Assassin Guild.
On the rooftop.
The White-Haired Old Man, his white hair combed straight back, was feeding the black crow perched on his shoulder.
Suddenly, four shadows appeared a short distance behind him.
The old man didn't turn around. He only asked,
"What has the new 'Demon King of Fear' been up to today?"
One of the shadows replied, "He chose a level-three mission, and he's picking out armor now."
The old man murmured to himself, "Quite the go-getter. Is he hoping to rank up quickly?"
Another shadow couldn't help asking, "Guild Master, we have so many assassins at the 'No Recourse' and 'No Life' ranks. Why are you paying attention to a newcomer like him?"
The old man laughed. "I've realized I've been too idle lately. From now on, I'll keep a closer eye on every new assassin who joins at the 'Seal' rank. There's no need to make such a fuss."
Only then did the four assassins relax.
"Enough. You may leave."
"Yes."
The four assassins vanished from the rooftop.
Once they were gone, the old man's gaze suddenly sharpened.
"Just who is he? Even my abilities can't uncover his true identity..."
He murmured, reaching out to stroke the black crow.
The crow suddenly spoke. "All I can see is a scroll of parchment covered in the names of the Secret Keepers."
"Can you make them out?" the old man asked.
"Not a chance. Even you and I, Void Masters, can't uncover his identity. No one else in the world could make out those names, either," the crow said.
The old man fell silent for a long while, then murmured to himself, "Since he's willing to work for the Assassin Guild, that proves he's at least temporarily on our side..."
The crow picked up where he left off.