The story rewinds slightly, to just before encountering the Emperor.
After summoning Laktea and Luna via courier pigeon, and arriving at the guild gate with Ruby, we were in the midst of enacting our plan.
“if you interfere, I’ll kill this woman.”
“…No. Stay steady and don’t waver. We can’t let them escape from the Blue Magic Tower.”
Guild mages at the Gafeld baron’s jurisdiction had completely surrounded the gate after receiving the alert, prepared for confrontation.
“But, b-but the higher-ups judged this rogue to be of World Top 10 caliber!! Everyone retreat!!”
Due to the completely mistaken judgment from the upper echelons of the Blue Magic Tower, we were able to slip away easily.
“Phk. Those stupid mages. They’re calling the Leader a mere top 10 warrior.”
Exactly.
How could mages, who are scared out of their wits by ordinary people, call someone a World Top 10 warrior?
The evaluation was excessively generous.
“Anyways, Ruby.”
“Yes, Leader.”
Having slipped through the guild gate, I leaned in to the Ruby I was holding, seemingly as a hostage, and asked.
“Isn’t Gafelt alive?”
This was a question I had been wanting to ask but suppressed amidst the chaos caused by Hanlyang’s and the Emperor’s status windows.
“Oh, I forgot to mention, it seems due to possessing a superlative grade recovery Artifact, he hasn’t completely perished.”
“Superlative grade Artifact?”
The glimmer of that word caught my eye.
In the “Babylonia” world, items are ranked in four categories: <Common>, <Legendary>, <Mythical>, and <Superlative>…
‘Superlative grade, that would mean nearly an ultimate level item in the “Babylonia” world?’
A single <Legendary> Artifact could turn a regular person into a mercenary in this world.
And yet, here was a <Superlative> Artifact showing up before the prologue had even ended?
“Yes, Leader, one Superlative grade, two Mythical grade, three Legendary grade items. These used to be notorious in the black market, to the point where I know the original users and their inherent names. If sold in bulk, perhaps it could even establish a small kingdom?”
“Did that guy Gafelt have all this on him?”
“Yes, but… well…”
Unwittingly repeating the query caused Ruby to flash a sinister grin.
“That’s just how Gafelt is.”
Gafelt, known as the Golden Merchant, deceived people with kindness but indulged solely in his own pleasures—a typical Black Curtain merchant.
‘Indeed, from reviewing the original work, Gafelt survived all the way up to episode 12 out of 15.’
Since the loot from <Hero Party> was acquired before the prologue even ended, it was naturally shocking.
This was akin to a newbie at the start of a game suddenly obtaining ultimate level gear but since the other side had forced the possession transfer…
‘Good luck Operator, you bastard. You handle the balance patch as you please.’
Nevertheless, upon hearing “super recovery,” I immediately thought of a good use, extending my hand toward Ruby.
Thus, Ruby naturally placed her chin in my outstretched palm.
“…?”
“…?”
I gently brushed away her squishy cheek and issued another command to Ruby.
“Hand over the Artifacts. All of them.”
“Eh? Ah, yes, Leader! Let, let me explain them one by one…”
Ruby, whose face flushed as red as her eyes, quickly started her explanation.
“Th, this…”
Of the spoils obtained from wiping out Gafelt’s gang, there were three particularly useful items:
Superlative grade – Ring of Iaso (SS+)
Mythical grade – Ring of Volcanus (A+)
Mythical grade – Necklace of the Demon Slayer (A+)
From top to bottom, they respectively possessed the abilities of <Super Recovery>, <Magic Disruption>, and <Aura Absorption>. However, the one I needed most was the <Super Recovery> ability of the Ring of Iaso.
‘The others are quite useful too, but first things first.’
After privately selecting the ring I would use and whispering to Ruby, she nodded and handed over the Ring of Volcanus and the Necklace of the Demon Slayer.
And finally,
The Ring of Iaso.
“Give it here, you brat.”
“Kyyyyaa!!”
“Hah? So desperate to live? Okay then, I’ll turn you into a doll first, so hand over that ring.”
“Kyyeek!!”
Crunch!
“A-Alright! Here you go, Leader!”
“Uh, uh, thank you… mm…”
Ruby, having detached herself from Gafelt’s remnants, wiped off the blood and flesh before personally placing the ring on my hand.
【Superlative Artifact – <Ring of Iaso(SS+)> has been activated.】
【<"Remember, no pain can ever destroy you.">】
As a gentle voice resonated, the ability of the <Ring of Iaso> flowed into me.
“Immortal recovery.”
Simple and clear,
Yet absolutely effective.
The same applied to the rest of the gear.
【Legendary Artifact – <Ring of Volcanus(A+)> has been activated.】
【<"Magic is but molten iron; it breaks upon genuine collision.">】
A firm voice,
The Ring of Volcanus,
【Legendary Artifact – <Necklace of the Demon Slayer(A+)> has been activated for <Nahan>.】
【<"Covet, and it shall be mine.">】
A voice of nightmarish madness barely restrained, more intense than Ruby’s.
‘With this, even I who have only scratched the surface of the <Black Curtain Chapter 1> can become somewhat stronger.’
Just as I was getting a rough understanding of how to use them, a familiar voice called out.
“I apologize for being late, Leader.”
“…Sorry, Leader.”
It was Deputy Leader Laktea and No.4 Luna.
As I had mentioned earlier, since we had no intention of revealing the true identity of <Black Wolf> anytime soon, I issued a brief command to Ruby.
“Carry out your directive.”
The Ruby Red, who had been taken hostage by the Black Wolf, was discarded in the black market, battered and bloodied.
“Yes, Leader.”
As soon as Ruby disappeared, Laktea and Luna approached.
In particular,
“I-I’m sorry, Leader!”
“…Hm?”
“I’m sorry, Leader! I… Han, I’m sorry I asked him to do errands…”
Click.
Luna, having removed her mask, trembled with emerald-colored eyes.
“It’s my fault. I’ll resolve it alone, but please release <Restriction> as favor, or… please give me this chance, Leader.”
Click.
The small, scar-laden hands clutched the tattered robe pitifully.
Laktea explained that Luna had sent Hanlyang to buy us ingredients for food, but upon meeting the Emperor, everything went awry.
Since it was her fault that Hanlyang might be captured or killed, bringing risks to the <Black Wolf>, it seemed she intended to take sole responsibility.
However,
‘If it’s a member of <Black Wolf> who made a mistake, minor missteps go unnoticed without a word.’
Given the information already programmed into my mind,
“We’ll rescue Hanlyang.”
“But, Leader!?”
“That’s enough.”
Sswoosh, sswosh.
I patted and comforted the trembling head as I turned around.
“We’re leaving.”
“Eh?”
Was it just me, or…
“…Thank you, Leader.”
It seemed her red face was visible even behind the mask, but we were in a hurry.
“Take the lead, Luna.”
“R-right! Leader!”
With that, we headed directly to the battlefield.
Thus it was that we returned to the present moment.
“Luna.”
“Yes, sister.”
Swish.
Slipping into the fight between Emperor and Hanlyang through Luna’s emerald green barrier, I fingered the Ring of Iaso and waited for the right moment.
Unlike the fully prepared S+ grade Emperor, Hanlyang, constrained by <Black Wolf> restrictions and weaponless, was at best an A+ grade.
“Sorry… Leader.”
Hanlyang’s defeat was as expected.
“Release the barrier, Luna.”
“Yeah, Leader.”
Simultaneously, we revealed ourselves, locking gazes with the Emperor and his knights.
“Wh-Who are you!!”
“Shut up. For now, only I will speak. If the White Sword Demon or Persona opens their mouths, they die.”
“Yes, Leader.”
“Understood, Leader.”
The ominous aura from Vice-Leader Laktea and the eerie mana from Luna instantly took control of the atmosphere, as I casually dispersed the fleshy puppets.
Thump, thump, thump,
Koooom!!
Rubi’s <Fleshy Puppets>, each possessing A-grade physical abilities, completely surrounded the Emperor and over a dozen knights.
Suddenly appearing in the battle, the horrifying strangers and grotesque fleshy puppets.
Ordinary people would have already been trembling and screaming in terror.
【<Black Curtain> activation failed.】
【Reason: There are those who do not feel <Fear> towards <you>.】
Indeed, worthy of the Emperor of the empire and his royal guards, they only recoiled but didn’t panic.
“…Ruby… Is it you?”
I approached the suddenly lifting Hanlyang and grabbed him by the neck.
“Ultimately, you disappoint me.”
“A… Da, Leader…”
“Thus, this is your punishment.”
Simultaneously, the Necklace of the Demon Slayer activated.
【<Greed> – Steals the strength of the target <Hanlyang(S)> for 5 seconds.】
With that, I drained away Hanlyang’s immense strength and tightened my grip.
Kraaak!
It felt like breaking a soaked log with bare hands. The horrifying sensation, yet the kill was easier than expected.
“H-He crushed a monster with one hand?”
“That’s impossible… Take a closer look!”
“Definitely dead.”
It was only upon confirming this that fear gripped the Emperor and knights, as the system window appeared again.
【Detected fear from target(s).】
【<Black Curtain(Ex)> has been activated.】
Since the failed skill had triggered, I slowly took out the Ring of Iaso and placed it on Hanlyang’s thick finger.
Kraak!
After confirming the healing of the crushed neck and the return of breath, I took back the ring, put it on myself, and turned to Luna.
“Persona. Take them back.”
“Understood, Leader.”
Preparing to retreat while looking at those frozen stiff with terror, who couldn’t even move,
─『Sub Quest activated!』─
◆ For the Worst Case Scenario.
: Scratch the itch of Emperor <Reina Babylonia(S+)>!
◆ Completion Conditions.
1. Mention <Black Wolf>.
2. Receive a Supreme Warrant.
3. Kill Royal Knights. (0/3)
◆ Reward.
: <Laktea Babylonia(S+)>‘s love.
◆ Failure & Rejection.
: Death of <Laktea Babylonia(S+)>.
Once again, the side quest popped up. Strangely, this time it wasn’t my life at stake,
“Leader. What do you intend to do?”
Deputy Leader,
Laktea’s life was now at stake in this quest.
Tap, tap tap.
Following the habits of Black Wolf’s naturally, I tapped my thigh.
I was shaking so badly I wanted to run, but now they wanted me to scratch the Emperor’s itch?
If,
-Your Majesty, scratch?
-…?
-Scritch scritch? Hey, it tickles!
-…Fear and nonsense aside, I’ll kill you right now!
-Huh.
If such a situation unfolded, how would I stop S+ grade monsters?
‘Besides, the completion conditions are strict.’
One, I must reveal that I am Black Wolf,
Two, I must receive the Supreme Warrant,
Three, out of the A+ grade elite-like royal guards, I must kill three.
‘Damn operator.’
I mocked and taunted the one who was supposed to patch balance, but they immediately applied a hard mode patch.
“Leader. What do you intend to do?”
“….That’s what I’m saying.”
All of them froze in place, waiting only for my next move.
Honestly, it was a bit stressful, but as dawn slowly approached, it urged me on.
‘Let’s see, what sort of information could irritate the Emperor…’
Being fully familiar with both the original content of “Babylonia” and the “Setting Notes,” after careful consideration, I arose from my seat and approached the Emperor.
“Pro-protect the Emperor! Your Majesty!!”
“Uk…!! My, my legs won’t move…!!”
“Ah, don’t come! Don’t come!!”
Oddly, the knights were more noisy than the Emperor who stood at the front, making it a perfect chance to subtly convey my words to the Emperor.
“You there, what’s your name?”
Perfectly on cue, a terrified Emperor looked down at me with glaring eyes,
“Black Wolf.”
【Condition achieved!】
【Condition 1. Mention of <Black Wolf> successfully achieved!】
Thus, completing the first condition, I bowed to the Emperor and whispered.
“Reina. If your father saw you like this, I imagine he’d be so angry that he’d rise from his coffin.”
“…”
My apologies for rudeness at our first meeting.
‘But it couldn’t be helped.’
The only complexes depicted about the Emperor in the novel were related to <family>.
Having lost his father the Emperor due to aristocratic intrigue, and his sole surviving sister on the battlefield, this was certainly the most effective method.
Sure enough,
“Black Wolf, you said?”
Grinding, gnashing,
Teeth gritted like they might shatter as the Emperor rose with bloodshot eyes, defiant against her fear.
“Say it again.”
“If your father saw you this way, he would rise from his coffin in anger.”
“…Well then.”
Reina nodded once and quietly declared.
“If my head is cut off, I won’t be able to speak, will I?”
“…”
“Knights of the proud Solar Empire, listen. From this moment on, this one, <Black Wolf>, is the enemy of Babylonia and its allied nations.”
As soon as she declared this, a clear antagonism filled the eyes of the knights.
【Condition achieved!】
【Condition 2. Successfully received the <Supreme Warrant Gift>!】
With that, the Emperor who proclaimed the supreme warrant finally drew her sword and pointed it at me.
“Insulting the late Emperor not once but twice! I’ll cut off your head immediately.”
Though a greater fear overwhelmed me when Ruby doubted me, the injustice gnawed at me,
“….? Only once.”
Didn’t I only insult him once?
At that, the Emperor wrinkled her face and slowly took heavy steps.
“The first time, and then you were asked to say it again and did so. Exactly twice.”
【<Reina Babylonia(S+)> advances, infused with <Terror(Ex)>.】
“So, I’ll kill you twice, Black Wolf.”
Hold on a moment.
‘Wasn’t that your doing? Asking me to repeat it?’
Just as the sense of injustice surged and I prepared to utter a complaint,
Scratch.
An eerie slicing sound pierced my ears.
“…”
A strike that would be nearly impossible to react to with human senses.
Being saved by someone I didn’t know, I found myself frozen dumbfoundedly when a soft soprano voice consoled me.
“I’ll cut off this persistent ill-fated tie myself.”
However, not only had I heard that voice; another person recognized the source of the familiar voice, lowering their sword to softly inquire.
“…Sister?”
And in the next moment,
“It’s been a while, Reina.”
You’re still as stupid as ever?
◆◆◆
[<Black Wolf Mercenary Group>]
-Nickname: Incompetent Mercenary Group ( Provisional), Garbage Collection Site (Provisional), Mercenary Kindergarten (Provisional)
-Rank: D (Provisional)
-Members
◆Leader: <Nahan - Black Wolf>
◆Vice-Leader: <Laktea Babylonia (New!) - White Sword Demon>
