The Water Magician

"Vice Commander, it seems that King Raymond's attack on King Abel has failed."

This was in the northern part of the kingdom, the capital of Count Gorter Territory, Catlow.

Count Gorter was one of the prominent nobles among those following King Raymond in the northern region. His territory lay on the northeastern edge of the kingdom, bordering the Empire.

Thus, for generations, it had maintained a powerful knight order and magical association.

On the map, the east of the Count's territory connected to the alliance, but between them lay a massive canyon known only as the "Rift."

This "Rift" narrows somewhat toward the south, where a few bridges have been constructed, but the canyon near Count Gorter's territory was not wide enough for any bridges to be built.

Moreover, the river flowing at the bottom of the canyon was swift, making it impossible to cross by boat, and in the past, there had never been a military invasion across this "Rift."

Nevertheless, it remained a crucial point for the kingdom.

And Count Gorter had already chosen to leave the kingdom and side with the Empire.

"When you mention the attack on King Abel, that was the top-secret mission where they dispatched the 'Five Dragons', right? King Abel himself is indeed an A-rank adventurer, so he must be strong… but to fail with all five dragons, or at least four of them present. Have there been any reports of injuries inflicted on him?"

"No… The swordsman San was said to have been cut down by King Abel in a duel. The other three were captured."

The vice commander, Jurgen, reported this.

He did report it, but there was something discontent in his expression.

Oscar, who had known him for quite some time, noticed that expression.

"Jurgen, is there something else you should add to your report?"

"Ah… I apologize. The three were said to have been frozen solid when captured."

The moment Jurgen reported this, Oscar's demeanor changed.

It was an atmosphere that made even Jurgen feel a chill run down his spine… Honestly, it was a feeling he would rather not experience.

"That magician, huh?"

After saying just that, it was clear to Jurgen that Oscar was gritting his teeth.

Honestly, Jurgen had not wanted to understand…

He would never forgive the water attribute magician who said he would freeze his beloved Princess Fiona… Jurgen had no choice but to understand that.

After about a minute of such tension, suddenly, Oscar's atmosphere changed.

It was as if he had returned to his usual state.

"Since in Whitnash, King Abel has mentioned the adventurers of the City of Run… it means they are surrounding King Abel."

The content was related to the water attribute magician, but his way of speaking was the same as usual.

"I believe his name was Ryo."

"Ah."

Jurgen asked, and Oscar simply replied.

However, he continued speaking afterward.

"Jurgen, as it stands, King Abel is an enemy. We will likely have to fight him at some point. If that magician appears on the battlefield, withdraw everyone."

"Yes."

"Make sure to withdraw them. You won't stand a chance against him. I will fight alone. I don’t even think I can guarantee a victory, but at the very least, I’ll make it a mutual kill."

"V-Vice Commander..."

Jurgen was at a loss for words due to Oscar's overwhelming determination.

"Is he really such a formidable opponent?"

"Yes, it’s disgusting, but he is that formidable. However, I will definitely kill him."

The last words were very faint and low… just barely audible to Jurgen.

But because of that, Jurgen could feel the intent behind them.

(A water attribute magician who can even defeat A-rank adventurers… truly an abomination. But then again, so is the Vice Commander.)

"Failed… did you say…?"

In the royal castle's office, King Raymond was squeezing those words out.

A assassination mission involving four A-rank adventurers… and it failed?

A-rank adventurers are at the pinnacle of humanity. In some cases, one could even say they are non-human.

The thought that four such individuals, even if the king was involved, and even if he was an A-rank swordsman, could fail at the assassination of just one person was unbelievable to Raymond.