9

* * * * * *

Shortly after Spinel returned to his home.

Herio came to me while I was in the office.

It was to end a conversation that had not been finished before.

He was still carrying a bag in a suit instead of thick armor.

Herio put the bag he had brought down next to the seat and asked with a light smile.

"See you again. Can I have a cup of coffee?"

"Of course."

On my first visit, he told me that there seemed to be a traitor inside the Knights of Nighttail.

To summarize, it was about wanting to find out the traitor's information through me.

At that time, I withheld an answer to Herio's request.

Behind the Nighttail Incident, there is a corps of ghosts.

He thought that it was still too early to start an all-out war with the Ghost Corps.

"It's still a quiet place."

"There are places that are attractive because there are no people."

However, after pondering on the roof, he changed his mind.

The subjugation of the ghost corps itself was carried out by Usher even within the work.

If my relationship with Usher had been normal, I would have adopted the method of leaking information to Usher.

But now was not a very good time.

It had not been long since the friction with Nei occurred.

Even the Knights of Nighttail would not welcome the intervention of the security forces.

Rather, attracting Herio and moving together was a way of its own.

"People are different from back then."

Herio's gaze turned to the seat next to me.

Sinel was sitting right next to him, hugging the blackbird.

When he came before, the sword castle was replacing Sinel.

It wasn't unusual to have doubts since the person in the bodyguard had changed.

"I came back from a business trip."

"business trip?"

"okay. business trip."

I was detained for several days by the police while trying to save me.

Isn't that also part of the job?

This month, I was willing to take the bonus with me so I wouldn't be disappointed.

Herio thought for a moment when he heard that he was on a business trip, then nodded his head in agreement.

"is it. understood."

"therefore. You must have come today to hear the answer to the suggestion I made earlier, right?"

"Have you come to a conclusion?"

"Before that, I have to ask you a question."

Even if it's a question, it's a simple one.

It won't be easy to draw conclusions though.

Herio, who took a sip of the canned coffee just like the last time, looked at me.

"What kind of question?"

"It is a solution to this situation."

"Resolution?"

"okay. You have two options."

We already know about Nighttail's traitor.

And we already know who is behind the traitor.

So, it was not difficult in itself to provide the information Herio wanted.

However, the actions after that had to be completely chosen by Herio himself.

This is especially true in a situation where Herio must take full responsibility for all operations.

"Let's hear it first."

"One way is to find only the traitors inside the Nighttail."

"What's wrong with that? It would be natural."

"And the other one. How to clean up behind the scenes of this."

Herio's expression changed only after hearing the choices that followed.

Even the faint smile that remained on Herio's face had completely disappeared.

He asked, looking at me with a serious face.

"You seem to know everything."

"So I am asking. Either stop here or see more."

"Seeing that you dare to ask there, it seems like there must be a reason."

"reason… … . There are many reasons. In the latter case, you may die."

Subjugation of the ghost army.

In the subjugation of Usher, which was carried out in the 'War City', not a small number died.

The subjugation led by Herio will also involve many sacrifices.

The battle with the Archmage is like that.

If he tried to contend with a non-cognitive being, he had to make a sacrifice.

This is the reason why the subjugation of wanted criminals is not often done even with numerous bounties at stake.

"Did you say you could die?"

"Your opponent is a wanted criminal. He will never be caught unless he is willing to make significant sacrifices."

"Extra wanted criminal… … ."

"So, what are you going to do?"

Nevertheless, I wanted Herio to accept the subjugation.

Because we didn't have that much time.

The maximum period for individual executives of the association to be dealt with is around three months.

After that, the Heir will get his hands on a way to put the entire city under surveillance.

Moreover, in my case, the name was already known to the Society.

Now was the best chance that the entire subjugation operation could spread in the name of Herio.

Herio pondered for a long time, then answered while stroking the coffee can in his hand.

"Dark Merchant. I don't know what you think of me."

"...."

"But within me there is one clear criterion. And I like to uphold that standard no matter what."

"I will."

"So, let's hear the details once the disposition for the traitor is over."

The words that flowed out of Herio's mouth were the words of the hold.

However, I had no doubts that he would eventually accept the subjugation operation.

Flash Knight, Herio Nightline.

he is savvy

Be honest.

And good like a fool

The world used to call such a person a hero.

"It's been a long time coming."

black market.

A treasure trove of talent and stolen goods, often referred to by criminals as a cross network of shadows.

When I was stepping into the weapons exhibition hall of the Black Market, which I had not been to for a long time, Sinel, who followed me for security, said:

Maybe it was because he didn't want to let go of the black man he hadn't seen in a while.

A blackbird was sitting on Sinel's head, who had come to the black market.

"Are you not going to let go of the blackbird?"

"Is pets allowed in the black market?"

"It wouldn't be."

"Then I think it will be fine."

The answer returned was simple and clear.

That being said, it was unavoidable.

Sinel will take care of the blackbird.

If you look at it from the side, it also looks pretty good.

"So, what is the purpose of this time?"

"I'm thinking of buying a new weapon."

"weapon?"

There are two new abilities that I acquired when I entered the 5th circle.

One is the ability to form an area that erases the surrounding sounds.

And the other is the ability to read other people's minds.

Even if you read your mind, you are still at a level where only superficial thinking is possible.

It was difficult to predict or predict the actions of others in advance.

So, I was thinking of making a battle plan with the ghost army according to the evolved magic.

"Preparing for the fight to come."

"okay."

Tub-. Tub-.

As I was walking through the black market, I stopped in front of a gun stand.

From pistols to large-caliber sniper rifles.

Firearms of all kinds were displayed in front of the store.

Among them, there was even a weapon with a structure that could not be found in modern times.

When I found the weapon and stopped at my seat, the merchant who was managing the shelf spoke to me in a friendly manner.

"Oh, come on. What are you looking for?"

"I plan to take a look around. I don't think I need any help yet."

"Oh, I see. We have everything from cheap stuff to cheap stuff."

"is it."

"Call me if you need any help."

The merchant who said so returned to his seat.

After all, no matter which store you go to, Resert Industries seems to be a guarantee of trust.

Seeing that each of them advertises that they have a Lester's item.

Passing the merchant who returned to his seat, I slowly began to look at the weapons on display.

Most of the things that looked neat were weapons made by Resert.

Of course, as the merchant said, there were a lot of cheap weapons from Area 8 as well.

"This looks fine."

He picked up an anti-ship sniper rifle that was nearby.

As he held the gun with both hands, he felt a heavy feeling.

The weight is different from the pistol you have.

However, despite the rather heavy weight, I was able to lift it without difficulty.

It may seem like a self-praise, but the strength of this body itself is quite high.

It was possible to some extent to do things that were impossible with the original body.

"Are you planning on using a sniper rifle?"

"Not often, but probably for large-scale operations."

"It looks heavy, but you are holding it well."

That was something I was curious about too.

It seems possible to hold and wield it with one hand if you wish.

What kind of life has he lived, so he has a body like this for an extra?

It was incomprehensible to me, who had only seen him leave quickly in the works.

The truth is that if things don't go well, you die.

"Are you thinking of buying it?"

As I was examining the sniper rifle in detail, a merchant approached me, apparently thinking I was going to buy it.

I was just about to call, so it didn't really matter.

I handed the gun I was holding to the merchant and asked.

"Is this a good thing?"

"It's okay. After all, there is nothing like this."

"Scarlett and Balls? It's the first company I've ever seen."

"This is a place only known from this side. Recently, things have been hard to come by, but one performance is comparable to that of Lessert."

It's the first company I've ever heard of.

I wonder how many companies I know.

At least it didn't seem like a big problem to me.

It will probably be fine even if you buy it.

- "I'll call it the dark rhyme at all."

The merchant didn't seem to have any intention of cheating.

Except for the fact that the price was also a black market, it didn't seem like a big deal.

I took out the credit I had in my pocket and handed it to the merchant.

Is it because something with a reasonable price is sold?

The merchant accepted it with a happy face, and pulled out a gun case from the corner.

It was a bonus to hold out a case and tell a story that I didn't even ask.

"If you need another store, please let me know. Because I have a tight connection with this black market."

"I am very interested in that. There is something I am thinking about right now."

"Who do you need?"

"Do you have connections on the site or building side? A place you can rent quietly without a name."

There were other places of interest besides weapons.

There was no reason to hesitate to say that a black market merchant introduces you to a place you know.

Whether or not it is a good place is something to come up with an estimate by reading other people's thoughts.

Naturally, the answer returned from the merchant was affirmative.

* * * * * *

Herio Nightline.

He was one of the officers of the Knights of Nighttail, and he was called the Flash Knight.

He was also the most reputed to be a knight in Nighttail, which advocated for the Knights Templar.

Is it because I have longed for articles of old stories since I was a child?

Even now, even when his name was close to his childhood dream, Herio was still dreaming of becoming a knight in the true sense of the word.

Protect the weak and fight evil.

Do not back down in front of the enemy.

Keep your honor and fulfill your vows.

Those were the simple rules that made Herio move.

"Also… I don't like it."

However, in recent years, there have been frequent occurrences of such violations of Herio's rules.

frequent battles. frequent injuries. And a suspicious medical accident.

Due to the nature of Nighttail, which often fights, it had no choice but to move with its own medical staff.

In addition, the medical staff selected by Nighttail were elites with proven skills.

Herio would have continued to believe in their abilities if it hadn't been for the opportunity.

Nighttail's medical system continued without any problems for a fairly long time.

"A person who calls himself a knight would do such a thing."

The number of members who suddenly complained of anemia increased.

Moreover, even before the funeral procession was carried out, most of the blood was removed from the body of the dead member.

It was questionable at first.

However, the more the case was investigated, the more suspicious it became.

So, I took the time to visit the information merchant called the Dark Merchant.

The Dark Merchant, Percival Smith.

On the surface, he was a very suspicious person.

At first, Herio himself felt reluctant to pay money to buy information.

Even so, considering his deeds seen in the Lesert raid, he thought that perhaps he might find a clue about the culprit.

And the result was beyond imagination.

It wasn't like a clue, but it gave me all the people involved.

At this point, I wondered if the dark merchant himself was involved in the incident.

"Herio?"

"There is a dragon. Open the door."

"Oh, I see."

It was only natural for Herio to go straight to them after finding out the criminals.

punish evil

It was to do this simple thing.

The member who recognized Herio immediately opened the door.

Ji Yi-ing.

The automatic door made of steel opened, revealing the scenery of the medical ward.

Without hesitation for a second, Herio strode into the common room where the doctors were gathered.

"Herio. Where are you uncomfortable?"

One of the doctors in the break room recognized Herio and approached him.

The doctor was Herio's favorite doctor.

But right now, there was no need for medical treatment.

Herio waved his hand toward him as he approached him, and then slowly looked around the break room.

A corner of the break room where the table is placed.

Herio saw a young man in a robe and glasses.

"Rager Black. Is there a doctor with that name here?"

At Herio's call, the young man drinking coffee raised his head.

Suddenly, his name was called, and his face was bewildered.

He put the coffee he was holding down on the table, and immediately got up from his seat and asked.

"I am a rager. Why are you looking... … ."

"Leave only you and leave."

"Yes?"

"I'll give you five seconds."

After speaking, Herio put down the bag he was holding.

electronic armor.

It was Herio's customized weapon made with the technology of Lesser Industries.

Seeing the bag that started working with a roar, the doctor who was standing in front of Herio opened his mouth.

"yes? What did you just say?"

"Get out."

"Oh, I see."

electronic armor.

It was Herio's customized weapon made with the technology of Lesser Industries.

Seeing the bag that started working with a roar, the doctor who was standing in front of Herio opened his mouth.

"yes? What did you just say?"

"I told you to leave."

"Oh, I see."

The bewildered doctor asked Herio again, but Herio's reaction was still cold.

Sensing the unusual atmosphere, the attending physician packed his belongings and left the break room.

Fortunately, there were no medical staff who had the courage to refuse the orders of the executives, even though they had gone to the doctor who knew them.

Medical staff who were nearby also followed the doctor outside.

In such an instant, people left, and in the end, only Herio and Reagan were left in the break room.

"… … What is this?"

After the crowd had passed, Reiger opened his mouth in the quiet lounge.

There was still a look of embarrassment on his face.

Ji-ing.

After completing the installation, Herio's armor vibrated once.

Herio didn't care whether or not Reagan had grasped the situation, just pointed his sword at him and started interrogating him.

"Rager Black. Recently, there was an incident of anemia on a large scale in our members."

"I know."

"Most of them have records of seeing you."

"Bleeding from battle was a problem. It's been a while since I've been on the go."

Herio's gaze glanced at Reiger, who was arguing for answers.

wounds inflicted during battle. And recently, there have been more frequent visits.

It was Reiger's theory that the current situation was created by a perfect match between the two.

While Reiger appeared to be perplexed, he calmly laid out only the answers to the incident.

It was the moment when doubts turned into convictions.

"There are all sorts of amazing coincidences."

"There is nothing I can do about it. I am just a healer."

"If there were that many injured, an emergency call would have been made at the round table, but an emergency call hasn't happened even once."

"I don't know much about that part. I only heard that the enemies were on the small side."

It would be strange if the medical staff knew too much about the trends of the knights.

It seems that Reiger was wary of that part, and he drew a thorough line on the part that had nothing to do with his job.

However, for Herio, he had already gathered quite a bit of evidence to support his claim.

The one piece of the puzzle that was not enough to infer the circumstances was put together by the dark merchant he had visited.

Now, even if Reagan asserts his innocence, it was difficult for Herio to believe it.

"The Red Flame Knight Retruss is in charge of the dispatching side. He's also been seeing a lot of suspicious things lately."

"Are you also suspicious of Litrus-sama now?"

"As you said, there has been a strangely frequent mobilization lately. Isn't it natural for me to be suspicious?"

"… … Then why did you come to me?"

"And I think there is some kind of link between you and Litrus.

"… … I swear, I don't even know what he's doing. And he says whatever he does, he has absolutely nothing to do with me."

nod.

At Reiger's words, Herio moved his head.

At that moment, the corners of Reiger's lips were about to rise a little.

Herio raised the sword in his hand.

Then he pointed it at Reagan and talked.

"So I'm going to find out from now on."

"… … yes?"

"If you are innocent, you will not open your mouth no matter what."

"No, what nonsense… … ."

"Are you not innocent?"

Reiger's face finally turned red with astonishment.

A sigh escaped Reiger's mouth at the conversation beyond common sense.

Herio, who was speaking, also agreed with the fact that what he had just said was not very logical.

But he wasn't here to quarrel with Reagan.

As long as there is certainty, the current conversation was just a formal ceremony.

I had no intention of letting go of the cunning tongue that uttered coax forever.

"under… … . Herio, are you crazy? I can't understand what you're doing now."

"Do not understand."

"I'm really going to turn around and talk to you."

"So are you sure? Looking at your resume, I don't think you're a wizard."

"Shut up. I'm going to die of annoyance because things get messed up."

Driven to the limit, Reagan finally revealed his true nature.

It was never like a subordinate who exploded in a conflict with his boss.

Herio showed interest in Reiger's condition like that.

"Have you stopped making excuses?"

"Anyway, if it's your personality, it won't take the case all the way to the round table."

"I know you well."

"If the case goes all the way to the round table, isn't this at a disadvantage anyway? In that case, it would be better to kill you when no one is there."

As far as he knew, Reagan wasn't a wizard.

Even the weapons that can come out of his clothes now, no matter how hard he tried, the pistol was the limit.

In a battle, the pistol wouldn't even be able to scratch Herio's armor.

For Herio, he could not comprehend with what confidence he was trying to confront him.

"If you have prepared something, let me show you."

"Being a knight, you are very confident. You don't even kill them as soon as you see them."

"Unfortunately, I don't have a hobby of making surprise attacks."

"okay. you would You must be very noble."

Reagan, who was sarcastic towards Herio, slipped his hand into his robe.

After rummaging through his pockets for a while, what Reiger pulled out was a small ampoule.

Reiger looked at the ampoule filled with translucent yellow liquid, then brought it to his neck.

pooh.

The liquid in the ampoule decreased in an instant along with the eerie sound that pierced the flesh.

"Shut up—."

Reagan clenched his teeth and held back his groan.

Reagan's veins bulged out near the neck where the injection was given.

The unknown liquid contained in the ampoule was exposed to the bottom.

After administering all the liquid, Reiger pulled out the ampoule stuck in his neck.

Then he threw the empty ampoule on the floor.

Herio's eyes followed the broken empty ampoule with a sharp sound.

"Are all preparations over?"

"haha… Do you know what a double circuit is?"

"An experiment that deals with two types of magic at the same time. In the end, it is the vain delusion of wizards chasing dreams."

"Like a savvy yangban, he is outdated. Look Carefully. From now on, I will show you a historic moment."

Reagan's eyes lit up red after the drug was administered.

Herio began to be wary of Reagan's movements as the magic started to flow around him.

Reagan faced Herio and raised both hands.

Eventually, Reiger's red eyes looked at the palm of his left hand.

"[Fire Arrow]."

Whoops.

Red flames rose on Reagan's palm.

The flames that rose from Reiger's palm slowly condensed into one place, and soon formed the shape of an arrow.

Fire magic. Fire Arrow.

Nighttail's Red Flame Knight, Litrus's magic unfolded in Reiger's palm.

"[Ice Arrow]."

Reiger didn't stop there and looked at the palm of the other hand.

A chill gathered in Reiger's empty palms.

The chill gathered in that way formed crystals of ice, and went one step further and became the shape of a sharp arrow.

Ice magic. Ice Arrow.

The arrow of fire and the arrow of ice that was opposite to each other took shape from Reiger's hand.

Fire Arrow and Ice Arrow.

Herio couldn't help but be surprised to see Reiger using both magic at the same time.

"Maybe that drug… … ."

"It can be said to be the crystallization of modern technology."

"It's a drug that allows you to temporarily use magic. It's definitely amazing stuff."

"Now I am the only one who can handle two magics at the same time."

Double circuit technology has been studied for many years in the private sector.

Nevertheless, as far as Herio knows, there has not yet been a single institution that has succeeded in doing so.

Even Horse Tower, which had great prestige, expressed a negative stance on the double circuit in most cases.

How can you implement such a task, even temporarily?

Although it was the result of unethical research, it must have been a surprising situation from Herio's point of view.

"So, what are you going to do with me?"

But using it to fight is another thing.

Arrows of Fire and Arrows of Ice.

Neither seemed very threatening to Herio.

However, Reiger's idea of ​​administering the ampoule was somewhat different from Herio's.

Reagan pointed the flaming arrow in his hand at Herio and said confidently.

"Even if you wear armor, you won't be able to stop the heat."

"...."

"I will burn you with that armor."

eating.

The corners of Herio's lips rose from the helmet wrapped around his head.

Resert Industries' special electronic armor made of high-quality heat dissipation materials and a cutting-edge cooling system.

Today I was going to test its performance myself.

"Even if you wear armor, you won't be able to stop the heat."

"...."

"I will burn you with that armor."

eating.

The corners of Herio's lips rose from the helmet wrapped around his head.

Resert Industries' special electronic armor made of high-quality heat dissipation materials and a cutting-edge cooling system.

Today I was going to test its performance myself.

"You're going to burn the armor, that's a fun plan."

"Your fame has come a long way. Let's see how long we can have plenty of spare time."

Whoops-.

Reiger pointed the arrow of flame burning from the palm of his hand at Herio.

momentary silence. A burning sensation that began to spread after that.

The tip of the arrow made of flames shook, and then it shot out towards Herio in a clear straight line.

A slight residual heat remained in Reiger's hand that fired the arrow.

'exactly… You're weaker than Litrus's flame.'

Herio's gaze followed the arrows of flame.

Reagan's magic, which flew quickly while burning the air, was still locked in Herio's armor.

Aww! bang!

Thick smoke rose along with the explosion.

The arrow collided with the armor and exploded with a large spark.

"… … Cologne, Cologne."

The smoke that spread out from the explosion was enough to completely obscure the view, even temporarily.

Reagan's eyes scanned Herio in the smoke.

It was a blow that an ordinary person would have turned into a pile of charcoal in one blow.

Nevertheless, Reagan prepared the next magic and kept a close eye on the smoke.

The light knight's name had some weight to it.

"… … [Fire Arrow]."

Tub. Tub.

As if turning Reiger's guess into reality, the sound of footsteps echoed through the smoke that obscured his vision.

Beyond the smoke that began to blur.

The figure of Herio walking towards Reagan was clearly revealed.

A translucent blue protective wall was spread around Herio as he walked forward.

"—Combat assistance system. Defensive mode activated."

"… … Is that Lester's cutting edge technology?"

"It is difficult to commercialize because of the huge power consumption."

"You will. It's my first time seeing it."

Reagan's eyes scanned the surroundings.

The structure of the break room. The location of tables and chairs.

And the distance between Herio and Reagan.

Reagan's right hand, which had information about the surroundings, moved.

No matter how great a defensive wall is, there must be a limit to its durability.

He was thinking of breaking Herio's defenses with the firepower possessed by the magic of flames.

"[Ice Arrow]!"

Peeing!

An arrow of ice was ejected from Reiger's right hand.

Herio didn't blink an eye even though he saw the arrows flying towards him.

The arrow that was flying towards Herio gradually lowered its height and collided with the floor in front of Herio's feet.

blatantly. The area around him hit by the arrow froze in an instant.

Herio's feet stopped at the obstacle that appeared in front of him.

"Looks like you're going to tie up your feet."

"[Fire Arrow]!"

Once again, an arrow of flame was fired.

The blazing arrow fired from Reiger's hand was bigger and more intense than before.

Wow!

Herio's defense wall, which collided with the flame, shook.

The fire, which had not been extinguished, spread to the surroundings, setting the floor of the break room on fire.

But Reagan's attack didn't stop there.

"[Fire Arrow], [Fire Arrow]!"

Two smaller arrows than before.

Reagan fired the arrows of the flames that were ignited quickly.

bang! Wow!

Immediately after the small sparks bloomed, a large spark followed.

The flame engulfed another flame and exploded.

Herio's defense wall was shaken by a chain explosion that spread bigger than before.

Seeing the swaying defense wall, Reiger smiled broadly.

"Will the defense I was proud of will be useless soon?"

"If it goes like this, even if I wait for the rest of my life, it won't be scratched."

"… … what?"

However, Herio only boldly accepted Reiger's words.

Reagan looked at Herio in disbelief.

The only thing that caught Reagan's eyes was Herio's helmet, the invisible face.

The eyes behind the helmet were full of confidence.

"The barrier continues to regenerate. As long as my magic lasts."

"Hey, where is that… … . It's a scam!"

"There is no shock from the heat."

"Dirty raster dog, he's been rubbing money all over the place!"

"Money is what it is. Those who have it rule over those who do not."

shudder. Herio raised the sword he was wearing.

And pointed the tip of the sword towards Reagan.

A pure white electric current flowed, and Herio's sword began to shine.

Beyond the visor that covers the eyes.

Herio's eyes were bright blue.

"That is why those who have have to protect those who have not."

"Stop the bullshit!"

"I learned it as chivalry. A scumbag sucking other people's blood."

After the sermon, Herio pulled the trigger attached to the sword.

Aaaaaaaaaaah!

A streak of deep blue flashes exploded with a roaring sound.

Scorched marks were made along the trajectory of the lightning strike.

Herio's lightning strike, which spread out in an instant, pierced through Reagan, who was staring at him.

"Kuh uh uh… … !"

breakage. A spark erupted from Herio's sword that blew the blow.

Herio lowered the sword he was holding and looked at Reagan who had been attacked by him.

Ten steps from where he stood.

Reagan rolled his eyes and fell to the floor.

It was a blow whose power was adjusted so as not to die.

Reagan's breath was still attached, though weakly.

"I'm more concerned about the after-treatment."

Herio's eyes scanned the ruined break room.

flame and soot.

A sprinkler started spraying water over it.

* * * * * *

"Are you back, Herio?"

The top floor of Lesser Industries.

Bell Viertin, the branch manager of Lessert, looked at the wide open door of the office.

Beyond the open door was her faithful servant.

Herio entered the office and greeted Belle, tidying up his messy hair.

"I'm here, miss."

"Did things go well?"

"We have dealt with one of the guys involved."

Bell smiled at Herio's words.

As far as she knows, Herio Nightline is a man who gets his job done thoroughly.

The fact that he answered vaguely in such a way meant that the work had not been completed yet.

Bell asked Herio with a slightly excited voice.

"Isn't it all resolved yet?"

"I have referred the Red Flame Knight Litrus to the roundtable with this case."

"The Red Flame Knight… Aren't you a member of the round table?"

"We worked hand in hand with a doctor to take the blood of the members. It seems that there was a wanted criminal behind the scenes."

Bell clenched his chin with one arm and looked at Herio.

It looked like he was sweating a little, but his head was damaged, and nothing else had changed.

The wounds from the battle were nowhere to be seen.

"I see. Doesn't it look like the love of the Red Knights hasn't come to an end yet?"

"When you listen to the lady, you seem to be expecting something."

"It's exactly what you expect."

nod.

Herio's eyes widened at the heavy acceptance.

"You mean me and the Red Flame Knight fighting?"

"The one you have. All of the cutting-edge technology has been put into it, right?"

Belle's finger pointed at Herio's bag.

electronic armor. It was a masterpiece of Lessert designed by Wilson Eldair.

It was also a trademark of Herio, the flash knight.

Herio raised his bag and protested Belle's words.

"When it was first completed, I clearly remember that he expressed a lot of dissatisfaction."

"It was a design issue and a reputation issue. Because I didn't know Wilson was that kind of person."

I have no sense

Bell didn't forget to add one more word.

Whoa. Herio let out a light sigh and said to Bell.

"Wilson… To be honest, I'm not someone who would be in that position yet."

"I know. I mean, he's amazing."

"Then why are you leaving me alone?"

"You wanted it. It's more free."

"You say you have no desire to get a promotion?"

"The salary has already been raised enough. And being like this now makes it easier to take with me when I go back to the Islands."

If Bell had said this, Herio had no choice but to agree.

In order for Bell's competence to be recognized by the people of the Byertin family, a decent track record was required.

In Herio's opinion, Wilson Eldair was a necessary figure for that.

What his master, Bell, wanted was a secure heir position.

"Is that so."

"Anyway, moving on to the first, what's the matter with the most wanted person entangled?"

"The ghost corps has bought some of its members."

"If it's a ghost corps, who will become invisible? It was the 7th, wasn't it?"

"This is the story I heard from the Dark Merchant. I think we will find out more about the traitor we captured this time by interrogating him."

Hearing Herio's story, Bell pondered.

Super Wanted.

The security guards had a huge bounty on them, and they all had tricky magic.

It required enormous manpower and cost to catch one.

Even so, the calculation of profit and loss when caught is not correct.

This background existed in their close proximity to neglect for a while.

"Herio."

"Yes, lady."

"Are you planning on going to subjugation?"

"… … If a subjugation schedule is set, I will be absent for a while."

Herio that Bell knew was such a person.

A person who stands for what he believes is right, even though he knows he will lose.

Since the incident shook the whole Nighttail, even at the level of the Knights Templar, there was no choice but to prepare for punishment.

hmmm. Bell made a small noise and pondered for a moment, then came to a conclusion.

She looked at the loyal knight in front of her.

"great. I'll support you at the résert as well."

"… … yes?"

"This subjugation. He said he would also support him in the résert."

"miss."

"Instead, you should come back without getting hurt."

Lesser Industries is one of the Knights of Nighttail sponsors.

There was no major problem in supporting subjugation even nominally.

Besides, if Lessert was involved, Bell himself could quietly intervene.

What would it look like for Herio to fight at the forefront?

Bell turned into a playful face, imagining Herio in armor.

Research Center in Area 16.

The commander of the Ghost Corps, Rex O'Brien, read the document in front of him with a stiff face.

The document in his hand had been received from an information merchant on the Cross Network.

Drunk Jackson. As far as the commander knows, he was one of the most reliable intelligence traders.

Upon receiving Jackson's telegram, the commander kicked his tongue and turned the swivel chair back.

As he sat cross-legged, the scenery of District 16 was coming into his sight.

"I thought he was a useful guy, but in the end it was just a waste of money."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"It seems that the Knights of Nighttail are gathering troops to subdue the Legion."

"Nighttail… … ?"

The commander's gaze glanced at the lieutenant for a moment, then returned back to the window.

The content of the document Jackson sent was nothing short of bad news for the Ghost Corps.

The Knights of Nighttail are preparing for a large-scale subjugation.

Also to catch the ghost corps in Area 16.

The Knights of Nighttail are among the top fighting forces in the city.

Even if the ghost corps made a name for themselves as most wanted criminals, it was impossible to receive Nighttail's offensive from the front.

In the worst case, you might have to leave the entire base in Area 16 and leave.

"Besides, why is this woman interfering… … !"

The commander's gaze turned to the name written at the bottom of the document.

Bell Byatin. He was the branch manager who led the city branch of Lesser Industries.

She was the daughter of Vixx Viertin, the president of Lesser Industries, and was also a member of the 12 families that led the empire.

Then she and Lessert Industries promised to support Nighttail's subjugation.

Materials and equipment for subjugation. Support from Lesser Industries will come from both sides.

Even so, the Knights of Nighttail, who had only the elite, were coming with the highest level of equipment.

As for the armaments that the corps is equipped with right now, most of them are equipped with only an assortment of equipment in the black market.

What will happen if the two forces clash in this state?

The commander thought that although he could inflict some damage on the subjugation team, he would not be able to avoid defeat in the end.

"Tt… … ."

Knights of Nighttail.

and Lesser Industries.

How can we avoid conflict with the two forces?

The commander glared at the window, pondering.

factory. field. logistics warehouse. shantytown.

Everything the Legion had built shimmered before his eyes.

Since Rex O'Brien moved under the commander's name, this town has always been his sanctuary.

He still wasn't ready to leave this place.

"Okay, I decided. Tom."

"Yes, Commander."

"Check out Belle Viertin's schedule through Jackson."

for this. eye for eye.

It was the only way to survive in the world of weak meat eating.

Having concluded his plans for the future, the commander ordered an investigation into the branch manager of Lessert.

Move from this side first. And tie the feet of the entire Knighttail Knights.

That was the gist of the plan that popped into the commander's mind.

"All right."

"The Flash Knight… You should give the guy who planned this operation an unforgettable shot."

As far as he knows, it was Herio Nightline, the Light Knight of Nighttail who directed this operation.

In order to plan the subjugation operation, Herio will have no choice but to visit Nighttail's headquarters.

The commander was planning to take advantage of that opportunity to do something.

An invisible sword and an immovable shield.

Which of the two will be able to achieve their goals?

The commander smiled and took off the mask he was wearing.

"You will definitely regret it."

Beyond the thick glass window that reflects the scenery outside.

A boy who was passing through a field several hundred meters away from the building stopped at his seat.

The boy looked around while standing in his seat, then looked in the direction of the commander.

It was the moment when the eyes of the commander who was looking out the window met.

* * * * * *

On the way back to the office after finishing business at the black market.

As I went up the stairs with Sinel holding a chicken skewer, I had a cell phone connected to a call in my hand.

The person on the phone is Brian Rail.

As one of the assistants independent of Lehman's office, he was a small information dealer who has been my information channel until now.

"… … What did you just say?"

As usual, I would have called him and told him what was going on.

However, today's call was different from usual.

It's that Brian called me first.

He's just called me, saying he has urgent news.

Of course, the content of the call was also unusual.

- "The Valiant is annihilated."

"Is the Valiant annihilated?"

The Valiant was annihilated.

Unbelievable, I had to ask Brian.

The Valiant is the most famous criminal organization in District 13.

It was by no means small.

Such a Valiant suddenly annihilated.

It was not a story I could understand once I heard it.

- "This is definitive information. We came to the site for verification and checked it out."

"Where is the scene? Were there any struggles between organizations?"

- "Velient's hideout."

It was I who saved the Valiant from the crisis of dissolution.

By catching the 'iron armor' who received the murder contract, he made Mr. Trillo escape from the fate of death.

It was very absurd news to hear now.

Who the hell did that in the first place?

As I listened quietly, Brian continued the story.

- "Everyone is dead, including Mr. Trilo."

"Do you know who did it?"

- "Nothing has been revealed. The only clue that remains is the fact that the cut is too clean."

"Is the cut surface clean?"

- "Even the building was cut cleanly."

"… … under."

I don't feel very good.

The excessively clean cut surface is a characteristic of space-type magic.

And within the War City, there were only two people famous for their space-based magic.

One is Usher Hayes, a human butcher from the Security Guard.

The other is the lame Bruno.

These two were the only suspects that could be deduced from the amputation right now.

"The worst thing I can't imagine has come."

squeaky.

I opened the door to the office with a hand that didn't hold my phone and went inside.

It seems that the swordsman had not returned yet, and the office was empty.

- "Is this clue helpful?"

"okay."

Considering that Usher is hanging out with Nai, it didn't make sense for Usher to slaughter the entire Valiant.

Then it sounds like the other one has moved, but the problem was that one was too dangerous.

In this world, beyond the 6th circle called the Archmage, there is a realm of magic.

7 circles. There are only two wizards in the city who have reached that level.

Heir to the Order- Abel Terdos.

And the lame- Bruno Retriere.

Of course, the culprit is the latter.

The latter, Lame, was a person who climbed into the 7th circle with his own strength, unlike the successor who used a shortcut.

- "Do you have any guesses?"

"The investigation was just that. It's dangerous, so back away."

- "What's going on?"

"The more you dig into it, the more annoying it will be. So… … ."

Bruno Retrier is a crazy human being.

At the same time, he was also a dangerous person.

It was good to keep as much distance as possible from the whole group, if not possible, from the crippled Bruno.

Besides, Brian didn't have the strength to handle the lameness.

As I was about to warn Brian, knowing the danger, an unfamiliar voice interrupted our conversation.

"Is this where a friend called the Dark Merchant is?"

A heavy male voice resounded in the office.

I lifted my head and looked at the object making the voice.

An old fedora hat pressed over the head.

An antique cane that supports the body.

Finally, an awkward gait.

Despite the fact that it was the first time they had met, the characteristics of the other person were too familiar.

Seeing a middle-aged man who had come to the office, Sinel opened his mouth.

"president. A guest has arrived."

"...."

"president?"

Guessing the person's identity, I looked at him without saying anything.

It feels like your body is frozen just by seeing it.

Something different from the Archmage's Pressure.

Instinct. It was an extreme fear that stimulated the survival instinct of living things.

Faced with an incomprehensible being, the body was screaming.

thud. thud. thud. thud.

Facing the crippled Bruno, his heart began to beat wildly.

Even so, Bruno, who was putting pressure on him, smiled as if nothing had happened.

"It's nice to see you after a long time."

"Are you acquainted with the boss?"

"Of course you know. Because I introduced him to a useful fence."

I forcibly opened my mouth that couldn't open.

after. A sound like a sigh leaks out.

It cannot move freely even though it is its own body.

I tried to convey a voice that didn't come out as much as possible, while trying to ignore the awkward movement.

Because there was something I had to say right now.

"――Sinel."

"Yes, sir."

"Run away."

"――Sinel."

"Yes, sir."

"Run away."

"...?"

A word that came out instinctively.

The moment Sinel tilted his head, not understanding him, Bruno laughed out loud.

big and hot

The sound of maddened laughter, far from being polite, echoed through the office.

Bruno laughed to his heart's content and said, raising his wand.

"This is one, you were a fun friend."

I could feel it from the moment our eyes met.

Emotions flowing from the man in front of him.

It was murderous.

"Run quickly! There is no time!"

Kugugugung-.

The ceiling of the building began to fall with a loud noise.

A terrifying roar that shakes the ears.

A huge vibration was transmitted to the entire collapsing building.

"You seem to know me well."

There is one reason why a building that used to be in good shape suddenly collapsed.

The lame man in front of him was doing something.

Perhaps some of the pillars of the building were displaced.

Because he was a master at this kind of thing.

No matter how the building was made this way, we had to get out of this place right now.

"[Haste]."

Perhaps it was only then that he felt the seriousness of it, and Sinel began to move using magic.

Did one more circle increase while we didn't meet?

The movement of Sinel, who activated Haste, was much faster than before.

thud. The aftermath of the heavy collision was transmitted through the abdomen.

Sinel, who slammed into my body as I stood up, rushed forward.

It wasn't difficult to figure out what she was moving for.

- "I'm going out the window."

The body displaced by the collision collides with the glass window behind it.

Wow! The pain swells in the back of being hit.

However, without a gap to feel it, the glass windows in contact with it cracked and collapsed.

It is an item that replaced an empty window with cheap glass.

There was a limit to sustaining the weight of two people who had collided with all their power.

Fragmented glass was thrown in all directions, and the body lost its support and fell to the ground.

A brief moment of falling immediately following that.

I settled in the bush on the first floor while holding Sinel, who was facing me, strongly.

"Ugh… … ."

The swaying leaves of grass tickled his face buried in the bushes.

With him, a dull pain spreads throughout his body.

I feel like I've been hit with a single blow.

A moan erupted from the pain from the back.

Fortunately, it was because the place that fell off was on the second floor.

Despite all of the shock of the fall being absorbed by the back, there was no problem with movement.

I gritted my teeth and looked at where we were.

"… … president."

"...."

Sinel, who was in her arms, raised her head slightly.

Behind her like that, she could see the scenery of the collapsing building.

Centering on the boundary between the 2nd and 3rd floors, the cut off building began to tilt to the right.

Eventually, the top of the leaning building collided with the building next to it.

Koo-Woong-!

An incomparable crash sound rang out.

A strong wind blew once.

A strong wind swept through her hair, and only a thick layer of dust obscured her vision.

A landscape you can't even see.

A cough naturally erupted from the dust that had entered the lungs.

"Collock, Collock… … ."

"president? Are you okay?"

He forced his body to stand up, which was not listening.

Most wanted criminals are all outside the standard.

And that lame Bruno was one of the most out of the ordinary.

He blew up an entire building by himself.

A monster in human disguise.

It was like that before he was resurrected, but after he was resurrected, his mind itself was unstable.

I had to move quickly before pursuing this side.

"ha… … . During this time, we have to move."

"I know."

I got up from my seat and Sinel supported me.

If possible, it would be good to carry me while using magic, but it would be unreasonable to expect that far.

The only thing that Shinell's magic changes is time.

Everything else you have to carry on your own.

tap. ride up

I ran forward through the dust that had obscured my vision.

In his right hand, which was running forward, he was holding Shinel's hand.

- "Right side."

It's a road I've been to many times.

I could think of any road around me.

I squeezed as much energy as I could and ran forward.

I walked around the tangled alleys and moved my feet as fast as possible.

By the time I went around the alley a few times like that.

I felt a strong chuckle and looked back.

"Could you have gone a little faster?"

A familiar face popped out of the dust.

The owner of the face was, of course, the lame Bruno.

The man who knocked down the building was chasing us.

I thought it wouldn't be easy to follow because my vision was obscured, but I guess I was wrong.

Bruno stopped in front of us with an awkward gait with a cane.

"It looks like you can see well."

"If you look at it from a place with a good view, you can see it well. Would you like to take a look at the scenery too? I can only send my head over the building."

"… … Unfortunately, I am already too young to die."

"That didn't work. The scenery was pretty good over there."

There was no way I could have followed after that slow gait.

It must have been that he had used a teleport to confirm his position from high altitude.

Bruno's Mass Teleport is triggered without warning.

The upper and lower body can be separated in the blink of an eye.

Only Usher Hayes, who had a keen sense of magic, could face him.

It was really the worst.

- "president. I'll go in first."

Sinel looked away, caressing the dagger in his arms.

I was thinking of going against Bruno.

But I hurriedly stopped her.

Fighting the lame wasn't a very good idea.

- "Do not provoke."

"… … president?"

- "I'll take a look and give you a signal. Let's see a way to escape back."

Why the fear of the lame Bruno is rampant throughout this twisted city.

That's because he's such an absurd being.

Most of the functions of the security guard are now paralyzed because of the lame Bruno.

Forty percent of the security forces who went out to kill Bruno Retrier were killed.

Of those who survived, 30% suffered non-recoverable injuries.

Eight mithril bullets were used in one operation alone.

The security forces at that time suffered a devastating blow and organized the 7th Special Task Force to take advantage of criminals.

The lame Bruno was the city's nightmare.

"I think I know what you are thinking."

Bruno smiled and took another step.

The tip of the cane that supported his weight shook.

It looked as if it was about to collapse at any moment.

"Are you going to try mind-reading?"

"It looks like you are writing mind-reading. It's just what we call age."

"So, how do you feel about that age?"

Bruno's eyes began to scan the surroundings.

building. road. Sinel. and me.

The eyes that had been illuminating something one after another stopped in one place.

His gaze was directed to the buildings behind him.

Having reached his conclusion, Bruno raised his unsteady hand.

"It looks like he will run away."

"...."

"[Spell Overlord: Mass Teleport]."

Bruno's hand skimmed through the air.

Seeing this, I immediately pulled the shinel and lowered my posture.

The trajectory created by his hands became the boundary dividing the space.

Jiying--.

A high-density magical energy swirled, and a noise penetrated my ears.

For the first time in my life, it was the sound of space warping.

The line drawn in the air became a surface of a huge area, and immediately after that, dust rose again.

Immediately after Bruno's magic passed through, the surrounding area became an abyss.

"Ahhhhh!!"

"The building is collapsing… … ?"

"… … I, what is that?"

Screams echoed everywhere.

People inside the cut-out building ran out screaming.

The road that could be a way out was blocked by the collapse of the top of the building, and all that was left was the thickly piled tomb of the building.

Bruno stood in the way and blocked the escape route.

I can't run away anymore

Either he ended up here quietly, or he faced Bruno himself.

There were only these two options given.

"… … It's very extreme."

"Isn't it cool to burst out strong at once?"

"Well. I don't have that kind of ability, so I don't know."

He stroked the bullets in his pocket.

executioner. It is a special bullet received from the successor.

If I use this, will I be able to catch the lame in front of me?

For a moment, such hesitation flashed through my mind.

But he quickly put aside that thought and let go of the hand holding the executioner.

This bullet cannot be used against a group.

In the first place, it was foolish to think that it would be suitable for an opponent who used teleport.

Combating the lame had to be done purely on their own.

- "Sinel."

- "yes."

- "I will take the lead."

I made a decision in my mind.

And it was the moment when he was about to put his hand in to get the gun out of his arms.

In the middle of a noisy battlefield.

Even in the midst of it, there was a voice clearly piercing his ears.

A familiar yet gentle voice resounded around him.

"Swordsmanship- One Island."

Between me and Bruno in the alleyway.

The wind blew and a line was formed.

A clear line engraved across us, like a boundary that must not be crossed.

It was a sword strike.

"Swordsmanship- One Island."

Between me and Bruno in the alleyway.

The wind blew and a line was formed.

A clear line engraved across us, like a boundary that must not be crossed.

It was a sword strike.

"… … Who is it?"

Bruno raised his head at the blow that interrupted him.

His golden eyes, which were difficult to live in, turned to the direction the voice was coming from.

Following Bruno's gaze and turning his head, there were golden eyes looking down from the roof of the building.

swordsmanship. She looked at Bruno, holding her sword.

"He was still alive. I'm glad."

"...."

Faced with the sword, Bruno's face hardened.

That's natural.

Sword Saint Yuel is the blood of Bruno Retrier.

Early in the process of repairing the sword of the swordsman, I confirmed the relationship between her and the lame Bruno.

But that's all I know.

I didn't know the details of what had happened between the two of them.

As I watched, wondering if the relationship between the sword and Bruno might be good, the swordsman who grabbed the handle looked at Bruno and said:

"So I can kill you with my own hands."

What came out of her mouth was a rather shocking story.

Declaration of war against his father, Bruno Retrier.

Putting aside the fact that he was a magician of the 7th circle and his notoriety, it was not normal for him to fight his father.

Either way, it didn't seem like the two of them got along well.

Rather, it was a swordsman with an attitude as if he was about to attack with a sword at any moment.

Seeing such a sword, Bruno sighed.

"… … U.L. Are you still claiming to be a swordsman?"

Why is the swordsman calling himself the name of the swordsman?

He seemed to know the details of the reason.

However, the swordsman only looked at Bruno with a cold smile.

"yes. That's sure revenge on you, isn't it?"

"I can't see it as revenge. What is the meaning of impersonating the dead?"

"I decide the meaning."

Bruno's gaze left UL.

A quiet gaze without emotion.

The eyes that lost their will moved several times.

He looked at me and then stared beyond it.

It didn't look like a glance that meant anything.

It was simply putting the things around him sequentially.

- "Also… I don't know yet."

After wandering for a while, Bruno's gaze turned to the sword again.

Have you decided on something?

He spoke to the swordsman who was looking down at him while holding the staff he was holding strong.

"I was excited. Let me go back today."

When Bruno finished speaking, he pressed on the fedora hat he was holding.

tuk. Bruno's wand hit the floor.

Fortunately, there seemed to be no intention of finishing it.

However, the swordsman questioned him in a furious voice, whether he could not have left Bruno quietly like that.

"stop. Where are you going?"

"To tell you one thing, it is still too early to kill me."

After speaking, Bruno disappeared.

It wasn't about running fast or hiding somewhere.

Bruno literally disappeared in an instant.

It was a movement using his magic teleport.

"I told you to stop—!"

The shout of the swordsman who jumped down echoed.

A strong wind blew in all directions, and the sword fell to the floor without any damage.

However, the figure of Bruno was not reflected in the eyes of the swordsman who landed on the floor.

Space-based magic leaves no trace of movement.

Only then will you be able to follow.

Even if I follow you, nothing will change.

"Give up. There is no point in pursuing it now."

We can never beat the crippled Bruno.

It wasn't time to fight yet.

Even if the swordsman sincerely wished for it, it was necessary to distinguish the time and place.

Was it not possible to break the stubbornness of the swordsman with a single word like that?

She came to me with a look full of anger.

"I… I am a swordsman!"

"Know."

"So, you have to do that duty!"

"Is the sword's duty to kill the lame Bruno?"

what is swordsmanship

No matter how much she claims about it, I don't know the details.

So I can't fully understand what she wants.

He only knows that there is a complicated relationship between them.

former swordsman. And Bruno Retriere.

The bad relationship between the two is probably the true essence of the sword she has been pursuing so much.

"right. So… … ."

The novel I read, War City, does not reflect all aspects of the characters.

To know is only to read.

What I didn't know was still something I didn't know.

"Then bury it now."

"what… … ?"

"I told you to bury it."

"Because you know how I feel—"

Still, there was one thing I knew about her.

It was the fact that the eyes of the angry swordsman began to turn red.

furious eyes. And my palms started to tremble.

I couldn't stand still watching it.

"――Percival?"

"I don't know that either."

So he embraced the sword.

I buried her head in my chest and covered her red eyes from view.

I am not a swordsman And not even UL.

I can't even empathize with her sudden boiling emotion.

I just wanted to hide the crying face.

That was the best care I could give.

"But, but I… … !"

"There must be a lot of hidden stories. I understand."

"You know why?"

Ilgal mixed with faint cries.

The emotions that began to seep out shook the atmosphere.

Suddenly, the heavy air weighed heavily on his body.

I don't think it's just an illusion.

Because her magic was to change the flow of the wind.

"Our contract is for one year."

"That's what it is."

"As long as the contract lasts, you are mine."

"...."

It's not a slavery contract, and there's no such function.

Besides, I also wanted to slap Bruno for destroying the office right away.

This was just an excuse.

The fact that it doesn't make sense is also known to the swordsman.

I simply wanted to convey a word to her.

"And until the contract ends, I have no intention of losing you."

"you… … ."

A word from the heart.

Hearing my words, the swordsman lost his words for a moment.

In the noisy city, the silence between the two of them came.

They only convey each other's feelings.

pounding. pounding.

The beating of the heart spread through the skin touching the skin.

The sound came, followed by waves of emotion.

The magic that connects emotions in the silence revealed itself.

"You can catch a Bruno retriever even if it's not now."

"… … yes."

"I will make you a true swordsman."

The trembling from his fingertips subsided little by little.

The rough breathing subsided, and the groan that resounded in his chest became still.

Has it calmed down a bit now?

The swordsman pushed me slightly and raised his head.

The slightly swollen golden eyes stared at me.

It was after the clothes he was wearing got wet with the tears of the swordsman, but he still felt refreshed.

"… … It's a story that will go out of your mind."

"Does not matter. It's a crazy city anyway, so going a little crazy shouldn't be a problem."

"Is that so?"

"That's it."

After one stupid question and answer, the swordsman moved his sleeve and wiped his eyes.

There was a faint smile on her lips.

He suddenly got angry, burst into tears, and then smiled again.

It reminds me of the proverb that you shouldn't laugh while crying.

The human mind is difficult to understand.

Gumseong looked at my wet chest and spoke in a low voice.

"I showed the boss an ugly side."

"Okay. The laundry fee can be deducted from the monthly salary."

"...."

"It's a joke. Don't worry about it."

Perhaps it sounded like a joke, the swordsman's face hardened for a while.

Is it because they gave me a lower salary in the name of repair cost?

When it comes to money, it was a swordsman who was sensitive.

She let out a short sigh and looked at me.

"Does Percival think I'm going to die?"

"If fighting the lame is a prerequisite."

"I see."

"Don't be too discouraged. One day the opportunity will come."

"yes."

"By the way, where did Shinel go?"

I patted the sword on the shoulder and turned my head to look for Sinel.

While I calm down the swordsman.

Sinel had completely disappeared from its original place.

It wasn't a place where many stories came and went, but it was sure to eat up a lot of time.

When I looked around my head to find the missing Sinel, the swordsman pointed his finger behind me and said.

"It's over there."

I looked in the direction the swordsman's finger was pointing.

Beyond turning your head.

Sinel was approaching from a wide distance.

The appearance of Sinel approaching us was a little different from before.

A metal box was in Shinel's arms with a blackbird on his head.

"… … What is it?"

I said looking at the box in Sinel's arms.

The box had a silvery white luster.

It was something that looked familiar.

And perhaps my prediction was not wrong, I handed the box that Sinel was holding to me.

"It's the boss' safe."

"Good job."

He seemed to be holding the safe with the back side facing him.

well done well done

I stroked Sinel's hair violently.

Swordsmanship was important, but the money earned was also important.

"I met you sooner than I thought. Dark Merchant."

Those were the first words I heard from Usher whom I met again.

I lifted my head and looked at Usher beyond Nei.

A small room located in the security guard.

In the room made for secret stories, I was facing Nei and the others.

There is one reason why I was brought into this room with the security forces.

Because someone had to tell them why the buildings around the office were destroyed.

"You never know where life is going."

"You're telling a pretty philosophical story."

"The story I'm going to tell you today is of an unexpected kind."

As Usher said, the reunion was earlier than expected.

It has been a while since Nei noticed the deal with Abel Terdos and left the threat.

But it's like we'll see each other again soon.

It was only natural that they felt awkward with each other.

Especially in the case of Nei herself, she kept her mouth shut.

Normally, it is difficult to meet face to face.

Still, she had no choice but to meet me.

That's because she was given the title of an investigator.

"I don't know who it was, but it was splendidly spread out. It must not be a simple story."

"That's why I asked you to talk quietly separately."

"I understand this too. Didn't you also listen to your convenience?"

"By the way… Actually, the investigator is exceptionally quiet today."

The police investigator is Ney Terdos, not Usher Hayes.

Usher was only her assistant.

I looked at Nei, who was sitting still.

She was looking at me half-dazed.

There were a lot of things he wanted to say, but he looked like it was difficult to get out of it.

Obviously you will be disappointed They left in a riot as if they would never see each other again.

"… … I am listening."

"I'm glad you're listening."

I smiled and returned the answer to her.

Nei clenched her teeth and looked at me, then sighed and fiddled with the desk.

It would be very annoying for me to make fun of you.

But there was nothing she could do.

Because the current Nei was not a young lady from an aristocratic family, but an investigator belonging to the security force.

Even if he tries to abuse the magistrate's authority, Abel, who is above him, will be concerned.

Eventually, she resigned and asked me about the incident.

"after… … . So, what happened?"

"A lame has appeared."

"… … what? What did you just say?"

limp. Nei's face hardened when he heard that name.

Nei wasn't the only one surprised.

Usher's complexion, standing behind Nei, also darkened.

Nei has checked the truth once again to see if she couldn't believe what I said.

"Tell me again. The crippled Bruno is back."

"limp… Bruno."

"okay."

The name of lame Bruno was never taken lightly.

His deeds themselves draw the history of the city, and he is a character who becomes the dark side of the city just by being there.

Even if the immediate influence of the security forces was reduced, wouldn't it be the aftermath of the Bruno subjugation operation?

Anyone who belonged to the city could not but put a crane on its name.

It was even more so if the person hearing this news was a security guard.

Was it hard to believe the truth I was telling you?

Usher, behind Nei, questioned my story.

"He must have been dead."

"No, he's alive."

"Yes?"

It wasn't me who answered Usher.

Nei shook her head, denying Usher's words.

You must have already been aware of the resurrection of the lame within the security forces.

It was a somewhat surprising story.

Because Usher in the War City didn't even know he was alive until the battle with the lame.

"The lame Bruno is alive. Even after the subjugation operation, his tracks were discovered several times."

"But why doesn't everyone know?"

"Because the activities after the subjugation operation were treated as confidential by the security forces."

"… … Is it confidential? If that's the case, then you don't even know."

It was only natural that Usher did not know about information that was treated as confidential even by the security forces.

Even though he belongs to the police force, he is a heinous criminal.

Confidential information could not be easily communicated to the hunter Usher.

If it hadn't happened today, Usher would have come to know about this later.

It was as if I had intervened in the work and twisted the case.

"Then did he do all the damage in the area?"

"okay. Everything was smashed by the boy's hand. It seems that the Valiant in Area 11 also fell at the hands of the lame."

"Valient… I see You did a better job than I expected. After the subjugation operation, it seemed that they were trying to move as quietly as possible."

"What will the police do? Are you going to catch the lame?"

Due to the previous subjugation, the size of the security force was cut to pieces.

There will be no strength to go on subjugation again.

Besides, Usher was the only one who could deal with the lame even in the city.

There was no opponent who could stop the lame until the subjugation squad was formed centered on Usher.

And it was later, not now.

Nei grabbed a piece of paper and thought about it for a while, then turned into a serious look and opened her mouth.

"No way. I know you are an information merchant, but what happened today should be kept quiet for the time being."

"… … If you want, I will, but is there a reason?"

"Today I'm going to declare it as the work of the tomb robber Tedius."

"The robber Tedius? no way… … ."

"You can't tell the truth that the lame is alive. If you do, the world will be in chaos. It's a pseudonym I made for that."

Second-degree wanted criminal, robber Tedius.

When I heard the name, I laughed out loud.

It's a familiar name.

And it was a name that we almost met someday.

"If that's the case, then make sure you keep quiet."

If I did it wrong, I might have died sooner.

I have decided to be satisfied with my past choices.

It was a lucky day. on its own.

* * * * * *

"It's been a long time since I've hired someone else."

The house of the sword castle located in District 7.

The office collapsed, and Sinel and I decided to temporarily owe the swordsman one night.

It was possible because the swordsman readily allowed it.

Sinell offered a temporary shelter, which he had just found at the black market, but it wasn't a place to be used that way.

I put my things I had brought from the office down on the floor and looked around.

"The house looks pretty spacious. Are you living alone?"

"It wasn't before, but now it is. First of all, it's an inherited house."

The house of the swordsman was very spacious even to the naked eye.

It was too big for a swordsman to live alone.

However, if it was an inherited house, it was understandable that it was this size.

I don't know how much money the swordsman has.

But the crippled Bruno must not have run out of money.

The size of the house that Bruno bought was understandable considering that the swordsman had inherited it.

"Can I leave my luggage in the living room?"

"I said I was leaving tomorrow. It doesn't matter though."

"Then let me take care of you today."

"As long as you stay, it's okay to live like your own home."

"yes. I will live like my own home."

The gaze of me and the swordsman naturally returned to Sinel.

It wasn't a great reason.

Despite the plausible answer, he just felt like he was actually in his own home.

But Sinel was playing with the blackbird, not paying attention to our gaze.

Seeing the black eye in Sinel's hand, I asked the swordsman.

"But does it matter if a cat comes in?"

"it's okay. I used to have a dog."

Have you tried raising a puppy?

It seems to be an animal that goes well with swordsmanship.

Seeing that he is not here right now, it seems that something has gone wrong in the middle.

"Puppy. He must have died of old age."

"no. He left the house five years ago and hasn't come back."

It's a casual look for the loss of the puppy he was raising.

Could it be that I didn't have a love for dogs than I thought?

Haha, my father, Bruno, left the house, but I wonder if the dog will come into my eyes.

This time, I asked about the whereabouts of the dog.

"… … Haven't you tried to find it?"

"The dog detective just took a commission and ran away."

"ah."

"After that, I just forgot about it. They must be happy somewhere."

Unknowingly, I nodded my head at the overly sword-like story.

From what I heard, it was only a tragedy from one to ten.

It's sad, and in a way, it's also sad.

With a sigh in my mind, I finished organizing all the luggage I was carrying.

Since I didn't bring much luggage, it didn't take long to clean up.

"It must be a little uncomfortable because there are a lot of people."

"Neither is it. This is good enough."

"Thank you for your consideration. I can't cause any more trouble, so I'll sleep in the living room."

Perhaps because it was a space where the family lived, the living room was larger than expected, even including the table.

Also, the sofa in the living room looked soft.

You will definitely be able to sleep more comfortably than an extra bed in the office.

When I declared that I was going to spend the night in the living room with that thought in mind, Sinel also joined the living room group with me.

"I'll sleep in the living room too."

"uh… Then I'll sleep in the living room."

"...?"

Then who will use the bed?

It didn't take long to sort out the situation for sleeping.

Because it was quickly concluded that everyone was sleeping in the bed together.

Leaving the bed alone to sleep in the living room is not a strange situation for anyone.

It was a reasonable solution for everyone to sleep in the same bed.

After making conclusions about sleeping.

Each of them washed their body or brushed their teeth, getting ready to sleep.

It had been an hour since then that everyone had finished their to-dos and gathered in bed.

"Isn't it a little narrow?"

A bed with three people lying side by side.

Geomseong, lying on my right side in pajamas, said.

If you think about it, it's the first time you've seen a swordsman wearing pajamas.

Since I never slept with her, it was natural in a way.

The swordsman's attire was usually dark attire.

When you feel the freshness of the swordsman's clothes for the first time, Sinel, who was on the other side, clings to his arm and said.

"I will sacrifice."

"… … Is that a sacrifice?"

"yes."

"Isn't it just to satisfy self-interest?"

"no."

Sinel, who was on the left, was also wearing pajamas he had never seen before, perhaps borrowing a pajama from the sword castle.

But maybe it's because the size of the clothes he usually wears is different from the sword.

If you look closely, the clothes you're wearing seemed a little small.

"It sure is cramped."

"right?"

There were definitely three people in the bed, so it felt cramped.

First of all, the distance is rather close.

As the three of us chatted, it felt like the breath of the sword and Sinel kept touching.

If you keep going like this, you might kick someone out of bed and kick them out of bed.

Or it lay under me until morning.

"It seems uncomfortable, so I went to the living room… … ."

"No, there is no need for that."

"Right."

When I tried to go outside, feeling uncomfortable, the two of them seemed to resist each other.

Is it possible to become a great boss by enduring such discomfort?

I lowered the upper body that had been half-raised.

The anti-elasticity of the soft bed came from my head.

"Is that so?"

"yes. If it's all over, let's go to sleep."

As I lay down on the bed again, the swordsman moved and turned off the lights in the bedroom.

Then he came back to me and lay down.

I wrapped my arms around Sinel and the sword castle on either side so that no one would accidentally drop them.

I don't know how well this will work.

"good night."

tuk. When the lights went out, Sinel put down the eye patch after saying hello.

The darkened bedroom becomes quiet.

The silence that came in an instant.

Only the sound of human breathing could be heard.

fresh root. fresh root.

The sound coming from the left was Sinel's.

"...."

Sinel, who wore the eye patch, fell asleep quickly.

After running away against Bruno for a while, it seems that he was quite tired.

I was also quite tired.

Overcoming the crisis of death against the monster.

Even if the recoil released from tension came late, it was not strange at all.

"You know, Percival."

"… … What's going on?"

As I was about to fall asleep in the wake of the drowsiness, I heard a low voice from the right.

It was the voice of a swordsman whose eyes were still open.

tock. tock.

The slender fingers of the swordsman tapped my hand briefly.

"Are you not sleeping yet?"

"okay."

"What happened this afternoon."

"You mean Bruno's work?"

At the words of the swordsman, I immediately moved my head.

Right in front of you when you turn your head.

The swordsman's face came close to his nose.

A location that can be reached if you move a little more.

There, golden eyes that twinkled as if they contained stars stared at me.

"yes."

"UEL, today's work… … ."

While trying to answer the swordsman's words.

The swordsman suddenly brought his mouth to my ear.

spitting distance. Breath that touches your ear.

A small whisper resounded with him.

"――Thank you."

* * * * * *