What? I Actually Reincarnated As Stepping Stone In Another World?

"Could you elaborate in greater detail?" Rian inhaled deeply; his curiosity ignited. He yearned to glean comprehensive insight into this matter.

In response to Rian's query, Carina paused momentarily, taking a sip from the glass of juice before her.

"Does the Black Swan organization have a connection to this?" Carina inquired with intrigue; her question was directed at Rian.

Given her awareness of Rian's history as the former leader of the renowned Black Swan organization, her suspicion aligned with the context of his query.

Rian shook his head, exhaling deeply as he met Carina's gaze.

"Are you acquainted with the Light Eater Organization?" Rian's inquiry was casual yet laden with curiosity.

"Of course, I'm familiar with it!" Carina's exclamation was accompanied by a furrowed brow, her expression shadowed by the historical accounts and circulating rumors associated with the organization.

From Carina's perspective, the Light Eater Organization stood as a legendary entity, an omnipresent specter that invoked fear within all assassin organizations worldwide.

The organization's reputation stemmed from its leader, an extraordinary figure who had dared to challenge even the might of the five dominant empires.

The very mention of the Light Eater Organization cast an eerie pall, magnified by the fact that its members possessed a median strength that lingered around the level of elemental saints.

As per the rumors, the hierarchy of their power was intricately woven into a numerical sequence.

Strength was inversely proportional to their ranking—a smaller number heralded greater power.

Fortunately, this organization met its end several centuries ago, eradicated entirely by the united might of the five empires.

"Why the sudden inquiry?" Carina cast a sidelong glance at Rian, suspicion evident in her gaze.

Rian remained unresponsive, proceeding with his line of questioning for Carina.

"Are you aware of the principal reason for my tardiness in reaching Arkham to meet with you?" Rian's eyes bore seriousness as his fingers drew together beneath his chin.

Initially perplexed, Carina's thoughts began to churn, attempting to decipher Rian's intentions.

Within moments, comprehension dawned upon her, and her eyes widened in disbelief as she regarded Rian.

"Are you suggesting that your delay is somehow linked to the Light Eaters organization?" Her question was hesitant, and her uncertainty was palpable.

Rian nodded and took a sip from his wine glass, his tone casual as he clarified.

"More accurately, I was ambushed by five members of the Light Eaters and barely managed to escape with my life," he recounted, his words tinged with bitterness, revealing the seriousness of the perilous encounter he had faced.

The ordeal had inflicted severe wounds on him, aggravated by the strain he had put on his elemental abilities.

Thankfully, he had taken the gamble of consuming the healing potion; otherwise, he might not have survived to cross paths with his wife and child.

"Are you being serious?" Carina blinked rapidly, her eyes seeking reassurance and her heart racing in response to the revelation.

"Absolutely. Would there be any reason for me to fabricate such a story?" Rian sighed, his shoulders lifting in a subtle shrug.

Her initial disbelief gradually waned as the pieces began to fit together, prompting Carina to offer a slight nod.

"Of course, I apologize." Carina's head dipped slightly as she expressed her regret.

With their partnership only just established, Carina recognized the importance of trust, realizing that her initial doubt could be construed as a breach of that essential foundation.

However, Rian did not harbor any grudges, merely shaking his head with a faint smile.

"No need to fret; it's admittedly quite a tale to believe," he reassured her nonchalantly.

Yet Carina's curiosity remained unabated, prompting her to delve deeper.

"In that case, would you be willing to recount the details?" She set down her utensils, her attention now solely focused on Rian's narrative.

"Of course." Rian crossed his legs, his posture composed, as he embarked on his account.

"As I was en route to Arkham, I was abruptly accosted by five enshrouded figures who purported to hail from the Light Eaters organization. They claimed their mission was to end my life at the behest of a former subordinate, someone who had betrayed me during my tenure in the Black Swan organization." His gaze intensified as he spoke.

"Their individual strengths were astonishingly formidable—four of them hovering at the early stages of elemental sainthood, while the fifth stood at the intermediate level." Rian paused momentarily, his gaze locked onto Carina, the weight of his words hanging in the air.

"However, the element they've developed is, in accordance with world-spanning rumors, an element that shouldn't exist in our world—the element of darkness!" Rian's voice dropped to a hushed whisper, bolstered by a touch of mana to ensure only Carina could perceive his words. 𝘣𝘦𝘥𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝑚

Despite the bustling ambiance of the tavern, Rian anticipated that their conversation would remain secret.

His apprehension was rooted in the understanding that the topic they were discussing was sensitive and that inadvertent eavesdropping could pose a substantial threat.

Absorbing Rian's account, Carina inhaled deeply, her murmur barely audible: "They've resurfaced, it seems."

Rian affirmed her suspicions, offering his own perspective on the matter.

"I'm inclined to believe that the widespread ability to wield the power of darkness is linked to a form of elemental manipulation akin to what you have encountered. Alternatively, your organization might be a covert offshoot of the Light Eater organization, quietly amassing power." With his statement delivered, Rian paused, affording Carina the opportunity to react.

Carina absorbed Rian's words, prompting her to reminisce about an incident from her past that had left her perplexed at the time.

During the time when elemental power had been implanted within her, Carina distinctly recalled encountering several girls of her age who shared a similar fate—being consigned to a designated chamber.

Her curiosity having been piqued, she approached a senior operative who had extensive experience within the organization.

The senior's response had befuddled her at the time: "They are the chosen ones, destined for the headquarters, where they will attain abilities that defy imagination."

At the juncture, her inclination had been to accept the explanation, nodding her understanding to her senior's words.

"In that case, it's quite probable that the headquarters align with the seat of the Light Eater organization." Carina murmured, the realization sinking in as the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

The capacity of the Light Eater organization to wield such potent and veiled power, evading the collective might of the five empires and remaining covert until the present day, defied all imagination.

"It appears we ought to incorporate a plan for rescue and defense into our future endeavors." Carina's gaze held a newfound gravity as she regarded Rian.

...

The next day

In the midst of an unusually bustling Arkham, with a multitude of individuals passing through, an opulent carriage ambled leisurely amid the throng, flanked by an entourage of vigilant bodyguards.

The presence of the soldiers temporarily impeded the flow of the crowd.

"Father! Who might be within that carriage?" A boy of tender years, scarcely five, pointed with unabated intrigue at the resplendent conveyance.

Attentive to his son's query, the man accompanying him indulged in a fond chuckle, his fingers tenderly ruffling the child's hair.

"Judging by the extravagance of the carriage and the ensign adorning it, it likely heralds from the imperial family. As for precise particulars, I remain uncertain," the man explained in a gentle manner.

The boy nodded in acquiescence, his response reflecting the innocence that defined his tender age.

"In that case, I want to become part of the empire in the future so I can witness such opulent carriages every day!" The boy's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he revealed his aspiration to his father.

Beaming, the man nodded in agreement, affectionately offering his guidance to the young dreamer.

"Very well... I hope that when the time comes, you'll make your father, our family, and the empire exceedingly proud!" The man's pride was evident as he articulated these words, punctuated by his laughter.

The dream of serving the imperial family and working within the palace was a shared aspiration among numerous young children.

This vision of contributing to the empire's splendor was a cornerstone cultivated in every city since Emperor Alex ascended the throne, an ambition rooted in the desire to ensure prosperity and reverence for the empire among its populace.

Meanwhile, within the luxurious carriage, two individuals sat across from each other—a man and a woman, both bearing impeccable countenances.

"I'm somewhat at a loss as to why we've chosen such an extravagant carriage, Lucia." Arthur shook his head, an undertone of helplessness tainting his tone.

Arthur had anticipated a simple, unassuming outing, a far cry from the current spectacle.

This divergence from his expectations left him feeling uneasy, as he was accustomed to roaming freely with Runa and Anna while concealing their identities.

However, Lucia dismissed this notion, adamant about unveiling both of their visages to the public eye.

Arthur, cognizant of her reasoning, empathized with her motivation: it was a proclamation that he, Arthur Asvold, unequivocally belonged to Lucia.

Reflecting on this, Arthur experienced a sense of helplessness tinged with discomfort.

Moreover, Lucia's possessiveness, a characteristic divergent from their childhood days, amplified his unease.

"Damn! Should I pay a visit to Emperor Alex and inquire why his adorable daughter has undergone such a transformation?" Arthur's inner monologue carried a wry hint, assigning a connection between these developments and himself.

Aware of Arthur's musings, Lucia merely offered a slight smile, evading any response.

Her coquettish gaze seemingly affirmed, "Perhaps you've guessed correctly?"

"This girl..." Arthur's gaze, infused with depth, rested upon her, prompting him to ponder a certain idea.

"Activate the interface," he murmured softly.