Chapter 55

Dark magic.

It is a type of spell that uses negative magical power as its source, possessing both a wide variety of attributes and a unique expertise not found in other spells. Despite the fact that delving deeply into one category makes it difficult to learn others, thus making it seem odd to group all dark magic together in terms of versatility, this term refers to the collective name for a group of spells created solely to use negative magical power.

Negative magical power is a residue-like byproduct that feeds on and grows from negative human emotions. When used in ordinary spells, it is merely a low-quality fuel with poor efficiency, but when used in dark magic, it transforms into an excellent power source with overwhelming efficiency.

In this city, where bodies are carted away by the truckload almost daily, how difficult could it be to obtain negative magical power?

It was only natural that dark mages were treated like an inexhaustible spring of resources. That is, until the city government intensified checkpoints and swept away their hideouts.

"Data extraction is complete."

While Renok was lost in thought, Jenny came over with a laptop and sat down next to him. As she brushed back her slightly damp hair, a fresh scent wafted over.

She immediately flipped through the laptop screen and spoke about a few photos and phone numbers that appeared.

"Did you know that the research institute there was collaborating with the Palmes Corporation on AI research? It seems they have been in constant contact with Palmes Corporation officials."

"Palmes Corporation... I know they deal with AI, but I haven't really paid much attention beyond that."

In a world where magic exists, dealing with artificial intelligence transcends mere technology, and there is a line that civilians cannot cross in handling it. Even military artificial life forms and extremely expensive AI products are not closely related to Renok.

"Anyway, with the help of that company, we successfully tracked the whereabouts of other dark mages. They were surprisingly cooperative when I mentioned your name."

Jenny smiled playfully and pressed the enter key, and the screen immediately switched to an alley.

Bright neon signs and dazzling lights. People in colorful clothing running around and the lighting illuminating the damp streets. The noisy music seemed to reach even beyond the screen.

Renok found himself in a completely different world.

"Zone 40. There's a street here that has grown into a huge commercial area, primarily consisting of clubs, bars, and entertainment venues."

"Clubs?"

"A place of rebellion that emerged at the intersection of the residential Zone 30s and the outer Zone 40s. It's a bustling area that the city's residents visit frequently."

Jenny continued.

"The dark mages who were expelled from Zone 44 are hiding here."

"Seems like a suitable place to blend in with the crowd."

It was obvious even from the photos.

People swaying outside the clubs, pedestrians sleeping on the ground, and crowds so dense there was no room to step.

An environment perfect for hiding from prying eyes.

"I was puzzled as to why they would hide here so thoroughly, given that they only lost their business due to the checkpoints and the city government isn't actively tracking mages. But if it's because of the conflict between two factions, it makes sense."

"They found a place that can't be easily meddled with."

"If something happens in Zone 40, where civilians are also present, the city government would have to react sensitively. They probably thought it would be difficult to touch them rashly."

"Can you give me the exact address?"

"I'll send it to your phone."

After checking the message she sent, Renok got up from his seat.

Even though it doesn't really help her, she cooperated without hesitation, and he was grateful for that.

As he descended to the main hall of the bar, all eyes immediately turned to Renok's face. He was getting used to it.

Ignoring the blatant gazes, he was about to leave when a man sitting near the entrance called out to him.

"A toast to the sanctity of Zone 49."

"......"

Renok chuckled at the absurd statement.

The man, seeing that Renok's reaction wasn't bad, eagerly asked his question.

"Everyone around here has heard your name. You know that, right?"

"More or less."

"Already being compared to lunatics like Striker and Madmanson, I'm curious about your thoughts."

Striker, Madmanson...

These are the codenames of freelancers famous enough that Renok had heard them a few times while walking around. Excluding independent powerhouses like Plato and Antares, they are among the few who have gained widespread fame across zones while still active.

Regardless of Renok's actual skills, this was clear evidence that his reputation was soaring.

It meant that the impact of him wiping out a gang as a corporate agent was that strong.

"I'll think about it when I meet them."

"......I'd really like to hear your thoughts, even later."

Renok turned away from the man's gaze, raising his glass, and left the bar.

Zone 40 is fortunately not far from here.

Taking a cigarette out, Renok immediately set off.

Club Learta

Bang!

Deafening music. Rough drum beats that force your heart to race.

Colorful lights shining down, making you frown.

A street optimized for entertainment, capable of sending one's mind elsewhere.

Everywhere he looked, there were lights, and everywhere he listened, there were cheers.

Despite wrinkling his nose at the pungent smell of alcohol, Renok pushed through the crowded street, heading for the address Jenny gave him.

She said the area grew primarily around clubs and bars, and indeed, the buildings around him were all uniquely designed.

A bar shaped like a giant beer mug, a club that looked like a broken guitar, or one that resembled a speaker placed upside down.

Stopping in front of a massive club shaped like a long disc, Renok checked his phone again.

It's the right place.

One of the most famous clubs in Zone 40, Learta.

A super-large club capable of accommodating over 6,000 people at once, with hundreds of people already milling around the entrance in front of Renok.

"......"

The thought of pushing through all these people made him sigh involuntarily.

With a complicated expression, Renok stubbed out his cigarette in a trash can and plunged into the crowd.

Fortunately, the shield prevented him from being jostled by the people, but the club's interior was even more chaotic, making it hard to keep his wits about him.

People were dancing wildly in the dark, illuminated by the lights. The main stage and lounge were divided, but the crowd was so dense that there was no room to stand.

Without much deliberation, Renok immediately expanded his magical sense.

He began to detect the life reactions of thousands of people within his sensory range, but what mattered was the type of magic they possessed.

Since it seemed unlikely he would find the people he was looking for in the lounge and main stage on the second basement floor, it would be better to check the VIP zone on the first basement floor.

Expanding his magical sense towards the VIP zone, Renok suddenly stopped in his tracks, feeling a shock as if his heart had dropped.

"Hah..."

It felt as if the sharp gaze was waiting for Renok to turn around. The magic in the gaze wasn't particularly powerful or large, but Renok had never forgotten the sensation of that magic, even for a moment.

More than the strange power source, the image of the owner of that refined body was branded in his mind.

He had thought they might meet again someday, but he never imagined it would be in such a place.

Creaking his neck, Renok slowly met the gaze that was looking down at him.

Those sharp, reptilian pupils.

Grinning, the giant crocodile revealed dozens of teeth.

Crocken Ashillus.

An old mercenary from the Demon War and a monster with a body that transcends human limits was standing there.