My Disciples Think I’m Strong – Chapter 92

The Secret Underground Space of the Imperial Palace.

Mana lamps illuminated the paths and spaces, but due to the weak power of mana, shadows loomed in various places, creating a chilling and terrifying atmosphere.

And there, a man fully clad in black garments took firm steps forward.

Thud, thud.

With each step his shoes made contact with the cold ground, echoes resonated down the corridor.

The members of the Black Light Corps paused their weapon maintenance and stood up upon hearing the footsteps. They recognized that the leader had arrived just by the sound of the steps.

“Is everyone here?”

“Welcome, Commander.”

The man called Commander was Manes.

In the past, he was known as the ‘Evil Spirit’, a figure who beheaded those who dared to rebel against the Crown Prince from the shadows.

For the record, most of those beheaded were from other races.

By brutally executing several as a warning in the village, he had no hesitation in slaughter, to the point where his cruelty and infamy left people in shock.

“We have a mission.”

At the mention of a mission, the members of the Black Light Corps lit up with excitement.

It had been a long time since their last mission, and they all exchanged eager glances.

Given that they were part of a secret team unknown to others, outside activities were typically non-existent aside from simple equipment shopping or purchasing ingredients.

“We are to retrieve Princess Seri, who has been kidnapped. The estimated location is Aus Territory. While the Crown Prince suspects Duke Tori is in possession of her, the kidnapper is Praus. He might also have her.”

At the mention of Praus, the members flinched. It was an unexpected name.

Currently, there was no one in the Empire who didn’t know of Praus, especially in this age where information spread rapidly from the outskirts.

This was mainly due to him having defeated an S-Class Adventurer, but the core reason was his conquest of the Black Dragon.

While the outcome of the battle with the S-Class was largely shrouded, the Black Dragon’s subjugation was officially documented by the Imperial Family, making it impossible not to remember his name.

“Therefore, if a fight breaks out while bringing back Princess Seri, one of us will definitely die.”

Uneasy murmurs floated among the members.

“P-Praus? What’s his connection to Princess Seri that led to her kidnapping?”

“… When did we start to care about such trifles? Are you afraid of death?”

Manes stood in front of the member who questioned him. The member gulped and bowed his head.

“I apologize. That was a slip of the tongue.”

“We owe our lives to the Crown Prince. We have already died once. Therefore, this remaining life belongs to the Crown Prince. Understood?”

“Yes.”

“If you speak out again, I’ll cut out that tongue of yours. Think carefully before you speak.”

“Yes!”

With Manes’ threat, the member bowed his head even more. Disdainfully, he glanced towards the darkest corner of the space.

“Sirius, you’re joining this time too.”

“Uh… Is it about killing someone?”

A languid voice emerged from the darkness.

A man stepped out, his hair as black as the darkness itself, appearing to meld with the shadows. His dull red eyes, devoid of life, and sluggish movements were nowhere near fitting the atmosphere of the Black Light Corps.

However, Manes knew better than anyone how different he became when it was time for a mission.

That was because he was once recognized as an S-Class Adventurer.

“Whether or not I kill depends on how they react.”

“… Fine. Anyway, I’m willing to do anything as long as it’s an order from the Crown Prince.”

“Good. Then I will immediately issue the mission—”

“Are you the head of the Black Light Corps?”

“…!”

Taken by surprise by the sudden unfamiliar female voice, Manes reached for the dagger at his waist.

Thud.

A person collapsed to the ground lifelessly.

The others realized the downed figure was one of the Black Light Corps members guarding the entrance and drew their swords.

Shing! Shing!

The sound of weapons being unsheathed rang out in succession, all of them ready to charge at the woman.

“I told you to come in nicely, sis.”

As a male voice followed, the tension among the Black Light Corps members escalated further.

Standing boldly in the darkness were a pair of striking white-haired siblings.

“If you don’t get out of the way, you’re quite rude.”

“Rude is your face.”

“Shall we step outside and settle this?”

“I think I’ll stay out late today.”

Even as a suffocating killing intent filled the air, the two remained carefree in their banter.

“But seriously, His Majesty the Emperor is overdoing it. Sending a squad for demon subjugation in the Aioum Kingdom and then immediately making us run errands, what’s up with that?”

“Sis, don’t say that in front of His Majesty. You might get executed.”

“… Then I guess I’ll just have to accept it. Just support me. You’re such a clueless little brother. No wonder you still don’t have a girlfriend.”

“Shut it. You’re past the age of marriage; why aren’t you seeing any men?”

“What? Are you picking a fight? Want to die?”

Watching the beautiful siblings argue, Manes finally spoke up.

“What are you two doing here?”

“Oh, right. We were talking with you guys.”

The woman’s belated realization caused Manes’ eyebrows to twitch. Wrinkles began to form on his face.

“Calm down. We’re not here to fight. Besides, we also operate from the shadows. Have you heard of the White Light Corps?”

“Of course not, you idiot. I always kill anyone who introduces themselves.”

“Calling me an idiot? You have such a pretty way with words, sis.”

“I told you this way of entering would be misinterpreted.”

“Well, how else was I supposed to get in when this jerk wouldn’t let me through?”

Manes unleashed his killing intent at full power, pressuring the two. Only then did the siblings fall silent.

“I asked who you are.”

“We are the direct sub-command of His Majesty the Emperor, the White Light Corps leader and vice-leader. Oh, by the way, I’m the leader! I’m stronger than this guy.”

The white-haired woman pointed at the white-haired man.

“That’s funny. Want to throw down today?”

“Sure, let’s fight for the blanket.”

Manes frowned as he watched the two bicker, murmuring under his breath.

“White Light Corps… huh.”

The White Light Corps.

Established by Emperor Lupin, this direct escort unit operated in the shadows just like the Black Light Corps.

The cool-headed siblings, Soro and Ter, formed the center of this group which could be seen as a superior version of the Black Light Corps.

In fact, the Black Light Corps had been created by the Crown Prince to compete with the White Light Corps, so the definitions themselves weren’t wrong.

This sister and brother duo earned the title of S-Class Adventurers in their teens, gaining fame before abandoning it to work under the Emperor in the shadows.

The reason was straightforward; working for the Emperor was a more stable and lucrative job than handling requests.

“So… how did you know about this place?”

“There’s no way His Majesty wouldn’t know. If there’s something he doesn’t know, we’ll find it and hand it over.”

“… Leave immediately.”

“Actually, we came to deliver a message. If you would just listen for a moment—”

Whoosh!

Soro’s dagger shot towards her face, but it never made contact as she skillfully dodged by moving her head aside.

“Impressive. Quite sharp. But we’re not here to fight.”

Ignoring her words, Manes swung his dagger.

“A rigid man is so unattractive.”

Soro’s eyes sharpened as she sighed.

“Did you start it first?”

She grabbed his arm aimed at her and pushed Manes’ elbow in the opposite direction.

Crack!

“Ugh?!”

His forearm bent helplessly outward. The elbow joint shattered and hung limply.

“Commander!!”

“You bastard!”

Seeing the members about to intervene, Ter sighed.

“—Repulsion.”

As Ter extended his hand, the members rushing toward Soro collided with an invisible wall and tumbled to the ground. And it didn’t stop there; they were pushed further back.

“Ah, sis… didn’t Your Majesty say not to fight? What excuse will you make this time?”

“… Right. Sorry, but—”

Boom!

In a moment of distraction, Manes wielded his dagger fully towards Soro’s neck.

“Die!”

“Ha, I’m not here to fight. You just can’t help it.”

Soro raised her index and middle fingers, aiming for Manes’ face.

But just as her fingers were about to touch his face, they froze just in front of him.

Neither he had blocked it nor had Soro stopped, as someone else intervened.

“Stop.”

Sirius, watching from the back, accurately perceived the range of the repulsion and slipped between them, grabbing Soro’s wrist.

“… Hey, you’re pretty good.”

“I don’t like killing people much. I’ve reflected on my actions in prison.”

“What are you saying? You’re a criminal?”

“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t call me that. I’m no criminal.”

Crunch.

As he tightened his grip, a crack appeared in Soro’s arm. Grimacing at the sharp pain, she shouted.

“Let go!”

Soro hit Sirius’ wrist, trying to free her arm.

Whack!

Seeing her arm fly helplessly, Sirius felt a jolt.

He clenched his fist a few times, then swung it at Soro.

Thwack!

However, Ter casually blocked the attack with his palm, as if it were natural.

“That’s enough. We’re not here to fight; we’ve come bearing a message from His Majesty the Emperor. Even if it’s the Crown Prince, His Majesty’s orders are absolute. Listen.”

“… For what reason?”

Manes, holding his broken arm, glared at Ter.

“His Majesty is warning you not to use the Black Light Corps to provoke Praus. Therefore, the mission you speak of is canceled.”

“… I’ll have to ask the Crown Prince about that.”

Ter shrugged in response to Manes’ words.

“You can handle that yourself. Our orders stop here, so we’ll take our leave. The downed member merely got a bump, so he should be fine. Treat him well.”

Ter gestured towards the fallen Black Light Corps member.

“Oh, and. If you lay a hand on my sister… I mean, the commander next time, I won’t forgive you. Be prepared for your organization to crumble.”

Ter forcibly dragged Soro along, who glared at Sirius until the last moment, then turned her head away. She then mumbled at Ter.

“Stop trying to act cool.”

“Shut it, sis.”

They exited the Black Light Corps hideout together, still bickering.

“… Hurting the body my parents gave me. I’ll definitely kill you someday.”

Watching the siblings’ retreating figures, Sirius rubbed his arm, which had been hit by Soro.

—

With the White Light Corps’ involvement, Praus avoided conflict with the Black Light Corps, pondering the Imperial Family that exerted no pressure on him, while creating an environment where Princess Seri could focus on her studies.

Furthermore, Praus ordered adventurers to continue hunting demons along the border.

This was to obtain Tina’s ultimate weapon located in Todiah Territory and to prepare for the Ice Spirits needed to meet the Water Spirit King.

As time flowed on, two months passed since Princess Seri had been living at the Aus Duke’s Residence.