Chapter 180
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 180
Chapter Title: Slayer Coast Island (4)
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From Jun's perspective, it was utterly ridiculous that a so-called elite mage had collapsed from mana exhaustion because he couldn't control his own power...
But that wasn't how it looked to the spectators who had watched the duel.
"Did you see that?!"
"Yeah! The ice burst out in a spray, and just when I felt this sudden heat—boom!"
"Is that really a duel between actual mages...?"
"I've seen something like this before. But... it wasn't anywhere near this intense."
"What an incredible match! Worth every step of the journey here!"
The crowd erupted in fervent cheers.
And among them were those who had calmly assessed the situation.
"Isn't the Ranes Mage Tower known as masters of combat magic?"
"I've heard the name Belles before. Apparently, he's a mage who received focused support from the Ranes Mage Tower recently. Rumor has it he was even personally mentored by the tower lord."
"And he took down a mage like that... with nothing but defense?"
"No wonder both princes kept him around..."
"I thought the rumors were exaggerated, but apparently not."
With so much attention pouring in and his comrades watching Jun with shining eyes, it was all happening.
'This is why the talk about the Ranes Mage Tower later isn't just hot air, huh?'
Jun hadn't expected victory to come quite this easily, even if the outcome had been somewhat predictable. The growing spotlight was starting to feel a bit burdensome.
He couldn't predict how they'd spread the word.
'For the future, I need to stay on good terms with the Ranes Mage Tower as much as possible...'
Though Jun did have a general distaste for his fellow mages, it didn't apply to all of them.
Especially not a place like the Ranes Mage Tower, which stood worlds apart from the others—like the difference between a snake and a dragon.
'Well. They might even be relieved that their disciple's body came out unscathed.'
Magic duels inevitably led to mishaps, no matter how safely they were conducted. Ending with mere mana exhaustion could be considered remarkably tame.
'Though in mage circles, mana exhaustion is seen as a blunder only the untalented make.'
Whatever. That was Belles' problem to overcome from here on out.
Jun had no reason to worry about it.
"I had planned to exchange pleasantries and head back, but... it looks like that'll take some time."
The banquet had ended successfully the night before, and the next morning, Dexter summoned Jun.
"Has something come up?"
"Ah, nothing serious. You've probably noticed... Do you remember Viscount Boletic's attitude?"
"Mm. He wasn't exactly welcoming to me and my comrades."
"Indeed. Don't hold it against him too much. He's devoted everything to our Imperial Family."
"I wouldn't dream of it. No need to worry."
In truth, Jun harbored no particular ill will toward Viscount Boletic.
Anyone would bristle when their rice bowl was threatened, and Jun wasn't so lacking in empathy as to ignore the position of a viscount responsible for his entire house.
"In any case... With Count Mordenaen's recent interest focused on you, it seems his reaction has rippled to the other Imperial faction nobles."
"So, you're planning to stay until the raid concludes."
"Spot on."
No matter how loyal the Imperial faction, one couldn't take their devotion lightly.
The goal was to offer words of praise to the returning raiders after the operation ended, showing due respect and reassuring the nobles.
"I understand completely."
"I know how hard you've been working. Make the most of the quiet time and relax."
"Thank you for your consideration."
Stepping out of Dexter's room, Jun let out a light sigh.
'Finishing the mission as quickly as possible would be ideal.'
Still, a person needed some leisure in life, didn't they?
'And the comrades seem to be enjoying it.'
Yesterday had been hectic with the banquet, but now with some free time.
His comrades were clearly enchanted by the beautiful scenery of the coast island.
That said, Jun couldn't afford to relax completely.
It would be stranger if he could gaze carefree at a place doomed to collapse in just a few years.
'Still, seeing them enjoy it like this does motivate me a bit.'
Leisurely taking in the sight of his comrades splashing in the shallows by the beach, Jun unfolded a sheet of stationery.
Once renowned as an assassin guild.
Requiem.
But after a series of incidents, it had fully transformed into an intelligence organization.
Now, quite some time later.
Charles—or rather, Chails—had established a proficient command structure and solidly taken his place as the organization's leader.
And not only that.
Having learned the secret arts of the original Requiem's leader and legendary assassin, Basai, Charles' skills had grown beyond compare to his former self.
In that sense, he owed Jun an overwhelming debt of gratitude for pulling him from the shadows into the light... but.
'Busy. Too busy.'
He was far too swamped for that.
Cloi of the Gilenoi Merchant Guild was working their bones to the marrow.
In truth, it was unavoidable.
With manpower still short and rivals stirring trouble everywhere to counter the Gilenoi Merchant Guild's rapid expansion in Blackout.
As capable as he was, Chails was being run ragged by Cloi.
'I thought the extra hands recently would give me some breathing room...'
Sitting down for a brief rest, he stared at the letter in his hand and sighed.
'Imperial family? What kind of damn mess is this?'
Given his past, the mere mention of royalty sent chills down his spine.
Naturally, he wanted nothing to do with them... but orders from Jun and Cloi were absolute.
Thankfully, Cloi had properly laundered their identities upon arriving here, so he felt somewhat secure... but.
'Still, it's the Imperial Family.'
The Imperial Family that could fell even wyverns.
And considering their intelligence network, it was hard to relax completely.
'Just gotta get past that layer ahead...'
As he gazed at the distant layer and prepared to sigh.
"...Huh?"
Suddenly, the space around the layer seemed to warp.
"...Did I imagine it?"
Rubbing his eyes and looking again, nothing seemed amiss now.
"Damn, guess I'm just exhausted lately."
Before descending to Blackout, he'd been busy with identity laundering.
After arriving, adaptation had ground him down.
He'd even started hearing Cloi's voice as hallucinations in his ears now and then.
"Getting mixed up with royalty must be wearing on my nerves... Still a long way to go."
Chiding himself with a sigh of relief, Chails rose from his seat once more.
"Ah, long time no see."
"How have you been?"
"You think?"
"..."
Seeing Jun's less-than-bright expression upon meeting, Chails broke into a cold sweat down his back.
'Come to think of it, there was a huge commotion even before coming here.'
And multiple attempts on the Third Prince's life to boot...
'If I'd been in his shoes, I wouldn't have a hair left on my head.'
Thinking of his own thinning hair lately made him glum.
"Kidding. Surviving this long means I'm doing fine, right?"
"...My apologies."
"No need. Anyway, I called you—busy as you are—for a specific reason. I need you to gather some intel here."
"What kind of intel?"
'Don't tell me it's about the Imperial Family. I really don't want that.'
He'd seen more than a few assassin groups shredded after meddling in noble politics, let alone the central Imperial court.
"Nothing to do with the Imperial Family, so don't worry."
"..."
"More like, look into people deeply connected to this field."
"Info on Coast Island, then. Hm."
It wasn't about gathering on Imperial targets as he'd feared—a relief—but still not something to take lightly.
Slayer Coast Island was famous as a high-end resort, drawing in those of elevated social status.
In other words, lots of nobles.
Not as bad as royalty, but nobles' intel wasn't easy pickings either.
Jun knew that and wasn't the type to dump a tough job without support.
"I asked Cloi to buy access to a few nearby restaurants and pubs. Head to the spots listed here and take your time sniffing around."
"Ah... Then it shouldn't be too bad."
As a resort, the info flowing through eateries and bars was plentiful.
"Any particular targets to watch out for?"
"Yeah. The noble faction's probably planted a few ears here too. Just make sure not to clash with them."
"If that's all... Yes, understood."
Was this a blessing? They probably wouldn't aggressively probe or stir trouble either.
"And here's the spec for the intel I want."
"Thank you."
Chails quickly scanned the paper Jun handed him and nodded.
'Check for anyone who's grown rapidly or gained fame in the last decade. It'll take time, but doable.'
Basic public info could come from Cloi via markets; extras he'd dig up on foot.
"Deadline's within the next two weeks."
He flinched!
But the timeline was brutally tight.
Chails shrugged.
"Tight, huh? If something seems suspicious, send the intel first. I'll help compile it."
"...I'll do my best."
"Good. See you later."
"Yes."
As Chails turned to leave.
"Ah, Charles."
"...Yes?"
He felt a bit pathetic reacting instantly to the name Charles.
"It's pretty important, so prioritize security. The marshal in charge here doesn't like me much. Could cause issues, so be careful."
"...I'll keep that in mind. Thank you."
She worked them mercilessly, but compared to Viscount Bedron, who'd led their old group... it went without saying she was far better.