Soaring through the darkness.
There are five Night Crow bases in the royal capital. Among them, the one responsible for carrying out the order to assassinate me is located in the residential district in the northern part of the capital.
Night Crow is an underground guild operating throughout the Ordrette Kingdom. Established about 30 years ago as a criminal organization, its founder passed away four years ago. Since then, it has been run by a council of three major executives.
One of them, Boronbo, is the individual who accepted the assassination request targeting me. I'm heading to meet him now. Target Search confirms Boronbo's presence, just as the assassins indicated. He's at the northern base.
The base is in a four-story apartment building. Similar apartments and ordinary houses surround it, making it look like a typical residential area. However, this building stands out with four guards at the main entrance and three at the back.
You’d think such shady characters loitering around would draw complaints, but that's not a concern here. The neighborhood head is in cahoots with Night Crow. Handsomely bribed, he assists them and is practically one of their own.
“Pal, can you enter from the back?”
“With you, there shouldn't be an issue, Master. Please take care.”
“Thanks.”
Landing on the apartment rooftop, I set Pal down gently from my princess carry. A waft of rose fragrance tickled my nose—she must still be using the soap I made. It’s a small but gratifying thought.
“Well then, I’m off.”
“Leave it to me.”
Pal descended toward the back entrance with a graceful leap. Despite the considerable height of four stories, it posed no challenge for her. She landed lightly right before the three guards, startling them with her sudden appearance.
Dumbfounded by the sight of a voluptuous maid, the guards froze for a moment. Pal took advantage of this lapse, swiftly incapacitating them without a word.
“Alright, my turn.”
I descended at the front, using Fly to glide down softly—unlike Pal’s more dramatic landing.
“Who goes there?!”
The guards noticed me immediately. While Pal avoided detection, I wasn’t so stealthy. This highlights the gap between us—I still have a lot to learn.
“I’m Sai. No need to remember the name; we won’t meet again.”
“You bastard!”
One guard charged at me with his sword drawn. The other three quickly followed suit.
Impressive coordination. These men could have thrived as adventurers if they chose an honest path.
Dodging the first swing, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a nondescript gray stone.
“Absorb.”
The four collapsed to their knees.
“W-what… is this…?”
Their faces rapidly aged and withered as they fell unconscious. The Sage Stone had drained their vitality.
They weren’t dead—just on the brink of it. Now, they were like frail elders at death’s door, with mere days left to live.
This is the legendary Sage Stone, often spoken of in fairy tales. Its existence is widely known, yet no one has claimed to possess it. Until me.
“Spend your final days reflecting on your misdeeds.”
The Sage Stone siphons life force, the reason no one else has been able to replicate it.
The front door was locked. Beyond it, several hostiles lurked. Target Search revealed their positions clearly. The spell is incredibly useful but relying on it too much can dull my instincts. A quick mental note to myself: stay vigilant.
Kicking down the door, I activated the Sage Stone.
Eight enemies dropped instantly, and three more barely managed to resist. However, within seconds, their vitality was drained, leaving them debilitated and frail.
Though not dead, they were no better than centenarians in their final days.
If word spread that I created the Sage Stone, I’d undoubtedly receive offers to join the court as a royal mage. But I’d decline. Even so, the stone’s creation would make my name famous not only in the kingdom but across the continent. That’s how extraordinary this artifact is.
The Sage Stone is a miracle that promises eternal youth and immortality. It extends the lifespan of short-lived races like humans. Elves may live over a thousand years, but we humans rarely make it to a century. Extending that by even ten years would be miraculous for us.
Still, the stone's efficiency isn’t perfect. It requires immense life force, and its effect on lifespan isn’t directly proportional. Moreover, using it to heal injuries diminishes the years it can add.
My left hand, which holds the stone, is gloved. The glove has a special magic circle engraved to control the stone. Without it, I’d risk having my own life force drained. Handling the Sage Stone requires precision.
As Pal entered from the back, we exchanged a brief glance. Without a word, she headed upstairs.
“Pal’s got the upper floors. I’ll take the basement.”
This building hides an entrance to an underground room. Without Target Search’s 3D map, I might have missed it or taken ages to find.
Opening the concealed door revealed a spear thrust toward me. I caught it with my right hand and yanked, pulling the wielder into view.
“Who the hell are you?!”
“Who am I? Heh, your assassination target.”
“Wha—?!”
His surprise was momentary; he quickly composed himself.
“What nonsense…”
“Would I barge in without proof?”
“Tch.”
His twisted expression spoke volumes. Did he really think I wouldn’t retaliate? Naïve. Sickeningly so.
The man drew his sword and attacked. His technique was sharp, unmistakably that of a trained swordsman.
“I’ve seen this before. You’re a former knight, aren’t you?”
“...”
Disgraced knights turning rogue isn’t uncommon. Still, a knight becoming a bodyguard for an underground guild? Unacceptable.