Shadowed Gaze: The Highserk War Saga - Chapter 126

Having failed to kill Walm, Faust, whose true identity as a manhunter had been exposed by the Three Magic Attack, erased his traces and returned to the hideout of the Covert Clan. Regardless of external factors, such a disgraceful failure left no room for excuses. Kneeling before his master, Faust reported the information he had gathered at the cost of two of his comrades.

“Master, I apologize. The attack failed, and we lost Medardo and Nero.”

“Our informants have already relayed the news. Those two have fallen as well… Now, only a few of the old comrades remain.”

The old man’s gaze drifted into the void, as if recalling distant memories. After a moment, he questioned Faust about the details of the battle.

“Did he sense the ambush ahead of time?”

“No, we struck by surprise, and yet, even with two of us attacking head-on, we were driven back. Though he was gravely injured, we took too long, allowing the Three Magic Attack to intervene.”

A surprise attack. Even with a well-coordinated surround, they failed to bring down the mercenary. Having faced Walm directly, Faust understood his strength better than anyone. His movements reflected the instincts of someone who had made killing a daily routine.

“He was that skilled?”

“A rare talent in recent years. There are two things that concern me.”

“First, he didn’t use Demon Fire. Despite us preparing fire-resistant gear and him conserving his magic power, it was all for nothing.”

“Was his mana depleted?”

Faust shook his head in response.

“No, though he had used quite a bit, I believe he still had magic reserves.”

“Either he had a reason not to use it, or he anticipated it wouldn’t work. Hard to tell.”

“The second point: when cornered, his eyes… without a doubt, they were Cursed Eyes.”

The room’s atmosphere grew even colder. After a brief silence, the old man asked for confirmation.

“…A complete adaptation?”

“No, they were clouded and impure. Incomplete.”

Just after taking down Medardo and Nero, Faust had seen those eyes—golden irises with dilated pupils, shrouded in darkness and unmistakably tainted.

“I see. That’s not something achieved overnight. But Cursed Eyes, even in this era of peace and decadence… to think a bearer still exists.”

Faust knew well his master’s habit of speaking to himself while deep in thought. The old man rubbed his fingers together, repeating his musings aloud.

“The collapse of the northern nations, the great rampage, Cursed Eyes—it all makes sense, no matter the scale. The path of a cornered group.”

The old man’s contemplative expression twisted into a smile filled with regret.

“A shame, really. He would have made an excellent vessel before our grand move.”

“Forgive me. Had I killed him with the first strike…”

Faust began another apology, but his master waved him off.

“It’s done. We’re ready now. All that remains is the right moment. Waiting and enduring—this, too, is something we’ve grown used to. …And it won’t be much longer.”

Perhaps unconsciously, the old man’s final words were emphasized. Faust shared the same anticipation, suppressing a shiver at the memory of their recent failure.

“Master, Faust, spare me the reminiscing. That bastard is my brother’s killer.”

Whether he sensed the mood or not, Gizel, the Covert Clan’s nominal ruler, spoke with a scowl. Perhaps Faust’s recollection had gone on for too long. Unlike Faust or the old man, Gizel was young and unaccustomed to waiting. The old man addressed him in a calming tone.

“I understand. Don’t be so hasty. Revenge isn’t always best served swiftly. The longer it brews, the stronger it becomes—like a curse.”

“If you say so, old man. But if Walm leaves the labyrinth after this incident, tracking him will be impossible. Even if it’s your order, I won’t let my brother’s killer go free.”

“Rest assured. He won’t leave the labyrinth. A decaying Cursed Eye bearer like him is drawn to one thing: the Deep Crimson Bloom, the crystallization of life force drained from those who perished in the labyrinth. That flower’s meaning is sacrifice and balance. If it’s true to its name, the question is: what price is he willing to pay?”

The old man’s body seemed to shift unnaturally, as if something else inside him stirred. In the darkness, untouched by sunlight, his eyes gleamed with a sinister obsession.

◆

Walm had been staying at the guild’s complimentary lodging—albeit under constant supervision—for nearly four days. Despite the surveillance, he received three warm meals a day, was allowed to bathe daily, and underwent healing magic treatments from a healing mage. Ironically, his injuries had left him healthier than before.

However, after two days of rest, his body brimmed with excess energy. To pass the time, he busied himself organizing his magic bag and repeatedly maintained his worn equipment. His armor was polished, clothes washed, and weapons cleaned until there was nothing left to do. Even his mask resisted polishing, as if some unseen force preserved it—always remaining pristine despite exposure to blood, flesh, and mud during battles.

As boredom threatened to consume him, Walm sensed movement in the hallway. Despite the room’s lack of windows, his time spent in the labyrinth had sharpened his awareness of passing time. It was too early for lunch, and the shift change for the guards wasn’t due yet. He reached for his longsword as a soft knock echoed from the lone door.

“What is it?”

“I have news.”

The familiar voice of a guard responded. Opening the door slightly, the guard delivered his message.

“After lengthy discussions among the higher-ups, you’re free to go. Gather your belongings—there are some formalities to handle in another room.”

To Walm’s relief, his period of idleness had finally ended. Even the guard’s tone suggested the drawn-out assignment was nearing its conclusion.

“Understood. I’ll prepare immediately.”

Lined neatly next to his bed, his gear was ready for immediate assembly, each piece falling into place as he equipped himself methodically.

Outside, Walm was met by both a guard and Lizzy, the guild clerk who had overseen his affairs. Beyond her reception duties, it seemed she had additional responsibilities within the guild.

“This way, please.”

Walm moved to follow Lizzy but noticed the guard turning in the opposite direction.

“What’s this?”

The guard, catching Walm’s questioning gaze, responded with a puzzled look.

“Your charges have been cleared. Lizzy says there’s no need for us anymore. Unless, of course, you’re hiding something.”

“Hardly. I’m the picture of innocence.”

“Hah, then hurry up. Don’t keep her waiting.”

Suppressing a chuckle at the guard’s sarcasm, Walm followed Lizzy. Though neither spoke, the silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable. Eventually, they arrived at a room—likely intended for private discussions with adventurers. Walm sat as instructed.

“First, congratulations on returning to the surface.”

“…Thank you.”

Walm couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed by her genuine smile.

“Regarding the manhunt incident—Faust, who also served as a guild instructor, was highly regarded for mentoring younger adventurers. The revelation that he was a manhunter sent shockwaves through the guild. Both the branch master and deputy branch master have gone to apologize to the marquis and develop countermeasures. Meanwhile, the guards continue their search for Faust, though he has yet to be found. His residence was burned down before they could investigate. That was our incompetence—I apologize.”

The explanation made sense. Faust was a master manipulator; it wasn’t surprising that no one in the guild had uncovered his true identity. In a sprawling city like Bergana, hiding was easy—especially for someone with Faust’s experience and local knowledge.

“I understand. This happened within the labyrinth. It’s no wonder you couldn’t respond in time.”

“Thank you for understanding. Officially, you defeated two manhunters. Normally, any possessions recovered from manhunters become the property of the adventurer who defeated them. However, since the Three Magic Attack contributed as well, their share must be considered. Additionally, the guild offers a medium gold coin for every manhunter taken down.”

“I’ll take half the reward. I may have killed two of them, but I was severely wounded, and Faust’s retreat was only possible due to the Three Magic Attack’s interference. If we had fought without them, I might have died.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

After confirming his decision, Lizzy adjusted the paperwork, and Walm signed off on the agreement regarding the confiscated belongings.

“That concludes the official matters. Now, on a personal note.”

Lizzy’s expression grew serious, her determination clear. Walm straightened in response.

“I assume you plan to dive into the labyrinth again. Your victory over Faust’s party shortly after reaching the 30th floor proves you’re among the city’s top explorers. However, the death rate beyond the 30th floor skyrockets. Even Faust’s party never surpassed the 35th floor, and the Three Magic Attack is still struggling at that barrier. No matter how strong you are, you won’t survive alone—you will die.”

Her words, though harsh, carried undeniable truth, and Walm listened without interruption.

“Your goal is to conquer the labyrinth, isn’t it? I don’t know if it’s due to some obsession or bitter memory from your past. Regardless, you should gather companions and form a party. I know this is presumptuous of me, but… I don’t want you to die.”

It had been a long time since anyone had spoken to him so earnestly. Images of his late family and former squad flashed through his mind. He couldn’t disregard her heartfelt advice.

“…You’re right. I’ve been too reckless. I’ll look for a party.”

The monsters until the 30th floor had already drained his magic significantly. The deeper he went, the more ruthless and tenacious the enemies would become. Walm had no illusions about his own strength; his failures in the Dandurg defense and his devastated homeland had already taught him the harshness of his limitations.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Thank you—for everything.”

“In that case, let’s draft a recruitment notice. Posting it will incur a fee, so I’ll deduct it from your reward.”

Walm outlined his requirements for teammates: age, gender, and nationality didn’t matter. All that mattered was the strength to endure the journey to the labyrinth’s depths—a single, non-negotiable condition.

“That said, I should warn you… Given your status as a non-guild adventurer and the recent manhunt incident, finding companions may take some time.”

Her words carried the air of a real estate agent dealing with an undesirable property, and Walm couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

“Heh… Don’t worry, I’m aware. I’ll wait for someone strange enough to show up.”

Though his funds weren’t yet enough to buy the medicine he needed, Walm’s coin pouch was starting to fill. Even without access to Demon Fire, if he kept diving, he might eventually earn enough for both medicine and companions. Thanks to Lizzy’s support, the frustration that had weighed on him for so long finally began to ease.

Translator – Lyxxna