Knock knock
The old man lifted his gaze at the sound of someone knocking on the office door. It was rare for anyone to come all the way here just to knock. The position at the pinnacle of the organization only received the most critical reports.
“Grandmaster, it’s me.”
“Come in.”
The Grandmaster allowed entry upon hearing the familiar voice. The one who opened the door and entered was his aide, Howard Hotchkiss. That he came personally meant a top-secret report had arrived.
“Who sent the report?”
Before Hotchkiss could speak, the Grandmaster asked first.
“I need to gauge what kind of problem we’re facing.”
Unlike the Imperial Army or the Knight Order, the Ranger’s virtue was wisdom.
‘That’s the teaching of our founder, Eugene.’
As the founder emphasized, the Empire’s Rangers were an organization that won through intellect. Therefore, the leader of the Rangers must never receive reports while in ignorance. Howard, as his adjutant, knew this well, so he answered immediately.
“Lieutenant Anderson.”
“A disturbance in Enderdevilt.”
About a week ago, there were reports that the border area adjoining the demon realm had become unstable. Four mil earlier, the Third Fortress had fallen, and the wall’s breach incident had been kept secret to prevent social chaos.
‘His Majesty also ordered us to stay calm.’
Despite receiving the report, His Majesty had not been shaken. There was a risk of a repeat of the Green Water Incident from fifteen years ago, yet he remained composed. That implied His Majesty had already deployed people separately.
The Empire’s troops, who should have been dispatched earlier, had not yet been sent for that very reason.
‘Feedback is coming at just the right timing.’
His Majesty was not one to have confidence in just any report. Even with the fall of the border outpost, His Majesty remained calm. And the follow-up report from Anderson indicated—
“Are you saying it’s been brought under control?”
“Huh? How could you know that…”
Howard, though an aide, was clearly flustered. Naturally, he lacked direct access to His Majesty and had less information than this side. Moreover,
“If the situation had worsened, we wouldn’t have received any report.”
After the Third Fortress’s collapse, if things had gotten worse, they wouldn’t have had the chance to send reports. It was possible the border area had already been overrun by monsters and all defenders killed.
“Now, give me the full report.”
Since he understood the conclusion, it was time to hear the details. Even with the same conclusion, the process of reaching it could vary widely, so a report was necessary despite any assumptions.
“Yes! The current situation at Enderdevilt and adjacent areas is…”
According to the report, the demon hordes near the Great Forest had been subdued, and the corrupted power that had spread south of the border was also diminished. These successive victories had been achieved one after another, aided by the students of the Imperial Academy.
“Wait… the students of the Imperial Academy helped?”
He double-checked the part that piqued his interest. The students had helped in resolving the situation, especially the mercenaries escorting those students.
“Hmph…”
It was illogical to think students could make a meaningful contribution. Even if they were studying at the Empire’s premier military school, could mere teenagers really have formidable combat skills?
‘Besides, students have restrictions on their activities.’
If reinforcements were to be sent, there would be no reason to disguise them as students. It would be simpler to pose as adventurers heading to the border. So, the person His Majesty trusted so much was likely among the mercenaries.
‘The mercenaries escorting the students are hiding someone.’
That person probably played a major role in resolving this incident. Honestly, the quality of most mercenary forces nowadays was rather poor.
“But this is strange.”
The students had left the capital to venture into the demon realm eight days ago, yet Anderson’s initial report arrived the very next day. It was impossible to slip someone onto the traveling wagon at such a late stage.
“Could it be that someone was sent on a different mission to infiltrate?”
It seemed His Majesty had placed that individual under his direct command. Because he knew that person’s strength, His Majesty remained calm even after hearing of the fortress’s fall.
“Because he was confident that person would resolve it.”
From the information so far, there was no Ranger soldier stronger than that individual. Unlike the Knight Order, Rangers were not superhumans but ordinary people who maximized their abilities as an organization and won through strategy.
‘But that person isn’t a knight either.’
His Majesty was a thorough meritocrat. To earn his favor, ordinary ability was insufficient. That person must possess strength comparable to the Empire’s Seven Blades.
‘However, the Seven Blades…’
The leader of the Rangers was tracking the movements of the Knights. If the Knights were a strategic force to restrain free knights in emergencies, the Rangers were a counterforce designed to check the Knights.
“All seven of the Seven Blades are currently in the capital.”
The youngest, the “Hammer,” at 25, was escorting His Majesty. This meant the person in question was not one of the Seven Blades but a third individual—someone whose strength rivaled the Empire’s finest unit.
‘The Mooksa.’
A legendary figure known as a battlefield monster, whose existence the Empire’s high command barely acknowledged. Even the Knights mostly didn’t know who he truly was.
‘We only suspected the Empire had borrowed the Mooksa’s hand.’
The last sighting of that figure was during the Green Door Incident fifteen years ago. When the Greenskins, including orcs, marched their great army through the Great Forest, the Mooksa appeared, killed the leader of the green monsters, and vanished without a trace.
‘Maybe it’s just a rumor.’
As a Ranger, curiosity stirred about the third individual among the Academy students.
‘Also, Anderson’s report didn’t mention anyone exceptional.’
In any battle, there is usually someone who stands out remarkably. Anderson said the mercenaries’ help was crucial but didn’t specify any mercenary who distinguished himself.
‘Which means the report was edited.’
They had anticipated such a situation.
“A meticulous one.”
All the more reason to investigate. If the Rangers’ judgment was in doubt, they must uncover the truth. So he gave Howard an order.
“Contact the agents stationed at the demon realm.”
There was a secret directive.
“These troublesome fellows… I want them here in ten minutes!”
*****
Eugene clicked his tongue and rested wearily. It had been barely four hours since they entered the Great Forest, but the children looked as if they had marched for eight hours straight, on the verge of collapse.
“Ugh… my whole body aches…”
“Umm… I feel stiff all over.”
“Water! Water!”
“… No rest at all.”
“If this keeps up, wouldn’t it have been better to just stay in the capital…?”
As soon as the order was given, the kids collapsed to the ground. Though they carried supplies for Sam John, most of the heavier loads were split between Eugene and Bane.
“Tch… you rascals.”
Eugene clicked his tongue and then said, “Especially you two, rethink your attitude.”
Bane pointed out Rian and Budika with a disapproving expression. The party’s elite close combatants struggling with a long march was problematic. Endurance mattered as much as strength for sustained battles.
“No one can avoid being tired after months of marching…”
“We’re not really that well-trained!”
Rian and Budika protested Bane’s criticism. What they said was understandable, but standards were standards. Bane coldly replied,
“From now on, I’ll assign you the heavier loads I carry.”
‘He’s trying to offload his own pack.’
Eugene thought so but kept it to himself. Though that was obvious, increasing burdens during a march also served as training.
“Uncle Eugene…”
“This is fair…”
Rian and Budika looked at Eugene. Their eyes were desperate, knowing the march would become harder. But when a mother scolds her children, the father usually doesn’t interfere.
“I’m fair, aren’t I?”
That simple remark brought despair to their faces. But if they were overworked without proper nutrition, training would be pointless. Muscles and stamina only grow if the body is properly nourished.
“In return, your rations will have more meat and fat.”
“Hmm, tough work needs proper nutrition.”
Bane agreed with that. After this brief conversation, they resumed rest. Eugene opened his canteen and took a drink.
“Uncle, Uncle.”
“Hmm?”
Turning around, he saw Emilia approach quietly. She lowered her voice, as if to share a secret. Since they were already sharing confidences, Eugene was naturally curious. He whispered back softly.
“Yeah?”
“Why were you late earlier?”
“When the troops left the castle?”
“Yes, yes.”
Actually, Eugene had been about 30 minutes late compared to the kids when they departed the castle. During that gap, he had visited Lieutenant Anderson and exchanged a few kind words.
“I stopped by the armory to replenish my throwing stars.”
The reason for that visit was a secret Emilia wasn’t supposed to know. The whole purpose was to cover up the secret. He knew Anderson would be reporting this mission.
‘Anderson’s report would go to Ranger headquarters,’ reaching the highest command.
No clues could be leaked to sharp-witted newcomers—especially nothing that could reveal the Mooksa’s identity.
“They’d probably become suspicious and start digging.”
This was the Ranger Eugene created. He roughly knew how that organization operated. So he edited Anderson’s report.
“Told him not to mention the mercenary Eugene.”
He only hinted at what would happen if that name appeared. Of course, he also told Anderson not to mention meeting Eugene. All necessary measures to preserve the secret were taken.
“Is that really all?”
Emilia looked disappointed by how mundane the conversation was.
“All that, and the replenishment of weapons is important.”
He scolded her and then leaned back, closing his eyes.
“I’m going to rest a moment. Don’t disturb me.”
His short nap was cut off by Bane’s nagging. It was also a ruse to keep Emilia away. Facing the kids’ agonized groans, Eugene finally stated the plan.
“In four hours, we’ll leave the Great Forest.”
It was safer to exit the woods before nightfall. Night was when wild beasts roamed freely—and some might be magic beasts.
“Everyone understood?”
“Yes!”
The kids answered strongly, perhaps encouraged by the prospect of leaving the forest.
“Hmm?”
But Bane furrowed his brow and glanced around. As if sensing something strange. It was a reaction not to be overlooked, so Eugene asked,
“What is it?”
“Not sure… maybe just my imagination.”
But the expression was one of unease.
‘Hmph.’
As a free knight, Bane’s senses were sharper than most, but even so, falling leaves wouldn’t be unusual enough to investigate further. It was unlikely they would gain any valuable information by probing.
“Then, let’s move out.”
The resumed march was quiet. Carrying heavy loads over long distances was hard work for the kids. Eugene thought it better if they conserved energy by not talking much.
‘Too quiet.’
Without the children’s chatter, forest sounds came through more clearly.
Chirp chirp… buzz… swish…
Birdsong, insect noises, and the rustling leaves stirred by the wind. While the sun remained high, the Great Forest was peaceful.
“Such a peaceful forest reminds me of the Delphs.”
A legend from over a hundred years ago. The Melphs were the first children born from the goddess of light, so their abilities were godlike, and they loved the forest.
‘There really is a forest where Delphs gather somewhere in the Great Forest.’
But people couldn’t find it because it was hidden in a pocket dimension.
“That’s what I heard from a Melph I met.”
Are those Delphs still alive? I hope we never meet them again.
“Hmm?”
But the kids’ breathing had become silent.
“Quiet?”
Suspicious, Eugene turned his head and realized he was alone in the forest. Just moments ago, Bane’s back had been right before his eyes.
‘An illusion magic?’
But he sensed no trace of magic being cast. And few mages could cast an illusion while deceiving someone like this. To do that, the magic must have been intricately placed from the start.
“… What is this?”
Who was trying to pull some trick?
Snap!
Eugene flicked his right hand and loaded a throwing star into his grip. The weapon was unchanged, indicating this was no dazzling illusion magic. If it had been, his weapons would’ve been excluded.
“A pocket dimension?”
If drawn into one, they wouldn’t even need to dispose of the body. But even in a pocket dimension, the attacker would need to knock him out. Was the assassin an idiot? Or just confident in their skills?
Suddenly, the wind shifted, and a voice drifted through it.
“Long time no see. Your expression looks fierce.”
“That voice…”
It was a familiar voice carried by the wind. Not just familiar, but one that was sweet yet evoked caution.
“Why are you here?”
Turning around, Eugene faced the owner of the voice.
“Hohoh.”
She was a woman with long pink hair. Her beauty was otherworldly, and pointed ears on both sides of her head revealed her race.
“You still don’t show me respect, Eugene.”
The elven warrior Delicia drew a crescent moon at the edge of the room.
“You’re not my teacher, so I have no reason to.”
“Your pupil was a hero after all.”
