Published: August 15, 2025
Today, two chapters posted simultaneously.
This is chapter one.
The five men waiting around the door were equipped with swords and chainmail armor, wearing matching coats embroidered with golden hawks in gold thread. At a glance, it was clear they were a unified group.
If I recall correctly, these were the mercenaries Mr. Serge had hired as bodyguards. The design on their coats, and the person who spoke to me, seemed familiar.
“Thank you for waiting. Ah, that’s right,”
Mr. Serge called out and turned toward us.
“I haven’t introduced you to Lord Ryoma yet. These are the mercenary group called the Golden Wild Eagles, whom I’ve asked to handle store security and personal protection.”
“I’m Yashuma, vice commander of the Golden Wild Eagles.”
“Thank you for the introduction. I’m Ryoma Takebayashi. We met once before in front of the Morgan Trading Company, didn’t we? Thank you for your courteous response back then, even though I barged in unexpectedly.”
“Our mission at that time was to guard the Morgan Trading Company. It’s only natural not to interfere with business more than necessary when carrying out a mission.”
They said only what was necessary and didn’t overstep. That professional attitude was clear. Their gazes, including Yashuma’s, felt sharp—probably because they were still on duty. They didn’t seem hostile or rude.
There was no more conversation between us. Mr. Serge, the Saionji couple, the five bodyguards, and I headed outside. Along the way, Yashuma, the leader of the bodyguards, casually walked next to Mr. Serge; I was on the opposite side. The other four secured our front, back, and sides as we walked.
Throughout, they didn’t assert themselves unnecessarily or interrupt the conversation. Their silent coordination, watching for people passing by and checking shadows, was incredibly natural. Watching them made me realize this was how a first-class mercenary group operated.
Eventually, we arrived at the entrance with the main reception desk... and then—
“——”
The atmosphere shifted.
A faint stench of rotting garbage mixed into the fresh air.
A very weak static electricity crackled, like insects crawling over my body.
That tiny yet intense discomfort blew away my thoughts.
“We’re being targeted.”
“Stay alert!”
The leader of the bodyguards, sensing something too, barked sharp commands just as—
“Right!”
Between several aquariums placed as entrance decorations, invisible to the naked eye, a human-shaped mana presence appeared. A knife gripped in their hand, aimed straight at Mr. Serge.
Instinctively shouting, I threw the wire slime wrapped around my left arm like a bola. The attacker dodged the thrown wire slime by falling forward, but made a faint, unnatural noise.
Ordinary people might not notice, but for the elite Golden Wild Eagles, that sound was enough to reveal the attacker’s presence.
“Stop them!”
Two bodyguards on our sides tried to block, but they didn’t have an exact visual on the enemy. They likely detected the intruder’s position from the noise and, if a beastman, by scent.
However, the attacker realized their presence was detected and adjusted their approach. Not knowing their exact location, they couldn’t recklessly charge in. That brief hesitation gave the enemy a chance to attack.
The attacker gave up closing in and threw their knife at Mr. Serge.
(Not on my watch.)
Just before I could unleash the iron slime hidden on my belt, Yashuma, the leader, adjusted the position between Mr. Serge and himself, hidden behind their backs. Confirming he intercepted the knife’s trajectory, Yashuma drew his sword and threw it.
“Ugh!”
The clang of metal hitting metal came from beside me, and fresh blood splattered around at the same time.
At that moment, the magic cloak must have dissipated. The space warped, revealing a man dressed in a tight full-body suit.
“Secure him!”
One of the bodyguards rushed forward, grabbed the man, moved behind him, and choked him.
The attacker offered no resistance, unconsciousness taking him over as his body went limp.