Chapter 18 – Vicada Traveling Troupe (1)

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Vicada, the leader of Vicada's Traveling Troupe, sensed something different about the atmosphere in Etna City.

The first noticeable change was the heat.

Despite the city's proximity to the volcano, the heat surrounding Etna City was gradually cooling.

The easiest way to observe this change was the color of the sky. The more active the volcano, the gloomier the sky would become.

This was due to the volcanic ash spewed by Mount Etna. For the past year, as Vicada recalled, the skies around Etna City had been relatively clear.

But now, thick gray clouds filled with impurities loomed overhead.

"Is it the volcano's active period?"

Generally, a volcano's active period is a natural disaster, but in this city, the story is different. The energized land supplies magical power to the entire city and increases fossil fuel production.

In agricultural terms, it was a sign of a bountiful harvest. Vicada sighed with a mix of regret.

As the local economy improves, the popularity of items used to escape reality, like electronic drugs, wanes. This meant that the earnings from this tour would be significantly less.

"We'll need to increase the focus on the circus."

He pressed a button on the gauntlet worn on his right hand. It was a wearable computer designed to easily manage his enchanted body modification equipment, the Enchantware.

The drug injected directly into his spine washed away Vicada's worries.

A rising sense of happiness. The world seemed brighter, even though the light hadn't changed. While swimming in euphoria, Vicada suddenly heard a noise that reverberated through his head.

The wearable computer was warning of a low drug supply.

"Meconion…."

She was an unrivaled drug manufacturer in this area. Vicada couldn't understand her aversion to new-age electronic drugs, but spirits are inherently capricious.

Since Vicada was half-spirit, he must have inherited their eccentricities. It had been a while since he headed to the green paradise within the gray city.

"Hello?"

Instead of the green-haired Alraune hybrid, a suspiciously dressed human in a suit greeted him.

***

Had the owner changed in the meantime? Where was Meconion?

Vicada remained calm. He and the troupe had received entry permits from Geryon.

While Geryon' gang was greedy for money, they wouldn't cause trouble as long as they were paid, and they always delivered the agreed-upon services, unlike the tyrants from the Lernian Tower.

"Surely, the Pythos Tower hasn't awakened from decades of silence."

Even if Kaicle had reappeared, he wouldn't bother with a remote drug den. Someone with his wealth and power wouldn't need to involve himself in the underworld.

Did the Lernian Tower take over Meconion's den?

This seemed quite plausible. However, showing Geryon's entry permit should make them back off reluctantly. They were only tough in their own territory.

"Sorry for the late introduction. I am Orthes from Hydra Corporation."

"Hydra Corporation?"

It was an unfamiliar name. It didn't exist two months ago when he last visited. Was it a new power challenging Etna City's longstanding three-force system?

"We have permission from Mr. Geryon to enter."

If they were a fledgling force still finding their footing, they wouldn't risk actions that could lead to a full-scale confrontation with the established powers. Vicada tried to use Geryon' authority as a shield to leave the den.

"We're aware."

Aware?

"Geryon escaped from us a few days ago with the help of Pythos Tower. It seems he hasn't been seen inside the city since. We reviewed the entry logs he issued."

What was he talking about?

Even in just two months, a force strong enough to subdue Geryon and threaten Pythos Tower had emerged?

"Is Geryon hiding somewhere in the city, or has he fled outside to recuperate?"

The man with snake-like eyes was suspicious of the troupe, thinking they were external forces trying to help Geryon escape.

"No, it's a misunderstanding! We don't have the ability or intention to do that!"

"Misunderstanding?"

His thinly open eyes formed an arc.

"What misunderstanding are you referring to?"

He was skilled at using authority to pressure others. Vicada's nerves were on edge from the intimidation that sobered him up.

Claiming, "We're not with Geryon!" would be foolish. He'd only respond, "We never mentioned that. How suspicious." and use it as a pretext to draw his weapon.

What should he do?

How could he survive this situation?

Vicada recalled the atmosphere in the den. The people inside were the same as before. If Meconion were dead, her regulars wouldn't be so calm.

"Meconion! Meconion can vouch for us! We only paid Geryon but received nothing in return! Why would we risk our lives for him?"

Orthes nodded.

"Mr. Meconion. Is that so?"

From inside the den, a weary Alraune hybrid walked out.

"Please have a good talk between the two of you."

***

Even after Orthes left, Vicada didn't speak recklessly. Assuming he wasn't eavesdropping on this conversation would be naive.

"What the hell is going on? And what is Hydra Corporation?"

At his bewildered tone, Meconion responded with a faint sneer.

"It's a monstrous organization that swallowed the Lernian Tower. We barely survived."

She explained to Vicada what had happened in Etna City over the past month. Lernian had fallen, the underworld had been unified, Geryon had escaped with his life, and Kaicle of the Pythos Tower had returned.

"Bad timing, Vicada. The three towers are preparing for war."

"Damn it! Information about a backwater city like this doesn't even circulate on the Ether space. I wouldn't have come if I knew! Why didn't you give me a heads-up!"

"Haven't you heard? I'm now a director at Hydra Corporation. My leash is held by them."

"Damn. Who the hell is that guy?"

Meconion shrugged. From the way she shuddered at the mention of Orthes, he felt a sense of camaraderie.

"I have only one piece of advice: just show them everything and beg."

"But look, our troupe contains-"

Illegal drugs at dangerous levels, potions explicitly banned by most towers, and slaves kept for special purposes.

"Ha. Is it more precious than your life?"

"…."

"Due to the Lernian Tower's tastes, drugs weren't banned in their territory. Hydra Corporation hasn't bothered with legalities while bulking up. So they can't use legal violations as an excuse to extort more."

"Hmm…."

"Trust me; I've been through it. That guy's crazy, but he keeps his word. If Geryon isn't in your troupe, they'll give you compensation and let you go."

***

Vicada conveyed his willingness to show them anything from the safe to the bed, just to survive.

Orthes's response was concise.

"I'll be there soon."

It was a warning of an unannounced inspection. Vicada clicked his tongue and left the den.

Watching his departing figure, Meconion asked.

"Is there really a need to be so tedious? Wouldn't it be easier to just ask if they have any relics?"

"There are several reasons."

Orthes, who had brought tea at some point, handed a cup to Meconion. She was pleasantly surprised by its unexpected quality.

"Wow. You're good at making tea?"

"The boss is very particular. First, it's about rumors."

As Vicada mentioned, rumors don't spread easily in a quiet place like Etna City. Even on the Aether Network, the city's magic internet, Etna City remained quiet.

"Vicada will spread the tension in Etna City. From the perspective of the Ten Towers, no matter how much we gather magic, it'll be seen as a minor skirmish among lower towers."

They needed someone chatty to spread the rumor of Hydra Corporation's war, and Vicada was perfect for the job.

"And the second reason?"

"They have nothing to hide from me. Since Geryon isn't with them, they won't try to hide anything to avoid suspicion."

"Do you think they would've hidden it if you asked for the relics directly?"

"In this era, how many truly believe in gods? They would've been wary if I approached directly."

Meconion eyed Orthes skeptically. Was all this hassle because of the slight chance they might hide something?

Orthes recalled the secret magic units operated by the Ten Towers.

The ones who inherited the orthodox teachings of the old gods. The assassination squads of the Ten Towers, who eradicated ancient priests with divine power.

If there was a true Bacchus believer in Vicada's troupe and they'd heard rumors of the assassination squads, they would've hidden the relic for sure.

After about an hour, Orthes stood up.

"Well then. Shall we go check?"

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