Chapter 25

Chapter 25: The Dark Organization

The masked man who identified himself as a member of the dark organization, Black Cat, looked down with contempt at the groaning gangsters lying on the ground.

"These men there deceived others by claiming that the Black Cat was behind them, engaging in wrongful acts. I was waiting for an opportunity to punish them. However, it seems that you saw through their deception."

"Oh, I see."

Shu responded without letting down his guard. The man claimed to be part of the underworld, so it was unthinkable to lower one's guard. Moreover, the existence of a dark organization was something that should be kept as secret as possible. Shu was convinced that there must be a reason behind the man's revelation.

Perhaps sensing Shu's wariness, the masked man raised both hands, signaling that he would not do anything.

"Please don't look at me like that. There is a reason why I revealed my identity."

"A reason, huh..."

"Yes, in fact, I wanted to recruit you into the Black Cat."

"Me?"

"Yes."

Upon hearing this, Shu became even more cautious. Even though it was a secret organization, being recruited so easily felt suspicious. Iris, in Shu's arms, also directed a wary gaze.

Seeing their reactions, the masked man became slightly flustered.

"Please calm down. I was impressed by how efficiently you defeated those gangsters earlier and how you saw through my disguise."

"Oh? Didn't you think that we would catch you and hand you over to the authority?"

"At that time, it was what it was, so I'll let you go. However, you emit a distinct aura that is not characteristic of ordinary people. I don't believe that someone like you would do something straightforward," he said.

"..."

It was true that Shu was not an ordinary person. While he was not someone who lived in the underworld, it was a fact that he had his guilty moments. The man seemed to have sensed that particular atmosphere about Shu. He had an extraordinary power of observation.

"We, the Black Cat, handle various jobs such as babysitting, transportation, smuggling, bodyguarding, assassination... We will introduce you to a suitable job. It's a good place for people who can't live in the open to earn money."

Upon hearing that, Shu's emotions wavered slightly.

Currently unemployed and without any income, he was glad to have a job opportunity. Besides, both he and Iris were being chased by the Church, so they hadn't even considered finding a regular job. It was a little regrettable to let this opportunity slip away.

"What will you do, Iris? I think it's worth a shot."

"But it's a crime, you know?"

"It's too late for that now. I've destroyed entire city, killing tens of thousands of people."

"That's true."

Shu and Iris discussed in hushed voices, their arms intertwined. The man before them seemed to be inviting Shu to join the Black Cat organization. In other words, Iris was irrelevant to the matter.

"In a way, it's a chance. I'll hear what they have to say."

"I understand. I'll stick with you, Shu-san."

"...I'm sorry."

Originally, it was Shu's fault that Iris was also recognized as a witch. There was some resistance to involving her in the underworld.

However, it was precisely because of that reason that Shu firmly made up his mind and responded.

"Alright. Let me join the Black Cat."

"An immediate decision. Impressive judgment."

The masked man smirked and promptly informed Shu.

"Then, eliminate the thugs behind you."

"Got it."

As instructed, Shu used "Death's Touch." The three thugs, whose life force was drained away, lost their strength and groaned.

Even the man seemed surprised by this sight.

He stood dumbfounded.

"What's wrong? I took care of them. Lead me to the Black Cat quickly. You were planning to take me along anyway, right?"

"Uh, yes..."

The masked man realized that he may have brought in an unexpectedly extraordinary person. However, it was too late for regrets. He exorcised his fears by thinking positively that he had recruited a valuable member.

"Over here. Please follow me."

"Let's go, Iris."

"Yes, sir."

And the three of them left the scene.

All that remained were the stench of filth and the corpses of the three men.

◆◆◆

Shu and Iris were unexpectedly led to a tavern on the main street. The masked man confidently entered through the door and greeted the master.

"Hey, is the back room available? I'll have the new grape wine."

"...The usual room is vacant. Feel free to use it."

"Thanks, Master."

As the masked man headed towards the back, Shu and Iris followed suit. At that moment, Shu briefly glanced at the tavern's master.

The shaved head showed signs of injury, evoking a sense of pain. Seeing the hawk-like gaze, it was apparent that this master was involved in various shady dealings as well. In other words, the Black Cat and this tavern were connected. That's what Shu thought.

(However, it's surprising that it's on the main street. No, maybe that's why it became an oversight.)

The tavern itself was operating normally, and there seemed to be many regular customers. Perhaps by using certain codewords with the master, they would reveal their Black Cat affiliation.

Passing through the dimly lit passage of the tavern, Shu and Iris were guided further inside.

The room they arrived at was a fairly spacious private room, with only one lamp lit inside. It seemed to be soundproof, as the walls appeared thick.

"Please have a seat wherever you like."

"Understood."

Shu sat on a nearby chair, and Iris took a seat next to him.

The masked man sat across from them, separated by a desk, and began to speak.

"Well then, without further ado, there is an examination to become an official Black Cat."

"An examination?"

"Yes, it's a request to assess your abilities. Specifically, we want you to assassinate a certain politician who resides in this city."

"Assassination right off the bat?"

In response to Shu's furrowed brows, the masked man replied with a smile.

"Oh no, your performance in dealing with those punks earlier was remarkable. It seems like a perfect fit, doesn't it?"

"I won't deny that."

Indeed, Shu was the King of the Underworld. With death magic, he could easily kill living beings, and by becoming a specter, he could infiltrate anywhere. It was undoubtedly an ability suited for assassination.

"If I kill that politician, will that be enough?"

"Yes. Additionally, it would be preferable if you could steal a gold coin he possesses."

"A gold coin?"

"Yes, it's not used as currency, but rather as a decorative item. Well, currency is only used in the empire and its vassal states. Around here, paper money is more common. Ah, the gold coin has a cat with a staff engraved on the front, and a skull and knife on the back."

"Can we do without that if necessary?"

"Yes, to be honest, we have overlapping requests for both assassination and theft. While the theft is also important, the assassination failed once before, so we need to handle it quickly, or the client will be angry."

Believing the words of the masked man who wore a wry smile, it seemed that the politician Shu was supposed to assassinate had already survived an assassination attempt by a Black Cat. In other words, he was highly cautious.

It was quite a difficult task.

To turn that into an examination with just a wry smile, the masked man must be a wicked person as well.

"Well, fine. If I have the opportunity, I'll look for the gold coin as well."

"Yes, please. If you bring back the gold coin, it will improve your treatment after joining."

"Oh, I see."

Upon hearing that, Shu's interest was piqued.

He thought he might give it a try without pushing himself too hard.

"I think the wine will be brought soon. Let's explain the assassination request while enjoying a drink. Since this is also part of the examination, we'll also provide some preparation money."

"Sure, I'm counting on you. Also, there's Iris here who's listening to this conversation..."

"Yes?"

Shu turned his gaze to Iris, who was sitting next to him, then returned his gaze to the masked man and continued speaking.

"She's my partner. For convenience, treat her as my subordinate."

"That's not a problem. However, if she leaks any information about the Black Cat, it's a different story."

"That's fine, right, Iris?"

"Um, yes, of course."

Iris responded with confusion, but still replied.

Then, the door was knocked and the bar master brought grape wine.

"This is the ordered wine."

"Thank you, Master."

"...Are these newcomers?"

"Yes, they are temporary members for now."

The bar master examined Shu and Iris with his gaze. After looking at them for a while, he placed the wine he brought on the table and prepared to leave the room.

And as he was leaving, he uttered a single word to the masked man.

"Don't play around too much, 'Takame'."

"Of course. It's not playing. It's a manifestation of expectations."

"I wonder."

Having such a conversation, the bar master left the room.

Shu waited for the door to close and asked the man.

"What does 'Takame' mean?"

"It's like my code name. You two should also call me 'Takame'."

"A code name, huh..."

If it's about a dark organization, it would make sense.

This man, called 'Takame,' likely excels in observation-related work based on his code name. In other words, he specializes in intelligence gathering, such as espionage and investigations. Alternatively, one could interpret it as hunting prey, suggesting that assassination is his main job.

"Well, receiving a code name like mine is only given to high-ranking individuals. You don't have to worry about it too much. If you complete the missions, you'll naturally receive one too."

"Is that so..."

Shu couldn't help but be a little fascinated by such things.

However, he didn't show that inner feeling on his face and asked 'Takame' a question.

"Wine has arrived as well. Can you tell us about the assassination request?"

"Well, then. Let's get into the job discussion right away."

'Takame' poured grape wine into the glass and placed it in front of Shu, Iris, and himself. After taking a sip of the wine in his glass, he began to speak.

"First of all, I can't disclose the client through me. If you want to know, you'll have to investigate on your own. Alternatively, if you pay more than the confidentiality fee, I can tell you."

"It's fine."

"Is that so?"

Since they don't have money at the moment, they ignored such matters.

However, from the exchange just now, Shu could anticipate that 'Takame' was an expert in handling information.

"Now, let's talk about the target. This time, the assassination target is a person who holds a position related to finance among the politicians of the Elise Republic."

"I see. So, using that position for embezzlement or something like that?"

"That seems to be the case. Moreover, it appears that he embezzled money and used it to bribe others, also shifting the blame for his own crimes onto others. It has been found that even judges have been bought off. And he has also been trying to cover up his son's crimes. Well, he's the epitome of a despicable politician. If it's a target like this for assassination, it wouldn't hurt my conscience even if it were the first time."

"Yeah, I suppose."

To deliver judgment upon criminals who cannot be judged by law.

That's what this request is about.

Even Shu, who has already committed a massacre, still has some conscience left. If he's going to assassinate someone, it's better to target a villain than a virtuous person.

"The target, Nimroth Brat, the Minister of Finance, has embezzled a large sum of money and has hired excellent bodyguards. Those bodyguards belong to a rival organization of the Black Cat... They are quite skilled magic knights."

"There's a rival organization?"

"Originally, the Black Cat originated in the Empire... so its influence is still weak in the eastern regions dominated by the Holy Grinia. Well, it's embarrassing to admit."

Upon hearing that, Iris thought to herself, "On what grounds...?" In the Holy Grinia, the Holy Knights actively eliminate magic knights affiliated with dark organizations, causing small-scale dark organizations to collapse quickly. As a result, only large-scale and powerful dark organizations remain. In other words, the fact that the Black Cat can operate in the eastern region indicates its influence.

To say that their position is weak is an understatement.

However, Shu, who was unaware of such circumstances, simply believed it.

"In that case, this assassination request is also a way to undermine the power of the rival organization?"

"In hindsight, that's how it turns out."

"Well, that's fine. If the opportunity arises, I'll also kill that so-called bodyguard. It's always convenient to have a powerful organization to join."

"Oh? You sound confident."

"When it comes to killing, I pride myself on being the best in the world."

Shu spoke those words calmly, without a hint of boasting or surprise. In fact, Shu is the Death Emperor who presides over death. He is closest to the concept of death and excels at manipulating it.

His words were simply stating a fact.

"For now, tell me the location of the target's house. I'll go and kill him tonight."

Shu stared directly into "Takame's" eyes and calmly delivered his words.