Chapter 16

Standing at the classroom door, Xiaoming took a deep breath and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

As cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

After the pharmaceutical company first conceded, the matter proceeded smoothly. Instead of doubling the advance payment of 10 million cells originally scheduled to be paid to Renok, the success fee of 10 million cells would remain unchanged. After signing the temporary employment contract to receive 30 million cells upon success, Renok immediately got into the car that Seiji had brought and headed towards the warehouse. Since he had already packed his belongings, there were no major issues.

"It's a bit late. The others are probably already here."

"Other people?"

"People we hired to guard the warehouse. Although they are far from enough compared to the number of gang members, they will still be helpful."

"......"

It seemed they didn't intend to have Renok face the gang alone. Instead of responding, Renok turned his head to look out the window.

Zenny had mentioned that the gang numbered at least 100. When Renok didn't expect much help from others, how many people could he handle?

To be honest, if the opponents weren't magic users, Renok could easily handle many more people. If he layered his shields to about five layers, even bullets and blades wouldn't penetrate. If he cast spells from his seat, he could launch a one-sided offensive as long as his magic power allowed.

However, if there were magic users or ability users among the gang, it would be a bit troublesome. Although he wouldn't die, he couldn't guarantee that he could properly protect the new drug samples.

He needed more information.

'Shake them a bit.'

"According to Zenny, you knew about my bounty and still lowered it."

"Y-Yes...?"

Seeing Seiji's visibly flustered face, Renok smiled faintly.

"Also, doubling the advance payment and completely ignoring the market rate."

"It's a misunderstanding."

Seiji answered, sweating profusely. His hands on the steering wheel began to tremble.

It was more likely that he was afraid of angering the mage in the passenger seat rather than feeling guilty about Renok's words.

The fear of being electrocuted on the spot was not something easily experienced.

Renok stared at Seiji for a while before continuing.

"Is there anything else in the warehouse?"

Seiji, who had been on edge, latched onto the change of topic.

"No, not really. The warehouse was originally used for personal use, so there are samples of other drugs on the market."

"Are there any ordinary drugs like sleeping pills?"

"We don't handle them directly, but there probably are."

"Good."

"Yes?"

"It's nothing."

The sleeping pills from the shabby pharmacy in District 49 weren't working well. If he could secure other samples, it wouldn't be a bad thing. He had been putting off buying different sleeping pills, always thinking about when he would need them. It would be good to get one now.

Meanwhile, the car Seiji was driving came to a stop.

"We've arrived. It seems the others are here as well."

About ten people were gathered in front of the warehouse, which he had already seen in photos.

Too few to attract attention, but a large number for guarding a single warehouse. The pharmaceutical company's careful consideration of the number of people was evident, as they couldn't openly challenge the councilor.

"The people... seem unhappy."

Seeing the people outside the car with their heads steaming, Renok muttered.

The rough clothing and various firearms and blades they carried as they approached were terrifying.

The muscular man with a fierce expression who was leading the group roughly pounded on the car.

"Hey!! Open the door! Get out!"

"What's going on?"

"This is different from what we agreed on! What can we do with this number?!"

It looked like a lot to guard a warehouse, but it was ridiculously few to defend against a gang attack.

After a quick look, Renok understood the situation.

"Everyone else is just filler, except for me."

"That's... not true."

"I don't mind, but do they know that?"

Renok's indifferent words made Seiji's face turn pale again.

To be fair, this situation wasn't entirely his fault.

The executives and a few managers who knew about the hidden samples in the warehouse, and their decision to protect the samples with such a small number, were the main reasons.

It was a frustrating situation, but he couldn't always work with smart clients.

"Hmm... let's go out."

"But if we go out now..."

"I'll do what I can."

Without waiting for a response, Renok opened the door.

Intimidation

As soon as he appeared from the passenger seat, people immediately rushed over, their tempers flaring.

"What are you doing here? Come out with that guy!"

"If you're late, get out of the way! We have business with him."

"They didn't tell us we'd be facing a gang when they hired us!"

The men's voices were tinged with a faint sob.

Renok understood their position. They had been lured here by a high reward, and the thought of facing a gang must have been terrifying.

But he had no intention of calming them down.

"Can't you be quiet?"

"You're in trouble too! What are you acting so smug for?!"

"If the gang marks you, you can't run away!"

The fear in their voices was palpable.

Renok understood their position. They had been lured here by a high reward, and the thought of facing a gang must have been terrifying.

But he had no intention of calming them down.

"Didn't you hear me? Get out of the car...!!"

Renok pushed the man who was trying to open the door and grabbed his shoulder.

He immediately channeled his magic power.

[Bolt]

Zzzz!

"Ughhhhh!"

Renok took out a cigarette from his pocket and put it in his mouth.

As he lit it and exhaled smoke, no one dared to speak.

No one missed the blue current he had just unleashed.

"Y-You're a mage..."

"The pharmaceutical company hired a mage?"

"That makes sense..."

"Be quiet."

Everyone immediately shut their mouths.

Renok slowly looked around and then spoke.

"From what you're saying about the gang, it seems you know the situation."

The people nodded silently.

"Good. It was the company's fault for not explaining things to you in detail."

Renok tapped the tire with his heel, causing the car to shake slightly. He didn't need to think about who was trembling inside.

"But this person is just following the company's orders. Wrecking the car and beating him up here would be a waste of time."

He wasn't saying this because he had any particular fondness for Seiji.

But there was nothing to be gained by taking out their anger on a mere messenger.

Staying here was a waste of time for Renok. It would be better to send him away and prepare for the job.

But there were few people who would listen to reason at this point.

No, they didn't want to listen.

"Move aside while I'm being nice. Just because you're a mage, right?"

Rrrrr!

A man pushed through the crowd, and flames erupted from his arms.

"Looks like you guys don't know much. Not all mages are great. If you're here, you're probably a washed-up mage with a tiny bit of magic power, kicked out of the magic tower."

"......"

Renok puffed on his cigarette and sized up the man.

His eyes were bloodshot with tension and anger. His rough appearance, with a stubbly beard and a leather jacket, was reminiscent of the foremen he used to work with in factories. However, the flames he was generating from his arms were real.

Renok nodded inwardly, having seen a magic user twice in one day.

Pyrokinetic. Pyrokineticist. Known by various names, they were famous for their intuitive and powerful abilities.

However, given that they were hired without any prior information, they were unlikely to be very powerful.

Renok smiled and responded.

"So what? Are you going to push me aside and turn this car into ashes?"

".....No. A low-level mage is just a burden. I'll burn you too!!"

The man growled and extended his burning hands towards Renok.

Renok stared at them, still holding his cigarette.

Indeed, in this world, nothing was resolved by talking nicely. One's opinion was power, and power was the means of communication.

Reaffirming this simple yet cruel logic, Renok also extended his hand.

Thud!

Just before the flames touched his skin, Renok cast a shield and grabbed the man's hand.

"......"

Everyone, including the pyrokinetic, was taken aback by Renok's unexpected action.

"Wh-What? What are you doing?!"

Renok didn't respond. He would make them understand soon enough.

He silently channeled his magic power and visualized a strong flame.

The magic power surged, and a new spell intertwined with the man's flames.

From Renok's hand, a bright red inferno erupted and engulfed the man.

Whoosh!

"Ah!"

"It's... insane! This can't be happening!!"

As the people around him gasped in shock, the two flames intertwined and spread in all directions.

Initially, the two flames seemed to clash violently, but they soon merged and shot in one direction.

It was clear which flame had prevailed.

Whoosh!

"Ahhhhhhh!"

Not all pyrokinetics are immune to fire.

While they can naturally withstand a certain level of heat by burning themselves, low-level ability users