The journey back to the city was uneventful.

None of the captured Mages tried to make a run for it or fight back. Rylan guessed that it was because the difference in power level had been made clear. It was only natural; none of them had landed a clean hit even when they fought together, and he had already made his willingness to kill them clear. Fighting back would be suicide. Under this threat, it seemed that none of them had realized their value.

Still, he kept his guard up. Although it was unlikely, the possibility of running into another group of enemies existed. He needed to keep his wits about him, even after they entered Cantavega. Roland hadn’t survived and reached the peak without this basic trait.

The first thing a swordsman learns is not to underestimate his enemy. The second is to never let his guard down.

In the first place, it was why they underwent the training to keep a part of themselves awake even while they slept. Rylan’s mind went to Roland’s days as an apprentice swordsman while he simultaneously kept his attention on the real world. Most of those memories consisted of nothing but harrowing training and countless battles; Roland’s brother, Theodore, had been the single thing that kept him sane. Over time, his Trait had allowed him to stand out and develop, but the reason why he fought had never changed.

I can’t make the same mistakes.

There was now a grim edge to his expression. As if noticing this, the Mages didn’t say anything. In the distance, Rylan could see the towering city walls and north entrance. Calmly, he scanned his surroundings with his hand on the sword’s hilt. He couldn’t feel anything. However, even though his senses were improved by the mana circulation, they were still very dull when compared to Roland’s standards. He couldn’t believe his hearing and sight blindly, especially when he wasn’t familiar with all the different kinds of spells that Mages were capable of. For all he knew, there could be illusion spells or abilities that could hit an enemy from very far away.

The closer the group got to the city, the greater his focus. Yet, nothing happened. They safely walked through the gates, earning strange stares from the guards. With blood covering their clothes and armor, alongside a few injuries, they were anything but inconspicuous. The adventurers leaving or entering the city eyed them with sympathetic eyes. He saw no need to explain their situation. From behind the group, he spoke.

“We go to the estate. Avoid the shopping district. The longer it takes Evenon to realize what happened, the better.”

Once Gerard was made aware of what had happened and could keep watch over the Mages, Rylan would contact the Vaard family. From there, Calan and the City Guard would know what to do. The Mages smiled bitterly. They made their way through the city, ignoring the stares. They avoided any roads close to the shopping district, taking the longer way around. Evenon ruled that part of town, but his influence was relatively limited outside of it.

After some time, the party arrived in front of the Flameheart estate. The Mages guarding the entrance raised their eyebrows after looking at the group. Rylan felt as if he could hear the thoughts running through their minds as they seemingly wondered why he had collected unknown people during his outing. He waved his hand. They opened the gate.

Silently, the group walked closer to the mansion. Rylan spoke.

“One misstep and your heads will fly.”

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The Mages visibly tensed up. It was a necessary measure; they were now on his home turf. He didn’t want them to cause any complications or damage anything or anyone, including the estate’s workers. His mana circulated within him unceasingly as he stayed just enough distance behind the group to see everyone’s movements while also being close enough to be able to react in time to anything. His heightened concentration didn’t miss a single step.

They approached the mansion. Sarah was sitting on a chair in front of the main entrance. This had been one of the few times he had left without her, at his request. She stood up with a confused expression. Rylan spoke.

“Please contact my father, Sarah. These are Evenon’s men.”

She immediately frowned, looking at the men with myriad emotions in her gaze. None of them met her eyes. Rylan continued to speak.

“I’ll tell you what happened later.”

She looked at him, nodding. Her eyes glowed blue as her wand drew symbols in the air. After some time, the hue subsided. She spoke.

“I’ve notified the Family Head. He ordered me to bring you and the… subordinates to the main room. There’s another matter that needs your attention. Young Master Calan has arrived in the estate, looking for you.”

Rylan blinked before a smile made its way to his face.

“Perfect timing. Is he also in the main room?”

She nodded. Keeping his smile, he turned around and spoke to the men.

“Walk in front of me. I’ll tell you where you need to go. Any sudden movement and it’ll be the last thing any of you do.”

Sweat flowed down their brow as they entered the mansion. They walked as if they were prisoners on death row, which wasn’t too different from reality. Rylan was fully willing to kill any one of them who dared to act up in his home. Was it because they had realized this? The men’s heads were low, their steps stiff and carefully controlled, as if they were afraid of waking up an ancient beast.

They followed Rylan’s directions, soon arriving at the entrance of the main room. He spoke.

“Go ahead.”

Gulping, one of the men opened the doors and entered, closely accompanied by the rest of the group. Rylan closed the doors behind him as he walked in. The room was as beautiful as the last time he’d been there. The delicate chandelier hung from the ceiling, while the sculptures and paintings of past Family Heads added an air of nobility to the place. He moved his gaze to the center of the space. Gerard, Calan, and his attendant, Thomas, stood up. Calan had a wild grin on his face.

Evenon’s men glanced back at Rylan. He spoke.

“Go on.”

As a few of them gritted their teeth, they stepped closer to the center of the room and bowed. Calan immediately spoke.

“I’m glad all of you made the right choice. There’s no need to be afraid of Evenon. The City Guard will employ all of its resources to ensure your safety. Depending on the information you’re able to provide, we’ll offer several incentives, including pardon.”

Rylan saw the men flinch. They raised their heads, looking at Calan hopefully. It was obvious that Gerard had already told Calan who the men were. As expected from the heir of the family responsible for the City Guard, he used the most effective method of getting information out of the men.

In this situation, the answer isn’t relentless pressure. Carrot and stick. If this is the carrot, then…

Calan narrowed his eyes.

“However, if you refuse to comply, you will naturally bear the full weight of your crimes, Which, I presume,” He looked at Rylan, “Now also include attempting to assassinate a noble?”

The men glanced back at him. He simply nodded. Gerard frowned. The temperature in the room rose slightly. Calan continued to speak.

“Now, choose. I believe you already know what the most beneficial path is. Will you choose forgiveness and benefits or to stay loyal to a man who doesn’t even know your name?”

One of them immediately stepped forward. Rylan recognized him as the one who had been the first to yield and take off his mask. The man spoke.

“I’ll cooperate.”

Calan nodded with a smile. He looked at the men who were busy throwing one another glances.

“And the others?”

A few seconds of silence ensued. In the end, one of the men bit the bullet. He looked at Calan, speaking in a serious tone.

“Can you really protect us? When you have failed to catch the Bos- I mean, Evenon for so long?”

“Of course. The only reason Evenon isn’t dead is because we lacked hard evidence. With your help, that will be solved. The situation will be dealt with.”

The men threw one another nods. Rylan and Calan smiled at the same time. At that moment, a voice cut through the favorable atmosphere.

“And what will you do about the power vacuum?”