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EP.31 Finding the Truth (5)

A white sandy beach with waves crashing like before.

When you step, the sand dents, and when you stop, waves come in.

This small space full of mystery and contradiction was too vivid to be a dream.

As I stepped forward as if through a white sandy beach, I was able to face a familiar black object.

"...."

The borders of the world that were cut unrealistically.

A huge darkness, located a little ahead of him, greeted me.

It's the second time I remember him, but it's actually the third time I've encountered him.

The sand of the white sand was constantly being pushed out under the darkness that floated up as if a large hole had been made in the air.

- "You've made a fool's errand."

A voice resounded from the darkness facing me, and the sand around me was ripped out.

He seems to have realized that I had left this place while retaining my memories.

Of course, even if the agent of the mystery noticed this, it didn't matter.

Among the whispers Spinel gave me, there was a story that there would be no sanctions even if caught.

"So, are you going to give me a penalty?"

In a way, it is a kind of cheating.

When I faced him and asked about the penalty, there was no answer in the affirmative.

- "Does not matter. Even that is being judged by a test."

"That's good."

- "And you are already penalized for the exam."

However, I couldn't help but be taken aback by the next agent's words.

I already bear the penalty for the exam.

The agent said so.

With a hardened face, I looked into the abyss in front of me.

"Am I being penalized?"

- "Of course. You are already being presented with a more difficult test than others."

"What is the reason?"

- "What do you think is the criterion for determining that a human being is a human being?"

"no way… … ."

There was only one thing I could guess.

- "The body. mental. memory. We put it all together and define a human being."

"Is it a problem because the contents are different?"

- "You have a different memory and personality from those who passed the test before. But your magic is still recognized as the same entity."

I am Percival Smith, but I am not Percival Smith.

The situation in which I am now is an unexpected factor for them.

People may be able to deceive, but it seemed impossible to deceive the oldest magic.

Fortunately, magic itself is subordinated to the body, not the soul.

The agent did not stop there and continued explaining the test.

- "So the 'truth' demanded an increase in test difficulty for you."

"How high did it go?"

- "All the tests you will face have been upgraded by one level."

"Is this exam similar to the level 5 exam?"

- "Even if you think like that, it will be okay."

If you think about it, the one that Shinel passed easily was the 4th circle test.

It didn't make sense to me that I couldn't even figure out how to solve it.

I was taking the 5th circle test, the first to challenge the wizard's test, so it was natural that I couldn't solve it easily and was rotting my head.

"… … Somehow, something was difficult. I was being scammed."

- "Then will you give up?"

"no. I don't care. It's a wall you have to overcome anyway."

There is no risk in this challenge.

Even if you fail, you just have to wait until the next time you come back.

There was no reason not to take the test that returned only returns without risk.

The endless darkness inside the agent shook, and the huge eyes in it looked at me and asked.

- "False wizard. Would you like to take the test?"

"Challenge."

As he nodded his head, the darkness in front of him began to move.

The darkness that was like an abyss with no end spread out in all directions, and all the surrounding light was scattered.

A universe alone in which the scattered lights twinkle.

The incomprehensible world that made you realize your fountain just by looking at it pulsated.

With him, voices rushed in as if announcing the start of the test.

'I hate the world that has lost me.'

'What the hell is money to me?'

'I want to kill them all.'

'Why can't I? why only you... … .'

The first thing I heard was malice.

People hate, hate, envy, and jealous of someone.

Raw malice flowed into him without filtration.

'… … It failed again.'

'This and that, it doesn't work out the way I want it to.'

'I want to die.'

The next thing I heard was despair.

Somewhere in the world, someone regrets and laments their plight.

A gloomy voice passed me several times.

"… … ah."

Then, a torrent of thoughts came rushing in.

An unknown voice fills my ears and confuses my brain.

Someone screams loudly.

Someone else screams and puts themselves down.

dizzy. And it's confusing.

The things passing by me left their traces.

'There are things that cannot be undone.'

'The sky is clear.'

'Today's weather is a red mirror.'

'iced coffee… … . The long line of wires broke.'

The more it touches a foreign thing, the more it gets dyed in its color.

The flow of thought, which is in sync with others, has lost its original direction for a long time.

Things that are not themselves crawl within themselves.

Things that have no form become intertwined with each other, and soon they turn into something incomprehensible.

'The blue sky is covered with worms.'

'If it rains, how are you today?'

'Black and blue, red and black.'

'Leave nothing. Falling wind.'

This is no longer my will.

Is it a memory or a thought that sustains the ego?

Can you call what flows from others as your own thoughts?

In the midst of a storm of thoughts, he could not find his way out, and while he was swaying like crazy, someone's voice was vaguely heard.

'I want to see the black man.'

It's a familiar voice

And it is also a voice that should not be forgotten.

As I concentrated my consciousness on the voice that had been heard faintly, as if responding to it, the voice resounded again.

'A lame person walks the sea today.'

'What shall we eat tomorrow?'

'The difficult problem is in the mirror.'

'God is always for you... … .'

Cinell Clover Bloom.

It is the voice of a colleague I met for the first time in this world.

It's pure yet clever, crude and clear.

He was also my first trust in this city full of blood and intrigue.

Like a lighthouse illuminating the dark sea alone, I tried to find Sinell's thing among the voices that flowed in.

'Why won't you look at me?'

'The lights don't turn on.'

'This and that are all arbitrary.'

'I wish the boss would buy me something delicious.'

I have something I want to achieve in my mind.

So I met Sinel.

And made him his colleague.

The extras, who didn't even have names left, got to know each other.

'How many days of payday are left?'

The War City is not a story full of happiness.

Some die, some are stolen, and some seek revenge.

Each purpose brings blood, and the blood that is created moves in search of the next victim.

There were not many people who were allowed to laugh in the world of weak and strong food.

The end of such a story is a sad ending that fills your mouth with bitterness.

'I wish I could get a higher salary.'

In this story that ends in tragedy, we met to complete each other's story.

So I didn't want to disappoint her yet.

He only shows his powerlessness to everyone when he continues to lose in such a simple test.

I raised my head and looked up at the sky.

The endless black world asked me in its own voice.

- "I will ask you according to the oath of the beginning. Who are you?"

The voice of the agent who asks for the answer to the test.

Hearing that, I began to ponder what kind of answer I should give.

Originally I was not Percival Smith.

I was just a reader reading the novel.

And the agent in front of me asked me, knowing it.

It is not just that you want a formal question-and-answer.

"I… … ."

Although it is a simple question, it is a difficult question for me as a foreigner.

He had been running away from what he had admitted so far, but the time of choice that could not be put off any longer had arrived.

Who am I.

Is the past self real or the present self real?

Now I have to answer that.

'The Dark Merchant... You must have worked hard to get that name, didn't you?'

It was the same with the name he was turning his eyes to.

It is not only great achievements that prove great.

where you were no matter what you look like.

It is the attitude of one's own mind that proves oneself.

Only a firm belief will create the self you have been hoping for.

So, this was a kind of declaration to himself.

"I--."

I.

She is the employer of Cinell Cloverbloom.

A great information merchant praised as a dark merchant.

He is the only one who knows the end of this world.

And he is the one who will bring the right ending to this world.

My name, walking in such great footsteps, is--.

"――This is Percival Smith."

He will always be Percival Smith.

EP.32 Mercenary (1)

As a result, the test passed.

After completing the test, I became a 4th circle, and now my heart has 4 rings.

Of course, just because I became the 4th circle, there was no dramatic increase in strength or anything like before.

There have been only some changes to the abilities that were used in the past.

First of all, the range and output of telepathy have been increased by nearly 50%.

If so far the size of telepathy has been about half of the limit that can be accommodated by humans, it is now close to 80%.

If the circle rises as it is and the output reaches its limit, it may be possible to prevent enemies within the range from recognizing external sounds.

"… … president?"

In addition to that, I was able to figure out how Shinel, who is now tilting his head in the office, feels.

When the magic was on, he was able to respond to the emotions of others.

Of course, even if it was felt, it did not convey specific information.

It was not yet possible to read people's thoughts.

"I'm wondering what's on the lunch menu right now."

"Ugh. Did you learn to read your mind?"

"Nya-."

"...."

The one just hit Sinell's thoughts, regardless of his abilities.

Most of them were fragments of rough emotions such as joy, sadness, joy, or pity.

This too will evolve in such a way that they can communicate with each other if their magic changes as the circle goes up.

Sinel, who sat still and watched me, said while hugging her.

"president. I think something has changed a bit."

"It became the fourth circle."

"4th circle… … . So that's a good thing."

"It's still a long way off. Only now have we reached the starting line."

It's not humility.

The city is actually infested with many monsters.

Even if it was called the 4th circle, it was just a level that we often encounter when the full-fledged story begins.

In addition, there was a clear limitation in battle with only one magic of the 4 circles, not the combat system.

Even Spinel, Sinell's older sister, wasn't the 6th Circle Archmage.

Near the second half of the work, giants who deviate from the standard one by one appear in the foreground.

I wasn't sure that I would be able to get to the 6th circle, but I needed to train myself as much as possible and match teamwork with my subordinates.

However, regardless of my words, Sinel has persevered through his words.

"Still, it's nice that the circle has risen."

"I don't think so."

"Then that's a good thing."

"I think it's like that."

It seems that the part that makes me happy is important.

I don't know, but I nodded because I think I should be happy.

Then, Shinel's eyes lit up as he looked at me.

"Right. It's a pleasure."

"...."

"Are you happy?"

anticipation and interest.

Such primal emotions have been transmitted from Sinel, who faced me.

At this point, you might know what you want.

There's only one thing Sinel can expect.

"… … Yes, if something happy happens, I should eat something delicious."

"I'm happy too."

Sometimes it's okay to celebrate your own growth.

So, what would you like to eat?

I got up from my seat, contemplating which menu would be okay.

Anyway, I was going to visit Brian's office today to get information about the bounty.

It wasn't long before Brian opened the Information Prize.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring some souvenirs from the opening ceremony.

"You seem to be attracted to seafood today."

"Is it seafood?"

And after much deliberation, we decided on seafood as the menu of the day.

Rather than eating easily, I was thinking of taking a slightly more expensive menu.

* * * * * *

"They said it was a gift for the opening ceremony, so it's more gorgeous than I expected."

"I was a little concerned."

Brian's office located in the corner of District 7.

Even in a corner, in an office with a better neck than ours, Brian and I were facing each other at a table.

Seafood dishes were smelling fragrant on the long table between the two of them.

As he said, glamorous is a good combination.

Brian picked up one of the claws lying nearby and asked me.

"… … Is this really okay for me to eat?"

"Of course. Do you hate crustaceans?"

"I can't do it against lobster. Is this a king crab next to me?"

"okay. I hope you are satisfied."

nod. Moving his head, Brian pulled out his flesh and put it in his mouth.

These are cuts that are easy to eat.

There was no need to waste time doing cumbersome things.

I, too, enjoyed the dinner prepared and looked at Sinel sitting next to me.

"It's delicious."

It was Shinel, who was busy moving his hands as if Heist had used it.

In front of Sinel, neatly dismantled shells piled up in a pile to form a mountain.

Sinel whispered in my ear in a small voice, wondering if I was worried that I was looking at her with my crab legs raised.

"Doesn't your boss eat a lot?"

"eating."

"yes."

After hearing my answer, Sinel started eating seafood again.

I smiled and turned my gaze to Brian in front of me.

It seemed that he was not saying empty words, but he was choosing to eat it, but it wasn't as if he was eating with enthusiasm like Shinel.

As the reason I came here wasn't just to eat, I asked Brian while eating crab.

"By the way, what happened to the one I entrusted to you before?"

"A list of wanted criminals whose fighting style is close to close combat?"

"I remember you well."

"Of course, I did some research as the customer asked. The high-end guys are dangerous, and they don't have much information, so I took them out."

"Anyone you recommend?"

"For now, one from the first class, one from the second class."

He's a first-class wanted criminal.

Depending on the situation, this is a slightly risky option.

There is little to gain without risk, but first, it was necessary to study the opponent in detail and choose.

"What is your name?"

"The most wanted criminal is the megalithic Vegas. I don't think the magic level is very high, but the defense is rather high, so the security guard is annoying."

The name megalith seems to have a lot to do with defense.

Considering Brian's added explanation, he seems to take less damage from bullets and blades.

That doesn't mean you won't take any damage, so if you think about how to attack it, it won't be difficult.

"What is the second one?"

"The robber Tedius. Dig magic is used, but horses are melee combat... It's not a heinous criminal, and it's a case of neglecting the police because it's too much trouble to pursue them. It would be easier this way than a megalith."

robbers and megaliths

Both are characters that are not mentioned much in the original.

Of course, if we only compare the notoriety, the first-degree wanted criminal looks more dangerous than the former.

But my mind was inclined towards catching megaliths.

Even if it takes some difficulty, I prefer the one with fewer variables.

After all, this world is not like a game.

Since not everything can be solved simply by compatibility, it is necessary to be wary of magic with many variables that can be created.

"Megalithic Vegas. Don't be a guy."

"Isn't a tomb robber better?"

"Even the security forces have a hard time chasing after them. Considering the ransom at stake, there seems to be no need to chase after them for nothing."

Even thinking about the magic itself, Digra seems to have a lot of annoying uses.

If used properly, it will be a more threatening magic than a megalith in urban warfare.

Even if it immediately came to mind, there was a way to use Digg magic under the completed building.

If the soil on the part that supported the building disappeared at once, it was an instant that the sturdy building would tilt.

It would be a problem to destroy a normal road, but it would not be that the security forces were refraining from pursuing them for nothing.

After hearing my words, Brian agreed and continued explaining.

"okay. First of all, I have to explain about Vegas."

"Let's hear it."

"Megalithic Vegas. He is a magician of the 4th circle who uses a magic called stone skin."

"… … It's a stone skin."

"As I said before, the magic rank itself is not high, but the problem is that some gun knives are stuck in the body."

In a way, it looks similar to Calvin, which was called a runaway tank.

However, in addition to the full-plate defense, Calvin possessed physical abilities that far exceeded human limits.

It is strong enough to break a solid concrete wall with one blow.

It was safe to say that he possessed both defense and attack power at the same time .

If it were simply magic to increase hardness, the situation would be very different from that of Calvin.

Apparently, the difficulty level was low among the first-class wanted criminals.

"The attack power itself doesn't matter."

"That's right."

"How much is the bounty on him?"

"35,000 credits based on the police force. Come to think of it, there were rumors that swordsmen were also chasing him."

swordsmanship.

He was a character who appeared several times in the war city.

As the familiar story came out of Brian's mouth, I reflexively asked him.

"Swordsmanship?"

"okay. That famous 'self-proclaimed swordsman'.

"Then there is no need to worry."

There are many wizards who specialize in combat using cold weapons.

However, there is only one person in this city who calls the name Sword Castle.

A mercenary and bounty hunter who carries a heavy sword and slaughters criminals.

An extreme conceptist who doesn't know how to use a sword at all, even though he claims to be a swordsman.

That was the sword.

EP.33 Mercenary (2)

There are many references to one of the city's outlaws, Vegas, but the most famous of them all is probably the only one.

The legend of the '13 underground duel' is exactly that.

First-degree wanted criminal, Mega Stone Vegas.

He was a legendary figure who boasted undefeated in the underground arena.

The stone skin magic of Vegas that hardens the body. And his natural fighting skills that are not worth calling him a genius.

Enemies faced with the destructive fighting ability created by the meeting collapsed without exception.

Vegas was victorious in a one-on-one match in the underground arena where they risked their lives, and in the end, a statue of him was erected in the middle of the underground arena.

'It's useless.'

But the glorious days did not last long.

The underground arena, which was caught up in the struggle for power, disappeared completely in the 13th area at some point.

The stone statue depicting his strong figure also disappeared in pieces.

The gold that filled the house still remained with him, but since the battlefield disappeared, Vegas's heart has always been empty.

there is money Still, I can't fight for life to my heart's content.

Only fighting for his life was the driving force that made his heart race.

He was already addicted to dueling.

'Still, we can't stop fighting.'

In the end, he chose to continue the duel alone.

Vegas went around the city looking for the powerful who were hiding everywhere.

And each opponent he met waged a duel with a huge amount of gold.

Of course, all the losers who lost the duel with Vegas died.

Only the winners survive.

Because that was the rule of the underground duel he had fought for all his life.

"Sah, save me… … ."

"Didn't you lose the duel?"

The same was true of the man begging for his life right in front of Vegas.

The man accepted a duel that Vegas had put all his money on, and he lost the duel horribly.

No matter who he was competing against for strength, Vegas had no intention of letting him go alive.

With the man leaning against the wall in front of him, Vegas raised his fist.

"I, I was too greedy. If you just let me live... … ."

"The excuses are lame."

"Cuckoo… … !"

break up!

Vegas' fist slammed into the man's head.

It is a fist that has been strengthened by the stone skin and turned into a rock-like strength.

The man, who had crashed into a fist swung by Vegas without mercy, was silent.

The man who bowed his head like that never opened his mouth any more.

It was the end of the loser who lost the duel.

"He was a boring guy."

After disarming the magic, Vegas said, shaking his palms.

He was a famous mercenary nearby, so when he came to check his fighting skills, he didn't like fighting much more than he expected.

Rather, it was to the extent that the security guards who were chasing him before were more fierce.

Only then there was no reason for Vegas to come all the way to fight for their lives.

"Do I have to find another guy this time too?"

stronger opponent.

Only that could calm the fighting spirit boiling in Vegas.

Vegas picked up the black bag he had left on the floor again.

His heavy bag containing gold bars was a bait to lure out mercenaries and criminals who were drowning in water.

There were not many people who refused to duel with him even after seeing the gold in this bag.

However, to those who refused the duel, he only presented a stone fist of Vegas instead of gold.

thump, thump.

With his bag, Vegas began to move into the dark alley.

The duel with the man who was the target ended in a victory for Vegas.

After the duel was over, there was no reason for him to be here.

Vegas' feet walked through the alleyways of the outlying district.

The back alleys of the city, stretching like a maze, were quite unfriendly to those unfamiliar with them.

Torn flyer. Broken neon sign. Cigarette butts rolling on the floor.

The dimly lit alley scene passes through Vegas's sight.

As he turned several corners and entered an unfamiliar road, he felt something and stopped.

"...."

Having suffered from the pursuit of security forces and bounty hunters for a long time, Vegas has a more sensitive sense than others.

Someone's popularity was felt by the sensation of Vegas.

As Vegas felt a sense of incongruity and turned around, he saw a girl leaning against the wall and looking at Vegas.

The golden eyes of the girl with a mechanical scabbard on her back gleamed in the darkness.

"If you don't want to die, you better stay still."

"Who are you?"

"Swordsmanship. People around me call me by that name."

"I remember hearing it a few times. It must have been said that there are swordsmen in this city who are learning swordsmanship that is close to divine."

The anecdote of the sword castle that Vegas had heard was truly phenomenal.

It is said that the undisputed swordsman who has been practicing swords throughout his life can cut through anything in his realm.

That was the story of the swordsmanship that Vegas knew.

The dark-haired girl who claimed to have been cultivating radish all her life was calling herself a swordsman.

However, the image of the girl reflected in Vegas's eyes seemed too old to discuss each other's negligence.

"… … You seem to have quite a few ears to hear."

"You look younger than I thought. Maybe the rumors were exaggerated."

"Then you can check it out for yourself."

shudder.

Soft fingers grabbed the sword tied around his waist.

The dark cape of the sword castle, which covered part of the scabbard, fluttered in the air.

What kind of swordsmanship is the girl with golden eyes trying to show?

Vegas, who was looking forward to the battle to come, raised his magical powers and blinked his eyes.

"Swordsmanship―――Oh Yeon-seom strike."

Kaga Gaga!

With the wind blowing through his bangs, the sword of the swordsman was slightly pulled out of the scabbard.

He closed his eyes for a very short time, but Vegas missed the moment the sword of the swordsman moved.

And when Vegas woke up again, there were five scars on the floor.

"… … I couldn't see him swinging a sword."

"Because that's swordsmanship."

"Certainly, at such a young age, he accomplished quite a bit."

The blink of an eye was definitely Vegas's fault.

Nevertheless, the attack that Swordsman had just shown was so fast that Vegas could not even recognize it.

A sword strike that engraves traces of five with one swing.

This was a romantic story in an era when firearms spewed fire.

Hearing Begus's praise, the girl said as she stroked the handle of the sword with a satisfied expression on her face.

"I am going to make a proposal."

"What is your suggestion?"

"You can either quietly follow me to the police station or separate into pieces of stone. What do you want?"

"If you don't want to die, then follow me."

"right. Because I have no intention of killing someone who does not dare resist."

Clearly, the strike the swordsman showed in front of him was strong.

But that alone was enough for Vegas to give up the fight, the fighting spirit within him did not leave him alone.

Isn't this the battle the other side has been fighting for first?

There was no reason left for Vegas to reject it.

"I don't really like the former. But if you can take me down, I don't think the latter is bad."

"He said he's a fighter, so he must be crazy about fighting."

"I was born to fight. I built myself to survive, and I honed my radish to win."

"therefore?"

"How far can I go on my own? I will never give up until I know the end."

stone skin.

The magic of Vegas that makes the skin like stone has been revealed.

With his gray skin exposed, Vegas took a stance to rush to the swordsman.

Geumseong, who watched Vegas like that, sighed and grabbed the handle of the sword again.

"okay. I will just kill you."

"It's a swordsmanship that has reached its peak. Let's look forward to it."

"Swordfish. Biggie―――."

A swordsman who took a stance for baldo.

Having caught her readiness, Vegas raised the guard and rushed in.

The swordsman didn't care about the appearance of the rushing Vegas, he just moved his sword quietly in place.

shudder.

The sword came out of the sword's sheath with a short fricative sound.

"――The seasonal season."

As soon as the sword of the sword castle was pulled out, the surrounding space began to shake.

stomach. under. left. Right side.

Without leaving any space to escape, intangible slashers flew in, aiming for Vegas.

Seeing the slashes pressing him from all directions, Vegas immediately lowered his posture.

EP.34 Mercenary (3)

shudder.

The sword came out of the sword's sheath with a short fricative sound.

"――The seasonal season."

As soon as the sword of the sword castle was pulled out, the surrounding space began to shake.

stomach. under. left. Right side.

Without leaving any space to escape, intangible slashers flew in, aiming for Vegas.

Seeing the slashes pressing him from all directions, Vegas immediately lowered his posture.

"Can't you avoid it?"

Both are full of slashes.

Rather than being hit by all the slashes that came while trying to dodge forcibly, it was an efficient option to choose a breakout point.

It was Vegas trying to break through the slash that was flying by raising the guard up to his face.

Kagak! Kaga Gaga!

The slash of the wind slashed into the hardened surface of his arm, and the arm that was standing on the guard was slightly dented.

Although it was said that the fatal damage was avoided, Vegas continued to charge, biting his lip due to the pain of the dented skin.

"ね… … !"

The swordsman has a means of attacking from a distance.

If he continued to keep his distance from his opponent, there was a high possibility that Vegas would be unilaterally attacked by the swordsman.

Vegas ran, preparing to receive the next attack from the sword castle with his body.

Seeing the sight of Vegas narrowing the distance, Geomseong took a stance again and drew his sword.

A little sword was pulled out of the scabbard with a soft voice.

"Swordsmanship―― One Island."

shudder.

At the same time as the sword was delivered, a slash flew towards Vegas again.

Since it was too much even as a swordsman to fire a series of slashes just before, there was only one slash aimed at Vegas.

As before, the traces of the slash from afar were reflected in Vegas's eyes.

He quickly twisted his body to dodge the sword's strike, and in an instant he reached close to the sword.

"Come on, let's witness that swordsmanship skill!"

"Than you think… It's very tight... … ."

Swordsman pulled out his sword completely at the sight of Vegas running forward.

It wasn't to the point where the sword couldn't be seen like the previous attack, but it was fast enough to be seen by Vegas.

With the sword drawn like that, the swordsman jumped slightly upwards, and then was pushed backwards by the wind.

Vegus roared while chasing the sword castle that jumped in the air and moved several meters back.

"Swordsman! Are you running away?"

"It can't be."

At the same time as the swordsman wielded his sword promiscuously in the air, the space was distorted and a bunch of swords started flying.

The swords flying as if it was the last effort.

Unable to avoid all of it, Vegas ran towards the sword again with his face covered.

Kagak! Kaga!

Wounds larger than before were engraved on the hardened arms of Vegas.

Even so, the distance between Vegas and Swordsman, who continued to run without stopping, had narrowed to a distance that the sword could reach.

"Don't run away, take my fist!"

If you swing your arm, your fist will reach the opponent.

Having secured his gap, Vegas raised his fist and aimed at the sword castle.

The force is applied to the heavy fist, and it becomes even stronger.

Just as he was about to swing his fortified fist, the swordsman raised his sword and attempted to block Vegas's attack.

A strong punch with rock-like hardness flew in aiming at the sword castle.

"Ugh… … !"

Kaang!

The sword of the swordsman who had received the blow of Vegas trembled greatly, and spread a loud crashing sound all over the place.

Perhaps the swordsman could not completely drain the recoil that blocked the attack, he took a few steps back and wrinkled one eye.

But Vegas wasn't the only place to let the enemy retreat by showing a gap.

Vegas kept his distance and continued to swing his fists.

"Why are you doing this, swordsman! Show me what real swordsmanship is!"

Kaang! gang! Kaaan!

Every time Vegas's fists fell, the sword of the sword of the swordsman that blocked the attack screamed.

Swordsman tried to get out of the flow of Vegas somehow, but it was difficult to find any gaps in Vegas's consecutive attacks refined through long battles.

As a swordsman, defending was the only thing.

So many times while defending against the attacks of Vegas, the sword of the sword castle began to crack.

"The sword… … !"

shit. blatantly.

Unable to withstand the accumulated damage, the sword vomited fatigue.

Even with any famous sword, its durability is not infinite.

If it was hit hard with a rock, cracks would inevitably occur.

shit. jittery.

The blade started to split, allowing Vegas to attack several more times, and then it was completely broken leaving only a short trace on the handle.

"Swordsman! The sword is gone. How are you going to attack now?"

Seeing the sword break, the swordsman's eyes widened.

It seemed to focus on the state of the sword rather than the attack of Vegas.

Aiming for the gap where the sword of the swordsman had disappeared, Begus, who laughed out loud, slammed his fist through them.

Paang!

A strong sound that bursts the air.

The swordsman clenched his teeth in the fist of the flying Vegas with a strong piercing force.

Vegas was sure of his victory.

* * * * * *

Alleyway in District 13.

Standing in front of the man who had collapsed with his head depressed, I immediately judged the opponent.

He just fell down.

It seemed highly likely that Vegas would not have gone too far.

"I think he's still around here."

The condition of the man who had fallen down was frowned upon, but finding traces right away was a satisfactory harvest.

It was a situation shortly after leaving Brian's office.

It was all thanks to the information Brian gave me.

He had his own criteria for recommending bounties.

He knows his relatively recent whereabouts, and the next target of the crime must be a somewhat predictable wanted criminal.

Apparently, Vegas was the one that met that condition.

"president."

"okay. I am listening."

"By the way, didn't I say that there is a separate pursuer?"

Sinel, who was watching the traces of the tragedy, asked me.

as she said

Brian said in his office that the swordsman was chasing Vegas.

Usually, when bounty hunters overlap their prey, they often cause physical clashes with each other.

However, if the opponent was a swordsman, there was no need to worry so much.

"Are you talking about swordsmanship? You don't have to worry too much about swordsmanship."

swordsmanship. She is a mercenary wizard belonging to the Cross Network.

He was a narcissist who boasted of narcissism beyond imagination, but was also an extreme conceptist whose principle of action was tied to the role of a swordsman.

The nickname "Swordsman" was also simply a self-proclaimed self.

To her like that, there was one magic word that made her shiver when she heard it.

It is safe to say that if you use that weakness well, you will not lose your prey to the swordsman.

"Is the swordsman famous?"

"He is famous for his self-proclaimed swordsmanship. From the moment he first appeared, he talked about calling himself a swordsman."

"If you are a swordsman, you must be a good swordsman."

"I don't know anything about swordsmanship. Oh, there were still things I was good at. He is good at defending with his sword."

"ah… … ."

It was Sinel who had a pathetic expression on her face after hearing the story.

It was surprising that the expressionless Sinel could make a face like that.

In Sinel's eyes, he must be just a strange person who uses magic and pretends to wield a sword.

In a sense, it can be said that he hid his information well, but in reality, it was close to the extreme of inefficiency.

She is an undisputed genius who has mastered the magic of no chanting since she was in the 1st circle.

After being able to use the wind cutter without warning, he began to pretend to be a swordsman using it.

He was the exact opposite of me, who concealed the use of magic through telepathy.

Perhaps it was the strongest when there was no sword.

"Other than that, mostly… … ."

While explaining the swordsmanship, I felt a foreign presence and stopped talking.

rough breathing. Steps running with power.

The presence of a person running in haste from afar was faintly reaching my ears.

"president?"

"Sinel."

"Yes, I checked."

Sinel drew the dagger from his thigh and stood on alert.

The sound of footsteps approaching us grew louder, and then someone appeared from across the alley.

Bang, bang, bang, quaang.

A man full of scars running fast with his body hardened like a stone.

Recalling the picture I had seen before, I immediately pulled out my gun and aimed it at the man.

Megalithic Vegas. A 4th circle wizard who uses stone skins.

He was the first-degree wanted criminal we were looking for.

bang! Taang!

A bullet fired in a hurry flew towards him.

Most of the bullets shot at Vegas missed, but even one that hit was bounced off the hardened skin.

The bullets fired for verification purposes only made small scratches, as Brian had warned in advance.

Realizing that there was no way to restrain him from a distance, I quickly gave orders to Sinel.

"Sinel! Follow him!"

"I see. [Haste]."

Upon hearing the command, Sinel immediately used Haste.

Shortly after that, just as Sinell accelerated and was about to chase Vegas, a girl followed him from the alley where Vegas came out.

The girl's dark hair, who stopped in a hurry, fluttered in the air.

The girl who turned her eyes and chased Vegas found us and immediately swung her sword into the air once.

Kagak!

A large boundary line was drawn in front of the step that Sinel was about to take.

"… … Back off. He's the game I've been chasing."

"Swordsmanship?"

A large cape covering the body. A mechanical scabbard attached to the waist.

Finally, the golden eyes that shine brightly even in the dark.

The figure of the swordsman in the story was reproduced in front of his eyes.

And in her hand was a broken sword.

EP.35 Mercenary (4)

"Swordsmanship?"

A large cape covering the body. A mechanical scabbard attached to the waist.

Finally, the golden eyes that shine brightly even in the dark.

The figure of the swordsman in the story was reproduced in front of his eyes.

And in her hand was a broken sword.

"Do you know me?"

Swordsman looked at me at the reflexive words and asked.

For those who are familiar with the battle that risked their lives, it would not be so strange to know the swordsmanship.

I nodded my head to answer her question.

"If it's a swordsmanship level, it must be quite famous even if the cross network is separated."

"great. You seem to know me, so I'll write you a favor."

"Sir?"

More than anyone else in the world, he is a sincere swordsman with a lust for honor.

As soon as she heard the rumors about her, she seemed a little relieved, as if showing mercy.

It's the goodwill that the swordsman uses.

I felt like I was already drawing in my head what kind of proposal it was.

"Did you see the wanted person I was looking for?"

"You mean Vegas?"

"It's urgent to catch him right now, so if you help me chase it, it's okay to give half of it to the two of you."

If you catch Vegas, I'll give you half of the bounty.

That was the sword's suggestion.

It was a story that was difficult to comprehend.

It was obvious why she was making this offer.

"Are you saying we should share 50%?"

"right."

"There are three people, so why are the proportions like that?"

"If you have any complaints, you can try my swordsmanship yourself."

What happens when prey overlaps with each other is one of two things.

Either one yields, or the two fight.

In short, it was a fight between bounty hunters.

I looked at the broken sword that the swordsman was holding for a moment, then brought up the story she hated the most.

"I'll listen to all the funny things."

"… … what?"

"Even if you pretend to be a swordsman with a windcutter, someone who doesn't recognize it… … Oops!"

ride up and down

The swordsman who ran in an instant covered my mouth.

Because of the slender fingers of the swordsman that held my mouth, I couldn't get the words out of my mouth.

The swordsman who shut his mouth quickly looked around and shouted at me.

"Who, who is spreading such nonsense?"

"town… … !"

"Where did you hear that nonsense! Say it quickly!"

"...."

How are you going to respond when you are covering your mouth?

I gently raised my finger and pointed to the palm that was covering my mouth.

The swordsman quietly looked at the hand that covered his mouth and Sinel, then separated his hand again and stepped back.

"Is it now? Who the hell did you hear from... … ?"

Whoa. As the hand covering his mouth disappeared, he took a deep breath.

It was quite a radical move, but it doesn't seem like a very serious situation.

Taking a short breath, I gave a brief self-introduction to Geomseong.

"I am an information trader."

"Information merchant?"

"okay. I know almost everything about the city."

"then… … ."

"The story about you is the information I have collected independently. It's not something I heard from someone else's mouth."

"Yeah, that's right."

"Did the story you were curious about solved?"

"… … Again, I am a real swordsman. If you keep spreading strange rumors, I might kill you."

The broken sword of the sword castle was aimed at me.

The sword was broken and the criminal he was chasing was running away, but at first it seemed fortunate that the concept was not caught.

However, I had no intention of retreating meekly against the sword.

Like most mercenaries in the city, she was a woman who believed in her own strength and acted violently.

You won't feel comfortable if you don't have the upper hand in your relationship, as well as the bounty of Vegas.

While facing the golden eyes of the sword castle, I revealed one secret I had.

"Swordsmanship."

"yes."

"I am good at spreading rumors."

"… … yes?"

Hearing my words, the swordsman tilted his head.

Do you have a knack for spreading rumors to people?

It was a look of what it was.

"What do you think will happen if I spread the truth about you?"

"no way."

"I am a first-class information trader. Depending on my efforts, you can become a true swordsman of this age, or simply a mad woman with a sword."

The swordsman is a very sensitive person to his reputation.

If I knew that I could spread the story of swordsmanship, I would try to stop it by any means.

Upon hearing the story, the expression of the swordsman darkened in an instant.

"You mean spreading rumors about me now?"

"Of course."

"And even if you could die?"

"Then the rumors will spread that the swordsman is a murderer who kills innocent people."

The more we talked, the more the swordsman's face hardened.

And for some reason, Sinel's expression behind her was also changing into something unknown.

I offered a cruel option to the girl in front of me, as if driving a wedge into the conversation I had up until now.

"If you keep talking nonsense, I will expose the truth about you to the whole Cross Network."

"Well, that… … !"

"But if you help me quietly catch the bounty, I will treat you as just taking the bounty in this case."

"Ah… … ."

"What are you going to do, swordsman?"

The swordsman's eyes alternately looked at his sword and me.

Will he safely protect his image as an undisputed swordsman, or will he aim for the money in front of him?

lust for fame and money. It was a choice between the two.

And I thought that the swordsman would choose his image without any hesitation.

Despite my expectations, the swordsman waving his broken sword in front of me and clinging to it.

"However… My sword is broken by him!"

"...."

"My black! What is my sword's enemy to do!"

Upon hearing that story, his gaze naturally went to the scabbard on her waist.

spell holder. It is a kind of equipment used by wizards with emission type magic to control the output.

The sword worn by the swordsman was an object that functioned as a kind of spell holder.

The essence of magic itself does not change, but it can be said that it is an object that can adjust the level of power or precision.

"Why? If it was a spell holder, something else... … ."

"It's the one and only thing that my grandfather, who was a former swordsman, passed on to me."

"...."

"Without this, there is no longer a sword castle… … ."

It seems that it was an object with a surprisingly hidden story.

The thought that you were not originally a swordsman filled my head, but I decided to keep that thought in my head for now.

Although there were not many wizards needed, the spell holder was difficult to obtain and the price was high.

If it was a spell holder made in an unusual shape, the difficulty of repair would be more difficult.

At least, there is a high probability that the swordsmanship that goes through the mercenary life in the cross network is not something that can be easily fixed.

"Swordsmanship. Let me ask you one thing."

"What are you curious about?"

"Do you know how to fix that sword?"

"If you go to the technicians in the black market… … ."

"Can you trust the black market guys? No, I wonder if I have the money to fix it before that."

"Ugh… … ."

broken sword. Huge repair costs. excellent technician.

Hearing the words of the swordsman, I felt like I could benefit from more than the bounty of Vegas.

No, the bounty of Vegas wasn't the problem now.

It seemed that if it was done well, the mercenaries in front of them could be eaten cheaply.

Watching the situation given to the swordsman, I quickly rolled my head and started to calculate.

Wilson Eldair.

He's a researcher at Lesser Industries I saved earlier.

If it was Wilson, he might have been able to help fix the sword's spell holder.

"Swordsman, let me make a suggestion to you."

After finishing the calculation, I reached out to the swordsman in front of me and said,

The swordsman who was voicing his anger looked blankly at my hand.

"proposal?"

"It is a one-year mercenary contract."

"Why is the mercenary contract coming up all of a sudden?"

"I will help with the repair of your sword. The bounty is hard, but I promise I'll yield to you to finish Vegas."

"Are you helping me fix the sword?"

When he said that he would fix the sword, the gaze of the swordsman changed.

She was sincere with swords to the end.

"There is one person I know at Lesser Industries."

"… … Lesser Industries."

"I will ask that person to help repair the sword."

"really?"

"In addition, I will pay a small monthly salary for the duration of the contract. Will you accept the contract?"

Lesser Industries.

The contract period was only one year, but I was confident that I would keep it for two years.

In that time period, most of the major events will probably pass.

I played a dreadful background music on the hesitant swordsman's head.

The startled swordsman quickly conformed to the sound of the music and swallowed his saliva, then reached out and grabbed my hand.

"If only I could fix the sword… One year, it doesn't matter."

"great. When you get back, I'll have you sign a contract."

"… … So, did you have a new co-worker?"

Sinell, who had been listening to our conversation, raised her head.

It's an abrupt contract.

It was only natural that Synel was taken aback by what had happened so quickly.

But now there was something that had to be done faster than that.

I nodded and threw one of my bags at Sinel.

"Sinel. There is little time now."

"What is this?"

"It's something we've been preparing to catch Vegas. Let it tie him to his feet."

EP.36 Mercenary (5)

stone skin.

This magic that hardens the skin gives the user a rock-hardness.

There are subtle differences in strength depending on the user's level, but at first it was an ability suitable for defense rather than attack using abilities.

Therefore, there was a limit that the attack had to depend only on the wizard's own martial arts or weapons.

And the means that Vegas, called megalith, mainly uses in battle is the fighting technique he has learned.

Approaching the enemy and slamming a rock-like fist quickly and strongly.

That was a way to maximize the strengths that Vegas had.

"But there is no need to break through the defense."

Obviously, the defense itself is high enough that bullets do not go through it.

The hardened body also boasts considerable power when combined with the martial arts that Vegas has learned.

But it was there.

A stronger fist may be good for hitting, but it will not have enough cutting power to cut through tough objects.

If it was impossible to break through the defense of Vegas and inflict effective damage, it was enough to subdue him to a non-threatening state.

I prepared a tough net for it.

The speed of Sinel, who has Haste magic, is faster than that of Vegas.

Even though the dagger won't do any effective damage, it's unlikely that Sinell will allow an attack against Vegas.

Using her speed, throwing a net to tie up Vegas wouldn't be too difficult.

"… … It's a dirty and filthy way."

The result made in that way was Vegas right before my eyes.

With nets covering her hardened body, Vegas was glaring at me in it.

Vegas was trying to somehow tear the net with his hard fists.

However, there was no way Vegas, lacking in firepower, could tear the net with only a fist.

Even if it was a swordsman standing behind me.

"You really caught it… … ."

"why. Were you in disbelief?"

"Because I saw him for the first time today. At best, I thought the limit would be to help drive them in."

It was a swordsman who suddenly accepted the contract, but it was only natural that he did not fully trust me yet.

Because the contract with me was made with some kind of intimidation group.

The sight in front of them was the first button to fulfill the contract.

I asked Gumseong while looking at Vegas trapped in the net.

"So, what are you going to do?"

"How are you doing?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to finish it with your own hands?"

"really… Is that okay?"

"Of course. There are things that I want to check the skills of the newcomers, so I want them to do it glamorously if possible."

"okay."

shudder.

The broken sword was pulled out of the mechanical scabbard.

The swordsman raised his short sword and walked towards Vegas with it.

As it is an ability that specializes in firepower, Shinel will become dangerous if he stays still.

"Sinel. There is a risk of getting caught up in it. Step back."

"yes. I know."

Hearing my instructions, Sinel retreated back with the netting down.

All that was left was Vegas caught in the net and the swordsman facing him.

Facing the sword, Vegas looked at her with a displeased face.

Then, as if trying to cut the net that was holding onto him, he rubbed the string roughly with his hardened fingers.

"The con artist who claims to be a swordsman is back."

"Who is a scammer?"

"What would you call a samurai who doesn't believe in his own technology and has no meaning for anything other than a scammer?"

"The important thing for those who walk the path of swords is not the form they wield. The meaning itself is important."

The wind blew at the sword of the swordsman holding the pose.

As the surrounding air trembled little by little, the eyes of the swordsman who faced Vegas were dyed with determination.

Tub. The swordsman took a step forward to withstand the raging wind.

The output that seemed to have been squeezed to the limit shook the broken sword.

"It's better to stop talking nonsense and come to your senses. Your sword has already been broken by me."

"It's in the heart of a true black man."

"A real sword?"

"With the sword in my heart, I swore to protect the name of the sword castle of my predecessors."

"Ancient swordsmanship… … ?"

"Even if the form has changed, as long as the meaning continues… I am still a swordsman."

The tip of the swaying sword became silent for a moment.

And immediately after that, the voice of the swordsman resounded softly.

"Swordsmanship―― Explosive Dragon Ascension."

Kwawa and Kwagwagwa!

A storm erupted from the broken sword and swept the surroundings.

The swordsman swung it from below and lifted Vegas into the air.

The body of Vegas, caught in the trajectory of the storm, gradually began to float along with the net.

"Ugh, maybe… … !"

"The purpose is to drop it."

In a mighty storm, Vegas clenched his teeth.

He understood the intent of the swordsman to lift Vegas into the sky.

It would no longer be possible to rely solely on his own defenses.

Maybe it was from the middle of the conversation that he had hardened to the limit, but Vegas's skin had changed into a heterogeneous shape.

"Swordfish. Biggie―――."

Due to the repeated storms, Vegas rose quite high.

The swordsman who was watching him pushed the sword he was holding into the sheath.

shudder. The wind disappears with the sound of metal clashing.

At the same time as the storm blowing from below disappeared, Vegas's body began to fall toward the ground.

Looking at the figure of Vegas coming down, the swordsman grabbed the sword again.

"――The seasonal season."

kagak. kagak. kagak. Kaga Gak.

The sharp winds sequentially gnawed at the thick skin of the falling Vegas.

True to the name of slicing the world, the sword's attack was splendidly striking, distorting the surrounding light.

one island. and work again.

Ignoring the defense of Vegas that was trying to block the fatal part, the wind blew past the site that was cut once again.

The intensively attacked part was severely dented, reaching a state of questionable durability.

"Swordsman, aren't you ashamed—!"

"Now die."

Leaving behind Vegas roaring while looking at the ground, the swordsman turned and walked back towards me.

As it got closer to the ground, the speed of the fall of Vegas became faster.

It was way too late to be awake.

Just before he fell, Vegas closed his eyes, feeling the end.

Aww!

It soon collided with the ground and shattered into pieces.

"...."

A momentary collision. And numerous rock fragments created as a result.

Now, the only traces of Vegas, which were called megaliths, are fragments of rocks that have become fragments.

There were no huge rocks left anywhere.

As I looked at the scene, I smiled in despair.

It was a futile end for a sorceress who used rigidity as their organ.

"It's broken."

"Right."

"I thought he was simply a strange person, but he was a stronger person than I thought."

"Because he was a mercenary who was recognized even in the Cross Network."

It is a swordsman who was active in the cross network while maintaining the frame of a swordsman.

Not knowing anything else, he was a person who could be trusted with only one skill.

If you calmly agree to Sinel's words, the swordsman who finished the battle came closer.

Tub. Tub.

The swordsman, who had pulled out the sword slightly and stored it in its sheath, stopped in front of me.

Golden eyes shining brilliantly through the hair met me.

"… … how was it."

"It was great."

"I see."

I thought you were asking me to tell you about my evaluation as a newcomer, but it was a swordsman who still showed regrets.

It seems difficult to satisfy swordsmanship with such praise.

If so, what would be a good way to say it?

Contemplating, I recalled what she had said during the battle and said.

"It was great. It reminds me of a real swordsman."

"Real swordsmanship… … ."

"Of course, it's still a bit far away."

"Yeah, yes. It must have been far away."

"Still, if we work hard, we may be able to reach it."

Geomseong just smiled with a satisfied face.

I have a colleague with whom I can honestly confide in everything.

It wouldn't be a bad story from her point of view either.

It is by no means easy to always act in order to be the person I want to be.

However, Sinelman, who was sitting next to me, had a complicated expression on his face, so I unwittingly stretched out my hand over his head.

"… … president?"

"Good job, Sinel."

"I just threw my net."

"It's something only you can do."

"Is it something only me could do?"

"okay. To protect myself, to cast nets at moving opponents. Everything was right for you."

He said as he stroked Shinel's head with his outstretched hand.

Few people in the city were faster than Sinel in terms of simple speed, if not in terms of complex mobility.

This plan was also made with the movement of Sinel in mind from the beginning.

It wasn't completely empty.

"There was such a secret."

"It is such a secret. So don't worry too much."

The feel of the soft hair was transmitted from her fingertips.

Only now have I gathered two companions who will be able to get through the torrent with me.

There was still a long way to go to the faction that was planned.

Even so, I was already feeling reassured.

They say there are no special people that everyone knows, but in my opinion, they were not bad colleagues.

Perfect people aren't the only ones who make perfect endings.

In the midst of a hand ruffling her fluttering hair, Sinel opened her mouth as she lifted her head and looked up at me.

"… … I need a lot of money."

EP.37 Lesser Industries (1)

"What is the cat's name?"

"It's black."

"Blackbird… It's a cute name."

Inside the office located in a secluded alley.

Back to the office, I was calling someone with a black eye on how Sinell had compromised.

The person calling was, of course, Wilson.

She had written all the contracts with the swordsman, so now she had to fix her weapon.

Lessert Industries is the city's number one military industry.

If he is a senior researcher at Lessor Industries, he may be able to help to some extent in fixing the weapon of the swordsman.

Even if it was impossible to get help from Wilson, I thought it wouldn't be difficult to introduce someone who could do it.

- "This is Wilson. What are you for?"

Suddenly, the dial tone stopped, and Wilson's voice was heard over the receiver.

We did call a few times, but not very often.

It must be a very strange voice to each other.

Even so, thinking that there would still be some debt in my heart, I greeted Wilson.

"It's Percival Smith. Long time no see, Wilson Eldair."

- "Oh, you are a benefactor."

"Is the fortress doing well?"

- "Thanks to you, I am doing well. I wanted to keep repaying, but it's good. If it's okay with you, this time is for dinner... … ."

"It's okay to have dinner together. But recently a colleague has had a minor problem with his equipment."

A spellholder is by no means a light piece of equipment.

It is an item that boasts a considerable degree of difficulty just by acquiring it.

It was a proposal considering the amount of money being broken.

After hearing my story, Wilson asked me.

- "A problem with the equipment?"

"There are experts in that field, so if it's okay with you, I'd like to get some help when we meet."

- "If I can, of course I have to help."

Wilson is willing to help.

At Wilson's words, I rushed to work.

"If you can help, let me serve you a meal. Do you know how to fix spellholders?"

- "Spellholder… … ."

"The spell holder my colleague was using is broken, but it's the only thing I have, so I want to fix it."

The sound of anguish resounded over the receiver.

short silence.

Wilson, who had been silent for a while, perhaps lost in thought, opened his mouth again.

- "First of all, it is an item that we handle. I am not in charge of repairs, but I can help to some extent."

"Good luck. "

- "The spell holder is not something that can be easily changed. If it is a valuable item, I understand that you want to fix it even more."

Fortunately, the problem seemed to be easily resolved.

It won't take long for the problem to be resolved, as Wilson says he'll be there to help.

Unless there is any problem in getting parts.

"If you let me know when you have time, we will go find it ourselves."

- "We will contact you when the necessary equipment is available. I am happy to be able to help in this way."

"Thanks for the help. Then I will wait for you to contact me."

I hung up the call right after that.

When I hung up the connected phone, the swordsman who was watching the blackbird looked at me.

His golden eyes twinkled in front of his eyes.

He seemed curious about what happened to the sword.

"A researcher belonging to Lessert decided to help."

"really? Are you helping out at the résert?"

"It's not going to help at the résert. It is the individual researcher who helps to the end."

"still… A person who works at the Resert will fix it, right?"

No matter how much I knew about the future, I did not have the strength to move a huge corporation at will.

It was just nice to get help from Wilson.

At least, it's definitely different from the guys who take things out of the black market.

Now all I had to do was wait for a call from Wilson.

Contemplating as I looked at the sword, I reached out to the drawer next to me.

Druck. When I opened the drawer on the desk, I saw the black earphones I bought at the department store with Sinel.

I took it out and held it to the swordsman.

"It's a gift, newbie."

"What is it?"

"It is a communication device. It was made by Lessert Industries."

"Thank you, boss… no. What can I call you?"

Geomseong, who stopped thanking me, asked me.

It seems that it was a bit difficult to call him a boss like Shinel.

Considering her concept, it was not strange.

I was wondering how they were called in the place where they were before.

"What did you call Redel in Cross Network?"

"I never called."

"… … Call me whatever you like."

"Okay, Percival."

"...."

It was a swordsman who clearly called by name.

I didn't expect to be treated like a boss anyway.

Even if you were a mercenary and a bounty hunter, they were all just living their own lives.

Isn't that what everything on this floor is all about?

"Is that a name?"

"do whatever you want."

* * * * * *

The buildings of Lesser Industries were large and splendid.

All the facilities of Lesser Industries were lined up in the entire large site located in District 3.

One of the many buildings that lined up like that.

Among them, a small room with complex facilities was the place where Wilson and I met.

Due to circumstances, neither Swordsman nor Sinel were able to enter, and only me and Wilson were in.

"Is this the thing you were talking about?"

Wilson asked, facing the broken sword.

He carefully raised the sword of the swordsman with his gloved hands.

There are various shapes of objects such as gloves and pistols in the spell holder, but it seems that the sword-shaped spell holder was the first for him.

It looked as if someone had intentionally remodeled it for the sake of swordsmanship.

"It doesn't look like it's sold anywhere."

"I will have to disassemble it first."

He looked at the broken sword and the short handle below it, and immediately took out the tool and began to disassemble the handle.

Click, click-.

shudder.

As the disassembly progressed, the precise devices hidden inside the sword gradually revealed themselves.

Small parts are intricately connected.

I don't know what it might look like to a professional, but at least to me, it was something as incomprehensible as a fingernail.

Wilson, who had completely separated the sword from the handle with a tool, put on his glasses and looked at it carefully.

"There is a engraving on the inside. It looks like ancient letters."

"Could it be a spell that meant something?"

"Writing alone doesn't have a magical effect. I don't know if it's possible if it's the 'Great Intelligence' in Area 1."

"Right. Can you read it?"

"Because it is not my area. I think I need a translator to read it."

Wilson pulled out his cell phone and typed the letters on the sword.

Even if they say they are ancient scripts, they are simply old characters.

It was a text that could be translated any number of times using a translator on the network.

After using the translator to translate, Wilson looked at the letters on the phone and the sword in his hand.

Wilson, who was reading the translated text, immediately opened his eyes wide and looked at me.

"What is it?"

"To my daughter Yuel. With the longing for a dream, from Bruno Retrier."

"...."

Hearing Wilson's words, I doubted my own ears.

So far, I've only heard of her grandfather, but I haven't heard of her father.

If the engraved words are true, the situation becomes quite complicated.

swordsmanship. Her father was a rare murderer.

"Bruno… retriever... … ."

Lame Bruno.

A symbol of horror that shook the entire city.

And the magician of the 7th circle who is hiding somewhere in this city.

The existence that breathes a flow into the turbulent story is deeply connected with his colleagues.

"You will see the name here."

"Was your colleague Bruno's daughter?"

"… … I don't know the truth yet. But, can I ask you one more favor?"

"I think I know what kind of request it is."

A spell holder made by lame Bruno.

If the story leaked out, there was a possibility that the situation of the swordsman would become quite complicated.

In the original story, as the story progresses, someone dies.

As long as I became a colleague, I had no intention of leaving her like that.

"I want to repair the sword as quietly as possible."

"It's a request from Eun-in. I'm going to pretend I didn't see anything today."

Wilson nodded quietly.

Although the name of Bruno had been sold before, the weight of the name was by no means light.

The staff he used as a spell holder was sold at an auction at a high price after the subjugation.

A monster that stood still with its stick to support its body on the ground and cut everything around it.

Those who hold a grudge against him will be like a mountain.

"For now, I will delete this sentence."