Ch.9090. Goetia

After Amon and the demons of Goetia met,

Despite their significant first encounter, they showed no special movements afterward.

Amon’s group remained wary while wondering about this lack of activity.

Several months had passed since Amon and “Goetia” met.

During that time, Amon and Sonia continued their work.

Their daily routine consisted of fending off Neville Pharmaceuticals’ attacks while securing witnesses to backstab Miller Pharmaceuticals.

“Looks like we’ve gathered almost all the witnesses we need.”

Amon muttered as he watched the plane carrying the 114th witness depart for America.

In truth, they had secured enough witnesses after exceeding 100.

They were simply aiming for 120 to have a buffer against any “unfortunate” accidents.

Amon reported to Kathy that they had sent the 114th witness.

“Sent the witness.”

[Good work again.]

Kathy spoke to Amon in France from her office in America.

[The water purification business in Europe is on track, and the forge has become solid enough. We can proceed with the lawsuit anytime.]

In a world where corporations reign above the law.

Lawsuits aren’t simple exchanges of words and legal clauses.

Bullets, sabotage, evidence destruction, assassination. Even terrorism isn’t off the table.

That’s why to sue a foreign Megacorp, you need at least one sturdy branch in the area to protect witnesses and evidence.

This was why Kathy’s company acquired the forge.

Neutrality is a shield stronger than any other.

Of course, powerless neutrality is just an empty cry, but the forge’s neutrality was backed by connections to various European companies.

Moreover, it had recently become an irreplaceable entity through the water purification business, making its neutrality stronger than any shield.

“Is the lawsuit preparation going smoothly?”

[Preparations are already complete. We just need to set a date.]

Kathy and her company had already finished preparing to sue Miller.

They planned to strike after Miller Pharmaceuticals won the cold war against Neville Pharmaceuticals.

They intended to backstab them when their guard was down due to the euphoria of victory.

They also planned to manipulate both companies’ stocks in the process.

In the end, Kathy’s company would be the one profiting from the cold war’s outcome.

They might be pointed at for being underhanded, but…

‘Both Miller and Neville are the same kind of scum.’

That’s how Kathy dismissed it.

After all, this conflict began when Miller Pharmaceuticals attempted human experimentation on Amon.

Miller Pharmaceuticals thought Kathy wouldn’t hold a grudge over what they did to “just” a mercenary,

but unfortunately, Kathy had no intention of forgetting that grudge.

She had been planning to strike both companies from the beginning.

[I heard from Miller Pharmaceuticals yesterday that they’re likely to win the cold war soon. Once it ends, come back to America immediately.]

Though the demons’ quietness was concerning, they needed to regroup first.

They could deal with Neville and Miller Pharmaceuticals first, then track down Goetia afterward.

Afterward, Amon, Sonia, and Kathy discussed their future plans a bit more before ending the call.

“I’ll be there soon. Buy me something delicious when I arrive.”

[Just come back with all your limbs intact.]

This conversation took place a week before the end of the cold war between Miller and Neville.

*

One week later.

The cold war between the two pharmaceutical companies ended suddenly.

– <Breaking news. Neville Pharmaceuticals’ Chairman Tonstar has died of acute myocardial infarction…>

The cold war had already been tilting in Miller Pharmaceuticals’ favor with Requetio’s backing.

In that situation, the chairman’s sudden death was the final blow.

Neville Pharmaceuticals, seemingly already sensing defeat, immediately conceded.

With the cold war ending without warning, Amon and Sonia hurriedly prepared to leave Europe.

“Neville Pharmaceuticals conceded because they need to deal with internal chaos.”

Amon explained the current situation while packing at the hotel.

Currently, Neville Pharmaceuticals was in turmoil over the succession issue.

They had no room to continue the cold war with Miller Pharmaceuticals.

Thus, the cold war that started over a drug patent ended with Miller Pharmaceuticals’ victory.

“Miller Pharmaceuticals will dominate the cosmetic surgery market for a while.”

Hearing Amon’s explanation, Sonia paused her packing to ask a question.

“But was it worth having a cold war just to monopolize one drug?”

“Absolutely. This is a market that can never be divided.”

The background of this cold war was a fat regulator.

Not just a weight loss drug, but one that could selectively reduce or increase fat in specific areas depending on how it was used.

This made it possible to increase breast or hip size while reducing waist fat.

Amon recalled a company from his previous life that became one of the Big 3 pharmaceutical companies through diet pills.

If a simple weight loss drug could achieve that much, what about a drug that could freely reduce and increase fat?

“No matter how much they cut into each other during the cold war, they’ll recover and more.”

Without exaggeration, it could make a company the world’s number one biopharmaceutical corporation.

Sonia, who hadn’t known what drug they were fighting over, nodded in understanding when she heard about the fat regulator.

“That makes sense.”

“Didn’t Kathy tell you before?”

“I only knew it was a new drug.”

“Guess you didn’t hear.”

“Oh, by the way. Are there any side effects to that fat regulator?”

Sonia showed interest in the term “fat regulator.”

Her hands resumed packing while she continued questioning Amon.

“Some side effects were discovered in clinical trials, like dizziness or fatigue…”

Amon answered while putting clothes into his carrier.

They quickly packed their belongings and completed the check-out process efficiently.

The reason they were leaving Europe in such haste was because of the upcoming lawsuit against Miller Pharmaceuticals.

[You’ll have to return to Europe soon, but before that, we need to make Miller let their guard down.]

Following Kathy’s instructions, Amon and Sonia moved immediately.

Timing is crucial in lawsuits.

If Amon and Sonia remained in Europe after finishing their work, Miller might suspect Kathy’s intentions.

Therefore, withdrawing them to make Miller feel secure before striking at an opportune moment was Kathy’s plan.

As someone who made a living through lawsuits and investments, she was knowledgeable in these matters.

[So come back quickly. Stay by my side until you return to Europe.]

That statement contained only a spoonful of personal desire to see Amon after months apart.

Amon and Sonia headed straight to the airport to wait for the plane Kathy had arranged.

While waiting for the plane, the two continued discussing the fat regulator.

Amon tickled her waist and said:

“You don’t need it. I like you just the way you are.”

“Hey, that tickles!”

An elderly couple sitting on the bench across from them watched the affectionate pair with warm smiles.

Naturally, Amon’s couple began chatting with the elderly couple,

“How did you two meet?”

“I first met my wife at a cafe…”

As the conversation shifted to the wisdom of the elderly couple’s married life, the old man suddenly clicked his tongue while pointing at the news.

“Tsk tsk. This is what happens when you foolishly stay in the corporate world too long. Money isn’t everything.”

The news the old man pointed to was about Miller Pharmaceuticals.

<Breaking news. At 11:02 AM today, health authorities confirmed the existence of a deadly virus. The first infected person is reportedly a researcher from Miller Pharmaceuticals…>

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the old man was convinced it was a corporate scheme.

“It’s obvious. Must be a whistleblower. Silencing people like this isn’t new.”

The old man’s age made it difficult to dismiss his words as mere conspiracy theories.

Surviving in this world was proof enough.

The old man warned Amon:

“Remember this. Don’t get involved with corporations if you want to live long.”

“Honey! What are you saying! I’m sorry, young man. This old man had a tough time during corporate wars in his youth.”

“…No, thank you for the advice.”

After the elderly couple left for their flight, Amon exchanged glances with Sonia.

Sonia nodded and cast a soundproof barrier.

Amon immediately contacted Kathy. Covering his mouth with his hand to guard against lip-reading, he reported the current situation.

“They say a new virus broke out at Miller Pharmaceuticals. Could it be that one?”

Amon recalled Miller Pharmaceuticals’ original plan.

Miller Pharmaceuticals had planned to spread a virus and vaccine to defeat Neville Pharmaceuticals.

Although the plan was scrapped when Kathy helped them, the risk of it being unleashed remained.

Amon and Sonia had been dispatched partly to monitor this, so he remembered it clearly.

Amon hoped his guess was wrong as he waited for Kathy’s answer.

Unfortunately, Amon’s guesses were almost always correct.

[I got a call from Miller too. It’s theirs.]

“What? They admit they made it?”

[Apparently it leaked. Some researchers and even executives were affected.]

“What about the vaccine?”

[The vaccine needs to be administered beforehand. It’s useless once infected.]

“What about a cure?”

[The lab director fled to Neville with the cure and all the data.]

“Good grief… So this is…”

[Neville’s work, I’d guess.]

Amon rubbed his forehead.

Just when things seemed to be going smoothly, this counterattack happens.

[Miller Pharmaceuticals is in chaos right now.]

While Neville spread the virus, Miller Pharmaceuticals created it.

Moreover, Miller was developing both the vaccine and the cure.

All evidence pointed to Miller.

From Miller’s perspective, they couldn’t even claim innocence.

Doing so would require admitting they created it, which would backfire.

They were already overwhelmed with containing the virus spread and controlling public opinion.

[They told me everything without hiding anything. They must be desperate.]

Kathy didn’t naively think Miller Pharmaceuticals trusted her.

The reason they asked for her help wasn’t because they trusted her company, but because they were in dire straits.

[They’re asking for any help they can get.]

“What should we do?”

[Cancel the flight and wait for now. My guess is that Neville isn’t done yet.]

“Got it.”

Amon and Sonia immediately canceled their flight tickets.

Then, as Kathy instructed, they waited at the hotel.

The next day, even more shocking news came from Kathy.

[Neville Pharmaceuticals attempted to assassinate Miller Pharmaceuticals’ chairman. Miller is blocking the news from going public, but their stock has already plummeted.]

“What?”

Amon couldn’t believe his ears.

Why was the situation unfolding this way?

As the word “attempt” suggests, the assassination failed, but it was still a serious problem.

Amon tried his best to understand Neville Pharmaceuticals’ intentions.

‘Did they think Miller Pharmaceuticals was vulnerable because of the virus, and that they seemed easier to target after I dealt with their head of security?’

But even with that logic, it didn’t make sense.

There was nothing to gain from this.

Moreover, they failed and only gave Miller a justification to retaliate.

It was too irrational for a Megacorp. Yet it didn’t seem emotional either. It was a series of incomprehensible actions.

Kathy sympathized with Amon’s confusion.

[You heard correctly. Neville Pharmaceuticals seems to have gone mad.]

“But why would they…”

Words failed him.

He couldn’t fathom their intentions.

Why would they do this?

It was almost as if…

“They’re asking for war.”

[That’s how I see it too.]

It seemed like Neville wanted war.

No, it was certain.

Neville wanted war.

Not a quiet, covert cold war, but a real war filled with explosions and screams.

Neville wanted to turn Western Europe into a sea of flames.

But why?

“For what reason? Is the patent right that important?”

[No, I don’t think so.]

“Then are they desperate because of sunk costs?”

[Even considering that, a corporate war doesn’t make economic sense.]

“Is it because their chairman died?”

[Neville Pharmaceuticals isn’t a family business. I doubt they have enough loyalty to do this for revenge. A Megacorp wouldn’t move for such reasons in the first place.]

“Then what’s their purpose?”

[I’ll come explain that in person.]

“???”

With those words, Kathy ended the call.

As Amon stared blankly at the phone in confusion, someone suddenly knocked on the hotel room door.

“Amon, it’s me.”

“Kathy?”

Hearing the familiar voice, Amon opened the door in surprise.

As soon as he opened it, he saw not only Kathy but other colleagues as well.

“Why are you all here…?”

“We don’t know either.”

The white mage answered Amon’s question while scratching his cheek.

“Kathy just told us to come, so we followed.”

“What about the company?”

“Who knows?”

The white mage looked at Kathy, also seeming not to have considered that.

Meeting her colleagues’ gazes, Kathy answered nonchalantly:

“I am the company, so what’s the problem?”

“Shouldn’t that be more reason not to come?”

“No. That’s more reason to come.”

Kathy smiled.

“Don’t pretend. It’s useless. If war really breaks out, you were planning to stay in Europe, weren’t you?”

Amon and Sonia couldn’t deny it.

As Kathy said, if there was any chance of war breaking out, they planned to stay.

They felt responsible for how things had turned out, but they also cared for the people they had grown attached to during their time in France. They wanted to prevent war for their sake too.

Some might point fingers and call it meddling, but…

“I told you, didn’t I? Our company will always support you.”

At least Kathy didn’t see it that way.

As someone who had benefited from that “meddling,” her attitude was natural.

Amon couldn’t help but smile at her kindness.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

*

With Kathy’s surprise appearance, the Kathy Expedition was formed once again.

“Since this time it’s formed because of Amon’s situation, let’s call it the Amon Expedition.”

However, due to Kathy’s strong insistence, it was renamed the Amon Expedition.

Kathy, the staff officer of the Amon Expedition, summarized the current situation.

“Neville Pharmaceuticals currently wants war.”

But why?

Before explaining the reason, Kathy revealed a shocking fact.

“Actually, I haven’t used precognition since the day you were first attacked.”

Kathy honestly confessed that she had been deceiving Amon and Sonia all this time.

After noticing another precognitive in Europe, she deliberately blocked her precognition.

This way, she could lead the mind game using Amon as a joker card.

All this time, she had hidden the truth from Amon and Sonia, making them think they were moving according to her precognition. In reality, they were making their own choices.

Sonia’s shoulders flinched at the keyword “hiding.”

But realizing this wasn’t the time, she remained silent.

Kathy apologized to Sonia with a glance and continued.

“As you know, the demons of Goetia are behind Neville Pharmaceuticals, right? The prophets I mentioned are those demons.”

Kathy had been engaged in a mind game with those demons.

Holding Amon as a joker card in one hand.

The end of the mind game was Kathy’s victory.

The demons failed at whatever they were trying to do with Neville Pharmaceuticals.

And the current situation was their last desperate move.

“The moment they abandoned sophisticated methods, they essentially admitted defeat.”

“What does that have to do with war?”

“They’re trying to abandon Neville and escape. They want to burn evidence of their involvement in the flames of war.”

This was one of the methods used by intelligence agencies.

Typically, when withdrawing from the Middle East or South America, they create a smokescreen with war to destroy evidence.

“Then what should we do?”

As if she had been waiting for this question, Kathy opened her carrier.

With a chilling sound, a familiar spear emerged from the bag and floated in the air.

Kathy pointed at Amon and said:

“Now it’s time to use the joker card.”