Viro’s Shadowy Powers

“Viro City, the third-largest city in the Olavi Empire, a crucial trading port. Emperor Olavi IV, recognizing its economic significance, had granted the city a high degree of autonomy in exchange for its peaceful integration into the empire’s territory.”

“I’m not interested in a history lesson, Saranya. Tell me about its current state.”

“Following the outbreak of the first demonic scourge, a deluge of refugees poured into the city, causing the slums to swell rapidly and public order to deteriorate. Compounded by external threats and the ongoing demonic calamities, the administrative capacity of the Autonomous Council government steadily declined. Officials and the military were utterly exhausted simply trying to maintain stability, possessing no desire to uphold ties with the imperial central authority. Consequently, they paid mere lip service to decrees from the capital, even those issued by the Emperor himself.”

Both sides, after all, were acutely aware that the imperial center, much like Viro City, was too preoccupied with its own troubles, its regional control having significantly waned.

‘With the Emperor so far away, if you lack a strong military presence, I’ll simply ignore you. What can you do to me? Push me too hard, and I might just declare independence.’

“After half the city was devastated by a magical storm, Viro finally lost all semblance of order. Several inner districts became indistinguishable from the sprawling slums, and apart from the central zone where the garrison was stationed, the entirety of Viro fell under the sway of various guilds and gangs. The fragmentation of power was so severe that even a beggar, holding a broken bowl on a street corner, had to pay protection money to several local strongmen.”

Even so, Viro was still known as the ‘City of Twilight Glow,’ which painted a bleak picture of the state of other regions within the Empire.

“You must exercise extreme caution in Viro, Master. While I know you possess formidable fighting skills – indeed, your prowess is invaluable – success in this city hinges on influence and power. This place is a chaotic tangle of individuals, and there’s no telling who might secretly target you; hidden threats are notoriously difficult to defend against. Your magical reserves will eventually be depleted, yet the foolish who invite trouble, the treacherous bandits, and the fearless desperadoes are legion and inexhaustible…”

“I want to know how I can seize control of this city. How much money and how many people will it take?”

Saranya froze, her gaze lingering on Kaelan’s face for a moment. More than mere inquiry, what she discerned in the other woman’s eyes was an unvarnished, raw ambition.

Calm, sharp, and imbued with an almost fanatical tenacity, this petite girl appeared less like a human and more like a lion that had long lain dormant, now brazenly baring its fangs at Saranya.

“You… are you serious? Why?”

“Do I look like I’m joking? Explain it to me.”

“As far as I know, you have no army, nor would it be easy to raise one. Without a legitimate claim, it would be difficult to garner support.”

“Are you accusing me of lacking a just cause?”

A dangerous glint flashed in Kaelan’s eyes, prompting Saranya to hastily wave her hands.

“No, Master, that’s not what I mean. What I’m saying is that attempting to control Viro through military occupation is unfeasible. You must instead approach the deeply entrenched local powers: the guilds, the gangs, the refugees, and even those officials clinging to power within the central district. Each has their own agenda. You’ll need to uncover their desires, pinpoint their weaknesses, win over some, and suppress others. This is no simple task. We’ve entered the game too late, and to establish your own interests and earn a seat at the table, unconventional methods are often required…”

“Assassination, theft, coercion, kidnapping?”

Kaelan’s lips curved into a smirk as she leaned closer to Saranya, her long eyelashes nearly brushing Saranya’s cheek.

“Excellent, Commander. It seems we’re on the same wavelength after all.”

“That’s not what I meant at all! Who said I was on the same wavelength as you? Do you know about the Lunar Scar Church?”

“Indeed. A sect of the Olavi Polytheistic Church, and Viro’s most prestigious religious organization. Their interpretation of scripture is remarkably pragmatic, focused on the perceived impact of so-called ‘divine oracles’ on reality. Some priests are even a step away from being sorcerers themselves, capable of casting what they term ‘divine spells.’ It’s a pity, however, that they continue to dissect their obtuse religious framework, never realizing that the flaw lies in their foundational premise.”

“Master, they wield considerable influence among Viro’s citizens and form a crucial component of the Republican Council.”

“True enough. After all, they’re the faction that showcases the ‘power’ of the ‘Pale Moon Goddess.’ Not many churches can truly display ‘miracles.’”

Kaelan’s tone was sharp and sarcastic, and her deliberate pause on the word “miracles” thoroughly irritated Saranya.

The Night Lily Knights, which Saranya once led, had worked very closely with the Lunar Scar faction. Many of their priests had dedicated immense effort to religious affairs, and their divine spells had greatly inspired the people. It was they who convinced the Night Lilies that, even in the face of evil sorcerers’ magic, the side of justice possessed divine arts capable of countering it.

“Master, you could assist the Lunar Scar Church by handling sensitive matters that the authorities find difficult to address publicly, thereby earning their support.”

“Right, be the church’s lapdog. What a brilliant suggestion~”

Witnessing the witch’s sarcastic remarks, Saranya felt an urge to retort, but a sudden awareness of her subordinate status and precarious situation made her quail.

“No, that’s not—”

“Speaking of which, the Night Lily Knights have a branch here, don’t they? Specifically to protect the Lunar Scar Church? Are you familiar with your subordinates?”

“Yes… they’re all good people. I have a good relationship with them.”

“Is that so? Then, to rescue you, their Grand Commander, would they be willing to do anything~?”

Kaelan’s eyes narrowed, and her tone made Saranya’s heart sink. She immediately regretted bringing up the church, having intended to subtly guide the witch towards a virtuous path, only for Kaelan to turn her attention to Saranya’s own subordinates.

“You! You wouldn’t dare try to manipulate my Knights through me! They wouldn’t violate their principles for personal ties!”

“Wouldn’t they?”

“At least… at least some wouldn’t!”

“Oh, well then, let’s just get rid of those inflexible ones~”

“No! Please, don’t drag them into this!”

Colluding with a sorcerer was a capital offense, explicitly written into the Imperial Constitution. No, absolutely not. She had already become an accomplice to the witch; she absolutely could not drag her former comrades down with her!

Clinging tightly to this sense of responsibility, Saranya gritted her teeth, confronting Kaelan.

‘Don’t be a coward, Saranya, not anymore! Muster the courage of a commander, use your educated mind to devise a convincing argument for this witch!’

“I refuse to be a mere puppet! I can offer far greater value than that!”

“Oh?”

Kaelan blinked, showing a flicker of interest.

“Instead of pushing me out to ‘stir the grass and startle the snake,’ you’d be better off having me assist you from the shadows. I understand the church’s operational rules. They’re currently conducting assessments for priest elections, and I can help you manipulate a candidate to win a priestly position, thereby allowing you to seize control of the Lunar Scar Church’s power in Viro!”

“Master, your magical prowess is beyond question, but matters of religion, military, and politics are undeniably my strengths. Provided you promise not to involve innocent individuals, I am willing to devote all my efforts to helping you. There will be no need for anyone else’s participation; you need only rely on me!”

Saranya spoke with fervent animation, pouring out the most passionate plea of her life, fully expecting Kaelan to be greatly impressed. Yet, the witch remained utterly unresponsive.

‘How peculiar. Why has the witch’s gaze suddenly turned blank, dull as a block of wood?’

“Are you truly willing to help me, Saranya?”

Kaelan stared at Saranya, her beautiful eyes unblinking, a hint of distraction in their depths.

“Answer me. This is important.”

“Huh? Truly… is, is it? Yes… haha…”

Saranya swallowed, striving to project an air of conviction.

This time, Kaelan’s gaze softened slightly.

“You had better be. Because if you dare to deceive me… I despise being lied to.”

Kaelan turned her head away. Saranya, gazing at the exquisite, slightly serene profile, found herself unconsciously holding her breath, her eyes widening slightly.

‘Was this slightly childish girl truly her sworn enemy, the utterly wicked, blood-soaked black witch Kaelan, whom she had once hunted?’

‘No, she shouldn’t dwell on it. Appearances could be deceiving; that was a truth instilled in her by compulsory education.’

“Go to the Redwater Tavern on Old Liberty Square Street, in Viro’s West District.”

“Are you hungry again? Didn’t we just eat pastries? Or do you want a drink? Don’t get carried away! As my s*ave, you haven’t accomplished anything for me yet, so I won’t be giving you any rewards.”

“If we want to establish ourselves in Viro, the Redwater Tavern is our first stop.”