Volume 4 Chapter 111 The Spider Lurking Underground
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The Night Wraiths had merged into a single luggage carrier. Kian thought to take this chance to charm the creature into a servant, but even as he directed the Magic Eye¹ of Charm at the wraith, it had no effect. He tried to reach out and manually alter the structure of its spirit core, but before his hand could touch the spirit form, an invisible force caused the Night Wraiths to crumble like dust.
”…”
Stepping through the shattered wooden gate of the Sea Prison², Kian surveyed the narrow space, his guard up. In addition to the lantern light at his waist, thin moonlight filtered in from behind him. In that pale light, something invisible shimmered for an instant.
(A thread?)
As if toying with him, a curved strand drifted lazily through the air. Kian reached for it, but the thread vanished like a mirage before he could make contact. He had known it from the start: this was a magical filament composed of energy (ki).
Unlike ordinary silk, these threads defied the laws of physics, boasting a supernatural sharpness. They were even capable of shredding spirit forms. Kian realized this was what had truly finished off the self-destructing Night Wraiths.
”Are you done hiding?”
Kian’s voice echoed through the tower. He raised his lantern. Several large spiders scurried toward the wall with a dry skitter-skitter, disappearing into the cracks between the stones. Beyond the entrance lay a circular atrium.
(It’s wider than I thought. A spiral staircase winds along the inner wall.)
Pushed forward by the rhythmic crashing of the waves behind him, Kian walked into the atrium. Though dusty, the entrance was surprisingly clean; no beams had fallen, and no masonry had collapsed to ruin the footing. Even the mold was confined to the furthest corners. It was unnatural.
It was likely due to the barrier formula Circe had used to seal the evil spirit. Barriers were typically anchored to several points that supported the structure; if the formula on an anchor broke, the barrier failed. These formulas ranged from orthodox marks engraved on stone to Aliona’s method of branding living organisms.
Circe’s barrier appeared to be the former – marks carved into inorganic matter. Since paint and stone deteriorate over time, preservation magic was required to block out dust, salt air, and humidity. That was likely why the interior remained so pristine.
(However, that ‘cleaning’ spell has been broken.)
Kian stopped before the central pit, which yawned like a monster’s mouth. Extinguished torches lined the spiral stairs. Below them, as if trying to defile the barrier with rot, raw mouse carcasses had been crucified to the stones like a shrike’s larder³. Their bellies had been sliced open by something razor-sharp.
Kian leaned toward the carcasses where small spiders swarmed. The internal organs swayed daintily. The stench was foul – a heavy scent of death and the tang of iron. Beneath the remains, an inverted pentagram had been drawn in blood.
It was the symbol of an impure demon, often classified as a witch’s mark.
”‘Welcome, guest.’”
Kian looked down at the first step of the stairs.
”‘Ankabut welcomes you,’ huh? Quite the flair for the dramatic.”
The Azraelic⁴ script on the step appeared to be written in iron and lead powder. These materials were likely taken from the metal binders used to hold the tower’s stones together. Unusually for Crete, this tower did not use mortar; instead, holes were bored into the stones and filled with molten lead and iron to lock them against earthquakes.
(Our host isn’t at the top. He’s deep underground.)
Kian began to descend toward the pulse of magic power that the entity was no longer trying to hide. A cold wind whistled up from the abyss. Countless thin spider threads danced in the void, sparkling like dust.
As he descended, the energy filaments spanned the pit from wall to wall. They grew more frequent until, near the bottom, they were woven as thick as a silkworm’s cocoon. The stairs ended abruptly at a floor of pure white silk.
The one who had fashioned this luxurious hammock sat cross-legged in the center, waiting. When Kian remained on the stone step, refusing to set foot on the threads, a dry chuckle echoed from the shadows.
’My threads are sturdier than steel, kid.’
It was a low, masculine voice, speaking Azraelic with the musical lilt of the Elves.
”So, you’re Ankabut – the Spider? If so, thanks for the welcome.”
Green ghost-lights emitted by the Night Wraiths floated around the black spirit. Kian’s eyes flared with red phosphorescence as he used Penetration⁵ to see through the gloom. The man had been an Elf in life, but the spirit sitting in the dark was now a grotesque monstrosity.
He had six arms. Two were formed in a seal at his knees; two were spread wide like an idol; the topmost pair were pressed together as if in prayer. Even more unsettling was his face. He wore an eyepatch over both eyes, but stitched onto it were eight eyeballs of various sizes, ranging from those of adults to children. Kian couldn’t tell if they were spiritual manifestations or trophies.
’Boy. Your name?’
The pressure radiating from him was intense. Kian replied, “Abbas.”
’Don’t lie to me, Kian Vahid.’
”How do you know my name?”
’I read the thoughts of the wraith you’re dragging along.’
The spirit moved his arms, making the invisible threads glow. Ten filaments drifted just inches from Kian’s skin.
’I’ve only just woken up, and I’m thirsty. You look like you’re full of fluids.’
”You’re a spirit form,” Kian said coolly. “That ‘thirst’ is a phantom sensation – a misperception of your own desires. If it were humid in here, the feeling would fade, but Circe’s magic prevented that.” Kian continued, “If you attack me, I’ll defend myself. But I should warn you: even if you kill me, you don’t have a throat to swallow my blood. Your thirst won’t be quenched.”
’Hmm…’
The six-armed man stroked his chin. His ears were pointed, but short for a pure Elf. A half-breed, perhaps.
’Circe. A nostalgic name. Is she dead?’
”She is. That’s why you’ve awakened.”
’…Looking closely, I smell that old bull on you. Are you Asterios reborn?’
”No. I’ve simply inherited a portion of his power.”
’And Asterios? Is he dead?’
”He removed his heart and sold it. I don’t know what’s become of him.”
’I see.’
The spirit let out a disappointed sigh. ‘Then you are the benefactor who killed my jailer.’
”I didn’t kill her personally, but I suppose I played my part in the chain of causality.”
’You didn’t come to this wasteland for an excursion. What do you want?’
”I want to hire you,” Kian said plainly. “We’re going to the New Continent to find treasure. You’ll clear out magic guardians and dangerous beasts. The pay is negotiable – you can keep a share of whatever we dig up. Or, I might have a use for you in the Malc territories, handling military affairs.”
’The Malc territories? Where is that?’
”West of the Nile. Berber land. A long sail southwest from here.” Kian added, “Being a ghost is inconvenient. If you help me, I will grant you Incarnation⁶.”
’Incarnation! Ho!’
The monstrosity moved. In an instant, his presence vanished and reappeared behind Kian. Kian felt no bloodlust, so he didn’t turn back.
’I like the sound of that! It’s been far too long since I had a body. I want a man’s flesh again – to feast on women and children!’
”You’re an Elf and you still have a s*x drive?”
Kian felt a spike of lethal intent and immediately activated Hardening⁷ in his right arm. As he swung around, there was a sharp snap-snap-snap as he tore through several hard filaments.
He protected his neck, but his right arm was mangled – the bone Severed⁸, the limb hanging by a ribbon of skin. Still, Kian didn’t flinch. He triggered his regeneration in an instant, his flesh knitting back together as he faced the center of the tower. Ankabut had already returned to the silk floor, standing tall with his arms on his hips.
’I am no ordinary elf. Other blood flows through my veins. However, this topic is taboo. I will overlook your insolence this time since you spoke in ignorance, but do it again and I’ll take your head.’
”I see. Then I won’t repeat the mistake.”
’Don’t speak of it unless I bring it up. Although, you don’t seem to fear me. Or perhaps your sense of terror has simply gone numb…’
”Don’t pry too much into my business. Just as you have your secrets, I find my murderous intent rising when someone tramples into my private affairs with muddy boots.”
’You said you wanted my help with your business. Very well. I’ll take your bait. First, get me out of here. Then, prepare a body for me to inhabit. Any body will do, but I don’t want to spend my time compensating for flaws later. A human or a beastman male would be ideal.’
”Regarding the body, I’m going hunting on Cyclops Island⁹. Pick whichever one you like. Do you know of it?”
’The Gorgon’s island? I heard she was defeated and sealed away.’
”You’re well-informed.”
’Just a bit of an old connection. Come on, take me away.’
”Understood.”
Kian gave a single nod and produced the birdcage he had received from Talia.
”What is that?”
’A cage to hold you.’
”I’ll behave even without such a toy. Do you really think you can capture me with such a cheap replica?”
”If you can escape at any time, then it shouldn’t matter, right? It’s a bit cramped, but until you inhabit a body, this allows me to avoid explaining a ghost to everyone I meet. If I claim that Lord Kian subdued a wraith in the Sea Prison¹⁰, the sorcerers of Crete won’t bother me. You understand the logic, don’t you?”
’Fine. Then let’s hurry to the Gorgon’s island.’
”I’m sorry, but I must return to my base and attend an important meeting first. Cyclops Island comes after that. Once we arrive at my merchant house, you may leave this cage. There’s a hot spring on the grounds. It should temporarily soothe your ‘thirst.’”
’I suppose I must endure until I have flesh. So be it.’
The man’s presence vanished. Snick! The key to the birdcage Talia had crafted was shredded to atoms. The door swung open on its own, and a crushing, physical pressure settled inside the cage.
’Move. Now. Or I’ll kill you.’
”If you accept my offer, then we are partners as of today. I am the head of Merchant Guild Kian¹¹, so I’d appreciate it if you watched your tone.”
’You’re a noisy one. Fine. I’ll be somewhat careful.’
”Also, tell me your name.”
’Is it necessary? Call me Ankabut or Spider, whichever you like.’
”That’s not your real name. I want to treat you as a person, not a thing. For that, I need to know who you are.”
’It’s Ukuba.’
As the evil spirit spoke, the cage clicked shut, and a key – an exact spectral replica of the one Talia had made – appeared in the lock.
’Move, boy. If you keep me waiting any longer, I’ll have your head.’
Kian nodded silently. With a single, explosive leap, he launched himself from the base of the tower of thread toward the upper floors.
* * *
By the time Balinars returned, Kian had been ordered to have Asterios participate in the summit of Crete officials in three days. The following day, Kian subdued the Conquistador and enjoyed a lunch date with Meimei and the others.
Two days later – today – he calculated that if he returned to Grass Island now, it would be close to evening. That meant tomorrow, the third day, he would have to fly to Water Island in the morning, leaving no time to infiltrate Cyclops Island to recover the remains of Shidarkan and his men.
As expected, the sun was setting when Kian finally returned to Grass Island. He met Isthbaran on the sandy beach of the merchant house and briefed him on Ukuba, asking him to keep watch. Talia, he learned, had taken the Chin-Chin¹² out toward Cyclops Island; she likely hadn’t identified the storage location for Shidarkan’s body yet.
If she still hadn’t found it after he returned from the meeting, he would head to Cyclops himself to find a vessel for Ukuba. Given the spirit’s personality, Kian had already ruled him out as a candidate for Shidarkan’s resurrection. That role was already reserved for the spirit of Satori.
After a nap, dinner, and a quick soak in the baths, Kian collapsed into bed. His body was fine, but he was mentally exhausted; he fell into a deep, heavy sleep instantly.
He woke at dawn to the sound of birds. After confirming Ukuba was haunting the hot spring like a territorial phantom, Kian transformed into Asterios.
”Sorry, but I’ll have to watch the house while you’re away.”
”Understood, sir,” Isthbaran replied with a respectful bow.
Kian felt Ukuba watching him curiously as he took off into the sky aboard the Chin-Chin. Teleportation was possible as Asterios, but without Talia’s consciousness in his right arm, he couldn’t open the gates. Since he wasn’t in the mood to visit the Lightning Knight Order, he traveled by air, enjoying the morning breeze.
Arriving at the shack of old man Gaius on Water Island, Rou met him and confirmed the letters to Sarah, Linca, and Maribel had been sent. He had also collected the reward for the Sea Prison quest.
”The carriage is ready. I’ll be your attendant from the guild.”
”I’m counting on you, Nmo. I don’t know when the meeting will end, so you can go back here after you drop me off, Nmo.”
”Of course.”
The wind on the plateau tossed Rou’s bangs, revealing his right eye – slightly paler than his left.
”Chairman, there’s been movement at the Western Church’s inn.”
”What kind of movement, Nmo?”
”Late last night, a man believed to be Cardinal Augusto was rushed to the Healer’s Guild.”
”Eh?”
”Witnesses say several Inquisitors delivered him. From the snippets of conversation, it sounds like Cardinal Augusto was the one on the stretcher.”
”Did you go to the healing clinic this morning, Nmo?”
”I did. The front of the guild is on total lockdown for anyone not involved. They’re diverting the public to other buildings.”
”He had a heart condition before. Yet he pushed himself to come all the way to Crete. His condition might have taken a sudden turn for the worse, Nmo.”
”If Cardinal Augusto dies, the Western Church will have to repatriate his remains. The Inquisitors will likely withdraw as well.”
”They might not help Crete, Nmo.”
Rou pointed toward the carriage at the bottom of the slope. “They might issue a statement criticizing the Gensou¹³, but they won’t take further action. If Cardinal Homolka withdraws too, the Gensou lose a major deterrent. They won’t have to worry about clashing with the Church if they launch a full-scale assault on Water Island.”
”That’s right, Nmo.”
As long as the Cardinals were present, the Gensou couldn’t recklessly attack the city. If a stray strike hit a Church vessel, it would be an official declaration of war against the West. Without that risk, the Gensou could deploy their warrior monks directly onto the mainland. Crete was in trouble.
”Chairman, you said you’d help Princess Guria-Selda, but the board has shifted. Be careful what you say at the summit.”
”I’m Asterios, Nmo. No one takes my words seriously, Nmo. I’ll probably just be sitting there for most of the meeting, Nmo.”
”It’s your influence on the Princess that worries me.” They reached the carriage and climbed inside. “Be careful not to say anything that might incite a decisive battle to Princess Guria-Selda. The princess, mistaking the chairman’s military might for her own, might launch a ‘suicidal charge’ with her personal guard under the guise of a surprise attack. It’s a charge from which she cannot return alive. Your words have an effect on Princess Guria-Selda, so please be careful.”
”Understood, Nmo.”
Rou lowered his eyes respectfully. “It was like preaching to the ears of Azrael. I apologize.”
* * *
They stepped off the carriage at the palace. Rou departed, and Kian walked toward Princess Guria, who was waiting at the entrance. She looked restless, clutching a large scroll, flanked by Eugenia and Meimei.
”Lord Asterios!”
”Hey, my dear wife. How are you, Nmo?”
”That’s all!” Guria pulled Kian inside the gate, leading him not toward the Salon, but to an open area by the guardhouse where a large desk had been set up. It was an improvised war room. “Together with the leaders of ‘Centuria’, we’ve planned a mission to retake Cyclops Island. You’ve heard about ‘Centuria’ from Meimei, right?”
”I’m listening, Nmo. A mission to retake Cyclops Island?”
”We’re launching a surprise attack.”
Meimei continued, “Reconnaissance says the Gensou have temporarily withdrawn from the island. They’ve left behind a defense force made up of the remnants of Mansoor’s army and Vahid’s old units.”
A “Decoy,” Kian thought, looking down at the map.
”Their numbers are small. There are almost no sorcerers. It seems Vahid is the only one left behind his handmaidens.”
”I think those prostitutes are also properly trained female warrior monks.”
”Why do you think so?” Meimei asked, tilting her head.
”Vahid’s former retainers intended to find a new world outside of Azrael¹⁵. In a new land, to create their own Azrael, they need strong children. So, if you’re asking what kind of woman is best to take away for breeding, it’s obviously a regular female warrior monk who is young and excels in magic power and physical ability-nmo.”
”That’s just the General’s personal opinion~desuwa, isn’t it?”
Immediately called out by Eugenia, I had no choice but to nod. There was simply no trust to be found in Asterios’s words at all….
Meimei spoke up then. “I don’t see why it matters whether they’re warrior monks or not.”
”It matters a lot because their combat potential is on a different level-nmo yo.”
”…gh! Either way, we’re just going to take them by surprise and bash them!”
Looking down at the dwarf girl Knight who was leaning forward aggressively, Kian tilted his head.
”Why are you in such a rush-nmo ka? Did Balinars-san say something to you-nmo?”
”…gh!” “…Th-That is…”
”Balinars-san intends to surrender.”
”I figured-nmo ne. And you find that unforgivable?”
”Isn’t it obvious! Did Asterios-sama forget Rita’s final words!?”
Guria-san lunges at me. Perhaps she remembered the fox girl who perished in the suicide attack¹⁶, as her eyes began to shimmer with tears.
”She said we are the foundation. She told us to become fine Queens.”
”We, who were allowed to live, must fight for the sake of those who died.”
”Eu, a surrender recommendation should have arrived from the Gensou side the other day, right? What were the conditions-nmo? You would remember them, wouldn’t you?”
”Unconditional surrender~desuwa.”
Eu replied instantly.
”Crete¹⁷ will discard its weapons and permit the Gensou Army to station itself within the city. Rule by the Cretan Royal Family will be terminated, and in its place, a government with General Balinars-san at its head will be formed. High-ranking bureaucrats like Tiegel-san and the others will remain, but it seems the entire legal system will be changed to match Azrael’s style~desuno.”
”Balinars and Tiegel and the rest – on the premise of surrendering, they’ve already started debating how to settle the chaos that will follow the introduction of the Azrael system after the war!”
Guria-san, perhaps feeling the frustration anew, shouted with a voice thick and nasal from crying. A guard standing at the gate shot a quick glance over here before looking back away.
”What will happen to the Cretan Royal Family-nmo?”
”I don’t know! There’s talk of calling back my younger sister from the Royal Capital. I’m (Watashi) being treated as a completely unnecessary child! I… what do you think I’m (Watashi) should do?”
”That is why we decided to fight,” Meimei-san said, her voice steady as she rubbed Guria-san’s shoulder.
”We will retake Cyclops Island¹⁸ and show them that we have fangs too. If we just blindly accept their demands like this, everyone except a few people will end up miserable!”
”—-“
Kian was ruminating on the words Rou had said – fitting, since he was a bull. If Kian were to easily agree here, Guria-san and the others were worked up enough to actually launch a suicide charge on Cyclops Island. However, after saying he would fight alongside them until now, if he suddenly made a moderate ‘let’s stay calm for a second’ type of comment, it would only salt the wounds of these hot-blooded girls.
I have to speak as cautiously as if I’m making excuses after being caught having an affair, Kian thought, his mind racing at high speed.
Just then, a mysterious carriage charged toward the castle gate at incredible speed and came to a sudden halt. The guards were shouting, but the person inside didn’t seem to care at all; they slammed the door open and came running toward us with the clack-clack-clack of heels.
”Kia… General Asterios! Listen to this!”
”Priscilla-san!?”
”Ah, good day, Princess Guria Serda!”
”Hello, Priscilla-sama. You’ve come at a good time. Actually, we were just having an important strategy meeting.”
Priscilla-san stomped into the open-air strategy meeting room and looked at the map spread out. Her expression shifted from 100% pure rage to about 30% apologetic.
”I’m sorry. It’s no longer possible.”
”Huh – ?” “…?” “What is~desuno…?”
”Priscilla-san, did something happen-nmo?”
Wait, was Asterios’s tone toward Priscilla-san supposed to be like this? he wondered while asking. Priscilla-san’s face turned beet red again, her nostrils flaring.
”My brother – Count Guy de Châtillon – told me to withdraw.”
”What…?”
”He says Châtillon won’t just refuse to send reinforcements, but they won’t even permit my personal deployment of troops.”
”B-But why?”
Guria-san turned pale and grabbed onto Priscilla-san. Priscilla-san looked away regretfully.
”‘Crete lost the opening battle, so we will not help.’”
”–gh!”
”Also, he said that even after Lord Kian crushed the enemy and we should have just regrouped, we pointlessly charged into an enemy trap and thinned our numbers. He says he cannot fight alongside a commander who acts so foolishly. And he won’t entrust his precious younger sister to such people either.”
”That’s horrible…”
”I’m sorry, Princess Guria Serda. Guy threatened that if I didn’t return to Châtillon, he would dismantle my laboratory. My most important research results are there. I can’t let them be destroyed, and I can’t let Guy and the others see them.”
Priscilla-san bit her lip and took a single deep breath.
”I am withdrawing from Crete. I’m sorry… please, do your best here.”
—
Summary:
Kian descends into the depths of the Sea Prison to find Ankabut, an evil spirit sealed long ago by the witch Circe. Upon meeting, Kian attempts to negotiate a contract, offering Ankabut a physical body through incarnation in exchange for his service in the New Continent. The negotiation turns violent when Ankabut reveals his depraved desires and tests Kian’s combat prowess, severely mangling Kian’s arm.
Kian recruits the powerful spirit Ukuba, securing him in a birdcage until a host body is found. He then travels to Water Island for a summit, learning that Cardinal Augusto’s failing health might lead to a withdrawal of Western Church support. Meanwhile, Princess Guria prepares a risky ‘special attack’ on Cyclops Island, unaware it may be a Gensou decoy.
The group discusses the devastating terms of Crete’s unconditional surrender to the Gensou Army, which involves the removal of the Royal Family. Guria and Meimei advocate for a final stand at Cyclops Island to maintain their dignity. However, Priscilla arrives with news that her brother, Count Guy, has forbidden her from helping, forcing her to withdraw and leaving the group isolated.
—
Trivia:
- The tower uses a unique lead-iron earthquake-proofing method instead of mortar.
- Ankabut is a half-elf, not a pure elf, based on the shape of his ears.
- The cleanliness of the tower was a byproduct of the preservation magic maintaining the barrier’s anchors.
- Kian is not Asterios reborn, but simply an inheritor of his power.
- The inverted pentagram is a specific marker of demonic/witchcraft corruption.
- Ukuba is an elf with ‘mixed blood’, which is a taboo subject.
- Kian transforms into Asterios specifically for political meetings to hide his identity.
- Rou has a pale right eye, suggesting a hidden trait or past injury.
- Talia is already near Cyclops Island looking for Shidarkan’s body.
- The term ‘special attack’ (tokkou) in this context implies a suicide mission.
- Gensou’s withdrawal from Cyclops Island is likely a trap involving warrior monk ‘handmaidens’.
- Kian is an anthropomorphic bull, hence the joke about ‘ruminating’.
- Rita was a fox-girl who died in a previous suicide attack, serving as the emotional catalyst for the girls’ refusal to surrender.
- The surrender isn’t just military; it’s a total legal and cultural overhaul to ‘Azrael style’.
- Guria’s younger sister is being summoned to replace her, making Guria feel ‘unnecessary’.
- Count Guy is using Priscilla’s research results as leverage to force her return
—
Character Insight:
Kian demonstrates extreme pragmatism and psychological insight by deconstructing Ankabut’s ‘thirst’ as a spiritual misperception. His lack of hesitation during his arm’s destruction highlights his detached nature regarding physical injury. Ankabut displays high-level telepathy and a deep-seated resentment/lust that has fermented over centuries of sealing.
Kian shows significant mental weariness, resorting to ‘mud-like’ sleep, yet maintains his strategic edge by identifying the ‘decoy’ trap. Guria’s desperation is leading her toward reckless military gambles, showing her lack of experience compared to Kian.
Guria is experiencing a crisis of identity, feeling abandoned by her own family and nation. Kian shows high emotional intelligence by navigating the volatile emotions of the girls without triggering a reckless charge. Priscilla is torn between her loyalty to the group and the protection of her life’s work.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The term ‘Ankabut’ is Arabic for spider, indicating the author’s use of multilingual etymology for ancient beings.
The ‘birdcage’ is a recurring motif for containment and power dynamics. The inclusion of ‘Azrael’ in the dialogue shifts the flavor toward a Western-fantasy religious mythos.
The ‘unnecessary child’ (iranai ko) trope is a powerful Japanese narrative device often used to justify a character’s shift toward radical action or deep trauma.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Kian – The protagonist—a vampire exile from Azrael with super-hearing, now Chairman of the Kian Merchant Guild. A pragmatic wanderer in poverty for a decade, he mediates between the Western Church and Crete. High-minded warrior to some, threat to others; accompanied by Priscilla and Homolka, dressed simply in black coat over plain clothes.
• Mag – The wolfwoman under Yelmar—the one who was caught by Kian’s group earlier.
• Ali – The oldest of the elite warrior monk trio, referred to as General Ali.
• Ankabut – An evil spirit, formerly a half-elf. Appears as a six-armed monstrosity with an eyepatch decorated with eight eyeballs of varying sizes. Known as ‘The Spider’. Sealed by Circe.
• Abbas – The heir of the Shakerdoust family, a prominent clan within the Twelve Divine Generals.
• Talia – A high-ranking vampire spirit currently possessing the body of Lyritisse. In this form, she has flaxen hair, blue eyes, and thick lips.
• Ukuba – An ‘Evil Spirit’ and non-ordinary Elf with mixed blood. Currently residing in a birdcage replica. Prone to death threats and possesses a powerful, heavy physical presence.
• Balinars – An associate of the Merchant Guild Kian who works alongside Madam Tiegel. General of the Cretan fleet. Former Captain of the Guard. Wears an Azrael-style military uniform. Cynical and pragmatic.
• Meimei – Small but fierce dwarf girl‑knight from the Lightning Knight Order (Raiko Knight‑dan). Tanned skin, bright smile, and rocking miniskirt armor with a Blue Thunder Stone weapon. She’s Maimai’s older sister and keeps the rookies in line. Determined to protect Cretan culture while cracking heads and staying adorable.
• Shidarkan – Gloomy, bearded son-in-law of the Malc family (Flora’s clan); once a modest Malc magician, ordinary next to Shajar’s elites. Attends the Cyclops Island war council after losing his wife, Flora, and sisters-in-law in the northern base’s destruction. First appears Vol. 4 Ch. 45. Reminder: bereaved Malc son-in-law—sober, doubtful, and dim but dutiful.
• Isthbaran – The High Warlord of the ‘Storm Herd.’
• Linca – Jibril’s favorite girl. High-ranking warrior monk woman from Shin, with strong abilities like ignoring attacks and poisons.
• Homolka – A Cardinal of the Western Church. He is a friend of Kian and is open to further negotiations despite the official conclusion of the meeting. A fat, elderly Cardinal. Primarily interested in financial profit and staying out of direct combat.
• Gensou – Eccentric young Eastern monk-general in Azrael’s army, playful yet ambitious. Wields sun-like magic, swordsmanship, and assassination tactics. Linked to three masked wives—Seishi, Oushoukun, and Yougyokukan (Head Magician). Ally of Mansoor and Oji, serves under Jibril, proposes Operation Assassination. First appears Vol. 4 Ch. 45. Reminder: playful Eastern general with masked harem wives, always late but magically explosive, contrasting serious monks with his bathrobe vibe and schemes.
• Guria – Princess of Crete. Tall silhouette. Wears a white dress with exposed shoulders and cleavage, and a laurel wreath. Defensive of Kian.
• Eugenia – Red-haired girl with a ponytail, serving as a messenger pigeon for Sir Scipio.
• Mansoor – Crimson-eyed elder monk and Azrael’s Divine General from the Shakerdoust domain near Dacia. Wielding mist form, blood-drinking, rapid healing. He ties to allies like Ryoma and Hanami Tsai. First appearing in Vol. 4 Ch. 25. Quick tag: vampiric red-eyed grandpa-general who mist-forms and drinks blood, obsessed with rescuing his captured son unlike other human monks.
• Rita – Female warrior monk with fox ears, last direct disciple of Nizaam, wears a fox-ear hooded jacket. A ‘killing doll’ beastman created by Nizaam.
• Tiegel – A middle-aged Tiger Beastman and influential Cretan lord/official tied to the Kian Merchant Guild. Flashy with gold and jewel rings, he’s strategically cautious of Kian’s sway. A grieving father whose daughter was crippled and sterilized in war; handles key admin and logistics.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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