Soul Devourer Chapter 6 Episode 16 — Schemes Beneath the Surface
Around the time Yuito finished clearing his second S-Rank Dungeon and was heading back to his hotel...
Three men had gathered inside a room of an old building standing on a deserted street.
The first was the Fourth Seat of the〈Semi-Tsar〉:〔Lance Master〕, Kïr.
The second was the Third Seat:〔Shield Master〕, Zahaar.
The third was the Second Seat:〔Sage〕, Vlas.
(E/N: Note that the in-bracket names are their Job/Occupation, not title.)
All three were powerful figures ranked among the upper echelons of the〈Semi-Tsar〉and had been among the most vocal opponents of the Russo-Japanese Alliance.
Resting his cheek against one hand, Vlas directed a sharp gaze at the other two and spoke in a low voice.
“...Now then. It's about time we moved to eliminate that eyesore.”
“I agree, Vlas. That upstart looked down on us despite being a newcomer, and on top of that, he spoke to Lady Ekaterina as an equal… utterly unacceptable.”
Bare anger seeped through Kïr's voice.
“For a weak nation to become so arrogant without knowing its place... We should launch an invasion immediately and place them under Russia's rule.”
Zahaar likewise made no effort to hide his displeasure.
The three men shared one thing in common: deep admiration for Ekaterina.
And at the same time…
Each harbored faint romantic feelings for her.
That was precisely why they found Yuito Matsubara's existence utterly intolerable.
A man who spoke with her as an equal.
In addition, they possessed the pride of belonging to a great hunter nation.
To them, the attitude of a "weak nation" that showed not even the slightest hint of humility was nothing short of an insult.
“Even so... acting solely on emotion would be foolish.”
Vlas calmly continued.
“He is a〘Regalia〙, after all. There's a high probability he possesses a Unique Skill. First, we need to complete a proper assessment of his combat capabilities.”
“What information do we already have?”
“He commands three familiars, each comparable to the level of a〘Transcendent〙.”
The expressions of the other two tightened slightly.
“The first is a centipede-type monster over one hundred meters long. It possesses resistance skills against physical attacks, magic, and status ailments, all at Level 9.”
“...So weapons and magic are both cut in half. Troublesome.”
Zahaar clicked his tongue.
“But if it lacks a decisive offensive capability, we can deal with it later.”
“I agree.”
Vlas continued matter-of-factly.
“The second is a lich-type monster. It also possesses resistances but specializes entirely in magic. In addition to six elemental attributes, it has【Necromancy】and even【Composite Magic】.”
“A mage of that caliber, huh... Then overwhelming it with numbers or using anti-magic items would be the standard approach.”
“We should minimize the losses taken while killing the centipede. Magic suppression is the optimal solution.”
“The third is a dullahan-type monster. Along with resistance skills, it possesses【Swordsmanship】and【Shieldmanship】. A clear front-line fighter.”
“I see...”
Kïr stroked his chin.
“Then first we neutralize the lich with magic suppression. A small force holds off the dullahan while the rest kill the centipede. Then everyone joins together to finish off the dullahan… is that the plan?”
“A reasonable strategy.”
However, Vlas quietly shook his head.
“If we're dealing with them head-on, yes. But they possess monster-exclusive skills. There would be nothing strange about them having abilities that overturn our assumptions.”
“...Then what do you propose?”
“We test them using disposable pawns first.”
Silence filled the room.
“Even disposable pawns would need at least S-Rank-level strength. How do you intend to gather them?”
“We'll use underground clans involved in criminal activities and serious offenders currently in prison.”
“And the conditions?”
“Reward money and a complete pardon for their crimes.”
Kïr frowned.
“Is something like that even possible?”
“I know the right people. Besides...”
A faint smile twisted Vlas' lips.
“Whether they succeed or fail, they'll disappear inside the dungeon.”
“...I see.”
Understanding dawned on Zahaar's face as he exhaled quietly.
“So we'll bait them with rewards, then eliminate them ourselves afterward.”
“That's right. If the dark clans disappear, public safety improves. If the serious criminals disappear, prison maintenance costs decrease.”
And then…
“If they actually succeed in killing Yuito Matsubara, we can eliminate those criminals afterward and earn Japan's gratitude as well.”
“As expected of you, Vlas.”
Kïr let out a low laugh.
“That intellect truly befits the Second Seat of the〈Semi-Tsar〉.”
“Obviously.”
Vlas quietly rose to his feet and looked down at the other two.
“Neither of you will act until I give the order. Continue leveling up and gathering items as usual.”
“Understood.”
“Got it.”
Thus…
Following China, now in Russia as well...
A conspiracy to eliminate Yuito Matsubara had quietly begun moving behind the scenes.
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E/N:
Too much pride and overconfidence will be their fall, more specifically a horrifying death! These poor bas*ards!
By the way, the next chapter's gonna be brain-ticklingly good 😂!
Stay tuned!
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