Out-of-Town Missions

Oliver tilted his head, confused by the statement about lowering the price of the coffee bean

Unlike Oliver, Forrest appeared to comprehend the statement about lowering the price of the coffee bean.

Forrest asked, "Does Hewitt have any information? Is it worth negotiating with the Parliament on tariffs?"

"That's correct, It's good that the story is moving quickly. From what we've discovered and based on what we know now, it seems that Hewitt has valuable information. Its worth is significant enough that Willes has decided to go against Landa."

Forrest furrowed his brow in response to Carver's answer.

"Do you have any evidence?"

"Yes, we do," Carver replied.

"We've utilized all of the information networks and pipelines of the city and city councilors to discover that the rebels have discovered something through World Tree. That's why the kingdom's army was compelled to put down the rebellion this time."

"Do you know what it's about?" Forrest inquired.

"Unfortunately, we couldn't determine that with certainty,"

"That's too bad,"

Carver nodded in agreement.

"I share the sentiment," Carver said.

"If we had found out sooner, the situation wouldn't have escalated to this degree, and we could have had a stronger bargaining chip. But now, it's too late. What can we do now? It's already happened."

After a moment of silence, Forrest asked,

"Are you suggesting that we track down and capture Hewitt and Willes, who fled outside of Landa?"

"Well, something along those lines," Carver replied.

"Something along those lines? Don't you realize that's impossible, no matter the circumstances,"

"Why not?"

Oliver, who was listening quietly to the conversation, asked Forrest.

Forrest, in a composed manner, turned to Oliver and explained,

"It's due to the city's protocol. Just as the kingdom cannot intervene in Landa's affairs, Landa should not be involved in external matters. It's a delicate issue."

"Exactly," Carver concurred.

"Landa should focus on maintaining autonomy within the city rather than attempting to exert influence outside of it. This is a source of tension between the Parliament and the royal family, just as when they try to encroach on our freedom."

"But yet, you still want to proceed with it… I see. Officially, the city will not be involved," Forrest confirmed.

"Correct. And let's just say, we can't take no for an answer. This isn't a plan devised by us officials, it's a plan devised by the councilors above us. They are already convinced that Hewitt's information will be a valuable bargaining chip to reduce the burdensome city tariffs."

Forrest's expression turned grim upon hearing the mention of the Councilors.

Various emotions such as apprehension, fear, and disappointment were evident on his face.

"…it's a bit disheartening," he said.

"I understand your sentiment. But isn't this how things operate on this level? Instead, we'll make sure to compensate you handsomely."

"Compensation?" Forrest asked, intrigued.

"Yes. In addition to the compensation for Mr. Dave's efforts, we will also compensate the Brokers union. For instance, we will waive all taxes for you this year."

Forrest was visibly taken aback by the mention of a tax exemption.

His emotions seemed to indicate that this was a significant offer.

"…are you being serious?" Forrest asked.

"We have already received confirmation from the Councilors regarding this. I'm sure you know they don't make empty promises. And that's just the base compensation, we're willing to give you more for your efforts."

"What did the rebels uncover?" Forrest asked, his curiosity piqued.

"As I previously mentioned, we don't know either. But, judging by the attitude of the shrewd city councilors, I can only assume it's something significant."

Forrest appeared troubled for a moment.

"..…can you please answer one thing for me? Dave is a relatively unknown figure, there must be someone better suited for the job, so why him?" Forrest questioned

"If we use a well-known solver, in the worst case, the Kingdom might suspect the City's involvement. Moderate skills and moderate reputation is the best fit for this situation. Above all, Dave will also require our assistance."

"Are you referring to the Parter Church?" Forrest asked.

"What does that mean?" Oliver inquired.

"I am not aware of the specifics, but I have heard there is an emergency situation in the Parter Church right now," Forrest said.

"The problem is that the Parter Church is cracking down on Warlocks currently. Dave, do you use Corpse dolls?" Carver queried

"Yes," Oliver replied

"Corpse dolls are objects that are considered disrespectful to the dead. It's something that's difficult for the Brokers union to cover up if the Parter Church makes it a big issue. However, we are different, we will protect you from the persecution of the Church that is imminent."

Forrest appeared to be in agreement with this as well.

"It's not a terrible proposal," Forrest said.

Oliver considered this and spoke up.

"What are the specific tasks?"

"There are two. Capture Hewitt, the magic hacker, and bring him back to Landa. By performing a brain scan we can extract any information he possesses."

"What is the second task?"

"If you are unable to capture him, find out what information he has obtained and aid in his escape."

…

It was truly a peculiar request.

Oliver understood that they wanted to capture the magic hacker Hewitt, and he understood that they wanted to obtain the information he possessed, but he couldn't understand why they were asking him to help him escape from the Empire's army.

It was a contradictory request that didn't make sense, but it did after hearing Carver's explanation.

Catching the opponent who had fled from Landa while deceiving the Kingdom's eyes would not be easy, and it was clear that Willes would do everything in his power to stop them if their suspicions were true.

"So, just find out the information and instead help them to escape. If we can't have it, the next best thing is to not let the kingdom recover it. That alone will distract the Royal Family and the Parliament from Landa."

It sounded quite plausible.

In fact, Forrest also said that the recovery of Hewitt was only possible if luck was truly on their side, and so the main mission should be to help them escape.

Perhaps that's why, despite the difference, the request fee for helping with an escape was not ordinary.

A 200 million advance payment, and 1 billion upon successful completion.

It was on the same level as Willes' bounty.

But that wasn't a good thing.

It was also a warning and threat that they would retaliate if Oliver was captured by the Empire's army and revealed that the client was the city.

Perhaps that's why he was a bit hesitant.

He was afraid that he might get caught up in the power struggle between the city and the Parliament.

Despite his hesitation, Oliver ultimately decided to accept the request.

The first reason was that, even though it was a request from the city, it was not a simple task given the circumstances.

He understood that Solvers, like himself, were not much different from back alley thugs who lived off violence, so the unfairness of the request did not surprise him.

The second reason was that the pay for the job was high, and he needed the money to secure a safe place to live.

He wanted to find a home in middle-class residential areas such as K, L, M, N, or O, where security was guaranteed, and he needed money for a deposit and to furnish the house.

The average deposit for renting a house is 1.4 billion.

Additionally, as a Solver, he would be forced to catch the escaped prisoners for a while, so if he was going to do the same thing, it made sense to take a big risk for a high payout.

However, the most decisive reason for his acceptance was his desire to learn more about the Kell Liberation Army.

He was fascinated by their persistence and determination, and he wanted to know more about them and their motivations.

Despite the danger and uncertainty of the task, Oliver felt that it would be a valuable opportunity for him to gain knowledge and experience, and so he accepted the request.

"Hmm... soon Burton. Get ready to get off."

Arthur, sitting in the luggage compartment of the transport truck, said, looking at the outside scenery.

He was disguised as a regular porter with a leather mask on his face, just like Oliver.

He had been hired, along with Oliver, for the mission, as well as Silk Hat sniper Donna and Magic Equipment Specialist McBore.

After a while, the truck stopped.

As soon as the vehicle came to a halt, Oliver and Arthur got off and began moving the luggage like real porters.

As part of their plan to infiltrate the city naturally, they completed the packing, and a worker hired by the city handed over a thick envelope of money.

"….expenses. There is no problem with the money, so you can use it for work."

"Thank you."

As Arthur said this, he left quietly and Oliver and the rest of the party followed suit, also leaving the area quietly.

"It's too bad Richard couldn't come," said McBore, the magical equipment expert, in a peculiarly insensitive tone.

Arthur shook his head in response.

"He's not cut out for this kind of mission. It's better for him to catch escaped prisoners in Landa with the rest of the team."

"I agree. So, what's our plan now, boss?" asked Donna, the Silk Hat sniper.

"I personally want to grab a bite to eat first, but the job is the job, so let's hurry a little bit. Donna and McBore, you two take a room at a hotel with a high turnover of guests. Dave, you come with me."

…

"Can I ask where we are going?" Oliver asked, trailing behind Arthur.

In response, Arthur posed a question of his own.

"Dave, are you familiar with the areas in the city where the working class, beggars, and back alleys intersect?"

"No, I am not."

"It's located right here," Arthur gestured towards a dilapidated building, its facade crudely boarded up with a sign scrawled in paint.

"The veterans' association," he read aloud.

"It's a melancholy establishment where those who aided in the kingdom's transformation into the Empire, where the sun never sets, congregate to lament their lives. Care to join me inside? I thought you would find it interesting, so I brought you here."

"Thank you," Oliver nodded in gratitude.

As Arthur opened the door, which appeared to be on the verge of falling off, and stepped inside, the dimly lit interior greeted him and Oliver.

The place was in poor condition, with several broken light fixtures and no indication that they would be repaired.

A drunken individual lay slumped over a table, and the walls were peeling.

It had the feeling of a deserted location.

"Are you in charge here?" Arthur asked as he approached an old man sitting behind a counter, as if they were old acquaintances.

The man, who had a dirty mustache and a hat, had a prosthetic leg. He looked exhausted.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"Hello, I'm Arthur from Landa," Arthur replied, pulling out a medal from his pocket.

"You're a soldier?" the old man asked.

"That's right," Arthur confirmed.

"What brings you here? Are you here to make a donation?"

"Yes, that's my intention," Arthur said, pulling out a bundle of money as if to show evidence.

The sound of the money slapping against the counter echoed through the establishment.

"…..This doesn't seem like the money of an ordinary porter, what is it?" the old man behind the counter asked as he smoked heavily, studying Arthur.

"I am a person who is discharged from the military and lives hard with a side job. Please help me," Arthur explained.

The old man thought for a moment before responding,

"If it's causing a disturbance, no thanks."

Arthur reassured him, "I'm not such a bad person to cause trouble to the same retired army."

"What are you looking for? A person?" the old man asked.

"It's a long story, but there's a guy who ran off with money from a labor union. I'm here to catch him. There are a lot of veterans like me searching for him," Arthur explained.

"He seems like a bad guy….. What's the description?"

"It's said to be a typical Northlander. Angled face and red hair."

The old man behind the counter nodded in understanding.

"Well, I can roughly see what's going on. Indeed, they are not thinking of settling down, but just thinking of going to their hometown," the old man said as he understood Arthur's situation.

"I'm glad you know," Arthur replied.

"But I can't help you much. Everyone is busy eating and living these days, so they don't come here. Things used to be better, but….." the old man said with a hint of sadness.

"I understand because it's tough to eat and live. So, can you tell me where he might stay? There's got to be a place for dirty people," Arthur asked.

"Well, I know a few places. Wait a minute," the old man said as he pointed his finger and reached under the counter to retrieve a piece of paper and a pen.

It looked like a receipt.

"If you have this receipt, our friends will cooperate," the old man said as Arthur pulled out a bill from a bundle of money and placed it on the counter.

There were twenty 100,000 bills.

"Then, please make the receipt for two million each," Arthur said.

The old man slightly raised his eyebrows at the amount of money, then scribbled on the receipt and handed it to Arthur, along with an extra note.

"Usually, if you're out of town, stay here. The owner of the grocery store, the owner of the bar, or the inn is my friend or friend's friend. If you ask them, they'll help you with your things."

"Oh, thank you."

Arthur said, taking the donation receipt and a note.

"It's better than I thought," the old man said as Arthur and Oliver were leaving the dark, run-down establishment.

"What?"

Arthur asked, turning back to the old man.

"I heard there's something going on in Landa, so I thought you're a Solver who came to catch some murderer," the old man explained.

Arthur replied, "I don't do such rough work anymore after being discharged. Above all, those who went outside the city are no longer chased by Landa."

"Then I'm glad….. I hope there's no big fuss," the old man said, giving Arthur a meaningful look.

Arthur politely replied that he would keep the old man's words in mind and left the establishment with Oliver.

As soon as they stepped out, Oliver said,

"I think he noticed something, Mr. Arthur."

"It's not that strange. You'll get a good sense when you get old. He knows I didn't really come here to chase a guy who ran with money."

"Is there no problem?" Oliver asked, concerned.

"There's no problem. I'm sure he has noticed there's more, but he won't bother."

"Um, I'm glad to hear that…. Then, are you going to search right away today?" Oliver asked.

"No. Let's start tomorrow. Everyone is tired of moving, and if we move too much, we'll stand out," Arthur replied.

"To whom?" Oliver asked.

"I don't think we're the only ones looking for Willes in this city. According to the information, the kingdom army has a clue to who attacked the prison, so it's possible that they are here, out of ten,"

"Oh…"

Oliver looked around the city without realizing it, thinking that there might be Kingdom's army personnel around.

"When we're caught in a situation where there's a competition between three parties, it becomes complicated. Specifically, we are at a disadvantage because we need to conceal our identity, which means we have to be cautious to avoid detection."

Oliver nodded in understanding.

Certainly, compared to the kingdom army that can move legally and Willes, who has to run away, there was a lot to pay attention to.

In fact, they had to chase Willes, avoiding the kingdom.

Then suddenly, he had a question.

"…what would you do if you found Hewitt? Are you going to take him to Landa? Or are you going to get information and help him get away?"

"Let's watch the situation and look at which has a better chance of success. Honestly, neither of them is as easy as it sounds, so I don't know what to do. Eventually, we should slide with the one with a high possibility of success."

"Okay."

As Arthur said, Oliver and other people stayed at the accommodation for a day and began to investigate in groups of two the next day.

Oliver, Arthur, Donna, and McBore divided into groups, and they searched pubs, gambling boards, and inns where outsiders stayed.

People spoke when they showed the receipt received from the retired soldier, but apart from that, there was no significant achievement.

And it was the same with Oliver.

As he remembered Hewitt's emotions, he used Warlock's eyes and looked around the city, but could not capture the emotions.

He wasn't in the city, or he hid his emotions like Puppet and Merlin, and Oliver's skills are limited in finding him.

It was then,

"Ughhhh, I'm going to go crazy. It's already been three days, and we can't even find a shadow, let alone a tail."

"Mr. Arthur."

"Huh? What's wrong?"

"There's a man in the grocery store at the intersection….. Don't turn your head."

Arthur did not turn his head as Oliver told him to, but approached an illegally parked vehicle on the street and looked at the store pretending to look at his face with a side mirror.

"I can see it. Why?"

"There's a man with mana similar to that of a wizard who just entered that store. Is such a person common?"

"Is that possible?"

Arthur took out the communication device and called out to Donna and McBore.