Alimo (4)
Chapter 180
Comet looked at Ray.
When Ray’s group visited, Comet had intentionally displayed a carefree attitude by lounging around with drinks in hand at the hideout and postponing business talks—it was part of the psychological game.
However, Comet wasn’t just being obstinate for the sake of it.
Ray’s group wasn’t from the Imperial Intelligence Bureau but were instead associated with the Prizzran Clan.
It was almost unprecedented to deploy additional personnel overseas who weren’t directly tied to intelligence operations.
That said, Ray’s group didn’t seem to possess extraordinary combat power either.
Two 3rd Circle members and two Expert Level fighters—while certainly helpful anywhere they went, they weren’t enough to dramatically turn the tide of any situation.
Thus, Comet couldn’t figure out why exactly Ray’s group had come to Alimo.
He wanted to probe them a little—to assess their abilities, tendencies, and objectives.
Depending on the characteristics of Ray’s group, Comet would have adjusted his approach accordingly.
But Ray’s current demeanor was completely outside of what Comet had anticipated.
“Is he a Mage… or a Knight?”
The movement Ray had just used to subdue Richel transcended Expert Level.
He could be a knight pretending to be a mage by using an artefact, or perhaps an eccentric Battle Mage who augmented his physical prowess with magic.
It was also possible that he had created both a Circle and a Core, though such an endeavor was usually considered the work of a madman.
“No matter what, our superiors clearly gave us distorted information.”
Not only was Ray’s strength surprising, but the mage beside him turned out to be a Spirit Summoner.
There were already two intermediate spirits summoned, but that wasn’t all.
A much larger presence was slowly materializing—a high-level spirit, which Comet recognized without difficulty.
“…If we combine the strength of these four, they might be able to match the role of one or two Graduates.”
Comet realized he had been mistaken.
He had wondered why non-intelligence personnel with seemingly mediocre skills had been sent as reinforcements, but his assumptions had been wrong from the start.
Judging by the deployment of such high-caliber forces, the Empire must have placed significant importance on securing Ulte Guard.
Clang!
Comet lightly swirled his glass.
The sound of ice clinking against the glass echoed like a warning in his ears.
“…”
After taking another sip of alcohol, Comet placed the empty glass back on the table.
It seemed there wouldn’t be any more fun to be had by openly playing games.
Comet admitted to himself that he was slightly intimidated.
“…Everyone, clear out. And someone take Richel away.”
The spies exchanged glances before following Comet’s orders.
While the room was being cleared, Comet refilled his glass.
Though the situation was awkward, since Ray’s side had made the first move, Comet decided it would be wise to cooperate.
Even if Comet had participated in smuggling activities during his time in Alimo, there was no reason for Ray to hold it against him.
Once the room was emptied, Comet extended his glass toward Ray.
“Can you add some more ice, please?”
“You’re acting pretty casual.”
Despite his words, Ray dropped a few pieces of ice into Comet’s glass.
As Comet took the glass, he began speaking.
“Ulte Guard. His alias in Alimo was ‘Hophe.’ Middle-aged man, black hair, heterochromatic eyes. Numerous scars across his body. He shoots a bow with elf-like precision and works undercover as a mercenary. He has a passion for exploring ancient ruins and dungeons.”
“That’s all information we’ve already passed on to your intelligence agents. Surely you didn’t conduct no further investigation?”
“How could I not? We tracked ‘Hophe’s’ movements, but they ended in the Forbidden Forest.”
“Forbidden Forest?”
“It’s also called the Contaminated Forest.”
Comet pulled out a map and pointed to a location.
“Here… this is what I’m talking about.”
Alimo is a country adjacent to the Demonic Realm.
To the south, across a shallow sea, lies the Demonic Realm.
Even though the sea separates them, the influence of the Demonic Realm extends underwater, contaminating parts of Alimo’s territory.
Regions corrupted and demonized by demonic energy are referred to as the Forbidden Forest or Contaminated Forest.
Although it isn’t severely contaminated due to its distance from the core of the Demonic Realm, it remains a zone where ordinary people cannot survive for long periods.
“There are remnants of a fallen nation within the area occupied by the Contaminated Forest—an ancient civilization older than the Empire itself. But since the region is beyond recovery, it’s been left untouched. Hophe seems to have disappeared while exploring the vicinity.”
“So, exactly when and where did he disappear? Have you identified the last person who made contact with him?”
“Aah… listen here, Mage sir.”
Comet groaned.
“Listen carefully. Despite its ominous name, the Forbidden Forest is actually a treasure trove of resources for Alimo.”
“A treasure trove?”
“To put it very simply, it’s a monster breeding ground.”
Because the Forbidden Forest mimics the environment of the Demonic Realm, the number of monsters increases easily and recovers quickly compared to other areas.
“For instance, the density of monsters in the Forbidden Forest is over ten times higher than in the Sigini Mountain Range, and their numbers recover much faster.”
“And monster corpses… well, they have many uses. Why, the high-quality contraceptives made from Wildboar intestines are popular even in the Empire, right? They’re all imported from Alimo.”
Ray’s expression became strange.
But Comet continued without noticing.
“If the Forbidden Forest suddenly disappeared one day, the supply of monster corpses would dry up.”
“Would that be such a big deal?”
“It would be. The Magic Towers conducting research using monster corpses would scream bloody murder, and the Empire’s high-ranking officials would throw a fit. What are they supposed to do without the supply of contraceptives? You can’t suck them clean and reuse them, can you?”
Ray asked seriously,
“…You mean sucking them clean to reuse them?”
“Who sucks and reuses contraceptives? Some lunatic? Maybe in some remote village, but nowhere else.”
“…”
Ray closed his eyes briefly.
In the silence, Ray recalled distant memories from his youth—the time spent washing slices of Wildboar intestines by the river under the lilac evening sky.
Often, the contents inside would splash onto his face as he scrubbed vigorously.
Each incident was followed by fits of swearing and convulsions.
He also remembered vividly how he’d once sucked clean the parts used near his buttocks with his bare hands.
“…”
Ray felt utterly disheartened.
Comet noticed the cooling atmosphere and glanced nervously at Ray.
Ray rubbed his nose bridge and waved his hand dismissively.
“Enough of the useless talk. What’s your point?”
“The Forbidden Forest brings great profit to Alimo… and it’s also the bread-and-butter of many mercenaries. Lately, skilled mercenaries have been flocking to Alimo because of the lucrative opportunities.”
“But?”
“Since so many interests are involved, there’s a strong tendency to cover up minor incidents. Someone disappeared in the Forbidden Forest? No one cares. If you start prying too much, you’re likely to get a knife in the back.”
“So, your intelligence agents were afraid of getting stabbed and sat idly?”
“Don’t misunderstand. We moved cautiously to avoid exposing our identities if we stirred things up recklessly.”
“Spinning baseless excuses, huh?”
Ray clicked his tongue and asked again,
“At the very least, did you send some intelligence operatives to search the Forbidden Forest?”
“Directly investigating the Forbidden Forest with a small team of operatives is far too dangerous…”
“Shut up with those excuses. Where was Ulte—Hophe last seen?”
“…In the Rioshuko region. There, numerous mercenaries reside and form quite a large guild.”
“In that case, we should start searching there.”
Ray stood up from his chair, gathering the map.
“My group will depart tomorrow morning. Prepare four horses and compile all available data on Ulte Guard by then.”
Without waiting for a response, Ray turned his back and walked away.
Comet watched with a sour expression but didn’t argue further. After finishing his drink, he got up, knowing he needed to secure decent horses by morning.
*
The next morning.
Ray mounted his horse, carrying the compiled data on Ulte.
Under the shade, Comet hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.
“Ron.”
“What is it?”
“The Forbidden Forest involves the interests of many powerful figures. If you stir things up recklessly… blood will surely be spilled.”
Ray smirked.
Comet couldn’t tell if his concern was genuine, self-serving, or something more sinister.
But Ray didn’t need to worry about Comet’s intentions.
“As I go around stirring things up, I’ll probably attract those who want to capture me.”
“My point exactly.”
“If I handle each of them, I might eventually uncover Hophe’s whereabouts, don’t you think?”
“…”
Comet thought Ray was utterly insane.
The opponents Ray would face weren’t just random thugs—they included nobles and other powerful figures entangled in the Forbidden Forest’s affairs.
If things escalated, even the Knight Order might get involved, and worse still, it could become a national issue.
And yet, Ray intended to barge in headfirst?
Comet couldn’t comprehend Ray’s confidence.
Even if Ray possessed Graduate-level strength, this was Alimo—not the Empire.
This land offered no hope for swift and reliable support from the Empire if danger arose.
“Ron… this isn’t the Empire.”
“Yeah, it’s not.”
Ray chuckled under his hood before turning serious.
“You’re right; this isn’t the Empire.”
This was Alimo.
No Swordmasters, no Archmages.
No Emperor wielding millennia-old authority capable of mobilizing tens of thousands of troops.
Therefore, this backwater posed no real threat to Ray.
“I’m going now.”
With no knowledge of Ulte’s exact situation, Ray saw no reason to delay unnecessarily.
“Comet, if I need anything, I’ll call you. This time, act swiftly.”
After issuing his final warning, Ray rode off with his group.
Left alone, Comet shook his head at Ray’s excessively arrogant and disrespectful attitude.
*
Rioshuko.
A region and city within Alimo.
Nicknamed the “City of Mercenaries,” Rioshuko developed thanks to the Forbidden Forest.
Once a vast plain, Rioshuko flourished as mercenaries gathered to hunt monsters for profit.
The largest tavern in Rioshuko, Wypor’s Nest, started emanating the smell of alcohol by mid-afternoon.
Since the Forbidden Forest became dangerous at night, many mercenaries entered the forest at dawn and returned before evening to gather at the taverns.
Some ventured deep into the forest for bigger profits, setting up camp, but it wasn’t feasible to risk it every time.
Wypor’s Nest, originally prosperous, had grown even livelier recently due to the increased appearance of monsters and the influx of mercenaries.
Inside, mercenaries drank, chatted, and reorganized parties for monster hunts.
Stories buzzed around: tales of encountering certain monsters, or warnings about reckless mistakes leading to crushed legs.
Suddenly, a loud explosion erupted outside the tavern.
BOOM—!
The chatter ceased instantly.
Merchants glanced at each other, gripping their weapons as they stood up. Moments later, the main door of Wypor’s Nest burst open.
CRASH!!
The shattered door rolled across the floor in pieces.
Through the gaping entrance, Ray appeared, dragging an unconscious mercenary by the collar.
As Ray stepped into Wypor’s Nest, all eyes turned to him.
Ray tossed the mercenary aside and spoke loudly.
“Alright, everyone, pay attention.”
