…So, what on earth is this situation?

““Please!””

I blankly stared at the people kneeling in front of me, shouting that out loud. A throbbing headache naturally crept in as I struggled to wrap my head around this absurdity. Is it any wonder, really?

Over a hundred people, all gathered and bowing their heads while applying for membership before me. How many can say they’ve experienced something so bizarre?

And to top it off, this is the totally wrong application address. If you want to join the Black Fangs, you should be going to their leader instead.

So why on earth is this happening to me?

There’s a limit to how ridiculous things can get.

“I am not the leader of the Black Fangs.”

I declared that once again. This marks the second time today I’ve had to clarify this strange situation.

But…

“Leader…”

The people really didn’t seem to believe me. Judging by their stubbornness, they weren’t about to give up anytime soon.

No matter how much I laid out the truth, they only shot me those eyes that seemed to say ‘please reconsider just once more.’

Is it my imagination, or do bizarre events keep following me lately?

First, someone randomly donates, then the Empire goes and makes a total mess of itself, and now these folks…

“We know that with our skills, we’d only be a burden. But we can’t just stand by and watch this situation unfold. So please…”

They’re asking me to let them join the Black Fangs.

As if I’ve ever even met a low-tier member from there, let alone the leader!

Is this what the tragedy of the shepherd boy feels like? No matter how much I explain, they seem completely unwilling to accept my words.

Maybe it’s karma for how casually I’ve called out the name of the Black Fangs this whole time.

“…Could you please give me a moment to think?”

I sighed and said that. Honestly, all I wanted was to rush over to the relief center and think of a cozy plan.

“Why on earth are they going this far?”

I absolutely could not comprehend.

The people who had just been kneeling were now bowing so deeply that their noses touched the ground.

Breathing must feel like inhaling sand instead of air at this point.

Given their momentum, they’d probably stay like that for quite some time even if I left.

There was no way I could leave them hanging for hours just for a response.

So, I quickly started brainstorming.

“What could be a way to convince them that I’m not part of the Black Fangs…?”

Not gonna work.

I mean, even if it did, it wouldn’t really be an ideal option.

They seemed ready to risk themselves for the sake of revolution at any second now.

If I were to leave these people behind, they’d likely begin dangerous revolutionary activities on their own.

But right now, it’s just before the Empire is about to launch an aggressive search for the Black Fangs.

It’s the worst possible timing for them to be on the Empire’s radar.

The likelihood of them getting captured and killed is uncomfortably high.

“I need to prevent that from happening at all costs.”

In the end, there was only one idea that popped into my head.

Honestly, I can’t even tell if it’s a good plan or not, but it’s definitely better than letting them die at the hands of the Empire.

After pondering for a while, I finally opened my mouth.

“This is going to be a tough path.”

I said it in a serious tone, and everyone gulped dramatically.

“Are you really prepared for this? You might have to risk your lives.”

Even though I emphasized the dangers bluntly like that, no one looked like they were giving up.

They just shared their reasons for wanting to join, ready to bolster their resolve.

Some said they wanted to repay me for the kindness I showed, while others expressed a desire to leave a better world for their children.

As I watched them, I nodded gravely and said:

“I will respect your will.”

Of course, that was a lie.

I didn’t want to unnecessarily pull people I had built some rapport with into a shady organization like the Black Fangs.

“But… now is not the time. You’re not ready yet.”

While lying with an unchanging facial expression was a tiny bit guilty for me, it was much better than risking their safety.

“Now is the time to conserve your strength. For ‘that day’ that will come someday.”

So, I spouted nonsense as I felt like it.

That talk about ‘that day’ coming someday, conserving strength, and saying it’s not the right time; all of that was pure nonsense-off-the-cuff.

“Anyone who’s ready, follow this girl. She will guide you.”

While saying that, I pointed at Lien. She visibly looked taken aback, but I quickly approached her and whispered in her ear.

“Take them to your father. You understand what I’m trying to do, right?”

The best place to escape the Empire’s gaze had already been decided.

It’s where I had previously sent the so-called prophetic tribe fleeing after falling out of favor with the Empire.

Let them huddle together for some strength training until the Empire’s public searches are over.

“……Yes! I totally understand!”

Lien, after a moment’s confusion, responded in a bright voice.

Looks like she caught onto my intentions after all.

With so many people, I couldn’t use the teleportation magic like before, so Lien quickly led the group away.

For something hastily thrown together, this seemed like a reasonable plan, and I thought to myself while watching them leave.

‘…I feel a bit bad for passing a complicated task onto the priest, though.’

Well, that person did say something like:

– If you ever need help, just say so. Everyone will be on your side.

This is exactly the moment when help is needed.

Let’s ask, no holds barred.

*

The priest gazed blankly at the scene unfolding before him.

He had been on high alert, wondering if the Empire might be coming this way after hearing rumors about a military presence heading here.

Instead, appearing in front of him was his long-lost daughter… along with what looked like hundreds of people.

“What on earth is happening here…?”

Lien sweated nervously as she flustered about explaining the situation, but the priest didn’t need to hear the answer; he already knew what was coming next.

It was rather predictable, to be honest.

It would be a lie to say he wasn’t surprised by the sudden visit; however, what was happening was exceedingly clear.

“So that kid sent you, huh?”

At the priest’s words, Lien widened her eyes in surprise and nodded.

The priest examined her for a moment, stroking his chin with a serious expression before speaking.

“Ah, so the day has finally come.”

“……You knew all along?”

Lien asked in a voice even more bewildered than before.

That cemented everything he had speculated up until now.

‘So, he was indeed the leader of the Black Fangs.’

To be honest, he’d already suspected that it was highly likely.

Even when casting divination spells previously, he couldn’t catch a glimpse of that guy’s fate, so he thought maybe his skills had rusted over time.

But since then, the priest had made no mistakes.

Not to mention that peculiar willpower he exhibited back then.

When he heard the rumors about the Black Fangs, it made perfect sense that the extraordinary boy popped into his mind right away.

‘Considering that strange detailed map too, it would be even weirder if he wasn’t the leader of the Black Fangs.’

That ridiculously intricate map.

To put it plainly, other countries wouldn’t have it, and the Empire wouldn’t have such a detailed record of their territory.

And there’s only one reason for crafting such a map.

Maps are a military weapon in their own right.

It was simple to realize the implications of someone who personally created such maps starting to gather people on this large scale.

They were preparing for a revolution.

An incredibly dangerous act, without a doubt.

But…

“Follow me.”

The priest stated decisively.

As for their resolve, the entire tribe had already made it.

They recognized the boy’s plans from the moment they received that map.

So, they all agreed. If the boy later asks for cooperation, they will say yes.

The conclusion drawn after much discussion was that they would willingly lend that boy their strength.

Which only makes sense, really.

They were merely satisfied living in hiding to avoid being used by the Empire when those bastards burned down their village and snatched away their families and friends.

As long as they’re alive, the Empire would never let them go.

It was the Empire that left no room for negotiation.

‘Looks like I’ll be pretty busy from now on.’

Thinking that, the priest moved forward, leading a multitude of people.

There was a lot of preparation to be done.

*

And so, the Black Fangs secretly began training an army for the revolution.

So secretly, in fact, that even the one issuing the orders didn’t even realize what was happening.

It was truly perfect security.