Matan’s Shooter

“I won’t back down.”

“That’s my decision.”

“Are we just going to compete with words? I will-“

Before Leeha could finish, Luger disappeared first. Leeha clearly had no match when it came to actions.

“There’s no need to shake hands, right? We’re competitors, but we won’t be pointing guns at each other.”

“Eh… I wouldn’t know about that.”

Kidd activated his Modification skill as well.

Although his response was chillingly cold, his face did not reflect the same coldness.

Witnessing Kidd’s discrepancy between words and actions, Leeha smirked.

With that, Kidd also vanished.

From the moment the trio unraveled Matan’s secret, their goal became clear. Even though no one designated it as a quest, prioritizing tasks was up to them.

“That’s right. Life has no quests. Ugh! First, I’ll check the results of tomorrow’s conclave~ and map out the Resistance’s plans.”

Leeha also activated his Modification skill. In the dim Dark Elf temporary encampment, a faint glow shimmered.

※: ※ ※

“So, what is it, what is it? I feel like I don’t need to tell you beyond that point.”

“Oh, please don’t say it like that. I collect information in my own way too.”

Prea tried to get a bit closer to Chiyou. Chiyou took a step back.

“What kind of information?”

Giving her a side glance, Prea looked around. Among their newly relocated dwellings, this specific room, accessible only to Chiyou, was off-limits even to Igor or Faust. Although it was unlikely anyone else was present, Prea lowered her voice as a precaution.

“It’s about Ha Leeha.”

“Ha Leeha?”

“Yes. Ha, actually, I was on my way to the forest where the Dark spirits live, introduced by Le, but wouldn’t it be someone I’ve seen before passing by there?”

“The Dark spirits? Have you made a contract with them?”

“No, listen to me first. So I went over there and all of a sudden-“

Ha Leeha was passing by. Something caught her eye.

Somewhere along the way, that guy had made a contract with the spirit of ‘Terror’ and had subdued the Dark spirits.

As there was a risk of getting caught if she got any closer, I had no choice but to turn back. Prea gestured towards Chiyou, using every means possible to explain diligently. It was a lie, but a lie mixed with truth.

It even included crucial truths about the current situation, making it something Chiyou couldn’t just ignore and move on from.

“…The spirit of Terror. Prea, did you make a contract with it?”

Chiyou asked, showing interest in Prea’s state. Prea shook her head.

“No. In fact, the reason I am with Bluebeard and Chiyou was all because of those spirits. Where I found them, how I found them… I just wanted to make a contract with those spirits. But I couldn’t go there because of what Ha Leeha did. That’s how it happened.”

Prea let out a deep sigh.

Chiyou looked at Prea, who was bowing her head.

“Is this girl lying again…? Coming back out of the blue like this—no, it’s amazing she came back in the first place. Sasuke said he didn’t tell Prea the location. I wonder how she managed to find her way here. This place is also constantly hidden under a disguise barrier that outsiders can’t discern.

‘Ha Leeha making a contract with the Terror spirit makes sense. Among the things Toon possessed, Bluebeard-nim mentioned something about it sadly slipping through his fingers. If Ha Leeha is the main culprit who killed Toon, it wouldn’t be strange to find something like that among the loot items or achievements. So that story is believable. We need to be careful from now on.’

Chiyou’s mind was spinning at an incredible speed.

How much of what Prea said is true?

Why did this woman suddenly return and start talking about this and that?

“Not being able to acquire the Dark spirits or the Terror spirit… Did you come back just to try and dig up information about other spirits by begging Bluebeard-nim and me?”

“W-why would you think that! How can you say something so rude! I just went out for a little while. Who said anything about leaving.”

Chiyou stared intently at Prea’s black unblinking white eyes. Prea didn’t avoid that gaze.

“I-I don’t know. Since you left without saying anything to anyone in our organization, why should I trust you?”

When Chiyou sharply questioned Prea, she bit her index finger and made a groaning sound.

“You just mentioned that you visited a massive mountain of ice that was impossible to pass through. Did you find anything there?”

“So what?”

“Yamato’s friends are trying every possible method to find a thawing potion, but there are probably only a few people in Middle Earth who can make such a potion.”

“It doesn’t matter. I sent someone to get one of those few people that I happen to know.”

Though Prea spoke firmly, Chiyou’s expression remained unchanged. A potion that could undo any kind of abnormal status and prevent one from getting affected in extreme environments from the start. Who could make such a thing? What profession did they have? Among the diverse professions in Middle Earth and the many outsiders, there was one outstanding individual.

And Chiyou’s soldiers had set off to capture that user.

“There might be an easier way than that.”

As Prea chuckled, Chiyou opened her eyes like a snake.

“You’re still hiding something-“

“Will you come out, ‘Gryphain’?”

Thud…!

What suddenly emerged from Prea’s body was a chilling cold wind.

Chiyou couldn’t help but be surprised as she checked the system window in front of her, confirming various [abnormal statuses].

The eyes of the serpent that was about to devour Prea had now turned into the eyes of a rabbit enchanted by Prea’s charm.

“This is… ice? Not water-“

“Tada! Yes, you’re right! It’s the advanced ice elemental, Gryphain! If my other elemental joins in here, then…”

Can you pass through that place you’re talking about?

Prea didn’t say anything more. There was no need to. Chiyou’s lips were turned towards the sky without her realizing.

“From now on… I will not allow unauthorized outings. Do you understand, Prea? When Igor and Faust visit the safe house, always report it. I hope you will keep that promise.”

“I understand! So, when will you depart?”

“For now, shall we go… and see? We need to conduct a test.”

Chiyou stood up from her seat. She didn’t completely trust Prea.

“Let’s start with what I have confirmed: earth, fire, ice. But there should be the basic four elements too. There must be water and wind. How many spirits are we dealing with… and don’t underestimate the Four Nobles this time.”

But her judgment never doubted the usefulness of this spiritualist. Above all, Chiyou possessed overwhelming confidence.

How many spirits does Prea control? How many of them are of high rank? From a common sense perspective, it was essential to classify them into several high-ranking, a few mid-ranking, and a minimal number of top-ranking spirits.

“She might have a top ten look. I have to acknowledge that. But that’s it. Once we get to the castle, we just have to reach there. When we get there… we’ll send her back for two years.”

Deciding how to deal with her will come later. Chiyou was confident in her ability to send her back with “light” if needed.

“Sasuke, as soon as the results of the conclave are out today, take command of the ‘Alchemist’ abduction operation. I have to go somewhere for a while.”

“Understood, oka-san. Besides the Alchemist, the headhunting you mentioned is progressing quite positively.”

“See, told you it wouldn’t be difficult, right? People like that just need a slight push to bend where it hurts. Oh, by the way! If they raise any demands on that end, don’t reject them and report directly to me. You’ll receive a response regarding the personnel increase request from Otto-san today or tomorrow.”

“Got it. I will report back immediately.”

Chiyou smiled warmly, hearing Sasuke’s earnest voice.

“Thank you for your hard work. But things will start to unravel now… Stay strong, Sasuke. Take care.”

“Of course. I came to the New Continent from the beginning to be with Oka-san.”

Prea showed an innocent smile as he looked at Chiyou’s.

“I’m looking forward to it. How cold do you think it will be, hehe.”

“You can look forward to it. Perhaps your esteemed ‘Ice Spirit’ grade might even rise,” Chiyou replied with a warm smile, fostering camaraderie in their conversation. However, amidst the blooming friendship, it was clear that only one person could truly benefit from it.

The Papal Office of Ezwen appeared no different from usual, with people coming and going solely consisting of various administrative personnel handling different tasks.

The most important individuals currently gathered in a small chapel inside the Papal Office, where the door was solemnly locked.

“This is the Conclave… Let’s start by turning on the recording.”

Everyone present there was an NPC.

Kijung was the only user present with the title of “Cardinal,” attending the gathering. By appropriately editing and sharing such scenes, it would serve as a great supplementary income by attracting a special interest.

“Ah, even the outsiders and Rankers from Ezwen are all at the Bishop level. It feels like I made a super high-speed promotion all on my own. You can reach the Bishop level through effort. However, to become a Cardinal and beyond requires something more than just effort,” implying that it would take more than just hard work to achieve.

Kijung, with a strained expression, managed to conceal his feelings. Although the chapel inside the Papal Office was relatively spacious, the atmosphere was so intense that it felt cramped.

Tap, tap. Someone touched Kijung’s shoulder.

“Are you nervous, Exorcism Cardinal?”

“If you say you’re not, it would be a lie. And please speak comfortably to me, chugigyeong Romero.”

“It wouldn’t be right for fellow Cardinals to be like that.”

Romero displayed a gentle smile. Kijung could clearly sense the difference in attitude between him and Tusculani just from how they interacted with people.

“But… being good with people and being good at politics are different matters,” Kijung remarked, noticing the sizable crowd gathering around Romero.

Yet, Kijung was observant. The Cardinals surrounding Tusculani were not to be underestimated, even with various users causing chaos, like Cheka. However, they seemed unfazed, maintaining a strong presence during the voting.

Observing the Tusculani camp, Kijung locked eyes with Tusculani himself. Despite a recent incident the night before, Tusculani still greeted Kijung with a gentle smile.

In terms of outward appearances, Tusculani appeared to command respect from those around him.

When the bells chimed, marking 10 AM, Tusculani finally made his way to the altar of the chapel.

“Um, his Eminence has stepped down and left a void for ten days. It was a short period for careful deliberation of a weighty decision, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was inevitable. I, Tusculani, have been appointed as the chairman of the committee of nine Cardinals overseeing this Conclave,” Tusculani announced, eliciting thunderous applause throughout the chapel.

Kijung was unaware of the developments. Tusculani was overseeing the voting? What does it mean for one of the most prominent candidates to be in charge of the voting process?

One Cardinal, who already knew about it, raised his voice, “While Tusculani is the head of the Guard Division in peacetime, it’s undoubtedly Cardinal Romero, whom His Eminence entrusted with ‘succeeding him!’

Why are you silent despite having witnesses?”

TL’s Corner:

If you find any grammar issues, errors, or unintelligible sentences, feel free to leave a comment or join our discord server so I can rectify any mistakes I made.

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