Chapter 59: Operation (1)
Red eyes and suspicious questions.
It was more than enough to arouse suspicion, and Hierniorn jumped in shock.
'Hold on a second. It's not necessarily like that.'
Security Captain Kubira Rox was a man with a shallow, untrustworthy face.
He was flashing crimson eyes at me, and at a glance, they resembled those of the Red Ghost girl who had fled earlier.
But I met his gaze without a word.
If he had awakened the Detection trait, I had already anticipated that his eyes might take on a somewhat unusual form.
"……."
Above all, I sensed no killing intent or hostility right now.
And I could see the redness in his eyes gradually fading.
I stared blankly at the security captain and countered.
"Did you not know that question is a grave insult to a mage? Or did you ask it despite knowing it's an insult?"
"Pardon? Ahem! The former. I didn't realize it was rude. Forgive me."
"Is that so? If you didn't know, I won't answer. Consider it my way of overlooking your rudeness."
Of course, even if it had been the latter, I wouldn't have answered.
Whether knight or mage, there was nothing more foolish than carelessly boasting about one's own abilities.
I didn't know about these days, but at least 500 years ago, that was the case.
Moreover, in a situation where Red Ghosts could be lurking anywhere.
Kubira scratched his temple briefly, then chuckled.
"Truth be told, I had no idea at all. It makes me think you're on a whole different level from the likes of us—or wonder just how different you really are……."
"What do you mean by that?"
"When I was your age, Master Kirian, I couldn't even properly hold a sword. So how could I not be curious about your magic?"
That was what he meant.
I let out a hollow chuckle, and Kubira gave a bitter smile.
"I awakened my Detection trait at twenty, and it was the talk of the town as something remarkable. But you, young master…… how old are you?"
"Thirteen."
"I see. And you possess a wavelength I've never seen before. How could I not be curious?"
Wavelength.
Detection was the ability to uncover hidden things, and in some ways, sharper than scouting.
At least when the target was trying to hide something.
And I had a great many things hidden.
'So that's how they describe it—a wavelength.'
Since the topic had come up, I decided to ask.
"What does my wavelength look like to you? Is there something special about it?"
"Hm……."
I played dumb and asked back.
The security captain suddenly chuckled.
"Sorry, but it's hard to put into words. I mean that sincerely."
He insisted several times that it wasn't payback for my earlier exchange.
Then he launched into another topic.
About the Red Cartel in this city, the biggest issue of this regular patrol.
"The mayor's claim that there are no Red Ghosts in this city is a blatant lie. As security captain, I've done my utmost, but I've concluded they can't be eradicated."
"Why?"
"They're not the kind that can be. Like shadows cast by the sun, they're something that naturally exists in any city."
It was the complete opposite of the mayor who had confidently boasted that Dickferji was clean.
"The Red Cartel is definitely lurking here. But they won't attack you all. I guarantee it as security captain."
"That's odd. How can you guarantee that?"
"You might not know, but Red Ghosts move in organized groups."
I knew that well.
But I listened quietly.
Because I sensed a strange conviction in the security captain's voice.
"They're not the type to do reckless things. No matter how delicious the blood, they won't charge in risking the organization's fate."
"……."
"So having our entire security force on high alert like this is overkill."
Kubira shook his head and glanced back.
A company-sized force had the area surrounded on all sides.
"With this many, even a 'Watcher' or 'Controller' would be torn apart. They know that, so they won't show their faces."
"……I see."
I nodded as if agreeing.
Inwardly, I was thinking:
'He talks like he's actually fought a Watcher before. But he doesn't look like he has that kind of skill.'
In any case, it was time to start the work.
The landslide from the flood had been revealed.
Dark red mud and large boulders completely blocked the road.
"It happened a few weeks ago due to heavy rains. We prepared as best we could, but given Dickferji's terrain……."
I nodded.
Things naturally flow into and settle in low-lying areas.
500 years ago, blood had filled this place at times.
Anyway.
"Then we'll begin the restoration."
"Yes, please do. Master Kirian."
I calmly drew up my mana.
One of the most enjoyable parts of learning magic in this life.
That magic has no single correct answer.
'I can try anything.'
Blasting with Shatter spells to carve a new path.
Or using Tract to move the large boulders, then sweeping the remaining dirt with Gale.
If I wanted to waste infinite mana, I could even use the factor of eternity to rewind this place to before the flood.
'Of course, I'd never do that.'
There was also fun in finding new solutions.
And my solution was this.
Summon Spell 'Spirit Possession' is deployed.
The spell that had allowed me to contract with the great guardian spirit Hierniorn.
Land Spirits poked their heads out here and there along the collapsed mountain path.
They were spirits whose eyes sparkled, having not spoken to humans in ages.
I looked at them and conveyed my will.
I've come to restore the collapsed passages in this area. If you're willing, I'd like your help. Of course, I'll pay the appropriate price.
The timing to offer payment.
I floated a single speck of mana high up.
The land spirits reacted and began competing to clear the path.
"Whoa……."
The security captain's jaw dropped at the sight of the road seemingly clearing itself.
It was a way to complete the task as quickly as possible with minimal mana.
'It might even draw out the Red Cartel hiding somewhere watching me.'
Of course, the Red Ghost girl who should be rushing into the Dickferji branch's hideout by now would serve as solid bait.
It was about time for the signal.
* * *
In a secluded corner of city hall.
Obri Iark moved silently.
Her soundless steps, derived from elven blood, were perfectly suited for tracking a single target.
She perked her ears, and a loud voice arguing over the door reached her.
"……How many times do I have to tell you?! That's right! Even among the family head's direct descendants, that Kirian is here! Can you believe it?!"
Her surveillance target was Poi Averb.
The mayor of Dickferji, who had unpleasantly welcomed the Eternalism academy members, had completely switched attitudes.
He was cheering to a close aide over the phone about his windfall.
"Haha! The little squirt was sparkling bright! Just like the family head's grandson! I don't get why a guy like that chose that crappy academy…… Whatever, he's here now, so this is my chance! Hahaha!"
Chance?
What opportunity did he think Kirian's presence brought?
Especially when Kirian had threatened not to let Poi Averb off easy.
If only I could eavesdrop or track mana communications.
Unfortunately, Obri lacked that level of magical prowess.
She preferred fighting with her body over casting spells.
In any case, it was clear the mayor harbored some sinister intent toward Kirian.
Did that make him a Red Ghost?
"Oh, by the way, that Eternalism professor asked to borrow the security force. Worried the Red Cartel might attack his students or something. Can you imagine? Ridiculous……."
The topic she anticipated came up.
Obri intently listened to the middle-aged man's voice from beyond the door and soon reached a conclusion.
"Me, Poi Averb! In my city of Dickferji! Do you think I'll stand by while filthy Red Ghosts roam free?! How dare a backward academy professor spout such nonsense?!"
Poi Averb was not part of the Red Cartel.
He had no way of knowing Obri was eavesdropping.
The mayor raised his voice high to prove his innocence.
Based on this alone, there was no need to suspect him.
"I just can't figure out why the family head's grandson joined that trash academy despite his talent. Seriously……."
If he knew she was listening, he wouldn't badmouth Eternalism so freely.
The mayor used the most colorful insults against the Eternalism members, and Obri had to swallow her anger several times.
In conclusion, what Poi Averb wanted was a connection to the Kirchheis main family.
"Prepare to make the most of this opportunity. Shower that kid with gifts and win him over completely. What? Oh, right. Yeah. We should set aside something for those professors too…… Wait. Actually, a poor academy is perfect, right? They'll be cheap. Hahaha!"
"That damn bastard."
"Hm? Who's out there?"
Obri, who had muttered unwittingly, hurriedly hid.
Fortunately, the mayor didn't check outside.
He was too busy dreaming up ways to buy off Kirian and Eternalism with money.
But the next moment.
Ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding-ding!
A shrill alarm blared, shaking the entire city hall.
Obri swiftly leaped to the ceiling, vanishing into the vent, as the panicked mayor burst out.
"What is it?! What's happening?! Secretary! Secretary! Where are you?!"
"I-it's a combat alert, sir!"
"I have ears, idiot! I know that much! Find out where it's happening!"
"Yes, sir!"
In the frantic atmosphere, people scattered.
Where was the battle?
With Kirian? Or did they attack the professors first?
Or maybe they targeted the other kids with lighter escorts.
Obri descended from the vent, pondering possibilities, then casually grabbed a security officer in the hallway.
"Hey, what's going on? There was a huge noise all over city hall. Fire or something?"
"Ah, well……."
The officer scratched his cheek.
Hearing the alert's cause, Obri could only tilt her head.
The battle wasn't anywhere she expected.
"There's a riot at the Goddess's Temple. Best not to go near."
"……?"