Ten minutes later.
Zeig walked out of Qlipoth Fort.
While Bronya and the other two were summoned back inside.
When they passed each other on the way, Bronya asked Zeig:
"How did it go? Did you really become an Executor?"
Zeig nodded calmly:
"Yeah, from now on we're colleagues. Didn't expect they actually provide meals here."
Zeig patted the bank card in his pocket, his face blooming with a grin.
Cocolia was far too generous.
Though not as ruthless as Asta, giving him 100,000 all at once just for meals—this was the kind of job many dreamed of.
"Then, do you know what Mother summoned us for?" Bronya continued asking.
Zeig paused and replied:
"Seems like she's announcing some operation. She said she'd brief you three in detail first while I go eat, then bring me in after you're done. The operation's important—she doesn't want me fainting from hunger on my first mission."
Bronya nodded. If she specifically told Zeig to eat, it meant the task would be physically demanding.
Probably something major.
Based on past experience, it might take days to finish.
"I understand. Thank you."
"No problem, no problem. I'll head off first—come get me later."
With that, Zeig left.
…
Nighttime in Belobog—the streets still shimmered with lights.
"Where should I eat?"
He'd gone to the Goethe Hotel before.
But after Serval's warning, Zeig figured it was best to stay away from March 7th and Dan Heng.
He'd finally managed to land an Executor position—losing it would be a huge loss.
"…"
Casually sitting on a bench in the square, Zeig immediately pulled a loaf of bread from his pocket and started gnawing on it.
Though he didn't have anything hot, cold food… he had plenty.
Just as he chewed the bread and stared blankly at the distant lights.
A pink-haired figure appeared in his view.
Her pink-and-blue eyes brimmed with excitement:
"Haha, why are you eating that here?"
Zeig continued chewing the bread without acknowledging her.
March 7th raised an eyebrow. "Little Zeig, you're getting ruder and ruder—ignoring even Belobog's honored guests."
"Honored guests?" Zeig glanced at March 7th and smiled. "Alright then, remember not to sleep too deeply tonight."
"What, planning a midnight raid?"
"A midnight raid? So what if I am? We're teammates. I've got nowhere to stay, so I'll just squeeze in with you at night."
"Hmph, forget it. No idea what you're scheming—always avoiding meeting up with us. Too dramatic."
"I'm afraid of getting caught in the crossfire. This is called keeping myself clean. A good boy like me—if people saw me hanging out with you two, how would that look?"
"Hmph, whatever."
After exchanging a few words with Zeig, March 7th returned to the Goethe Hotel.
Zeig sat on the bench when another graceful figure hurriedly approached.
Bronya came before Zeig and said anxiously:
"Zeig, this is bad. Today two ill-intentioned people arrived, plotting to harm Belobog's safety. They even sought an audience with Mother to deceive her—thankfully, she saw through it!"
Zeig exclaimed in shock:
"Damn it, there's something like this?!"
Bronya continued:
"They're currently at the Goethe Hotel. Mother has stabilized them for now—this is our best chance."
Zeig cursed angrily:
"Then what are we waiting for? Daring to trick my boss—let's take those bitches down!"
Bronya nodded. "I've already assembled the Silvermane Guards and announced your position to them. This is perfect—lead a team with us for the operation."
Zeig's eyes gleamed:
"What? I get to command people too?"
Bronya explained:
"Of course. You're Belobog's Executor, equal to me—commanding the Silvermane Guards is within your authority."
Hearing this.
Zeig immediately stood up:
"Good! In that case, let's do something big and eliminate those two pests!"
With that, Zeig pulled out his AK from his pocket, slung chains of ammunition over his body, and charged toward the Goethe Hotel at the front.
Bronya: "…"
"Why do I feel like he's… really excited?"
…
Below the Goethe Hotel.
Many Silvermane Guards were already lying in ambush. Seeing Zeig arrive with his AK, several immediately stepped forward to report:
"First time meeting you, Lord Executor. The Guards are in position—awaiting your orders!"
Zeig: "!!!"
Bronya's efficiency was truly fast.
In such a short time, all the Guards already knew of his existence.
They even recognized his face?
"You guys know what I look like?"
"Black long hair, black coat, and golden eyes—very recognizable."
"…"
Zeig held his AK and asked excitedly:
"Have the Guards gone in yet? How are those two thieves doing?"
The Silvermane Guard shook his head and reported:
"Just now, we coordinated with the hotel. A waiter went in to deliver water and confirmed both are still in the room."
Zeig nodded and glanced behind him.
Bronya was standing right there.
"Zeig, I plan to lead the Guards in directly. What's your idea?" Bronya asked.
"Then I'll stay outside and keep watch. Those two dared enter Qlipoth Fort—they must have something up their sleeves. I'll take a team outside for insurance."
"Yes." Bronya thought it was a good suggestion.
"Then I'll lead the team in first. You all adapt as needed."
With that, Bronya waved her hand and led a group of Silvermane Guards charging inside.
While Zeig remained outside with the other group.
"Lord Executor, what should we do?" the Guards asked.
Zeig pondered:
"With just two people, it's probably not enough to disrupt Belobog's politics—there must be accomplices!"
"Accomplices?!"
"Exactly. And that accomplice might be here right now—among us!"
"!!!"
For a moment, the lined-up Guards all looked at each other, confirming they were all on the same side.
"Um, sir, we've checked—there doesn't seem to be anyone else here." the Guards reported.
Zeig shook his head and said profoundly:
"You're all still too young."
He placed his hands behind his back and slowly ascended the steps to the Goethe Hotel, murmuring:
"Bad guys hide under all sorts of identities. The closer we get to the critical moment, the less we can let our guard down."
Step by step.
Each step Zeig took up the stairs made the Guards below tense.
What exactly did the Lord Executor mean?
So hard to understand.
Zeig kept his hands behind his back, turned his head, and glanced sideways at the crowd: "By the way, have you all eaten?"
"Y-Yes, we have." the Silvermane Guards below answered blankly.
"Good." Zeig nodded and continued upward.
"What did you eat?" he asked again, turning back.
"Uh, Lord Executor, does this really relate to the operation?" one Silvermane Guard asked nervously.
Zeig looked deeply at him.
"Heh, relate…" he drew out the word.
Then decisively:
"Of course not."
"…"
"But you know, spaghetti should be mixed with No. 49 concrete."
"…"
"And also…"
Zeig slowed his pace, his gaze profound.
"The bad guy among the masses… is right in front of you."
…