I Became the Narrow-Eyed Henchman of the Evil Boss

“What the…?”

A file titled “Mage Tower List of the Argyrion Alliance” had been uploaded anonymously to the Ether Network. The data within the file faithfully reflected its title.

A list of numerous mage towers that had covertly contacted Argyrion. It looked like there were over a hundred at first glance.

And this was only among mid-tier mage towers or higher that I had a chance to hear about at least once. The listed mage towers included the majority of those that were Apex Towers.

‘Did so many mage towers really team up with Argyrion?’

No. If they simply attempted to ‘contact’ them, that would be one thing. There’s no way such a large number of mage towers would conspire with Argyrion.

If they could form such a powerful alliance, Argyrion would be acting far more boldly.

Unlike now, where they’re taking in Blasphemia’s internal personnel and preparing a terror statement. Instead, they might completely conceal the identity of the Eroder and apply for the Ten Commandments succession tournament as the leaders of the mage tower alliance.

With that level of strength, applying for the Ten Commandments succession tournament to seize the Ten Commandments wouldn’t be a far-fetched thought.

If all the mage towers on the list cooperated faithfully, they could at least have a shot at one of the Ten Towers.

Even after winning, issues like the distribution of the Ten Commandments’ authority would arise within the alliance, but such matters were secondary.

If Argyrion’s true goal is to expand the connection points with extra-dimensional beings like other Eroders, then authority distribution would be meaningless. They probably weren’t thinking about rewarding anyone anyway.

Once they contractually promised anything externally and got the Ten Commandments, they could just break down the world barrier with their unfathomable magic.

Winning in a single decisive battle would achieve the purpose of their existence as an Eroder. Even if they lost, since it’s a ‘league’ of mage towers, they could distribute the responsibility among the other towers and minimize losses.

‘The fact that they couldn’t choose this method itself proves the limit of Argyrion’s coercive ability.’

Then what on earth is this list for?

First, there were some awkwardly faded pieces of evidence on the exposure list. It seemed like an intentional attempt to raise bigger suspicions, many parts were erased. Since the suspicions were so scattered, they were the type of charges that were harder to refute.

Such evidence existed for every mage tower listed. Those who could possess such extensive evidence simultaneously could only be Argyrion.

The leaker is Argyrion.

Then what could Argyrion gain by inciting chaos in the magical society?

‘Argos will probably move massively for the mage tower inspections. They’ll work together with Blasphemia to track down Argyrion’s traces. In that case, the personnel they could use for Argyrion’s extermination would decrease.’

Are they going to cast aside all potential allies for a momentary delay?

If so, this was a bad omen. I couldn’t even begin to guess what could be completed with the time gained so desperately.

The current situation was clearly alien.

“I suppose I need to hold a strategic meeting.”

Even if I hold a meeting, I can’t just tell the directors everything without reservation.

The current ‘Divine Investigation’ is somewhat illegal simply for using the Divine power. The directors only accept the excuse that they’re utilizing the powers without directly following the vanished gods.

As long as it’s at a level of using Divine power, they won’t be labeled as anti-magic reactionaries. They may be viewed with some suspicion among mages, but if this is part of magical research, what can be done?

Sometimes there are cases where the secret weapon of lightning-type towers possesses artifacts of the god of sky and thunder, Aegio.

But going beyond that, the story changes.

Research aimed at adding spiritual power to magic has existed secretly for a long time.

There could be attempts to steal wisdom from the Ten Towers.

Of course, ambitions to become one of the Ten Towers can be harbored too.

However, few mages would accept objectives that involve the destruction of the Ten Commandments or rebellion against the very system of the magical society itself.

“…It’s too early to reveal everything to the directors right now.”

Currently, the directors are full of value as a force that can reshape Etna City and project themselves externally. It would be hard enough to fill the vacancy left by Dimedes, let alone forcing them to reduce their manpower by pitching the idea of either Ten Towers or Hydra right now.

Eventually, there will come a time when the directors will have to truly make a choice. But that time is not now.

I started preparing for a meeting titled “Sudden Changes in the Environment of the Divine Investigation.”

After talking with Niobe from the Divine Cult, I sent a message warning them to be careful, since Blasphemia was suspicious of the situation.

I had no idea things would change so rapidly. I need to catch up later.

*

A few days before Hydra Corporation started the meeting, the Divine Cult was also holding a conference.

The first to arrive at the empty round table was Demus. The agenda for this meeting was the news sent by the person known as Utis or L13, who had warned them recently.

“Blasphemia has detected the excavation of a temple. We’ll be reducing our activities for the time being.”

While fighting against Argyrion, can they still afford to keep an eye on the activities of the Divine Cult?

I knew it was possible because they received near-infinite support through the Ten Towers, but this was a tiring power to face when positioned against Blasphemia.

Of course, Demus’s speculation was quite different from reality.

The Hydra Corporation hiding under the shadows of the Divine Cult.

And Salmosia, who suspected the movements of this Hydra Corporation might be a sabotage from Argos.

Lastly, Orthes.

No one yet noticed the hidden hand coordinating the information between Blasphemia and the Divine Cult.

Next to show up at the round table after Demus was Hyacinth. As the number of seated priests exceeded six, Demus began to speak.

“What is the Pope doing? Doesn’t he intend to use his powers for the cult yet?”

Demus spat out fiercely, targeting Hyacinth, who was a close aide to the Pope. Hyacinth slowly nodded.

“The Pope is already manifesting his powers for the Divine Cult. He is preparing a great plan.”

“A great plan, a great plan. Isn’t that a betrayal to the heavenly beings? I’m disgusted that he would collect the glory of the past while preparing for betrayal.”

“It’s not betrayal. It’s independence.”

The eyes of Demus and Hyacinth clashed across the round table. The confrontation between the religiously conservative young Demus and the radical old Hyacinth wasn’t new.

“…Don’t think the reason for collecting relics is merely an obsession with the past glory. The Pope sees the bigger picture.”

Adding on as if to provide an excuse, Hyacinth’s words were continued by Urania.

“Didn’t you hear anything more from that friend who said they didn’t want me? When I contacted him, all he said was, ‘Wait for the right moment. I’ll find a new way soon.’”

“Same here. I only heard he would create an opportunity soon. But no matter how talented he is, there are limits to what one agent can manipulate. I believe our cult must take a more proactive stance—”

Clatter!

The sound of something crashing echoed as the hurried footsteps running down the hallway were heard. The boy who rushed in, panting, was Proditor.

A priest of the god of messengers, Phiraios. From nameless outlands to Elysion, he could open doors connecting to every corner of the world.

He was also the one who granted the priests of the Divine Cult the ability to open portals leading to the round table.

That’s why Proditor would either arrive first at these meetings or not show up at all. It was very rare for him to appear in the middle of such a gathering.

“What a rare occurrence, you showing up late too. The title of Priest of the Messenger would be in vain!”

“H…ha. What nonsense. I’ve brought the latest news as quickly as possible!”

Proditor said while panting, winking his eye. Urania, seeing him trying to put on a nonchalant face, let out a small giggle.

“What news could make you late for the meeting?”

“Listen. This isn’t just about being late. The meeting agenda has to change, Hyacinth!”

With a thud, Proditor threw a mana proxy in the middle of the round table. Some priests who were against the introduction of magical tools into the sacred ground of the Divine Cult were present, but even they had no time to care once they read the projected hologram.

The one most surprised was indeed Hyacinth. It was a path that didn’t exist in the future he glimpsed.

“What is this…?”

“Demus, you said that friend known as ‘The Nameless’ would create opportunities? This looks like that opportunity to me.”

Numerous mage towers exposed for trading with Argyrion. The magical society reflected in the Ether Network was caught in an unprecedented mess.

“How on earth…?”

Demus muttered in bewilderment. How could this happen? The secret dealings of Argyrion surely had to be protected with confidentiality.

And it was leaked so easily in just a few days?

‘Is it true that Phoibos chose him?’

Demus was just as bewildered.

He had desperately kept track of Argyrion in Blasphemia, mapping out the mage towers involved in trades with them.

Could a mere agent access that data?

‘Just how high is Utis in Blasphemia…?’

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