#12 Episode. Beggar (5)
Phew, it turned out alright.
“Hahaha! Teach one thing and you grasp ten! This is fun!”
The Dark King burst into hearty laughter.
There was a small scratch on his sleeve.
It had been two hours since he started teaching.
Surprisingly, they’d managed to leave a mark on the Dark King’s robes.
Lapis approached Evan, looking a little exhausted.
“Lapis… I’m tired.”
“You’ve worked hard. Take a break.”
Evan offered her a cabbage leaf.
Lapis melted with happiness, clearly showing her vegetarian tendencies.
Her snow-white hair made her look like a rabbit.
If only she wouldn’t turn into a man-eating killer rabbit when things go wrong…
“Hmmph…”
The Dark King’s face soured slightly.
“…The more I see, the more amazed I am at your fondness for vegetables. My skills are specialized in self-defense… but…”
“Isn’t it natural that herbivores can be strong too?”
Evan deflected casually.
He was thinking of elephants.
Fortunately, the Dark King seemed satisfied and didn’t question further.
‘To begin with, this isn’t the only strange thing…’
There were many suspicious points.
Starting with the Dark King’s techniques.
‘Teaching better than expected…’
Teaching assassination techniques as “guarding” skills… doesn’t that seem off?
He was even teaching his own unique skills.
– Mmm… this is easy.– W, what?– These are way too easy…
Looks like the Dark King took it personally from Lapis’ honest feedback.
‘Lapis might be exceptionally talented…’
Especially with “Shadow Stepping”.
A technique that allows movement without any sound, unique to the Dark King.
Even upper-level Expert Knights find it difficult to master, yet Lapis succeeded in just 10 minutes.
The subsequent assassination skills were similar.
– Hmm! With this, I can thread needles even better! Thank you, Evan. You really thought this through!
‘What is she talking about? I have no idea…’
Anyway, after faithfully receiving instruction for two hours, Lapis became an excellent assassin.
At least upper-level Expert Knight standard.
Her “Shadow Stepping” had even evolved into “Shadow Leaping”.
By then, the Dark King was beyond shocked – he was delighted.
Talent that surpasses mere proficiency is rare to witness.
“Ho ho. Where did you find such a child?”
“Yes. Of course.”
“This child is a genius. Greater than any I’ve ever seen.”
“!”
Theodore was surprised.
He wondered how a slave could possess such talent.
Making eye contact with Evan, Theodore saw him raise a finger to his lips.
Shh. Please be quiet!
Thanks to Evan’s sincere eye signal, Theodore nodded.
Though he looked a bit scared, it would be fine.
“I may appear unremarkable, but I’ve lived long and seen many people. I’ve never seen anyone like this child…”
The Dark King’s expression grew serious.
“But I’m worried. Excessive talent can be poisonous. Most importantly…”
“What’s most important?”
The Dark King whispered something only Evan could hear.
“I smell blood in this child’s talent.”
Thud.
Evan’s heart sank with tension.
Tap, tap. He drummed his fingers on the chair armrest – a nervous habit.
‘Could he have figured out the Sin of Wrath?’
Then what should he do?
Should he kill the Dark King?
This helper character?
Me? The main protagonist’s supporter?
When his mind was getting confused…
“I suspect it’s the Celestial Execution Star.”
“Ahh…”
Wrong.
Evan stopped drumming his fingers.
‘…Not discovered.’
If he had figured out the Sin, what would happen?
Who knows.
After all, Sins are names given in the future.
Currently, they’re at best mentioned in scriptures.
‘That old man probably won’t lose his mind over some scripture mention.’
Still dangerous though.
He must hide this fact at all costs.
Evan maintained his calm facade.
And spoke calmly.
“…Celestial Execution Star, you say. Are you referring to one of those stars up there?”
“You seem knowledgeable?”
“Got lucky. Found a related book in the library.”
Of course, he saw it in the game.
The information should be mostly accurate.
Celestials.
Beyond the skies, countless stars reside.
One of them is the Celestial Execution Star.
A star that contracts with someone destined to bathe continents in blood, granting power.
“Could that star have contracted with Lapis?”
“Not entirely sure, but my instincts tell me yes.”
The Dark King emphasized his opinion strongly, spitting saliva.
“While I’m not on par with the Seer Maidens, let me confirm if this child has truly contracted!”
“Wait…”
“Lapis.”
Before Theodore could intervene, Evan spoke first.
Evan’s emotionless gaze turned toward Lapis.
“Is it okay? Checking if you’ve contracted with a star?”
Directly asking this?
The Dark King’s eyes sparkled with interest, while Theodore’s filled with shock.
Why ask a slave?!
Of course, Evan had his reasons.
‘No, you shouldn’t view her as an ordinary slave…’
Technically a slave, for the mansion’s sake.
In reality, their friendship could end with a disagreement and tantrum.
Ignoring opinions, performing a star contract confirmation ritual?
‘This could get messy.’
Men value their friends.
Absolutely not because he’s scared.
“Yes!”
Lapis nodded.
“Of course it’s fine. Ah…”
“Is there a problem?”
“Will it hurt or anything?”
“Ho ho. Would I ask you to do something painful? Absolutely not.”
“If Evan wants, then yes. I’ll do it.”
“If Lapis is okay with it, then it’s fine.”
Evan agreed without hesitation.
No need to worry.
‘After all, Lapis hasn’t actually contracted with any star.’
Sin of Wrath, indeed.
Her innate destiny wasn’t a star contract.
Exactly what it was, he didn’t know.
Evan wasn’t a game developer, just a stuck-up guy.
What he did know was that her innate Sin destiny was stronger than any star contract.
‘Still, this is an opportunity.’
A chance to make Lapis appear as a normal prodigy.
If he could deceive the Dark King, he could deceive others.
“Though I’m no Seer Maiden, I can perform a simple divination.”
Casually mentioning the Seer Maidens.
Were they acquaintances?
…Would he introduce them if asked?
Suppressing his impulse, Evan nodded.
“Please proceed.”
‘This is astonishing.’
The Dark King.
While preparing the small ritual to confirm the star contract, he couldn’t hide his astonishment.
‘Contractor of the Celestial Execution Star!’
The ritual hadn’t even begun.
But he was certain.
Lapis was a contractor of the Celestial Execution Star.
‘There’s no other explanation for such talent.’
Supernatural.
Lapis’ talent couldn’t be measured by human standards.
Time-transcending, overwhelming talent.
A talent that barely appears in history, more fitting for legends, or even myths.
‘Exciting!’
His fingers twitched with excitement.
For the few things the Dark King still cherished after letting go of so much, “history” was one of them.
‘I’m rewriting history!’
Where else could something this wonderful exist?
Contractors of stars like the Celestial Execution Star appeared once every few hundred years, with scarce records.
Hero, or mass murderer.
Whatever, it didn’t matter.
As long as history was rewritten, he would be recorded as the mysterious old man who taught them.
‘Ah, the crow horoscope was wrong.’
Was this bad luck?
Nonsense!
Where else could such good fortune exist?
‘This is another record I’ll set.’
The Dark King personally wrote the history of assassins’ legends,
But failed to cultivate another great talent.
One reason for taking on disciples.
Finally, the long-awaited moment to achieve his old ambition had come.
When that happens, only one thing remains.
Complete his legendary history as the Dark King.
‘Honestly, tempting. If it weren’t for him, I would have kidnapped her.’
The Dark King looked at Evan with regretful eyes.
That young alchemist had already claimed the talent.
A slave, with a seal preventing both kidnapping and betrayal.
Truly cruel and merciless.
‘He’s worse than me.’
Even the Dark King didn’t bind his disciples with slave contracts.
Evan and Lapis being merely nominal master and slave was naturally misunderstood by the Dark King.
Tap tap.
A small magic circle drawn on the floor.
An ancient magical formula resembling a transmutation circle emerged as the Dark King dramatically spread his arms.
“Well! Let’s check if Lapis has a contract!”
“How exactly?”
“Ho ho. It’s simple. Just roll this iron ball.”
Another kind of superstition.
Star contractors possess endless star energy, making the iron ball roll endlessly within this “constellation” representation due to attraction.
And this was real.
To manifest a “constellation”, one needs high understanding like the Dark King, but that’s the only condition.
“Let’s go!”
The Dark King started rolling the iron ball.
Rattle! Rattle!
The endlessly rolling iron ball.
Like being drawn by a magnet, it moved smoothly.
The Dark King’s smile deepened.
‘So she really is a contractor!’
This technique could only judge if there was a contract.
If the iron ball stops, normal person.
If it rolls, contractor.
What if it breaks?
Well.
Very rarely, but that means connection to a fate stronger than stars.
Which practically never happens…
Crash! Boom!
The shattered iron ball.
The Dark King’s smile disappeared.
“Wha… what… how could this…”
“Evan, are you okay?”
“Yes.”
Lapis nodded.
She held the shattered iron ball fragments in her hand.
Evan sighed in relief.
Phew! Almost got hurt there.
“Kuh…”
Theodore was injured.
Honestly, not his concern.
He’ll recover soon enough.
“Theodore, are you alright?”
“Gwa, I’m fine.”
Still, a quick check.
Since he said he wasn’t in pain, it’s good.
Just in case, handed over a potion. Theodore’s expression was complicated.
“Master, are you alright?”
The Dark King looked dazed.
Asked if he was okay, he quickly nodded.
“Yes, yes! Of course.”
‘Must have been quite shocked?’
Not being a star contractor is that big of a deal?
While feeling curious, Evan subtly signaled to Golem No.4.
This is the moment.
Time to offer a potion and strengthen their bond.
“You look tired. Here, have this potion.”
“Potion?”
“It’s good for you. I often get tense and shake my hands, but drinking this helps.”
Theodore gave a “what nonsense” look.
Evan ignored it.
‘The potion effect was slightly, too strong.’
It didn’t just affect physical issues, but also numbed nerves like a curse.
Still, isn’t it fine?
The effect is good, right?
The Dark King stared at the potion for a moment.
Eventually, he accepted it.
“Alright, I’ll drink it.”
With mixed emotions.
That evening.
“I have nothing more to teach.”
Having taken the potion and transmitted many skills, the Dark King stood up from his seat.
Crunch. Lapis, eating an apple, nodded.
“Thank you very much.”
“You can finish eating before speaking.”
“Teaching such a diligent child was a great experience for me too. Please use my skills well.”
“Mm. I like threading needles.”
The Dark King professionally ignored Lapis’ last comment.
“…I’ve received far too generous repayment. Even the potion.”
“It’s nothing…”
“Here’s a small token of appreciation.”
Swish.
A letter suddenly appeared on Evan’s desk.
As if he already knew, Evan remained expressionless.
“Please read it after I leave.”
“…I will.”
“Hopefully we meet again under better circumstances.”
The Dark King disappeared with a whoosh.
Shadow Leaping.
Instantly leaving the mansion, appearing in a nearby forest.
“Master.”
Another beggar knelt in front of the Dark King.
“I’ve come to escort you.”
Red hood.
Black coat.
Representative symbols of the Resistance.
Also the first disciple cultivated by the Dark King.
“Judah. Is everything prepared?”
“Yes. As instructed.”
The steady red eyes under the tightly pulled hood spoke.
“I’ve destroyed the territory ruled by the emperor’s direct knights.”
“Good job.”
“Should we destroy this duchy too?”
The red eyes turned toward the duchy.
“No.”
The Dark King shook his head.
Overthrow?
What a joke.
Impossible for the Dark King alone.
Even with all his disciples together, it would be the same.
Not because of the duke,
But because of the kid he just met.
And the young alchemist keeping her as a slave.
“Met an interesting person. My vision is still narrow.”
“How could Master say such…”
“My dream is far, far away.”
The Dark King smiled.
What’s one way to leave a lasting mark in history?
Power.
Unparalleled, indestructible, overwhelming power and strength as an emperor.
Dante Midas.
Crime: Attempted assassination of the emperor.
Punishment: A thousand-year execution deferment and the Curse of the Golden Hand.
Not satisfied with mere sacrificial lambs anymore.
Now seeking historical “power”.
The Dark King Dante removed his gloves.
The hand inside was golden.
The Curse of the Golden Hand.
Anything it touches turns to gold.
Click.
He touched a nearby tree.
Surprisingly, the tree turned to gold.
Only the farthest branches remained wooden.
Normally, the ground should have turned gold too.
“I’ve weakened my curse. With just a single potion.”
“…What does that mean?”
“Fascinating. Very fascinating.”
Now he understood the alchemist wasn’t ordinary.
But to this extent?
A fate greater than a star contractor.
Stained with blood, possibly capable of destroying this continent.
Being near her was enough to get dragged in.
Yet he placed himself beneath her.
“Heard he’s self-taught in alchemy.”
If he had formal training?
How far could he grow?
What would happen?
Clack!
The Dark King rolled a black pebble.
A stone unaffected by the golden curse.
The Fate Stone.
Once used exclusively by the imperial bloodline.
The pictures drawn on the Fate Stone foretell his future.
“…I can’t see anything.”
No animal pictures appeared.
As if hiding from Evan.
Even after trying twice more, the result was the same.
First time might be coincidence, second time inevitability, third time destiny.
Even now, the Dark King couldn’t glimpse Evan’s fate.
And this is still a growing child.
“Young black puppet.”
The Dark King smiled.
“When we meet next, and you’ve grown -”
It’s truly something to look forward to.
Swoosh…
Leaving those words behind, the Dark King departed the forest.
Before leaving, he left a present.
Confident that it would be appreciated.
