While I was tracking the movements of the Arceus Salvation Party, I unexpectedly arrived at the Aldo family mansion—

Was this just a coincidence?

Or did it have some kind of meaning?

What in the world is going on…?

I found a small boulder nearby and decided to hide behind it.

Fortunately, it didn’t seem like any of the members had noticed me yet.

I could continue the stakeout.

“…So, Geega. How did it go?”

A new figure appeared from the mansion entrance.

He, too, seemed to be a member of the Arceus Salvation Party, with a deep gray robe pulled low over his eyes.

The member called Geega gave a light shrug and answered.

“No confirmation. As expected, the Silver Sword Saint’s detection ability is on a whole other level.”

“Silver Sword Saint… Arios Macba, huh.”

“Yeah. He noticed me the moment I got close. That guy’s practically a monster… His strength is unreal.”

“Hmph… So his defeat of Vanitas Roa wasn’t just a fluke.”

One of the members held his head in his hands.

“…Comrade A really did say it, didn’t he? That Arios Macba definitely secured the homunculus.”

“Yeah. That much is certain, but…”

—Huh?

I secured a homunculus…?

Ridiculous.

A homunculus… don’t tell me they mean Em? That pure-hearted slave girl?

No way.

Sure, she didn’t know much about her origins, but other than that she was no different from a regular human…

“…At this point, we can’t waste time with hesitation. For the sake of my experiments, I must retrieve the homunculus. Let’s head for Rastal Village immediately.”

The notorious Aldo family.

The Arceus Salvation Party.

And the word “homunculus.”

Honestly, there’s way too much I don’t understand.

But there’s one thing I do know—for sure:

I can’t let these people run free.

Skill 《Cheat Code Manipulation》 activated.

The ability I select is 《Attack Power Up (Small)》.

Since I’m near the Aldo family mansion, I can’t use anything too flashy.

I dashed forward and drew my sword.

Engen Style, First Form.

《Infinite Flash of the Netherworld》

In an instant, I moved behind one of the members and slashed across his back.

“……!”

One member collapsed without a sound.

Just in case, I checked his health using Cheat Code Manipulation—but it looked like he wouldn’t be getting up again.

Of course, I didn’t kill him.

He might have useful information, so securing him alive should be the priority.

Since my battle with Dudley, I think I’ve really honed my Engen Style.

“Wha… What is this…!?”

“No way, the Silver Sword Saint Arios Macba…!?”

I exhaled slowly as I faced the remaining members, who stared at me with wide eyes.

“Just so you know, I’m not a Silver Sword Saint anymore. I’ve cut all ties with the Macba family.”

“Shut the hell up! You are a Sword Saint!!”

Geega shouted, practically spitting with rage.

“…………”

I don’t know if he’s praising me or mocking me.

Hard to tell.

—Well, either way, there’s only one thing to do.

They said they were going to attack Rastal Village. I can’t let them roam free. I need to neutralize them immediately.

“…Before we fight, let me ask something.”

I readied myself, not letting my guard down, and questioned the remaining members.

“What’s your objective? Do you have some kind of connection with the Aldo family?”

“Hmph! If you really want to know, beat me first!”

Geega shouted again, as loud and obnoxious as ever—but another member replied with a dead-serious tone.

“…Hey, even if you lose, don’t tell him, okay?”

“Oh, right!”

…What is this, some kind of comedy skit?

That really took the edge off—but I couldn’t afford to lower my guard here.

“Take this!”

“Have at you!”

The two members charged at me with swords drawn.

They were fast.

Yuya Astley once called the Arceus Salvation Party powerful—and I had to admit, he wasn’t wrong.

Skill 《Cheat Code Manipulation》 activated.

Selected ability: 《Absorb》.

A skill that pulls nearby enemy attacks directly toward me.

“What the—!?”

Thanks to the ability, the two members were suddenly drawn toward me at high speed.

—Now.

Cheat Code Manipulation activated.

《Invincibility Time (Extremely Small)》

For roughly five seconds, I would be completely impervious to enemy attacks—an inhuman level of power.

Clang!

The swords of the two members, aimed at me, were repelled as if by an invisible wall.

“What the—!?”

“What is this!?”

Now they were perfect targets.

I swung my sword and instantly neutralized both of them.

“I… I don’t understand…!!”

Geega muttered those words just before collapsing.