3rd person's POV

In the darkness of the night, two figures are stood facing each other, and they happened to be exchanging words.

"The distraction has served its purpose. Now, it's time for bringing the actor onto the stage."

A man with a husky voice, he's the large figure of the two, he happened to wear the armor, a bulky armor with numerous spike around on both sides of his shoulder guards and knees.

"Patient! Patient! His hindmost is not quite ready yet, therefore, I advise to wait and fulfill our other objectives.

A snarky voice of an old man echo through the dark alley. Soon the moon looms over them as it shines the light to illuminate the dark alley there are in, revealing the pool of blood and pile of a dead body lying around.

The larger man who wielding a large battle-ax that was bathed in the blood of the unfortunate one that's its target. He does not have his helmet on, exposing his scarred face and dirty ash-blond hair that was partially painted with red of the blood.

"And with the retrieving of the Darune Relic, this way we can show our hindmost of our contribution and how much we are loyal to his hindmost!"

He says wit enthusiasm, this makes the two-man smile, and laugh crazily.

"Since I've devoted myself to his hindmost! I've become his instrument of death and as his arm and legs, I slay those who believe in the god!"

The larger man speaks while swing his ax into the wall, causing it to crumble down into pieces.

"Let's not waste our time! There is more thing that needed considering done!"

An old man cast a spell by chanting in his mind, the skill of a high ranking magician.

A blue portal appears above the alley, Its presence paints the surrounding with a blue hue.

"Let me finish something first ."

The larger man paused, he walks to the pile of dead bodies.

He chants out loud as he extends his other hand to the pile of dead bodies then, a purple light shine from his palm and the once dead person now slowly limping, trying to stand.

"Go and cause havoc! Spread it in the name of "Death"!"

A purple light shines from both of the "Zombienized" body, they acknowledge the order of their creator and start to rush out of the alley.

Then both of the mysterious figures disappeared via the "Stargate".

***

Carloe's POV

*Chirp! Chirp!*

Unn... The sound of the birds chirping wakes us but this time, only me who wake up this time.

"...Wonder what could be waiting for me, lately working is more torture..."

A little complaint left my small lip, it's starting to become one of my habits now.

I get off my bed, doing my business and get ready for the pending attentions.

***

After I've done every bit of self-check and dressing, I decided to go and water the plant in the garden.

"-et rid of t-a- -irl im-e--ate-y, I d-n't wa-- to was-e my o-n tal-nt on a l--w-y s-r--nt!"

I walk on the lonely hallway and I coincidently heard someone voice from the upper floor.

What were they're talking... I could guess the gist of the sentence, what could they want to get rid of?

I decide to not waste my time listening, It could have me in trouble if someone spotted me, I don't trust "Them".

Since the day Clara told me about madame Claudia's visit, lady Wiela wouldn't require any of our help, especially girls, she will have her personal butler doing instead.

What could've made her act so indifferent toward us? I casually think that a master is a kind man and so do his fiancee but, I do not know the world that well.

I water the plant while looking at the change in their appearance, they slowly lean toward me, as if they're happy. I could imagine them having a smile, even though they're a plant that meant to be consumed.

I finished watering them and I still have some free time left before getting back into the mansion, I take a seat in the garden, observe the natural beauty.

*Whiz!*

The sound of something, something so fast that It's could cause the whistling sound ranged on my left. At the same time, I felt hot and slightly itch on my left cheek. I move my hand to check, and upon seeing the result, It's shocked me, terrifying, I feel numb, can't muster a single muscle.

B-Blood!- S-Something!

*Whiz!*

Another Whistling sound could be heard.

*Clank!*

I saw it. The knife that was aimed in my direction suddenly disturbs me by something and falls onto the ground.

When I've regained my senses, I know exactly what it's have something to do with the conversation earlier, I know that I'm in life-threatening trouble right now.

I ran into the mansion as fast as my feet can, my only thought is, to get to the safety!

***

???'s POV

Unfortunate, how could someone as innocent as her, met such fate.

Master Elan does have a great insight, he knows that something really off about that lady Wiela. The first time when I was ordered to station at the mansion, I was blown away by the fact that he's assigned so many elites like us on a single person, that makes sense now.

I used my agility and combination of skill, dashed to the place where the girl was.

I search the ground for the weapon, then I found the jet black dagger, I size of small cutting knife. But upon examine it closely, I was surprised, the dagger was unique in the material, It's was made of "Black diamond",

From my knowledge, the "Black diamond" is a material that so sturdy despise its delicate design, it holds the destructive power greater of that "Azure steel" javelins of our nation.

Its origin was unknown, it said to be a high-level material that only the master of the smith could only forge it once every decade.

This is the first of how dire the situation right now and the one performed the assassination is true, very skillful, even I couldn't detect his presence and the direction of his attacks.

I use my "Conceal approach" to vanish into the thin air as I retreat back to the gathering point.

***

I appeared in the basement of the old bunker, It's was long abandoned by Roland military, so we seized it and use it as our gathering point and intelligent gathering center.

There are several magic devices and contraptions. The door inside the office was sealed off my high-level magic, It prevents anyone from traveling inside whether via teleportation or phase through it.

To access, I need to use our specifically constructed magic to access, the door will deactivate its spell for only a brief period and I could enter It via teleportation or phase though it. It could be opened conventionally but It requires a key specifically designed.

*Fwoosh!*

I phased through it and was greeted by the unit leader, count Jerrath.

"Speak your matter, and continue to your duty immediately."

He speaks while looking at the file. I bow and take a step forward and place the "Black diamond" dagger on his table.

"The presence of the abnormalities has been confirmed."

"T-This is made of the legendary material?! Did you know any leads to the person who could possibly own this?"

I shook my head and reply.

"But, lady Wiela could possibly be related to the matter and the abnormalities."

"Earlier, the savant of the estate was almost been assassinated, but I step in just in time."

Jerrath then having troubled expression, he sighed and take a magic stone that is the "Arcanery message.", it's the magic stone widely used in the Drareem to communication at long distance, but this one is modified to fit of stealth operation and military usage.

"Okay, I'll investigate into this matter, I'll inform for any further development. You may return to your previous position."

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

I take the teleportation gate that was on the right of the room and was back into the forest nearby the mansion.

I'll need to pay more attention and stay on guard, the opponent is formidable and yet to be compromised.

***

Louis's POV

*Thud!*

I finished slaying the last cult of Khan that appeared on our way back to Balktik. It's getting more and more dangerous here, in the capital.

What was the enforcer of the Roland doing?! Won't you care for your citizens' safety? Whether it is or not, I don't care, It's not my objective.

I get back in the carriage that pulled by two warhorses that clad in "Azur steel" armor. The carriage itself was also made out of the same material and also covered in many layers of magic, one who is clever enough dare not to attack it.

Inside, there was Elan and Dalene, she has accompanied us on the previous mission, while Talon separated his way meet up with Forto.

"Master Louis, you should have the guard do it instead of getting out risking your life."

Dalene speaks with concern, It's true that I should value my life, but I don't see that those flies could harm me unless they're as strong as Khan or that of the Star mage.

"I appreciated your concern Dalene, but I value my subordinate's life too."

The carriage continues on its way back to the Balktik.

"Master, there is an urgent report from Jerrath, would you like to see it now?"

Urgent report? I was close to Balktik now.

"Let me see it."

Upon reading the content from the holographic stone tablet, the content shocked me as I thought that the certain someone could be a victim.

"Full speed! Get to the Balktik ASAP!"

I order the driver, he acknowledged and sped up the horses.

"Master! Do not act so rash, the content said that everything is safe and sound as it should be, and there is also many elites there, no need to over-react."

Safe and sound you said?! The victim was almost assassinated!

"Whether it's fine or not, I only feel at ease when I'm there!"

***

I get off the carriage as soon as it stopped. Elan and Dalene went separated way to the office and waiting for me there.

I rush into the building and greeted by Wiela.

"D-Darling, you're back I was wor-"

I ignored her and walk past her as I take a stair to the second floor, I only one destination in my mind.

*Bang!*

I slam opened her door as I scare her and a turtle in her embrace?

I closed the door and walk to her bed as I tried to take a look at the creature.

"What got into you! Why are you barging into my room without knocking?!"

She yells at me. It has been a long time since I last heard her voice.

"W-What is that thing you're hugging right now?!"

I point at the small turtle and ask her.

"Oh, this? Why would you want to know?"

Being Mei, she always beat around the bush.

"I'm serious, please do answer seriously."

"Jeez! You're not only arrogant of a master and also selfish as well? This is the ingredient that I'll use to cook for today's lunch~."

The turtle then screams in a girlish voice, it's small but its voice is so loud that I could feel that my whole body tumbles upon the sound.

"I- *Sob!* Y-You're so cruel! I was your summoning and yet you want to eat me~! Please! I'm more useful alive than being nutrition!"

Summon? The tier-fifth spirit stone I gave her? Finally, she summons it at last... SO THAT THERE REALLY IS A PROBLEM OCCURRED?!

I grab on to both of her shoulders and look her dead into her pupils. She was shocked but I feel that she has no idea, I pulled myself away from her and look at her again, completely fine.

"Oh! So you're worrying now? I guess you've got the wrong people! I'll tell you something bizarre!"

"This mansion! This whole building is completely a killing ground now! My friend almost gets killed! Because you're ignorant and inconsiderate! A killer lurking in your so-call home!"

"And you know, you better go and check on her!"

"*Sob!* Please don't eat me..."

I feel like I'm being blown away by her sheer emotion outburst, her face was red from extreme anger and her tear start to make its way to her face.

"Y-Yes... I'll make sure everything was in order, after I've checked on your friend, please call everyone to meet in the dining room."

"As if I'll do it! Why don't you just call them yourself!"

"I-I... It's just hard to describe to you!"

She stood from her bed and walk out of the room. I look my own hand, I feel the warmth of her and the blood of those who I've killed. It's was similar.

***

"Lucky that she was safe and sound, the dagger is true, sharp."

I visited the living quarters and found out the victim is Carloe, she's one of the girls who staying alongside Mei.

"Master, the culprit is still unknown and I'm afraid that he'll come and take our Carloe away!"

Risa, the tomboyish looking maid, she has the point and despite the situation, she sounds so excited and also concern at the same time.

"The matter, I've taken into consideration. This noon, you all will be there and discussing with me."

"Yes master, I'll be there on time."

"There another thing, I also need Mei's presence, whether she's willing or not, make sure she comes."

"Leave it to me, master! I've got plenty of ways to drag that girl there!"

"Good, then I'll leave the medicine here and I'll be attending a meeting with my guests."

I adjust my coat and walk out of the room. They're lovely indeed, I should spend more time with them other than Mei, better know someone closest to her first then It'll be easier for me to approach her.

I walk to the office and get inside the room. There I saw them organizing a stack of a file and several magic devices for transmitting information.

"Master, I've investigated the surrounding and no trace or lead could be found."

"The one who breached into the Balktik is very skillful, and perhaps, he's related to the one of the habitant."

The first mastermind I could think of is Wiela, but when I keep rolling the though, It seems that that very unlikely of her.

I couldn't believe that Wiela would employ an assassin to just get rid of servants, she could've done it by herself. It's must be the third party, they're the ones behind this!

"Anything that happened since I've left Balktik?"

Elan nodded and he read the file out loud.

"From the synopsis, since your left, lady Wiela has been arranging twenty-three tea party, she also often invite her close friend, Julie Prim in the mansion more often than another guest. She was the one who was closet to lady Wiela and her background check result is, her family is consists of two people, herself and her brother, and her standing as a high-ranking noble, none in Roland recognized her family."

This Julie Prim is suspicious, she is unknown even though she's noble and her ranking is classified. She also hid other information too? I could have Forto interrogate her.

"Excuse me, the matter of the cult of Khan, Forlean kingdom has been tracking his presence from the past few days and the next possible attack is in Darune, the Suran Technocracy."

Dalene added. The Suran Technocracy? The most prosperous nation in Drareem, I've been there a few times on a business trip but this time, It's different.

"The attack will take place three weeks from now."

"The time of the attack is still a prediction, we do not have enough information and clue."

"And from the recent news, the "Fanruen" town in Cremes was attacked by the cult, the "Fanruen" was also infected by the lesser undead and render the town a very dangerous and has been abandoned."

That cult has gone too far! The Fanruen town was my favorite place to go when I was a kid and now, completely destroyed.

"The Cremes's monarch has been deeply investigated into the matter and they're found that the cult of Khan has been laying waste by using the lesser under to infect the citizen and if not the tenacity of their enforcer, the damage could be spread and cause even more tragedy."

Great, that helps me soothe my nerve. At least, their ruler genuinely cares for their citizen and not afraid to make a move.

But, the fact that the Fanruen town has been destroyed is unacceptable, It has many natural wonders and many interesting traditions. I've learned one in my young, It's an art of sword-fighting, the "Nature tales blade art" It uses the combination of natural elemental to create a move that reflects the character of the element itself, it is adaptive and versatile.

"Is there left? Please tell me more about it."

Dalene shook her head as Elan cleared his throat, this guy, lately he starting increasingly inconsistent.

"Master, regarding the assassin problem, I suggest you temporarily excavate the servant of the building, that way we could have them stay out of the danger."

I furrow my eyes brow. This is the first time Elan say something so silly.

"Isn't that provided the assassin the great opportunity of killing them? Without our protection, they're guaranteed death!"

It seems that was what he's aiming, by using them as a bait, and we could have to deal with the assassin that way.

"I do not wish to use them as bait, you see, there is a better way to solve the problem."

Elan nods and.

"I remember that master used to be more ruthless and does not pay any care to a single life, how a person changes you so?"

Isn't he mentioning Mei?

"Stop, I've got an appointment with them later."

"Then let's finish the rest of the matter."

'"Yes.""

***

Now it's noon, and everyone was gathering here, include the stubborn girl.

"I've called you all here to announce that you'll are no longer work in this mansion, It's only temporarily."

There a murmur fills the hall.

"But, I've granted you, the opportunity to travel with me to the Suran technocracy as you like, only one condition."

"You're under my subordinates watch and you are not allowed to reject."

***

Mei's POV

"Mei! Isn't that a good idea?! We're going to Suran! The most prosperous nation in this world! And there is a lot of places to visit!"

Kevin speaks as his excitement slowly consumes him. The fact that he'd make us go along with him is no other than trying to evade the fact that there is an assassin lurking in the mansion and he's trying to avoid that by having us going along with him.

"Hmph! I wanted to go back and stay with Mrs. Crissy tough, I don't want to go along with that guy."

And I don't want that he's easy to solve Claroe's problem, only giving her medicine and a free vacation Ahem! Forceful vacation. But his plan seems to be working though, she seems to forget that she was almost killed this morning and everyone seems to be in enthusiasm.

I kinda feel light-hearted her smiling, even her cries break my manly heart but right now it slowly mending.

(I'm a great turtle, and when I'm using ( ) is when I'm talking!)

(Master! Please bring me too! I wanted to go along! I wanted to go and swim!)

Silly turtle!

(Please! Please! I'm useful and reliable! And also! You can't just call me a turtle!)

So you wanted a name? How about... Gordie? Minny? Winnie? or Triffly?

(You're bad at naming! You are best at everything terrible!)

Then your name's Terrible!

(P-Ple *Sob!* I don't dare to!)

I'll call you Terri then!

(*Sob!*)

"Mei! Master said we'll be taking off next week! He's said he'll give every one of us two months of salary!"

Vinca comes to be and grab both my hands in her white and warm palms.

!=c=!

Th-That mean... Shopping time! Ahem! Time to calculous spending.

"Heh! You're drooling! "

"Eh! No! I'm just thinking about going back to my relative place before traveling."

(Master! Please! I'll be a good girl! I wanted to go with you!)

Terri! Stop being a nuisance and I'll take it into consideration!

(Okay...)

"Hnn? It's okay! But, you need to spare your time for us, later we'll go and pack our bag, readying for the trip!"

Vinca seems really excited. The first time I've met her, she was elegant and collected, but now, she completely off my expectations but still, she is the waifu material.

"M-Mei... I was-wanted you to go wit-with us too."

Carloe comes out of nowhere and tugged my dress slight as she whispers to me. I feel kinda guilty for letting her face the terrible time in her life, but I could compensate that by being near her and keep her smile intact!

"UH haha~! I- I will take this into consideration!"

I nervously answer her, it brightens her up anyway.

***

The days end as I have a sleepless night, why? The girls are barged in my room and decide to do a girl's pajama party before I know, everyone having a pillow fight until they exhausted and feel at sleep, well not for Risa of course! She's the mass of energy.

Today, I was not in my usual dress and Instead, It's was the very first dress that comes along with me. (The dress that Ide character wears.)

And right now, I and Kevin are taking a carriage to Haves village, well, before that I have many souvenirs for Mrs. Crissy and everyone in the village too, cost roughly around 100 raq. From the salary I've got, It's one thousand and two hundred raqs, later, I needed to convert it into Suran's currency which is four percent more expensive.

Kevin also bought his mother a handful of delicious desserts and sweets, and also the accessories too.

"We're here Mei, prepare for my mother's embrace."

"Mei-Chan~!"

Here go my bones...

Meanwhile...

"The magnificent castle of Lullaby is finally built~! What time I've been building it Cajone~?"

"It's a day and a half Lula. I'm afraid that you've been replaced."

"R-Replaced~? How could little midget replaced me with something else~?"

Then Cajone leans into her ear and whisper. Afterward, Lullaby digs a small hole in the beach and laying down in the hole face down.

"It's my fault~! I've been messing around a lot so that my little midget gets lonely and replaced me with a system~! *Sob!*" [https://em.wattpad.com/7a53c2039e6b2eefa4ce8c09013c83a2808cd342/68747470733a2f2f73332e616d617a6f6e6177732e636f6d2f776174747061642d6d656469612d736572766963652f53746f7279496d6167652f4c4847374a7870533670436d48773d3d2d3738393239363338322e313563386539336365616461306164313732323033393539353339342e676966?s=fit&w=1280&h=1280]

"It's my fault~! I've been messing around a lot so that my little midget gets lonely and replaced me with a system~! *Sob!*"

"Then I also have a piece of bad news for you, little Mei also has another one other than "Gas", It's named Terri. Hey! Are you all alright? Why are you slowly buried yourself?!"

"She does not need me~! She does not want me~!"

Cajone stood there, having to do "S*itama okay" face.

"Ok..."

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