Chapter 111 : Chapter 111

Chapter 111 - The Animal Hater (2)

“Damn it.”

About 30 minutes later.

Realizing its identity, Artier almost threw the documents as they were.

‘They just had the Korean/English key set the wrong way!’

Justify the tax increase by using an external enemy.

This was the phrase Artier had deciphered.

The damn system had given him such a cipher without even providing a virtual keyboard.

‘Shouldn't they be a little more considerate in things like this?’

Artier had to desperately recall the keyboard layout from the depths of his memory.

“I didn't know you had a talent for this kind of thing?”

“I'm not doing it a second time.”

As Artier placed the documents down while touching his head, Trophin chuckled and tore into a piece of beef jerky.

“Anyway, the Empire is really something else. To think of using the Hellmorphs to their advantage in the midst of all this.”

“It's a very noble-like way of thinking. They probably think they’re smart.”

Half of the Empire had been blown away, yet they were trying to use that to collect more taxes.

To Artier, who knew the future, it was just laughable. No matter how much they greedily collected, they would meet their doom before they could even spend half of it.

“And the thing you brought isn't ordinary either.”

Trophin said gravely.

“For the Doppelganger to be able to copy all skills and side with the Hellmorphs. At this rate, how are we supposed to tell who to trust…”

“There is a skill to identify Doppelgangers.”

“Really?”

Medical Scan was an auxiliary skill mainly learned by healers.

Although it was originally a skill to check one's physical condition, it could also be used to identify Doppelgangers.

Even if their outward appearance was the same, they didn't copy the internal body structure.

“The problem is that you can't cast it on so many people every single time.”

“That’s also true.”

Trophin was lost in thought for a moment, then closed the door. He then plunged his hand into the pile of documents.

“Ugh, where was it.”

“What are you looking for?”

“It should be around here…”

When Trophin pulled his hand out, the pile of documents he had stacked came tumbling down.

However, he didn't even pay it any mind as he approached Artier.

“After hearing what you said, something bothers me a bit.”

“What is it?”

“Look at this. It's a document the Bishop decrypted three days ago.”

Artier unfolded the document Trophin handed him.

Imperial Calendar XXX, February 25th

Operation execution variables confirmed. Additional operation established.

Operation Name: Animal Hater

To be executed in 30 days.

Refer to the operation outline for details.

“Animal Hater…?”

The date written on the document was recent.

When he lifted his head, Trophin had a grim expression.

“What kind of operation is this?”

“We don't know what kind of operation it is either. We just assumed it was related to animals, as the name suggests. But based on the news you brought, something clicks.”

“What is it?”

“Artier. Do you know about the Shape Shift skill?”

Artier nodded his head at his question.

It was a skill his summon, Collie, had possessed in the past.

“It's a skill that changes one's appearance.”

“The conversation will be easier since you know. There are some beastmen who learn it as a racial skill. They're the ones who resemble raccoons and foxes, and they're also good at noticing when others are disguised.”

“Ah…!”

There are things that those of the same kind understand.

As Trophin said, the beastmen who resembled raccoons and foxes indeed had a passive skill that was advantageous in detecting disguised beings.

And Artier had just found out who those disguised beings were.

“Are you saying the beastmen might be in danger?”

“If what you found out is correct, then yes.”

Something clicked.

Artier tried to recall the process of the main story.

‘There is.’

The content of that quest was still vivid.

[A quest has been generated.]

The beastmen have rebelled against the Empire. In the name of His Majesty the Emperor, show them no mercy.

Reward for annihilation: Karma Points -50, Empire Favorability +1650

A burning city.

Fleeing beastmen.

With that quest as a starting point, the different races and humans crossed a river they could never return from.

There was nothing to gain even if the quest was completed, and nothing changed even if it was abandoned.

At that point, there was nothing a single individual could do to change things.

I remember that the roaring smoke and the blood splattered everywhere were quite shocking to see, even through a screen.

No one there was a victor.

‘If I leave it like this, that quest will repeat itself.’

Having grasped the situation, Artier stood up from his seat.

“Where are you going?”

“There's something I have to do.”

He had to do something only he could do.

“Could you also pass on what I told you to Ropin-nim?”

“I'll tell him when he wakes up.”

“Thank you. Then.”

Leaving the inn and walking down the street, Artier realized something a moment later.

‘Come to think of it, I need to tell him about my physical condition too.’

Ropin’s condition was such a mess that he couldn't even bring it up.

After contemplating for a moment, he continued on his way.

‘The other priests at the Papal State didn't say anything either. For now, let's solve the urgent matters first.’

Returning to the Papal State, Artier first called for Collie and Gerard.

“Collie, Gerard.”

“You called?”

“Is the report finished?”

Artier explained what he had been through.

By the time he finished speaking, the expressions on both of their faces were unusual.

“…The possibility is, honestly, very high.”

Gerard was the first to speak.

“Even I would have first thought of blocking any skills and methods that could identify Doppelgangers. The beastmen who have that as a racial skill would certainly be annoying.”

“I guess so, right?”

“It’s not just the beastmen who are in danger.”

At the trembling voice, the two turned around.

Collie couldn't figure out where to look and kept wringing the hem of his clothes.

“The Spirit Creatures are also in danger. The Doppelgangers couldn't have missed it. Wasn't I the one who went around identifying the Doppelgangers myself?”

Artier could feel Collie's inner self shaking precariously.

The air of the whole world was simultaneously crushing the boy.

“It's not your fault.”

Artier hurriedly grabbed Collie's shoulder.

“Even if we hadn't stepped in, they would have found out eventually.”

“It’s, it’s because of me. I… all of my kin…”

The boy, who had been muttering weakly, finally collapsed and began to sob.

Artier and Gerard couldn't bring themselves to say anything. The karma that had befallen the boy was that heavy.

“There are less than 20 days left. Is there a way to solve this?”

Gerard looked at the stiffly frozen Artier with a pitiful expression.

“No matter how much of an Emperor he is, His Majesty wouldn't annihilate two races without any justification. A plausible incident will surely occur.”

“I have to go and warn both sides.”

“It's not a problem to be taken so lightly.”

“I know.”

The beastmen were a different race, like the elves.

Like other different races, they didn't like humans interfering in their lives.

“I think I know a way. Collie, follow me.”

“Wouldn't it be better to give him some time?”

“If we hesitate and fail to save them, that's a bigger problem. Isn't that right?”

As Artier said that and looked back at Collie, Collie wiped his tears and stood up.

“…You're right.”

“Gerard, if something urgent comes up, let me know through communication.”

“Got it.”

Artier immediately left the Papal State and headed somewhere.

***

“Master, I have brought him, sir.”

As Collie stepped aside, a man approached and bowed his head.

“I heard you were looking for me.”

“I need your help, Simon.”

Simon.

The only beastman in Trophin's party.

And also the only beastman Artier knew.

“What help can I offer?”

“I'd like you to be a witness so I can enter Ker Tupa.”

“Pardon? Where is Ker Tupa?”

“It's a city exclusively for beastmen located in the south.”

“A city exclusively for beastmen…”

Simon's eyes wavered, then he immediately drooped his ears and shook his head.

“I'm sorry, but I've lived apart from my tribe since birth. I cannot help you with matters related to my race.”

All the different races in Trophin's party were slaves rescued from the black market. By the time they opened their eyes and looked at the world, all they could see were cold iron bars.

They were only different races in appearance; they were no different from humans.

“Don't worry. I'm not asking you to make contact with the beastmen.”

Artier shook his head and took out a piece of paper.

It was an entry permit that allowed one to travel to and from the cities of the different races.

[You have received an entry permit with the help of the Count's family.]

[As a price, 200 favorability is paid.]

‘I'm not too keen on getting help from Count Cranman so soon, but I have no choice.’

Right now, he couldn't afford to save his cards.

“Simon, what would you do if your friend was standing next to someone you didn't like?”

“Pardon?”

“Just tell me what comes to your mind.”

Simon thought for a moment and then answered immediately.

“I would warn them that it's dangerous.”

“It was useless. They weren't in a state to communicate.”

“Then I would have to secretly separate them.”

“What if the opponent was too strong for that to work?”

“…”

Simon stared blankly at Artier.

For some reason, he felt a sense of déjà vu…

“Then… I suppose there's no choice. Wouldn't you watch over them for a while?”

“Right? That's what I'm trying to do.”

“Pardon?”

Artier stroked his sword and smirked.

“You just have to be the friendly friend who isn't persuaded.”

Whether Simon had knowledge related to beastmen or not was unimportant. What was important was that Simon was a beastman.

As long as he could get into Ker Tupa, that alone was a great help.

“I'll take care of the rest. Ah, though I might have to do a little cleanup afterward.”

“…”

Simon felt very ominous.

Really, very ominous.

“If that's the purpose, it would be better to hire another beastman mercenary from the Mercenary Guild.”

“I don't know what might happen, so I needed a greater relationship of trust than that.”

‘Since when were we that close.’

For a moment, Simon was so dumbfounded that he almost glared at Artier.

“If it's such a long journey, you should consult with our leader.”

“Ah, that?”

When Artier put his finger to his ear, Trophin's voice echoed in Simon's ear.

Simon! Have a good trip!

“Pardon? What is that…?”

I heard the gist of the situation. How much do we owe Artier, just go this once.

“Leader, we are currently on a mission to escort the Bishop.”

It's fine, it's fine. It's not a big deal for one person to be missing anyway… Ah, I got it. I'll be there soon, so wait!

“Leader, where are you right now? I can hear the sound of you chewing food.”

Oh my, I'm a bit busy. I'm hanging up now!

Click.

Simon looked at Artier as if he couldn't believe it.

“What… did you do?”

Artier smiled silently and avoided his gaze.

“I just bought him a meal, that's all?”

The way of the mercenary is sometimes convenient.

Especially in situations like this.

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