I Reincarnated as a Shinai

"This… Where did you get this information? Is that even possible?"

"Is this actually the truth?"

"Crap… It's good that we didn't discover this inside the Tower."

Calliope and the others were shocked as soon as Diether revealed the truth. They have been sincere and wanted to find those missing Arcanists for the sake of their families.

They were even able to speak with the top executives of the Tower and were promised to fully cooperate with them…

However, they were actually accomplices?!

"I know it's difficult to believe but it would explain how they just vanished without letting other people know. They are also trained Arcanists. Not just normal bandits can capture them. Even if they are defeated, they would surely leave traces behind…" Diether said as he looked at everyone. 

Currently, they are about five kilometers away from the Tower so Diether felt safe to reveal such information. They are now at the riverside and the sound of the water also helps them to cover their voices from anyone who might be snooping around. 

"This information all came from my Master. Aside from that, I saw some pieces of evidence as to at the Chaotic Land. I saw a dozen Arcanists wearing the Tower's Robe imprisoned by the Dark Elves… That place seems to be an Altar where they are completing the process of transformation."

Diether said softly. He still couldn't help but be nervous while talking about this. 

This is such a big matter after all. 

Everyone also went silent as they digested the information they just heard. 

The missing Arcanists of the Arcane Tower; the previously silent Dark Elves which suddenly became active in the past few months; the mysterious Administrator of the Tower; the secrets of the Sentient Arcana. All these things were matters that couldn't be handled by their small team composed of newly graduated Knights. 

They unconsciously looked at their weapons as they imagined themselves putting their souls inside the item they were holding.

It must be a terrifying thing for those captured Arcanists. They couldn't help but feel sorry for the people who were successfully turned into such a thing.

"Ugh… If this is the case, then you're right. This mission given to us is impossible for the likes of us. However, it's also difficult to report this to the higher-ups… except to that person." Calliope said as she looked at Diether. 

The young man nodded as he knows who she was referring to. 

"Knight Commander Tristan… If it's him, it should be fine." Diether muttered.

Tristan… He's the person who invited Diether to join the Order. Many of them thought that the man will just be stuck as a Knight-Lieutenant… However, he went to various missions that involved fighting against the Orcs in the south and turned into Knight Commander.

It wouldn't be surprising for him to become a Knight Champion at all if he continued in this. 

After more than an hour of discussion, Diether had finally enticed Calliope to join his journey. 

Aside from that, Sevdi, the new leader of the team, decided to report back to the Headquarters since there's no way for them to continue if the Tower is really involved. 

They can only hope that they will do something about it so there wouldn't be any more innocent Arcanists missing in this country.

It is a huge loss to the country after all.

***

After a few more hours, Stella and Rufus had also completed their preparations as they finally said their goodbyes to their close friends. 

Aria, Yasmin, and Lyrei then decided to become full-time Hunters for a while as they thought of strengthening themselves. 

Well, they learned from Stella and Diether about the matters regarding the Tower so they suddenly felt a sense of urgency. They needed to become strong not just to protect themselves but also their loved ones. 

"Sister, please give this to mothers. I will definitely return and visit her someday. Tell her to stay healthy."

Diether said as he gave a small bag to Aria. It contains various potions and a magic item that he personally made after being taught by Rufus.

It is one of the latter's practical Magic Items that could help her mother train her Spiritual Energy. 

"Isn't this expensive?"

Aria asked as soon as she saw the crystal orb included in the bag.

The Energy Orb is one of the Tower's recent inventions that trains the user to control their Spiritual Energy. Because this is a new product and the materials are expensive, it's difficult to acquire this and even create it without proper crafting tools and knowledge. 

Thankfully, Rufus is not a genius crafter for nothing. With his simple teachings and Diether's natural talent to control his energy, they created this orb in only a few tries while they are still at Saalstein City. 

Then, Aria glanced at Calliope who was preparing the carriage they were going to use. She gave an inquisitive look and Diether didn't miss that as he scratched his head without explaining anything.

"Alright… Be careful." Aria smirked as she turned back and left. 

Yasmin and Lyrei are waiting for her and they are planning to accept new missions. 

"Let's go and finish those B-Rank missions!" Yasmin said to the two as she looked at the departing carriage.

She stared in the same direction for a good minute. Her thoughts are unknown. Lyrei and Aria looked at her but didn't say anything as well. 

Anyway, they planned to enjoy their stay here in the north and perhaps meet some strong Hunters as well. 

It would be great if they could learn from them as they promised Diether that once they met again, they would be stronger than ever!

***

It didn't take long before their carriage passed the encampment guarding the valley going to the chaotic land.

With their identity, everything went smoothly as they soon met with Reiji's new Sword Slaves who has been waiting for their arrival. 

"Werewolves?" Stella knitted her brows after sensing their aura.

Although they are in a human form, her senses shouldn't make a mistake at this distance! She had fought with them numerous times after all.