The title of Deputy Commander of the Southern Border Division of the Royal Imperial Guard sounded like a minor rank, but Zhang Wen knew better. If this position were to be brought up in the imperial court, the centuries-old aristocratic families would fight tooth and nail for it.
If this were another army—even the legendary Holy Roman Legion, which was famed throughout the Empire—dispatching such a small detachment outside its assigned territory would likely end in disaster. However, the Royal Imperial Guard was completely different!
Those six resounding words—“Royal Imperial Guard”—determined their status within the Empire! They were the Emperor’s personal guards, the very face of the Emperor himself! Not a single imperial official would dare to show them disrespect.
As Zhang Wen knew, the Royal Imperial Guard was almost equivalent to the Jinyiwei of the Ming Dynasty. The only difference was that the Imperial Guard did not possess the authority to monitor officials like the Jinyiwei did.
Didn’t everyone see how Governor Karajan, a powerful regional governor on the planet Fira, had to carefully smile and flatter himself before William?
On the other hand, the Royal Imperial Guard rarely left the capital to protect the imperial city. Even when hunting down someone as dangerous as the Black Viscount, they had only briefly swept through the Southern Border before immediately turning back to the capital, not even waiting for the ship carrying the Black Viscount to depart.
In other words, the Southern Border Division of the Royal Imperial Guard was beyond the jurisdiction of local officials in the Southern Border, who also dared not interfere. Those who could command this unit were all stationed far away in the capital, across several star systems. The commander of this detachment was effectively the Royal Imperial Guard’s plenipotentiary representative in the Southern Border. The weight of such a position was self-evident.
However, Zhang Wen was fully aware that King Senar XIII, known for his stinginess, would never throw such a tempting pie just to reward past merits. Behind this massive pie was likely a deadly trouble capable of costing one’s life.
After finishing the explanation of the position offered by General William, Liliya had been watching Zhang Wen’s reaction closely. However, she soon realized that Zhang Wen was not as excited as she had imagined. In fact, his expression even revealed a hint of caution.
A flicker of surprise passed through Liliya’s eyes, but she quickly smiled.
“Mr. Zhang, you really are a strange person.”
“Strange?” Liliya’s smile remained radiant and beautiful, but Zhang Wen inexplicably felt a sense of discomfort rising from the depths of his heart.
“Yes, strange. Extremely strange.” Liliya’s gaze was like that of someone appraising a rare antique, filled with interest as she scrutinized Zhang Wen. “After serving as a deputy for seven years in the Imperial Guard, I’ve seen many people from all walks of life. The noble, the destitute, the clever, the crude… But someone like you, Mr. Zhang, I’ve never seen before.”
“Oh?” Zhang Wen furrowed his brow, unsure of what Liliya was up to.
“Haha, do you think I’m exaggerating? But that’s just how it is.” Liliya laughed. “The people I’ve met before, no matter their background or status, all shared one thing—desire. Everyone had something they wanted. But you’re completely different.”
Liliya extended a finger, unhesitatingly pointing at Zhang Wen.
“With your abilities, you could easily attain a much higher status, yet you prefer to stay in the Almishius Academy, working as an obscure martial arts instructor. On the planet Fira, you went through great efforts to fight against the Black Viscount and Leica, but when we took the Black Viscount away, you didn’t seem to care at all. I originally thought you were just temporarily biding your time, hoping to one day restore the glory of the Ruby Scepter. But now it seems that’s not the case. Money, honor, women, power… you have no interest in any of them.”
“Isn’t it good to be free from desires?” Zhang Wen was clearly displeased by Liliya’s tone.
“Free from desires?” Liliya chuckled softly. “That phrase is meant for those who already have everything! What about you? You’ve lost everything, and your best friend died because of you. How can you have the audacity to say that? Someone who has nothing and yet lacks ambition isn’t free from desires at all.”
At this point, Liliya paused, casting a look of disdain at Zhang Wen.
“…You’re nothing but a walking corpse…”
The moment Liliya uttered the last half of her sentence, she was once again forcefully pinned down onto the chair by Zhang Wen. Often, human anger cannot be controlled by reason.
Even though Zhang Wen clearly understood that Liliya’s words were merely a provocation tactic, he still couldn’t suppress the surge of rage. Because Liliya had inadvertently touched a nerve.
Those memories, which Zhang Wen had deliberately pushed to the back of his mind since arriving in the Meso Empire, thinking he had already forgotten, were now reopened by Liliya’s words, tearing off the scab.
“What? Are you angry? Did I hit the nail on the head?” Liliya showed no fear as she was pushed down and pinned onto the long-backed chair, instead smiling happily.
“If I’m a walking corpse, then what are you? The Chief Deputy of the Imperial Guard—what a prestigious title. But unfortunately, aren’t you just a toy in the hands of men too?” Zhang Wen, wounded by Liliya’s words, shot back coldly.
Just like any country or region, the empire’s military was a man’s domain. The strict hierarchical system left female officers serving as aides in the army powerless to refuse any orders from their superiors.
Except for a few female officers who came from noble families or possessed exceptional strength, the majority of female aides in the military met the same fate—either becoming lovers of their commanding officers or living out their lives in frustration and obscurity.
The Imperial Guard was no exception.
The title of “Imperial Guard Deputy” made them the object of desire for aristocrats in the capital. Having a female deputy from the Imperial Guard as a lover was considered a great achievement among the noble circles in the capital.
Therefore, men serving in the Imperial Guard enjoyed more honor than any other imperial soldiers. However, women serving as aides in the Imperial Guard often suffered even more than those in other military units. In the capital, there were too many people who could dominate these female deputies, and they had all sorts of means to make these women submit.
Liliya was not angered.
“You’re right. In the eyes of the aristocrats in the capital, even the Chief Deputy of the Imperial Guard is just a toy. But I’m different from you. I don’t want to be a toy forever, so I came to the Southern Border.” Liliya looked straight at Zhang Wen, openly revealing her ambition and the pride that seemed to radiate from her very soul.
“So, in other words, I’ve been dragged into this by you again? That recruitment order was your suggestion to William, wasn’t it?” Even in his state of anger, Zhang Wen’s mind was still working.
“It was my suggestion.” Liliya admitted without hesitation.
“Fine, very well. If this counts as the third time you’ve used me, then you’ve already taken advantage of me three times.” Zhang Wen, furious to the extreme, actually smiled. “You said I wasn’t worthy of being free from desires, so what price are you planning to pay for using me again and again?” Zhang Wen’s body pressed tightly against Liliya’s, their faces barely half a foot apart.
“Hmph!” Zhang Wen’s aggressive move still didn’t make Liliya yield even a little. She sneered, blowing her breath onto Zhang Wen’s face. “If you’ve got the guts, you can have anything you want! Mmm…”
Perhaps influenced by the Spring Water Technique, or perhaps truly provoked by Liliya’s wanton provocation, Zhang Wen stared at Liliya’s face, which was now completely different from their first meeting, and suddenly kissed her forcefully.
Liliya struggled desperately, her fists pounding on Zhang Wen like raindrops, seemingly trying to break free from his control. But Zhang Wen, disregarding everything, tightly embraced Liliya’s slender legs, pressing her onto the wicker chair and indulging in the soft lips of this beautiful deputy.
For a long time, until Zhang Wen was almost out of breath, he finally released Liliya, gasping for air as he locked eyes with her. Liliya, too, was panting heavily, but a mocking smile still lingered on her face.
“Zhang Wen, you really are strange. All the men I’ve met are all heartless cowards. You have guts, but you have no heart.”
“Enough nonsense. Give me the recruitment order.”
Zhang Wen let go of Liliya and stood up.
“Changed your mind?”
“What difference does it make whether I’ve changed my mind or not?” Zhang Wen pulled Liliya up. “The Emperor of the Empire personally signed the recruitment order. Do you really think you can make him take it back?”
“I don’t have the power to make the Emperor revoke the recruitment order, but I can勉强manage to change the owner of this order. Joining the Imperial Guard is a privilege that many minor imperial nobles would desperately desire! Furthermore, I must warn you in advance: this mission is extremely dangerous. If you haven’t made a firm decision, it would be better not to get involved.”
“Don’t play these little games with me. Once I decide to do something, I never go back on it.”
Zhang Wen’s firm tone startled Liliya. The mockery on her face quickly disappeared, and her voice became gentle.
“Why did you suddenly change your mind?”
“Because of you.” Zhang Wen smiled slightly at Liliya. “It’s rare to find a soulmate in life. Especially rare is a soulmate who is also a beauty. I don’t want to see you risking your life.”
Liliya was taken aback again, then smiled like a blooming rose: “I see. Then, I look forward to the captain’s schemes showing their full power again.”
“Hmm?” The word “schemes” in Liliya’s words made Zhang Wen hesitate for a moment.
Originally, Zhang Wen thought that Liliya had specifically come to recruit him because she was after his combat strength, having fought against the Black Viscount and Leica, two powerful figures. But now it seemed the situation was different.
Schemes? In Liliya’s eyes, what kind of person was he exactly? Zhang Wen sighed inwardly.
“Is there anything wrong?” Liliya looked at Zhang Wen curiously.
“Nothing. But don’t get too happy. I agreed to help you, but you’ve used me several times. How are we going to settle this score?” Zhang Wen shook his head and asked unexpectedly.
“Didn’t Mr. Zhang even look at the recruitment order?” As if she had anticipated Zhang Wen’s question, Liliya answered calmly. “Besides your position, the recruitment order also includes a clause about me. Once this mission is completed, I will be officially transferred from the Imperial Guard headquarters to the Southern Border Division as deputy commander, and I will also serve as your aide.”
“Oh! So you’re saying that after completing this mission, you’ll leave the capital and become my personal toy, no longer a toy for many others?” The sarcasm in Zhang Wen’s eyes was unclear whether it was self-mockery or mockery of Liliya.
“That could be said. However, you shouldn’t forget that my main role is still that of deputy commander.” Liliya smiled. “Once a suitable candidate is found, I will have someone else take over the role of aide.”
“So you’re telling me that if I want to do something to you, I’d better do it before you find someone else to be your aide?” Zhang Wen’s lips gradually curved upward.
“If you insist on interpreting it that way, I have nothing to say.” Liliya crossed her arms and smiled faintly.
“Hmph!” Zhang Wen turned his head away in disinterest. “Alright… Let’s not talk about that for now. You haven’t answered my previous question. Deputy Liliya, why are you on this ship?”
“It’s because of the Black Viscount!” Liliya answered without hesitation.
“The Black Viscount? Isn’t he already a guest in the capital at the Emperor’s invitation? Do you mean he can still cause chaos in the capital?” Zhang Wen snorted.
“No, if he were in the capital, he wouldn’t be able to cause any chaos. Unfortunately, the Black Viscount never made it to the capital. On the way to transporting him to the capital planet, the fleet responsible for his escort was attacked. Three of the latest Ruiyi-class high-speed cruisers were completely destroyed before they could even send out a distress signal. It wasn’t until two days ago that the Empire found the wreckage of the three ships through intelligence provided by another imperial travel vessel.”
“Oh? What about the Black Viscount?” Zhang Wen furrowed his brow and immediately asked.
The life or death of the Black Viscount was the key to the nature of the incident. If the Black Viscount had died along with the cruisers, it would have been a simple act of silencing a witness. But if he was still alive, the situation would be much more complicated.
“He escaped. This is the record from the warship that was transporting the Black Viscount.” As Liliya spoke, she pulled out a communication stone from somewhere on her body and infused it with a bit of mental energy.
The metal plate lit up again, projecting an image in the air that wasn’t very clear. In the center of the image was a man in a Federation standard military uniform. His face was somewhat blurred in the image, but the two scars running from the corners of his eyes to the corners of his mouth were unforgettable.
“This man infiltrated the warship that was transporting the Black Viscount, killed all the crew, and rescued the Black Viscount.” Liliya said to Zhang Wen, each word deliberate and clear.
Rescuing a high-value prisoner being escorted by three imperial warships in the heart of the Empire was a task so difficult it was almost equivalent to capturing an administrative planet on the Empire’s periphery!
How did he manage to sneak past the border defenses and slip into the Empire’s core area with such a massive warship? And if the same method could be used, wouldn’t it be possible to sneak in dozens or even hundreds of warships?
Thinking about the location where the Black Viscount was rescued and imagining the scene of dozens of Federation super-space battleships suddenly appearing in orbit around the capital planet, Zhang Wen understood why the notoriously stingy Emperor Senar XIII would bite the bullet and throw out such a massive reward this time!
When Liliya mentioned the title of “Southern Border Commander,” Zhang Wen knew he was facing a serious problem. But he never expected it to be this big!
Big enough to punch a hole in the sky!
“Do you know his background?” Zhang Wen’s expression was serious as he carefully examined the figure in the image and asked Liliya again.
“Of course.” Liliya nodded solemnly. “He’s a high-level martial artist named Gaolong, a wanted criminal by the Empire, the Alliance, and the Federation, with the nickname ‘Killing Machine.’ On the list of dangerous individuals in the galaxy, Gaolong ranks even higher than the Terror Queen Leica. The Empire and the Federation have jointly offered 17 billion imperial credits for his head.”
“That troublesome?” Zhang Wen’s tone became even more serious.
“More troublesome than you can imagine.” Liliya continued. “Gaolong was originally the leader of a secret intelligence organization on a neutral planet in the Kar system, which is on the border between the Empire’s southern border and the Federation. Later, for unknown reasons, he suddenly defected, killing sixteen of his subordinates before fleeing the Federation. Gaolong had received long-term training in the Federation and was extremely familiar with the operational methods of the intelligence departments of the three major powers. At the same time, he was also cunning and cold-blooded.”
“Compared to Gaolong, Leica is almost a reasonable person. Gaolong is a complete lunatic. He once killed all the inhabitants of a planet just because he thought it was fun! Two years ago, the Alliance and the Federation launched a joint operation to capture him, but he managed to escape after killing more than 150 agents. After that, Gaolong disappeared without a trace until a few days ago when he appeared on an imperial warship and rescued the Black Viscount.”
“He does sound like a dangerous madman.”
“The biggest problem, however, is Gaolong’s strength. Ten years ago, when Gaolong defected from the Federation, he was already a high-level martial artist. Based on the information we have, he is likely now at the level of a regional overlord.”
“The Killing Machine and the Grim Reaper… these two together, no wonder even Emperor Senar XIII is being generous.”
“Haha!” Zhang Wen’s exclamation made Liliya smile. “It’s not just the Emperor who’s worried. Among the Black Viscount’s targets, you’re specifically named.” The smile on Liliya’s face made Zhang Wen feel, for some reason, that she was gloating.
“What an honor.” Zhang Wen rubbed his nose. “But if the Black Viscount really just wants my life, I don’t think General William and our Emperor would go to such great lengths.”
“Of course. If it were just about killing one or two people, Gaolong alone would be enough.” Liliya didn’t spare her new commanding officer any face, bluntly stating, “Not to mention killing a few people, even destroying a planet is within the capability of either the Black Viscount or Gaolong. With the two of them working together, their goal is certainly not just about a few lives. Their ultimate target is the entire Southern Border.”
“The entire Southern Border? Their appetite is quite big.” Zhang Wen raised an eyebrow.
“I’m not kidding.” Liliya folded her arms and spoke seriously. “The previous Southern Border Overlord, Krasu, has been missing for a whole year. The position of Southern Border Overlord has been vacant for a year. The various underground forces in the Southern Border have already been itching to move. The Black Viscount just needs to give a little push from behind, and the Southern Border will fall into chaos on its own.”
“Hmm…” Zhang Wen listened to Liliya’s explanation, occasionally showing a thoughtful expression.
“Of course, stirring up chaos in the Southern Border is not the Black Viscount’s ultimate goal. Simply causing chaos in the Southern Border would bring no benefit to the Black Viscount. His goal is to control the Southern Border. And the first step to achieving this goal is to control the position of the Southern Border Overlord.” Liliya extended her right hand in front of Zhang Wen and clenched it tightly.
“You mean the Black Viscount plans to have Gaolong compete for the title of Southern Border Overlord?” Zhang Wen furrowed his brow, clearly disbelieving such a judgment.
“No. If Gaolong were to become the Southern Border Overlord, the title would be meaningless to the Black Viscount.” Liliya answered decisively. “The position of Southern Border Overlord itself holds no value. The real value lies in the strength represented by the one who obtains it. Just like the previous Southern Border Overlord Krasu and the former Ruby Serpent. The combination of the strongest warrior and the strongest force creates the strongest deterrent. With such a collaborator, other forces in the Southern Border would quickly submit.”
“You mean the Black Viscount isn’t planning to participate, but rather to host this competition for the Southern Border Overlord and then bring the final winner into his camp?” Zhang Wen quickly understood Liliya’s meaning, but this also left him in shock.
From the previous Southern Border Overlord Krasu, one could see that anyone qualified to be called the Southern Border Overlord was at least a high-level martial artist capable of challenging the King. The pride of high-level martial artists was far beyond that of ordinary ten-level martial artists who could be bought with money on the Star Moon ship! Money and status were nothing but trash in the eyes of any high-level martial artist. No matter which country they went to, any high-level martial artist could get whatever they wanted!
Even if the Black Viscount had Gaolong, a figure capable of rivaling a regional overlord, how could he possibly believe that he could control all the high-level martial artists in the entire Southern Border? Make them obediently follow his lead and participate in the competition for the title of Southern Border Overlord under his direction?
Seeing the astonished look on Zhang Wen’s face, Liliya smiled without saying a word.
“…Hassan’s selection competition is to choose the next assistant for the Southern Border Overlord competition? No wonder he could hire a high-level martial artist!” Liliya’s smile made Zhang Wen suddenly realize.
A high-level martial artist like Agate, who was struggling for money, was practically one of a kind in this world! So the only reason a high-level martial artist would accept Hassan’s employment to fight for him was that they had mutual needs and it was a perfect match.
“But, having so many high-level martial artists participate in the Southern Border Overlord competition, isn’t the Black Viscount afraid that the situation will spiral out of his control? No! Rather, why are so many high-level martial artists willing to listen to the Black Viscount’s persuasion and come all the way here to participate in this mysterious Southern Border Overlord competition?” Zhang Wen, now realizing the situation, immediately raised two urgent questions he wanted to know.
“Haha… The Black Viscount has turned the entire Southern Border into a big casino. To win the biggest prize, the Black Viscount himself, of course, has to place a big bet. In addition to Gaolong, the Black Viscount has also paid a huge price to invite three Mithril Hunters from the Mithril Council to the Southern Border to co-host this competition with him.”
“Continue.” Zhang Wen’s heart was in turmoil, but on the surface, he remained calm.
If the only one wanting to control the Southern Border was the Black Viscount, Zhang Wen wouldn’t believe it. After all, the Southern Border was vast, and the underground forces were a mix of dragons and snakes. Even if the Black Viscount was as strong as the sky, he couldn’t possibly swallow it all. However, if three Mithril Hunters joined him, dividing the Southern Border among them would be more than enough!
“Also, our intelligence department has heard that the Black Viscount, by some unknown means, has managed to enlist the King! The King may very well appear personally as an arbiter in this Southern Border Overlord competition. In other words, the one who wins the title of Southern Border Overlord will gain the King’s recognition and the right to challenge the King’s throne!”
“I see…” Zhang Wen muttered to himself and nodded.
In this world, high-level martial artists could disregard money, power, and even honor, but not a single one would miss the opportunity to challenge the throne. Because for martial artists in this world, the word “throne” represents the pinnacle of martial prowess. In the past sixty years, only two high-level martial artists have been recognized by the King and challenged the throne.
“With Mithril and the King involved, even if the Empire and the Alliance don’t want to see the Black Viscount stirring up trouble in the Southern Border, they won’t be able to stop this competition for the Southern Border Overlord. So… you understand now?” As if seeing through Zhang Wen’s thoughts, Liliya suddenly added meaningfully.
“I understand. This competition for the Southern Border Overlord is already at a point of no return. Most of the powerful individuals joining this competition are potential partners for the Black Viscount. Therefore, the Emperor of the Empire doesn’t want the Black Viscount’s plan to succeed and needs a capable ally in the Southern Border who can step forward and take the title of Southern Border Overlord.”
“Exactly.”
“I see.” Zhang Wen smiled knowingly. “One last question. Why me? I can understand that Emperor Sena XIII wants to find a partner, and you want to leave the capital, but why me? I’m just a former Mithril Hunter who has lost everything. In terms of strength, there are many people in the Southern Border more suitable than me to oppose the Black Viscount. Take our current employer Hassan, for example. If the Emperor is willing to grant him the honor of the Imperial Guard, I believe he would never refuse to cooperate. So, why me?”
“Your question still relates to the Black Viscount.” Liliya answered Zhang Wen’s question seriously. “Do you know why the Black Viscount, who almost never personally kills anyone, is called the ‘Grim Reaper’?”
“I don’t know.” Zhang Wen shook his head.
“Since he debuted at the age of twelve, the Black Viscount has planned thirty-seven operations. Assassinations, uprisings, rebellions… each time he caused chaos but never failed. That’s why the Black Viscount earned this nickname—the ‘Grim Reaper.’ It means that anyone targeted by the Black Viscount is like being followed by the Grim Reaper. No matter how hard they struggle, they cannot escape the Grim Reaper’s grasp. Until a week ago…”
At this point, Liliya’s gaze turned firmly toward Zhang Wen.
“The operation on the planet Fira, although it didn’t actually capture the Black Viscount, was the first time the ‘Grim Reaper’ failed to achieve his goal. After analyzing all the information, we believe the person who played the most critical role was you. It was you who found the Black Viscount at the most crucial moment, forcing him to personally intervene and also drawing out his hidden ace, the Terror Queen Leica, which gave General William the opportunity to deliver the decisive blow. Without that, the planet Fira might now be in flames, and General William’s Imperial Guard would be entangled with the five major underground forces of Fira and unable to extricate itself.”
“That was just luck…” Zhang Wen shook his head.
“I believe in you!” Liliya suddenly stepped in front of Zhang Wen, cupping his face with both hands, looking at him with a gentle and determined gaze.
“…Alright. No matter what, I’ll do my best.” Zhang Wen gazed at Liliya for a long time, his lips suddenly curving into a smile.
“No, not just do your best. We must succeed. Not only for what we want, but also for the future of the entire Southern Border.”
“The future of the Southern Border…” Zhang Wen sighed softly, his fingers once again brushing over the communication stone that recorded the recruitment order.
Several golden sparks flickered on the communication stone, indicating that Zhang Wen had confirmed the content of the recruitment order and officially become a member of the Imperial Guard.
“In any case, tell me first, who are the current members of our Southern Border Special Team?” After putting away the metal plate, Zhang Wen turned serious again and asked Liliya.
“Currently, only you and me.” Liliya’s delicate fingers twirled between the two of them.
“Only the two of us?” Zhang Wen blinked in disbelief.
“Only the two of us.” Liliya repeated firmly.
“Can I change my mind?” Zhang Wen’s expression was like someone who had accidentally eaten a rotten egg.
“What do you think?” Liliya laughed like a fox that had just stolen a hen.
“Damn it! Does Senar really not want the Southern Border? With just the two of us, does he think I’m a god?” Zhang Wen looked at Liliya in disbelief. A moment later, Zhang Wen couldn’t help but laugh until he bent over.
“Liliya, you truly deserve the title of ‘soulmate.’ Every time you manipulate me, I’m completely helpless.” Zhang Wen shook his head in admiration.
“Don’t get angry so quickly, Captain Zhang. Although the Emperor hasn’t provided any personnel, we’re not completely on our own. Don’t you remember? Besides being the captain of the Southern Border Special Team, you have another identity?”
“What identity?” Zhang Wen asked with a smile.
“Are you pretending not to know?” Liliya gave Zhang Wen a light, teasing glance. “The intermediary between the Empire and the Syndicate! Those who don’t want to see the Black Viscount control the Southern Border aren’t just us in the Empire. The Syndicate probably doesn’t want all the underground forces in the Southern Border to fall into Mithril’s hands either. Didn’t Agate come on board with you?”
“He didn’t come on board because of the Syndicate’s orders. That guy came purely to repay a debt.” Zhang Wen shrugged.
“Haha… Regardless of why Agate came on board, now that he’s here, it won’t be easy for him to get off.” Liliya smiled cunningly again. “Even if the Syndicate originally had no interest in participating in the Black Viscount’s plan, we can’t let them sit back and watch comfortably. Don’t you think so, Captain Zhang?”
“You want to use Agate to drag the Syndicate into this mess?” Zhang Wen smiled and exchanged a knowing look with Liliya.
But just then, the two of them suddenly heard a clear “creak” from the previously silent viewing room.
The door to the room had been pushed open.
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