# Episode 10. The Beggar (3)
“Who are you?”
Clang!
Peroque stiffened his expression and drew his sword.
The beggar, the Dark King, had risen without a single sound.
To deceive the keen senses of an upper-tier Exford knight?
‘He’s no ordinary guy.’
Could this be why Evan had been watching him earlier?
‘Thought he was sizing me up as an experiment subject.’
Instinctively sensing something off?
Tension surged through his body.
The aura in his dantian began to churn.
Slowly… slowly…
A menacing aura crept up his shoulders.
Just looking at it created an oppressive feeling.
The nearby knights shivered.
“…Still sane?”
One corner of Peroque’s eyes twitched upward.
The beggar received the overwhelming pressure head-on without flinching.
As if this was nothing to him.
“Today when we enter the forest, Archdemon Angol will descend! Everyone will die!”
Angol Archdemon?
Chewing on the unfamiliar word for a moment.
Peroque’s face scrunched up even more.
“…So you’re a superstition fanatic.”
Superstition.
The faith before the empire was established.
Nowadays, just a baseless belief.
A worthless belief or faith with no proof or basis whatsoever.
Honestly, it was laughable.
Superstition fanatics usually spouted off about ominous signs, claiming Angol Archdemon would come that day.
Even the smallest things triggered them.
‘Red ink names summon Angol Archdemon!’‘Giving shoes to lovers causes abduction by Angol Archdemon!’‘Writing the number 13 invites misfortune from Angol Archdemon!’‘A black wolf is a sign of Angol Archdemon coming!’
And so on.
How could Angol Archdemon, a god, have so much free time to just pop in whenever?
Even the elders don’t believe this stuff anymore, forgotten fragments of history.
Yet here was this beggar shouting out these outdated beliefs.
‘So there are still people who believe in this nonsense.’
It wasn’t the first time seeing someone believing in superstitions.
Having traveled around on the Duke’s orders, minor superstitions seemed plausible.
Like not eating slippery food the night before the knight exam.
Or not giving shoes to loved ones before the knight exam.
This was the first time encountering someone directly referencing Angol Archdemon though.
‘Madman’s eyes.’
His eyes.
Crystal clear.
Eyes that didn’t doubt superstitions at all.
The literal gaze of a fanatic.
“Get out of the way. Do you know who’s here?”
“I don’t want your money! Material things can’t sway me! If you go in today, you’ll all die! I’m just delivering this prophecy!”
Tsk.
While ranting, the beggar kept rolling a pebble.
What a strange habit.
Peroque clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“Who told you this?”
“The wisdom of my ancestors! The heavens above! All the winds are saying it!”
‘Definitely insane.’
Peroque clicked his tongue again.
Now he felt almost sorry for the guy.
‘Rather see a Starry Sky Seer any day.’
The seer who reads ‘fate’ through the night sky stars.
Even the emperor occasionally summons her,
That level might be believable, but this ominous superstition?
Not worth believing in at all.
“Get lost.”“Don’t go in today!”
The beggar went berserk.
The pebble in his hand rattled.
His old, gaunt body stepped forward.
A putrid smell wafted over.
Gurk-
Evan’s expression slightly wrinkled.
Peroque’s expression followed suit upon noticing.
‘Keep trying to poke the bomb.’
If Evan got angry here, things would get complicated.
The entire forest might turn into a lab.
The lives of the knights and hunters couldn’t be guaranteed.
“…Hold on.”
Before Peroque signaled the knights to threaten,
Evan spoke first.
“Would you step aside, please?”
Damn.
Was it too late?
“…Yes, young master.”
Peroque bowed his head and retreated.
Other knights also stepped back.
The hunters discreetly disappeared.
Evan stood in front of the beggar.
“Are you aware you’re the son of Duke Alkarte?”
‘What an idiot.’
Peroque cursed inwardly.
Please.
Please!
Shut your mouth already.
“…”
Evan silently stared at the beggar.
Would he snap like that?
Tense situation.
Peroque gripped his sword handle tightly.
Meanwhile, Evan standing before the Dark King thought.
‘…Should’ve stayed back, huh?’
Stiff as a board, no, paralyzed expression.
Clenching his heart internally.
Evan stepping forward.
Evan calmed his heart.
‘Oh man! I’m shaking!’
Seeing the Dark King in person for the first time.
That’s why his heart was pounding.
But the reason for stepping forward was simple.
‘What were you thinking, provoking him like that?’
Clearly, the Dark King looked like a beggar.
A high-class beggar even.
But he was the Dark King.
The living legend and history of assassins himself.
Even Peroque could kill him instantly.
‘Fortunately, had some good luck.’
Of course, the Dark King had his own rules.
The black pebble in his hand.
That was a kind of fortune-telling tool.
Whenever the opponent acted rudely, he’d roll the pebble on his palm.
When the pebble stopped in the middle of his palm,
With a crow symbolizing ill omen drawn on it.
-History has decided your fate!
He’d instantly kill his enemy.
That was the Dark King’s ideology.
One of the few things he owned despite claiming non-possession.
Sure, one could ask if non-possession meant abandoning everything, but no.
Non-possession means ‘not owning unnecessary things’.
Money, offerings, greed – those should be abandoned, but not one’s self.
Especially since the Dark King cherished four things:
Spirit, memory, skills, history.
Because he treasured history above all else.
-History must be remembered by all!
Stories, knowledge, survival methods passed down through generations.
Including superstitions everyone had forgotten.
All considered part of history.
“Even Archdemon Angol would fear your noble appearance!”
…Though it was somewhat off.
At least the intent wasn’t bad.
‘Didn’t want to meet because of stuff like this.’
Sigh.
Letting out an internal sigh, he steadied himself.
Can’t help it.
Best to respectfully deal with it for now.
No need to unnecessarily provoke a fight.
Not because he was scared, but because he disliked fighting.
“How did you know I’m the duke’s son?”
“Your refined face, possessing more than this old man yet having empty eyes and gaunt body! Everything proves you’re the young master!”
“…I see.”
Evan simply agreed.
By not denying and agreeing, the rolling pebble stopped.
Curiosity sparked in the Dark King’s eyes.
Ah, shouldn’t have answered.
“May I inquire about your name?”
“Evan Alkarte.”
“Such a splendid name! But never write it in red ink. Archdemon Angol would rage and come looking.”
“I’ll remember that.”
Evan replied politely.
Peroque’s expression turned strange.
Why such an attitude toward this superstition fanatic?
As if he were some important figure?
‘Maybe Evan’s a superstition fanatic too?’
While misunderstandings piled up,
The Dark King wore an extremely satisfied expression.
“Ho ho! Listening to this old man’s words so attentively! For some reason, I feel today’s fortune is good!”
“Good fortune, you say?”
“I heard magpies chirping right after waking up today. Isn’t that a sign of good luck?”
“…Ah, I see.”
“Did you hear magpie calls this morning, young master?!”
“No. I heard crows this morning.”
“Dear me! That’s a sign of ill omen!”
The Dark King sighed.
Truly showing concern.
“Make sure to sprinkle salt water before sleeping tonight. It’ll ward off Archdemon Angol!”
“…I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Also, best to avoid entering the forest today.”
The Dark King said seriously.
“Today, three black wolves appeared. Black wolves signify ill omens, especially for hunters entering the forest!”
“…”
“Whatever your purpose may be, it’s better not to go in today.”
A subtle chill ran through the Dark King’s voice.
But Evan showed no change in expression.
Rather, a bit indifferent.
‘…Wasn’t planning to go in personally anyway?’
Survival Rule #1: Safety first.
Absolutely no intention of going anywhere dangerous.
Still, need to reply.
Might gain favor this way.
“People don’t have to go in, then.”
“For now, yes.”
“Then, No.4. Golem Poison.”
Following Evan’s command, No.4, the long-armed, six-legged, long-necked Golem Poison waiting behind approached.
Kung!
No.5 also stepped forward immediately.
Seemed to have been waiting for this moment, shoulders slightly rising.
“Stay put, No.5.”
Keeek?
Retreating with a dejected air, No.5.
Evan internally sighed in relief.
‘Where do you think you’re going?’
No.5 was top-notch in combat among single golems.
Appropriate for guarding Evan.
The Living Golem covering his body showed dissatisfaction.
But what could be done?
Only capable of blocking, unable to attack.
‘Need to upgrade later.’
Definitely adding chest-mounted beams like some X-Man.
It’s a man’s dream, after all.
Even if impossible right now.
“Golem? Are you an alchemist?”
Surprise flickered in the Dark King’s eyes.
Evan nodded.
“Still lacking, but yes.”
“Mainly golems? Incredible! Heard it’s extremely difficult!”
“Got lucky.”
“By any chance, which master taught you?”
“None.”
Evan shook his head.
“Self-taught.”
“Self-taught??”
The word made the Dark King gasp in astonishment.
“My goodness! What a truly fortunate day! Meeting a genius who self-learned alchemy! A genius whose name will be remembered throughout the ages!”
‘Overdoing the compliments.’
This level of talent wasn’t anything special.
Meeting a slightly stronger boss could mean death.
Still, hearing compliments felt good.
Maybe I’m secretly pretty amazing?
“This is how you plan to enter the forest?”
“Yes.”
“What do you plan to do with these golems?”
“Collect herbs. Need to make something.”
“Planning to sell?”
“Not interested in money.”
Evan said as calmly as possible.
“Material things aren’t particularly important.”
Actually not true.
Money?
Great.
More the better.
Just important not to show it in front of the Dark King.
He hated nobles.
Specifically those who openly displayed greed for money.
“Hmm… So what do you consider important?”
Important, important…
Ah!
Right.
“Knowledge, wouldn’t you say?”
The perfect answer for an alchemist.
“Knowledge…”
“Money can always be earned later, but knowledge cannot. There’s knowledge that can only be gained at certain times.”
“Hmm… What knowledge do you expect to gain from those herbs?”
“Even if I don’t gain immediate knowledge, I believe they’ll at least provide a foundation.”
This was sincere.
Planning to use this potion to build a connection with the Dark King.
The Dark King’s eyes briefly turned serious.
Evan’s palms sweated profusely.
Slightly trembling from tension.
Then!
“Ho ho!”
The Dark King burst into laughter.
“This old man learned quite a lot. How to express gratitude…”
“Nothing to thank…”
“Since I gained something good, should give something good in return. But this old man doesn’t have much… Hmm…”
The Dark King seemed ready to give Evan something.
Refusal evident in his stance.
Evan firmly shut his mouth.
“Because this old man has nothing. Ah! Then perhaps the history of the empire’s founding…”
“Skills.”
Quickly interjected.
“How about ‘skills’?”
“Skills?”
“The wisdom-filled skills of the elder would surely be sufficient reward for me, wouldn’t they?”
Evan’s words made the Dark King stroke his bearded chin.
Briefly pondering.
Indeed, skills held great value.
Worthy enough for the Dark King to keep.
Damn.
Shouldn’t have thrown out ‘skills’ carelessly?
“…Alright, ho ho.”
Nice!
“Then tomorrow, would it be okay to teach you?”
“Tomorrow… you say?”
“Yes. Tomorrow. See you then.”
The Dark King stared into Evan’s eyes.
Evan realized instantly.
The Dark King had known Evan from the start.
…Was this all to create a connection?
‘…Yeah. Better to meet early at home.’
The duke would be staying at the mansion today.
Much safer that way.
“Yes. Tomorrow.”
Evan emphasized the word ‘tomorrow’.
Please don’t come today!
“Understood.”
“Hehehe, this old man will come visit.”
The Dark King smiled and promised to visit tomorrow.
Evan awkwardly smiled back.
His lips twitched mockingly.
…Ah.
Paralyzed.
After the carriage left, at the edge of the forest.
The crouching beggar.
Drilling.
The pebble in his hand rolled.
Stopped exactly in the middle.
A rabbit was drawn on the pebble.
Symbolizing good fortune.
A smile formed on the Dark King’s lips.
“Intriguing.”
Had great luck.
Originally just planned to pass the time.
Unexpectedly met someone who saved his disciple.
An extraordinary individual.
‘This person was Evan Alkarte, right?’
Couldn’t believe he hadn’t undergone the coming-of-age ceremony yet based on his demeanor.
Sharp intuition.
Very sharp.
“Never thought he’d guess my identity to some extent.”
Evan consistently used honorifics.
A noble addressing a commoner?
A beggar, even?
“‘Material things hold no meaning.’”
Snicker.
Moreover, the words Evan spoke.
Thinking about them brought a smile to his face.
A noble saying that?
Not even joking around.
Not even when trying to please someone.
Yet, no such intent was sensed from Evan.
He was genuinely sincere.
‘Also noticed me, similarly.’
Evan was of the same kind as the Dark King.
Only someone of the same kind could sense that aroma.
Just like the Dark King who abandoned his life for a single purpose and vowed to deceive forever.
Evan seemed similar.
That intuition arose.
The Dark King hummed softly.
“That’s right. Material things hold absolutely no value.”
Same for the Dark King.
Non-possession.
Not owning unnecessary things.
That itself was a ‘votive offering’ to him.
Why?
Because it no longer held any value.
Even more so after the ‘Emperor Assassination Attempt.’
“Also brought along something interesting.”
The child reeking of blood.
Not yet, but had a very bright future.
Might even surpass the Dark King in terms of kills someday.
Whether they could still be called human was questionable.
If hungry, might even eat humans.
Carrying such a being casually?
Felt very satisfying.
‘Will become a major figure in the future.’
Or maybe already was.
‘The Starry Sky Seer was right.’
-Go to the Alkarte Ducal Family. You’ll create something very special.
Joyful smile formed.
Tomorrow couldn’t come soon enough.
Drilling!
For a while, the black pebble in his hand rolled.
Stopped.
This time, the crow symbolizing misfortune appeared.
“Misfortune, huh.”
The Dark King smiled and pocketed the pebble.
“Wonder who it’ll befall.”
Thus, the next day.
Lunchtime.
The Dark King visited the Alkarte Ducal Family.
“What is this beggar doing here?”
Theodore standing in front of the Dark King.
His face twisted unpleasantly.
The sight upon leaving his room made Evan think.
Ah, what a shitty life.
