Rubinas City Railway Station.
After learning the details of the commission from President Reina, Noah boarded another train and headed straight to the city where the Black Bird Consortium had its headquarters.
The whole day was spent in transit.
At dusk, stepping off the platform with a heavy box in hand, Noah glanced at the deserted streets. Spotting an old man out for a walk, he approached to ask for directions.
"Excuse me, sir. Could you tell me how to get to Black Bird?"
The old man cupped his ear. "What bird are you talking about, young man?"
Suppressing a sigh, Noah repeated patiently. "The Black Bird Consortium."
"Oh, yellow bird? How did you know I keep one at home?"
The old man beamed and promptly launched into a rambling story about his beloved pet. Noah had no choice but to stand there and politely endure five minutes of bragging.
"Master, I'm not asking about your pet bird," Noah finally interrupted. "I mean the Black Bird Consortium—the company."
"Oh, I see." The old man nodded. Then froze. "…What's that you said about black…?"
Noah's mouth twitched. "Black Bird."
"Oh, yellow bird! How did you kno—"
"I said STOP!"
Exasperated, Noah clenched his fist demonstratively. "Uncle, ever seen a fist the size of a sandbag? If not, I'll give you a free meal."
It wasn't exactly moral to threaten an old man for directions… but the geezer was *obviously* messing with him.
Finally dropping the act, the old man eyed Noah's heavy box and sighed.
"Young man, are you planning to invest in Black Bird? Take my advice—business is dangerous. You won't be able to stomach it. Be careful, or you'll end up with your bones chewed clean."
There was a sharp edge hidden in his words—sarcastic, bitter. Noah grasped the undertone easily. Clearly, in Rubinas, Black Bird already had a foul reputation. The locals despised them.
But Noah only smiled smoothly. "Don't worry, sir. I have an eye for business. Even juggernauts like Heartfilia are investing in Black Bird. Following their lead, success is guaranteed."
Thanking the old man, he left with directions in hand.
Behind him, the elder shook his head. His memories drifted back to when Black Bird first arrived. The townsfolk had been just as confident, tricked into investing in the consortium's grand-sounding "lobster farming project."
A year later, Black Bird announced pitifully that all the lobsters had "escaped due to ocean currents."
Absurd. Rubinas was deep inland. There wasn't even a sea nearby.
The enraged citizens demanded refunds. Instead, they were handed legal documents stating Black Bird bore no liability in cases of "force majeure"—fine print so tiny it was unreadable without a magnifying glass.
Their livelihoods vanished overnight.
"Another fool ready to be eaten alive," the old man muttered. "There's no persuading the young. Let him learn the hard way."
---
Rubinas' northern suburb.
A sprawling complex dominated the landscape. Black, fortress-like buildings formed a ring around a central four-story oval structure. From a distance, it resembled a giant egg cradled in a black nest.
At the top floor's luxurious office, Joel, director of the Black Bird Consortium, stood before a figure in priestly white robes, bowing and flattering.
"Priest Kula, Heartfilia's assets are even greater than we anticipated. Jude can last by selling off his real estate, but… rest assured, within two years at most, we will fully devour the Heartfilia Konzern."
A grim smile spread across Kula's face. For a priest of the Black Magic Cult, two years was a short wait. The Heartfilia fortune was vast enough to rival a nation—worth every ounce of patience.
Adjusting his glasses, Kula intoned coldly, "Well done. Once the mission is complete, I will submit your promotion report. Prepare yourself to receive Lord Zeref's blessing."
Joel's breath hitched. The blessing of the founder of black magic! With it, he could transcend humanity—perhaps even gain priest-like power. His excitement flared… only to be cut short as Kula continued, voice heavy with annoyance.
"Joel. You mentioned resistance?"
Joel paled. "Ah, yes… recently, someone has suspected our plan. I… need the Cult's assistance."
Black Bird, after all, was merely a financial tool. Its members? Ordinary humans. No mage among them. Against certain enemies, they were powerless.
Kula's eyes narrowed. "Who dares interfere? A wizard?"
Joel shook his head furiously, trembling. "N-No. Just a normal man, but… he holds status. He's completely unafraid of our methods. You should know him—Reina, president of Love & Lucky."
Kula's gaze deepened with recognition. Indeed—Reina's close ties to Jude had been investigated already.
As president of a celebrated guild, Reina was shielded from harm by law and influence. Unless caught in some great scandal, nobody could touch him. No wonder Joel wanted magicians dispatched.
Kula's decision came swiftly: "Fine. We'll silence him. Tomorrow, his entire family will be sent to the afterlife."
Joel stiffened, then grinned nervously. Though pleased, the sheer ruthlessness made his blood run cold. Cult priests were true lunatics, steeped in slaughter.
Before Joel could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
Scowling, he barked, "How many times have I said not to disturb me at this hour?!"
"Sorry, Director Joel," came the timid voice beyond the door. "A young man's just arrived saying he wishes to invest."
Joel sneered. "You need my permission for *that*? Idiot. How much money does he have?"
"H-He says he wants to invest ten million, sir… and he's already brought a down payment of two million…"
Joel froze.
Ten million? Cash?
This wasn't some spoiled brat playing at business. This was fat, bleeding prey walking straight into his claws.
The kind of "meat" that doomed entire families and dragged whole fortunes into ruin.
His lips curled into a predator's smile.
"What are you waiting for? Invite him in—NOW!"
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