[Ethan Cruz: I think I've found a target.]

Lee Shin-Woo entered the chatroom while he and his troops made their way through the level 3 danger zone. There, he heard what he'd been somewhat prepared to hear.

[Ethan Cruz: I had it narrowed down to a few candidates. It took a long time, but I've finally found the right one to lure in.]

[Prince Altania: As expected of you, Senior! But it's boring if it's too easy.]

[Ethan Cruz: We're taking on one of the twelve generals. Even if our target is the weakest among them, it's not going to be easy. Recklessness can get any of us killed.]

[Lloyd H.K.: ...I've done a lot of prep. I've also steeled myself. I think it's time we reveal the existence of heroes to the Empire.]

The heroes in the chatroom were getting fired up due to Ethan's declaration. However, not everyone thought favorably of his idea.

[Seira Von Retadane: Do you really intend on facing one of the twelve generals? They're nothing like the regular undead. They're highly intelligent and cooperate with each other. It won't go as smoothly as you think.]

[Yasunori Akira: No matter how I think about it, it's too early. I don't think those who've just become level 7 will be able to properly use their strength.]

[Ethan Cruz: Oh dear, I'm not trying to force anyone to join me. But if you're that worried, all the more reason that you, as their seniors, should participate, no?]

What? Both Seira Von Retadane and Yasunori Akira are foregoing this mission? In that case, there’s all the more incentive for Ethan Cruz to work with the Empire! If he really was in kahoot with the Empire, there was a chance he would lead not one, but two of the twelve generals to them.

And what if he brings the Archmage? Is that who he’s picked?

Lee Shin-Woo clenched his fists, remembering how powerful Feotane Von Seldin was. He couldn't beat the Archmage right now. It was impossible.

It was impossible, but... At the very least, he might have a few ways to make him retreat. Yeah, perhaps it was time to try that.

[Seira Von Retadane: Are you serious…? I don't want to lower morale, but please remember what happened in the past. Seven level 7 heroes banded together, but they ended up dying. At that time, you, at level 6, were the only one who survived. Ethan Cruz, have you already forgotten?]

While Lee Shin-Woo was formulating complex plans in his head, those opposed to Ethan Cruz's plan were clarifying why his plan wouldn't work.

Was Seira Von Retadane referring to the group of heroes, including Lee Man-Bok, who attempted to take down the twelve generals? It seemed she hadn’t been part of the group. Then again, if she had, she would've known the horrors Ethan had unleashed. Lee Shin-Woo nodded to himself as Ethan Cruz replied.

[Ethan Cruz: Of course I remember. That was a great failure.]

Of course it was a huge failure, Lee Shin-Woo thought. After all, he lost Lee Man Bok and the two Giants.

[Ethan Cruz: That's why I've prepared so much more. I really did my best after that. To the point that I could probably take on one of the twelve generals by myself. That’s the only reason I would bring my juniors with me to take a general down.]

Ethan was indeed that strong. If he wasn't, he wouldn't be able to control the other heroes. After all, he'd lost some undead heroes in the past because of his weakness.

[Ethan Cruz: You know that the goddess’s blessing won't last forever, right? We have to purify the Empire before then. If not... Do you not want to take down one of the twelve generals?]

[Seira Von Retadane: What are you saying?]

[Ethan Cruz: You already know, don't you? Retadane.]

[Yasunori Akira: Hey, are you casting doubt against an ally right now? Stop. I’ve been listening, but you went too far.]

[Ethan Cruz: No, I just wanted to hear the truth from her.]

As expected, they were talking about Seagald Von Retadane of the twelve generals. Judging by the mood in the chatroom, half of the heroes knew about Seagald, and the other half didn't. Lee Shin-Woo supposed this was proof that his seniors hadn't just been playing around thus far.

That isn’t a topic someone would just broach. Ethan Cruz is definitely taunting her. Does that mean he’s confident he can overpower Seira Von Retadane?

[Seira Von Retadane: ...I want to destroy the undead more than anyone else. Whether it be the twelve generals, the Emperor, or anyone for the matter. Regardless of what name they held in the past, or what person they used to be, so long as they're undead... I'll purify them all.]

She was only talking in the chatroom, yet Lee Shin-Woo felt goosebumps. Was this what Lee Man-Bok had warned him against, her hatred of the undead? Now he could understand the gravity of the warning.

[Seira Von Retadane: I suppose your cheap taunt worked. I don't want a repeat of the past. I must stop precious heroes from degenerating into such a cursed form.]

[Ethan Cruz: You made the right choice. I have high hopes for your power over light.]

Seira Von Retadane uses light magic? Lee Shin-Woo filed the information away for later. Their powers would obviously clash, so the fact that Ethan was willing to taunt her and bring her into this meant he really was that confident… Or perhaps he wanted to use this opportunity to take her down, as she was a bothersome opponent.

Seira Von Retadane. She's diligently doing her duty as a hero, so I'd like to keep her alive if at all possible...

Lee Man-Bok warned him that he should avoid her at all cost, but to him, that would be a cop out. To defeat the Empire, he needed to use even his greatest enemy. He wasn’t going to overlook someone who hated the undead to that extent.

[Ethan Cruz: Akira, what about you?]

[Yasunori Akira: Don't talk so casually. It makes me sick. If you really did pick a safe target, me not going won't make much of a difference.]

[Ethan Cruz: You'll regret it. Our super rookie, Lee Shin-Woo, are you almost ready?]

[Lee Shin-Woo: Yes, Senior. I'm making sure I'm prepared, especially for any unforeseen situations.]

He was planning for all possible scenarios—whether Ethan Cruz went on the frontlines himself, whether his undead had grouped together, whether he would be acting from the shadows, whether there would be one or two generals, and if the Archmage himself appeared!

[Ethan Cruz: You're so reliable. As expected of our super rookie!]

That reliable super rookie is coming to put a sword in your gut, Lee Shin-Woo muttered inwardly with a smile.

But then he suddenly got two requests for private chats. They were from both Seira Von Retadane and Yasunori Akira! Lee Shin-Woo was flustered and sent a message asking Seira to wait just a second. He accepted Yasunori Akira's private chat first because he thought he would be easier to deal with.

[Yasunori Akira: This might sound a little weird, but listen carefully. Can you promise me that?]

"Of course, Senior Yasunori."

[Yasunori Akira: I plan on following you in secret while you’re fighting one of the twelve generals.]

"What are you talking about... Are you trying to protect us?"

[Yasunori Akira: Yeah. I want to protect you guys… But not from one of the twelve generals. From Ethan Cruz.]

Everyone, there's a hero as reliable as Kratia over here! Lee Shin-Woo was touched; he'd found another hero who tried their best in pursuit of endless growth and glory!

[Yasunori Akira: It might sound weird, but I thought it'd be okay to tell you this since you haven't met Ethan yet. Those who have met him, even just once...follow him a bit blindly.]

Lee Shin-Woo knew that was most likely due to Ethan Cruz's darkness magic, but he didn't voice it.

[Yasunori Akira: That part is already strange. Even if he were blessed to have so many people willing to help him, it's still too unnatural. Moreover, this hunt for one of the twelve generals... It's way too dangerous. It's almost impossible to bait one of the twelve generals.]

Lee Shin-Woo himself had infiltrated a city and successfully led Hansen Von Dorthe there, but he acted as if it had never happened before.

[Yasunori Akira: Be wary of him. Don't get too close. Especially...his buffs. Make sure you reject his buffs. Even if he gives you a good reason, make sure you refuse them. Don't let yourself get touched by his magic.]

"I'll keep that in mind."

[Yasunori Akira: Do you believe me?]

"How could I not believe you when you're acting out of concern for me? You're not telling me to attack him. You're just telling me to refuse his buffs."

Lee Shin-Woo's Acting was really paying off. Yasunori Akira was clearly moved by Lee Shin-Woo's sincerity.

[Yasunori Akira: ...I thought you were only good at fighting, but you're a smooth talker too. It does make me feel better that you can think like that. Who is it again? The hero you’re close to... Can you tell her about my advice too?]

"Yes, of course. I'll remember to be careful around him."

[Yasunori Akira: I'll be watching him. I wish everyone were as careful as you, but... If we all make it out of this safely, let's hunt together.]

"I'll be looking forward to it."

If Yasunori Akira was going after Ethan Cruz personally, he would be in the most danger... Lee Shin-Woo thanked him for his warning, but before the conversation ended, he warned Yasunori Akira about the fatal curse, Deadly Force. Yasunori was surprised, but said he understood.

Now it was Seira Von Retadane’s turn. Lee Shin-Woo took a deep breath and accepted a private chat with her.

[Seira Von Retadane: I heard you became level 7. You were afraid you'd stick out, so you lied about your level.]

"I'm sorry, Senior. I know I shouldn't be lying to you, but I was afraid you and the other seniors would have too much hope for me..."

[Seira Von Retadane: I understand. You must've been exceptionally talented in your original world. As they say, 'Tall trees catch much wind.’ [1] It must've been suffocating.]

"Senior..."

Lee Shin-Woo acted as though he were touched by her kindness. She’d said pretty much what he'd expected her to say.

[Seira Von Retadane: Please be careful of Ethan Cruz. On that day, the day that the heroes were wiped out... Why was he the only one that came back alive? I find it quite odd. Perhaps he's connected with the Empire.]

He'd gotten another reliable senior.

[Seira Von Retadane: I'd rather not even think of that as a possibility, but if he's really a traitor...we have to take him down no matter what. An enemy on the inside is more threatening than the twelve generals.]

"Senior Yasunori said the same thing."

[Seira Von Retadane: Yasunori Akira did? That's a relief. Now that I think about it, he's never met Ethan in person. He's benefitting from his caution.]

"Of course, I'll be sure to be careful. Thank you for the advice."

He thought she had said everything she was going to say, but then she dropped a bombshell.

[Seira Von Retadane: This is the only way. Let's meet up before you see Ethan Cruz. I'll contact Yasunori Akira as well. Ah, please come with the hero you're on good terms with too.]

"...I'm sorry?"

[Seira Von Retadane: I want you to meet me before you're exposed to his magic. I'd also like to formulate a plan as well.]

He was doing fine on his own, but she had suddenly offered to meet up!

Lee Shin-Woo was visibly miserable; it felt like being drafted into a team meeting for a presentation to an important client.

[Paul Zero, we have arrived at the city!]

[Apparently, the second corps has arrived at the other city as well! How about attacking before our enemies have a chance to react!?]

Unaware of his feelings, the Titans at the frontline yelled. Lee Shin-Woo saw the huge city in front of him. He issued his order, putting all of the stress coming from the chat into his voice.

"Break everything and trample all! Break our enemies into pieces, so that no one can even identify who killed them!"

1. T/N: If you stand out from the crowd, then you draw attention to yourself. ☜