The mansion of Baron—the Living Blade—loomed over the city of Gallery like a crown of iron and gold. It wasn't just a private residence; it served as the city's central government building, where decisions were made that could shake the balance of power in the First Realm.
Seated on his ornate throne, Baron rested his chin on his fist, golden eyes reflecting the faint glimmer of the overhead crystal lights. Before him stood two of his most trusted officers:
Clamp—the volatile enforcer, and Omatsuri—the silent blade.
"Heh... heh heh heh. Those damn Bloodminers vanished again, huh?" Baron's tone was mocking, but his eyes were sharp.
[Aenocyon Guild Third Division Commander, Baron of the All Stars. Also, Mayor of Gallery City]
"Neither Satgas nor Lagos has returned to their quarters since your departure to Aram," Clamp replied flatly.
Baron groaned, letting his head fall back lazily.
"This is what happens when you work with walking corpses."
He stared at the ceiling—intricately carved and gleaming in the candlelight.
"Boss... those Bloodminers—who are they really? And why do they want to throw the Empire into chaos?" Clamp asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I've never felt comfortable around them," Omatsuri added. "Calling them the undead isn't exaggeration. They feel like ghosts."
Baron remained silent for a moment, then finally stirred.
"Who knows? Our boss brought them in from knowhere. He's the one pulling their strings."
He leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees.
"And now the bastard dumped Bloodminer surveillance on me. What am I, their father?"
Frustration laced every word.
"If we let them run unchecked, it's only a matter of time before trouble reaches Gallery," Omatsuri warned.
"What kind of trouble?" Clamp snorted, clearly unimpressed.
"The Empire's after them. If the authorities find out we're connected—"
"So you're scared, huh?" Clamp cut him off.
"That's not it."
"Admit it."
CRACK.
A wine bottle smashed against the floor.
Baron stood abruptly, silencing both men.
He walked slowly toward the locked window, undid the latch, and flung it open. A gust of cold wind surged in, cutting through the stifling heat.
He gazed out at the cloudy sky, heavy with unfallen rain.
Neither Clamp nor Omatsuri spoke. They simply watched their commander in silence.
At last, Baron turned.
"The Guild HQ warned us to stay alert. A war with rival guilds is on the sight. But you both know I'm not interested in that."
"Of course, my Lord."
"Of course, my Lord."
---
At the same time, far north of the Imperial Capital…
"Hands up! Now!"
Imperial soldiers had surrounded Canis, Easton, and Aron. Their mana rifles were raised, fingers tense on triggers.
"What's going on?" Aron asked, startled.
"You guys from Guntur's command?" Easton snapped.
Canis remained motionless.
Fighting back meant complications. Time was already slipping away.
He slowly raised his hands.
Aron blinked, stunned. Master… surrendered?
Easton followed suit.
"Just go with it," he whispered. "Trust Canis' instinct."
Aron hesitated—then obeyed.
The three of them were taken into custody.
---
Meanwhile, in the Imperial Capital…
Shina Mariposa sat in the reception hall of the Imperial Guild Department. She looked out the tall windows, calm and unreadable.
A door opened.
"Apologies for the wait, Captain Shina."
"Don't worry about it, Deputy Etos."
[Imperial Guild Department Deputy Director, Etos]
Shina rose and offered her hand. Etos shook it firmly.
"What can I help you with, Captain?"
"I need information," she said. "About a certain man."
---
Back in Gallery, inside Baron's mansion…
Baron stood before his balcony, now fully robed in his ceremonial cloak. Yellow smoke—arcane and unnatural—poured from his body, like a wildfire wrapped around his form.
"My goal is simple. Black Death. I don't care what this guild does. Until my lifetime's mission is complete, I won't sleep easy."
Clamp and Omatsuri followed him onto the balcony.
Baron hovered upward, feet lifting off the ground.
"The city's yours while I'm gone. I'm going to have some fun."
With a wide, wolfish grin—he shot into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.
Baron didn't care about wars or politics. Only about Black Death.
And that would prove to be his greatest mistake.
Unbeknownst to him—and to Canis— the next few days would trigger something far greater than they could imagine.
{Chapter 60 End}
{Volume 1 End}