Chapter 78

< 78. Cleaning Season (2) >

Cleaning Season.

It was an unofficial event that regularly visited Randa.

As the name suggests, it involved cleaning, but it was not the kind of cleaning done with brooms and mops.

"Exactly, what area are we cleaning?"

"The contaminated area in Zone F."

"Contaminated area?"

"Yes, it's a closed-off area within Randa's Zone F, sealed off by the city. Dangerous contaminated organisms and zombie hordes periodically appear there."

Zone F was the hub where many of Randa's laboratories were concentrated, and from there to the densely populated Zone G, it was an upper-class residential area.

It was curious how such a dangerous place as a contaminated area could exist in such a location.

"Cleaning means that whenever the danger level in the contaminated area rises, we go in once to deal with the rampaging zombies, contaminated organisms, and mutants. According to a secret agreement between the Broker Association and the city, we also provide manpower."

Oliver nodded.

He then looked around at the other solvers.

Their expressions were not particularly good, and Oliver tactfully asked,

"Is this cleaning a matter of personal choice?"

Al closed his eyes and slowly shook his head.

"Not this time."

***

After Coco left and a few other solvers went in and out, it was finally Oliver's turn.

When he entered the manager's office inside the restaurant, he saw Forest, who looked tired, loosening his collar.

As soon as he saw Oliver, Forest straightened his clothes and returned to his usual appearance.

"Hello, Mr. Forest."

"It's been a while, Dave. Good to see you."

His words were half sincere and half insincere.

For some reason, Forest seemed to have some difficulty in speaking to Oliver.

"…Did you hear anything outside?"

"Yes, I asked what was going on, and Al told me about the contaminated area and the cleaning season. Can I hear more details?"

"Of course. Please sit down."

Oliver sat down as Forest suggested.

Forest poured a drink as usual and gave him a glass.

"So, you heard about the contaminated area and the cleaning season?"

"Yes, I heard it's a place swarming with zombies and contaminated organisms."

"And it's also a place where criminals who have fled society and dangerous black mages hide."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, it's also a dumping ground for difficult-to-dispose-of corpses. …Why do zombie hordes regularly appear there?"

"But Al said it's sealed off by the city, right?"

"Maybe on the surface, but not below."

Forest pointed to the ground.

Cant's words about another city made of sewers and tunnels beneath Randa came to mind.

"Even if the city has sealed it off, a powerful and influential organization can pay off the city's defense forces, who regularly guard the contaminated area, and use a back door."

"How did such a dangerous place end up in Zone F?"

"Good question. There are many rumors, such as the aftermath of magic experiments and traces of the Great Catastrophe that were not cleared in time, but in fact, no one knows the exact reason."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. That's the nature of Randa. Even when something huge and terrible happens, it's covered up with countless lies, like kneading dough. Most people are too busy making a living to care, so the truth in this city is both valuable and dangerous."

"…You're usually kind, but you seem even kinder today."

Forest smiled wryly.

"I have a favor to ask you."

"Is it about the contaminated area cleaning?"

"Yes, for some reason, the city decided to designate personnel for this cleaning. They say the last cleaning was ineffective because they sent incompetent people."

Oliver asked calmly, as if talking about someone else.

"Is that really so?"

"Half of it? It's true that they don't want to send capable friends. It's a dangerous job that doesn't pay well, so they can't send capable friends… But half of it is a lie."

"A lie?"

"Yes, they do clean properly, at least to a minimum. If not, they'd have to deal with city officials for a while. The last cleaning was done as usual. But suddenly, they made this unreasonable demand. We had no choice but to accept."

Forest's emotions showed a bit of frustration and helplessness.

It seemed that the Broker Association was at a disadvantage in its relationship with the city.

Forest spoke again.

"And the city official asked for you."

"Me?"

"Yes, they heard the rumor that you defeated a mage. It's more of a rumor, but it's enough to stand out… I didn't plan to send you on such a job, but given the situation, I have to ask. Can you go on this cleaning? I'm sorry."

Forest's words were sincere.

He felt sorry and guilty toward Oliver.

It was strange.

If the rules were like this, it didn't seem like something Forest couldn't say.

Oliver didn't feel particularly aggrieved either. Everyone does it, after all.

Moreover, he was also interested in the contaminated area.

'Black mages live there…'

But that's a different matter. He asked out of curiosity.

"What if I refuse? The cleaning, I mean."

"If we violate the secret agreement with the city, I'll have to pay a huge fine that could lead to bankruptcy, and I'll lose my broker license. You'll become a criminal, and the police will deliberately beat you up as an example."

"Oh, then I have to go."

"Thank you for your wise decision. So, can I explain the job now that you've accepted?"

Forest asked, pulling out a file. It seemed he didn't intend to send Oliver off without preparation.

"Of course. Please do."

"Good. First, let me tell you one thing. This cleaning season is suspicious."

"Suspicious?"

"Yes, it's strange that they're directly requesting participants, and the timing is too early. It was supposed to be four months later, but they suddenly announced the cleaning. They say the number of rampaging organisms in the contaminated area has increased."

"Is that true?"

"Yes, it's true. Miss Coco confirmed it, and I also consulted with Heimdall. The number of rampaging zombies has increased exponentially in just a month."

"Is there a World Tree in the contaminated area?"

"Of course there is… Did I tell you about the World Tree before?"

"I studied it."

"What?"

"I studied it. Is there a problem with that?"

"No, it's not that, but how…? Never mind. Anyway, there is a World Tree in the contaminated area. It's true that the number of zombies has increased. So, there are three possible reasons."

"Three reasons?"

"Yes, the first is that a large number of bodies have been illegally dumped in the contaminated area this year. Such incidents are surprisingly common… The second is that the Black Plague has spread, infecting a large number of people hiding in the contaminated area."

The Black Plague.

He had read about it once in the Dominic Family's books.

It was a natural plague caused by the mixing of a large number of corpses, pathogens, and the aura of black magic, which turned people into zombies.

It was more malignant and fatal than ordinary diseases, and in severe cases, it could cause uncontrollable disaster-level damage.

"What's the third reason?"

"The sudden establishment of a dangerous black mage's lair."

"Black mage?"

"Yes, I'm not trying to belittle you, but for a black mage who isn't bound by any legal constraints, there's no better place than the contaminated area. In fact, one of the many reasons why the contaminated area hasn't been reclaimed is the presence of a dangerous black mage family."

Oliver nodded, understanding.

The contaminated area was a closed-off zone, meaning it was a kind of free zone where the law or city rules didn't apply.

With so many bodies? It could be a comfortable place for a black mage if they had the power.

Even Oliver, now, could empathize and wonder if he could benefit from it.

"Are you okay with this?"

"Yes? Ah, yes, I'm fine."

"…Anyway, my current guess is that the increase in zombies is due to these factors. It's dangerous. As dangerous as Y and Z zones."

As dangerous as Y and Z, which are essentially lawless areas…

"…Mr. Forest, if it's okay, can I ask one more question?"

"What is it?"

"If it's so dangerous, shouldn't it be resolved at all costs? Y and Z zones are in remote areas, so it's okay, but the contaminated area is in the heart of Randa… Isn't it dangerous?"

"Good point. Logically, you're right. But sometimes, common sense is just that—common. When the contaminated area first appeared, it was noisy, but now the general sentiment is that it's not that bad."

"…?"

"First, it's well-controlled, and the research labs can get good samples from there… Most importantly, it's a convenient place to dispose of illegal experimental subjects from the labs."

Oliver understood Forest's words.

The contaminated area was not just a polluted place.

It was a field for securing