Chapter 40:Covert Operations (2)

This mission was important to NOX as well.

Depending on who succeeded Lahan, their future was decided.

Because NOX had built its power from a small elite, its leadership strength alone could match even large organizations.

But the middle and lower tiers were just starting to expand and recruit, so there was much to improve.

If Dirsen could expel Turga and become Lahan’s boss successfully, NOX could smoothly take over the Western Third Commercial District.

If they built power based on that, they could advance as smoothly as wind in sails.

‘Even if Dirsen were forced to retreat.’

Six gazed at the back of Dirsen’s head.

They needed to force a full-scale war with Turga to weaken their forces as much as possible.

Even if that meant Dirsen’s organization was annihilated.

Then they could drill in between.

Of course, the decision would be the Master’s.

“Hmm.”

Before they knew it, they had arrived at the Western Commercial District where the meeting was being held.

Expecting a gloomy atmosphere since this drew major underworld figures, they found that expectation completely off.

‘They’re pretending to be mediocre nobles.’

Inside the Flick, a grand banquet was underway.

Six and Dirsen had just arrived in front of it.

Then Dirsen’s subordinate, who had been waiting, came out to greet them.

“Boss. Was there any discomfort during your journey?”

“Some flies followed me, but NOX handled them. Ah, this is Noah. The NOX representative.”

“…I’m Malkov.”

“Noah.”

Six shook hands with Malkov.

Malkov was as rough-looking as he had heard from NOX.

An expressionless face that showed no emotional change.

Yet his eyes toward them did not look kind.

‘You’re not the Master, yet you won another man’s favor only to be watched by another.’

Six gave a bitter smile inwardly.

It seemed NOX felt uncomfortable that newcomers like them had suddenly gained Dirsen’s trust.

Well, there were many steps skipped in between.

From an outsider’s perspective, they would wonder what trick had been used.

‘From the beginning, they thought to capture the Master using Shin‑Jen or others to seize NOX.’

Malkov’s caution was justified.

“Ah, welcome.”

“The new lord of Lahan has arrived.”

“How is the elder? I acquired good medicine recently and will send it soon.”

As Dirsen, accompanied by Six and Malkov, entered the banquet hall, many greeted him.

They were underworld titans controlling the Western Commercial District.

They showered Dirsen with flattery as if he already were Lahan’s boss.

“Haha, great to see everyone. My father is still in good health. Though he is uncomfortable due to illness, his mind is sharper than ever. That’s why he named me his successor.”

Of course, none of that was true.

But who in the underworld would question it.

What mattered was that Dirsen was the legitimate heir to Lahan and one of the top contenders for boss.

“The fellow at the back, don’t recognize him?”

“Oh, you may’ve heard the name NOX.”

“…NOX? Ah, that!”

“Those were the ones that swept the organization in Western Third Commercial District overnight, weren’t they?”

“I didn’t expect them to be aligned with Lahan. As expected from Sir Dirsen. Already forming ties with them.”

At the mention of NOX, everyone wore surprised expressions.

It made sense: the Western Third Commercial District had become turbulent right after NOX appeared.

A sudden rookie that swallowed Merbo and Birterso, showing its presence.

Rookie was almost too light a word for that level of organization.

‘That’s why everyone was on high alert here.’

They had been watching the district due to Lahan’s succession issue.

It wasn’t strange for attention to shift to NOX’s moves.

‘Some might even think NOX itself is the Lahan or Dirsen forward base.’

There were several rumors circulating.

For example, that NOX was the organization Dirsen had cultivated from long ago to win the succession.

And there was a funny story that the successor had already been chosen, but they pretended to compete while consolidating the Western Commercial District and expanding to others.

Six followed Dirsen thereafter, contacting as many people as possible and engraving their faces into memory.

Then he felt the entrance of the banquet hall grow slightly chaotic.

“…He’s here. That damned old man.”

A new face entered the hall and began greeting people.

Though calling him old seemed off—he appeared still vigorous.

‘Hmm.’

Six narrowed his eyes.

It was Turga, Lahan’s second-in-command.

Those greeting him were likely betting on Turga becoming Lahan’s boss.

Six carefully assessed their faces and the situation.

“…Alright. From here on we act separately. You should use this chance to build your connections.”

“I understand.”

Dirsen spoke at just the perfect moment.

Six nodded lightly and drifted into the crowd from them.

He had to carry out his assigned mission, after all.

Tap, drip, tap.

After Laysis, Yuria, and he had finished their meal and returned.

He was preparing the lecture for tomorrow and intending to sleep, when Carl heard small sounds by the window.

Creak.

A small snow‑white bird was perched on the windowsill.

“It’s Seolbaek.”

Seolbaek was the warbler Carl raised in NOX.

It was a kind of monster he had obtained by chance a few years ago and had been raising ever since.

Though called a monster, it was intelligent and skilled, so he tried to train it as a warbler.

It showed skills better than expected and had since proudly taken a place in Carl’s report system.

Chirp, cheep.

When Carl patted its head, it let out a pleasant sound and rubbed against him.

It must have been thirsty from the journey here, so he fetched some water and untied the knot on its leg to check the contents.

“Hm.”

The operation using Dirsen seemed to be proceeding as planned.

The one in charge of the mission was Six.

A rather appropriate selection.

That eccentric artist might have appeared sloppy most of the time, but once the switch flipped, he showed a perfectionist side that rivaled Carl’s.

He had the insight and capability to achieve it, so he was a trustworthy talent to assign.

“Hm.”

Alongside that was a record of Coxi’s recent movements.

Originally, four organizations had divided the Western Third Commercial District.

Then NOX, a newly-emerged power, suddenly barged in, devoured Merbo and Birterso, and abruptly formed an alliance with Lahan, the reigning force of the Third District.

Left alone, Coxi naturally found itself cornered.

It was certain they would take some kind of action to survive, so Carl had given strict orders to monitor them closely.

“Good work. Return now.”

No reply was necessary.

When Carl patted its head again, the white hawk let out a cry, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky.

Higher, and higher still.

High enough to avoid Bayern’s protective magic and surveillance net.

Tap.

Carl turned off the light in the room.

To prepare for tomorrow, it was about time he went to bed.

For a long-term mission, a regular lifestyle was important.

So just as he was about to tuck himself under the blanket, a notification popped up before his eyes.

“…Archive, huh.”

Someone seemed to have sent a message through the Archive.

He lightly flicked his finger to activate the function, and a familiar name appeared.

「Yuria」: I had a good meal today.

「Yuria」: You’re not asleep already, right?

The misunderstanding that had built up regarding the message during their earlier meal had already been resolved.

It wasn’t that he ignored it—he hadn’t known—and after he explained, Yuria’s face, which had looked a bit dejected, brightened up.

It seemed she had been silently bothered by the lack of a response.

-I had a good time as well. I’m glad we were able to clear up the misunderstanding.

Yuria: It’s fine. It’s possible not to know. I don’t usually mind such trivial things. Anyway, what are you doing now? Studying?

Carl chuckled softly.

He had already seen through the fact that, beneath the surface, she had a rather delicate mental state.

Was it the psychology of not wanting to show her flaws?

-I just finished organizing things. I have lectures starting in the morning tomorrow.

Yuria: Ah, your first class tomorrow is Empire’s History, right? That professor’s voice puts me to sleep. From last time, I’ve decided to just nap with my eyes open.

“…Empire’s History? Ah, she means the shortened form.”

Young people these days seemed to shorten just about everything.

Well, even in the Central Plains, names and nicknames were often abbreviated.

Yuria: Oh, and about the study group, I think it’s okay to start next month. I’ve almost finished the first chapter of the research.

“…The first chapter.”

Even Carl couldn’t help but be a little surprised at that part.

She had already finished the first chapter of “Applications of Mana in Spiral Mechanics II”?

At that level of theory, it would’ve taken him a fair amount of time too, even with his intellect and intuition.

No wonder she was considered the genius successor of the Gray Magic Tower Lord.

-That’s impressive. Then I’ll plan for next month accordingly.

Yuria: Just so you know, I haven’t completely understood everything either. We’re doing this study group to exchange opinions, so don’t think you can coast on my work.

-Of course. I’ll make sure to prepare thoroughly so as not to be a burden.

She was a very cautious young lady.

Since it was more efficient to pull results from Yuria’s side of the research, Carl had been planning to prepare a bit loosely—but she had seen right through it.

It looked like he needed to set a proper day and prepare seriously.

Yuria: Oh, and by the way. Among the other cadets as well…

After the study group talk, some light chatter followed.

Carl subtly hinted a few times that it was about time for bed, bringing up tomorrow morning’s lecture.

But since Carl was responding to her, Yuria kept sending messages without pause.

“…What the.”

Looking at the messages pouring into the Archive at an astonishing speed, Carl let out a dry laugh.

Was she using Tanjigong, or had she learned some special striking technique?

He had barely managed to complete one word, and yet Yuria had already sent several lines of text.

“Does this system exist in the Magic Tower as well?”

According to Laysis, Yuria had very few friends.

In that case, she probably didn’t have many people to chat with.

But she seemed extremely adept at using the Archive’s message feature.

Or was it because she was a mage and naturally good at handling such devices?

“……”

As Carl was slightly fumbling with writing his response at that high speed,

Yuria sent yet another message.

-I’m awake. It’s just that your message speed is too fast, Yuria.

Yuria: Carlos, you’re just slow.

“……”

A blue vein throbbed on Carl’s forehead.

Ever since arriving in the capital, it was the first time someone had gotten under his skin this much.

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