The voice came through the crystal ball, clear and steady, with a slight touch of inhumanity.
The speaker was a figure dressed in a standard black-and-white maid uniform. She looked to be about 20 years old, with her black hair tied meticulously behind her head. Her face was as exquisite as a doll’s, yet it lacked any discernible expression. Her amethyst-like eyes were similarly devoid of life, making her look like a monster wearing human skin.
“Long time no see, Alpha.”
Camilla called out the name, and her tense nerves relaxed slightly.
Alpha was an “ancient relic” she had “picked up” about 2 years ago while exploring the depths of the Ancient Super-Magic Dynasty Ruins located at the empire’s border. Found alongside her were two other similar individuals in a state of deep sleep, whom Camilla named Beta and Gamma.
They were not flesh and blood. Instead, they were the peak creations of a fusion between mad alchemy and ancient magic technology from the late Super-Magic Era—tactical homunculi who were highly anthropomorphic, possessed independent thought and learning capabilities, and were absolutely loyal to their master.
Alpha specialized in information processing, management, and precision calculation. Beta specialized in infiltration, tracking, and assassination. Gamma possessed the strongest frontal combat and defensive capabilities.
They were “hidden treasures” that Camilla had known about since the game era. They were also one of the primary reasons she had the confidence to secretly establish the Cain Chamber of Commerce and accumulate capital and an intelligence network after transmigrating.
In the eyes of others, the mysteriously rising Cain Chamber of Commerce was managed by several unidentified agents, but the true controller had always been Camilla.
“How is the operation of the chamber?”
Camilla cut straight to the chase. her focused and serious demeanor was a sharp contrast to her usual easygoing attitude.
“Everything is normal, Boss,” Alpha said, bowing slightly with movements as precise as a calibrated instrument.
“The chamber’s operational data is stable. Net profit for this month increased by 7.3% compared to last month. The Northern Trade Route is temporarily closed due to recent beast tide activity, but a backup plan has been initiated. Goods are being rerouted via sea, and the delay is expected to be no more than 5 days. The expansion project for the imperial capital headquarters is 80% complete.”
She reported at a steady pace, her data so precise it could have been calculated to three decimal places.
“How is the collection of the Emerald Tablets going?” Camilla asked.
The reason the Cain Chamber of Commerce could expand so quickly—besides her own abilities and partial foresight of the future—was thanks to the sections of the Emerald Tablet discovered within the ruins. By deciphering the ancient knowledge recorded within, Camilla had developed no fewer than 100 types of alchemical items.
“The ancient text recovery project managed by Beta is progressing smoothly. Based on the clues and characteristics you previously provided, we successfully obtained new fragments of the Albedo Scroll from a secret chamber in a viscount’s castle within the Southwest Province. There are sixteen pages in total, and they are in good condition. Unfortunately, due to interference from the Eye of Truth, we were unable to collect any Nigredo fragments.”
Camilla’s eyes lit up at Alpha’s report.
This was indeed good news. Collecting the Emerald Tablets was no easy task, as many fragments were scattered everywhere, sometimes even being treated as useless antiques or decorations. With a helper like Beta, who excelled at infiltration and appraisal, the efficiency was significantly higher.
“Well done. As for the Eye of Truth… ignore them for now. Now is not the time to go to war with them. Where are the fragments we’ve already collected?”
“Beta is personally escorting them and is currently en route to the Magic City. They are expected to arrive in 3 days. According to protocol, Gamma will take over and await your next instructions,” Alpha replied, blinking intentionally in an attempt to look more human.
“Very well.” Camilla nodded with satisfaction. “Alpha, after Gamma delivers the fragments this time, tell her not to return to headquarters for now.”
“Your meaning is?”
“Let her stay. She will remain by my side.” Camilla tapped her finger unconsciously on the table, her gaze drifting toward the window. “The academy has been restless lately. Even though the attack is over, there are still plenty of troubles. Although my sister arranged for people to… well, protect me, I need a more reliable and discreet force by my side. I need someone to handle situations that are inconvenient for them or that they might not anticipate.”
Lyudmila was strong and loyal, but her strength was only average in the grand scheme of things. She might be powerful among students, but she would struggle against a 7th-tier expert.
Gamma was different. As a homunculus, she obeyed Camilla’s orders absolutely without redundant emotional judgment. Her combat methods were diverse and unconstrained by conventional morals or rules, making her the perfect hidden guard and emergency measure. Her strength was formidable, reaching at least the 8th-tier.
“Understood,” Alpha replied immediately without question. “I will notify Gamma to change her mission priority. Would it be feasible for her to operate under the identity of the new security supervisor for the chamber’s Magic City branch? This identity has been registered in advance and will not attract too much attention.”
“That works. Arrange it that way.” Camilla gave Alpha an appreciative look. The head maid always considered everything thoroughly.
“Furthermore, Boss…” Alpha’s voice paused. Her amethyst eyes seemed to stare more intently at Camilla through the crystal ball, despite the vast distance. “According to a cross-analysis of our intelligence, the intensity and abnormality of the attack on Mystra Academy exceeded conventional model predictions. You… were not injured, were you? Do you require Beta or myself to head there ahead of schedule?”
Her tone remained steady, but Camilla could hear the pure concern belonging to a creation.
“I’m fine. I suffered a small injury, but it’s already healed.” Camilla felt a warmth in her heart, and her tone softened. “There’s no need to adjust your deployments. Just follow the plan. I know what I’m doing regarding my personal safety.”
“Understood.” Alpha bowed her head slightly.
“One more thing.” Camilla touched her abdomen, where the silver pattern glowed faintly at an angle Alpha couldn’t see. “Is the empire currently cracking down on the various strongholds of the Dark Demonic Beast Legion?”
“Yes. Since the Mystra incident, the entire empire has significantly strengthened its operations against the remnants of the Dark Demonic Beast Legion and other evil organizations. The reaction from the Duchy of Baldia seems particularly intense, as they have deployed a large number of private troops and intelligence assets,” Alpha replied after quickly retrieving the information.
“Good.” A hint of indignation appeared on Camilla’s face, and her slightly curled lips held no hint of a smile.
The Dark Demonic Beast Legion had forced her into making a deal with Lilith; she certainly wasn’t going to let them off easy.
“Alpha, take the intelligence we have regarding the Dark Demonic Beast Legion’s locations within the empire—specifically those in the Baldia territory and surrounding areas that haven’t been discovered by the authorities yet. Filter out three to five of the most credible locations and send them all to the desk of the Duke of Baldia’s intelligence chief using an anonymous, untraceable method. Be careful with the delivery; make it look like they discovered it themselves by chance.”
To be honest, this information was very difficult to collect. In the continent of Tarola, one could question the strength of these evil organizations, but one could never doubt their ability to hide. Otherwise, they would have been wiped out long ago.
However, Camilla had a “cheat.” In her past life, to unlock every ending, she had played through every villain route and joined every evil organization closely tied to the plot. She knew most of their secrets.
While she couldn’t pinpoint the exact location of every single stronghold in this world, she knew roughly where their headquarters were.
For example, the Dark Demonic Beast Legion’s headquarters was located in an abandoned mining area on the empire’s border within the Baldia territory. As long as one was willing to search one by one, it would definitely be found.
Previously, because she had no specific reason to target a particular evil organization, these secrets had remained in Camilla’s mental notebook.
But now, because the Dark Demonic Beast Legion had attacked the Magic Academy and caused massive casualties, they had become like rats crossing the street in the empire. It was the perfect opportunity to kick them while they were down.
“Understood. Create a coincidence, guide the strike, and distance ourselves from the situation.” Alpha immediately understood Camilla’s intent and even gave her a thumb-up.
Borrowing someone else’s blade to kill, further weakening the Dark Demonic Beast Legion, disrupting their possible retaliation or subsequent plans, and reducing potential threats to the chamber’s activities—as expected of her master!
“Boss, are there any other instructions?”
“Hmm… The Magic City branch of the Cain Chamber of Commerce is holding a monthly auction this weekend, right?”
“Yes, it is scheduled for this Saturday evening. The auction list was sent to all registered guests 3 days ago. Would you like to review it?”
Facing Alpha’s inquiry, Camilla nodded.