Chapter 168

Chapter 168. In the Shadow’s Veil (5)

Finally, I removed my hand that was tapping on the table.

Afterward, I leaned back in the chair with my arms crossed, tilting my head slightly.

Although I wasn’t explicitly speaking, I fixed my eyes fiercely on Coconut.

If you insisted, it could be said that I was speaking with my eyes.

‘Shut your mouth.’

Otherwise, I would personally ensure it was shut.

Coconut seemed to understand the silent pressure I applied, surprisingly well.

The fact that he gulped dryly after almost mouthing something proved so.

Given that he stopped talking entirely, it appeared he swallowed whatever he intended to say.

The chilling atmosphere quickly spread to the other players who had been siding with Coconut.

Even the order’s affiliates dealing with them had no reason to shout.

Once a satisfactory result was achieved, I relaxed my gaze and raised one hand into the air.

Then, folding each finger, I spoke.

“Malcolm Grimaren, Ereomat Sham, Sigren Gaol…”

As I listed a total of seven names, some of the priests’ faces darkened.

‘So they know who they are.’

Their reaction was natural.

The names I just mentioned belonged to leaders of a significant human trafficking organization from the former Kairoth kingdom where Viceta was.

It was thanks to Horfe that I knew their information.

“If their base is near Viceta, it’s likely there are suppliers among them.”

These seven were not the only ones.

Horfe had marked both illegal traffickers and legitimate slave traders.

The reason for leaving them be was simple.

‘They haven’t touched the Beastfolk yet.’

If any of them dared to engage in human trafficking of the Beastfolk, he would not hesitate to eliminate them.

The massacre that occurred at Viceta previously happened in such a manner.

Horfe had a broader information network than I had imagined.

And it seemed the 7 great orders were no different.

“There are those who know and those who do not.”

I leaned slightly forward toward the table and continued speaking.

“Frankly, not knowing is nothing to boast about. After all, even I, an Outsider, found this out without much effort.”

Although I did rely on Horfe’s power, it was true that I didn’t struggle to uncover the information.

“Ahem.”

Despite the discomforting remark, there was no particular backlash. Only subtle signs of displeasure were shown.

This was because my position and Coconut’s were different. You could call it a difference in presence.

“For those who don’t know, I would like to ask those who do know these names. Why aren’t they being captured and left untouched?”

If heard superficially, it might have sounded like I’m picking a fight.

“The answer you would give to this question is the same answer we would give.”

On closer examination, it was a suggestion to understand each other’s stance.

Criticizing each other’s reality, limitations, and faults won’t change the situation.

Acknowledging the unchangeable fixed factors quickly and seeking a resolution considering them is right.

This saves both time and effort.

“We, too, cannot unconditionally punish those involved in organ trafficking.”

Hence, I mentioned their limitations as well as our own.

‘It’s not just your problem.’

This was a clear concession and consideration.

The faces of the order’s affiliates slightly eased up when they realized this.

Admitting weaknesses might seem as if voluntarily, but it’s better than hiding them.

“Moreover, it’s impossible to publicize this issue in our world.”

While speaking, I glanced at Lily to confirm.

Lily, who had been watching me, nodded slightly with a grim expression.

That’s expected. It’s the reality, after all.

‘Reality, the damned reality.’

At some point, I was clenching my hand hidden under the table when I took a deep breath.

After regaining composure, I suggested a viable solution given the current situation.

“However, there is ample room to resolve this in Bihar.”

By placing bounties at the association level on players involved in human trafficking.

Then forming an investigation team comprising players and Biharin to let Biharin manage the arrests.

‘This way, we can minimize incidents of innocent players killing innocent players.’

If they hadn’t come through the Hole into Bihar, as long as they don’t contact a Gate, they can’t return to earth.

Thus, detaining the captured in Bihar shouldn’t be difficult.

Instead, to prevent the Biharin from indiscriminately killing other players using this as an excuse, the leadership of the search agency should be the role of a player.

‘Brains from the players, limbs from the Biharin.’

This was the best scenario I could draw regarding this issue.

“Therefore, a formally empowered investigation agency in Bihar is necessary.”

I concluded my words with an additional remark.

“If things proceed that way, I plan to volunteer for the investigation.”

After all, I already had a bounty mission.

No matter how many players I unjustly kill, the bounty missions on me wouldn’t increase.

‘The ten-day timer is about to end.’

From then on, it would be possible for me to see the locations of other bounty hunters.

This means controlling the risk to some extent becomes possible.

Considering all factors, one could say I am the most optimized player for taking down players.

Despite having pondered over it, ultimately, I chose to volunteer instead of storming out of the conference hall.

When I distinctly expressed my intentions, Jose Wolfrian, who had surveyed the hall, spoke up.

“If so…”

Finally, the proper meeting commenced.

* * *

There were numerous realistic issues and dealing with each one to reach the goal wasn’t an easy task.

Thus, the general meeting concluded about five to six hours later.

Of course, not all processes were concluded.

Today, we merely organized the responsibilities of the agency, investigation domain, and coordination with the governing nobles.

A second meeting is necessary after confirming and finalizing the discussed content.

‘At the earliest then.’

Or in the subsequent third meeting, the selection of officials might proceed.

‘It seems like the first step is well in place.’

I rubbed my tired eyes while exhaling a lengthy breath.

While a player’s physique surpasses human limits, mental strength is a different issue.

Prolonged focus was enough to induce fatigue.

I habitually massaged my neck as I stood up.

‘Let’s get out for now.’

As I moved, Kim Yul followed swiftly, inquiring.

“I don’t have to come next time, right?”

“Precisely, no reason to come.”

Today, I attended as the primary discoverer.

I wasn’t affiliated with the association, leaving no reason to continually attend follow-up meetings.

It’s somewhat unsettling not being able to perfectly control the situation.

‘Given that there are many familiar faces within the association, conveying updates shouldn’t be a problem.’

Comforting myself that the worst could be avoided was the best course.

“Thank goodness, this is not something I can do twice. Ugh, it’s stiff.”

Unlike me who was left with slight anxiety, Kim Yul seemed quite pleased not having to attend this dull meeting again.

“Yawwwwn.”

Stretching as if loosening a stiff body, he yawned widely, evidently having found it quite tiresome.

Considering how he battled drowsiness next to me throughout, it wasn’t surprising.

‘No fault of his.’

After all, I brought him along to introduce him to people in the association.

The conference content was completely noted by me, so Kim Yul’s assistance wasn’t required.

“But, hyung.”

“What’s up?”

While heading to the conference hall exit, Kim Yul sneakily looked back before asking.

“About the meal invite after the meeting, it’s a gathering with association affiliates; can we join in?”

“Since they invited us themselves, it shouldn’t be an issue.”

The suggestion to dine together had come from players affiliated with the association.

There shouldn’t be any issue now claiming we can’t attend due to not being affiliated with the association.

“So, we are attending?”

“For now.”

If I merely sent Kim Yul, there might be provocations from Fabian’s side, so I’d better stay present as much as possible.

“Can we head there first?”

“Well, let’s see…”

Checking towards Lily, she was still conversing with priests from her own Meferoseta order.

Other players were likewise engaged.

I had already communicated all necessary matters to the Palao order, leaving me no reason to stay behind.

‘Let’s head out.’

Conveniently, the gathering location was decided to be Loborre’s pub.

Instead of getting embroiled in a hassle by lingering here, I intended to leave early.

When I decided to take Kim Yul and leave, a swift presence approached us from behind.

Had I stayed put, there might have been a collision.

But I had no intention of being caught off guard and subtly sidestepped.

Not surprisingly, someone who had approached with a deliberate pace and distance passed by me, frowning hard.

‘That’s the guy.’

It was Gallonic, the high-ranking priest from the Senoa order, who tried to sabotage the meeting from the start.

‘Seemed intent on ruining this meeting.’

His eyes were intensely hostile, perhaps due to my interference.

‘Doesn’t even bother to hide his hostility.’

Maybe he felt there was no need to hide it.

‘He must have a significant backer.’

I hadn’t heard anything from Jordan or Rashar.

But it was clear Gallonic had a backing.

Importantly, the question was how high his backing went.

‘It’s likely no less than those ranking above, like the chief high priest of Temoria.’

Despite his obvious provocation, remaining in the meeting without being expelled showed that Jose Wolfrian couldn’t handle him lightly and had to tolerate him to some extent.

‘Not a favorable situation.’

There wouldn’t be many with such considerable backing.

Despite wracking my brain, only three or four viable candidates came to mind.

Breathing a sigh of exasperation seemed inevitable if any of them were in the backing.

‘That would explain his brazen attitude.’

Presumably, it’s the confidence from believed immunity even if connections to traffickers come to light.

I stood at the conference hall exit, glaring at Gallonic’s receding figure.

‘Why did no one warn me about him?’

It was perplexing that neither Jordan nor Rashar alerted me about him despite his blatant behavior.

‘Did they not know?’

Unlikely.

‘It makes no sense they wouldn’t know when he acts so overtly.’

Based on the situation I encountered and Gallonic’s actions, it was more logical to assume they deliberately excluded information.

‘Why though?’

While pondering the puzzle, I noticed a Senoa’s low-ranking priest hurrying over from the direction Gallonic was heading.

‘A low-ranking priest from Senoa.’

After recognizing the new individual’s affiliation from his attire, I promptly circulated mana throughout my body.

Coincidentally, Gallonic began conversing with the newly arrived low-ranking priest.

“What’s the matter here?”

Indeed, they were acquainted.

“An urgent visitor arrived unexpectedly seeking to meet you…”

“Visitor? Who would come without prior notice?”

“He didn’t mention a name, but…”

The low-ranking priest’s voice dramatically lowered.

Damned System