Chapter 34: Riot (1)

The night of the underworld had passed.

Even NOX didn’t work tirelessly for all 24 hours of the day.

Rather, for the sake of efficiency and productivity, members were allowed to rest autonomously once they completed their assigned tasks.

This was one of the improvements Carl had made over the Killing Veil and other organizations, and thanks to it, NOX’s operational efficiency had greatly improved.

Of course, most of NOX’s members had been brainwashed for a long time due to the Killing Veil’s training methods and the Soul-Seizing Demon Mirror of the Heavenly Demon Divine Art, so dissatisfaction was not an option.

However, unlike them, there was someone who was still working despite the night having passed and was unable to clock out.

Scratch, scratch.

Queen kept scribbling with her pen, reviewing the documents submitted for approval.

Since Carl had entered the Academy, Queen had been overseeing the entirety of NOX’s operations.

NOX distinguished between long-term and short-term operations, so the process of review, feedback on shortcomings, and evaluation of support levels needed to be handled swiftly.

The larger the organization grew, the more tasks there were to be completed within a set time, and the more varied they became, increasing the workload.

Of course, Carl had established various departments within NOX to prevent the burden from falling on one side and to ensure even distribution of work.

Therefore, there shouldn’t have been any reason for this kind of overwork—but Queen had brought it upon herself.

‘In the early stages of establishing a base in another region, it can’t be helped. To get things running smoothly, the top has to take the lead in coordination.’

She was the Master’s proxy.

So she had to support him to the best of her ability so he could focus on the Academy.

Handling the organization’s affairs without gaps also fell within that category.

Because of that, she slightly restructured things so that all major operations passed through her hands.

Since arriving in Polfoardel, pulling all-nighters had become routine.

But Queen had flawlessly managed everything without making a single mistake.

“…You haven’t slept yet?”

“Second.”

Had it already become morning?

Second, who had gone straight to bed after returning from the Lahan situation yesterday, now appeared.

She yawned softly, clinking about briefly, and then placed a coffee cup in front of Queen.

“…Thanks.”

“Forget that—just drink this and take a break. You’ve been working nonstop since you got back yesterday.”

“The plan changed, so I had to start from scratch. I need to finish it today. That’s the only way to clearly define our stance going forward.”

“Didn’t Master decide to personally handle Dirsen’s control?”

“Exactly, which means we have to handle the groundwork.”

“Geez.”

Second sighed and shook her head.

She realized there was no way to sway this stubborn woman with words.

‘The Master probably wouldn’t want her to push herself this hard either.’

But if she insisted on doing it, what could be done?

Second took a seat and pulled some of the towering stack of documents over to her side.

“……”

Seeing that, Queen pursed her lips but didn’t say thanks.

They weren’t the kind of people to exchange such sentimental words.

Instead, she shifted the topic.

“…Where’s Master?”

“He left the moment he woke up. Said he was heading to Flick in Lahan.”

“Who did he take for escort?”

“Went alone.”

“……”

As Queen furrowed her brows, Second shrugged.

“What could I do? He insisted on going alone.”

“At least have one or two people tail him from behind.”

“I always prioritize Master’s orders, you know?”

“I prioritize Master’s safety.”

“That’s the difference between you and me, Queen.”

Their eyes met for a moment.

They stared at each other without backing down an inch, then eventually turned their heads.

Second let out a bitter laugh and spoke.

“…Fine then. I’ll have Nine look into it. If it’s him, he’ll track down Master’s location like a bloodhound.”

“Please do.”

After that, they focused in silence on their work.

How much time had passed?

One of the White Label members entered and reported to Queen.

“We’ve received a communication request from Leipzig.”

“Is it X? Connect it immediately.”

“Understood.”

Soon, a video channel connected before them.

The figure on the screen was a rugged-looking man with a scar over one eye.

He had originally been a knight commander from a small kingdom but had been scouted by Carl to become NOX’s tenth Black Label.

Currently, he was guarding NOX’s headquarters in the Leipzig territory and also served as the chief instructor training the White Labels and other members.

—Ah, is the connection established?

“We hear you clearly.”

—All of you are working hard in a foreign land. I heard Polfoardel has long been called a den of demons. It must be tough.

“Queen’s just been working all night. X, how are things on your end?”

In response to Second’s words, X nodded lightly.

—No issues. This is a routine report. The new recruits’ training is almost complete, so they should be deployable soon.

“You’ve done well. Is Leipzig safe? Please keep an eye on the provinces as well. If anyone finds out that a significant portion of NOX’s forces has moved to the capital, someone might get ideas.”

Even though they had culled the population over the years in Polfoardel, humans were nothing if not devious.

If word got out that the leader and his top elites were absent, it wouldn’t be strange if someone schemed to take advantage.

At that, X gave a grin.

—If anything, I’d be thankful. Just training rookies makes my body ache.

“…Please endure. You’re our final bastion.”

—I know. Waiting and enduring is something I’m better at than anyone. Anyway, that’s the end of my report. Tell Master I send my regards. I’ll be waiting for the day we drink again.

“Understood.”

The video feed ended.

After wrapping up the remaining tasks, Queen was finally down to the last item.

“Just this left, and I’m done.”

“What is it?”

“Selecting the personnel to send to Lahan. Even if Dirsen’s been brainwashed, variables could arise. Someone needs to be there to coordinate. Since the matter is serious, I want to send someone from the Black Label.”

“Not me.”

Second rejected her immediately.

Thinking wasn’t his forte.

Breaking everything apart was fine, but coordinating or scheming wasn’t to his taste.

“You weren’t even under consideration in the first place, so don’t worry.”

“…That kind of stings a little.”

“Let’s see, who’s currently available?”

“Podo’s back, and Five and Six are around too.”

“Gallon has something else to handle.”

“He’s going to pout again. Always complains he’s the only one being overworked.”

“Taciturn Five doesn’t quite fit. Guess it has to be Six.”

“…Did you call for me?”

While Queen was pondering the personnel, someone peeked in sneakily from the doorway.

It was a handsome young man with a friendly smile.

“You’ve heard that Master brainwashed Dirsen, Lahan’s heir, right? We need someone to coordinate and guard from the shadows.”

“Hm.”

“Speech is key. You’ll need to manipulate not just Dirsen but those around him too.”

“Gallon’s good with words as well, isn’t he?”

“That man’s too soft, won’t do. What we need here is sowing discord, dividing factions, and underhanded tactics. Backroom dealings are your specialty, aren’t they?”

“…Lady Queen, you make me sound like such a bad person.”

When Six put on a sad face, Queen chuckled and replied.

“I value that part of you. Just like Master does.”

“Well, in that case, I have no complaints.”

“Here—these are the key points. Memorize them and then burn them. Just be careful with those parts.”

“Understood. It’s been a while since I’ve had such an entertaining assignment.”

There was a phrase—right person, right place.

For someone like Six, who enjoyed this kind of work, manipulating Dirsen’s surroundings would be second nature.

Tap tap.

Finishing up her work, Queen yawned softly like a cat and stretched.

“Time to sleep now.”

Her day ended far later than anyone else’s in NOX.

Flick’s streets were lively day and night.

Being located underground, the distinction of time was meaningless.

Carl had left NOX as soon as the day broke and entered Flick of Lahan.

However, instead of heading toward Dirsen, he went into the area controlled by Turga.

‘My martial arts have changed quite a bit.’

He did come partly to scout enemy territory, but also to observe the changes brought on by absorbing the Crystal of Frost.

He had come, but wasn’t sure what to do—when by sheer coincidence, he got into a scuffle at a restaurant.

…With some Lahan thugs under Turga, no less.

“There are still fools like you running around. Come with us quietly while I’m being nice.”

A thick finger kept jabbing Carl in the chest.

The excuse? Apparently he had looked at them funny when they walked by, which ruined their mood.

Likely, it was because he hadn’t bought the brooch that signified Lahan’s protection.

In no time, they grabbed him by the collar and started dragging him away.

‘A common occurrence.’

It was something that happened frequently in the underworld.

Carl adjusted his mouth and checked that his disguise mask was perfectly in place before raising his head.

‘Hopefully someone on Shin-Jen’s level shows up, like yesterday.’

Only someone of that caliber could properly test his martial arts now.

Well, if he stirred the hornet’s nest a bit, one would probably show up.

Might as well whittle down Turga’s forces while he was at it.

“You son of a…”

Just as the poking shifted into a punch—

Slash─.

An invisible blade slashed between them.

With a slight breeze, the man’s outstretched hand was cleanly severed at the wrist and dropped to the ground.

Splat!

Blood spurted from the severed stump.

The man stared blankly at his arm for a moment before realizing what had happened and collapsed, screaming.

“Argh, AAAAAGH!”

“If you keep being noisy, I’ll slice that arm into sashimi.”

“……”

The writhing man fell silent.

A cold, murderous aura poured down from above, paralyzing every muscle in his body.

The gang behind him, previously full of bravado, froze in place.

They had picked the wrong person to mess with.

Thud.

Carl sat back down, straightened his clothes, and gently touched his half-finished teacup.

“Bring your boss. He needs to pay for this disrespect toward me.”

“…We’re with Lahan.”

One of the thugs spoke up with a shaky voice, summoning what courage he had.

In Flick, the name Lahan carried absolute weight.

They figured this much would make Carl back down—but unfortunately, they had picked the worst possible opponent.

“There’ll be no brushing this off.”

“……”

Carl’s slight smirk made them bite their lips.

Laying hands on a Lahan enforcer within Lahan’s own territory?

It was clear Carl was openly trying to cause a scene.

Of course, by now, the fact that they had picked the fight first was completely erased from their minds.

“Or is this one guy not enough?”

“…I’ll call him.”

It wasn’t just anywhere—they were in Flick, part of Lahan’s territory. There was no running away.

So one of the gang members quickly turned and headed into the alley.

“……”

Carl simply enjoyed his tea during that brief pause.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep