Chapter 47: Chapter 47

Chapter 47: The Warrior and the Sorcery (2)

Elbin’s bakery wasn’t far from the tavern that Garan ran.

At most, it would only take the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to get there. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel(ꜰ)ire.net

All the more so because I was a Mana user — there was no way I wouldn’t arrive quickly.

It had only been a short while since the attack — that moment when a thunderous roar rang out and things were smashed to pieces.

And yet, the streets were tranquil.

People walked by holding bags of bread in one hand, clowns made children laugh, and peddlers stood by here and there.

It was a completely different sight from the back alleys.

‘Indeed, this place would be suitable for a conversation.’

It was the Imperial Capital — practically the heart of it.

Unless someone wished to draw the Emperor’s gaze, no fool would dare cause a disturbance here.

It was a place where even enemies would quietly pass each other by.

That fact alone annoyed me.

As if echoing my agitation, my inner force let out a low hum.

‘I don’t know what their reason was, but they touched me. I won’t let it slide easily.’

That instinct was something engraved deep within every cell — something I couldn’t consciously control.

A warrior never avoids a fight that’s been brought to him. Those bastards had attacked in a cowardly ambush.

The blood running through me spoke clearly: Don’t let them go unpunished.

“You’re leaking killing intent. Calm yourself.”

My eyes widened. I could feel the gazes from around me — eyes filled with fear and dread.

Right. I was standing in the middle of the street. I’d made a mistake.

“It’s fine. A warrior’s instincts aren’t something a young one like you can control. For now, let’s head to Elbin’s bakery. Too many eyes are on us.”

Before long, we stood before the bakery’s door. A sign hung there, reading that the shop was temporarily closed.

It wasn’t likely to be a genuine closure — most probably a way to prepare for our meeting.

‘Or maybe they’re setting a trap.’

The ones who’d used such sly tricks wouldn’t be easy to predict. Who knew what could happen, or when.

Just then, the bakery door opened.

A man appeared, holding it open for us.

There was nothing particularly distinctive about him — the only reason I could tell he was one of them was the cautious air he carried.

“Please, come in,” the man said politely.

He didn’t seem like the same man who had been tailing us — his aura was faint, likely one of his subordinates.

I didn’t enter right away. I wanted to make sure there weren’t any traps nearby.

These were people who used insidious tricks. It wouldn’t hurt to be cautious.

Carefully, I analyzed the layout of the bakery.

‘It’s more complicated than I expected. Maybe I should’ve brought Retina with me.’

Nothing felt particularly off to my senses — but nothing beat the certainty of magic.

A sigh escaped me at that small regret.

“Let’s go in,” Garan said as he stepped inside. His demeanor was calm, without a trace of hesitation.

He must’ve been certain there were no traps.

I followed behind him. Though still inexperienced, Garan was someone who had mastered the use of Force.

Just having him beside me filled me with confidence.

The man led us upstairs to the second floor — as Garan had said, he seemed to be the shop’s owner.

Warm sunlight greeted me as I stepped onto the landing. And at that moment, my eyes caught sight of Rahan.

‘He’s still got all his limbs. Doesn’t seem to have been harmed.’

That had been my main concern. Seeing him unscathed — what a relief.

A gentle voice reached my ears then — soft and graceful, almost like a woman’s.

Slowly, I turned my head. And my eyes widened in surprise.

Long, slender, pointed ears — and a face so alluring it could enchant anyone, regardless of gender.

Before me stood an Elf, one of the forest folk.

Elves weren’t uncommon in the Empire. It had been long since harmony among races was established — if anything, not seeing one would have been stranger.

That was why I found it strange.

“Why would an Elf use such sinister sorcery?”

The creature that had hidden in the shadows — its power was far from ordinary magic. It was so twisted, so unlike any spell I knew, that calling it sorcery or witchcraft felt more fitting.

It was magic far removed from what any normal Elf would use.

The Elf opened his mouth.

“That wasn’t magic. If I had to call it something… it would be the power of Jeozudin.”

I drew my sword. A sharp, murderous energy shimmered along the blade.

“Jeozudin? Are you saying you can wield the power of the Evil God?”

I let out a trace of killing intent as I spoke — unintentionally.

Not long ago, I had fought a Demon Beast. The source of that very power could be traced back to Jeozudin. There was no way I could look kindly upon anyone who wielded the power of an Evil God.

“...First, let’s clear up a misunderstanding. I’m not what you think I am. I won’t waste words — I only wanted to warn you of the danger. The reason I hid a puppet within the shadows was for that purpose.”

Garan tilted his head slightly, signaling for the Elf to continue.

The pressure flowing from the two warriors wasn’t something ordinary. Even a seasoned fighter would tremble before that kind of aura.

Perhaps that was why—

Elbin spoke in a subdued, tense tone.

“You’re in danger right now. Do you know who Rahan truly is?”

Garan and I each gave our curt replies, befitting of warriors.

Elbin stared at us for a moment in disbelief before continuing.

“He’s not someone who should be underestimated like that. Rahan is one who carries the noble bloodline of our kind — a High Elf.”

Suspicion filled Garan’s eyes.

High Elves were a superior race in every way compared to normal Elves — from their innate mana capacity to their understanding of magic and even their vitality.

Simply put, they were the higher race among Elves.

So of course, that was shocking.

Rahan was just someone who’d needed my help. He’d even once been helped by Garan in the past. A man who couldn’t even protect himself... a High Elf?

Even a passing dog would laugh at that.

I glanced at Rahan. His face had turned bright red, his neck flushed up to the collar — he looked utterly mortified.

No one feels embarrassed over a lie. Yet he did.

He squirmed in his seat, like someone wanting to crawl into a mouse hole.

‘With that reaction... I have no choice but to believe it.’

It was absurd. Rahan, who’d seemed less capable than an ordinary Elf, turned out to be a High Elf?

For a moment, I even wondered if Elves weren’t as impressive a race as they were rumored to be.

Perhaps my thoughts had shown on my face, because Rahan looked at me with tearful eyes.

“I never meant to hide it,” he said in a small, embarrassed voice.

“I just... had my reasons for not revealing my identity.”

“Wouldn’t have believed you anyway.”

Rahan’s expression stiffened at my retort.

“Anyway, so you’re a High Elf. Fine. That aside, you said your name was Elbin, right?”

I turned my gaze on Elbin — my eyes sharp and cold enough to strike.

“Why can you use Jeozudin’s power? I have a personal grudge against Demon Beasts. If you can wield that power... did you receive it from one of them?”

Elbin glanced at me briefly, then sighed, his expression reflecting a complicated emotion.

“I suppose I won’t keep my head unless I explain properly. I’ll start with the most important part. I infiltrated Flower as a spy representing my people. The power of Jeozudin — it’s something I use to maintain my cover as one of Flower’s agents. I have no intention of abusing it.”

“It seems humans haven’t realized it yet. Flower is a far more dangerous organization than you imagine. I can’t reveal more than that. All you need to know is that I am not your enemy.”

I looked toward Garan, silently asking for his decision.

After all, I was just a member of the Black Dragon Mercenary Corps. As a subordinate, I had to follow my captain’s call.

‘If it were up to me, I’d dig out every secret that bastard’s hiding... but if Garan doesn’t wish to, then so be it.’

All I could do was swallow my frustration.

Garan sank into thought. Someone who wielded the Evil God Jeozudin’s power — and a self-proclaimed spy from Flower. That was enough to demand caution.

“For now, let’s hear him out. You said we’re in danger?” Garan finally said, his tone uneasy. Clearly, he disliked anything related to Jeozudin’s power.

But he was still willing to listen — likely because the survival of the Black Dragon Mercenary Corps came first.

“I see why you brought Rahan. You wanted to talk with us. But here’s the question, Elbin — you have no connection to us. Why try to help?”

“Because I wish to hire you.”

“It’s best I start from within. Flower is pursuing Rahan. They’re likely close to discovering that you’re protecting him. A confrontation is inevitable.”

“Flower is after Rahan? For what reason?”

“The Demon Beasts seem to want him. I can’t disclose the details — I’m under a restriction. Regardless, what I’m asking is simple: escort Rahan safely to Aurel. I can pay you handsomely.”

Garan fell silent. To be entangled with Flower again... it would be troublesome, even if we already had bad blood with them.

No matter how large the reward, it would be a burden.

“Can’t you reconsider?”

As the silence stretched, Elbin asked anxiously, biting his lip. His desperation was clear.

“I’ll accept,” Garan finally said.

“I was about to take on new requests anyway. If it’s helping an acquaintance, it’s worth doing.”

Elbin’s expression brightened with relief. He must have known how heavy an ask it had been.

That Garan would still agree — it was something he could only be grateful for.

“The Elves of Aurel are people who value honor above all else. Whatever you ask of them, they will likely grant it.”

“Appreciated. So when do we depart for Aurel?”

“I’ll inform you in three days. For now, Flower’s patrols are too strict. Once I gather intel, I’ll prepare a way. Come back to this bakery then.”

Garan nodded. Three days was more than enough time to prepare.

“Once again, I offer my thanks. If it were up to me, I’d give you a gift right now, but unfortunately, I’ve been away too long already. Staying longer might raise suspicion among my peers.”

“Flower suspects their own?”

“Well, since the one they’re after is a High Elf, it’s only natural. All Elves are under surveillance.”

That made sense. Even if it wasn’t Flower, any group would have done the same in their position.

Leaving those words behind, Elbin exited the bakery.

Inside the second floor of Elbin’s bakery—

“Rahan, should I call you ‘Your Highness’ now?”

Garan grinned at him teasingly.

“A High Elf, huh? What happened to send royalty all the way here?”

Rahan didn’t answer. His face was buried in embarrassment.

Seeing that, Garan chuckled softly.

“Let’s head back. We’ll need to explain the situation to the others.”