Chapter 368: Chapter 368

“In my day, things were full of romance. Even if people were treated like dogs, there was someone to take responsibility afterward…”

“Yes~ You’re absolutely right, Principal.”

Caron half-listened while tossing in appropriate responses.

He had dealt with this a few times before, but it was mostly because the matter of the Hound wasn’t directly tied to the Empire’s security.

Isn’t it a shame to waste Daike’s talent?

Not only was he a genius, but his relentless drive and refusal to be complacent had left a deep impression on Caron.

A kid he wanted to raise properly for the future of the Empire. That was Caron’s assessment of Daike.

‘If only he weren’t the Hound of the Vyuern family.’

One of the eight pillars of the Empire, holding a tight grip on the finances of the East.

To snatch away the Hound of such a family?

It would be no different from declaring war. Moreover—

‘Though he’s treated poorly, it might be better for him to grow under the Vyuern family’s support.’

As mentioned, the Vyuern family is one of the wealthiest in the Empire.

Tutors, potions, combat experience—he’d receive high-quality support in every aspect.

Of course, it’s less for Daike’s sake and more for Teron and the Vyuern family…

‘Well, that’s not bad either. The more successful the heir Teron becomes, the more the family will thrive.’

A sturdy pillar growing even sturdier? From the Empire’s perspective, that was nothing but good.

Despite the lengthy thought, Dwener was still passionately ranting.

Caron began considering whether introducing “talking with Dwener” as a new form of torture might be effective.

Anyway, Caron decided to change the subject. Even he couldn’t endure any longer.

“Please compose yourself. There’s a more pressing matter at hand.”

“Hoo… Right, what’s the situation?”

They were talking about Bickerd and Redington, who were locked in the underground prison.

Unlike Pjol, who was held in an ordinary lodging, those two were confined in the dungeon, awaiting judgment.

Because they had been caught in the act.

“They refuse to talk. They confessed to the kidnapping, but… they won’t say who ordered them.”

“Still clinging to their knightly pride, huh? Knights these days are a problem too. In my day… knights with conviction would punch a corrupt lord in the face to stop him…”

“Shall we apply torture?”

At Caron’s suggestion, Dwener fell silent. Caron’s eyes glinted coldly.

Even a knight with conviction was still human. Pain was the same for everyone.

They could die under torture, but even if they did, it wouldn’t be a real issue.

The crime of kidnapping was bad enough, but offering sacrifices to Demons meant a heavy sentence for sure.

No, it was 100% the death penalty.

Whether they died under torture or after a formal trial, the result was the same.

So there was no problem in using harsh torture to force their mouths open.

‘There are two of them, anyway.’

Even if one died, the other could still talk.

It was a perfect situation for torture. And with Caron handling it personally, the chances of a confession were high.

A great opportunity to uncover the true mastermind.

There was nothing to lose from torture. But Dwener shook his head.

“We rescued the hostage, didn’t we? And I don’t want to create unnecessary variables.”

If the knights heard that their comrades were being tortured, there was no telling how they might react.

In the worst-case scenario, an undiscovered traitor could incite the knights, causing them to draw their swords en masse.

“There would be casualties. I want to avoid that outcome.”

But that didn’t mean Dwener was just going to sit back and do nothing.

“Soon, the backlash will begin to show.”

The backlash. The physical and mental collapse that occurs when someone who has made a contract with a Demon fails to periodically absorb souls.

The longest they could endure was about ten days, so signs would start to show soon.

“It’d be best if they died quietly… but they’ll probably take action soon. No one wants to die.”

Whether they ran, fought, or sought out human souls—

They would make a move in some way.

“All we have to do is catch them then. So don’t provoke the knights with needless torture.”

Dwener’s words were pure common sense.

It was here that Caron felt a hint of confusion.

He’d expected Dwener, who always prioritized student safety, to push for a quick resolution—even through torture.

Perhaps realizing that, or perhaps simply out of concern for the students’ safety,

Dwener opened his mouth.

“We don’t know when they’ll act. You’re maintaining full alert, right?”

“We’ve done our best, within the bounds of ensuring student safety.”

“Good. In the worst-case scenario, it’s fine if we lose them. Just put the students’ safety first.”

The two dealt with one issue after another.

The most urgent had just been resolved, so there was no real need for debate.

If there was one lingering issue—

“The Dark Beast Squad… strange bunch has shown up.”

“We must track them down.”

“Of course. But for now, focus on this matter. They’ve probably fled anyway.”

“Isn’t that a bit careless, just because it’s not your problem?”

“Hahaha! That’s right. I knew it. You always see right through me.”

Caron unconsciously pouted. Someone might die, and yet here he was, busy laughing.

Seeing that, Dwener gave a warm smile.

“Don’t worry too much. It’s not is the first time we’ve seen people like them. Sure, this bunch is pretty capable… but personally, I’d say that’s about it.”

The reason Dwener was so calm—

Caron had left out one key detail in his report.

‘I didn’t tell him he used high-level magic.’

It wasn’t necessary for the Dark Beast Squad’s operations, and more importantly, the two of them weren’t close enough to be sharing top-secret intel.

In any case, from Dwener’s perspective, the Dark Beast Squad was just a suspicious group using a bit of Aura.

It was only natural that Dwener didn’t consider them a serious threat.

‘Most of them die before they even make a name for themselves.’

They’d cause trouble to get their name out there—then die.

They’d be hunted down by professional bounty hunters—then die.

They’d act cocky and run into a hidden master—then die.

They’d clash with other suspicious groups, each claiming to be the real deal—then die.

Or they’d fall into internal conflict, fight among themselves, and end up disbanded or dead.

“According to the stats, about a hundred of these groups pop up every year, right? Only around 20% survive more than a year.”

“…And even the lucky survivors usually die the next year.”

And there was another reason why Dwener wasn’t concerned.

“For all we know, they could be a group of villains trying to kill other villains—just like us.”

A presumed 8-Star Knight didn’t just spare witnesses—he fought alongside them?

If what was said was true, they could be considered a force for justice.

“If they were formed with goals like ours, there’s no reason to be wary.”

“But groups like that tend to fall into corruption.”

“Is that a warning directed at me? Frightening.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure to kill you as painfully as possible.”

“Stop that. Coming from you, it doesn’t sound like a joke at all.”

Caron and Dwener’s gazes met in mid-air.

Without a word, they both burst into laughter. Loud enough to be heard outside.

“For now, let’s just keep an eye on them. Our job is simple, after all.”

If they’re villains, kill them. If not, let them live.

And if they become villains—

“They’ll have to deal with the consequences themselves.”

And with that, the matter of the Dark Beast Squad was settled. It was only natural to wrap it up simply.

They were certain the group had already left the village.

“Is there anything else you’d like to order?”

Caron asked, formally, after wrapping up all other business.

After a brief pause for thought, Dwener spoke.

“Could you provide information about Baron Kelven and the Trash Knight Order from the past?”

“Just got curious. I remember their exploits once echoed through the Empire… Just wondering, that’s all.”

“There’s too much to organize all of it. Is there a specific time period you want?”

“Then the period when they dominated the Central North would be best. I’d like you to give me as much as you can.”

Dwener knew full well that Caron wouldn’t hand over top-secret intel.

Caron paused in thought.

‘Normally I’d only give Dwener access up to Level 3…’

It wouldn’t be top-secret, but up to Level 1 should be fine.

It wasn’t particularly sensitive information, and most of the people active back then were already dead anyway.

“Understood. I’ll send it over once I finish compiling it.”

“Thank you. Keep up the good work.”

Caron left the office. He could tell instinctively.

Dwener had a specific reason for wanting that information.

And that reason seemed to be tied to why he hadn’t forced a confession through torture.

‘I don’t know what he’s planning.’

Is he seriously thinking of putting those vermin to use?

Slaves? Dummies for combat experience? Feed for beasts? Disposable soldiers?

He considered it briefly, but couldn’t think of anything else.

Was this the thinking of Dwener the incompetent, or Dwener of the Evil-Slaying Group?

Caron couldn’t say. However—

It was clear that Dwener was once again on Caron’s test bench.

“They say a giant mole Beast appeared in the mine. Never seen anything like that before… Could it be Demon-related?” ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ Nov3lFɪre.ɴet

“Sir Pjol would never have ordered a kidnapping! This is a setup!”

“Demons?! What if the Baron leaves because of this? The village will be ruined!”

[You’ve successfully deduced the truth.]

[Party members Luna and Rezé’s Intelligence stats have increased by 1.]

Gathering information, reasoning, and growth.

Another perfectly peaceful day was unfolding.

Aside from minor(?) incidents like neighborhood’s threats and Raymon’s kidnapping attempt, there was nothing major.

The scenery was beautiful, the food delicious, and everything was calm and quiet.

A perfectly blissful daily life.

“Ha… I’m so bored. I’m going to die . Isn’t anyone gonna pick a fight? Some thug, or maybe Raymon…”

If there was a problem, it was that there was someone who hated peace.

And that someone was right next to me!

Luna’s teeth grinding echoed around us. I could hear it from way over here.

If she bit you with those, you wouldn’t even find your bones.

“Pe-Peace and rest… I love it so much. I-I wish every day could be .”

In contrast, Rezé was getting better by the day. Her skin wasn’t just glowing—it was practically gleaming.

Maybe she’d put on some weight, too; her cheeks had plumped up adorably. From behind, you could see both sides of her round face. No doubt about it.

“Battlebattlebattlebattlebattle!”

“Re-restrestrestrest!”

No battles were a problem, but having battles was a problem too.

I don’t know what’s wrong with my party. I really wish someone with a proper head on their shoulders would join.

A cat crazy for fighting, and a rabbit who got fat from the lack of predators.

Holding each of their hands, I continued collecting information.

A changed story, future developments from that change, the main quest involving Lowell’s Proof Token, the Dark Beast Squad, and more.

Thinking about all of it had left me a little worn out. But I could handle this much.

‘This life will be over soon anyway.’

That’s right. Today is the day when a crucial clue will appear.

If my prediction is correct, the incident will progress in a flash and soon reach its conclusion.

I’m not worried—I’ve made all the preparations. I can more or less guess how to guide the altered story.

But there were still two unresolved issues.

The first was obtaining the main quest item, ‘Lowell’s Proof Token.’

The second issue was—

‘The knights who were supposed to fight us are currently captured.’

Bickerd, Redington, Pjol.

They’re all characters who appear as enemies during the group battle with the knights later on.

There are so many of them that losing three wouldn’t make a huge difference.

‘But they’re the ones who had special mechanics.’

Out of ten knights, they were the three who had unique traits.

Them being missing? It was too deliberate to call a coincidence.

“Huh? There they are. Looks like they’ve been waiting for us.”

At Luna’s words, I looked up.

In one corner of the plaza, sitting on the round bench, were the members of Party 1.

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