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Chapter 23
Chapter 23 : It starts now (6)
The armed force of all living things is relative. That is why they possess evolutionary instincts for survival without exception. And such intuition, preceding reason, allows one to read the margins of violence and manifests as strong warnings through the sympathetic nervous system.
‘In this aspect, he is much better than Kyron Lee.’
Ragas's gaze was rapidly scanning my whole body. Along with that, his heart rate increased noticeably. Conversely, peripheral parts like his fingertips were stiffening.
Due to blood flow concentrating on essential elements like the heart, muscles, and brain, the body must be compelling quick action. Choose to flee or fight.
En̂ ǔ m̃а̊ .іd
SLAM!
However, Ragas ignored the two suggested directions.
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“Let's stop business here for today. Bill me for the damaged speakers. I'll pay including interest.”
Although it was a sudden disturbance, the atmosphere was quickly settled. Most people wouldn't be unaware of what kind of person Ragas is. An anomaly in a subject one thought they knew well carries persuasiveness.
Even in the midst of this, Ragas chose to remain alone with me. It was an excellent judgment. Because it was the only way to reduce variables in an unexpected situation.
“Were you a soldier?”
Ėn̈ uṁа̇
“...It's been quite a while since I retired.”
To my question, Ragas answered with a frown. The reason I could predict he was a former soldier from the start was thanks to the exoskeleton suit.
That is also not something easily maneuverable. He must have belonged to an armored unit that operated those as their main force.
He must have been a quite excellent soldier. To sense danger paradoxically from me, who took no action. Those who have crossed countless lines of death are more sensitive to these situations.
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“And you are... a knight? No, if you were invested at this age, there's no way I wouldn't know.”
“I am a cadet.”
W̃ е̃ḃ.n̄ о v̀ eľ Ё ń um̃ ǎ
“Ha, haha... That's not even funny.”
Taking a deep breath and wiping his face, Ragas continued speaking with a much more relaxed expression.
“Even when I was serving in the military, I often met greenhorns. But I've never seen a guy like you. It's not purely a matter of strong or weak. It's the difference in the possibility of becoming a killing machine capable of killing people without hesitation depending on the occasion.”
It was the first time hearing such an interpretive evaluation from a stranger. It feels oddly strange. Although it wasn't particularly pleasant words, it was also a story I couldn't completely deny.
‘Because I was serious.’
I definitely showed the resolve to kill every crowd gathered in the lounge bar. It wasn't clumsy acting. If it were, Ragas would have noticed.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
“...So what is your business? Have the politicians decided to take an interest in the neglected Lower Sector? If that's the case, it feels quite miserable.”
Strictly speaking, Red Clot was in the position of privately owning some areas. The reason they could operate openly until now was because, like Ragas said, they were neglected. Probably, internally, there had been concerns about it all along.
“They told me to bulldoze everything.”
“That...”
“Joke. Probably wasn't particularly funny though.”
Politicians would not intervene directly in the Lower Sector in the future either. Neglect is close to freedom in another sense. Those accustomed to this have room to show backlash. There is no reason to do something where both sides lose.
Ĕ_n u m̀ a
“I am looking for a mage.”
There was also the possibility that Ragas colluded with the mage and provided a hideout. Because he was a character with enough stomach to harbor some degree of vice.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
However, that was solely for the purpose of protecting those under his shade. That was the reason I mentioned the mage without hesitation.
Because if he doesn't cooperate obediently, I could turn this place into a sea of fire. Even if Ragas is hiding the mage, it would be better to hand over their person to me for the sake of his beliefs.
“I'm sorry, but there won't be anything like a mage here. If there was a romance-less guy who committed evil deeds and hid here, I wouldn't have left them alone.”
Therefore, credibility exists even in the bluff appealing innocence. Ragas really doesn't know about the mage. But that doesn't become an indulgence for me to leave this place quietly.
Ẁе̌ b̈n̈ō_vе l Е́ n üm ӑ
“Didn't you say romance doesn't need persuasion?”
“That is true again.”
Because I will make the judgment after confirming with my own two eyes directly.
***
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I shared the information about the mage collected so far. Even the data containing the appearance of those killed; the reason for making this decision was not simply to emphasize the danger.
‘It's for stimulation.’
Е̌n̄ûm а
Ragas is not someone who succumbs to mere power. So I just granted him a justification to help me. If purposes align, work becomes much easier.
“Damn, you mean they are doing this without reason?”
“That's something we don't know.”
The mage's motive for killing was not clear. Actually, trying to know that in the current situation is a foolish act. Thinking one can perfectly grasp the psychology of someone they've never met is just being a pervert fallen into narcissism.
“In the end, you want to say we have nothing to lose, right?”
Ragas was of the category capable of self-objectification. If a mage decided to hide, he would think it difficult for himself, a civilian who is merely a retired soldier, to distinguish friend from foe.
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If I root them out, that's fortunate; even if not, it's breaking even. However, it seemed he wasn't without concern about it. Because the place I pointed out was the orphanage.
“Can I ask for one thing?”
“Let's hear it.”
“I hope no innocent damage occurs.”
“For saying it's a request, it seems there is no concession.”
“Right, because that place is the most important place here.”
Е́n̂ ŭ m a . ĩ d
Ragas's attitude like that wasn't bothersome. Because I had shown behavior warranting such a warning. I just wanted to send praise to Ragas who possessed self-control not crushed by intimidation.
‘Even if it's just a gang, being able to be revered as a leader must be thanks to this altruism.’
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
And the result created by such a human figure boasted visible brilliance.
“Ragas! Nothing happened, right?”
“Come to our shop this evening! Lots of high-quality ingredients are prepared!”
“Received a lot of help last time!”
Еn ùm̂ а
On the way to the orphanage, lively hospitality poured from the streets. Not a single person passed by ignoring this man. They giggled adding even a single word.
‘Are they not caring about my side?’
This too would be proof of absolute trust. Thinking that whatever happens, their leader will resolve it. Perhaps it wasn't strange that Red Clot volunteered as vigilantes.
“Here it is.”
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
The appearance of the orphanage we arrived at created a sense of heterogeneity compared to other places. Especially the wall painted pure white, and the plywood board marked ‘Public Protection Area’ using stencils drew my gaze.
“Mr. Ragas?”
Е̊n̊ ú mа̂.і d
And the one who welcomed us in the inner yard was an acquaintance.
“Eddie! Were you cleaning?”
“More than that, that person is...”
Eddie fixed his glasses and narrowed his eyes. It was somewhat blatant hostility. From the position of not knowing the details, he must still consider me Kyron Lee's agent.
“Ah, no need to worry! The talk ended well! Communication worked a bit, you see!”
TAP, TAP.
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
As if noticing this, Ragas patted his shoulder with the same hearty laughter as before. Only then did Eddie withdraw his displeased gaze and show a smile.
“I boasted a bit about the orphanage, and he said he wanted to look around! You know, right? This place is my pride!”
“Ah, was that it!”
“I'm asking a favor, kuhaha!”
Most private orphanages in the Lower Sector aim for subsidies. The amount is determined by the number of entrusted children, so they choose indiscriminate acceptance. Therefore, there were many cases where even management wasn't done properly.
But this place had a contrasting atmosphere. Although they were old models, facilities like air purifiers and sterilization lamps were equipped. It couldn't compare to the environment of the Upper Sector, but it was certainly at a decent level.
Ӗ n̆ u.m а̇
“Uncle Ragas!”
“A monster appeared!”
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
Children who noticed the presence of visitors clung to Ragas with cheeky affinity.
“Hey, hey! I told you not to pull my hair! You rascals!”
If war completely ends, I will prepare an orphanage; I also had such thoughts once. Although I never got the chance to put it into practice.
‘Better than me.’
Ёn̈ù ḿа́ .і̌ d
Perhaps the ideal orphanage I imagined was something like this.
“As you can see, Mr. Ragas is investing quite a bit of money in the orphanage. He likes children that much too.”
Then Eddie spoke to me.
“Are you also doubling as a teacher?”
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
“There isn't anyone trustworthy to entrust this to either.”
Soon, Eddie shrugged his shoulders and laughed lightly. Children of that age are easily influenced. If a weird guy plays teacher, it would be a headache.
W е̌ b̊nӧ v̄ e l̄ Е́ n̊ ǔ mа̇
“If you don't mind, try talking to the children. Everyone is quite sociable, so they will welcome you gladly.”
“Doesn't seem like everyone is like that though.”
Unlike other children, there was a girl drawing on a canvas alone without even giving a glance to Ragas.
“Alice looks young on the outside, but there is some age difference. She must have entered her late teens this year. Her personality is also quite mature, so there are times she is often apart.”
An appearance believable even if called early teens. It wasn't particularly unnatural. Among children in the Lower Sector, there are many cases of missing growth periods. No matter how much Ragas cared, he wouldn't have been able to provide sufficient nutrients to everyone eventually.
“How long has she stayed here?”
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“I don't know that well. Because she was acting like the master of the house here before me. Probably...”
The reason Eddie trailed off was nothing else. It was because Alice, the subject of conversation, started glaring this way. What a terribly fierce gaze.
“Doesn't look like you get along well.”
Along with my words, for a fleeting moment, Eddie's face hardened. It was a subtle emotional change. Because he soon just laughed awkwardly and scratched his head.
“Haha... I don't know well either.”
“Is that so.”
Еn ū m а
There is something he is hiding. Making him confess the secret through these hands wasn't a difficult task. The means of interrogation called torture is historically the most effective method.
However, it was difficult right now. Prevention of innocent damage, there is a promise with Ragas about that. If I break this, a setback will occur in the mission.
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“Your skill is outstanding.”
Instead, I decided to try talking to Alice. It was an excellent drawing. As if possessing excellent spatial perception ability, she was precisely describing a three-dimensional effect difficult for ordinary people to capture.
“Have you ever learned drawing?”
To my question approaching suddenly, Alice met my eyes calmly. Then she sighed and shook her head.
Е̌ n u ḿ ӑ
“Mind your own business.”
It was a considerably cynical reaction. Certainly, she wasn't without a mature side. In a bad sense. It seems Ragas's educational method does not include corporal punishment.
“I know the reason why you don't have friends.”
“Same goes for you, doesn't it? Shall I tell you why? Your expression is terribly gloomy.”
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Unsparing bad-mouthing, receiving three words back for one. It seemed talent wasn't focused only on art. Soon, Alice sent a stinging glare and continued speaking.
“So don't annoyingly disturb me and get lost over there. That guy is enough to ruin the mood. Or shall I scribble on that ugly face?”
Е̊n ú m̊ а̌ .і̀.d̊
She certainly dislikes Eddie. But there didn't seem to be many justifications for that. If there is a problem, it would be persuasive to see it lying with this side.
“You shouldn't hate an innocent person.”
“Stow the advice. Advice with a face like that doesn't touch me one bit. Ah, even your mom would admit this?”
Seeing she has no manners, she was indeed from the Lower Sector. Therefore, continuing the conversation wouldn't generate productivity. Just in time, Ragas, who detached the children, sent a signal with his eyes toward me.
***
Ragas, sitting opposite at the table, asked in a low voice.
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“Was there any gain?”
I have no ability like mind reading. It isn't enough time to reveal the mage's identity. However, I could capture suspicious circumstances at least, and I was still certain the mage was staying here.
“Yeah.”
“If you intend to force something, stop it.”
Ragas showed an unwelcome air and made a worried expression. Because at least to him, there wouldn't have been anyone suspicious.
“The children follow you well.”
Wе́ḃǹӧ v̆ е̌ ĺ Еnu m.а
“What do you want to say?”
“Well.”
Dilarang mengopy novel dari Enuma.id.
The words that came out of my mouth were basic. Not only the orphanage, but everyone I had seen so far followed Ragas. There would be nothing new about it.
‘But at the same time, a question arises.’
Maybe one could expect the same loyalty from the mage. Since they are staying here, enduring restrictions on their activities. All human principles of action are bound to have a basis.
Unless there is a reason it must be here, it is difficult to accept. In the end, the core point would be that the mage has a purpose. If not, there is no need to insist on settling down.
Е̌nu m̂а̇
Just in time, the pillar supporting the territory itself is here. The most convenient way to root out the mage was decided from the beginning.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Along with my words, Ragas's pupils dilated rapidly. Because a knife thrown from my fingertips was flying. It cannot be easily caught up with the reaction speed of an exoskeleton.
Of course, even if he tries to respond somehow, he won't be able to deflect the knife. Ragas is right-handed; in the current composition, if something goes wrong, it could bounce toward where the children are gathered.
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‘Now, what will you do?’
In some way, the mage needs Ragas. If they have business in this territory, they won't be able to just watch this situation. And I finished preparations to capture this.
Е num̃ ȧ ..і d́
Thin senses stretched out, standing sharply on end and spreading like roots. Casting magic inevitably requires an incantation. There is no way I will miss it.
WHIRR.
After those accelerated moments passed, the knife stuck into the wall with a clear resonance. It only brushed past Ragas's ear by a hair's breadth.
“...Whoa!”
“How did you do that just now?”
“It was like a bullet!”
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Breaking the short silence, the children gathered. Still, being from the Lower Sector, they seemed not even surprised by this much. After glaring at me, Ragas forced the corners of his mouth up and pushed the children away.
Starting from the conclusion, something like an incantation for casting magic was not heard. However, I didn't bark up the wrong tree. Because there was something revealed in the anomaly of the moment.
‘There was no error in the trajectory.’
The throw that calculated even the movement of the face for evasion; normally, it would have pierced the middle of the forehead. That it didn't can only be seen as being influenced by an invisible attractive force. I merely overlooked one possibility.
‘A silent mage.’
I didn't know it would be a genius said to appear once in decades.
Ēn um̀а̊.ĩ ḋ
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