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The title bestowed upon the clans that have protected the six directions of the continent for ages: the Noble Clans.

A woman who had shown interest in me in the past once said this:

“Protecting the six directions, isn’t that so cool?”

She might have thought so, but I didn’t.

“What’s so cool about it?”

“You’re so lacking in sentimentality, Oppa.”

“You’re disappointed by just that?”

“Oppa, are you fucking kidding me?”

Embarrassed at having her disappointment exposed, the woman left as she was.

But it was fine.

I had no intention of changing my mind.

As is often the case with those who love to give names, the idea of protecting the six directions was just childish nonsense.

The Noble Clans were simply six clans geographically located in the east, west, south, north, and center of the continent.

Of course, the influence of the Noble Clans was immense.

Among them, the Ardehain Clan, located in the eastern part of the continent.

With their reclusive nature and limited interaction with the outside world except for combat, they were a clan not well known to the general public, even among the Noble Clans.

However, the power they possessed rivaled the strongest among the Noble Clans.

I was certain the moment I saw Celestine’s swordsmanship.

Setting aside the rarity of seeing someone use a flexible sword, my body was reacting to her unrefined swordsmanship.

***

I fell into deep thought as I looked at the women at the head table.

All daughters of the Ardehain Clan undergo a process of concealing their clan’s name and engaging in external activities.

The Death Sword Guild was one of the secret organizations for such individuals.

Considering her age, Celestine’s presence made sense.

‘But what about that woman?’

The problem was that I couldn’t figure out the identity of the woman next to her.

She appeared to be at least thirty years old.

At that age, she should have graduated from the Death Sword Guild long ago.

Furthermore, the Ardehain Clan was a clan where women held the real power.

If she was over thirty, she should have been assigned to a formal organization within the clan…

I carefully observed Balkan’s every action towards the woman for a moment and came to a conclusion.

‘She’s likely a mid-ranking commander of an external organization or a low-ranking commander of an internal organization.’

Why did the Ardehain Clan appear here?

They wouldn’t move just because Urgon invited them. The pride of the Noble Clans was beyond imagination. It was only natural. They were clans in such a position.

A tingling excitement ran through me as I realized how much I didn’t know.

***

Time passed, and the excitement in the audience subsided somewhat.

The chief steward, who had appeared at some point, casually drew attention to himself.

“Thank you for waiting. We shall resume the competition. It’s nearing its end, so I’m quite excited myself. Without further ado, let’s begin. As I mentioned, the competition format is a duel.”

I felt a strange chill when the chief steward said “duel.”

Taylor and Blair must have felt the same way, as they looked at the chief steward.

“Something feels off.”

Several people in the audience, sensing an opportunity, eagerly leaped forward.

They likely saw this as a good chance to make a name for themselves, given the attention focused on the arena.

The first to set foot in the arena was Pretel.

The head of the Azure Dragon Magic Division, who was acting as the referee, declared, “The rest of you, return to your seats. Pretel, choose your opponent.”

I instinctively glanced towards the area where Pretel had been seated. Pretel’s father was clapping with a proud expression.

‘What remarkable parental love.’

Pretel gave a thumbs-up to his father, then looked around the audience and shouted,

“The one I dare to challenge to a duel today is the eldest son of Urgon, Libre!”

Gasps arose from the audience, and with a flapping sound, Libre, who had been near the head table, soared into the air.

Landing in the arena with an even more impressive posture than before, Libre faced his opponent.

Pretel looked around the audience and proclaimed,

“Respected Head of the Urgon Clan, Elder Parin, and esteemed guests, including those from the Death Sword Guild, I am Pretel of the Leverin Clan. I consider it an honor to cross swords with Young Master Libre at this meaningful event.”

His voice sounded as if he were reciting a prepared speech. Libre replied with a faint smile,

“Thank you for your kind words. Shall we begin then?”

“I’ll do my best.”

Beep— At the referee’s whistle, Libre dashed towards Pretel.

Before Pretel could even draw his sword, Libre thrust out a fist enveloped in ice.

“Ugh!”

Pushed back, Pretel hurriedly opened his mana core. His face was filled with panic.

Pretel leaped high into the air. Merciless ice blades swept through the space where he had been.

“Y-Young Master?”

The duels until now hadn’t deviated much from sparring matches. However, this time was different.

Pretel, who nearly had his ankle sliced, felt a chill run down his spine.

At that moment, a powerful mana wave surged through the arena.

“Frost Arm!”

The ice concentrated in Libre’s right arm pierced a hole through Pretel’s abdomen like an icicle and soared upwards.

Thud—

“Agh!”

Pretel collapsed on the ground, vomiting blood. A deep wound gaped in his abdomen, and black blood trickled from his mouth.

It was clear at a glance that his internal injuries were severe.

“…”

Silence fell over the audience.

This was the first time such a brutal match had occurred.

The duel was completely different from the relaxed matches that had taken place so far.

I glanced at the head table and then back at the arena. Urgon’s response had changed as soon as the Ardehain Clan appeared.

Could this be a coincidence?

“It seems things are about to get interesting. Everyone, pay close attention from now on.”

Taylor and Blair replied in low voices.

“Agreed.”

“The atmosphere has changed.”

Someone in the audience abruptly stood up.

“…W-What is the meaning of this!”

It was Pretel’s father. He glared at Libre with a mixture of bewilderment and rage. The head of the Azure Dragon Magic Division met his gaze with an indifferent expression.

“The duel was conducted fairly. Do you have something to say?”

“How can this be a fair duel! Wasn’t it clearly stated that this was a competition for exchange and harmony? Young Master Libre, explain yourself! What is the meaning of this!”

The chief steward intervened.

“I clearly stated that it was a duel. Such situations are commonplace in duels. Moreover, Pretel was the one who challenged Young Master Libre first.”

“Are you joking! Even so, there’s a limit! It’s not like they didn’t know the difference in their abilities. Why did he have to injure my son to such an extent?”

Pretel’s father, trembling with rage, looked towards the head table and shouted,

“Clan Head Balkan! Explain yourself!”

In an instant, the gazes of Urgon’s magic divisions focused on him, and Pretel’s father, finally realizing his situation, shuddered. Balkan let out a hollow laugh.

“How unsightly, Head of the Leverin Clan. What do you expect me to say? Do you want me to say that your son shouldn’t have been injured?”

“But…”

Pretel’s father, unable to utter another word, sank back into his seat.

His lips trembled with unspoken words.

‘Tsk.’

I suddenly felt a sense of unease.

Seeing the consequences of excessive parental love left me feeling uncomfortable.

The head of the Urgon Clan glanced at both sides of the head table and then addressed the audience again.

“Out of concern, let me remind you once more of the meaning of a duel. Such incidents are commonplace in duels. They are also part of the growing process. I hope there will be no more complaints like this.”

“…”

His words were vague, making it difficult to argue against them.

Some harbored resentment, but no one dared to defy the head of the Urgon Clan.

Taking advantage of the chaotic atmosphere, Libre nominated his next opponent.

“I choose Blair of Samael.”

Before I could say anything, Taylor spoke first.

“Blair.”

“Yes, Senior Brother?”

“I think there’s something going on. Don’t try to finish it quickly; just drag out the duel as long as possible. If anything happens, I’ll step in.”

“Don’t worry.”

Blair’s words were accurate.

Blair exchanged blows with Libre for a while, and as soon as the atmosphere seemed to turn serious, he immediately declared his surrender.

His timing was so exquisite that neither Libre nor Urgon could object.

However, I couldn’t shake off a certain suspicion.

“Ruin.”

“Hmm.”

“It seems like Libre held back first.”

I nodded at Taylor’s words.

“You have a keen eye. You’re right.”

Just as Blair hadn’t intended to fight seriously from the beginning…

It was clear that Taylor had also planned to hold back from the start.

Before Blair declared his surrender, Libre’s mana fluctuations had already subsided.

Hardly anyone noticed this.

As proof, unexpected murmurs rippled through the audience once again.

Unlike with Pretel, the duel had lasted a long time, so Blair’s evaluation soared.

I narrowed my eyes and looked at the head table.

The Ardehain Clan and Elder Parin seemed uninterested in the duel. I carefully observed the head of the Urgon Clan. He showed no change in expression.

‘This is interesting.’

The duels that followed unfolded in a peculiar manner.

When a clueless monkey challenged a member of the Red Phoenix Magic Division to a duel and was carried out on a stretcher with a broken leg, no one else dared to step forward.

Only Taylor, Arin, and Blair each had one more duel against Urgon’s mages.

I closely observed the matches, and amusingly enough, all three of them emerged victorious.

The reason I use the word “amusingly” is that their opponents surrendered first at odd moments.

It was quite comical.

Those who had been attacking as if they were trying to kill their opponents suddenly went easy on us when it was our turn.

Even amidst all this, no one challenged me. I don’t know if they were deliberately avoiding me or if they deemed me unworthy, but I haven’t been chosen once. It was probably the latter.

As I reviewed the duels from today and the past, I became certain.

The outcome of all these duels was ultimately…

…to elevate Samael.

“This is truly amazing. Even though the Red Phoenix Magic Division is fighting seriously, they’re not losing.”

“It seems Young Master Libre wasn’t exaggerating when he praised Taylor.”

“Young Master Blair is also quite formidable.”

It was clear that Urgon had orchestrated this entire situation.

Suddenly, I felt another burning gaze and looked towards the opposite side of the audience. Layla had been glaring at me countless times, and each time, I responded with a bright smile and a nod.

‘That seductive woman.’

As the sun began to set, the chief steward climbed onto the platform and announced,

“What a feast for the eyes today has been. Such a day cannot be complete without a feast. Tonight, a grand banquet has been prepared in the banquet hall. Everyone, please proceed to the banquet hall.”

I looked back and said quietly,

“You guys go ahead.”

Taylor lowered his voice and asked,

“It’s dangerous. Where are you going?”

“I’m going to start my plan in earnest.”

“How?”

“They’re hiding their true intentions, so I need to uncover them. How dare they deceive me?”

“Tell me what you’ve noticed.”

“I’m going to find out now. I don’t think the Ardehain Clan came here for no reason either.”

“The Arde… what?”

When Taylor and Blair’s eyes widened in surprise, I put my index finger to my lips.

“I’ll explain later, so just do as I say for now. You guys try to sense anything unusual at the banquet hall.”

Since everyone had felt a sense of unease today, they nodded without a word.

“Be careful, Ruin.”

I pretended to leave the spectator stands with the others and then slipped into the passageway. After a long time, I touched the artifact hidden in my chest.

I circled back through the passage and exited on the other side of the stands. Urgon’s mage corps was just leaving the arena.

I looked around and naturally joined the end of the crowd.

***

I blended into the crowd and headed in the opposite direction of the annex. This was a restricted area, accessible only to family members. It was where Urgon’s main building was located.

Lingering at the edge of the crowd, I cleared my throat at an opportune moment.

“Ahem!”

The low-ranking man walking ahead turned around and his eyes widened.

I beckoned him closer and prepared myself for any unexpected situation.

One of the principles of a mad mage is to quickly prepare the next move if discovered.

“Did you call for me, Leader Bakken?”

[TL/N: I am not sure if he is in the same ranks like Cliff (Azure Dragon Magic Squad Leader) The rank of this person is not clear, so it could change in the future as i get more context (n if it does change i’ll add a tl/n)]

I put away the forehead slingshot I had been preparing.

Fortunately, “Magnus’ Illusion” seemed to be working well. I asked as concisely as possible,

“Where did the members of the Death Sword Guild go?”

The man replied without suspicion,

“They entered the main building with the Clan Head.”

“Be more specific.”

“Pardon?”

“Pardon…?”

When I raised an eyebrow and questioned him, the man hurriedly corrected his posture. Even while facing me so closely, he didn’t notice anything strange. It seemed the artifact’s effectiveness had improved along with my own strength.

“Ah, I apologize. Three members of the Death Sword Guild

“You may go.”

As the man left, I paused and pondered.

I didn’t ask any further questions, just in case my tone betrayed me.

I was currently disguised as Bakken, Squad leader of the Red Phoenix Magic Division.

It would have been cleaner to disguise myself as the Azure Dragon Squad Leader, whom I had already spoken with, but I couldn’t do that now.

For some reason, the Azure Dragon Squad Leader hadn’t shown himself throughout the entire competition.

It was best to avoid any unnecessary suspicion.

I started walking naturally, replaying the conversation in my mind.

‘Three members of the Death Sword Guild?’

I had only seen two.

First, Celestine.

Second, the mysterious woman.

Of course, there were a few other swordsmen who came with them, but judging from the circumstances, it didn’t seem like he was referring to them.

‘There’s one more.’

There was one more member of the Ardehain Clan who hadn’t shown themselves in the arena.

…Who could it be? I couldn’t help but be intrigued.

Urgon, the Blue Magic Tower, and the Ardehain Clan. I was curious what kind of conversation this unexpected combination was having.

I lingered near the main building for a moment, but since I couldn’t make a quick decision, I just went inside. Hesitating would only be detrimental in this situation.

As soon as I passed through the main entrance, I felt a strange sensation sweeping over me.

A magic barrier that detected illusion magic.

A man who appeared to be in charge of administration checked my face and bowed his head. It probably meant I had passed.

I nodded naturally and went inside.

To begin with, unless it was a sacred object like “Luminous,” ordinary detection magic couldn’t detect Magnus’ Illusion.

I took the stairs, choosing a route as far away from others as possible. If someone was coming down from the upper floor, I would momentarily hide behind a pillar. When I encountered someone, I walked with my chest puffed out. As I stealthily ascended, there were fewer and fewer people.

The tension gradually mounted.

The reason I was climbing the stairs was simple.

Generally, the Clan Head resided on the top floor.

When I reached the final floor, special forces members in black uniforms were stationed throughout the hallway.

I momentarily opened another circle and then immediately closed it. They might notice it from inside.

‘Three on the ceiling, and there’s also a swordsman.’

Urgon’s special forces and an Ardehain swordsman were guarding a single room.

All the key figures were gathered inside.

“…Are they still in a meeting? It might be better to come back later.”

I turned around, muttering to myself naturally. This wasn’t a situation where I could eavesdrop on their conversation. For now, what I had confirmed was enough.

But as I turned the corner of the hallway, I made eye contact with someone.

“Leader Bakken?”

‘Damn it.’

The moment our eyes met, I instinctively knew. This was the head of the special forces.

I pressed myself against the wall and met his gaze.

“What brings you here, Leader Bakken?”

In that split second, I observed his indifferent eyes, expression, and posture, and decided how to respond.

“I came here because the Clan Head gave me a separate order. I’ll come back later.”

The special forces head tilted his head.

“What order?”

I was about to reply, but after seeing his gaze, I changed my words.

“I apologize. I can’t tell you that.”

From his unchanging, indifferent expression, I realized that my answer didn’t seem strange to him.

“I see.”

“I’ll be going then.”

As I turned and slipped past him, the man called out from behind,

“Wait.”

“…”

“Your voice sounds a bit strange.”

“…”

“Come closer.”

“Why are you asking me to come closer… Never mind.”

The man approached me.

He was a strange man who told me to come closer but then approached me himself.

I was about to point that out, but I stopped myself. I quickly stepped back, but the man eventually grabbed my collar.

My heart pounded. My heart thumped.

Suddenly, I felt like eating some chewy meat, and my mouth watered.

As I gulped, the man suddenly smiled.

‘I’ve been caught.’

Now that things had come to this, there was nothing I could do. The man’s hand reached inside my collar. I prepared to open the circle in my heart and glared at him. I planned to kill him in an instant and run before my identity was revealed.

‘3 seconds, 2 seconds, 1 second.’

That was the moment.

“Why are you so tense?”

Suddenly, the man started adjusting my clothes and then nodded in satisfaction.

“There are outsiders here. This isn’t like you. No matter how insignificant they are, appearances are important, aren’t they? You may go.”

“Yes.”

I slid down the stairs.

I felt a strange gaze from behind, but fortunately, I wasn’t caught.

***

After exiting the main building, I wandered around the inner courtyard and hid in the corner of a secluded building.

At first, I was tense, but gradually boredom set in.

I waited a long time, but there was no sign of activity.

“This is boring.”

Suddenly, I smelled something delicious and looked around the corner. A few small white dogs had unexpectedly appeared.

‘Where the hell did these dogs come from?’

Looking closely, they were cute females.

As I was waving them away, a black dog emerged from behind.

A proud, black dog.

The large black dog naturally pushed its way between the white females and then suddenly glared at me. From its eyes, it looked like a fighting dog.

“Woof!”

Not wanting to cause a commotion, I quickly ran in the opposite direction.

After running for a while, I looked back and saw the black dog, surrounded by the females, with its shoulders raised high, looking at me with disdain.

It felt like the gaze of a male who had won a mating competition, which made me feel extremely annoyed.

I’ll remember you, you black dog.

Even in the midst of enemy territory, there’s a man burning with a desire for revenge against a dog. That’s me.

Suddenly, sensing a commotion from the main gate, I ducked down.

‘They’re coming out.’

I hid behind some nearby landscaping and focused my attention.

Two women walked out and headed left.

Shortly after, someone who appeared to be Elder Parin and the Clan Head walked out and headed right.

Following them…

A thin man came out last and joined the group on the right.

That was him.

He was from the Ardehain Clan.

‘But a man?’

It was rare for a man to hold an important position in the Ardehain Clan.

This was natural, as most of their swordsmen were women.

I put aside my thoughts for now and focused on the man’s movements.

Elder Parin and the mysterious man walked side by side, and the Clan Head followed behind them.

I could see the man’s face clearly.

He didn’t look very old.

I stared at the man a bit more closely and then suddenly came to my senses.

The direction the three of them were approaching…

‘Damn it.’

It was exactly where I was hiding.

———