[Immortal System]
---- It is time to test your merits as a worthy leader. How will you fare when leading your party into an all-but-destined suicide mission? ----
Difficulty: Platinum
Reward:
S = Great Immortal Ito Fragment (2 & 3) + A
A = 2nd Circle Awakening + Stage 3 Grandmaster
B = N/A
C = Death
D = Death
F = Death
---- I hope this isn't the last time we communicate. I have high expectations for you! :) ----
Zeke stared at the message displayed before him.
Several weeks had passed since the Final Trial began.
Initially, his team had been unable to participate because Liz failed to meet the minimum requirement.
Fortunately, that problem had eventually been solved.
Drawing upon knowledge from his previous life, Zeke gathered the necessary ingredients throughout the Valley of Light and refined a breakthrough pill known as Grass Root.
The pill significantly increased the likelihood of advancing through the lower stages while producing virtually no side effects.
After a week of closed cultivation, Liz successfully broke through to Stage 2 Disciple.
Now their team was officially eligible.
Unfortunately, they were already behind.
Their current contribution total sat at only seven points out of the required one hundred.
Out of one hundred and eighty competing teams, they ranked near the bottom.
The highest-value assignments had been claimed long before they entered the competition.
Many of those tasks lasted days or even weeks before becoming available again.
As a result, only scraps remained for everyone else.
Standing before the contribution board in the heart of the Valley of Light, Zeke, Kenshin, and Liz reviewed the available listings.
Guard duty.
Body disposal.
Mock assassinations.
Advanced training evaluations.
Magical beast hunts.
Even team duels.
Unfortunately, every single assignment had already been crossed out.
Nothing remained.
"Tsk. No luck today."
Kenshin folded his arms.
"What a pain."
Liz sighed.
"Even after avoiding interference from the other valleys, we still ended up empty-handed."
The frustration in her voice was understandable.
Although Zeke's actions before the trial had earned widespread fear and respect, that reputation only discouraged direct confrontation.
It didn't stop other participants from finding creative ways to claim assignments first.
While his siblings continued discussing their situation, Zeke remained focused on the Immortal System's newest mission.
Something felt off.
This task had appeared completely outside the established pattern.
Normally, new missions arrived at the beginning of major trials.
This one appeared randomly.
For the first time, Zeke felt as though the system was actively reacting to future events rather than current ones.
Whatever awaited them, he doubted it would be simple.
Meanwhile, inside a secluded building overlooking the Valley of Light, an important meeting was underway.
The Three Reapers sat around a large table.
Presiding over them was an elderly man dressed in an extravagant silver robe.
Benjiro.
A representative of the Hidden Council.
The Hidden Council operated from the shadows, funding and controlling numerous organizations across the world, including the Hidden Cave of Untold Shadows.
Even the Three Reapers understood the danger of offending someone of Benjiro's standing.
"Now then."
Benjiro slowly stroked his lengthy white beard.
"Let us discuss the Angelic Flute."
The room immediately grew heavier.
The divine relic had become a persistent headache.
Highly coveted by a powerful superior known simply as Madame, the Angelic Flute possessed the ability to tame Saint-Level Beasts with relative ease.
The artifact was currently believed to be hidden somewhere within the Martial Alliance's primary headquarters.
Retrieving it had proven impossible.
Years had passed without progress.
As expected, the Three Reapers immediately prepared their excuses.
"Quiet."
Benjiro's single word silenced them.
Pulling out a scroll, he unfurled it.
"This message comes directly from Madame."
The atmosphere instantly froze.
"My patience and leniency have worn thin after years of incompetence.
I am beginning to believe that my personal request has not been treated with the seriousness it deserves.
You have one final year to satisfy me.
Fail, and I will find individuals capable of replacing you."
Silence followed.
Nobody dared speak.
Eventually, Benjiro rolled up the scroll.
"Does anyone possess an actual solution?"
"If permitted, I do."
Taki immediately rose from his seat.
Lee visibly grimaced.
Benjiro nodded.
"Proceed."
Taki bowed respectfully.
"After conducting my own investigation, I discovered that the Martial Alliance's main branch will soon open its doors to martial artists across the Eastern Continent who are under twenty years old."
Benjiro listened quietly.
"My proposal is simple."
Taki's eyes sharpened.
"We infiltrate the Alliance using our fledglings."
The room fell silent.
"Continue."
"The recruitment process provides perfect cover. Once inside, our agents can begin gathering intelligence regarding the Angelic Flute's location."
"Hmph."
Benjiro leaned back.
"Assuming they successfully infiltrate the Alliance, what then? Intelligence alone doesn't retrieve artifacts."
"Agreed."
Taki smiled.
"Which is why they are only the spark."
His expression became confident.
"I already possess a contingency plan capable of securing the Angelic Flute once its location is confirmed."
The old Reaper placed a hand over his chest.
"I stake my life upon it."
Benjiro studied him carefully.
Then he glanced toward Ono and Lee.
Neither offered an alternative.
"Very well."
He stood.
"I will relay today's discussion to Madame."
The meeting adjourned shortly afterward.
Once Benjiro departed, Lee immediately slammed his fist onto the table.
"That self-righteous bastard!"
"Hmph."
Taki smirked.
"Funny. You seemed considerably quieter when he was actually present."
Lee's eyes narrowed.
"You boot-licking snake."
"What was that?"
Before another argument could erupt, Ono sighed.
"Must the two of you do this every time?"
Both men reluctantly fell silent.
"Now then, Taki."
Ono folded his hands.
"Would you care to explain the rest of your plan?"
Taki smiled.
"Gladly."
Later that evening, Benjiro relaxed inside the luxurious inn reserved for his stay.
The entire third floor belonged exclusively to him.
Just as he prepared to retire for the night, a knock sounded at his door.
"What is it?"
One of his escorting mages bowed.
"Reaper Taki requests a private audience."
Benjiro frowned.
"Tsk. Fine. Send him in."
Moments later, Taki entered.
After exchanging formal greetings, he produced a sealed jug from his sleeve.
"I thought we might share a drink."
Benjiro eyed the bottle suspiciously.
"This isn't poisoned, is it?"
Taki chuckled.
"You wound me."
Nevertheless, he poured both cups.
Then drank first.
Only after seeing this did Benjiro finally take a sip.
"Hmph."
The elder lowered his cup.
"Enough games. Speak."
Taki nodded.
"The reason for my visit concerns the Angelic Flute."
Benjiro's expression hardened.
"What about it?"
Taking a deep breath, Taki finally revealed his true objective.
"Upon completing Madame's request, I wish to ask for a favor."
"A favor?"
"Yes."
Taki's eyes darkened.
"I want Reaper Lee's head."
The room instantly grew cold.
Benjiro's expression transformed into open hostility.
"You overestimate yourself."
"I understand how it sounds."
Taki lowered his head.
"But I believe Lee's death would benefit Madame as well."
Benjiro remained silent.
Seeing an opening, Taki continued.
For the next hour, he carefully explained his plan.
By the time he finished, Benjiro unexpectedly laughed.
"Interesting."
The elder rose from his seat.
"I'll present your proposal."
Taki visibly relaxed.
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me yet."
Benjiro's eyes sharpened.
"And when we meet again, I expect a full explanation regarding how you learned information that should never have reached your ears."
Taki bowed deeply.
"As you wish."
Leaving the inn, he walked through the empty hallway with a rare smile.
For years, every piece had been moving exactly where he wanted.
Now, the board was finally set.
'Everything is falling into place.'
His smile widened.
'Your end is approaching, Ryu.'