Chapter 229: Sollemnis Defense Bureau (2)

Upon waking, I had a feeling it wouldn't be a pleasant sight. Considering my actions, being treated as an ordinary guest was out of the question.

But still

"...Isn't this a bit too much?"

Being a fragile C-rank, my arms were securely bound behind my back. Judging by the sensation, Joy seemed to have tightly tied leather straps several times. My hands were also encased in restraints resembling sturdy gloves, rendering me unable to move a single finger.

At least my legs were tied separately. Instead of chains, leather straps are extended and connected to the bed. Similar straps were fastened around my neck, creating a feeling reminiscent of a mentally unstable person at risk of self-harm. The bed was comfortably padded, much like when facing Sigma, intending to die in front of him.

All my items were confiscated, and I was dressed in plain clothes. The only item left untouched was my earring, perhaps due to its magical enhancement and defensive barrier skill.

"Isn't this too much, A-rank? It's really harsh on a defenseless C-rank without any attack skills."

I tried talking to the A-rank guarding me, but received no response. Perhaps they did it to disable my inventory, but it was still too much. Wasn't there a bracelet to seal the inventory around here?

I attempted to exert force with my arms, but there was no response. Whether it was an item or a dungeon residue... Well, there were no dungeons in this area; it must be monster residue. Anyway, it was solid despite not being metal.

Nevertheless, being thrown on the bed instead of the floor, I sat up. In this state, escape was out of the question.

'I can't even pretend to be dead. For now, I need to behave quietly.'

I had also set up the disc, so send it over. I need to meet my younger brother. Even criminals are allowed family visits, right?

At that moment, the door opened, revealing a familiar face. The A-ranks immediately assumed proper posture and greeted, resembling a military formation. It made sense since this was a city defense agency, even if it didn't quite match the image of the Sung Hyunjae I knew. Well, sitting at the top as the military authority figure suited him. Maybe he's a dictator or something.

"You're at SS-rank, yet you can't handle a single C-rank without resorting to tying them up like this? Seems much more timid than I thought."

Sigma approached me. He looked strikingly similar, almost uncanny. Since I was already caught, I decided to use the Chick Teacher skill on him. Then,

[Unable to use skills on this target!]

A message appeared. I felt a sense of relief. Well, I had to check, but it seems he really isn't Him. Where on earth is that damn Sung Hyunjae? He did enter properly; it might be that he got irritated and bounced off to some strange place.

It would be amusing if He appeared here. Facing someone with the same face, skills, and weapons would surely be enjoyable, even for someone who claims to find the world boring. I'd like to introduce them to each other for a real laugh.

"Why are you disappointed again all by yourself?"

"...What?"

"Expecting something from me and getting disappointed. You did that when we first met too."

His words made me feel ashamed. Did I compare him too openly with Sung Hyunjae?

"Oh, that. It's just that the feeling is different from what I heard about Sigma. I thought he was a great person, kind, gentle, and generous, pitying a lowly C-rank like me and setting me free."

"You're talking without even knowing my name."

"...It's not like your real name anyway, Sigma."

"Sung Hyunjae."

...I involuntarily flinched. Did he really resemble him? He glared at me with raised eyebrows.

"I don't think my face is mistaken for someone else's."

"You're disgustingly self-assured. In the real world, there are three people who look alike. I can't say that the Sung Hyunjae I know has a good personality either, but he doesn't randomly kick people walking by. So, you are someone else. I just briefly misunderstood, so don't mind it."

"The conclusion is to shut up, huh? Are you friends with that Sung hyunjae? Close friends?"

"I didn't have a reason to tell you in the first place. Why do you care so much about others' relationships? It doesn't matter who I associate with."

The A-ranks glanced at me. They seemed quite embarrassed. They probably thought it was absurd to talk like this about a C-rank. If Sigma got angry and twisted my neck, I'd probably feel relieved. But he's not that kind of person, I guess.

"I prefer someone with a heavy mouth."

Snip, the leather straps were cut effortlessly. I could hardly see the movement. Then, the rope connected to my neck was roughly pulled.

"You treat people like, ugh, dogs!"

Would it be worth lamenting over this? It wasn't my first experience, but being surrounded by people who treated me well recently made it feel more unfair.

The door opened, and I was dragged away. The corridor was quite spacious, and the ceiling was high. Surveillance cameras were installed at regular intervals. There didn't seem to be any other security devices. Seeing A-ranks stationed for surveillance, it seemed like higher-ranked hunters were sensitive to this. Well, that made sense.

"Can you tell me where we're going? Is this the city defense agency?"

"Yes."

"Then guide me. Judging by the atmosphere, it seems like I'll be staying here for a while, maybe even longer. We need to know what's going on."

Sigma stopped at my words and turned to look at me.

"Like this?"

"You're not going to let me go anyway."

Is there a weapon storage or something? They might store valuable items in the inventory, but you never know. Yoohyun also have a safe in their house in Haeyeon guild.

I walked forward, looking back to check. At the chin-lifting gesture of "Why aren't you coming?" Sigma moved his stopped feet.

"Is there no restricted area? I want to know how the security system works. Is that too obvious a question?"

"Isn't this question too obvious?"

"Why tie me up like this if you're going to be so obvious? If you see something to feast on, you might as well open your mouth quietly. Even if I look like this, I'm quite materialistic. Hello~ Is there a weapon storage or something nearby?"

The A-rank standing in front of the elevator froze upon seeing us. With an expression indicating uncertainty about what to say, they alternated their gaze between me and Sigma.

"Uh...."

"Could you press the button for me instead? As you can see, I'm in this state."

The A-rank pressed the button with a dumbfounded face. The elevator seemed similar to ours in the neighborhood. Usually, the important stuff is in the basement. Considering asking again, I decided to press the button for the lowest floor in the underground. The elevator swiftly descended. Never use buttons that other people also use unless you're an exception like me.

When the door opened, two armed A-ranks guarded the entrance. The passage beyond was blocked by thick glass-like doors.

"Hello, excuse us. Could you please open the door?"

Standing in front of the glass door, I spoke, and the A-rank, with a perplexed look, glanced at Sigma for approval.

"Open it."

Upon the short command, the door immediately opened. Must be an SS-grade access pass. Quite efficient.

We walked down the corridor. I didn't know where this was, but whenever we reached a fork, I chose the path with stricter surveillance. The access pass followed silently behind me. Every time there was an obstacle, it effortlessly cleared the way. Truly SS-grade.

The last door was guarded by not one, but two S-grades. Where the heck is this place? I signaled the access pass, and once again, the door opened easily.

"...May I ask what you are doing?"

Unlike the A-ranks, who only had their eyes shaking, the S-grade directly asked. Sigma casually replied.

"A stroll."

"That's too much, really. You're not joking, are you? It's not a dog, right?"

"Shall we go back then?"

"Woof woof."

Why would we come this far to go back? I'm being treated like a dog by a bastard who heard dad's scolding just the other day. Even though I look like this, he's treating me like a dog just like his son. Oh my, my fate.

While muttering, I quickly entered. A well-lit space awaited us after passing through triple doors. It was filled with a radiant blue light.

Mana pool

Seeing the overflowing light in the deep pit, something came to mind as soon as I saw it.

The third origin, the deepest well.

From Diarma's memories, I had a gut feeling that what I saw and Mana Pool was related. Was this the world of the third origin? Not our fifth world.

...But it didn't matter much, considering it's a world created virtually within a dungeon.

Around the Mana Pool, there were various unknown mechanical devices. People managing the machines greeted Sigma and stared at me strangely.

"Do you have any guide signs or maps? Or lunch? When's lunch? Is it lunchtime? I don't have a watch, you see."

"It's not time for lunch yet."

Sigma moved forward. The place he headed was one of the rooms arranged around the Mana Pool, with patterns resembling magic circles engraved on the floor and a surgical bed in the center where a person could be restrained.

Instinctively, I took a step back. Hey, wait a moment.

"What are you trying to─"

"Prepare for the imprinting procedure."

Sigma pressed a button on the wall, and shortly after, a B-rank Awakened entered. Despite being B-rank, the mana conduit was quite large. Imprinting?

"I thought you would have done it when I was unconscious."

"It's impossible when the subject is unconscious. When unconscious, the flow of mana is almost stopped, making it difficult to connect with the imprint. Thanks to that, there haven't been any accidents where skills were used in a dream state."

The B-rank explained kindly. Well, that makes sense. Clearly, Awakening research was quite advanced in this neighborhood. Then, another B-rank entered with a cart, holding what looked like syringes and vials.

"Could you release the restraints, please?"

The B-rank requested, and the ropes binding my arms fell away. Both arms and hands regained their freedom. As soon as I could move my hands, I immediately used the Flashbang skill.

"Ah!"

"Ugh!"

The two B-ranks staggered in the tremendous light that silently burst out. Instead of attempting to escape far with just a flashbang, they drew their daggers. Honestly, when I planned to let monsters kill me instead of being stabbed in the neck, I never expected to feel so uneasy.

But drawing the knife was frightening.

My jaw, and then my wrist, were grabbed. Subsequently, my arm was ruthlessly twisted behind me. The dagger clattered to the floor.

"What the hell! Can an SS-rank eye pierce through even a flashbang!"

Thinking they might hesitate for a moment, I pressed the flashbang against my neck. Sigma, while pinning me to the surgical bed, removed the necklace around my neck.

"Is the curse resistance also S-rank or higher? It was an A-rank inventory-sealed necklace, but it seems useless."

...So, I had an inventory-sealed item attached. One B-rank restrained me on the surgical bed, tying me up, while another B-rank picked up the fallen syringe and held a new one.

"It's an anesthetic. It might sting a bit."

The B-rank held my arm and administered the injection. Even if it was an anesthetic...

"Wait a moment, I have poison resistance, agh!"

An involuntary scream burst out. It felt like extracting the spinal bones at the nape of my neck. The pain was so intense that tears welled up.

"The pain relief effect should kick in immediately..."

"I have poison resistance! Poison resistance! S-rank!"

Upon shouting, the B-rank looked bewildered. Sigma, who was a few steps back watching, spoke up.

"Continue."

"However, the pain will be unbearable."

"It seems you didn't lower the resistance skill and can't control it."

You're Mistaken hey! Something cold touched the back of my neck, and the spine began to throb once again.

"I told you! Can't, not able to!"

I shouted curses mixed with the screams. It seemed like swearing at them to just let me die painlessly.

"Sigma-nim, it seems risky to proceed with the actual connection. With C-rank stats, he won't endure it without pain relievers and mana neutralizers."

"If that's the case, with C-rank."

The bastard grabbed my head, looked me in the eyes, and spoke. What can I do if I can't? Even now, with my grade dropped to S, I'm not sure if I can lower the resistance skill, but it's better to die painfully than endure this. There must be all kinds of drugs available, and it's insane to turn off poison resistance. It will probably be overflowing with even things like truth serum.

If they find out I can die and come back to life, I'm really screwed.

"If you don't want to see me in that state, don't come to the funeral."

Sigma laughed. Then, he looked at the B-ranks and said, "Proceed."

It took several days to get the help of Medsang, or so they said.

"Surely you're not going to keep me tied up the whole time, right? Don't you have an S-rank inventory-sealed item? Or at least use a contract. If you use the inventory, the curse resistance skill grade will drop by one level. There might even be an S-rank curse contract."

I earnestly asked Sigma to let me live more humanely, and surprisingly, he readily agreed. Of course, the S-rank curse resistance was clearly confirmed, and the inventory-sealed item was hung around my neck. It included a location tracking function as well.

Although my arms and legs were free, surveillance was still attached. After lunch, I was guided to a room, and an A-rank guard followed in and kept a vigilant eye on me without looking away.

'If I use the Stealth skill, I might deceive the A-rank, but they'll probably track me right after using it. Moreover, the rope around my neck is still there, so if they pull it as soon as I disappear, I'll be immediately caught. Unlike before, there's no problem in moving around the room, but...'

The room had only a bed, a table, and a TV. The bathroom was attached. Would they follow me when I had to go?

"Well, I'll be in your care for a while~"

Though I offered greetings, the A-rank guard remained silent, merely keeping a watchful eye on me. Showing a bored expression, I sprawled on the bed, making it clear that I found this uninteresting. After switching the A-rank guard during this time, even they soon wore a bored expression. My hand-to-hand combat stats, sealed in the inventory, were at a grade of C. Escaping from an A-rank opponent was practically impossible, and even with a vigilant guard, there was inevitably a gap, a fact well-known to them.

Furthermore, the surveillance cameras were in operation, ready to rush in immediately if any issues arose.

'Hopeless, even from my perspective.'

Finishing the snacks that came out as a dessert, I shook off the crumbs from my hands outside the bed. At least there was only one surveillance camera, and there was a blind spot.

Casually turning my body and tossing around, I eventually turned towards the wall. I pulled the blanket up to my shoulders. Only the sound of the TV continued in the silence.

Yes, it's impossible to escape barehanded. However, what if it's not barehanded?

'Point Shop.'

[◐▼◐∥Welcome! Point Shop!∥◑△◑]

A window appeared visible only to me. The shop was filled with various equipment and unheard-of consumable items. And the points I had were.

[2,210,566P]

Thanking Sigma-nim inwardly, even if I had to spend all 2 million points, to thoroughly... no, it's a bit too wasteful, maybe a million... well, spend the basic 500,000 and decide based on the situation, up to a maximum of a million, just make sure to get out of here.

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