8

bang! bang! bang!

Wilton, with a fever, pounded on the desk several times.

He thought that a big incident had come to him, but the subject he was asked to interrogate was a woman who seemed to be missing five screws.

Although he tried to persuade him in his own way, he didn't even pretend to listen.

bang! Wilton threw the papers in his hands on the desk and sighed as he shook his head.

"Detective Wilton. A person came from Lesson 1."

Wilton, who had left Sinel alone, was about to catch his breath.

The door to the interrogation room opened and his men came in from outside.

Then he whispered something in Wilton's ear.

The content was that someone from another department had come.

"What? Why are you looking for me in Lesson 1?"

"Come out for a moment."

Whoa. Wilton, holding the document, sighed and exited the interrogation room.

A blonde man was waiting in front of him as he went out.

Harringham Smith. First-class investigator.

Seeing the man's nameplate, Wilton's face hardened.

I don't know what happened, but it didn't seem like a good purpose.

"Nice to meet you. Detective Wilton. I am Harringham from Unit 1."

"This is Wilton. What are you doing in Lesson 1? … ."

"I heard that the Matop case is being investigated. Did you find out anything?"

"It's our job. What I'm going to tell you... … ."

"There doesn't seem to be much income. All right."

Having said that, Haringham handed Wilton a document.

flutter.

Wilton took the paper and read it through.

And then he smiled sadly.

It was a stupid thing that a normal Wilton wouldn't do.

"We will take this case from our side."

"...."

"I want you to organize the data and hand it over."

"… … All right."

In life, there are many things that are difficult to understand.

At least Wilton himself has seen such things a lot.

It was no exception to say that the police force protecting the city.

How will this case end?

It was a moment when a rough picture was drawn in the mind of second-level investigator Wilton.

Abel Terdos.

A member of the 12 great families of the Empire, and a man who holds the city's standing committee.

And in a secret society that aims to overthrow the empire, a person called the successor.

With a small smile on his lips, he lifted the wine glass next to him.

dragon tears. It is the name of a wine that has a bluish color.

The wine, famous for being the most expensive in the Empire, fluttered in Abel's wine glass.

Abel looked at the wine he was holding and opened his mouth.

"I am a dark merchant. He did a fun job."

"… … The man that the wizard of the skyscraper was watching."

A middle-aged man next to Abel answered in a harsh voice.

The face of a middle-aged man wearing a fedora hat was covered with rough scars along with the winds and waves of the years.

Abel took a sip of wine looking at the expressionless middle-aged man, then gently tapped his chair with his remaining fingers.

tock. tock. The sound of knocking on the tree echoed through the room.

With the sweet scent that lingered in his mouth, Abel's mind recalled the item he had been offered a deal with.

It's a bullet made by Mithril.

Even if Abel himself moved, it was a difficult item to obtain easily.

"Mithril, you have an unexpected harvest."

"It's a mithril I got my hands on after a long time."

"right. To destroy his magic circuit, this is not enough."

"How did he get Mithril?"

"Well. It looks like you're an information merchant, so you've got some information, right?"

Even yesterday, didn't he know Abel's true identity?

If he had obtained information about Mithril, it would not have been very strange.

The quality of the information you know is exceptional even if you look at it a little.

It was because the Dark Merchant seemed to have a good understanding of not only the heir, but also the association.

In his opinion, the Dark Merchant was a different kind of person from someone like Lehmann in the Cross Network.

Today, he gave the association an advantage, but one day, information about the association may be passed on.

In a word, it was close to a double-edged sword.

If you don't hold it properly, you will definitely hurt yourself.

"By the way, I heard that the guy revealed his identity."

"You knew about me. Even Spinel didn't know about it."

"Aren't you going to kill me?"

kill him

In a way, that is also an option.

Abel's gaze passed over the middle-aged man.

"why. Do you think you can even move on your own?"

"If you want it."

If the person in front of you moves directly, the dark merchant will end his life as it is.

The middle-aged man was one of the few wizards Abel himself recognized.

And in terms of the empire as a whole, it was definitely one of the few beings.

That's why Abel himself had been collecting him even though it was a bit overkill.

Abel, who had been thinking about the treatment of the dark merchant for a while, finally smiled and savored the wine again.

"done. There is no room for you."

"That was unfortunate."

"Is it boring to be quiet?"

"It was like that at first, but it was more adaptable than I thought."

tuk. An empty glass was placed on the table.

How many years has passed since I brought him?

Abel counted the days he brought the middle-aged man.

At the time, I thought I was lucky.

Because he got his hands on a famous criminal even in the city.

After that, things started to go awry, but it was very fortunate to have the power that was considered the highest in the city.

"After all, I think he said he had a daughter."

"Because he's a selfish kid. By now, he might be playing swordsmanship."

"Swordsman game?"

"Because he admired my father. "

Hearing the middle-aged man's words, Abel's face was filled with interest.

He was the one who saw a lot of boys imitating sword fights in their prime.

Even Abel himself didn't learn swordsmanship simply.

But she is a daughter who mimics a swordsman.

It was Abel who could not easily draw a picture in his head.

"It's a unique taste."

"no. It's more like a curse than a taste."

"curse?"

"It's like having an heir bound."

"I don't think it's magical. What happened?"

The middle-aged man's eyes looked at the burning stove.

"Because the noblest swordsman came to his end protecting the child."

"this. It's a pity."

"In the end, even that death was condemned. It's an inevitable fate. To have a lame son as a son."

His eyes filled with flames, on the contrary, remained cold.

jerk. jerk.

Bruno began to walk in a stooped position.

Irregular footsteps echoed through the room.

"therefore?"

"To live proving the name of the swordsman for the rest of his life is a curse given to that child."

* * * * * *

A downtown area located in District 5.

As I was walking among the rushing crowd, I heard the voice of a swordsman who was escorting on behalf of Sinel.

"So, where did Shinel go after all?"

You have to go to the warehouse keeper to pick up the goods.

Since Sinel can't accompany me right now, I asked the swordsman to escort me today.

It's a swordsman who had experience serving as my escort before.

She readily accepted my offer.

However, if there was a downside to accompanying her, it was that she had to talk about Sinel while hiding as much information as possible.

"I was taken into custody."

"… … police?"

"okay."

Geomseong's face hardened when he heard the story about the security forces.

Geomseong rolled his eyes for a moment and looked at my expression, then sighed and shook his head.

"I ended up going to the police station."

"Do you have any guesses?"

"I was thinking that one day I would make a big purchase."

"...."

As if she had already guessed, she made her own conclusions.

What kind of image was Sinel in the swordsman's head?

When I showed that I understood openly, I was on the verge of embarrassment while I was preparing an excuse.

"So when is Sinel coming out?"

"It won't be long. It will be late next week."

"It's coming sooner than I thought."

"Isn't it better to come out sooner?"

whoops.

Geomseong caressed his chin and thought.

If your colleague is locked up, why the hell are you worried?

If he was contemplating whether this is the heart of the city, the swordsman immediately gave an answer.

"Actually, escort seems more comfortable."

"Does the guard suit your taste?"

"To catch a wanted criminal, I have to run myself, and this is a job that only needs to be followed by Percival."

"At least I'm not running away."

Roughly speaking, the contents were difficult to move.

When we're together, Shinel's side stands out, but in a way, I think the swordsman side is also overly optimistic.

It feels like there are only a few people who are short of a few percent in the office.

I wonder how many perfect humans in the world can be.

"That's it."

"I'm sorry. When Sinel comes out, we plan to catch the most wanted criminals together."

"A first-class wanted criminal?"

"okay. I try to match teamwork as much as possible until I get a special express."

The officers of the association should reduce the number as much as possible.

That way, when the moment of decisive battle comes, we can raise our odds even a little.

And among the duel, the first target to be dealt with was the ghost corps.

The ghost corps also had a debt from the tower, but that wasn't the only reason.

The magic of the ghost army was very annoying in group battles.

If possible, it would be better to knock them down first.

Of course we can't deal with him right now.

Because in order to catch him, the situation and location had to be right.

The subjugation of a first-degree wanted criminal is a preliminary preparation for him.

"I know that the limited express doesn't go well because the budget doesn't match."

"But there are times when you have to."

"Is there a reason?"

"Because that's the way to a better future."

Even if there is a problem, we have to do it.

Because the team was made for that.

If I tell you the reason honestly, for some reason, the face of the swordsman seemed to have heated up slightly.

"Yeah, that's right."

"Is there any problem?"

"no!"

"Okay then. I will go this way."

squeaky.

Open the door and go inside a nearby building.

As I walked up the stairs to the upper floor and went up one floor at a time, I saw the interior of the desolate building.

Even though it is located in the middle of downtown, it is not particularly popular.

It was like seeing the building where our office was located.

"The atmosphere is eerie."

"How does it compare to the office?"

"… … Percival already knew."

I tried to ignore the guidance of the swordsman.

This is the place I chose to save money.

The salaries of Sinel and Swordsman come out of the money they saved.

The situation was different with this building in the downtown area.

"Everyone has arrived."

When I reached the top floor, I opened the door.

rumble. The door to the roof opened and a cold wind blew past his cheeks.

Busy rooftop full of numerous flowerpots.

A man was standing in a small artificially made vegetable garden.

"It's the first time I see a guest. Are you here to drop off your stuff?"

Warehouse Keeper Richard.

The blonde young man looked at us and asked.

When I reached the top floor, I opened the door.

rumble. The door to the roof opened and a cold wind blew past his cheeks.

Busy rooftop full of numerous flowerpots.

A man was standing in a small artificially made vegetable garden.

"It's the first time I see a guest. Are you here to drop off your stuff?"

Warehouse Keeper Richard.

The blonde young man looked at us and asked.

Richard doesn't remember all the faces of the guests he encountered.

Even so, the reason I dare to ask such a question is probably because the swordsman's attire is that impressive.

I shook my head at Richard's question.

"no. I'm here to find stuff."

"You came to find me?"

"Inherited. So I'm going to check things out."

"I mean. Do you know the rules?"

The warehouse keeper in Area 5 does not check identities on a daily basis.

The same was true of the contents entrusted to me.

It simply opened the subspace that the party wanted.

Even if someone came and threatened him, Richard could not open all the subspaces arbitrarily.

Just killing him could make the stored items unusable forever, though.

"okay. Know."

In fact, there were several assailants who came to Richard with such a purpose.

Of course, they all died at Richard's hands.

First of all, the warehouse keeper's own power was outstanding.

His role is as a warehouse keeper to keep things.

Without sufficient security, no one would entrust his belongings to him.

So it was better to follow his rules here.

"great. The guests coming these days are well prepared."

"Are the guests coming today?"

"It's been a lot lately. People who come to me saying I inherited it."

chuck. Richard stretched out his palm and reached out to me.

As he stared blankly at it, Richard moved his palms as if urging them.

"I know the rules. Let me know so I can open it."

"… … You were asking for coordinates."

I put my hand in my pocket and took out my phone.

Then, open the memo program and write the numbers in the memory with your finger.

A warehouse keeper can open a subspace of a given coordinate.

So, in order to store things for him, you have to tell him by designating arbitrary coordinates.

The same goes for finding things.

I showed Richard the screen of his cell phone with the numbers written on it, and Richard nodded and said.

"I confirmed it. step back."

"Do that."

Other than that, there was no other procedure.

The number of digits of the coordinates is rather long, and the number of customers who visit the warehouse keeper per day is tens.

You will not be able to remember who the owner of the coordinates is every day.

The same goes for coordinates.

The warehousekeeper never records the coordinates used to store things.

Memorizing or writing down the coordinates was all the responsibility of the customer who entrusted the product.

"[Pocket plane]."

I followed the warehousekeeper's instructions and stepped back.

When we left, the warehouse keeper stretched out his hand toward the air and used his magic.

ji ey ing.

The space opened up with a ringing sound.

Beyond the darkness like an abyss.

A small box with a luxurious feel caught my eye.

"There is a box and an envelope."

Geomseong, who was looking into the subspace from the side, said.

As she said, there was an envelope next to the box.

According to what I had read in War City, the contents of the box were Mithril bullets.

Next to it is an envelope with a bunch of credits.

Fortunately, since the contents of the subspace were not large, there seemed to be no problem in putting things in the pocket.

I took out all the stored items and blinked at the warehouse keeper.

"Did you find all the items?"

"There is nothing more to see."

These are all that are stored in the warehouse of the great intellect.

Bulky items will be stored in the safe in the tower.

The reason she left the mithril bullets with the warehouse keeper was because she thought that she would never look for them again.

I don't know what the credits were thinking.

The feeling of heavy credit was transmitted in the pocket.

In addition to the incidental income, he also recovered the targeted mithril bullets, so there was nothing more to do with him.

"It's fast."

"Let's just go back. suffer."

"I'll make sure you have a good day."

Richard waved his hand with a friendly smile.

As the open space in the air disappeared, the original landscape returned to its place.

The more you look, the more you crave it.

It was not only versatile in everyday life, but it was also a magic that could be used in various ways in battle.

It seemed to have its own merits in group battles as well.

I took a step back, regaining my appetite.

"Percival, are you going back already?"

The swordsman who was following asked.

Haha, I came here right after moving to Area 5.

The word already came out.

"Let's go back. I'm going to have a little break today."

"Why don't you buy a present for Sinel?"

"That too… It wouldn't be bad."

Wasn't it because of me that Sinel was taken to the police force?

It seemed okay to prepare a present.

There are many famous shops in District 5.

Looking around the area with the sword was also an option.

* * * * * *

great intellect. The credits in the envelope she left behind were her fairly large sum.

A total of 1 million credits.

It was an amount that could only be earned by catching dozens of famous bounty criminals.

For the time being, I thought I could ease my worries about the financial part a little.

As I was surprised by the amount of credits in my pocket, the swordsman who was choosing a gift in the front looked at me.

"How about this?"

"… … headset?"

A department store located in District 5.

What Geomseong looked at the gifts there and offered me was a headset.

I received the headset from Geomseong and looked at it.

At first glance, it looks like a normal design headset.

However, if you look down a little further, you can see elements that make the plain appearance look luxurious.

"It's expensive."

"It's because this is a reliable company."

"...?"

"Squares is a record company in the audio equipment industry. Also, since this product is in the mid-price range, it is not burdensome in terms of money, so it is a product that is recommended for beginners. There is also a gold mark on the back."

He alternately looked at the headset he was holding and the sword castle.

Then, all of a sudden, my gaze went to the headset hanging from the swordsman's neck.

It didn't look like a design that could be sold in the market, but it was an item that seemed to have been tuned with swordsman's own style.

Only then did I understand the attitude of the swordsman.

"Do you like headsets?"

"I don't like it. I'm just interested in it."

"Yeah… army… … ."

"Do you have any other questions?"

"none. Let's go see something else."

"Oh, wait! Let's see a little more!"

It seemed like the wrong choice to entrust the gift to the swordsman.

Hey, isn't the taste a bit strange from the swordsman himself?

I rewind in my mind the image of the swordsman I had seen so far.

every morning. As soon as I go to work, I remember the figure of a swordsman wiping his sword.

'This is the new cloth I bought this time. Gold is a limited edition, so it was hard to find.'

The life of a warrior is said to be a weapon, and he does his best to polish it.

Even in actual practice, he couldn't draw his sword properly.

At the same time, do not forget to secretly appeal to the newly purchased fabric.

After all, leaving it to her seems a bit problematic.

"It would be better to look around and think about it first."

thump, thump.

While walking with the sword, I looked at the surrounding goods.

Was it because it was near the headset stand I saw just before?

Most of the items were related to electronic products.

And there were several things that caught my attention.

"Percival, that's a new phone."

"...."

"Using new materials, it can be folded up to 32 times. Besides, the color of the back is also gold."

"… … That's great."

That didn't mean I wanted to buy it.

It was just something that anyone could automatically look at.

In the case of swordsmanship, he had a slightly different opinion, though.

"That's a shiny gold puppy ear headband."

"It's amazing."

"Won't Shinel like something like that?"

"Hmm… … ."

I thought about it for a while, but the conclusion was the same.

In that case, wouldn't it be more pleasing to Shinel to present a chocolate set?

It was because Sinel seemed to be more interested in food rather than electronics.

Still, knowing who liked this gift, it wasn't without a zero harvest.

I picked up the headband that the swordsman said.

"It's a gift."

"… … uh?"

"I think you like it."

And then he handed it to the swordsman.

The dog ear headband in the sword's hands shone brilliantly.

The swordsman's eyes looking at the headband also gleamed.

The swordsman looked at the headband in silence for a while, then swallowed his saliva and asked me.

"It's a sudden gift… … ?"

"okay. Don't you like it?"

"… … I can't help it. I know it's a bribe to the best sword in the future, but... We have to accept it specially."

"If you have already received it, you should try it once."

"Ah Okay."

nod. nod.

Swordsman raised his headband with a slightly recalled face.

Then he pulled out the hairpin and brought it closer to his own hair.

The moment when the swordsman wants to wear such a shiny headband.

I found something and shut my mouth.

Inside a busy department store. Across the street with a single shelf in between.

There he found a man with a familiar face.

- "Strength, do you need it?"

several months from now.

The contents of the telepathy sent to a passerby flashed through my mind.

The identity of the man seen on the other side of the department store shelf.

It was the first customer who gave me 5 kg of gold bars.

- "Strength, do you need it?"

several months from now.

The contents of the telepathy sent to a passerby flashed through my mind.

The identity of the man seen on the other side of the department store shelf.

It was the first customer who gave me 5 kg of gold bars.

"Philip. Are you looking at your phone again?"

Someone approached and talked to the man on the other side who was picking up a cell phone.

Apparently, the man's name was Philip.

Memories of the past kept flashing in my mind.

Without realizing it, I reach out and caress my face.

Suddenly, the corners of his mouth were hardened.

This is why it seems that people should not live by sinning.

"Percival. what's the matter?"

Gumseong asked if he was worried about my appearance, wearing golden puppy ears.

But this is not a story to be told by anyone.

I stared blankly to the side without saying anything.

"...."

"Percival?"

"Wait a minute. I'm waiting for you."

While the swordsman urged me, the conversation next to me continued.

Because of the sword's voice, the other person's conversations could not be heard.

In order to close her mouth, I hugged the sword and buried her face in my chest.

Eup. The struggle of the swordsman voicing to let go has been transmitted.

Of course, in the meantime, Philip continued the conversation.

"Michael. What's up?"

"I just looked around and saw you."

"Is that so? Well, the gods just came out and looked at it."

I could feel the breath of the swordsman from the chest where my head was suppressed.

Still, I tried to focus on the conversation next to me, while ignoring the swordsman's reaction.

Are you still chasing me?

The main purpose was to find out about him.

"By the way, you said you recently became a wizard?"

"… … Rumors have already spread there."

"I heard that he was famous for calling himself 'Dark Contractor'. Your father said he would put you in a mental hospital."

"What should I do? I really did break the forbidden contract."

Whoops. As she listened to the story, she resisted the laughter that was about to burst out.

immediate situation.

As I was forcing myself to hold back the laughter that was about to explode while remembering what happened at the tower, a friend called Michael looked at him and sighed.

Michael grumbled at Philip and asked him.

"How did it become like this? So what kind of magic is it?"

"I'm curious?"

"Of course I'm curious."

"The magic that I learned by dealing with darkness… … ."

A moment waiting for Philip's back story.

An intense pain was felt in the right thigh.

When I looked down and looked for the cause of the pain, the swordsman buried in my chest was pinching my thighs.

I frowned at the pain in my thigh and let her go.

"… … Ugh."

"Fuha… … . Really, what are you doing?"

The swordsman, who had been released from restraint, took a deep breath and looked at me.

Maybe it was because there was a lack of oxygen due to suppressing the face.

The face of the swordsman was more recalled than before.

I can't explain the circumstances in detail, but it's my fault that I suppressed the sword in order to listen to Philip's story.

I immediately apologized to her.

"sorry. There are circumstances."

"… … I don't know what's going on, but it's difficult because I still have a lot to do."

"I was too greedy. Be careful."

Obviously, it was greed to hear as much as possible about Philip in this place.

Isn't there a way to get information through Brian?

I thought that the fact that I was suppressing the sword in order to hear one more piece of information was not polite to my colleagues.

"greed… … . Yes, that is greed."

"Fortunately, there was some harvest. Let me apologize once again for the mistake I made earlier."

Philip has awakened his magic.

This was the information I got about him through this conversation.

If it was a harvest of its own, it could be seen as a harvest.

In this city, there are countless variables that you never know when and in what situation.

If possible, it would be best to tune the variables when you can be prepared.

"The harvest… were there?"

"okay."

"Uh, good luck… Is it?"

"That's it. Let's look around a little more and come back."

"Yes."

After I finished the conversation with the slightly strange swordsman, I went back to the next corner.

Dark Contractor.

It was a funny nickname.

I don't think there's anything to be concerned about that magic has awakened, though.

If you go back to the office, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take a little time to research him.

* * * * * *

The next day I found Area 5.

A customer came to the office, which was empty and quiet.

It wasn't the Sinel we had been waiting so long for.

It was a person from the security forces who came to the office before Sinel.

"Long time no see. Dark Merchant."

Nay Terdos.

She is a special inspector of the National Security Agency and a third-level investigator.

And with her partner, Usher Hayes.

As Nei took a seat on the sofa opposite her, Usher, standing behind her, looked at me with sharp eyes.

I tried to ignore Usher's eyes like that, and asked Nei what was going on.

"What's going on at the police station?"

"I think you would know."

Nei replied with a cold smile.

There are a lot of things that get stabbed.

I have had some experience crossing the line.

Among them, the most suspicious thing was that Sinel was captured by the police.

Above all else, didn't he draw on Abel's power?

The present question is probably for the purpose of floating.

"I heard that my subordinates have been arrested. It looks like you have some information to tell me."

"Don't play. Dark Merchant."

"What is a joke?"

It feels as if the palm of your clenched fist is sweating.

If possible, I felt like I wanted to read the other person's thoughts.

But you can't use telepathy against Nei.

The person standing behind her was not Usher Hayes, who is more sensitive to the flow of magic than anyone else.

The moment I try to use telepathy, Usher's hand and my head will merge in an instant.

"Sinell Clover Bloom. One of your men was at the site of the tower attack."

"The story has already been told."

"I will. And she was caught by the security forces while enclosing the terrorist at the scene."

I know the story.

It was because I was there.

Naina Usher must have guessed the identity of the man wearing the gas mask to some extent.

However, the reason why they cannot arrest me right now is probably because I have only a heart attack and there is no clear evidence.

Still, there was one reason they had to come here.

Because Abel Terdos intervened in this case.

Because Nei Terdos was helped by Abel Therdos, the most wary and hated of.

"There is a misunderstanding."

"misunderstanding? What misunderstanding is there?"

Under the circumstances, I certainly look like the culprit.

Actually, I am the culprit.

However, I cannot accept it as the truth.

Even if the opponent is a murderer famous for being a human butcher, and a young lady known for her parachute.

At least, they were somewhat faithful to their duty as a security force.

"It's different from what I've heard. Because I heard that Sinel was on the field for a bounty hunt."

"You think that makes sense?"

"Our office periodically goes on a bounty hunt for funding. You should know that."

"You went to catch a bounty that didn't get a bounty? It's a contradictory story no matter what anyone hears."

"If you think it doesn't make sense… … ."

shudder.

Nei's pistol pulled out of the holster and aimed at me.

I saw a gunman watching me from the other side.

Nei, who had suddenly turned dark, couldn't stand it and pulled out a gun.

"I was an idiot for talking to you."

"What is this?"

"Noisy. What deal did you do with Abel?"

"...."

"You knew it from the beginning! About that man!"

When I first met Nei and the others, I brought up the story of Abel Terdos to her.

Things are not going well.

It was because the topic of the conversation was nothing more than Nei's rebellion.

tuk. In the harsh atmosphere, the swordsman took his hand to the handle.

Even if a confrontation occurred, it was not strange.

"Uel. You don't have to go out."

Nevertheless, I raised my hand and stopped the sword.

There is still a story behind Nei's words.

There was still some room left.

Most of all, it was difficult for the relationship with Usher and the others to become too different.

"But, Percival… … ."

"This is a matter for me and the police to solve. It means that you will not benefit from meddling in a dispute like this."

"… … okay."

The swordsman took the hand he had taken to the handle.

Usher, who had placed his hand on the scarf, being wary of the sword's movement, lowered his hand.

Nei's muzzle, which was aimed at me, did not go down, but somehow prevented an immediate collision.

An unpleasant atmosphere completely engulfed the office.

"Abel's private organization exists within the security guard."

In the heavily subdued atmosphere, Nei opened her mouth with the gun still pointed.

Abel Terdos.

It is the story of the city's standing committee member and the chief of the police force.

The secret circumstances of the security forces, unknown to the general public, were beginning to leak out.

"They are disrupting the discipline within the security forces and deliberately burying cases involving some criminals."

"… … therefore."

"And Abel was also involved in this case."

Nei's fingers trembled on the trigger.

It was heartbreaking to watch.

Of course, Nei, who is holding a gun, seems to be trembling.

"I think you are Abel's subordinate. Now I can't believe you."

Hatred. resignation. lament. Or something mixed with more.

Various emotions leak out like rags.

It was a reverberation of shallowly built up trust, but it was also a fear of losing an ally.

The city is wide. And it's very dark.

It was a very frightening place to live alone.

so that. I returned her horse, which she would most likely want.

"Don't believe it."

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't believe it, use it. Weren't we supposed to be like that from the beginning?"

The city is wide. And it's very dark.

It was a very frightening place to live alone.

so that. I returned her horse, which she would most likely want.

"Don't believe it."

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't believe it, use it. Weren't we supposed to be like that from the beginning?"

Nei's face turned red as she looked at me.

It looked like he was about to explode in anger.

The pistol Nei was holding was also trembling more than before.

"you… … ."

"If you have any complaints, just pull the trigger and that's it."

"Do you think I can't pull it?"

"If I have the confidence to face the society without me."

To be honest, I was a good person as the story progressed.

Because he was just a parasite that had to intervene in the development and suck only the sweet water.

But Nei won't shoot me.

There is no basis. I'm just praying that I'll die if I'm right.

I didn't want to die here yet.

With common sense, the security forces wouldn't shoot here.

Of course, there is a possibility that Nei will shoot you at a moment's notice.

"stop. yes."

Fortunately, Nei's gun did not fire.

Just then, Usher, who was behind him, reached out and grabbed Nei's pistol.

The gun that Usher grabbed was aimed at the ceiling of the office for me.

after. I breathed a sigh of relief in my heart.

"Usher, but… … !"

"You better stop doing this."

"That guy is holding hands with Abel!"

"The guests are watching."

"… … Guest?"

Guest. At that word, Nei's face hardened.

Nei turned and looked at the office door.

In an instant, the eyes of those around them all turned to the entrance of the office.

And a familiar male voice came into my ears.

"It's an interesting sight."

in front of the office door.

There was a familiar face in sight.

The people of the city said to him-- The Flash Knight.

Herio Nightline, an executive of the Knights of Nighttail, was standing guard at the door.

"you… … ."

"See you again. The Lady of the House of Terdos."

Herio, who was standing at the entrance, waved his hand in greeting.

It is a polite, sarcastic greeting for Nei.

Hearing his words, Nei responded bluntly.

"… … 3rd grade investigator. You better call it straight."

"Don't do that. Level 3 investigator, get well."

Tub. Tub.

Herio wearing a suit walked in.

Then he leaned back on the seat next to Usher.

As he entered, he held a bag with the seal of Lessert Industries in his hand.

"Do you have any business? Then I will come back later."

Herio's gaze alternated between Usher and Nei.

Nei has a deep relationship with the president's family of Lessert.

As much as they had met in the previous guide subjugation, they had known each other several times.

Of course, most of them are for business purposes.

It was Usher who came up with the answer to Herio's question.

"no. The business is over."

"Usher!"

"Our enemies are not information merchants. I'd rather do what I can do now."

After speaking, Usher turned and left the office.

Nei sighed and looked at Usher and the pistol alternately, then put the pistol into the holster and stood up.

It looked like he was going to get out of here with Usher.

As Nei walked out of the office, she didn't forget to warn me.

"… … There will be no next time."

"ah. Be mindful."

Nei also left the office.

There was silence in the office where people had left in an instant.

It felt like a storm had been swept away.

There is also the fact that the opponent is a security guard, but if Usher's affairs get tangled up, the problem becomes serious.

It is an opponent who cannot do this or that.

"Hey, I don't know who the watcher is."

Herio said, sitting on the sofa where Nei had left.

her. A light laugh escaped Herio's lips.

It was something I could relate to to some extent.

Herio put the bag he was holding down next to him and looked around with regretful eyes.

"Is there any coffee here?"

"What is the purpose?"

"It's going to be a bit long if we talk. First of all, I remembered that I was an information merchant and came here."

Herio is in charge of escorting the head of the Lesser branch.

Considering his routine, where he spends most of his day with Belle Viertin, it was somewhat surprising that he came to such a place alone.

Did he have any reason to come here?

After pondering quietly, I accepted Herio's request.

"There is only canned coffee left. I'll give it to you if that's okay with you."

"I do not care. It's just for mouth-watering purposes."

"Uel. Just two coffees, please."

"Uh, yes."

The swordsman who received the request moved toward the refrigerator.

In a way, it can also be seen that Nei quickly retreated thanks to Herio's visit.

I was willing to serve you a cup of coffee.

Geomseong who went to the refrigerator brought two cans of coffee to me, and I handed one of them to Herio.

"Thank you, I will drink."

"I have no intention of making a fuss with cheap things."

"Well, does the price matter? The meaning of each is important."

"So, what's going on in the office?"

Herio Nightline does not like immorality.

It means that we don't like people like us who cross that border.

That's the kind of thing he'd come to see the information dealer for.

I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious.

Click. Herio took a sip of the canned coffee and put the can down on the table.

Then he opened his mouth and began to tell his story.

"Something complicated has happened to the Knights of Nighttail."

* * * * * *

District 9. 11 Modern Burrits.

There is an old man guarding the junkyard by himself.

Money changer James. Even in the city, only those in the know knew about the fence, wearing only one eyeglasses and looking at the junk today.

He was holding a yellow gold coin in his hand.

It was an item that a visitor who had visited him entrusted it as a relic of an ancient country.

"...."

profit.

While James was looking at the items, someone opened the door of the junkyard and entered.

A visitor to him was a middle-aged man wearing a fedora.

James lifted his head and briefly checked the guest with his wand, then turned to look at the gold coin in his hand.

"No business today."

"Long time no see. James."

"This voice is... … ."

A middle-aged man greeted James as he was examining the gold coins.

James' hand stopped at the familiar voice.

He stood idly with the gold coin for a while, then raised his head and looked at the customer once more.

A slightly crooked old fedora.

Beneath him was a familiar face.

"It's me. Bruno Retrier."

"Hey, this can't be… … ."

Lame Bruno.

Hearing the name of the opponent, James was startled and dropped the gold coin he was holding onto the desk.

Recognizing Bruno's appearance, James fixed his glasses without even thinking of picking up the gold coins.

Then, the scenery beyond the glasses began to be seen more clearly.

There was a reflection of Bruno, whom he had seen many times in the newspapers.

"How have you been?"

"I heard he was dead. But how... … ."

"A lot of things happened. Of course, it's not an easy story to tell."

The death of the lame was one of the biggest issues that shook the entire city at the time.

Obviously, it was a matter that even the body was checked by the security forces that carried out the subjugation.

Yet he is still alive right in front of his eyes.

James couldn't believe it when he saw Bruno's reflection in his eyes.

"Even so, I'm still being chased, but what's going on here?"

"I would like to ask you a favor. Could you please look at something?"

"If it's your request, there's no reason I can't do it."

"That's good. You were the only one I could trust."

tuk. Bruno placed a box in front of James.

It was a black box with a luxurious design.

James picked up the box in front of him and asked Bruno.

"What is it?"

"It is a bullet made of mithril. Please confirm."

"Mithril… … ."

Hmm. Hearing the story of Mithril, James let out a sigh.

Mithril. It was among all the minerals of the Empire, one of the most valuable items.

It was not even properly distributed to the private sector, and even a small amount always followed an exorbitant price tag.

It was due to the mithril's nature to resist magic.

Making bullets with a mithril like that.

I don't know whose head it came from, but it was worth a million credits per bullet.

"You're the only one who can entrust this to you."

"There are not many people in the city who deal with such things."

"So, why don't you leave your feelings to yourself?"

"I see. It's a benefactor's request, so I'll gladly accept it."

James opened the box and picked up a silver-white bullet with his gloved hand.

The wizard would shudder at the unpleasantness of touching such an object, but fortunately James was not a wizard.

He took a magnifying glass and looked closely at the bullet in his hand.

smooth Compared to the material, the appearance is clunky.

It was part of the reason that it was an object that wouldn't make any difference in appearance once it was put into someone else's body.

"There doesn't seem to be any functional problems."

Having said that, James put down the magnifying glass.

Then he took the metal rod that was next to him and brought it to the mithril.

beep-. beep-.

The metal rod that touched the mithril sounded a beep.

After changing directions several times, James put the rod down again.

The feeling for the object was completely over.

"The item is genuine."

The result of the requested item came out.

What Bruno brought was a bullet made of real Mithril.

James put the bullet he was holding back into the box.

Then he closed the lid and handed the item to Bruno.

Bruno took the box that James had given him, put it in his arms, and told James.

"Don't say thank you. It's a pity I don't have much time."

"I'm glad it was helpful."

The criminal in front of him was his benefactor.

There was no reason not to grant such a light request.

Bruno put the item in and looked at James with a smile.

"By the way, do you have any interesting stories? It's like a plausible rumor."

"It's a fun story… … ."

If you are living a reclusive life, you will be ignorant of rumors.

It was James who was worried about what kind of story to tell him.

He thought for a moment about a story he could bring up, and then he remembered a young man who had come to this place a while ago.

It was obviously a young man who said that he had come here after being introduced by Bruno.

"Come to think of it, there was a young man who came to see me through your introduction a while ago."

"… … That's a fun story. I would like to hear more details."

Bruno's eyes gleaming fiercely as he looked at James.

"The schedule is probably too tight."

The office where Geomseong left work and no one was left.

I lay alone on the sofa and looked out the window through which the stars were shining.

Sinel isn't there.

That's why it's the only night I've had in a long time.

The office, which has always been noisy, is filled with silence.

In this spacious office, I am the only one occupying a seat.

"If you do this, you might run into the ghost army too soon."

A quiet office is so awkward.

Trying to blow away that awkwardness, I try hard to mumble to myself.

At this time, Sinel was always playing with the blackbird.

It's upsetting. At that time, only such thoughts were especially floating in my head.

In a yard where it is difficult to take care of my body, I have to live while taking care of my subordinates' meals.

Inwardly, there was no desire for her to become independent.

Still, I miss Sinel now.

"...."

At night, we sleep together.

When I wake up in the morning, I wake up together.

The two of them put their heads together and think about lunch.

My double is to sigh as I watch her eat.

That has been my daily routine.

One day I was taking a test in my dream.

I remember vowing to be faithful to the life I have now.

If so, am I faithful to my life now?

"It's stupid."

eating. Without realizing it, the corners of my lips rose.

If it's short, it's short, if it's long, it's long.

In the meantime, there are things that have now become natural.

what has become natural to you.

relationship with people. accumulating money.

henchman. personal reputation.

Whatever it is, it is something that must be observed.

Being faithful to life would be appropriate only for those who protected their own things.

"I'm starting to miss you now."

It's rare for a subordinate to even cover his own mistakes.

If Sinel comes back, maybe we should do a little better.

I thought so.

Of course, I still don't think I'm the type to treat you badly, though.

Still, there's nothing wrong with doing better, isn't it?

If he returned right now, he was willing to grant at least two wishes.

This is a story that only holds true

now, when we are drunk in the atmosphere of the night .

"Did you want to see me?"

The moment I mumble into the air, soaked in thoughts of being alone.

There was a face with her head sticking out from behind her head that had touched the sofa.

huge goggles. Shiny gray hair.

And the bright eyes that come down and face each other.

Looking at the eyes that met like that, he realized the identity of the other person.

Cinell Clover Bloom.

His loyal subordinate was squatting and looking down at me.

"… … Are you really Shinel?"

"yes."

"When did you come?"

"I just came in."

He reached out and touched her face.

The soft feel of the skin was transmitted through the touching fingers.

The Sinel you saw in front of you was not an illusion.

Unbeknownst to me, I entered the office and was sticking my face out over the armrest.

I pinched her cheek, wondering if it was a dream.

"sick."

"It doesn't seem like a dream."

"yes."

"Why didn't you know until you got closer?"

He got up from the sofa and sat down.

She didn't even notice until Sinel came closer.

Usually, when they feel popular, they react.

But this time, he didn't feel any signs of popularity.

"I wrote Haste."

"...."

"It's also great magic."

"… … okay."

From what I heard about Sinel, it seems that he used Haste.

do it If you walk quietly using Hast, it will not be easy to hear footsteps.

Judging by the atmosphere, it seemed that he had not yet been released from the police force.

It was clear that he had come to the office immediately after being released.

"How was the security guard?"

"It was hard."

"okay."

that must have been hard

Even if the chief of security gives maximum convenience, there is a limit to considering the suspects in the case that has become a hot topic.

Besides, I haven't been able to go home to the office for a while.

Coming home to the office where you have to go to work is a funny thing to say, but anyway, everyone has a comfortable space.

It was understandable that Shinel was struggling.

Sinel squatted in front of me and looked at me at eye level.

"Please praise me."

"okay. It was a lot of trouble."

There is nothing impossible to praise Sinel herself.

Thanks to you, I didn't get out of the scene safely.

I reached out and stroked her hair in praise.

Fluffy hair was wrapped around her fingers that touched her head.

"You are the best."

"is that so. You are well aware of it."

"Well."

Shenelle closed her eyes as she stroked her hair.

The corners of the mouth move back and forth according to the direction you move your hand.

It's like a controller controlling the corners of her mouth at will.

After stroking Sinel's hair for a few minutes, I removed my hand from stroking him.

Only then did Shinel wake up and make another request while making eye contact.

"Please hug me."

"okay."

This time, it was a request for a hug.

This is a different request than usual.

It was strange, but there was no reason not to accept it.

When you sleep in the same bed, similar things happen frequently.

If she came anyway, wouldn't she agree to grant her two wishes?

Contemplating how to hug me, I put the shinel on my lap.

"Isn't that uncomfortable?"

"It doesn't matter."

She hugged Sinel, who was sitting on her lap, from behind.

When viewed from above, only Sinel's hair was visible.

I just buried my face in her head.

It feels like hugging a big cat.

Fluffy. In a way, it feels like a pillow.

Sometimes it felt like I was going to miss it.

Seeing her hugging her from behind, Sinel, who was in her arms, raised her head and asked.

"You are kind today."

"There are days like that."

"It's like they'll listen to anything you say."

"Well. That might not be the case."

Aren't you still granting wishes like this?

In a way, it's closer to a kind of foolishness than a wish, though.

Today, in her eyes, she seems to be in a friendly boss mode.

But I'm always kind.

Otherwise, there would be no need to order delivery food for 5 people at a time.

Whoops. Sinel's fingers lightly brushed the back of my hand.

A slightly lower body temperature was transmitted through the back of his hand.

In the residual heat of his fingers that had passed in an instant, Sinel opened his mouth.

"Please like it."

"...."

"Is this a little difficult?"

At her words, I was at a loss for words for a moment.

This is because a completely unexpected question has arisen.

The following question came to me in an instant while I was silent.

There was no time left to ponder or hesitate.

I returned an acceptable answer to Sinell's question asking for an answer.

"Unfortunately, both wishes have come to an end."

"is that so. It's unfortunate."

"If it's a pity, try to change your mind."

"it's okay. I'll have to get Spinel's permission anyway."

"… … Spinel's permission?"

After crossing one mountain, it was another mountain to come.

Spinel's permission.

Like the previous statement, it was unexpected.

I get a rough feeling about what part is allowed.

Of course, since it's Sinell's word, it could have a completely different meaning.

When I asked Sinel about the permission, Sinel answered while looking at the palm of his hand.

"I made a promise a long time ago."

"What promise?"

"It's a secret."

promise. That's all she said.

No further details were given.

If you use telepathy right now, maybe you can figure out what kind of promise it is.

That thought ran through my mind for a while.

But he immediately shook his head and erased the thought from his mind.

I'm not sure, but there's no need to dig into the secret.

Rather, there is a higher probability that Sinel is not thinking at all.

There are some things in the world that are more pleasant to keep a secret.

"It is now."

"What are you talking about?"

"head. It's heavy, so please let it go."

"… … okay."

While we were talking, I was holding Sinel for quite some time.

Sinel seems to be somewhat satisfied, too, so it's time to let go of him.

At Sinel's request, he released the hand that was holding her.

Sinel stayed on her lap for a while, then got up and turned around.

Sinel's goggles, looking at me, were flashing with light.

"Goggles, are you looking good?"

"You look good."

"I'm going to make it look a little better."

flash. flash.

Sinel's goggles lit with maximum output.

The appearance of the goggles emitting an enormous amount of light in front of his eyes was too dazzling.

I closed my eyes reflexively at the light of the goggles Shinel showed me.

And the next moment.

A warm touch of something passed through her cheeks.

"...."

The figure of Sinel was seen in the green light of the field of vision.

She was still looking at me with an expressionless face.

Not much has changed since before I closed my eyes.

Even so, he vividly remembered the sensation of touching his cheek for a brief moment.

I opened my mouth towards Sinel, who was standing still as if nothing had happened.

"I think something touched my face."

"It's magic."

"… … What kind of magic?"

"It's the magic of bonding."

under-.

I let out an inaudible sigh in my heart.

Under the starry night sky.

There is a gray wizard with his hair fluttering.

Clover - Bloom.

It was like a four-leaf clover found in a flower garden in full bloom.

Therefore, I

wee.

I felt like I didn't want to go back.

A lot of the city's garbage usually flows into District 11.

And among the organizations that dealt with such garbage, there was the largest place, called the Valiant.

Valiant's hideout located in Area 11.

There, a middle-aged man wearing a fedora hat came to visit.

Tub. chin. Tub. chin.

The sound of walking sticks and footsteps resounds alternately.

The middle-aged man who was walking forward stopped in front of the men guarding the entrance to the hideout.

"The weather is nice today. Isn't that right?"

One of the gang members guarding the entrance to the Valiant looked at the middle-aged man.

There are many organizations that have antipathy towards the Valiant.

However, the greeting of a middle-aged man was too gentle to be given to an enemy.

It is clear that he came here without knowing much about it.

Those thoughts ran through the mind of the organization member who faced the middle-aged man.

As long as you guide properly, you won't need to see the rough road.

He gave the middle-aged man the most respectful answer he knew.

"Hey, inspiration. You came here knowing where you were."

"They say this is the best place in District 11. Could that be wrong?"

"I don't know what you're thinking, but if you don't want to get hurt, you'd better just go back."

"haha. you shouldn't get hurt By the way… Are you sure your words are too short?"

There are numerous criminal organizations in the city.

And most of them maintain their power through struggle and exploitation.

The Valiant was no exception.

The member of the organization guarding the door was also a survivor after seeing a lot of blood.

Where is respect and courtesy in front of the smell of bullets and gunpowder?

The members of the organization couldn't watch the middle-aged man's teasing behavior.

I felt the need to go out strong and tell the truth of this place.

"If you want a long horse, I can send it to the funeral home, how about it? If you are the priest who is in charge of the funeral, I will make your speech very long."

"Unfortunately, I can't stand being ignored."

"It would be better to turn it off quickly. Unless you want to not be able to walk at all."

"So, unfortunately, I couldn't keep watching."

The middle-aged man smiled and looked to his side.

The member of the organization who was blocking the middle-aged man also turned his head in the direction the middle-aged man was looking at.

Right side. Five steps away from where he was standing.

There remained the form of what had been a man.

As soon as the member of the organization saw it, his eyes widened and he stepped back.

"What, what… … !"

"I mean, the world is too harsh. It would be great if we could be polite to each other."

"What are you doing… … ."

"I looked at your hand. How is it?"

A comrade standing on the same vigilance was separated.

The face of the organization member was distorted when he saw his colleagues neatly split in half.

didn't see And I didn't understand.

In the blink of an eye, he panicked and raised his gun.

shudder. His gun was aimed at the middle-aged man in front of him.

"attack… It's an attack!"

"It would be better to put away anything that is too dangerous."

A middle-aged man with a nice smile.

And the gun the gang member was holding fell to the floor.

tuk. With the sound of heavy metal crashing, the muzzle lost its target.

It wasn't just the guns that lost their seats.

The hand of the gang member who was aiming the gun was also attached to the gun and lost its owner.

He screamed, losing both hands in an instant.

"Ouch, ah ah ah ah… … !"

"It's better now. Isn't it nice to be light?"

"My hand… My hand, ah-ah-ah-ah!"

"Cut your voice down. If it's too noisy, I can clear my throat."

thud-.

A middle-aged man smashed his cane on the floor.

At the threat of a middle-aged man, the members of the organization immediately shut their mouths.

He realized that the middle-aged man in front of him was an unusual person.

Blood was standing in his eyes as he was forced to resist the scream.

As the gangster managed to suppress the scream, the middle-aged patted him on the shoulder and pointed his cane behind him.

"Now you can hear me."

"...."

"Now, please guide me. I have to go to your boss."

middle-aged. And the hideout behind.

The organizer, who looked at both sides alternately, shook his head.

If you take an outsider to the hideout recklessly, you will die.

His mission was to defend the entrance to the last.

It was a story that was never meant to guide uninvited guests to the boss.

Even if the members of the gang somehow suppressed the middle-aged man, he would be executed unconditionally after that.

"what. Don't you want to?"

"Sa, please save me!"

"Then let's go, what are you doing? If you don't, you'll die anyway."

"That, that… … ."

"Count to three. one. two."

"I will go! Follow me!"

The handless member of the organization began to take the lead, shouting loudly.

no weapons I have no hands to do anything.

At this rate, he would be nothing more than a bullet catcher.

Nevertheless, there is one reason why Gear is taking the lead.

It was because the middle-aged man behind him seemed stronger than the boss of the Valiant, Mr. Trilo.

"great. You are a good listener."

"This way!"

The organizers, who were guiding the road ahead, stopped in front of the thick iron gate.

The door to the hideout was firmly closed as always.

And in front of him were two more security guards.

They left their jobs behind and asked him, pointing a gun at him.

"Why did you come all of a sudden? Who is behind it?"

"That, that… … ."

"Wait a minute… you hand... … !"

wiggle. thud.

A middle-aged man walking after the gang member swung his cane.

short crash sound. After that, the space was distorted for a moment.

After the distorted space returned, the members of the organization who were guarding the door were knocked down.

The members of the Veliant, who were separated up and down, became quiet after that.

It happened in an instant.

There was no time to give them a flurry.

gulp.

The gang member who was guiding the middle-aged man swallowed his saliva as he saw the tragedy.

Could it be that he is taking a nonsensical monster with him now?

Only those thoughts filled his mind.

"you. Aren't you going?"

"yes? yes… … !"

"Haha, the door was closed."

A handless gang member and a tightly closed door.

A middle-aged man who looked at the two in turn stepped forward.

Only then did the member of the organization realize that he could not open the door.

It was the same with middle-aged people who couldn't open the locked door.

As far as he knew, that door was a structure that could not be opened unless it was opened from within.

But the middle-aged man stood at the door as if he didn't care.

"you. Do you know how to get a baby pig out of the house?"

"… … Baby pig?"

"okay. From now on, I will show you how."

baby pig. Home. A wolf.

The contents of an old fairy tale flashed into the minds of the organizers.

As far as he knew, there was always one way for a wolf to get a pig out.

It was a really simple way.

It would completely destroy the house.

"Uh, how… … ."

"[Mass Teleport]."

No time was given to ask questions.

line. A large, clear line was drawn in the air.

And with that boundary, the top and bottom of the building were divided.

It was a huge crack.

Kugugugugugu-!

The upper part of the building completely disappeared around the straight line created by the middle-aged man.

The upper part of the missing building appeared in another place.

About 10 meters behind the center of the building.

The half of the building, which had lost its columns and its base, collapsed completely to the floor.

"ah… … ."

"What a simple way!"

"Yeah, yes."

"I like you because I like you."

A middle-aged man who laughed loudly stepped into the building.

In the eyes of the gang members following the middle-aged man, the remaining half of the hideout was not in good condition either.

Anything that was exactly above the line drawn in half was cut off.

Pillar. watch. chandelier. air conditioner.

The boundary drawn by the middle-aged had no mercy on anything.

It was no exception for humans.

All the Valiant standing inside the building were cut in half.

There was only one thing that survived the previous blow.

There was only Mr. Trilo sitting alone in his chair.

"… … Who are you?"

Mr. Trillo looked at them as he sat in his chair.

The gang member who was walking in the back flinched at Mr. Trillo's words.

No matter what the situation was, he was now on the other side of Mr. Trilo.

It was justified to feel some remorse.

Tub. chin. Tub. chin.

The middle-aged man who caused the situation walked to the front of Mr. Trilo with a leisurely pace.

Then he took a seat in the chair opposite him and sat down.

"Nice to meet you. You seem calmer than I thought."

"I am not surprised to see such a sight. It looks like a dead life anyway."

"Mr. Trilo. I've heard it's called that."

"So who are you?"

A middle-aged man leaning on a cane leaned his upper body forward.

The face of a middle-aged man came up to Mr. Trillo's nose.

A middle-aged man opened his mouth on the street where their eyes met.

"Bruno retriever. Do you know?"

"… … limp."

"It looks like it's still pretty famous."

"I thought he was dead, but he was still alive?"

"That is the beauty of the world. Just like you who thought you were going to live today are going to die."

Whoa. Cigarette smoke came out of Mr. Trilo's mouth.

Mr. Trillo's cigarette smoke with a complicated expression was like lamentation in his own way.

Mr. Trilo, who was watching the smoke scattered in the air, asked.

"I can't even guess. Why did the lame come to me?"

"There is something our master was keeping an eye on. You did it wrong."

"… … I ate something I shouldn't eat and got a stomachache."

"It's like that. Do you have any wills you would like to leave behind?"

"I… … ."

thud. The sound of a stick hitting the floor.

Mr. Trilo, who was holding a cigarette, slipped to the side.

All that was left of him was the quiet silence.

5 minutes and 50 seconds.

It was the time it took for the Bruno Retrier to move and the Valiant to annihilate.

Bruno looked at Mr. Trilo who had fallen with his eyes open, then turned his head to look to the side.

Wherever his gaze turned, there was a member of the organization following him.

"You are the only one left. Now what?"

Special wanted criminal No.7 announced by the security forces—the ghost corps.

The superficial representative of this group, which calls themselves a corps, is a man called the commander.

Rex O'Brien.

The man who had never had a face-to-face with magic all his life suddenly became a wanted criminal.

The reason was simple.

Because his old friend made Rex the ostensibly chieftain.

So Rex became the commander of the ghost army.

Having reigned as a commander for a long time, he became accustomed to leading a legion of the dead and the dead.

Most of the work wasn't too difficult.

Except for occasional encounters with his superiors who call him heir.

"So, how about this test subject?"

The Legion's research center located in Area 16.

Rex and his men entered the building, ostensibly known as a small corporate chemical plant.

His figure, wearing a thick mask, was unquestionably a commander.

When the commander looked around at the researchers in white coats lined up in the hallway, the commander asked, an old researcher standing next to him said:

"There has been no rejection yet."

"okay. Do you think you will succeed?"

"It is still difficult to give a definitive answer, but… I hope the results will be more positive than last time."

The commander looked at the researcher beside him.

Dr. Gehd.

He was a mad researcher with a wanted bounty.

He rescued him from being chased by the security forces for entertainment, and the relationship has been going on since then.

It's been quite some time since then.

Although there were many achievements of their own, the ideal result that the corps was aiming for was not yet reached.

"It looks like it was a failure again."

"It's not… … ."

"What is it that you lack? Do you need more samples?"

Dr. Gehd's body shuddered at the commander's cold voice.

He is a commander who reigns like a king only in the slums of District 16.

Even with the achievements so far, it was unavoidable for Dr. Gehd to become smaller in front of the commander.

Dr. Gehd said while stroking the materials in his hand.

"There are already enough people to be transplanted. But the other side is the problem."

"A wizard's blood?"

"The best thing is that the wizard itself is still intact... … ."

"Have you already written it all down?"

The commander looked at Gehed and asked.

The institute conducts various studies, but this study was the largest among them.

Research to artificially awaken magic.

It was an investment for those who did not have any magic yet to go one step further.

As a result, an ampoule that allows you to use magic for a certain period of time was already made, but the cost-effectiveness was too low.

There were even a few of them, so most of them were reserved for emergencies.

So, as a commander, it would be very difficult if there was no progress in this research.

"There is not much left, but we had no choice but to make an ampoule and administer it to the test subject."

"Use your blood sparingly."

"It's a bit… … ."

"It will be hard to find for a while. It seems like Nighttail has noticed it to some extent."

The commander, thinking of his ally in the Knights of Nighttail, chewed his lips.

rager black.

He is a young man who took the position of Nighttail's exclusive doctor at a fairly young age.

It cost a significant sum to convince him.

He was quite talented and had a pretty good reputation within the Knights Templar.

Considering the number of knights who owed his life to him, it was natural, though.

"… … It will be really difficult if the quantity is reduced now."

"Nevertheless, go ahead."

"In the worst case, production of ampoules could be stopped for months."

"...."

At Dr. Gehd's words, the commander was worried.

Reagan in Nighttail said the blood supply would be difficult for the time being.

At first, you will have to make a phone call that is close to intimidation, but the answer you get back won't change much.

Most of the ampoules that came out last time have already been paid to the heir.

The heir who received the ampoule also showed great satisfaction.

Unlike back then, what we were going to create this time was for business purposes.

It was difficult only when the supply of goods was cut in the middle.

In the worst case, the commander himself seemed to need to step in.

"Are there any wizards left in the village?"

"This is the last test subject… … ."

"Who is the newly awakened wizard?"

"Not yet."

tt The commander clicked his tongue upon hearing Dr. Gehd's answer.

He looked around with a look of dissatisfaction.

Even though he could do whatever he wanted, the ghetto was still a ghetto in his eyes.

It was foolish to expect wizards to appear in a pile in a narrowed town.

"It's a little annoying."

"Because it's unavoidable… sorry."

"Well then, I know. First, we will consider creating an additional supplier."

"Extra?"

"If necessary, we have to catch it somewhere in moderation."

larger territory. And more people.

It also required more money.

For the commander himself and for the corps, it was difficult to stop growing here.

A huge army is nothing but a money-eating hippopotamus.

It was an unavoidable choice for the maintenance of the ghost army.

* * * * * *

Tit-. Tit-.

You can hear the birds chirping through the window.

I looked out blankly in the morning sunlight, then suddenly remembered what happened last night and shifted my gaze.

The seat next to the bed you are sitting on.

There, Sinel in pajamas was sleeping peacefully with one arm in her arms.

"Yes… … ."

It is the same scenery as usual.

okay. The lost daily life is back.

The empty seat was occupied by a subordinate holding his arm instead.

As I gazed at the sleeping Sinel, the touch on my cheek was vividly revived.

'It's the magic of bonding.'

The magic of bonding.

Shinel, who kissed the cheek, clearly said so.

I can't understand what you're thinking

And you can't predict what you're going to do.

So I couldn't return the correct answer to Sinell's impulsive kiss.

"...."

I didn't mean to run away from her confession.

Rather, it was Sinel himself who completely cut off the story.

That too while bringing up the story of Spinel.

What kind of promise was made between the two sisters?

She stared blankly at Shinel with her sleepy eyes, then immediately removed her hand and got up from her seat.

"Should I get some wind?"

It's not just about Sinel's story that needs to be pondered.

The case of the Knights of Nighttail, which Herio had talked about and left, was also quite a headache.

It wasn't something I could think of with my half-sleeping head.

It might get a little better if you get some cold air on the roof.

I stepped out of the office and headed straight for the roof.

"after… … ."

profit.

When I opened the door that made an annoying noise and entered the roof, I saw someone sitting on the railing.

There was one girl with gray hair in thin braids.

A wizard of skyscrapers that I've been seeing a lot lately. It was spinel.

I asked, looking at her naturally occupying the roof.

"… … Why are you here?"

"Because I'm here to give you a present."

"A gift?"

"You made a deal with him. I have something to deliver, so I brought it."

It seems to be quite early for a simple delivery of goods.

Maybe I overslept, though.

Tub. Tub.

He approached the sitting Spinel and grabbed the railing.

Then he held out an empty hand to Spinel.

"What a gift."

"One is money. And another one... I don't know either."

Spinel offered me two things.

One was a wallet.

It's also the passbook of the city's largest Herenants Bank.

When I opened the bankbook and checked the balance, I noticed the amount stamped as 1 million credits.

"Not a bad amount."

It was more important that it was a passbook of Herenants Bank than the amount.

Apparently, the money came from Terdos.

The funds created in this way were usefully used anywhere.

It wasn't bad income.

"The other one… … ."

"this. It's something I've never seen before."

The other was bullets.

Although it was passed on from the side of the heir, Spinel said that he did not know about it.

I did just that.

Because this bullet appears only briefly in the second half of the work.

The heir will say- Executioner.

It was a bizarre item made by putting bone powder inside the warhead.

And, it was also something that could somewhat replace the mithril bullets I gave to my heir.

Although it was passed on from the side of the heir, Spinel said that he did not know about it.

I did just that.

Because this bullet appears only briefly in the second half of the work.

The heir will say- Executioner.

It was a bizarre item made by putting bone powder inside the warhead.

And, it was also something that could somewhat replace the mithril bullets I gave to my heir.

"Do you know what it is?"

"The executioner. That's the name."

"… … It's an embarrassing name."

"It's such a burdensome thing."

The effect is simple.

If you get hit by a bullet, you will become undead alive.

And the magic circuit of the dead guy is under the control of the successor.

This is the undead magic used by the 7th circle wizard.

No one could resist death if hit by this.

I don't know if I'll die and come back to life.

The executioner was an object that could not be printed indefinitely, no matter how much heirs.

"Is it a good thing?"

"… … I honestly don't understand."

"what?"

"Because the reward came back bigger than I expected."

At the very least, I thought the money would come in.

The wealth that the Terdos family has amassed up to now is at an incredible level.

But the executioner was something different from that.

As a result, even if it was beneficial to the heir, it was no different from borrowing the magic of the 7th circle once.

Hearing my story, Spinel said as he threw his feet into the air.

"Yeah, he's a big guy."

"okay. yes."

Heirs were very generous in terms of compensation.

He is also quite generous with punishment.

That's why he's probably going to be trusted and followed by wanted high-ranking criminals.

First of all, I have a lot of wealth.

If he thought he would pay a price commensurate with the mithril bullets, it was possible that he gave the executioner away.

"Aren't mithrils a common thing in the first place?"

"I thought I would give him some money and finish it."

"Aren't you looking at the association too crookedly?"

"Since something happened, it must be natural."

It was only recently that he was hit in the head by a ghost army and was in danger.

Wasn't Shinel detained inside the police station for a while because of that?

It was a natural situation for me to dislike associations.

But for the first time, is it because he is a member of the society?

Spinel, with a dissatisfied expression on his face, poked his hand holding the railing.

"But I saved you."

"I didn't go there for you from the beginning."

"So, I took responsibility and saved you."

"I wish I could have saved you some too."

I wish I could take care of my one and only younger brother.

I looked at Spinel with a bitter smile.

Bright gray eyes resembling Sinel faced me.

She stared at me with her narrowed eyes, and then tilted her upper body back as if she didn't know.

It was a strange posture that only a spinel that defies gravity could do.

"Do you still have it in your heart?"

"Well. So far, I don't know."

"You know what the association was like in the first place."

"It is a place to drive out the false emperor who rules the empire."

Each person has his or her own principles of action.

Heirs were also moving for their own mission.

It's only a problem because it's a plan that will turn the city upside down.

At a time when the noble nobles of the empire were leading the rebellion, the movement of the association was no mere entertainment.

Of course, I don't know in detail what the guys under the heir are thinking.

"If you know, it's better to move a little more cautiously."

"Do you want that?"

"For now, that's it."

"Then do it."

He looked down at the city while giving a dry answer.

Maybe one day, the moment will come when you will face the death penalty directly.

If that moment comes

If the day will come when all members of the Order will be finished with their own hands, except for Spinel.

At that time, what kind of expression did Spinel make?

As of now, I couldn't vividly picture such a spinel.

* * * * * *