Chapter 24

◈ Chapter 24: The Black Dawn (1)

Crumpling the note and putting it in my inner pocket, I fell into deep thought.

First, I understand that the Black Dawn is involved in the current werewolf situation.

However, the urgency in the request to capture or, if necessary, eliminate the werewolves suggests that the escape of the werewolves was likely an unexpected event for them as well.

'If there's a problem, it's that if this is exposed, the Black Dawn will suffer a significant blow.'

If they suffer a blow, it would be a boon for me.

Even if I pretend to be indifferent on the surface, I should be secretly rejoicing.

But if there's a problem, it's the last line of the note.

-There's a possibility that my identity will be exposed.

This means that this Rudger Chellis identity is somehow connected to the creation of the werewolf test subjects.

I need to capture at least three, no, now two werewolves.

In other words, I need to find and capture the werewolves before the Seolren side does and then eliminate them.

'Come to think of it, the werewolves had a mark.'

That mark is likely related to the people who conducted the experiments.

The issue is that it suggests Rudger Chellis is somehow involved.

If this had nothing to do with me, I would have left it to Seolren to handle.

But if I'm involved, the situation changes.

If exposed, I die.

"Mr. Rudger? Are you feeling unwell?"

"Nothing is wrong."

In response to Professor Selina's worried question, I answered that I was fine and began to think.

First, it's confirmed that there are three werewolves.

Since I caught one, there are two left.

One is likely in Seolren, and the other in Leathervale.

'I need to hunt them down.'

Meanwhile, the tension between the principal and Hugo was reaching its peak.

"Well, it's your choice to act so narrow-minded, Mr. Hugo. However, I hope you handle the given task properly."

"Are you saying you'll strengthen the patrols?"

"That's not all. We'll increase the number of patrols, and most importantly, we can't just stand by until all students return to their dorms at night."

Hugo's expression clearly showed his annoyance.

It seemed he was more bothered by the fact that someone of his status had to do the patrols usually done by servants than by concern for the students.

However, the incident had already occurred, and the severity of the situation was recognized by the other teachers.

Even Hugo couldn't openly oppose it.

"Fine, then."

"Good. And please warn the other teachers to tell the students not to wander around late at night. If they violate this, it's acceptable to give them demerits. This is a direct order from me, the principal. Understood?"

"Tsk. Understood."

The meeting ended, and the teachers got up and dispersed.

I also stood up to return to my office, but some people blocked my path.

"Are you Mr. Rudger Chellis? Nice to meet you. I'm Daniel Maslak, in charge of astrology."

"Mr. Rudger. This is the one in charge of enhancement classes..."

Their reason for approaching me was obvious.

They wanted to ask about the Source Code magic.

The greed in their eyes made it clear.

"Sorry, but I have something to do, so I'll go first."

I immediately brushed off their interest and left the meeting room.

* * *

Instead of heading straight to my office, I moved to a deserted warehouse.

I stopped when I thought it was a good spot.

"Come out."

If the person who sent me the message at the meeting was waiting for me, they would definitely be here.

There was definitely something they wanted to say that couldn't be conveyed in a few lines of a message.

As soon as I spoke, a hesitant presence was felt behind a pillar, and someone peeked out.

"Um..."

"Speak."

The girl had a squirrel-like appearance.

Then I realized she was one of the Black Dawn's subordinates who tried to approach me when I had been in Seolren for a fortnight.

"What is it?"

"W-well..."

She seemed visibly flustered, not expecting to meet me again.

As she stepped out from behind the pillar, I was slightly surprised to see her wearing Seolren's uniform.

Could she be a student here?

Most Black Dawn members infiltrate as servants because it's not easy to fake a student's identity.

To enter here, one needs at least the talent or appropriate skills to pass the entrance exam.

I didn't expect this girl, who seemed to be a low-ranking member, to be a student here, and even a first-year at that.

I hadn't noticed her uniform the first time we met.

"Let's move to a different place. Follow me."

"Ah, yes."

I led the way, and she followed.

I suddenly thought of something and turned to ask her.

"Do you like coffee?"

"Me?"

* * *

I sat across from the Third Order student in a quiet café.

She had been visibly nervous, her shoulders hunched.

I glanced at her.

Pale skin, delicate features, and a voluminous brown bob with a slight build.

Her ears were hidden, and her bangs were long enough to almost cover her eyes.

She looked like a tiny squirrel.

Her trembling when I intimidated her earlier wasn't a mistake.

I took a sip of the warm coffee in front of me and loudly placed the cup on the table.

Click.

"Ah!"

The sound of the coffee cup hitting the table made her flinch.

"Name."

"Me?"

"I won't ask again. Your name."

"S-sedina Roschen."

"Is that your real name?"

"Y-yes."

"Not an alias?"

This was unexpected.

In this world, having a surname means one is not a commoner but of a higher class.

Nobles, clergy, or wealthy merchants.

It's strange that a girl from such a privileged background would join a secret society and have the talent to enter Seolren but only be a Third Order.

'No, perhaps someone from such a background might be treated even worse.'

The strangest part is that a girl with this level of talent is only a Third Order.

I'll ask about that later.

I snapped my fingers.

"Speak. Tell me exactly what happened. Don't leave anything out."

"The surroundings are...?"

"I've cast a sound-blocking spell. No one outside will hear our conversation."

"Sound-blocking spell? Y-yes, as expected of a First Order."

It was strange to keep being called a First Order.

Actually, it was uncomfortable.

"First, we need to change the way you address me. Don't call me First Order."

"Wh-what?!"

Sedina's eyes widened as if she had just heard a thunderclap.

She wouldn't make that face even if the country fell.

"I don't want to raise unnecessary suspicions. I'm a teacher at Seolren, and you're a student."

"Y-yes, that's right."

"From now on, call me Mr. Rudger."

"H-how can I...?"

"It's an order."

"An order."

When I firmly said it was an order, she nodded in understanding.

However, despite her respectful demeanor, her lips kept trying to curl up in a smile.

"So, what's the situation?"

"Ah, yes. I'll explain everything. The recent werewolf incident was caused by a subordinate organization of the Black Dawn, or rather, one that has collaborated with us."

I was momentarily taken aback by her sudden formal tone but nodded naturally.

"Continue. Tell me everything in detail."

"As you know, Mr. Rudger, there are factions within the Black Dawn. The one who pushed this project the hardest was another First Order, Victor Dreadpool."

"Yes, that's right."

Actually, I knew nothing.

I pretended to know everything and nodded along.

Victor Dreadpool. I need to remember that.

"The Shamshu School, created by black mages from back alleys and unethical scientists expelled from the association, continued their experiments on cryptids."

"What kind of experiments specifically?"

"Only a few know the details, so I can't... Ah, right. When Mr. Rudger lent his name to Victor, it was only for the name."

"It was only the name. I didn't expect it to come to this."

From his reaction, it seems Rudger was somewhat close to Victor.

But it has become a problem now.

The Shamshu School likely conducted experiments on cryptids, and the test subjects eventually escaped, leading to the current situation.

"Initially, it should have been their responsibility to handle it, but one of the escaped test subjects hid in Seolren through the sewers."

"So that's why there was a victim the other day."

"Yes, this was a completely unexpected situation for the Black Dawn as well."

"..."

"Ah, I'm sorry. I'm talking too much... When I get excited, I often make such mistakes. I, I'm just..."

She became noticeably more passive, thinking I was staring at her for a different reason.

I immediately shook my head.

"No, you're explaining much better than when we first met. I was just impressed."

"I-I'm just sorry."

"You're surprisingly good at speaking. Keep going. It's pleasant to listen to."

"R-really?! Yes! Understood!"

A few compliments made her perk up and continue her explanation.

I sighed in relief.

If she stopped explaining, I wouldn't be able to get any more information.

Now, while I'm posing as a First Order and receiving her respect, I need to extract everything I can.

'Using her is surprisingly easy.'

S