1.
It had been six hours since I left the hideout.
“This should be the place.”
Following the memories of <Yellow Dragon>, I arrived at the <Emerald Forest>, located north of the capital.
The forest lived up to its name—a dense expanse of towering trees and a kaleidoscope of plant life that slowed my progress.
Thanks to the sturdy build of <Nahan>’s body, it wasn’t as exhausting as it looked. Still, the events of the early morning and insufficient rest were taking their toll.
“Ah, whatever. A quick break won’t hurt.”
I found a suitable rock, sat down, pulled out my canteen, and drank some water.
After quenching my thirst, I ate the jerky and dried fruits I had bought at the capital’s market.
Although a short break and some food should have restored my stamina, instead—
“…I feel even sleepier now that I’m full.”
I was more fatigued than before.
Well, after living peacefully for nearly a month, the chaos of the last two days was bound to be overwhelming.
I had assumed I could live peacefully for a year, but being thrown into the middle of an incident wasn’t part of the plan.
‘Still, what choice do I have?’
If I wanted to survive, I had to keep moving.
Shaking off the drowsiness with difficulty, I stood up and resumed walking.
‘The memories of <Black Wolf>.’
Unlike <Babylonia Full Content> or <Encyclopedia>, which were passively absorbed into my mind, related <Events> only unlocked when I directly encountered them.
In other words, the memories of <Black Wolf> currently accessible to me were limited to those connected to <Yellow Dragon>.
Even then, the information was mostly basic: <Yellow Dragon>’s hideout, habits, and speech patterns.
‘Still, it’s enough to convincingly impersonate <Yellow Dragon>.’
I might not be able to wield the overwhelming power of one of the Great Ten right away, but I could at least mimic their demeanor.
Just like how I had bluffed my way out of a situation by impersonating <Black Wolf> at dawn yesterday—if I could manage the same with <Yellow Dragon>?
‘I might actually complete the assigned request.’
As I walked, I thought about revisiting the Empress’s designated task.
【You are entering <Yellow Dragon’s Barrier (SS)>!】
A sensation like passing through a thin, soft veil enveloped my entire body.
‘Just as I remembered.’
This was a concealed space protected by a high-grade barrier to avoid detection by the <Black Wolf> Mercenary Corps members.
– So, what’s the plan now? …No, what is your plan, Captain?
This was where Black Wolf had recruited the fifth member of <Black Wolf>.
The wreckage of a broken hut, tree stumps stripped to their bases, and an open sky overhead due to the destruction.
Like a battlefield recovering after years of war, this place had naturally healed but retained deep scars of past combat.
“Did they fight and make up?”
Surely, their relationship isn’t still bad?
…Well, whatever.
“Regardless of their rank, anyone in <Black Wolf> besides Lactea is under <Restrictions>.”
I can’t attack them anyway… probably.
“Enough talk. Let’s get moving.”
Including today, there were only three days left.
I needed to figure out <Yellow Dragon>’s power and meet the fifth member to complete the request.
“Was this really a fight between people?”
Clearing out the excessively scattered wreckage, I searched for <Yellow Dragon>’s mark in the area.
It wasn’t long—barely ten steps—before my gaze fixed on something.
“…Found it.”
A large boulder placed amidst the wreckage, seemingly positioned there intentionally, covered a slightly elevated mound beneath it.
A broadsword embedded in its scabbard, armor neatly arranged nearby, and a crude necklace resting beside it.
“Looks expensive.”
Curious if it was a high-tier artifact, I called up the system.
However, despite its golden, ornate exterior, it held no particular effects.
Clink, Clank.
Disappointed, I put on all the gear, and the necklace inside began to emit light.
【Common Artifact – <Reina’s Full-Length Mirror (C-)> activated.】
【“You are my one and only light. Take pride in yourself a little more.”】
The name and voice imprinted in the artifact belonged to Reina, likely created by the Empress herself. Thanks to it, I could see my reflection as <Yellow Dragon>.
A dazzling set of golden and platinum armor, a massive broadsword that looked razor-sharp, and an impressive helmet engraved with the name <Yellow Dragon>.
Compared to the tattered robes and mask of <Black Wolf>, this was several leagues better.
– Brother, can’t you talk a bit more nicely?
“…Right.”
Anyway, this was better than <Black Wolf>.
“Doesn’t feel too heavy, does it?”
Clank.
Despite its flashy appearance, it looked quite heavy. Testing my movements revealed only a slightly obstructed view from the helmet, but otherwise, it was manageable.
Practicing vertical slashes, horizontal slashes, and diagonal slashes with the broadsword, I quickly familiarized myself with its weight and feel.
“Good. Next, skills.”
After some deliberation, I decided to recheck <Black Wolf>’s skillset first.
【Skill List – <Black Wolf>】
– Passive: Black Wolf (Ex)
– Skill 1: Veil of Shadows (Ex) (Partially Unlocked) (4/6)
– Skill 2: (Access Restricted) (Ex) (6/15)
– Ultimate: (Access Restricted) (Ex) (10/15)
The currently unlocked skill of <Black Wolf> is limited to the first skill, Veil of Shadows.
【Skill 1: <Veil of Shadows (Ex)>】
◆ Effect
: If the target feels even the slightest <Fear> toward <You>, from that moment, the target perceives <You> as the embodiment of death itself. The status effect <Terror (Ex)> will linger until their final breath.
This skill inflicts the <Terror (Ex)> status effect if an opponent feels fear, even for a moment.
It had already proven its worth against foes like Viscount Gapelt, a former A-rank mage; the slain 13 knights; and even the S+-rank Empress.
The moment <Veil of Shadows> struck, they immediately faltered—a truly overpowered ability.
Of course, someone of Reina’s caliber, capable of experiencing emotions more overwhelming than <fear>, might somehow endure the effect. Still, even she couldn’t completely resist it.
‘Let’s explore this further.’
With more understanding of the skill, its applications could multiply.
“Oh, right. There’s also the passive.”
Recalling the passive ability, <Black Wolf (Ex)>, I called up its effect window.
【Passive: <Black Wolf (Ex)>】
◆ Effect
: Allows you to designate targets and form a contract, placing a <Soul Restriction> on them. Restricted targets become members of <Black Wolf>. The more members you have, the stronger <you> become.
◆ Number of members
: Current… (8/10)
…What a nightmare.
‘So that’s why I got that warning when Han-Ryang was in danger.’
Damn it.
I’d thought about leaving them behind in a worst-case scenario, but if a member dies, so do I.
‘…Fine. Let’s accept it and move on.’
From the moment I inherited this <Black Wolf>, preventing bad endings became my responsibility.
So whether I live as <Black Wolf> or as <Yellow Dragon>, I’ll focus on clearing the <Main Quest> as safely as possible.
“All right. That’s enough for <Black Wolf>.”
The remaining skills seemed tied to the 15 bad endings. Six and ten would need to be prevented to unlock more.
“Still, it’s disappointing.”
In the original work, <Black Wolf> and the <Black Wolf> Mercenary Corps were portrayed as some of the strongest forces in the world, yet now all I’ve got is bravado.
But for now, during what’s essentially the prologue.
【Equipped Items】
– <Transcendent> – Iaso’s Ring (SS+)
– <Mythical> – Vulcanus’ Ring (A+)
– <Mythical> – Sword Specter’s Necklace (A+)
– <Legendary> – Robin Hood’s Pocket Dimension (A-)
– <Common> – Reina’s Necklace (C-)
At least I could compensate with gear.
The only option is to prevent bad endings and unlock more skills as quickly as possible.
“Anyway, I’ve checked <Black Wolf> and the artifacts… only <Yellow Dragon> is left. Hopefully, it has a decent offensive skill.”
Muttering a small hope, I opened the skill list for <Yellow Dragon>.
【Skill List – Yellow Dragon】
– Passive: Sun’s Blessing (Ex).
– Skill 1: Solar Annihilation (Ex). (New!)
– Skill 2: (Access Restricted). (6/15)
– Ultimate: (Access Restricted). (10/15)
Like <Black Wolf>, <Yellow Dragon> only had its passive and first skill unlocked.
“Let’s take a look…”
【Passive: <Sun’s Blessing (Ex)>】
◆ Effect
: You sparkle magnificently. Amazing. If someone who holds <respect> for <you> sees that sparkling light, they will fall under the status effect <Reverence>. The Blessing of the Sun is the greatest in the world!
“…No wonder I’ve been sparkling.”
The more dazzling something is, the more likely it is to be a trap.
I hadn’t tested it yet, but it seemed like a weaker version of <Veil of Shadows>.
“Well, it’s just a passive. I wasn’t expecting much. As long as the main skill is decent…”
Pushing aside the disappointing passive, I opened the description for Solar Annihilation.
“Show me, Solar Annihilation. You’re different from the passive—you’ve got a great name.”
【Skill 1: < Solar Annihilation (Ex)>】
◆ Effect
: Flash!
*However, consumes all aura! Exhaustion! You collapse!
“…What the hell.”
For a moment, I understood why <Nahan> was the captain of the <Black Wolf>.
I thought about testing it but hesitated at the sight of the red, flashing warning about exhaustion.
After a long internal debate, I reasoned.
“…Maybe it’s like a flashbang. At least it’s not entirely useless.”
Satisfied with my rationalization, I sat on a moss-covered fragment of the ruined hut.
“Well, that’s everything checked… Oh, right. What about <Acting>?”
Whenever I immersed myself in the character of <Black Wolf>, vague memories of a blue spear surfaced.
Since I’d focused only on acting, I couldn’t recall any details about it.
Trying to summon its information, I was met with:
【Access Denied】
: Conditions not met
All I got was an unhelpful system message.
Still, it didn’t seem to affect my ability to act, so I decided to revisit it later and dismissed the screen.
“All right, onto the final task.”
The Empress’s second request.
Rustle.
Tear.
I pulled out the <Designated Request Letter>, which I had prepared in advance by placing it outside the armor, and unfolded it.
『Trust no one too easily.』
That was my own note.
Flip.
As I turned the note over to confirm its contents without delay—
“Hey there, if it’s something good, let’s have a look together.”
Someone snatched my <Designated Request Letter> and quickly put some distance between us.
“‘Trust no one too easily? Tsk, I saw some scribbles from afar and thought it was something juicy, like an erotic painting. Rushed over for nothing.”
My heart nearly dropped at the sudden approach, completely devoid of any sound or presence, but I masked my reaction and turned to face the intruder.
Bulging muscles, long and unkempt white hair, and narrowed slitted eyes beneath it all.
He looked like a robust old man from the neighborhood, but he was none other than the fifth member of <Black Wolf>.
◆ No.5 Dalan – Monstrous Dragon (S+) (New!)
The 10th of the Great Ten.
Dalan, the Monstrous Dragon.
“Been a while, Captain.”
I immediately switched to my <Black Wolf> persona, ignoring his greeting and giving a curt command.
“Give it back.”
“Of course, I’ll return it. But those letters were quite elegant. Did you get yourself a lover?”
“I wrote it. Now, hand it over.”
“…Hehehe, really?”
Dalan smiled kindly, stepped closer, and handed back the note.
Thud.
I accepted the <Designated Request Letter> without incident. However, just as I was about to take another look, Dalan’s slitted eyes opened slightly, and a menacing gleam poured forth.
“The handwriting doesn’t match yours, Captain. I’ve had my suspicions for a while.”
An overwhelming pressure flooded the area in an instant.
“Are you with <Eclipse>?”
His murderous intent whispered that no matter what I said, he would kill me.
‘I’m going to die.’
Just as one reflexively closes their eyes when a punch is thrown, I acted on instinct and triggered a skill for survival.
【Skill – <Solar Annihilation (Ex)> Activated!】
My subconscious decided the best course of action was to blind Dalan and create distance.
【—Flash!】
But instead of a simple flash, an immense burst of destructive energy was unleashed.
CRACK!!!
The sheer destructive force left me slack-jawed.
【Critical Strike!】
【<Yellow Dragon’s Barrier (SS)> is destroyed!】
【Warning: All aura consumed! Exhaustion imminent! Collapse expected!】
My vision began to blur rapidly.
‘If I collapse here, I’m dead!’
【<Iaso’s Ring (SS+)> Activated!】
【A small amount of <Aura> is recovered.】
I barely managed to cling to consciousness as the ring’s effect kicked in.
When my vision cleared, I found myself standing in position as if I had just swung a massive broadsword.
What I saw before me was the shattered remains of the barrier, clouds split in two, trees cleaved in half, and—
“Ca-Ca-Captain! I’m truly sorry for doubting you. I sincerely apologize! Can we settle this with words? Words are good, after all!”
Dalan, who had somehow been persuaded (?), now nervously attempted to appease me.
“By the way, the Empress’s command to capture <Black Wolf>… What are you planning to do about that?”
“…What?”
“Didn’t you read it yet? Take a look. ‘Please capture <Black Wolf> and bring him to me.’ The Captain is being ordered to capture the Captain.”
The request contents only made my head throb even more.
