Chapter 1244

<Chapter 1244> 1244. Dark Moon

“Wh-what kind of magic is this?!”

“It’s not mine. It’s my partner’s work.”

It’s a Grade 3 Auxiliary Magic: Bind. The power of Bind varies depending on how intricately the spell matrix is woven. It’s hard to use in intense combat situations, and since it causes severe mana tremors before activation, it rarely works unless the opponent lets their guard down completely. Lake-Mask had grown overconfident, thinking victory was assured—never expecting Room 212 to intervene at this moment.

‘The duration of Bind will last… maybe about four seconds at most.’

That should be plenty. There’s no way Room 212 would have cast it without purpose.

KLANG!

The window shattered as an Attribute Blade burst through. Thrown by Room 212.

I caught the Attribute Blade with telekinesis. Simultaneously, I altered its attribute to Wind, enhancing its cutting power.

“It’s over.”

“Wha… What?! Gahhh!”

The Attribute Blade pierced straight through his heart. No matter how much Aura protected him, he couldn’t block a telekinetically manipulated Attribute Blade with just Aura alone.

The Bind faded, and both Lake-Mask and I began falling.

[Wind]

Just before hitting the ground, I summoned a cushion of wind to soften the impact.

THUD!

Lake-Mask fell a split second later. His body trembled violently. Despite the blade piercing his heart, he was still alive—for now. Of course, if left untreated, death was inevitable.

“I like to make sure things are certain…”

I flicked my right hand upward. The Attribute Blade lying on the ground shot up into the sky. Then I brought my hand down sharply, driving the sword into Lake-Mask’s skull.

Lifting my head, I spotted Room 212 perched casually by the window, her mask back in place.

“How’s the situation?”

-You know how skilled 31 is. The inside’s already been cleaned up. They’re clearing out the exterior too, and even without us stepping in, the fight’ll be over in three minutes.

“Mission complete then.”

-Unless there’s another attack. But hey, shouldn’t you thank me?

“Thanks. Your help made this easy.”

-Among friends, no need for formalities.

Though slightly baffled, I let it slide. Room 212 occasionally says absurd things like this.

Our original mission was set until the negotiation day. However, Baron Ptelgar requested additional escort duty.

The mission duration has been extended until the final negotiations conclude.

I accompanied Baron Ptelgar to the final negotiation site. I sat in the driver’s seat, steering the car, while Baron Ptelgar muttered incessantly from the backseat.

“Damn it! Damn it!! Lake-Mask, you ungrateful bastard…! After all I’ve done for you, how dare you betray me?! What reason could there be? What did I lack that made you turn on me?! I’m going insane here, seriously….”

Lake-Mask’s betrayal must’ve been quite shocking.

I remained silent, focusing solely on driving. Opening my mouth would only invite unnecessary trouble.

The car wheels kept rolling until we reached our destination—the square.

Bodyguards and workers were already present, facing off against each other. At the center stood a single table with two chairs.

‘There aren’t even fifty workers here…’


The number of workers who showed up at the negotiation site was smaller than expected. But it wasn’t strange. The outcome of the final negotiation was as obvious as fire.

“Lord Ptergar. We have arrived.”

“Keep a good eye on those pathetic worker brats so they don’t squirm around.”

Lord Ptergar sat in the prepared chair. Across from him sat Bill Clarkson, the worker representative, and between them stood a government clerk as witness.

Conversation flowed between them.

Bill Clarkson’s face turned bright red. He slammed his fist on the table and exploded in anger. Lord Ptergar chuckled smugly at the sight. As the atmosphere heated up, the official stepped in.

With the official taking charge, the negotiation proceeded quickly. Bill Clarkson signed the agreement with tears streaming down his face.

Lord Ptergar approached with a much brighter expression.

“The negotiation is over. Let’s head back.”

Things began to settle down.

Bill Clarkson remained seated with a dazed look until we disappeared. Workers gathered around him, offering comfort.

Bill Clarkson’s complexion was unhealthily pale. Perhaps he was considering an extreme choice.

Lord Ptergar, now in the car, spoke with a much cheerier voice than before the negotiation.

“We’re heading back to the mansion. Heh heh.”

“Yes.”

“You know… how about working under me for real? Salary, house, car—I’ll take care of everything.”

“Sorry.”

“Tch. Finding a useful guy takes time or money…”

“Lord. If I may speak out of turn, wouldn’t it be wise to change your residence? The workers might attack.”

“Haha. It’s already over. Why would they target me after the negotiation? You seem sharp but you’re dumb.”

“…Will you still stay at the mansion?”

“I need to stick around for about half a month. I’ve got some things to sort out. Until then, I’d like you to guard me.”

“Sorry. Extending my mission is beyond my authority.”

“Understood. Instructor Venus said no too… tch.”

“Lord, your bodyguards are excellent. They’ll keep you safe.”

“They’ll do their job as long as they’re paid.”

Before returning to base, I had some free time. Units 212 and 31 headed to the mall for shopping, while I went to the slums.

In a dilapidated empty house, someone waited silently.

Before evening fell, Bill Clarkson entered. I was hiding quietly in the corner. He sat at the table and kept drinking beer from the fridge.

I silently approached from behind. My gloved hand grabbed his head.

“Gah! W-who are you?!”

“It doesn’t matter.”

My mask distorted my voice.

Bill Clarkson clenched his lips tightly. Shaking with either fear or anger, he eventually sighed in resignation.

“…Did the lord send you? To kill me? Figures… what a piece of crap.”

“I am the black mage of Resistance Echoes.”

“Echoes’ black mage? So why did you come instead of the lord?”

“I’m giving you a chance for revenge.”

At hearing “revenge,” Clarkson raised his beer glass and drank it all in one gulp.

“To think the word ‘revenge’ could taste this sweet… alright. Speak.”

“I can turn you into a living bomb and give you control over the explosion.”

“…You’re telling me to suicide bomb alongside Lord Ptergar? That’s… terrorism.”

“Do you know why we resort to terrorism? Because there’s no other way. Do you have any other ideas?”

Clarkson gripped his fists tightly.

“Even if I decide, there’s still a problem: how do I get close to the lord?”

“I’ll tell you about a secret passage to Lord Ptergar’s mansion.”

“So use the secret passage to reach the lord and self-detonate. Got it.”

“No, guards will be watching the entrance to the secret passage. You’ll likely be caught by them.”

“…Then I can’t carry out the suicide bombing?”


“No?”

“Think about the viscount’s personality. He’ll come out himself just to mock you once you’re captured.”

“That bastard would do that and still have energy to spare. But what if he doesn’t come out? What will you do then?”

“It doesn’t matter. The biotic bomb’s explosive power will blow away the mansion entirely, with force to spare.”

“Ho, ho… So you’re not a good person either, huh?”

“So what? Don’t feel like doing it?”

“I’ll do it. I was planning to die soon anyway. If we can take out the viscount, why would I refuse? I’ve already made peace with it… Now, what should I do?”

“Just stay still.”

I put my left hand in my pocket and took out the Dark Hole I had prepared.

I open the Astral plane. The dark mana flowing out of the Dark Hole moves according to my will, seeping into Bill Clarkson’s body.

I inscribe a magic circle onto Bill Clarkson’s skin using the dark mana. Even though his skin isn’t visible due to his clothes, I can clearly sense the magic circle forming on his body.

‘The way of the dark mage alone won’t amplify its power enough. I need to modify the spell formula. I must inscribe the explosion formula at least five times.’

Magic circles are delicate.

Even a slight mistake in the spell formula will turn the magic circle into mere scribbles. It has to be calculated perfectly.

‘That dark mage might have done the calculations, but I can pull this off.’

The calculations were finished before arriving here. All I have to do now is inscribe the magic circle onto Bill Clarkson’s body without making any mistakes.

Sssshhh…

All the dark mana stored in the Dark Hole seeped into Bill Clarkson’s body. I reviewed the magic circle three times to ensure it was correct.

There were no issues.

“It’s done.”

“Teach me how to make it explode.”

“Just strongly wish for it, and it will explode.”

I informed him of the location of the secret passage.

“I won’t say thank you.”

“I don’t expect it.”

Bill Clarkson closed his eyes and seemed lost in thought.

I quietly left his house.

At the meeting point, I met up with Unit 212 and Unit 31. They were carrying bags in both hands. Taking a quick peek, I saw cosmetics, snacks, and underwear inside.

Items permitted by the squad.

I discarded the Dark Hole into the sewer. There’s no doubt it would’ve been confiscated during the baggage inspection if I’d kept it. Though it’d be lying to say I’m not bothered, there might be another chance to acquire a Dark Hole someday.

“Unit 211. Look at this.”

I was taken aback. In Unit 212’s hand was a red mesh panties that showed through.

“It’s Unit 31’s.”

“What?”

Involuntarily, my gaze turned toward Unit 31. Her face slightly flushed, Unit 31 snatched the mesh panties from Unit 212’s hand and defended herself.

“Unit 212 asked me to buy it. Hers is black.”

“Oh. Unit 31. Why did you even mention that?”

“You started it!”

Units 31 and 212 began bickering over the underwear. It was somewhat surprising to see Unit 31 interested in such things. This made me realize how little I actually know about her.

I awkwardly stood between them. Cosmetics or underwear—none of these topics were something I should interfere with.

‘You two talk so freely with me in the middle. After living together for so long, do I not seem male to you anymore?’

Thinking about Unit 212 giving me oral, it didn’t seem like that was the case. Maybe it’s just because we’ve grown comfortable with each other after being together for so long.

When our agreed-upon time arrived, the squad return bus came. Their conversation stopped. We quietly boarded the bus. Every time I ride this return bus, it feels strange. Though I hate to admit it, there’s also a sense of finishing work and returning home.

Kwaang!

It was just as the bus was about to leave the city. A massive explosion resounded.

Units 31 and 212 looked out the bus window.

“…It’s not an attack aimed at us.”

“Isn’t that the direction where Viscount Fretelgar’s mansion is?”

Without even glancing at the window, I closed my eyes.

“Don’t worry about it. Our mission is already over.”