Threads of a Hidden Mastermind

CHAPTER 11 -Threads of a Hidden Mastermind

Ren stood under the moonlight, hands behind his back as a cold breeze swept past him.

“So, this village is under wolf attack again,” he murmured. “No casualties… good defense, but destroyed in the process. According to the old man, the wolves come from Eithralis. But that portal was sealed a hundred years ago.”

His eyes narrowed.

“That means someone forced it open.”

Ren walked into the forest, crossing through thick trees, tall bushes, and glowing small plants that shimmered softly with night mana. The forest was alive with insects, wind rustling leaves, and distant animals calling.

He reached the ancient portal—a stone arch carved with old runes.

He placed his hand on it.

A ripple of unstable mana spread out.

“Exactly as I thought. Forced open.”

He sensed the lingering aura again—twisted, artificial.

“It’s the same pattern as Saelor’s spiritual form… meaning someone exists who can rewrite a person’s spiritual form at will.”

Ren’s face hardened.

“That’s troublesome.”

He returned to the old man’s house. Later, he perched on the highest tree, scanning the entire village.

“Everyone looks normal. No one with unusual mana. Then why open the portal here of all places?”

His eyes grew colder.

“The motive is unclear… but the person will come.”

Ren silently dropped from the tree and went to his room where Takashi was already asleep. He sat on his bed and replayed recent events.

“First that black man kidnapping children… then Saelor impersonating a prince… then the portal reopening.”

Ren rubbed his temples.

“I left Saelor alive so he could lead me to the mastermind, but their organization kills failure instantly. That artificial body I used to send a message was destroyed too.”

He stretched, tired.

“I’ll sleep. He’ll come on full moon night anyway.”

Ren lay down and drifted into sleep.
Next Morning

Ren and Takashi woke early, finished breakfast, and walked through the village. Children played freely. Adults did daily chores with relaxed smiles.

Ren sighed gently.

“Takashi… these people really feel safe.”

Takashi nodded. “Yes. It’s been almost a month since the last dark wolf attack. Last time they survived only because of the defense barrier.”

Ren looked at the forest. “We should rebuild their defense system.”

Takashi raised an eyebrow. “And who exactly will do that?”

“You,” Ren said instantly.

Takashi folded his arms. “Why me?”

“Because you’re good at these things,” Ren said calmly.

Takashi knew he wouldn’t win this argument.

So he worked with villagers, the blacksmith, and the carpenter. In 24 hours, he created a sturdy layered defense wall with mana-conducting metal—simple but effective.

Meanwhile, Ren gathered information on the portal, travelers, and old records.

Full Moon Night

Ren sensed a strange aura earlier in the evening—but it stayed in one place, so he ignored it for now.

“Stable presence… I’ll check it after the quest.”

As the sun set, villagers hurried home.

Ren and Takashi stood at the forest entrance.

Soon, the moon rose—bright, silver. Soft light passed through branches, falling like scattered gems.

A pack of dark wolves stepped out—eyes glowing crimson.

Takashi cracked his neck.

“Let’s finish this.”

He walked through the wolves casually. His sword never left its sheath—but as he passed, deep slashes appeared on the wolves, and they fell instantly.

 approached the portal.

“Don’t fall behind, Ren!”

Ren raised an eyebrow.

“I should say that to you.”

Five wolves lunged at him.

Ren didn’t move.

A confident smile appeared.

“Logic Manipulation: New Logic — Hundred G-Force.”

The wolves slammed to the ground as if crushed by invisible mountains—dead in an instant.

Ren sighed.

“This magic bends the logic and physics of this world… Wait. Someone’s watching.”

He glanced toward the forest edge.

“A mana signature… then gone. I’ll check later.”

“REN!” Takashi yelled. “Stop explaining your powers. They're already dead.”

Ren shrugged.

Together they completed the quest. Ren looked toward the sky.

“You escaped… but I’ll find you.”

They returned to the village, received the proof of completion, 

and left that night.

Back to the Capital

They teleported near the city, rented a carriage, and entered the capital at midnight.

At the guild, the receptionist stared at them, stunned.

“No one in history has ever completed the A-rank qualification trial in one week without a single wound.”

Ren casually put his hands behind his head.

“Because I’m special.”

Takashi muttered, “One day this fool will drag me into trouble.”

Ren touched his shoulder seriously.

“That will never happen. I know you’ll always protect me.”

Takashi exploded.

“I WAS TALKING ABOUT MYSELF!”

The receptionist finally snapped.

“Stop fighting! Here are your guild passes. These allow travel to 

any planet!”

They took their IDs and returned to their hotel.

“Takashi,” Ren said, lying on the bed, “tomorrow go to the guild and take a quest that leads us to Kemora.”

Next Day

Ren went to the library to study kingdom history.

Takashi handled the quest paperwork.

In the afternoon, they met at the hotel.

Ren sipped tea.

“You took your time.”

Takashi slumped in a chair.

“Paperwork for planetary quests is torture.”

Ren frowned.

“Paperwork? I thought you pick quests from the board.”

Takashi glared.

“Normally, yes. But we’re escorting a VIP, entering Kemora’s royal domain, and attending diplomatic grounds. Of course it needs paperwork.”

Ren left the room.

“Yah yah, I get it.”

Takashi prepared the luggage.

Ren left to visit Prince Aldrich.

Prince Aldrich sat quietly in his garden—flowers swaying in a gentle breeze. Guards kept watch nearby.

Ren approached from behind.

“You sit too openly. Isn’t that dangerous after last month?”

Aldrich stood immediately and bowed.

“Lord Ren… I strengthened the guards. And I learned from my mistake. I’m cautious now.”

Ren nodded slightly.

“At least you’re aware.”

They walked slowly through the garden.

“Aldrich,” Ren said softly, “your kingdom suffers from internal discrimination and broken relations with Kemora. I want you to improve both.”

Aldrich hesitated, lowering his gaze.

“…I know. I always knew. But confronting centuries of tradition… my father’s rule… I lacked the courage.”

Ren stopped and looked at him.

“You survived a kidnapping because others intervened. That alone is reason enough to change things. You don’t need to overturn everything at once. Start small. Slow changes. That’s enough for now.”

Aldrich nodded deeply.

“I will change what I can, My Lord. Slowly… but surely.”

Ren turned to leave.

“Good. Just don’t overdo it. A king who collapses helps no one.”
Departure to Kemora

Ren and Takashi waited where the VIP arrival was scheduled.

Ren tapped his foot.

“Takashi… aren’t you forgetting something?”

Takashi rolled his eyes.

“No. I didn’t forget anything.”

Ren stared.

“Really? What about the quest details?”

Takashi groaned.

“Fine… we’re escorting a member of Kemora’s royal family back to Kemora’s capital.”

Before Ren could respond, a luxurious carriage arrived.

Inside sat a beautiful girl—silver hair, amber eyes, elegant attire.

Ren pointed.

“…We’re escorting her?”

Takashi nodded.

They boarded the carriage as it began its inter-planetary journey from Ardentis to Kemora.

Why is Ren heading to Kemora?

Does this girl tie into the looming conflict with the man who killed Saelor?

[TO BE CONTINUED]