Chapter 35: Escort (5)

"By the way, how did you find that connection? Where did you get the book?"

Just as I was about to speak, Phiri threw a sharp question. This was within my expectations.

I calmly recited the prepared answer.

"I read this book in the library of the lord's mansion when I was there."

"Is that so?"

It was an old book, but one that resembled a history book, talking about the era of the founding emperor.

It wasn't a book that no one reads now, but it wasn't easy to obtain.

"While returning to the branch, I felt a sense of déjà vu and was able to get the book from the branch office."

"You have a really good memory, just like last time."

Phiri genuinely marveled.

"No, I don't."

"Modesty is... "

Feeling the conversation might veer off, I steered it back to the original topic.

"Earlier, the branch manager and the deputy leader said that they might be a new organization cultivated by the empire, right?"

"Yeah. They definitely weren't the empire's guys I know. They weren't just a bunch of sloppy guys because there were many of them."

Phiri took out a cigarette, put it in his mouth, and lit it. I made sure the smoke didn't reach me with the wind.

"It could only be the empire. As you said, it's possible that some lunatics in the empire are pulling such a stunt."

His tone didn't seem to seriously consider my words. I wanted to confirm his thoughts.

"What if it really is the return of the devil worshippers?"

"Hmm."

Phiri evaded the question.

"To be honest, I think the possibility is low. It's not impossible, though."

"Is that so?"

"Rather, the probability is higher that the empire is deliberately pretending to be devil worshippers. Just look at how they're collecting Leon ore."

"You mean they're intentionally disguising themselves as devil worshippers to carry out terrorism?"

Phiri nodded.

It wasn't the right answer, but it was a reasonable opinion. Indeed, it was a reaction that couldn't be avoided given the current situation.

"Maybe your thoughts are half right."

"Really?"

"Let's say the guys are really devil worshippers as you said. It's a bit strange that they suddenly appeared without any signs, isn't it?"

I nodded. In the game, they just suddenly appeared.

I hadn't really thought about it. It was a game, after all. I wondered if a demon had persuaded someone.

"If they are really devil worshippers, it might be more accurate to see them as an organization created by the empire that has gone out of control."

"Oh."

At first, I thought it was a random comment. But upon reflection, it could be the truth.

Since I hadn't cleared the game, I didn't know the essence of it.

If the devil worshippers intentionally cultivated by the empire had become independent and stabbed the empire in the back, it wouldn't be surprising.

Why? There are many cases where something created can't be controlled.

Even if not now, Phiri might have seen a few steps ahead.

I was a bit impressed.

To deduce that much with limited information. He wasn't in the deputy leader position for nothing.

Maybe I was too immersed in the game's information. I needed to think more flexibly.

"Of course, it's also possible that a group of lunatics who are devil worshippers suddenly appeared as you said."

"The deputy leader's opinion seems correct."

I could tell that Phiri was taking my words quite seriously, despite his casual demeanor.

Phiri nodded.

"Anyway, it's not impossible. For now, let's report that there are various possibilities..."

Phiri looked at me with a serious expression.

"I'll keep the separate report you gave me to myself."

"Is that okay?"

"Of course. I'm the deputy leader. Come back in two days and pretend to report to me. Say you suddenly remembered something you saw in passing during a tense situation."

"Wouldn't that lack credibility?"

"I'll say I saw something similar during the battle."

Phiri said it casually, but it was entirely out of consideration for me.

I felt a small sense of gratitude.

"Thank you."

"Whatever."

Phiri stretched and lay back on the bed.

"Is that all you wanted to say?"

"......What about me? Will I be reassigned?"

I hadn't heard about my future yet. If I were reassigned, it would be a big problem.

Phiri's lips curved into a smile at my question.

"Why? What do you want to happen?"

"Does it depend on what I say?"

"Maybe."

"I want to stay in the empire."

I didn't know if Phiri's words were true. From the way he said it, it seemed I would stay, but...

I couldn't easily speak my mind to a superior. Phiri's smile deepened.

"You don't want to be separated from me?"

"That's not it... I can't say it's not, but I came here because I wanted to be in the empire."

Phiri chuckled.

"If you're going to flatter, do it properly."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't worry. You'll move with me. We'll probably wait a bit and then return to the capital. You might get a new mission."

I sighed in relief internally. Hearing it verbally made me feel even more reassured.

A few days later, I received a new mission from the imperial capital, not a reassignment.

We were ordered to scatter to different places.

I also heard that Kahalin would be put on hold for a while.

Investigating the mysterious organization was a risky investment given the current situation.

Instead, they decided to use the empire's power.

They would intentionally leak information about the Kibelun Mountains once our traces were cleared.

'Let's see how it goes.'

The imperial capital has better information than the north. They would leak the information and monitor the empire's response.

We could tell if the guys were the empire's dogs by observing the empire's actions.

After that, they planned to establish a new branch and start the investigation under the supervision of the duke.

I was a bit surprised to hear that the duke was personally involved. It didn't seem like an event of that scale on the surface.

'Does he have a good intuition?'

It was good for me.

If better agents came and obtained information, our response would be more effective later.

Actually, I shouldn't have heard this. I only knew because of Phiri's consideration.

He said I deserved to know what would happen next because of my contributions.

Large-scale movements would be noticeable, so while the others waited, Phiri and I moved first.

On the day we left, Tuan Zaha saw us off to the entrance despite Phiri's protests.

It was because of me. He had shown a lot of interest in me during our time together.

There was the gratitude for saving his life, but it also seemed like he was trying to make up for the loss of junior agents through me.

When he talked about the agents who died trying to save him by sacrificing their lives, he was clearly holding back tears.

I had no reason to refuse his kindness. I learned and heard many practical experiences from him.

Even at the final farewell, Tuan Zaha's gaze lingered on me. He extended his rough hand.

When I shook it, Tuan Zaha responded with a deep smile.

"I'll definitely repay you someday."

"You've already helped me a lot."

My words made Tuan Zaha laugh.

Not understanding, I looked at Phiri, who answered with a hidden smile.

"It's just a way of saying he hopes to see you alive next time."

"Oh..."

It was a greeting like mercenaries who risk their lives for work. I nodded.

"Yes. When we meet next, please repay me properly."

"Sure."

Tuan Zaha nodded and laughed heartily.

* * *

Not long after parting with Tuan Zaha, I cautiously asked Phiri.

"Are you really not going to tell me where we're going?"

"Newbies should move without knowing anything. It's more exciting that way."

"..."

Phiri clicked his tongue when I didn't say anything.

"You're no fun."

"I'll take it as a compliment."

"We're going to Tumak."

It was a place to the west of here. A city in the northwest of the continent, on the border between the empire and Horig.

It wasn't that far from here, but it was farther from the imperial capital. The return journey would be harder.

"Is this how you usually move around?"

"Huh? Why?"

"You're the deputy leader, after all."

I suspected the chief might be deliberately keeping Phiri away.

Even if the deputy leader was a field officer, it was strange.

It was odd that no one called for Phiri, who had been missing for a few days. The timing was also suspicious.

Phiri shrugged nonchalantly.

"I told you before. I'm a field deputy leader."

"Even so, isn't it too much to push you away? What if the chief suddenly dies? How will the handover be handled?"

"That's why there are direct subordinates to the chief."

True. Mohen was closer to a personal subordinate of the branch manager. The chief would naturally have one too.

Phiri smiled.

"Anyway, aren't you curious why we're going to Tumak?"

"If it's necessary for the mission, you'll tell me."

"You asked where we're going, didn't you?"

"Usually, you don't tell where you're going, right?"

"Right. That's true."

"Don't nitpick."

I replied coldly, and Phiri chuckled and gave me a playful glare.

"Would you be surprised if you knew?"

"..."

"Really surprised?"

He seemed to be waiting for me to ask. Maybe that's why he didn't tell me.

I sighed internally.

"What is it?"

"A ruin has been discovered."

"Really?"

A ruin?

It was a completely unexpected area, so I couldn't help but be surprised. A spy organization and ruins?

Hmm. Thinking about it, it wasn't impossible. Spies can disguise themselves in various roles.

This time, we disguised ourselves as herbalists to enter the Kibelun Mountains.

It was possible to discover something during such activities. It would be an unexpected harvest for the spy organization.

If treasures were found, they could get proper funding.

"Surprised, right?"

I nodded, unable to deny it.

Phiri seemed pleased with my reaction.

"It's not confirmed yet, but there's a high probability of valuable items. This is a rare opportunity. I've never discovered a ruin in my life."

"Indeed, it's not an ordinary event."

I had only seen ruins twice in the game, and nothing extraordinary came out.

Still, there were valuable items, so I always looted them.

I was a bit excited. What would come out of this ruin? A fleeting thought crossed my mind.

'Denif.'

Denif hadn't yet awakened his mystery in this world, unlike in the game. Could this ruin be related?

Of course, the methods of obtaining mysteries vary, so I couldn't be sure. Some people even get their mysteries at 50.

Still, I felt something would come out, even if not a mystery.

The Highsen Intelligence Agency probably had a good reason to believe something was there.

However, when I arrived in Tumak, I realized my expectations and the situation were a bit, no, very different.

This time, we were on the wrong side.