Chapter 180

Chapter 180. The Small World (5)

Weakness, or perhaps compassion.

It seemed that one or both of these elements lured him into the fiery pit of impulse.

“Maybe it’s both.”

If there was a common peculiarity in K’s behavior, it was his typical disposition of strong against the strong, weak against the weak.

“He wouldn’t bow before the strong, and he’d become infinitely gentle and lenient before the weak.”

Like a mirror, K’s attitude changed according to the demeanor displayed by his counterpart.

When Ahel realized this, he was genuinely delighted.

He saw hope in that if he could garner K’s sympathy, he might escape this dreadful pit.

So he had hoped K would remain steadfast for a while longer.

But at some point, K’s disposition leaned slightly towards the water attribute side.

To Ahel, it was an unwelcome development.

“Those who wield water attribute mana are less prone to being swayed by emotions, making them harder to manipulate.”

The shift in K’s disposition was of no use to Ahel’s plan, which was to build rapport with K and evoke his sympathy to secure a way out.

“I don’t even know how that gate works.”

Though he prided himself as a capable spatial mage, the investigation into the gate had been disastrous.

His abilities couldn’t uncover the operating principles of the gate.

Thus, implementing magic with the same function was impossible.

‘It’s an event involving a force far higher than mana, a phenomenon with divine intervention.’

Despite various attempts and contacts out of hope, the gate seemed designed so that individuals like Ahel, who were raised in the same world, couldn’t use it.

Outsiders could come into this world, but it was impossible for them to venture into the world of outsiders.

In the end, he couldn’t find a way to escape this accursed pit on his own this time either.

Ahel squeezed his eyes shut and opened them again out of frustration.

“In any case.”

Just then, K, who was engrossed in training, suddenly spoke up.

Ahel, as if nothing had happened, opened his eyes and looked toward where K was.

“I think I need to visit Gemal again soon.”

K was gazing idly into the air, having paused from his beloved training.

There was something captivating about his eyes, which emanated a bluish glow.

For some reason, he seemed a little joyful.

‘A chill ran down my spine.’

While his gaze was sharp enough to kill, his lips curled slightly upwards.

As Ahel fixated on K’s newfound expression, he noticed Kim Yul speaking to him.

“Is it because of that investigation team?”

“Yeah, now that we’ve finished selecting the operatives, we can get down to business.”

“What about the Garlic flavor old man?”

Kim Yul’s question made K snort a laugh, as if it were too laughable, filled with disdain.

“Do you think I’d go unprepared? You have nothing to worry about.”

“That’s a relief then.”

Only then did Ahel realize what K’s spine-chilling laugh meant.

‘Goodbye, Gallonic.’

Recalling Gallonic, who he occasionally encountered when following Rashar to the order’s headquarters, he couldn’t help but chuckle.

‘Won’t have to see that unpleasant face when visiting headquarters anymore.’

The anticipation of Gallonic’s imminent downfall was so satisfying it drew a humming tune.

Though disappointing to not witness it firsthand.

‘Should I give Rashar a recording crystal?’

Surely, she would participate in some schedule related to the investigation team.

Even if she might complain, saying I was up to something weird again.

It couldn’t hurt to capture Gallonic Hogue’s downfall on video.

As Ahel hummed a little tune while plotting something, he heard K’s voice.

“Ahel.”

At just the right moment, K turned to him and said.

“Training’s over, let’s head back.”

K’s maroon eyes were cold, almost piercing.

‘Oh dear, he might stab someone with those eyes.’

Swallowing a sigh, Ahel dusted off his pants and got up.

“Yes, let’s go.”

At least until he finds another lifeline, he needed to stay by his side.

Only then might he have a chance to win that painstakingly meticulous guy’s sympathy.

For now, he had to endure being treated like a convenient teleportation circle.

* * *

The Emperor of the Atar Empire had an aunt who, despite being royal, married into an unremarkable barony instead of a great noble house.

“To prevent any factions from rising, she was cast away to a powerless family.”

They severed all political limbs to ensure she wouldn’t aspire to power.

This person, who was cast away into such a marriage, was Gallonic Hogue’s birth mother.

Thus, Gallonic was not only the child of a lower noble but also a royal with a recognized succession to the throne for two generations post-marriage.

“A royal born into a powerless family.”

It was the perfect background to become a plaything for powerful high nobility.

In reality, he seemed to have been bullied by other high nobles’ children during his childhood.

His precarious position began to change when he started mingling with Princess Isola.

From a certain point, since Isola particularly favored Gallonic, the Emperor allegedly provided him with conveniences.

Although he entered the order due to his second son status, the Biharin religion places no strict restrictions on clergy regarding marriage or wealth accumulation.

In other words, after bonding with Isola, he started enjoying a fair amount of privileges.

Indeed, he leveraged his royal status to forge close ties with influential figures in politics and economics.

Additionally, through his social status as a priest, he exerted a significant influence on both ecclesiastical and societal matters.

“This is what I’ve found.”

Even this made it apparent how challenging it was to prosecute someone like Gallonic on a whim.

“It’d be impossible to demand an investigation on that suspicious guy and yield any results.”

Particularly if the plea came from a nameless outsider like myself, it would be even easier to disregard.

“The order has been unable to intervene, leaving him unchecked.”

With me involved, it doesn’t mean everything would be resolved instantly.

“Though I did strike first to ensure he doesn’t act up again.”

Conducting a thorough investigation on him remained a separate issue.

Initially, I intended to settle for less than thorough measures.

‘Ultimately, my focus is on the Chinese players more than the traitors.’

If he interfered with my objective, I was prepared to engage intensely.

However, I believed I couldn’t prevent him from discreetly extricating himself.

“That’s reality.”

I was aware of this perfectly well.

But strangely, as time passed, I couldn’t quite let go.

Imagining him slipping through my net and boldly confronting me made my blood pressure spike, causing me to bolt awake even while asleep.

After several such days, I had no choice but to relinquish my resignation and shift my thinking.

“I haven’t tried everything yet.”

From that day, I deployed all means and methods at my disposal.

Consequently, I found myself wanting to commend my past self for not giving up.

Because, at an unbelievably perfect timing, I discovered an unbelievably perfect card.

“If you’re going to strike, strike decisively.”

I had to ensure that he would have no chance to rebound, obliterate him so thoroughly that he’d dare not even dream of it.

For that impeccable moment, I held my breath and waited.

Until formal documents concerning the establishment of a law enforcement body were issued, and accordingly, until the selection of operatives who would act with investigative authority concluded, I remained quietly still.

Thus, after nearly a month of patience, finally.

“For the harmony of the two worlds, we pledge to eradicate these brutal crimes.”

Five investigative units, each consisting of 30 members, were formed, and from today, following the inauguration ceremony, these units can legally scour all territories under Biharin jurisdiction.

I was one of the leaders among the five investigative teams, attending the inauguration ceremony.

The event proceeded seamlessly without incident.

Once the ceremony ended, a banquet kicked off.

Honestly, it was more of a casual outing than a banquet.

“Everyone was worried, but it’s a relief.”

As the atmosphere lightened, Rashar, who had been with me since the ceremony, spoke up.

Instead of giving her my attention, I briefly replied while still facing forward.

“Indeed.”

Isola had a significant role in this achievement.

She would continue to play a critical role in what’s about to unfold.

I confirmed Isola’s location, who had graced us with her presence even at the gathering.

‘Later, when I briefly step aside.’

Observing the room’s ambiance, I decided to wait a little longer.

“Well, um…”

At that moment, Rashar, standing beside me, opened her mouth again as if there was more to say.

Wanting to avoid engaging in a conversation with her, I swiftly switched the topic.

“By the way, what about Lord Gretman?”

“Still no word.”

“It would have been nice to greet him while here in Gemal. Please let me know when he’s back.”

“… I will.”

Facing Rashar remained awkward for me.

The reason was, of course, due to a conversation we had about a month ago.

“With time, you’ll become adept at whatever you use frequently. The same applies to authority.”

“I’m embarrassed to admit it, but honestly, it’s hard to see myself as a proper apostle.”

“Meanwhile, lord Gretman has fulfilled his duties as an apostle for nearly 40 years.”

“There are rumors that Lord Gretman can perceive possibilities beyond possibilities…”

“Maybe he saw a potential for charity in you.”

Reflecting on the expression and gaze Rashar used back then, as if expecting something from me, I swallowed a sneer.

“Charity?”

Ridiculous.

I’m fairly self-aware and understand that I’m not someone who’d commit to helping others just because they’re pitiful.

While I’m not so petty to ignore someone in need when I’m capable of aiding them.

‘I’m not so selfless as to hollow myself out unconditionally for others.’

If I was certain that helping would harm me, I wouldn’t do it.

What possibility could he have seen in someone like me?

His actions and words from the imperial banquet continued to rattle in my mind.

‘Is he planning to force me to live by the doctrine of charity?’

If Gretman’s intention in bringing me to the imperial palace was to press for such a course.

‘I owe him.’

Thanks to Gretman, I overheard the secret conversation between Gallonic and Reitan, allowing me to exploit Princess Isola to strike Gallonic.

In addition, I established connections with influential figures of the Atar Empire.

Particularly, with a channel to someone who possesses a Spirit Stone mine, there was potential for acquiring more attribute mana.

Since I had verbally committed, I needed to repay him.

But even a month later, there had been no contact from Gretman.

If he expected adherence to the doctrine of charity as repayment, I found it problematic.

‘Pretending to be charitable wouldn’t be difficult.’

It wasn’t possible to genuinely feel that deep down.

That was beyond my ability.

I pondered over what to do.

Should I reach out to Gretman first to negotiate?

‘There’s no need.’

They might want something else.

‘Besides, I don’t even know where he is.’

While it was unsettling to leave a debt unpaid, it felt right to wait under the current circumstances.

Just as I concluded my thoughts, her voice interrupted.

“Although not exactly a replacement, while here in Gemal, perhaps a meal with the High Priests…”

“No.”

I shot a side glance at Rashar and interrupted firmly.

“I need to leave right after the ceremony.”

Facing Rashar only served to remind me of the conversation we had.

But I couldn’t meet her expectations.

“Oh, I see…”

By now, she would have realized that her company made me uncomfortable.

At the end of that unpleasant rift, Isola finally moved.

“I’ll be back shortly.”

“Ah…”

Leaving Rashar behind, I headed in the direction Isola moved.

Damned System