CHAPTER 43: CHAPTER43-ASSASSINATING THE EMPEROR

The conditions demanded by the Dark Order were nothing short of extortion.Yet after only a brief moment of hesitation, Jacoff agreed without resistance.

After all, they were nothing but empty promises. All of it hinged on one thing—that he succeeded in becoming emperor of the Crossbridge Empire.

"I can agree to your terms."

"In that case, Emperor Jacoff, may our cooperation be fruitful."

When both sides had reached an agreement, Jacoff couldn’t help but add a reminder.

"There seems to be some mysterious force guarding Aurek. I don’t know if you’re aware of this intelligence—or whether you can kill Aurek under such protection."

The figure before him let out a disdainful chuckle.

"You needn’t worry about that. Wherever the Dark Order operates, there is no target that cannot be killed. Since we’ve agreed to cooperate, rest assured."

The man’s confidence was absolute—and the Dark Order had every reason for such confidence. Their reputation was feared across empires and organizations alike.

After all, a thief may strike a thousand times, but no one can guard against a thief for a thousand days. Open attacks could be blocked, but hidden daggers were far deadlier. Even the strongest warriors could fall to weaker opponents under the right conditions.

"Within three days, you will see Aurek’s corpse."

Hearing this promise, Jacoff let out a long sigh of relief, as though the boulder on his chest had finally been lifted. His entire body felt lighter, a sense of exhilaration washing over him.

"If possible, I’d prefer it if you acted tonight."

"That has already been arranged. Our plan to assassinate Aurek was set long ago."

The Dark Order indeed lived up to their reputation. Without a sound, they vanished from Jacoff’s chamber.

Moments later, with a gust of wind, they arrived at No. 322 Lilac Avenue—inside a small tavern. This was their base in Eryndor City.

To outsiders, however, it was nothing more than a notorious den of debauchery. The entire avenue was littered with gray and black-market industries, and the Dark Order thrived in such chaos, hidden amidst the crowd.

"Though this mission is difficult, there’s no need to send too many. Aside from the First Squad, everyone else will remain here on standby."

The one speaking was a Dark Order elder. At his words, the First Squad’s captain couldn’t help but ask:

"Lord Matthews, do you intend to take action personally this time?"

Matthews nodded.

"According to our latest intelligence, Aurek is guarded by a powerful force. Yet we’ve uncovered no concrete details. To ensure success, I will personally participate."

The members of the squad looked instantly relieved. Matthews’s strength was well known—he was a Hero Rank Level 9 powerhouse. Across the entire Crossbridge Empire, aside from the Red Archbishop Austin, none could match him.

With such a figure on their side, the mission was all but guaranteed. Within the Dark Order itself, Matthews held an unshakable position. After all, a Hero Rank expert was a treasure any faction would seek to win over.

"With Lord Matthews overseeing, this mission will surely be easily completed."

Despite their flattery, Matthews’s expression remained indifferent.

"Do not forget your task—killing Aurek. In this, I will not intervene. My sole purpose is to draw out the hidden force protecting him. According to plan, I will handle that. You are responsible for assassinating Aurek. Once he dies, the Crossbridge Empire will plunge into chaos. That is when the Dark Order must seize the opportunity and snatch the fire from the flames. How much we gain will depend entirely on our strength. For this, even the Deputy Commander will come personally."

The mention of the Deputy Commander shocked everyone present.

His strength was unquestionable—powerful enough to assassinate even a Master Rank powerhouse. That such a figure would come to Eryndor was staggering.

With him, the Dark Order could walk unchallenged through the empire.

"Lord Matthews, when will the Deputy Commander arrive?"

"Not too soon—he still has other matters to resolve. But the state of the Crossbridge Empire has already drawn the attention of our high command. He won’t delay long."

At this moment, the Dark Order assassins dreamed of their glorious future, oblivious to the gaze fixed upon them from the rooftop above.

"Don’t rush. Once we’ve identified all the Dark Order assassins, we’ll wipe them out in one strike."

Gold Assassin gave the order. Over a hundred Elemental Assassins had already taken position, awaiting his command.

Their discovery of this base was only possible thanks to the Killer Guild’s tip-off. Without them, Gold Assassin would never have located the Dark Order’s hideout.

Now, under his careful deployment, the Elemental Assassins shadowed every Dark Order operative. The moment Gold Assassin gave the signal, their heads would roll.

Such was the terror of the Elemental Assassins. Given even a shred of intelligence, they could infiltrate anywhere and uncover every secret.

This was why Aurek valued them more as intelligence gatherers than killers.

After a short wait, all the Dark Order assassins had exposed themselves.

This time, Gold Assassin did not hesitate.

"Kill!"

At his command, more than a dozen Dark Order assassins were decapitated instantly. A few Expert Rank assassins, sensing danger, barely managed to evade.

"Who’s there?!"

They instinctively tried to melt into the shadows—yet the moment they slipped into darkness, blades pierced their chests.

Impossible. Someone was even more adept at merging with shadows than they were!

The Dark Order, it seemed, had finally met the most formidable enemy in their history.