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No one spoke.

Blair, who had initially looked at Lihan with suspicion, now had his jaw hanging open, and Arin’s pupils were slightly dilated. Even Taylor was trying hard to hide his surprise.

An unexpected silence filled the room.

Blair finally parted his lips.

“So Ruin lost his memory.”

Blair began to mutter as if trying to organize his thoughts.

“And then he suddenly came to his senses and started learning magic…”

“Yes, Young Master.”

“He took the apprentices under his wing, fought and won against the mages of the Red Magic Tower.”

“He gathered all the gangs in Khaoto and Leon and turned them into a mercenary group.”

Blair let out a hollow laugh in between his words.

“And not only did he secure the loan Urgon demanded, but he even eradicated Bayern?”

“That’s correct.”

“Are you telling us to believe that?”

“Even I think it sounds unbelievable after saying it. But it’s the truth. Surely you don’t think I’m lying, do you?”

Blair knew that Lihan had no reason to lie.

And judging by the reactions of the clan head and the elders over the past few days, what Lihan was saying was definitely true.

However, the content was so absurd that it went far beyond their expectations.

‘It’s hard to believe.’

Taylor clenched and unclenched his fists, pondering the information.

Every single thing Lihan had said was beyond common sense. It was something a kid his age could never accomplish.

Moreover, to think that the good-for-nothing Ruin they knew had done all this.

“Are you saying he was reborn or something?”

Ruin had done many things, but in the end, it boiled down to one simple fact.

Ruin, all by himself…

had changed Samael and Khaoto.

How were they supposed to accept this?

Of course, he couldn’t have done it all alone.

But the three of them knew better than anyone the position Samael was in. Unfortunately, Samael was a clan without a single decent mage.

If it wasn’t for the Red Magic Tower, there was no one inside or outside the clan who could offer help.

In the end, Ruin was at the center of all this.

But what they couldn’t understand the most was,

‘He forced the Vice Tower Master to step down? With incantations?’

They were told that he used incantations of unknown origin to force Hector to step down and drive the Red Magic Tower out of Samael.

That was the most incomprehensible part.

What kind of ancient incantations were they talking about?

Of course, there must have been some exaggeration involved.

Taylor knew well what kind of mage Hector was.

But even so, it didn’t change the fact that Ruin had accomplished these things.

Blair clenched and unclenched his fists as if his hands were numb, and finally managed to speak.

“…It seems I was mistaken.”

Blair then nodded. Just a moment ago, he had been cursing Ruin with murderous intent, but after hearing the whole story, his anger vanished instantly.

When it came to loyalty to Samael, Blair was second to none.

Samael’s situation wasn’t so comfortable that he could afford to hold onto selfish grudges and refuse to acknowledge someone’s achievements.

On the contrary…

“It’s commendable.”

Blair expressed genuine admiration. From an outsider’s perspective, it was even something to be grateful for.

Arin also nodded.

“It’s unexpected.”

While the three of them were striving to improve their skills outside,

Ruin had changed Samael.

That was the source of the inexplicable confidence they saw in the clan head, the elders, and the apprentice children.

“…It was just as the clan head said.”

However, only one person, Taylor, had a hint of worry in his expression.

“It’s surprising, but I can’t deny that it was hasty.”

“Is there something you’re concerned about?”

“His approach is lacking.”

“Approach, you mean…”

“Rejecting the Red Magic Tower’s help wasn’t a good choice.”

Blair’s face also became clouded with worry.

“You’re worried about Urgon.”

“It was a rash decision.”

Blair immediately understood Taylor’s concern.

A tree that doesn’t bend will break.

Ruin probably didn’t fully grasp the extent of Urgon’s power. His strong convictions must have clouded his objective judgement.

Hadn’t the three of them also held such romantic beliefs at some point?

But the world wasn’t so forgiving.

If only the clan head and the elders had stopped him…

Perhaps their feelings had changed over time.

Without a doubt,

It wasn’t a good choice.

Hadn’t they experienced firsthand in the Demon Realm how crucial the clan’s strength was? Urgon wasn’t a clan that an individual could handle alone.

A long-established prestigious clan was like an impenetrable fortress.

Blair said with a bitter expression,

“You’re right. It might seem fine now, but things could get worse.”

“That’s why we’re here. We need to set things right.”

Now Samael had the White Horse Squad.

They could correct what was wrong.

“As for Ruin…”

At Blair’s words, Taylor nodded.

“We’ll guide him in the right direction. He did what he did because he lacked experience. His abilities have been proven, so it’s a good thing.”

“Understood.”

Taylor reviewed their plans for the future.

First, he would personally take the new apprentices under his wing and train them as part of the White Horse Squad. They also needed to reestablish a friendly relationship with the Red Magic Tower.

After pondering for a while, Taylor looked at Arin and asked,

“What do you think, Arin?”

“Well…”

It was an indifferent, short reply, but Taylor and Blair didn’t find it strange.

That was just how Arin was.

* * *

For a few days, it was peaceful without any incidents.

The White Horse Squad members kept snooping around, getting on my nerves, but I didn’t say anything.

‘Huh huh, peace of mind…’

The sunset was gradually burning red.

I had already given orders to Bravo Khan and Daisy.

I told them to mobilize all the mercenaries and gather information about Urgon. There was a possibility of hearing something from the merchants traveling between Khaoto and Leon.

Considering what Kant had said, I couldn’t just ignore it.

Meanwhile, I somehow maintained my peace of mind and continued the same training routine. I repeatedly focused on my personal training and occasionally checked on the Crazy Mage Squad.

I mainly targeted Zion and Iron with my daggers because they were both stuck at a crucial point.

With a little push, they showed the potential to surpass the 3rd-circle.

‘Hmm.’

But was it because I had been too quiet?

The Taylor group, who had been observing from a distance for a while, finally approached me and spoke abruptly.

“Ruin.”

Blair got straight to the point.

“From now on, Senior Brother and I will teach the new apprentices.”

“As expected.”

“What?”

“I anticipated this would happen if I stayed quiet. But even though I expected it, I chose to remain silent. Because it hadn’t happened yet.”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

“I’m saying it’s not my fault.”

“You agree?”

“To what?”

Taylor, who had been listening silently, intervened.

“Elder Falcon said we need your consent. We can’t let the new apprentices create mana circles too.”

“Ah, that’s not happening.”

Was it because I said no too firmly? Or was it because my answer was different from what he expected?

Taylor started glaring at me.

Blair, looking back and forth between Taylor and me, interjected in a gentle tone.

“Ruin, we’re not unaware of your contributions.”

Why was this guy suddenly changing his attitude like this?

I clearly remembered him cursing at me like he wanted me dead.

“For Samael to move forward, we need to work together, Ruin. If Senior Brother takes care of the kids, we can build an even stronger foundation for Samael.”

Suddenly, I reflected on myself.

These guys cared so much about Samael. Not wanting to be outdone, I spoke with strong conviction.

“Absolutely not.”

“Ruin.”

Taylor glared at me, and I glared back at him.

Yes, that gaze.

That annoying gaze reminded me of my comrades from the expedition in my past life.

Based on my countless experiences, someone with that gaze has their own convictions.

“Do as I say, Ruin.”

As they glared at each other, Taylor showed a willingness to even engage in a physical confrontation if necessary. One could discern intentions through their eyes.

I stared back at him, then let out a chuckle.

“Taylor, you’re serious.”

It wasn’t simply a gaze seeking to establish hierarchy.

He genuinely believed that it had to be that way. And the goal of that belief was ultimately Samael.

I shook my head and looked at Taylor.

“Before stating your demands, fix your tone first.”

“Are you saying I should speak to you with respect?”

“I’m the eldest son of Samael. Even if I weren’t, I’m the commander of the Crazy Mage Squad.”

Taylor smiled as he met my eyes.

Blair, who was standing behind, stepped forward and intervened.

“Ruin, don’t nitpick. You know this. Senior Brother has always been our central figure. You haven’t even been officially recognized as the eldest son of Samael, so creating this kind of hierarchy and confrontation isn’t a good choice.”

“You talk too much.”

“What?”

“What do you think of me?”

“I told you, we’re not unaware of your contributions.”

“You tell me, Taylor. What am I to you?”

Taylor glared at me and slowly said,

“I heard you’ve changed.”

“Yes, you must have heard. That I’ve changed. A wastrel. A good-for-nothing. Immature. An incompetent fool who can’t even fulfill his role as the eldest son. Trash that disgraces the clan. That I’ve changed into a decent person.”

“Ruin.”

“But you haven’t accepted it, have you?”

I looked at Blair, then back at Taylor.

“Do you consider yourself objective? It seems like you’ve already made a judgement before even talking to me. You have a disgusting habit of pretending to be considerate. Your actions, your tone… Can you truly say they’re free of prejudice?”

Taylor just glared at me without answering.

I said to Taylor,

“You’re still a youngster.”

Blair stepped in front of me.

“Ruin! That’s too much. There are things you should and shouldn’t say. Apologize to Senior Brother right now.”

At that moment, I suddenly turned my head towards the main gate. An old gangster was running over the gate.

“Boss!”

Bravo Khan reached me in an instant, his face flushed and breathing heavily. The atmosphere changed instantly.

“Alright, our old military advisor. Tell me quickly.”

“I have news about Urgon.”

Suddenly, everyone’s attention focused on Bravo Khan as if on cue.

“The eldest son of Urgon has returned to the clan.”

I already knew that. My eyes sparkled as I waited for Bravo Khan’s next words.

“…It seems Urgon is planning to hold a banquet.”

“A banquet?”

“Yes.”

I felt deflated.

“Hey, military advisor. Of course, there would be a banquet when the eldest son of the clan returns. Are you telling me that’s news?”

This wasn’t the news I was waiting for.

I was about to smack the back of Bravo Khan’s head, but I lowered my hand when I saw the old soldier’s pleading eyes.

Bravo Khan’s eyes lit up as he continued,

“It’s not an ordinary banquet. They’re sending invitations to the neighbouring families.”

“And?”

“I heard that Samael is among the invitees. The information came from the merchant alliance, so it’s not entirely unreliable.”

I frowned slightly.

They were sending out invitations to a banquet, and Samael was on the list?

“It smells fishy. When did you hear this?”

Bravo Khan panted and managed to say,

“Just a moment ago.”

As I pondered Bravo Khan’s words, I suddenly shifted my gaze towards the main gate once again. Almost simultaneously, Taylor’s gaze also turned towards the gate.

The Crazy Mage Squad members, who had been meditating, opened their eyes at the same time and looked at the gate, and the others also instinctively looked in the same direction.

Thump—

The ground shook violently, and a strange, eerie sound like a horse’s neigh echoed. The guards tensed up, looking more flustered than usual.

Before the patrol leader could report anything, an unfamiliar voice boomed from beyond the gate.

“Messenger from Urgon!”

———