in the Himal Mountains, and there’s talk of an impending war with the Nile Kingdom. The war is likely real—they recently requested mages for it.”

“Ah…” Gaon sighed softly.

A monster wave and a war?

That explained the crisis.

“Should we head to Varta first?” Rotes asked.

“No, the war hasn’t started yet, and they’ll likely handle the monster wave.”

At that moment—

“…?”

Gaon’s expression turned puzzled.

His senses detected multiple presences: two mages, two sorcerers, and the rest warriors, all approaching in an encircling formation.

The Abyss?

That was his first thought, but they were too weak.

Bandits, maybe?

Bandits made more sense, but four mages and sorcerers combined?

What would 4th Circle mages and 4-star sorcerers lack to turn to banditry?

Had the world changed so much in 50 years?

“Is something wrong?” Rotes asked, noticing Gaon’s expression.

“Do 4th Circle mages and sorcerers turn to banditry these days?”

“What? Just one carriage?”

Hedin furrowed his brow and raised his fist, threatening Tagrid.

“You joking? Robbing a single carriage? Damn it!”

“No, boss, hear me out! It’s not an ordinary carriage!”

“It’s worth 2,000 gold!”

“You kidding? What carriage is worth 2,000 gold?”

“It’s from the Kerhen Workshop!”

“What?”

Hedin’s eyes gleamed.

A Kerhen Workshop carriage was indeed worth 2,000 gold.

And the people riding it?

Excited, Hedin asked, “Escorts?”

“I checked—none nearby. This is Alion family territory, so they probably think it’s safe to travel without guards. Likely nobles.”

“You sure?”

“Positive! Would I, the most cautious mercenary in the band, bring this up if there were escorts?”

Hedin glanced at his men, their faces brimming with excitement.

Gripping his massive steel axe, he shouted, “You heard him! Let’s wrap this up quick!”