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In a pitch-black forest, shadows darted from branch to branch, the sound of the wind cutting around them.
"Roar!"
A dangerous beast suddenly blocked their path.
The shadows didn't even slow down. Blades flashed, cutting across the beast, and they kept moving without a pause.
By the time the figures vanished back into the darkness, the beast was still standing frozen in place—until blood erupted from every inch of its body, and it collapsed into a heap of shredded flesh.
At the forest's edge, Saya Takagi stood quietly, a notebook in hand.
With the wind rustling through the trees, the shadows burst out of the forest and landed swiftly before her.
They were dressed in black from head to toe, their curves outlined by tight combat gear. Gauzy veils covered their faces, leaving only bright, sharp eyes visible.
One after another, more shadows emerged from the woods, quickly gathering together. At a glance, there were over a hundred of them.
"All members accounted for. Awaiting your orders."
The woman leading the unit stepped forward, bowing slightly before Saya.
"Everyone, prepare yourselves. The real war begins now."
Saya's voice was calm but firm as she looked at the rows of black-clad girls.
"Yes, ma'am."
The leader nodded, and with a hand signal, the unit dispersed swiftly.
"The war has begun," Saya whispered, tilting her head back to gaze at the star-studded sky. For the first time in a long while, she felt the moment she had been waiting for was finally here.
Inside a brightly lit villa, Venom flipped through a file before tossing it carelessly onto the table.
Saeko Busujima stepped out of her room, noticed the discarded papers, and picked them up as she sat down on the couch.
Seeing that, Venom spoke up.
"The southern tribes have launched an assault on the Empire. Several towns have already fallen. The Empire wants you to crush them and restore their prestige."
"Me? What about you?"
Saeko raised an eyebrow, already suspecting what he meant.
"There are matters I still need to deal with here in the capital. Suppressing the tribes will be your job. With your strength, it shouldn't be a problem."
Venom's tone was matter-of-fact. He clearly had no intention of joining this campaign.
"I understand."
Saeko smiled slightly and nodded.
"In addition to the army the Empire assigns you, I'll send the combat maid squad along as well. Let them temper themselves in war."
He had considered it carefully—battlefield experience would sharpen their minds and resolve.
"No problem."
Saeko accepted without hesitation.
"Oh, and one more thing. Someone else asked to join you."
Venom added suddenly, as though remembering.
"Who?"
Saeko frowned in confusion. Who else would be coming?
"That, I'll keep a secret. You'll see when you leave."
Venom only gave her a sly smile.
The two exchanged no more words and went to rest.
The next morning, Saeko left the villa and headed for the military camp.
To her surprise, when she arrived, the soldiers were already assembled and fully equipped, ready to march at a moment's notice. The combat maid squad was also lined up nearby, waiting.
She was puzzled for a moment—until she spotted Saya Takagi among the officers, commanding the troops.
Their eyes met, and Saeko walked over with a smile. It had been a long time since they'd last seen each other.
From a brief exchange, Saeko learned the truth: Saya was the "someone" Venom had mentioned.
Saeko welcomed her warmly into the campaign.
And so, the two women led their forces south, beginning the suppression of the tribes.
Not long after Saeko's departure, Venom left the villa himself, striding out of the Imperial Capital. Once outside the city, he glanced around to confirm his direction—then vanished instantly.
He reappeared moving swiftly through a forest. Any dangerous beasts that leapt out were struck down in a single blow, their bodies left behind as he passed.
Soon, the trees gave way to a clearing. In the middle stood a small wooden shack, so plain it was almost invisible.
But Venom knew this was exactly where he needed to be.
He approached quickly and pushed open the creaky old door. Inside, the walls were covered in notices. The furnishings were minimal—just a counter, and a middle-aged man leaning idly against it.
The man glanced up at Venom. A glimmer of sharpness flickered in his eyes before vanishing as quickly as it came.
Venom took in the room at a glance, then strode to the counter and tapped it lightly.
"Welcome, sir. What can I do for you?"
The man straightened immediately, wearing a polite smile.
"I need assassins. Can you provide them?"
Venom's expression was serious. With the maid squad sent off with Saeko, he had no usable subordinates left.
"Assassins…? And who might you be?"
The man's demeanor shifted at once, his presence sharp like a blade hidden in the dark.
"Venom. General Bud introduced me."
Venom gave his name without hesitation.
"Ah, so it's Lord Venom. Forgive my rudeness."
The man instantly became deferential.
"Back to business. I need assassins. Do you have any available?"
Venom cut straight to the point.
"You've come at the perfect time, my lord. A new batch of assassins is being produced as we speak. You can select from them yourself."
The man smiled, almost congratulatory.
"Good. Take me there. I'll choose personally."
Venom's tone was cool.
"Of course. Please, follow me."
The man gestured politely toward the back.
"Oh, by the way—what's your name?"
Venom asked casually before moving.
"Gozi. That's what people call me."
"....."