I'm being Mistaken for The Mastermind

Chapter 22

"Bishop Greys, the preparations are complete."

"Kr. Well done."

The fourth finger of the forgotten god.

Greys of the Red Claw, who leads one of the remaining heretic remnants, glared at the mansion.

Greys' two eyes blazed.

Someday, the talents who will lead this hateful empire are in that mansion.

'Disgusting creatures.'

The sound of laughter, haha and hoho.

Wrath surged.

When the heretics shivered in the cold on the mountain simply because they were forgotten.

Aren't they the ones guzzling down alcohol in their warm homes?

Still, they endured until now.

For the grand cause to be fulfilled in three years.

However, all of that turned to nothing.

Because of one person.

'Arthur!!'

The nightmare of the heretics.

The blood-crazed Holy Knight and Knight of the Full Moon, Arthur Modritter.

Suddenly appearing, Arthur swept away the heretic group.

Just like Arthur in his prime.

Greys was a believer who survived that era and witnessed it directly with his own eyes.

There was no mistaking it.

How on earth did he regain his strength?

Arthur lost his Aura Hall due to some incident.

A wound that no priest could heal.

It couldn't even be called a disease.

It was an incurable, eternal loss.

Even the Grace of God couldn't fix it.

Unless it was the Elixir from myths.

That's how it should have been.

The silver aura that shone brilliantly, standing with the moon at his back.

That light was so intense it could momentarily obscure the moon.

Goosebumps! Just thinking about it made his claws tremble.

The red claws, even though they were 'transplanted' after that incident, reacted as if they had actually experienced the horror.

The fortunate thing was that Arthur had not fully regained his strength.

It was estimated to be about half of his prime.

But even that was enough.

To leave fatal wounds on the heretics.

Arthur fled with only a minor scratch.

In contrast, the heretic side was nearly annihilated.

The leader, Bishop Blake, was critically injured,

About a thousand 'believer'-level deaths.

About a hundred 'priest'-level deaths.

All other bishops survived.

They had to flee with the remaining remnants.

'Now, we have no more chances.'

Even seeing that the grand cause failed before it could be executed.

This is the last chance.

The opportunity to bring down those who, with their snake-like tongues, made others forget their god and seized all power and wealth.

"Today, kill everyone except three. Do not forget."

"Understood, Bishop."

Among the noble offspring currently attending the ballroom, only three were useful.

The real power of the underworld, the second son of the Alcart Ducal Family, Evan Alcart.

The eldest daughter of the Fraus Count Family, which controls the southern region, Asella Fraus.

The second daughter of the Yorta family, the perennial second-place merchant family, Velia Yorta.

Originally, Velia Yorta was a person who should have been killed.

Because it was the content of the request made by the eldest daughter of the Yorta family.

However, noticing Velia's potential, Greys changed his mind.

'I need money.'

Velia was younger than her elder sister but far more skilled in business and much smarter.

To the point where her sister was jealous.

With that kind of intelligence, she was useful.

She could become the stepping stone for a comeback.

Asella Fraus?

That side could be dealt with through a 'transaction.'

Everyone knew that Asella dreamed of becoming the second Alcart Family.

Everything was going smoothly.

Except for one person.

'Evan Alcart.'

There was almost no information.

Most of it was just 'rumors.'

Still, it wasn't something to act on based solely on rumors.

If one believed them, that was an even bigger problem.

Because it was impossible to predict how significant he might be.

'For now, focus on subduing him.'

Greys bit his lip.

'Damn it! If only that kid were here, it would've been easier......!'

Super.

A mysterious child born with a great fate, destined by the god to guard.

It was classified information known only to Greys.

-Until the time comes, you must remain silent.

His distinctive feature was his eloquent speech.

In fact, one priest swayed by his words took his own life.

If that kid had been there, anything could have been possible!

It was painful that he had been scattered at the end.

He must be retrieved later, no matter what.

Because that was the will of the god.

"Is everyone ready?"

"Yes, Bishop."

The priest bowed his head.

In their hands, each held a flask of red liquid.

He looked up at the sky.

Slowly, the sun was setting, and the sky was filling with twilight.

The time had come.

Greys nodded.

"All of this-"

He also took out a flask containing red liquid from his bosom.

A prerequisite for receiving the Grace of God.

"-is for the god."

The moment they drank the potion.

Kuguuuuuuuuu!

The ground shook violently.

"!"

An attack?

Greys lowered his body and raised the Red Claws.

The Grace of God gradually filled him, and red fur bristled as his eyes turned red, and his body began to swell.

A body modified through repeated 'experiments' solely to kill Arthur.

The power that gave him the name Red Claws.

'Whoever comes, I'll tear them all to shreds!'

It was the moment when his wild instincts were about to explode out.

Kugugugugugu!

The ground twisted, and a barrier began to rise.

A barrier that soared endlessly.

He realized too late that something was wrong and charged, but it was already too late.

Thud!

A barrier that completely trapped them.

Greys' expression hardened.

Step.

The sound of small footsteps was heard.

***

Evan slowly withdrew his hand.

In the distance, the place where the remnants of the Heretics had gathered.

He saw the ground twisting and the barrier rising.

'Phew! I did it.'

He wiped his forehead with the back of his hand.

Did he overuse his magical power?

He felt slightly dizzy.

It couldn't be helped.

He was too shocked.

'No, why did they suddenly jump out and cause such chaos?'

Fortunately, the potential of the body he was possessing was decent.

For a first-year, this level wasn't bad.

Compared to a player, it was still far behind.

Velia seemed to see it differently, as she looked shocked with her mouth agape.

"......That, that barrier. Was that your doing?"

"Yes."

"With just a single touch? That's ridiculous... I heard you were an Alchemist......."

"If you're an Alchemist, this is something anyone can do."

"......."

Velia shut her mouth tightly.

She seemed convinced.

Well, this much was average, right?

But that wasn't the case.

Velia wasn't convinced at all.

She compared him to the Alchemists she knew in her mind.

'The range of synthesis... It's much wider. He used much less magical power.'

The overwhelming difference in capability.

A small sigh escaped her lips.

'He wasn't called the Youngest Alchemist for nothing.'

Gulp!

She swallowed dryly.

Didn't this mean he could kill, kidnap, or trap enemies anywhere?

She was beginning to understand why other noble heirs feared him.

'But I can't back down here.'

This was her only chance.

A chance to escape her witch-like sister and survive.

A chance to achieve her lifelong dream of 'independence!'

It was then.

Evan opened his mouth.

"Are they trying to kill you?"

"......Yes. That's right. They're Heretics. Probably......."

Velia hesitated for a moment before lowering her head deeply.

"My sister must have commissioned it."

Evan understood why he didn't know the name Velia.

A character who exited the story before even appearing in the main plot.

She must have either died or been kidnapped here.

It made sense not to know her.

Why would they mention someone who died three years ago?

Especially with the end of the world looming?

Anyway.

'Isn't this an opportunity?'

Evan looked down at the back of her head.

The downside was not knowing if she was an ally or a villain.

'Even if she's a villain, maybe she can be rehabilitated like Lapis.'

Even if not, it was fine.

Building connections here would be enough.

If things went south, he could just cut ties.

'Not a bad idea, right?'

Truly a manly idea, through and through.

"You asked me to save you."

"......Yes."

"You said you'd pay any price. What price will you pay?"

Velia bit her lip.

Hmm, she wouldn't give him something strange, would she?

Like her heart or something.

He didn't want that.

Just give him connections.

"......I will give you everything you want."

"That's vague."

"......Or, is there something specific you want?"

Velia cautiously glanced at him.

Surely, he wouldn't throw her back there if he didn't like her answer?

"Yes."

Evan nodded.

"Connections."

"......Connections?"

"I would like you to help me build relationships at this ballroom."

......Wasn't that too easy a request?

A small question lingered on Velia's face.

She was a born merchant.

Handling people is such an easy task.

It would be better if he just asked for money instead.

Evan also caught onto her reluctance.

Hmm, is it too light?

"I hope it continues to be connected even after this."

Not just a one-time connection here, but a request to build connections for continuous communication!

"......Is that all?"

Is it too cheap......?

Still, saying more would be awkward.

Wouldn't it make me seem too greedy?

Not like I'm some macho man or anything.

'......Sigh. Should I say just one more thing?'

Evan added one more condition.

"Additionally, if you know of any useful connections, I would like you to introduce them to me separately."

In truth, Velia's connections weren't that important.

It was just a minimal justification to wrap up the earlier request.

This should look like a proper request, right?

However, it sounded different to Velia.

'Useful connections?'

Were the earlier words just a trap, and this the main point?

Was he trying to find out about the connections only Velia had?

'How did he know?'

A slight cold sweat trickled down.

'Did he find out that the Alchemists' Tower contacted me?'

The Alchemists' Tower.

An organization that originally adhered to a closed-door policy.

But the times have changed.

Their leadership changed, and internal restructuring was gradually taking place.

They approached me, saying they were considering exchanges.

Luckily, I was in a position to lead the dealings with them.

However, Velia's sister opposed it.

Her stance was, "Why trust those lunatics?"

In reality, it was because she was jealous of Velia's abilities.

It was also the reason Velia's life became targeted.

'Because we're both alchemists...... It's natural for them to be interested.'

Did he know this and had been waiting to approach me from the beginning?

To make it easier for Velia to approach?

'......That can't be.'

The timing is too coincidental to be a mere chance.

From attending the ballroom to this very moment.

If all of this had been planned?

'......Were the rumors true?'

There's been a rumor circulating recently.

The Saintess of the Sun and the Knight of the Full Moon.

News of contact with these two big figures.

And even that Evan was behind them.

If someone capable of drawing such a big picture, wouldn't it be possible?

'Perhaps, the real power is Evan Alcart......!'

Did I mess with the wrong person?

Someone too influential.

A faint fear lingered in Velia's eyes.

"......???"

Yet, Evan, the one receiving her gaze, was unaware.

Why is she looking at me like that?

'Did I say something wrong?'

......There doesn't seem to be anything strange?

Evan frowned slightly in confusion.

At the point when Velia, misunderstanding this, grew even paler.

Swish!

"Evan!"

The curtains were suddenly flung open as Lapis and Super hurriedly entered.

"Something terrible has happened!"

"......What happened?"

"There was a strange woman loitering outside, so I chased her away, but that's not the strange thing......!"

Lapis flapped her arms.

The carrot she was holding in her mouth fell with a plop.

"Super is acting strange!"

"......Super?"

Super was staring at the barrier with a hardened expression.

An excessively serious demeanor.

Did something happen with those heretics?

"......I must go there."

Super looked at Evan with serious eyes.

"......I need you."

"?"

"If you're not scared, come with me. Please."

Scared?

He felt slightly scratched.

Who would think he wasn't the Sin of the Future with such a sharp tongue?

Of course, it wasn't a deep scratch.

Just a slight one, at most.

'......It should be fine to go, right? Lapis is here too.'

It's because she asked that I'm going.

Not that I'd ever show it.

"......Alright, let's do that."

I am...... the protector......!

Evan reassured himself inwardly.

Everything will surely be safe!

Just in case, though.

Clank, clank!

The Living Armor transformed into a sturdy armor form.

The bracelet combined into a staff form.

Ready to transform into a small golem or shield at any moment.

'I only brought Number 4 just in case...... This should be enough.'

Summoning Number 4.

Checking the separately prepared items.

Three high-grade recovery potions, and three antidotes.

Though small in size, their effects were definite.

Good.

With this, the preparations are complete.

The clothes were slightly wrinkled.

They would straighten out if brushed later.

"Velia."

"......Yes, yes?"

"Please stay here. It will be safe."

Evan left those words behind and headed toward the barrier.

There was no need to run or climb down.

Swoosh!

Number 4 lifted Evan and placed him on its shoulder.

Lapis and Super were also placed on its arms.

Slide!

Carrying everyone, Number 4 silently melted into the darkness and disappeared.

At that moment.

In the distance, a silver pillar shot up above the barrier.

It was instinctively recognizable.

That was the aura of the famous Knight of the Full Moon, Arthur Modritter.

This confirmed it.

Evan.

He was truly treating that brutal knight as if he were merely a subordinate.