Chapter 55: New City

But no matter what, nothing could truly harm Baglos.

No matter how elite the assassins were, they were specialists in taking lives rather than fighting to win.

Unlike swordsmen who possess overwhelming swordsmanship skills or engage in life-or-death duels targeting vital points, assassins only needed to inflict a small scratch anywhere on the opponent’s body with a poisoned weapon.

Deception, trickery, poison, curses, and countless other unorthodox methods were the assassins’ specialties; their basic skills were not necessarily superior.

However, poisons or typical vital strikes had no effect on Baglos, the Chimera, and he was already accustomed to the unorthodox attacks and tricks that assassins commonly used.

Effectively, the only option left for the assassins was to face him purely through skill.

Of course, even though they specialized in unorthodox methods, those who had reached the rank of top assassins had basic skills that were not inferior to skilled swordsmen or other powerful fighters.

But that was only when compared to ordinary geniuses, and never at a level to challenge Baglos.

Soon, five of the seven remaining top assassins were down, and the last two along with the mid-level assassins abandoned contracts, reputations, and guild rules alike, consumed only by fear as they fled.

Their fear was not the concrete fear of death but rather an indistinct terror of the abnormal reality and the alien sensation before their eyes.

“I, too, fled shamefully. Even though I was in the heart of enemy territory, I didn’t care if I was seen or heard; I just ran with all my might.”

It was fortunate, from Raje’s perspective, that the others scattered in different directions by habit and their last shred of reason.

Baglos’ assignment was simply to protect the VIP. He prioritized the two top assassins who could pose a threat and then only chased the mid-level assassins who were relatively close, not pursuing them so far as to lose contact with the client.

“Later, I found out that only myself and two other mid-level assassins returned alive. One of them left the guild, and the other died during a mission.”

Raje stood up and took a step closer to Baglos. Now, he was so close that he looked down at Baglos from above and raised his foot to kick him.

“I—”

Though the kick landed hard enough to echo, Baglos didn’t flinch.

Yet Raje’s kicks didn’t stop.

“Ever since I realized that it was you I saw back then, your name has never left my mind. That overwhelming power, that wondrous realm that no one like me could ever reach. And to think you saved the world alongside the Hero.”

A sharp killing intent filled the room, and soon Raje’s all-out kick struck Baglos’ head.

With a thud, Baglos momentarily lost his balance and staggered slightly.

“I really don’t like it.”

With cold malice, his eyes flickered with madness. His breath became harsh for a moment, but it passed quickly as he turned and sat back down in his chair.

Then, he smiled wryly, rubbing his leg.

“Wow, you’re amazing. My leg’s gonna hurt from all these kicks.”

His exaggerated grimace was ridiculous, yet his eyes still shimmered with a mixture of murderous intent and madness.

“…It’s infuriating. The ‘strongest assassin,’ the ‘hero who saved the world.’ And when I found out you were nothing more than a Chimera following orders. It’s a real joke, isn’t it?”

Raje continued spouting words mixed with madness and exaggeration, but Baglos just sat quietly as he was.

His eyes weren’t even on Raje, and he looked as lifeless as a doll or statue.

“But look at this. Now, you’re the one who has to obey my orders. That overwhelming power, that awe no one dares approach—they’re all beneath me.”

After a long tirade, a strangely satisfied smile crept onto his face.

Though a faint madness still lingered in his eyes, the smile was genuine, without a hint of exaggeration.

“I am the strongest assassin! No, not just the strongest assassin! I am above even those of you who are praised as Heroes! Yes, above the Heroes, Sages, and Saintesses who are worshipped!”

It was an inferiority complex toward the exceptional, hatred toward those who could never be equal, and anger at himself for feeling such emotions.

It had grown in Raje’s madness in a twisted, grotesque form, now blooming into full flower.

“First, let’s deal with that obnoxious Summoner. For now, I’ll play nice in front of that arrogant brat. But if only I could find where they’ve locked up that mad old man…”

Lost in his own words and schemes, Raje muttered endlessly, his smile deepening and madness growing in his eyes.

Yet what he didn’t notice was that Baglos, who hadn’t moved until now, flinched ever so slightly the moment Raje mentioned his comrades.

Feltecheryu was a city built to honor three cities that were utterly ruined by the Demon Insect Army during the Great War.

The survivors of each city gathered in the area between them to commemorate their lost hometowns and founded Feltecheryu.

Though it lacked fortifications or even walls, surrounded only by cultivated farmland, mills, and workshops, it was one of the fastest-growing cities established after the war.

This was partly due to the residents’ strong desire to restore their homeland quickly, but also because the noble families and kingdoms that governed the surrounding areas before the war had fallen, leaving little aristocratic influence.

Though they didn’t receive support from nobles or royalty, they were likewise free from the interference and restrictions that came with it.

As a result, a number of capitalists from certain classes gathered, providing crucial funding for the city’s initial construction.

And as the city grew, this process accelerated. Hearing of its fame, more capitalists came, fueling rapid development.

To exaggerate somewhat, the cityscape changed in mere days, with new buildings appearing when one glanced away for just a moment.

“This must be the place, right?”

But Anak had no way of knowing these facts. He’d never heard of Feltecheryu nor knew its exact location.

They followed the map from Deshlang and Baglos’ directions, but neither he nor Eril was familiar with the local geography, and the map was primarily designed for walking, so flying over the area distorted their sense of distance.

Feltecheryu was the only visible city nearby, so they landed there, hoping they weren’t lost.

“Eril, stay nearby for now. I’ll call you once I’m done.”

At Anak’s words, Eril gave a low chirp and fluttered her wings lightly.

“Alright, alright. Maracas Fruit and the liquor made from it. If you can get those, please bring them to me.”

After receiving Anak’s repeated promise, Eril soared into the sky.

“Now, how to get over there again…”

He looked at a city quite far away, smiling awkwardly.

Since it was already late, he’d landed as close as possible, but the city was surrounded by farmland, so even walking along roads meant a long trek.

Anak summoned a sphere of light above his hand.

Although the city had no walls, it wasn’t possible to enter just anywhere.

There was a height difference between the farmland and city boundary, and except for the main roads, most of the outskirts were filled with buildings or private property, with only a few gaps.

Unless one wanted to trespass yards to enter, they had to use the main roads, where guards were naturally stationed.

Walking around at night without lights was suspicious, so it was wise to announce his presence to the guards first.

Anak walked for quite a while along a main road through the farmlands, and when he reached the city gates, the waiting guards greeted him.

“Good evening.”

Anak was somewhat surprised by how different the guards’ attitude was from those in Deshlang.

They were polite but never intimidating, and despite the late hour, they were quite friendly.

This was due to the city’s nature. Although it was founded by survivors of the three cities, it was essentially established by immigrants.

There were nobles, but mostly in name only or on par with capitalists; no noble houses wielded real power.

The guards were not the lord’s soldiers but privately funded militia paid by the city council.

Naturally, they were distant from authority and had to be friendly to travelers and visitors.

“What brings you to Feltecheryu?”

“Oh, I’m a traveling Mage.”

He identified himself as a Mage because Summoners were not exactly welcomed in certain regions or by certain people.

“I got separated from my party during my travels and wondered if they might have come here. Ah, this is my travel permit.”

Anak took out a pass crystal, and the Royal Seal floated in the air.

The guards exchanged strange looks at the seal but then let him through.

“Though the Royal Seals for travel passes are no longer used here in Feltecheryu, it still proves your identity.”

Anak was quite surprised to learn they no longer used the royal travel seals.

It was effectively a declaration of independence or the founding of a new nation.

Although city-states or republics weren’t unknown and still existed, in such unstable times, this was a bold move.

“Or maybe it’s because of the unstable world situation.”

But Anak shook his head soon after.

The world was unstable, but precisely because of that, no kingdom or empire could act recklessly.

Any rash move could bring disaster in an unpredictable situation.

For small nations, this might be the best opportunity.

“There are no other towns or villages nearby, so your companions are probably here. If you go to the right, there are inns for travelers; start looking there.”

The guard’s kind directions brought a smile to Anak’s face as he walked into the city.

It was late, so no one was on the streets, but occasional streetlights glowed, preventing him from getting lost.

“Hmm.”

The intricately crafted streetlights impressed Anak.

Three different patterns alternated carved into the lampposts, and the rooftops holding the lamps were finely sculpted to resemble bird wings.

Of course, carving specific designs on lampposts was purely aesthetic, with no practical meaning.

Even mass-produced in large workshops, it cost a lot and took a long time to make.

The more intricate, the harder the maintenance; even slight dirt could ruin their meaning.

Therefore, such decorations were usually found only in important cities like capitals or wealthy trade or tourist cities.

Anak hadn’t expected to see them in a newly built city after the Great War.

Even famous large cities spent most of their income on rebuilding and subsidies, considering such decorative expenses a luxury to avoid.

So this sight was not just unfamiliar but incomprehensible to him.

“Do they have that much money? This small city without even walls yet?”

Of course, even with the capitalists gathering in Feltecheryu, the funds weren’t overflowing.

But the residents longed for their lost homes and wished their new home to be as grand and magnificent as before.

They wanted to feel the pride of old, even if it meant skipping a meal, and to wash away the scars of the Great War.

Aesthetic luxuries in public works were the easiest and fastest way to satisfy those feelings a little, so the city council carried them out.

Some citizens and council members opposed it, but they were a minority.

Especially among the capitalists and upper classes funding most of the city’s expenses, there was no opposition.

“Certainly enough reason for factions to fight over territory.”

Anak tore his gaze away from the lampposts and walked toward the inns as the guard had said.

Though walking, Anak kept an eye on shadows between buildings, wary that Baglos might suddenly appear.

Soon, as the guard had said, he came upon a street where inns and lodgings clustered.

They were numerous but all small in scale.

“Hmm.”

He examined them briefly and passed by the nearest inn.

Though not particularly shabby, its sign was red and bore a name with an odd feeling, suggesting the lodging business wasn’t its main trade.

After passing a few somewhat run-down inns and one with a locked door, he entered one of them.

“W-welcome.”

Upon entering, a dozing young man quickly sat up to greet him.

“Are you alone?”

He looked quite young. From his attitude and behavior, Anak guessed he was the owner’s family rather than staff or proprietor.

He blinked repeatedly, still half asleep.

“Yes. I think I’ll stay for a few days. Do you have a good room?”

The young man quickly glanced him over, trying not to be obvious, but Anak had already anticipated this.

Seeing the Dawn clothes Anak wore, the man’s eyes brightened as if fully awake now and pulled out the key to the best room.

“It’s twelve Pels a day, including breakfast and dinner. If you stay two or more nights, you won’t be charged for tonight’s room.”

“Twelve Pels, huh.”

Anak thought it was somewhat expensive for the quality of the inn.

The lobby didn’t inspire confidence the rooms would be that nice, and the dining area was visibly small.

He hesitated whether it was worth it to pay that much.

“Alright.”

But he soon took out 24 Pel coins and handed them over.

Though he didn’t need to stay here, it was necessary to have a place where Baglos might come looking.

“Thank you. Your room is on the third floor.”

Anak took the key and started toward the stairs.

Halfway up, he turned back and asked the man,

“Do I have to come down for meals?”

“We can bring them to your room if you’d like. How would you prefer it?”

“It’d be nice if you brought them. But knock first just in case I’m asleep. Bring it only if I answer.”

“Understood. Please rest well.”

The man said so and slumped back to dozing.

Anak watched him for a moment before stepping up to the third floor.

Without luggage, it didn’t matter much, but he couldn’t help but recall the boy at the Deshlang inn who had guided him so kindly.

“Here it is.”

Unlike the second floor, which had several rooms connected by a hallway, the third floor had only one door at the top of the stairs.

Using the key, he opened the door and entered a room occupying the entire floor.

Candlesticks holding lit candles hung on the walls, but Anak simply conjured a sphere of light and floated it in the air.

“Not bad.”

The room included a bathroom and toilet, a dining table and other furniture, and a small bookshelf crammed with books.

The decorations were much more lavish than expected, briefly giving him a faint impression of a mansion.

However, cleaning wasn’t meticulous; dust had gathered in window sills and hidden corners.

“For now, I’ll get some sleep.”

Anak briefly thought of visiting Ropena but shook his head.

He still wasn’t ready to face her after the morning’s events, and he admitted that to himself.

Besides, the possibility of Baglos coming was reason enough not to go.

Anak went to the bathroom, washed lightly, then lay down on the bed.

“Ah!”

Just as drowsiness overcame him and he was about to extinguish the light sphere and close his eyes, he suddenly sat up.

He had forgotten to adjust the Equipped Barrier and recalled Baglos waking him a few days ago.

“Well, there are still five layers left…”

Anak got up, deactivated the Equipped Barrier he had already set, and began reapplying it one by one.