I Become a Mafia in the Academy 175 - "Toolskey Tokarev of the Old Republic Spy"
On the surface, this gun paled in comparison to the Tommy gun and shotgun I currently used in terms of destructive power and rate of fire. But it had advantages that more than compensated for those shortcomings: silence that let it fire bullets without a sound, and spy-exclusive stealth that evaded any detection.
In a world where subspatial artifacts were advanced enough to detect items even inside subspaces, this was one of the most powerful abilities imaginable.
More importantly...
'The shotgun and Tommy are a bit much to carry around all the time.'
Both guns were bulky and heavy, making them a hassle to tote everywhere. In terms of convenience, they fell short.
But with this, I could carry a firearm while maintaining mobility for the time being. The lack of damage could be offset by loading it with special explosive rounds and channeling more aura into it—no big issue for me.
There was just one odd thing.
Even though the description claimed it was a relic used by a world-famous figure, it didn't name who that was.
But for anyone familiar with the City of Seoul lore, guessing wasn't hard. The legendary Soviet spy who appeared in all sorts of media: Kim Philby.
There was no other spy matching that description in CS. Of course, his real-world exploits differed wildly from his CS counterpart.
"Eugene?"
Maybe because I'd been staring silently at the gun, my father—seated across from me—called my name with a note of concern.
"Ah, sorry. It's just... this gift feels almost too generous. Did you go all the way to Russia to get such a rare item?"
I calmed my excitement over the new weapon, closed the case, and watched the corner of Father's mouth twitch upward ever so slightly.
"It wasn't so much the acquisition—things got a bit tangled in the process. But as you can see, it all worked out in the end. Now, shall we talk about the other gift?"
His smile brimmed with affection as he mentioned preparing yet another present. I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.
"There's a big party in The Hague next week. All the major figures from around the world will be there—think of it as a high-society mixer. How about coming with me?"
Huh?
"A... social... party?"
"Yes, a social party. You've only made your debut on the Korean Peninsula so far. Now that you're officially the heir and have so much to learn, it's about time you showed your face to my acquaintances."
They'll be thrilled, no doubt.
It was only natural to be thrown off by Father's words.
A social party? Fine. New connections could prove useful down the line.
The Hague? Even better. I hadn't left the country since arriving in this world—foreign lands were still a mystery to me.
But...
A social party in The Hague was different.
"Father, does that party have a specific name?"
"A name? Of course. I think it was Walpurgis Night."
"Ah."
My hunch was right.
Once a year, in a random European location: Walpurgis Night, a massive event you could call the underworld's elite gathering.
Father spoke of it lightly, as if it were nothing, but from what I remembered, that gathering was...
The social party where the world's underworld bosses convened.
Yo, I've been grinding this parasite black curtain play hard lately? My faction's growing, rep's up, but these other assholes keep discriminating like crazy. Every time it's "mongrel this" and "amateur that," I'm legit itching to wipe 'em all out, but most have factions as big or bigger than mine, so I can't touch 'em. What do I gotta do to get some respect?
In the community, Walpurgis Night held special meaning too. It meant the character I'd raised had hit world-class status—a true global name.
But it wasn't just about notoriety. They valued methods and image as much.
One guy tried a nuke terror to rush an invite, but ended up with villain association hate and Niflheim villains lining up for "handshakes"—no Walpurgis invite.
And now, I'd received an invitation to that elite circle.
As a first-year, no less.
And through blood ties, at that.
"Is it really okay for me to go?"
"Of course. Who would dare say no when I am inviting my son? You have more than enough qualification—don't worry."
If my father, Eugene Han Calione, were some average villain or mid-tier boss, this would sound absurd.
But who was my father?
The don of the Calione Family, emperor of the underworld, ruling most of the global shadows: Don Vito Calione.
If he said so, it was as good as decided.
"I'm deeply concerned about whether I belong in such an esteemed gathering, but I will attend as a son who won't shame you, Father."
"Haha! Hearing you say that fills me with confidence. Alright, head in and rest well. Talking with you is a joy, but... Jiyoon must miss her father after so long."
His tone shifted to one brimming with warmth, signaling public business was done.
I couldn't help smiling.
"Yes, exactly. Jiyoon's been dying to see you."
According to Alesia, the maids' top question from Jiyoon lately was "When's Daddy coming?" It showed how much she'd missed him.
She'd probably tackle him on sight.
"Then I'll go ahead and prepare."
I bowed to Father and stepped out of the study, where Jiyoon waited, fidgeting her hands and feet.
"Oppa! You done talking with Daddy?"
She must have wanted to rush in but waited patiently outside. Credit to Alesia's training.
A true Calione lady—poised and refined.
Of course.
"Yeah. Daddy said he misses you too—go on in."
"Really? Okay!"
I patted her head gently, and her face lit up with excitement. She dashed to the study door and knocked.
"Daddy~ It's Jiyoon~"
-Come in, then.
"Yay!"
She bolted inside at his reply. Moments later...
-Daddy, your beard tickles!
...Being the family head is tougher than ruling the underworld, huh.
Back in my room, finishing academy assignments as usual, Parnello arrived—still wearing that kindly smile.
"You called for me, Young Master."
"Sorry for the late hour."
"Not at all. I was feeling a bit lonely, so it was a welcome distraction. What is it?"
I hadn't called him for anything major—just to clear up some questions.
"I'm going to Walpurgis Night this time. Figured you'd have tips or good info on what to watch out for."
He was the only one in the organization besides Father and the consigliere invited solely on his own merits.
"You, Young Master? To Walpurgis Night?"
His eyes widened in surprise as he stroked his goatee.
"The Don must have invited you. I'd been meaning to suggest it to him soon—good timing."
So Parnello had planned to nominate me too...
Fast or slow, I'd end up there anyway.
Connections are king, after all.
"I only went to protect the Don, so I don't know the finer details... but there are people you need to be cautious around."
"People to watch out for?"
Let's see—who attended Walpurgis Night around this time?
Invites varied by global events, so I could only guess.
Parnello spoke gravely.
"The guardian of Scotland and pioneer of the dark ages: Macbeth. You must be most wary of him, Young Master."
"...Macbeth?"
I knew of him. A Scot who'd declared independence from the English crown, conquering the area with his forces and men. An international "rebel."
"Why him more than others?"
I'd done quests with him in-game, even talked directly. He seemed like a reasonable "gentleman."
Why warn against him?
"He sees anyone called 'king' worldwide as a rival. To him, you'd be a crown prince."
"Ah."
Now it clicked.
In his battles, he'd flip out if the enemy had a famous figure or leader. That was the reason?
Good to know.
"Even so, he's just a rebel on an island nation. He wouldn't dare rude the Don, so he'll likely target you. Beyond that... no one else comes to mind. At Walpurgis Night, everyone strives for decorum."
Meaning, as proven elites, they respected each other.
Except a few.
"Dress code is as always: attire expressing yourself. No weapons inside the venue. Witches with invites handle teleportation to start the event."
The other details matched what I knew.
"Obviously, you must clearly show you're the Calione heir. After all... you'll be the star of this event."
That helped me decide my approach.
"Got it. Thanks."
I'll try not to cause too much chaos.