After the subordinate left, Tai Xinyi set up a sound-isolation array so that no one could overhear their conversation.
"What do you mean when you say that the person who killed Tai Saomei, the scions of the major sects and clans, and Saintess Chai Ming is not *him*?"
Tai Hun replied calmly:
"It's quite simple. The last 'Board Venerable,' Ping Tao Xin, attacks sects and clans directly, slaughtering everyone within them. Therefore, it is impossible for Ping Tao Xin to have done something like this."
He continued:
"Furthermore, the members of the Tai clan—including Tai Saomei—were watching the events of the Versalkin Academy's midterm examination. The same applies to the other victims; they were all observing the proceedings from within their respective sects and clans. This leaves only one possibility."
"They were taken from within their sects and clans to be used as sacrifices. Currently, the prime suspect is Yuta, as he vanished at the same time the victims disappeared. Moreover, he has a pact with the 'Ruler of the Realm,' Asgard—also known as Loki."
"This makes it easy for him to carry out such an act. Given his track record, we know just how powerful he is, so this is well within his capabilities. However, we need evidence to confirm whether he is truly the culprit."
Tai Xinyi let out a long sigh before speaking.
"It's a good thing I have you by my side, brother Tai Hun." "If Yuta Caseral is truly the perpetrator—rather than the late, venerable Ping Tao Shin—it would trigger a catastrophe that could shatter the reputations of the major clans and sects."
"Therefore, it would be best to keep this under wraps until we gather enough evidence to either confirm or refute the accusations against Yuta. That seems the wisest course of action under the current circumstances, doesn't it, Brother Tae-hoon?"
"Yes, you're right. Remaining silent for now and investigating the matter discreetly is the wisest approach. However, I have another case to attend to in the northern Yun-Gai Mountains—specifically, a crime that took place within the Hua-Yu Clan."
"They've asked me to resolve it, so I'll be heading there once the millennium commemoration of the Demon Realm's defeat concludes—which will be in three months' time."
"I apologize for this. I have quite a few cases on my plate, but I have full confidence that you'll be able to handle this. If you need any assistance, just let me know."
A flicker of sadness crossed Tae-shin's face for a few seconds, only to be replaced by a faint, gentle smile.
"It's quite alright, Brother Tae-hoon. I understand your situation; being the most renowned investigator in the world naturally comes with its fair share of challenges."
---
On the western side of the central region of Jeju Island
In the western part of the island's interior, a group of twenty-five students found themselves pitted against one of the Scorpion Organization's squads.
The battle was proving difficult for the students; the strongest among them had reached the 'Master' rank—a reasonable level for a first-year student gifted with natural talent. As for their adversaries, some were of a lower rank, while others held the same or a higher rank; yet, they all possessed extensive combat experience that more than compensated for any disparity in rank—an advantage the students, who had not even reached adulthood, lacked entirely.
"Come on, let's stop these damn scoundrels!"
One of the students from the 'Class of Legends' shouted, unleashing a magic spell toward one of the Scorpion Organization's henchmen.
The henchman dodged it with ease, then invoked an earth-element ability.
A sharp rock, the size of a grown man's palm, shot forward and struck the student in the head, shattering it—the henchman didn't even bat an eye.
"You're going to die regardless; why bother with such futile resistance?"
The squad leader's tone was cold as he sliced one of the students in two.
The student's internal organs were exposed, spilling out alongside remnants of food, all drenched in blood that began to pool beneath the leader's feet.
Seeing the terror and fear etched onto the students' faces, the squad leader—hidden behind a mask—curved his lips into a malicious grin and raised his sword high.
"Soldiers, advance! Kill everyone you lay eyes on! These are the orders of the 'Heaven-Shattering Venerable'!"
The squad leader spoke with fervor, projecting an oppressive aura from his body toward the students, whose faces turned ashen with sheer dread.
Then, piercing screams erupted from the students as they fell at the hands of the Scorpion Organization's members. Their resolve shattered completely, while the determination of the organization's followers only grew stronger. In battle, sheer numbers are never the only deciding factor; the condition of the soldiers, their combat experience, their psychological state, and their way of life—all these are crucial. In the real world, a smaller force can easily triumph over a larger one.
The same held true here. The followers of the Scorpion organization possessed a wealth of experience accumulated over hundreds of years, whereas the students—left without the guidance of their professors—were still only fifteen years old.
It was, therefore, inevitable that the students would be slaughtered, with the organization's followers barely having to exert any effort.
Thirty minutes into the battle, the dismembered corpses of the students lay scattered across the ground, while crimson blood drenched the entire area, turning it into a veritable sea of gore.
The squad leader sheathed his sword, cast a glance toward the distance, and spoke calmly:
"Come, let us move on and rendezvous with the other squads."
"Understood, Captain!"
His subordinates replied in unison, sheathing their own blood-stained blades, completely unfazed by the nauseating stench of blood.
---
On the eastern side of the island
In the east, Grey and Ruichi found themselves facing one of the squads led by a lieutenant of the Crimson Scorpion.
Ruichi narrowed his eyes as he studied the enemy, a grim realization dawning upon him.
"They know everything—our exact power levels, our precise locations! There must be a spy inside the Versalkin Academy!"
Grey nodded in agreement, shifting into an offensive stance. Then, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"And yet, it seems their information is not entirely accurate—in fact, it's outdated and hasn't been updated."
There was a hint of mockery in Grey's tone as he unleashed his jade-green aura, while a golden-red aura erupted from Ruichi.They looked like tongues of flame.
Without exchanging another word, Grey and Ryuichi lunged toward the followers of the Scorpion Organization, engaging them in battle.
Meanwhile, the squad leader remained where he was, observing the fight from a branch of a nearby tree.
As the conflict intensified, Rowan watched Grey and Ryuichi with a gaze full of curiosity.
"They're incredible! The Boss was right. Should I kill them, or wait? No, no! Disobeying the Master's orders means certain death. Besides, these two are useful to the Boss's plan; killing them would only cost me my own head."
Rowan muttered to himself while watching the battle, in which neither side had yet suffered a casualty.
A flicker of annoyance crossed Grey's expression; the Scorpion Organization's operatives were so strong and skilled in combat that they were not only keeping pace with them but, in some respects, even outperforming them.
Even for the elite of the elite, practical experience remains a crucial factor in battle.
The organization's followers possessed extensive combat experience, having undergone grueling, hellish training both before and after joining the ranks.
This made sense, given that the requirements for joining the Scorpion Organization were a hundred times more demanding than those for the Union of Superior Races or the Versalkin Academy.
Ryuichi and Grey retreated two hundred paces from their opponents.
"Ryuichi, they're strong!" "Why aren't we like the heroes in fairy tales, who can easily dispatch nameless henchmen?"
Grey spoke with deep dissatisfaction and annoyance.
The members of the Scorpion Organization—along with Roichi—looked at him as if to ask: *Where did this guy come from? Did he escape from an asylum?*
One of the organization's members, however, couldn't stay silent after hearing Grey's grumbling.
"Did he take a blow to the head during training, or what? Does he think reality and fiction are the same thing? Just because we're 'henchmen' doesn't mean we're weak!"
He continued:
"Being weak or easily defeated is certainly not a prerequisite for joining us. Every one of us either belonged to a powerful sect or clan, or was a student at the Versalkin Academy before joining the Scorpion Organization."
"Furthermore, the youngest among us is over three hundred years old—which means we possess a level of combat experience that shouldn't be underestimated."
Roichi let out a sigh, glancing back and forth between Grey and the members of the Scorpion Organization, who were clearly becoming agitated.
It was ironic, really: despite their own immense strength, they were struggling against these very henchmen—the kind of characters they were used to seeing in other forms of entertainment as mere "background figures," existing solely to show that the world is populated by others.
But reality is different. Being a subordinate does not necessarily mean one is weak; in fact, subordinates can sometimes be stronger than their superiors, or possess talents that are truly peerless.
"Soldiers, let's go. Our work here is done."
Rowan spoke calmly, leaping lightly from the tree branch to the ground.
Confusion and astonishment washed over the faces of the Scorpion Organization's subordinates, as well as Grey and Ryuichi, upon hearing Rowan's declaration—only two minutes had passed since the fight began.
How could they possibly withdraw, especially when they held the upper hand against two members of the De Molière family—one of the most powerful families in existence?
Yet, no one dared to object or protest; Rowan was the strongest fighter among them, even with his true power kept under wraps until that very moment.
"Farewell, Ryuichi. Take care of your cousin, Grey—and perhaps get him to a psychiatrist."
One of the soldiers, named Shang, remarked with a mocking tone before vanishing—as if he had never been there at all—followed by the rest of his companions.
Once they were gone, Grey and Ryuichi were left in a state of frustration and disbelief. They felt as though their pride had been dragged through the mud in front of the entire world; they had faced a group of mere subordinates, yet failed to secure a victory.
However, this frustration did not last long; it gradually faded, replaced by a steely resolve and determination.
Their defeat at the hands of the Scorpion Organization's subordinates served as a harsh wake-up call—a stark reminder that the world is no fairy tale. In this world, even subordinates can reach high levels; one will not always encounter enemies weaker than oneself before facing the primary antagonists.
In fact, these subordinates might themselves belong to high ranks—such as Saint, Master, or Novice Ruler.
"Ruichi, we lost without even being defeated in a decisive battle. Reality itself defeated us. In this world, any enemy could be a 'final boss.' Defeat is not reserved solely for bosses or masters; it can just as easily come at the hands of a mere subordinate."
Ruichi replied:
"You're right. As you said, we aren't in a fairy tale. We are all the protagonists of our own lives, yet simultaneously, we might be secondary characters—or even mere extras—in the lives of others."
He continued:
"When death arrives, it could come from any entity—strong or weak, noble or villainous. Nevertheless, we must grow stronger. Although we possess the capacity to evolve through the 'Blessing,' we still lack the ability to control it. We could perish before we even catch a glimpse of its true potential—much like what happened when you fought William Falcona during the magic competition, which took place after the Academy granted us leave following our victory in the Academy tournament."
---
At the center of Jigwa Island
Meanwhile, the 'Crimson Scorpion' Barsamil stood alongside his right-hand man, Wilfredal. "Sir, we have lost four squads—a total of 104 followers—at the hands of the legitimate heir to the Mount Hua Sect and the Alliance of Masters and Students. As for subjects 1.1 and 1.2, designated 000002546 from Group D, their whereabouts remain unknown."
Wilfredal continued his report:
"Regarding the scions of the Great Duchies, both Grey de Molière and Roichi de Molière have been defeated, though they were not killed—despite the orders from our leader, the Venerable Heaven-Shatterer. Furthermore, the Masters are actively engaging our followers; at present, only 331 followers remain, still searching for their targets across the island."
He added, with a tone of distinct bewilderment:
"And yet, one thing still puzzles me: why did he order us to kill everyone—except for Grey, Roichi, Lucy, Beatrice, Jian Yi, Armin, Tom, and Previca?"
Barsmel remained He turned to his deputy, Wilfredal, who appeared bewildered.
Then, in a calm tone—though tinged with a hint of uncertainty and ignorance—he spoke:
"As far as I am aware, those young men are useful to our Master. Therefore, killing them at this juncture can only mean one thing: that he desires their deaths."
"And yet, no one knows the true identity of the 'Revered Heaven-Breaker'—not even anyone other than the leader of the Scorpion Organization himself."
The atmosphere around Barsmil shifted as he fixed his gaze upon Wilfredal.
"Tell me, are you aware that even raising such a question—inquiring into the identity of the organization's founder—is strictly forbidden and punishable by death? Isn't that right, Wilfredal?"
Wilfredal took a few steps back, drawing his sword from its scabbard as an oppressive aura surged from his body.
"What are you driving at, 'Crimson Scorpion' Barsmil?"
The Crimson Scorpion stared at him for several seconds before sliding his hands back into his pockets and turning to leave.
"There is no point in knowing the secrets of this world once you are dead. This isn't personal—it's just business. The Leader has ordered your execution, Wilfredal—or rather, the removal of 'ED4637466' from this world."
Shock registered behind Wilfredal's mask, followed immediately by a searing, agonizing pain in his heart.
He tore the mask from his face, a sardonic smile curling his lips.
"A neurotoxic poison... how truly troublesome! I can't even feel the pain anymore. Exquisite work, Barsmil—truly well done." Lyoverd's body collapsed lifelessly to the ground, the potent poison having ravaged the blood vessels and nerves within him.
Meanwhile, Brasmil continued to wander aimlessly, speaking with an air of indifference:
"We are not in a fairy tale where the heroes always win and the villains are defeated by the power of friendship. We exist in a world where the strongest prevail—through intellect and sheer, absolute power."
---
At the scene of the confrontation between Lucy and Beatrice
At that same moment, Beatrice and Lucy were fending off attacks from the minions of the Scorpion Organization, shielded by a dome conjured by Beatrice.
"Beatrice, I have a plan. Scatter these wretched minions of the Scorpion Organization!"
Lucy spoke with confidence, looking toward Beatrice, who nodded in agreement.
"Very well."
Beatrice's overwhelming aura began to manifest, and her body rose into the air as a series of magical runes took shape around her.
Raising her hands toward the sky, Beatrice chanted aloud:
"Art of a Thousand Swords: Third Form — Rain of a Thousand Millennium Blades!"
Swords emerged from the magical runes, hurtling toward the Scorpion Organization's minions—who appeared somewhat taken aback, though their masks concealed their expressions.
Beatrice was certain that this assault would not kill any of them, but it would serve its purpose: buying Lucy the time needed to execute her plan.
BOOM!
BOOM! BOOM!
Several explosions erupted, while swords rained down upon the heads of the organization's followers.
"Lucy, have you finished what you set out to do?"
Lucy kept her eyes closed for a few seconds, offering no reply to Beatrice—who appeared exhausted, both from the harrowing events of the past few days and the ongoing battle against the Scorpion Organization's forces.
The same was true for all the students on the island; by this point, the death toll had reached 145 students and 45 professors, while the Scorpion Organization had lost 104 fighters.
"Yes. Jian Yi, Tom, and Armin are on their way—they'll be here in three seconds."
There was a hint of relief in Lucy's voice as she unleashed her combat aura—an aura befitting a Saint-rank warrior.
She then added:
"I must admit, this battle is no easy feat. Even with our high ranks, experience remains a critical factor—one that could very well lead to our defeat. We aren't in some story where good always triumphs and evil always loses, are we, Beatrice?"
Beatrice stared at Lucy for a few moments with a blank expression, then shifted her gaze back toward the enemies, as the dust surrounding them began to clear.
It soon became apparent that some had sustained only minor injuries—a realization that left Beatrice visibly annoyed.
"How troublesome! They really are quite strong." Among them were individuals of the "semi-ruler" and "novice ruler" ranks, led by a commander who held the rank of "expert ruler."
An amused smile played on Lucy's lips as she glanced to her right, noticing that Jian Yi, Armin, and Tom had arrived.
"Lady Lucy, Lady Beatrice—are you both alright? Did any harm come to you?"
There was a hint of concern in Armin's tone as he looked at the exhausted Lucy and at Beatrice, who appeared perfectly fine—as if she were concealing her true strength.
"Wonderful, you've arrived! But now is not the time for talk; it is time to fight. Save your conversation for later."
Beatrice spoke coldly, her gaze sweeping over each of them.
Lucy, Armin, Jian Yi, and Tom all narrowed their eyes in annoyance at her words.
Yet, Tom felt something peculiar; the part of Alessandra within him—linked to Lin—seemed drawn toward Beatrice, stirred by a sentiment akin to maternal affection.
Still, Tom steeled himself and kept his emotions in check; it was hardly the moment to be displaying such feelings.
"Alright, let's go! There's no guarantee of victory, but we're getting out of here alive—no matter what it takes!"