CHAPTER 90
Rapha Hastel.
Commander-in-Chief of the Regular Army and, by name and in reality, the strongest in the world.
What was my impression upon meeting the man said to be stronger than the Sword Lord?
‘A huge old man.’
I'd heard he was over eighty, so how did he maintain a physique like that?
He wasn't a member of another race; he was a pure human.
It felt strange that he could maintain such a build.
“A pleasure to meet you. I am Commander-in-Chief Rapha Hastel.”
“Ah, yes. I’m Harua.”
“I’m Aranseol.”
As Aranseol and I introduced ourselves in turn, he walked over and sat on the sofa.
The sofa he sat on was a two-seater, but in an instant, it felt like a one-seater.
This man was strong in and of himself.
“I’ve heard the story from Inferno. Harua, you’ve helped out with quite a few things. On behalf of the Regular Army, I thank you.”
Words of gratitude from the Commander-in-Chief of the Regular Army.
He was truly thanking me on behalf of the entire force.
“It was nothing.”
“Of course, I didn’t pry for the details. Inferno said he would leave that to your discretion.”
So he kept his promise to me, even with the Commander-in-Chief.
I glanced at Inferno, and he gave a slight smirk.
Indeed, telling Inferno about my Resurrection magic was the right call.
That left me with a dilemma.
Should I tell the Commander-in-Chief about my Resurrection magic or not?
Since Inferno had brought him here, Rapha Hastel was a trustworthy individual.
Not only that, but he was often mentioned in my conversations with Ririran.
A man trusted by those I trust.
That was Commander-in-Chief Rapha Hastel.
“I heard you were originally a soldier, Rapha Hastel-nim.”
“That’s right. Before coming here, I served in the United States Army.”
That was also why he was able to create the Regular Army.
At the time, the world had been devastated by the war between the No-Nameds and the locals.
Unable to stand by and watch, Rapha Hastel created the Regular Army, which became the force it is today.
“In that case, do you believe the Regular Army will remain unchanged in the future?”
I didn't completely trust the Regular Army.
Just like what happened in the prison before, there were bound to be rats hiding within its ranks.
Furthermore, there could be those swayed by Black Dawn, like the master of the Eunhye Magic Tower and the Red Flame Lord.
The Regular Army had a high proportion of Transferees.
It was one of the few places where Transferees could stand tall without being discriminated against by the locals.
That was what the Regular Army was.
And for that very reason, it was also a prime target for Black Dawn to extend its reach.
“I’ve heard many stories about you, Rapha Hastel-nim. You are truly a living legend.”
A war hero, and furthermore, a person who contributed to world peace.
If it weren’t for him, the entire world might have been filled with hatred for Transferees, and everyone could have become like the Radiance Faith.
The relatively decent perception of Transferees today was thanks to the Regular Army and his efforts.
“But you are getting on in years, Rapha Hastel-nim.”
In another 20 years, he would be over a hundred.
For a human, his limit was approaching.
“What’s more, I heard you have a chronic illness.”
“I have a bit of a problem with my lungs.”
If the body itself weakens, even Holy Magic can do nothing.
The same went for Resurrection magic.
His lifespan was reaching its limit.
Of course, Rapha Hastel had trained his body, so he might live for a longer period.
But the reality was that as he neared the end of his life, his body would weaken.
Power is a vile thing.
The moment the one at the top weakens, those below will not hesitate to bite and tear.
Even Rapha Hastel would not be able to escape that.
“Can you be certain that the Regular Army will remain the same after you are gone?”
The linchpin of the Regular Army is Rapha Hastel.
The moment he is gone, can the Regular Army truly maintain its current state?
This was the point I wanted to ask.
I needed to know this before I could step onto the path of thorns myself.
Rapha Hastel understood the meaning of my question.
It was the groundwork for discussing the missing pieces of the story I had shared with Inferno earlier.
He chose to remain silent for a moment.
His blue eyes settled on Inferno.
“I have excellent people by my side. All those who hold the rank of Lieutenant General are such individuals.”
Inferno is excellent.
Indeed, all the actions he had shown were trustworthy.
“My death? It will have no effect on the Regular Army. The Lieutenant Generals are upright, and their goal is firm.”
Rapha Hastel slammed his hand down on the table.

The scar-covered hand showed just how many harsh battlefields he had traversed.
“To bring peace to this world. And furthermore, to create a world where Transferees and the people of this world can live together.”
Hearing his next words, I understood why Ririran had said I was similar to Rapha Hastel.
His goal and my goal were not different.
To make this shitty world a place where anyone can live like a human being.
At the very least, a world where one can sleep soundly with their legs stretched out without any problems.
That was the goal.
“Rapha Hastel-nim, what did you experience when you were first transferred?”
“I was stabbed and nearly burned at the stake. That was how Transferees were treated back then.”
“You had a rough time too. I had my limbs torn off. I was dropped right in the middle of the Radiance Faith.”
Everyone has a reason for feeling that this world is shit.
Rapha Hastel established the Regular Army because he had gone through such an experience.
And now, those who have received his will are moving in various parts of the world.
If his will is functioning properly, then the Regular Army can be trusted.
“I have Resurrection magic.”
Rapha Hastel’s eyebrows shot up.
His expression was that of someone for whom the puzzle pieces from the story he'd heard from Inferno had just clicked into place.
“And I want to use this power to wipe out the bastards who won't let me sleep soundly, including that damn Black Dawn.”
This was my true intention.
Rapha Hastel stared at me for a moment before speaking.
“To be frank, considering the possibility of your power falling into the wrong hands, I believe that being protected by the Regular Army is the best course of action.”
I was realizing the dangers of Resurrection magic as I used it.
No matter how powerful an enemy you defeat, they can be resurrected and return with just a single finger.
For those facing such an enemy, there is no greater terror.
That was why Rapha Hastel was considering the possibility of me falling into the hands of a dangerous group like Black Dawn.
As he said, being protected within the Regular Army might be the safest option.
However, Rapha Hastel must also know.
The tide of the era is already at an uncontrollable level.
Black Dawn is a runaway train that won't stop.
To stop them, we must not be picky about the means and methods.
Among them, Resurrection magic would be an unexpected variable.
“How are you living now?”
“I’m working as an adventurer. I’m also receiving teachings from the Divine Lord.”
“So you have a connection with the Holy Church as well.”
“I am a 1st Grade Holy Mage, after all. The Holy Church welcomed me with open arms.”
Rapha Hastel slowly tapped the table with his index finger.
It seemed to be a habit of his when he was deep in thought.
“What is the possibility that Black Dawn or others have found out about your Resurrection magic?”
“High.”
I’ve done things.
Starting with the death of the Red Flame Lord, they must be tracing the events back.
Eventually, they will arrive at my existence.
From then on, it will be a straight path.
The one who was present at the death of the Sin of Sloth.
The one who was present at the Star Cluster incident.
The one who was at the spider den occupation.
The one involved in the death of the No-Named murderer.
The one who had a direct or indirect influence up to the death of the Red Flame Lord.
At the center of all these incidents, one person was consistently present.
Harua.
That’s me.
Black Dawn aren’t fools.
They will find out about the existence that has consistently interfered with their plans, and they will find something strange in my movements.
And eventually, they will arrive at the existence of Resurrection magic.
The price of overusing Resurrection magic.
And none of this was without intent.
I didn’t just stupidly sprinkle Resurrection magic all over the world.
Subtly, yet persistently, so that scum like Black Dawn wouldn't think it was a trap.
So that they would eventually think of it not as bait, but as prey.
I left traces of my Resurrection magic.
“You could work as bait.”
Rapha Hastel’s eyes flashed.
A sure-fire bait to lure out Black Dawn.
That’s me.
A smile formed on my lips as well.
The grand picture I had been painting until now was finally beginning to be completed.
“Yes. And an irresistible one at that.”
Black Dawn will definitely take the bait.
That much was a certain truth.
Because that is the value of Resurrection magic.
But not yet.
They must have only just become aware of my existence.
If they had known about me, they would have tried to capture me somehow back when the Red Flame Lord was dealt with.

The fact that they haven't means their intelligence network hasn't reached me yet.
So, before their intel could catch up, I made a point of visiting the 2nd World.
It was to show them that this bait could be swallowed without any problems.
Aranseol squeezed my hand tightly.
She seemed to have realized why I had been so insistent today that she run away if things got dangerous.
I was sorry I couldn't explain, but it was a truth I couldn't tell anyone.

“Black Dawn’s movements have recently been concentrated in the 2nd World.”
The Regular Army must have already figured this out.
From using criminals as pawns to operating in the 2nd World, Black Dawn was clearly scheming something.
It wasn't for nothing that the Regular Army constantly patrolled the 2nd World.
Their patrols were meant not only to exterminate criminals but also to surveil Black Dawn’s activities.

“Have you figured out Black Dawn’s intentions?”
“My apologies. We are still in the process of figuring that out.”
The Black Dawn bastards weren't fools.
They were surely proceeding with their plans while skillfully avoiding the Regular Army.

“As a pioneer, I regularly enter the 2nd World. The members of Black Dawn will eventually become aware of this fact.”
“If that’s the case, then if they decide to target you…”
“It will definitely be in the 2nd World.”
They would eventually find out that I was in contact with the Regular Army.
Therefore, the 2nd World, where the Regular Army’s power doesn't fully reach, would be the most likely location.
“By now, my existence must have been revealed through the death of the Red Flame Lord. In the meantime, since I visited the 2nd World today, they will be convinced that I will continue my work as a pioneer.”
“...You’ve been proceeding with a dangerous plan all by yourself.”
“That’s because I have someone I can trust. I came here today to discuss this, in addition to the matter with the Radiance Faith.”
The person I trusted was Inferno.
Of course, I hadn't expected the Commander-in-Chief himself to show up.

“I told you, didn’t I? He’s a sharp one,” Inferno said.
Rapha Hastel let out a dry laugh.
“And audacious, too.”
“Thank you for the compliment.”
I didn't know how to react.

“I defeated the Red Flame Lord with the help of the Sword Lord, Soun. At this point, Black Dawn won’t send some half-baked force after me. They’ll send someone powerful enough to guarantee my capture while avoiding the Sword Lord.”
“And that person would be…”
“There’s a high probability it will be one of the Sins.”

A Lord-class powerhouse. That could only mean one of the Sins.
“If we can just capture one of the Sins, we’ll be able to uncover everything, from their schemes in the 2nd World to the full extent of their plans.”
“And the risk to you in this process?”
“It’s low. At worst, what will I be? A resurrection mule?”
I was someone who couldn't die anyway.
Moreover, Black Dawn would treat me with the utmost care, not bury me in the ground.
My Resurrection magic would be a greater asset to them than anything else.
Aranseol glared at me from the side, but there was no other way.
This was a gamble that hinged on me, myself.
And in this gamble, success meant victory.
“If a war is going to break out, isn’t the 2nd World a better battlefield than the 1st?”
As I smiled faintly, Rapha Hastel stood up from his seat.
“Time is of the essence. Let’s prepare.”
My proposal had been accepted.
This was our chance to crush the bastards from Black Dawn for good.

“Additionally, I was thinking of assigning someone to your side. What do you think?”
“I’d welcome it.”
Anyone Rapha Hastel would assign was bound to be a powerhouse.
There was no reason to refuse having a strong person by my side.
“It’s been a while since I’ve felt this motivated at my old age. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Regular Army, I’m counting on you.”
“I’d be grateful if you could reward me handsomely after the job is done.”
“I’ll give you anything you want.”
A reliable answer.
I could feel my own motivation to work surging.
Alright, you Black Dawn bastards.
Come at me whenever you’re ready.

Here lies the most delicious bait in the world.