Chapter 2: Everyone, I’m Sorry

Several hours after the collapse of the Arfonia residence—still in the dark, early dawn hours.

Thane Fallon, a middle-aged man residing in Fejite’s central district, left his home dressed impeccably in a suit as usual and headed straight to his workplace.

He strode briskly through the dimly lit streets of Fejite, shrouded in morning mist, cutting through the air with his shoulders.

“Morning, Thane-san. Up early as always, huh?”

“Yes, good morning, Raluc-san.”

As usual, he passed an elderly man walking his dog early in the morning at the same spot, exchanging their customary greetings.

“Every single morning, up so early… You’re truly an admirable man.”

“Haha, when I think of the citizens, this is nothing at all.”

Thane was a modest mid-level bureaucrat working at Fejite’s Administrative Office. Yet, his sincere personality and diligent work ethic earned him deep trust from colleagues, superiors, subordinates, and local residents alike.

However, Thane harbored a secret—

(Tch… Yare yare, dealing with these foolish scum is exhausting…)

The moment he parted ways with the old man, Thane thought this with cold detachment.

His true identity was that of a spy for the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, covertly infiltrated into the Administrative Office.

(The plan is proceeding smoothly… If this succeeds, we, the ‘Radical Faction,’ will make a far greater contribution to the Grandmaster than those foolish, lazy ‘Status Quo Faction’… Heh heh heh…)

Soon, Thane arrived at his cover workplace, Fejite’s Administrative Office City Hall.

The Administrative Office didn’t fully operate until 9 a.m.

In the early morning, with the front entrance locked, the city hall was naturally devoid of citizens and even bureaucrats.

Using a key permitted only to managerial staff, Thane entered the city hall through a back entrance. No one would question or suspect him—such was the trust and reputation he had meticulously built.

“…Now then. The plan is finally in motion. Shall I perform some thorough maintenance today as well…?”

Thane headed to the basement of the city hall. Employing his exceptional perception manipulation and otherworldly techniques, he descended a hidden staircase leading to a secret chamber, one crafted in such a way that no one would or could notice.

Eventually, Thane reached a peculiar small room at the end of the staircase.

On the floor of that room lay a magic circle array, its design somehow ominous and foreboding.

Constructed by Thane, a genius in ritual magic, the magic circle had begun operating a few days ago for a certain sinister purpose. Now, it thrummed with overwhelming magical energy circulating within it—

—Or so it should have been.

“…What… the hell…!?”

The moment he saw it, Thane’s eyes widened in disbelief at the scene before him.

Just days ago, the magic circle had been brimming with immense magical energy, fully operational…

“N-no… Impossible!? My magic circle… the [Mana Boost Supplier]… has been dispelled!? Who!? How…!?”

It was unthinkable. Utterly impossible.

First, it was inconceivable that anyone could discover this location. Even if they did, dispelling it would require an elaborate ritual. And just in case it was dispelled, Thane had woven countless protective spell seals using his ultimate techniques to prevent such an outcome.

Dispelling it in a day or two was impossible—unless some extraordinary ability was used.

“Damn it…! What the hell happened…!?”

As Thane clutched his head in despair before the powerless magic circle… it was then.

Thane suddenly noticed something.

“…What… is that?”

A single gemstone, placed delicately at the center of the magic circle.

“I didn’t put that there… When did it…?”

Before Thane could ponder the gemstone’s nature—

Flash!

The gemstone suddenly erupted in blinding light, searing Thane’s vision in pure white—

What happened? —Even that thought was burned away in the whiteness—

—Early morning, before dawn.

A thunderous roar shook the earth in Fejite’s central district—

Fejite’s Administrative Office City Hall was completely reduced to rubble by an unknown terrorist explosion.

“…Justice, execution complete.”

Hearing the sound of the city hall’s collapse from a distance, Jatice walked leisurely through a back alley, smirking to himself.

Behind Jatice, Rumia followed with a dark expression, her steps heavy and reluctant.

Flanking Rumia on both sides were two angelic tulpas, Jatice’s Tulpas—artificial spirits, ensuring escape was utterly impossible.

“…What’s wrong, Rumia? Thanks to your power, we’re one step closer to Fejite’s salvation. Shouldn’t you be happier?”

Turning to Rumia, Jatice flashed a grin.

“…This… method…”

“But… if we don’t do this, your beloved Fejite, the Magic Academy, and your friends won’t be saved… Am I wrong? Of course, you don’t exactly have the right to refuse.”

“…”

Rumia could only fall silent.

“Don’t look so gloomy. …You know, I actually think quite highly of you.”

“…?”

“After all… when push comes to shove, you’d likely sacrifice yourself for those you care about without hesitation, even killing your own true desires… and all for the sake of your own deepest wish, no less.”

“—!?”

“Even if it stems from some backward sense of guilt… that noble, selfless will is undeniably ‘justice.’ …What do you say? Don’t we have something in common?”

Jatice’s words left Rumia pale and stunned. It felt as though some fatal flaw within her had been mercilessly exposed.

“Heh heh heh… As fellow practitioners of ‘justice,’ let’s get along, shall we…? Hahaha…”

As if savoring Rumia’s reaction.

Jatice’s dry laughter echoed through the deserted alley.

“…She’s late… Professor Arfonia…”

Unable to bear the heavy silence, Sistine muttered under her breath.

“…”

But Glenn, seated diagonally across the table, remained silent.

Tick, tick, tick…

In the stark, cramped stone room, only the cold and mechanical sound of the wall clock echoed rhythmically. The flame of a lamp on the table flickered faintly.

This was a secret room, accessible only by navigating a specific route through the sewers from the basement of the Arfonia residence, protected by magical mechanisms.

Built by Celica for emergencies, the room was fully stocked with fuel and preserved food, allowing one to hide unnoticed for a month.

“What if… the professor got lost? That’s why she’s so late…”

Trying to ease the tension of Glenn’s oppressive silence, Sistine ventured this, but—

“No chance.”

Glenn’s firm declaration silenced her further.

Tick, tick, tick…

Time dragged on aimlessly.

Sistine glanced at the wall clock. Its hands pointed to just past 5 a.m.

The night had already given way to dawn… It was then.

“…Maybe it’s time… to face reality.”

Suddenly, Glenn looked up and muttered softly.

“She hasn’t shown up. No response to communication magic. Not a single attempt at contact… I sent a rat familiar to check, and where the residence should have been, there’s nothing but scorched, barren ground. All I found… was a burnt scrap of Celica’s clothing.”

“…!”

“It’s obvious from the situation. Celica is… probably… already…”

“No way!”

With a clatter, Sistine kicked back her chair and stood.

“There’s no way, Professor Arfonia of all people—!?”

“A magician pulling off a giant-killing upset is a common tale. In fact, I used to do it all the time back in the day.”

“…!?”

“You know, don’t you? She’s not as invincible as she used to be.”

Shrugging, Glenn slowly rose from his seat.

“Tch, preaching me all high and mighty, and this is how it ends… Well, guess her time was up anyway… No helping it. Time for me to move.”

“That’s cruel! Aren’t you worried about the professor—?”

Reflexively blurting this out, Sistine instantly regretted it.

She noticed. Though Glenn’s face feigned indifference… his tightly clenched fist trembled slightly, blood seeping from his grip.

“Ah… I’m sorry…”

“No, it’s fine… Thanks to you, I’m managing to stay calm.”

To Glenn, Celica was a mother figure, a mentor, and the mage he admired most.

With such a cornerstone of his life missing—Glenn was likely more frantic and shaken than anyone.

Yet, in front of Sistine, he couldn’t show it. His fragile adult pride was all that kept his thoughts steady… That was his state.

“Jatice… The Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom… Why are they moving at the same time…? Whatever the case, if I’m going to save Rumia… a clash with them is inevitable.”

A murky sensation stirred in Glenn’s heart, as if it were audibly clouding over.

It was dark, grotesque… but also a strangely nostalgic feeling he’d nearly forgotten. That sensation was like a catalyst, reawakening a power Glenn had long lost—

“…Rumia… Celica…”

Then, entrusting himself to the familiar power surging within, Glenn muttered in a chillingly steady tone.

“…Those bastards… I’ll never forgive them… I’ll make them pay with my own hands…!”

He began walking toward the hidden room’s exit, but…

“No.”

Sistine rushed to Glenn’s back and suddenly embraced him.

“…What’s that, White Cat?”

“You can’t go that way.”

“Huh? How else am I supposed to get out?”

To Glenn’s slightly irritated retort, Sistine responded with silence.

Then…

“…It’s okay.”

Still holding Glenn tightly, as if to keep him from leaving, Sistine said firmly.

“Rumia and Professor Arfonia… They’re both definitely safe.”

“Stop with the empty comfort. What proof do you have? The situation clearly shows—”

“I said, they’re okay.”

Unyielding to Glenn’s sharp tone, Sistine pressed on with conviction.

“Just now… I felt like you were about to go somewhere far away. You can’t go there, Sensei. …Don’t go.”

“—!?”

As Sistine gripped his right hand, Glenn realized—he was tightly clutching the pistol he’d favored during his military days.

“The Sensei I know isn’t like that. If you’re going to fight… fight as you always do, just to save someone. I know you can’t stay calm with Rumia and Professor Arfonia in this situation… I understand… But even so…!”

Sistine’s pleading expression—stirred a faint memory in Glenn—

—No, Glenn-kun. You can’t go that way.

—What you were aiming for… it wasn’t that, right?

—It’s okay, don’t be afraid.

—Everyone can lose their way in a moment of emotion.

—If you ever stray away, Glenn-kun… I’ll bring you back…

For a while, Glenn stood lost in some reverie.

Jatice, his archenemy, and Celica’s situation had shaken him more than he’d realized.

“…Sorry. I really wasn’t calm.”

With a clearer head, Glenn flashed a grin at Sistine over his shoulder.

The murky, clouded emotions had vanished as if they’d never existed.

“Yeah, Rumia always has some annoying stalker clinging to her, doesn’t she? And no way Celica would let herself get taken out so easily… Right? So, I’ll just do what I always do—save them both. That’s all there is to it, right, White Cat?”

“Sensei…”

Smiling with relief, Sistine released Glenn.

Then, as if struck by a thought, Glenn spoke, a bit sheepishly.

“…Y’know, come to think of it… You’re always, like… guiding me forward, aren’t you? Like during that marriage fiasco before… You dragged me out, kicking and screaming, back to the world of light…”

“…Huh?”

“Even in everyday life, if it weren’t for you, I’d probably be way more of a slob… Your lectures have made me, like, a slightly better person, I think…”

“W-wait… What’s with you all of a sudden!?”

“Nah, just… something that crossed my mind. To me, you’re probably…”

“To you, I’m…?”

Feeling her face flush for some reason, Sistine waited for Glenn’s next words.

“…Nah, never mind.”

At that, Sistine felt a strange mix of relief and disappointment.

“Anyway, back to business.”

Seeming embarrassed, Glenn scratched his head and forcibly changed the topic.

“White Cat, go home for now. Keep an eye on Re=L. I’ll definitely save Rumia. …Don’t worry, I’m fine now. My head’s clear.”

“Sensei! Let me come with—”

“No, I appreciate the offer, but… this time, I’ve got a bad feeling. Something huge is moving in Fejite… I can feel it.”

“But! If that’s the case, then having two is better than one—”

Just as Sistine protested—

Clang, clang, clang—A metallic echo suddenly rang through the room.

“That sound… a communication magic signal!? Celica!?”

Glenn pulled his communication magic device—a half-broken gem—from his pocket.

But the gem showed no reaction.

“…Not mine…? Then what’s that sound…?”

Searching for the source of the mysterious signal, Glenn and Sistine scanned their surroundings.

Then… Sistine hesitantly reached into her skirt pocket.

“…S-Sensei… This…!?”

In Sistine’s hand was a half-broken gem, blinking and emitting the ringing sound.

“I-I don’t know this… It’s not mine…”

“Give it here!”

With a near-certain hunch, Glenn snatched the gem—the mysterious communication device—from Sistine’s hand and fumbled to activate it—

‘Yo, Glenn. …How’s it hangin’?’

The moment he pressed the gem to his ear, a syrupy voice slid into Glenn’s mind.

He’d never forget—the grating voice of that man.

“…Jatice…!”

‘Heh heh heh… Been a while, huh? You doing alright?’

A faint grinding of Glenn’s teeth echoed softly in the room.

‘Glenn, let’s cut to the chase with what you most want to hear… Don’t worry, no need to fret—Rumia’s safe. In fact…’

‘Huh!? S-Sensei!? Sensei, wha—’

For a fleeting moment, Rumia’s voice reached Glenn’s ears before fading out.

‘…So, Glenn. Feeling a bit reassured?’

“You bastard…!”

Glenn desperately shook off the dark emotions that had begun to resurface, stirred by Sistine’s earlier help.

“What’s your game!? Kidnapping Rumia, contacting me like this… What the hell are you planning!? And what’s with those Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom!? Are you working with them—?”

‘Huh? Me, in cahoots with those vile scum? Even for you, whom I respect, there’s a line you don’t cross, Glenn…’

For a moment, searing rage transmitted through the device, scorching Glenn’s eardrum.

‘But… time’s short. Let’s move on.’

Regaining his composure, a playful, taunting air flowed through the gem-shaped device, goading Glenn.

‘Let’s play a game, Glenn.’

“A game…?”

‘I’ll give you tasks, and you complete them. That’s the game. As long as you keep meeting my demands… I’ll guarantee Rumia’s safety. But if you fail or abandon a task… Heh, pretty straightforward, right? …So, what do you say?’

“Tch… I don’t trust you. For starters, was that really Rumia’s voice? There are plenty of magical ways to fake it. Let me hear her again—”

Glenn tried to prolong the conversation, fishing for more information, but…

‘Hahaha… Sharp as ever. I’d love to praise you, but… do you seriously think you have any choice but to play along?’

Jatice saw right through him. He was clearly a step ahead.

“…Damn it…!”

‘Don’t take it so hard. I just need a little help from you… to save Fejite, you know.’

“…What? Save… Fejite?”

Glenn couldn’t comprehend what Jatice meant.

“Hey, what the hell does that—?”

‘Time is money! We’re running out of it! Let’s get started with your first task…’

That day—

At Alzano Imperial Magic Academy, the entire campus was abuzz with agitation and chaos from early morning.

The reason being, the topic of an unbelievable breaking news story that had dominated all conversation, since morning.

The students’ discussions, debating the truth of that news, showed no signs of subsiding.

And the content of that endlessly discussed news was—

“Glenn-sensei kidnapped Rumia and carried out a bombing at Fejite City Hall!?”

In the bustling classroom of Year 2, Class 2, Wendy, having heard the details of the incident from Kash, let out a shrill, incredulous cry.

“T-that’s impossible!”

“Y-yeah, Kash-kun… there’s no way that Sensei would ever…”

Wendy slammed her desk in immediate denial, while Lynn, teary-eyed, protested as well.

“I’m with ya on that! There’s no way Glenn-sensei would do somethin’ like that—it’s gotta be some kinda mistake! But look, this morning’s special edition newspaper’s been spread all over town. Take a gander!”

Kash unfurled the morning’s special edition newspaper right in front of Wendy and the others.

“A statement of responsibility… from Glenn-sensei…?”

“‘To the Imperial Government: I, Glenn Radars, have taken custody of Rumia Tingel’s person. If you do not wish for her true identity to be revealed to the public, prepare the demanded ransom by the specified date and time. The bombing of City Hall this time is a clear demonstration of my resolute determination to oppose the Empire.’ …Huh? Her true identity…?”

“What? What kinda threat is this…? Why Rumia?”

“It’s like… the whole thing feels totally reckless, doesn’t it…?”

“I-I don’t know, but… according to this newspaper, there are eyewitness reports from nearby residents saying someone resembling Sensei was seen wandering the crime scene with someone resembling Rumia…”

“N-no way… this has to be a lie, it’s absolutely a lie…”

Kai and Rodd stood dumbfounded after reading the newspaper, while Lynn’s expression suggested she might faint at any moment.

And, as if to lend credibility to the news, today’s classes at the academy had been abruptly canceled for all grades and classes, replaced with self-study until the end of the day.

The professors and instructors had been holed up in an emergency meeting room since morning.

On top of that, Fejite’s patrol officers had been coming and going from the academy nonstop since earlier…

The tense atmosphere among the adults was now impossible to conceal.

“Course, even seein’ this newspaper, I don’t doubt Glenn-sensei for a second. A person’s reputation or rumors? Transformation magic, suggestion magic… you can fake all that stuff as much as you want.”

“Exactly! Sure, he’s a good-for-nothing, but there’s just no way he’d do something like this!”

“Quite right. Anyone who knows Sensei wouldn’t believe such nonsense.”

In response to Kash’s probing tone, Cecil and Teresa replied with indignation… and that’s when it happened.

The door swung open with a clatter, and Gibul stepped into Class 2’s room.

“Gibul!?”

“W-what’s the word!?”

Led by Kai and Rodd, the students swarmed Gibul in an instant.

“…Calm down.”

As always, the curt Gibul brushed off the students crowding around him with annoyance and made his way toward Kash and the others.

“Hmph… As requested, I used suggestion magic and far-hearing magic, among other things, to snoop around the patrol officers who’ve been coming and going from the academy.”

“Whoa, nice work! …You didn’t get caught, right?”

“Against academy instructors or professors, maybe, but me screwing up against amateurs? Not a chance.”

Snorting, Gibul pushed up his glasses.

“Now, then. At the very least, it’s true that a statement of responsibility in Glenn-sensei’s name was sent to the patrol agency and various newspapers this morning. And it’s also true that Fejite City Hall was bombed… Fortunately, it happened early in the morning before the sun was fully up, so there were almost no casualties.”

“S-seriously…?”

“The patrol agency is indeed pursuing Sensei as a suspect in this case… Well, with a statement like that and him missing, it’s only natural. But there’s something else—some concerning information.”

“Concerning information?”

With a pause and a solemn nod, Gibul replied.

“It’s overshadowed by the City Hall bombing, but… last night, in the early hours, someone attacked Sistine’s house. Re=L, who was assaulted with what seems to be a bladed weapon, is still unconscious and in critical condition… Rumia and Sistine have been missing since around the time of that incident, and… shortly after the attack on the Fibel residence, Professor Arfonia’s house was also completely obliterated by an explosion, with no trace left.”

“W-what!? What the hell’s that supposed to mean!? For real!?”

“Then… the fact that we haven’t seen Rumia and the others since this morning…!?”

“There’s no doubt they’ve been caught up in some kind of incident. As for Professor Arfonia… based on the scene, it’s… well… highly likely she’s dead…”

Even Gibul, clearly reluctant, spoke with hesitation.

“No… way…”

“It’s a lie… it has to be… no way…”

Class 2 had a fair amount of connection with Celica through Glenn, so this news hit them hard.

Faced with this tragic report, the students could only bow their heads in pained silence.

“Naturally, the Fejite patrol agency believes Sensei is involved in all these incidents. Their general theory is that last night, he attacked the Fibel residence, kidnapped Rumia, and then proceeded to blow up both the Arfonia residence and Fejite City Hall.”

Gibul’s information sent the entire class spiraling into an even greater uproar.

“What in the world… what on earth is happening in Fejite right now…?”

Wendy, utterly dejected, could only sink under the weight of this dire situation.

“…Can I say one thing clearly?”

Gibul spoke to her in a calm, matter-of-fact tone.

“These kinds of incidents happening around us… ever since Sensei was assigned to our class, there’ve been far too many. It’s long past the point of dismissing it as coincidence or bad luck.”

His words gave voice to what everyone had been thinking deep down.

“And based on past experience, Sensei has always been ‘caught up’ in these incidents. The attempted academy bombing… the attempted assassination of Her Majesty the Queen… the incident during the field study expedition… Sure, Sensei’s actions were flashy and noticeable, but it’s clear he was merely ‘caught up’ in those events and ‘dealing’ with them.”

“…T-that’s… true, but…”

“So, what’s the real center of these incidents? …No need for me to point it out. If you think about it logically, there’s always been one person at the heart of all these events.”

It was something everyone had thought about deep down but avoided addressing.

But… perhaps the time for turning a blind eye had long since passed.

“…Rumia Tingel. Just who… or what… is she?”

A heavy silence descended over Year 2, Class 2.

The academic city of Fejite is broadly divided into five districts.

The first is the Northern District. As is well known, it’s dominated by the Alzano Imperial Magic Academy and the student town filled with dormitories and apartments where students live.

The second is the Western District, a general residential area. This district is primarily home to middle-class and working-class citizens, with many plazas and the industrial zone also located here.

The third is the Eastern District, an upscale residential area. Wealthy individuals, nobles, and mages mostly reside here, and many of the academy’s instructors and professors also make their homes in this district.

The fourth is the Southern District, the so-called commercial district and the economic heart of Fejite. It’s the most vibrant district, home to various shopping streets, trading houses, bustling entertainment areas, warehouse districts, and even a secretive black market known only to those in the know.

And finally, the fifth, the Central District. Also called the Administrative District, it’s essentially the heart of Fejite, maintaining and steering the city as a whole.

The Central District houses critical public institutions like the Fejite Administrative Office, the Fejite Patrol Agency, the Labor Office, and the Fejite branch of the Imperial Bank, as well as Saint Catarina Cathedral, which oversees Fejite’s various parishes.

Having left Celica’s secret room behind, Glenn was making his way to the Central District.

“…”

Glenn walked silently along the main street of the Central District.

Blending inconspicuously into the flow of carriages and people, he moved as if holding his breath.

The Central District was, as usual, filled with the hustle and bustle of the day, but there was an undercurrent of anxious impatience in the hurried steps of the people. As if fanning that unease, uniformed patrol officers occasionally cut through the crowds, rushing about in a flurry.

‘Kukuku… Keep your chin up, Glenn.’

The grating voice of Jatice flowed into Glenn’s ear as he casually passed by several such officers. He had embedded a gem-shaped communication magic device in his ear.

‘Act suspicious, and the patrol officers will get wise. After all—you’re now a terrorist defying the government… a major criminal.’

“…Tch. You’re the one who set this whole thing up, so who are you to talk?”

Glenn already knew he was wanted across Fejite as the suspect in Rumia’s kidnapping and the City Hall bombing.

Jatice himself had told him as much.

Summoning a rat familiar to gather information had only confirmed the situation.

Glenn was now completely surrounded on all sides.

“Bet the real bomber was you, wasn’t it? Framing me for your crimes.”

‘Correct. Well, it’s not like you needed to deduce that. But there’s nothing you can do about it.’

Glenn clicked his tongue in frustration but kept walking, careful not to draw attention.

After a while…

‘…Sensei.’

A different voice came through a second communication magic device in his ear.

It was Sistine, who had begun acting separately.

“What’s up, White Cat?”

‘I’ve confirmed with far-seeing magic. There’s a checkpoint two hundred meters ahead with patrol officers. You won’t be able to head toward Third Street from there…’

Right now, Sistine was supporting Glenn from a safe distance as he worked to complete Jatice’s “tasks.”

This situation was too dangerous, Glenn had a bad feeling about it, and he’d told her to leave it to him and stay home.

He’d tried persuading her multiple times, but Sistine was adamant: she wanted to help him, to save Rumia, and insisted she’d be fine.

Maybe giving her too much confidence backfired? Glenn thought, but considering Sistine’s recent skills, honed through training with him, he knew she wasn’t just talking big.

Besides, if he’d left her alone, she’d likely have gone off and acted on her own somewhere out of his reach. So, with the promise that she’d stick to support from a safe location, Glenn had reluctantly let her get involved.

“…Got it, no go, huh? What’s the plan, then?”

‘I’m checking a detour route now… Alright, at the corner up ahead, twenty meters from you, turn into the alley…’

Guided by Sistine’s navigation, Glenn wove through the Central District, dodging the patrol officers’ routes.

From Second Street to Fourth Street, then to Third Street.

Slipping through the patrol agency’s search net with exquisite precision, he pressed forward.

And then—

‘…Congratulations, Glenn. You’ve finally made it.’

“Tch…”

With a click of his tongue, Glenn found himself standing before an old, rectangular building adorned with the emblem of a falcon, symbolizing “a heart that does not forgive injustice.”

It was the Fejite Patrol Agency headquarters. The park-like plaza in front of its main gate was considered one of Fejite’s safest places, a spot for relaxation, with citizens and patrol officers milling about.

‘Now, Glenn, it’s time for the first task.’

“Damn it… Seriously, just die already, you.”

‘Oh? Getting scared? …Trouble is, I’m in a bind. Might just end up slicing off Rumia Tingel’s head in my panic…’

“…Go to hell.”

‘S-Sensei…’

“…It’s fine. I’ll figure it out. Keep supporting me, White Cat.”

Responding to Sistine’s anxious voice, Glenn stepped toward the center of the plaza—

“《O crimson lion, roar in your fury》!”

—and chanted a spell.

A fireball from Black Magic [Blaze Burst] shot from Glenn’s left hand, arcing through the air and striking a bronze statue in the center of the plaza. With a massive explosion, it shattered into pieces.

““““—!?””””

Citizens and patrol officers present turned their eyes to the commotion, stunned.

Ignoring them, Glenn leapt onto the statue’s pedestal and boldly shouted.

“Let’s see, if I recall… ‘Hear ye, hear ye, let those far and near listen, and those close come and see! I am Glenn Radars! A righteous warrior delivering divine retribution in accordance with sacred will! The corrupt government steeped in immorality, the traitorous queen, and the patrol agency that colludes with their deceit… ugh, this is such a pain! Too long! Look, point is, you government lapdogs are getting divine punishment, you bastards! I already hit City Hall! You’re next! Got a problem? Come at me, you—!’”

Half giving up, he shouted the declaration, then improvised a spell, drastically reducing the power and speed of [Blaze Burst] and firing it at the front entrance of the patrol agency.

“W-waaaah!?”

“Run! Everyone, get out of here!”

Seeing the incoming fireball, the officers and citizens scattered like frightened spiders.

And so, a flashy but practically non-lethal explosion erupted spectacularly at the patrol agency’s entrance—

“What!? Now a bombing at the patrol agency!? And the culprit is that Glenn Radars!?”

Ewan Byleth, an elite patrol officer running around the city for the Glenn investigation, could only gape at the report coming through his communication magic device from headquarters.

“Tch… A terrorist attack on the patrol agency, the symbol of peace and justice… How dare he!”

“What do we do, Inspector Ewan!?”

“We’ll follow your lead, sir!”

Ewan’s subordinates looked at him with eyes burning with righteous indignation.

“No choice, then. Headquarters has issued the request! We’re joining the pursuit of the suspect!”

““““Understood!””””

“The suspect is currently heading south on Larkle Avenue in Central District’s Fifth Street! Relay to all units in the patrol districts: Teams Six, Eight, and Nine, pursue the suspect directly! Teams Two and Five, flank from Mid Street to the east, and the rest from Eitzur Street to the west! Surround him!”

““““Yes, sir!””””

Ewan issued precise orders to corner Glenn, but…

In that fleeting moment, a cold, thin smirk curled at the corner of his mouth as he spoke.

“Also… I authorize first-degree suppression measures against the suspect.”

“Huh?”

First-degree suppression measures meant permission to draw swords and open fire in the city.

It wasn’t about apprehending the criminal—it was about neutralizing them with lethal force.

“Uh, Inspector Ewan… that’s…”

“Even if he’s a dangerous criminal, going straight to first-degree is…”

“It could harm civilians…”

“Shouldn’t we at least check with headquarters first…?”

His subordinates, understandably, responded with reasonable objections.

“…I’ll say it again.”

Ewan spoke slowly, with a chilling, commanding tone.

“I authorize first-degree suppression measures. Kill Glenn Radars. …That’s an 《order》.”

And then…

““““Yes, sir! Understood! We’ll eliminate Glenn Radars!””””

For some reason, his subordinates no longer questioned the unreasonable order, moving as one to carry out their task, scattering across the city.

Their coordinated movements carried an almost inhuman unity.

Strangely, it wasn’t just the officers present. Every patrol officer across Fejite began moving with the same timing, the same unity, and the same purpose.

And not a single one of them noticed the oddity of it all.

“Now then… Glenn Radars. From what I’ve heard, this kind of tactic works best against someone like you, doesn’t it? Kukuku… Let’s see how far you can go.”

Left alone in the deserted alley, Ewan’s icy murmur reached no one’s ears.

‘Congratulations, Glenn. You’ve cleared the first task.’

“Die! Just die! Seriously, DIE!”

‘But… the speech I gave you was quite different, wasn’t it? I went out of my way to craft an artistic, provocative taunt that would make their blood boil, and yet…’

“Shut up! I’d bite my tongue trying to say that nonsense!”

Ignoring Jatice’s words, Glenn shouted as he sprinted down the main street at breakneck speed.

“Get outta the way, you nobodies!”

Yelling, Glenn fired his pistol into the air.

“Kyaaaaah!”

“Waaah! H-help me!”

Hearing the gunshot, the crowd scattered in a frenzy.

Glenn darted through the gap they left.

Larkle Avenue in Central District’s Fifth Street was now in utter chaos.

“Oi! What was the point of all that, you bastard!?”

“At the Fejite Patrol Agency plaza, loudly proclaim the designated statement of responsibility and carry out a bombing”—that had been the “first task” Jatice imposed on Glenn.

“Stop right there, Glenn Radars!”

“Halt, you vile criminal!”

Thanks to that, Glenn was now fully in the patrol officers’ sights, with a massive group of them chasing him relentlessly.

“You planned this, didn’t you!? You’ve got a grudge against me, don’t you!?”

Glenn roared as the city scenery blurred past him like a rushing current.

‘What nonsense. I don’t waste my time on petty revenge driven by personal grudges. This is all for a far more noble purpose. Trust me.’

But while Glenn was pushed to the brink, Jatice sounded as if he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

‘Still… I really owe you one. Thanks to you, my work’s going quite smoothly.’

“Huh!? What the hell are you talking about—!?”

‘Now, onto the “second task,” Glenn…’

Ignoring Glenn’s question, Jatice issued the next order unilaterally.

‘Next… let’s say, “Don’t get caught by the patrol officers until I say so.” That’s it.’

“What!? You set this whole thing up, and now you’re saying that!?”

‘I don’t care how you do it. Kill the officers if you want. Take civilians hostage, whatever. Just don’t get caught, Glenn. If you do, Rumia’s life is over.’

“Tch—!”

Infuriating. Frustrating. Enraging. Cursed.

This situation—being forced to follow Jatice’s incomprehensible orders with no choice in the matter—filled Glenn with nothing but irritation and anger.

“White Cat! You heard that!? It’s a game of tag with the patrol officers for a set time!”

‘Y-yes!’

“We’re escaping no matter what! I’m counting on your navigation!”

‘Got it! Right away—fifty meters ahead, at the corner, a squad of patrol officers is closing in! Head into that clothing store! Go through the back exit to the alley—’

“Roger!”

With that, Glenn sharply changed direction and dove into the clothing store.

—Escape.

Glenn kept fleeing through the streets of Fejite, relentlessly.

Driven relentlessly with nowhere to go, Glenn continued to evade the tightening net of the security officers—

Eventually, Glenn was cornered in Fejite’s western district—the residential area.

“Grrrraaaahhh—!”

For a fleeting moment, Glenn unleashed White Magic [Physical Boost] at full throttle, moving like a blur.

He closed the distance in an instant with the security officers advancing in formation from the front.

Knocking aside the rapier of the lead officer with a hand chop, Glenn simultaneously struck the officer’s jaw with a palm strike, rendering them unconscious.

“You—!”

“Damn you, thief—!”

As the lead officer collapsed to their knees, two more officers flanked Glenn from both sides, thrusting their rapiers in a pincer attack.

The sharp tips sliced through the air, aimed directly at Glenn’s vital points—

“You lot—”

Glenn swiftly stepped toward the officer attacking from the right.

The rapier, gleaming like a silver arrow aimed at his brow, was parried backward by Glenn’s left fist as he took another step forward—

“Guhhh!?”

Glenn slammed his left shoulder into the officer, throwing them off balance.

In that split second, Glenn seized the officer’s arm and collar, spinning on the spot like a top—

“Your killing intent’s way too high, damn it—!”

With a powerful heave, Glenn threw the officer in a spectacular judo toss.

The flung officer crashed perfectly into the one approaching from Glenn’s left.

Both tangled and collapsed to the ground—

“Take aim—”

“Tch—!?”

At the edge of Glenn’s vision—beyond the alley—he spotted several officers forming ranks.

They were aiming revolvers at him.

Percussion-style revolvers with rotating chambers. Smaller and less powerful than Glenn’s ‘Penetrator’ magic gun, but more than lethal enough against a human target.

And here, in the narrow alley, there was no cover to be found.

“Fire—!”

With that command, the line of guns roared in unison.

A barrage of fiery streaks surged toward Glenn.

But—

“Damn it all—!”

Glenn leapt instinctively.

Kicking off the left wall to vault upward, then the right wall, then left, right, left, right—

He deftly scaled the narrow alley walls with triangular leaps, landing atop a nearby building’s roof.

The bullets couldn’t track his bizarre movements, grazing perilously close to his body but missing their mark.

“What was that movement!? Damn, what an agile bastard!”

“He’s up there! After him! After him! Circle around from behind!”

Ignoring the officers scrambling below, Glenn turned on his heel and began moving across the rooftops.

“That was close…! Way too close…!”

Cold sweat trickled down his face as Glenn ran—

The Fejite Patrol Agency and its security officers maintained the city’s order.

Apart from a few high-ranking patrol bureaucrats, the standard gear for regular officers included a rapier, a revolver, and a uniform enchanted with defensive effects and physical enhancements—less potent than military gear but still effective.

For maintaining city peace, this was more than sufficient firepower.

Thus, the officers’ greatest weapon was, fundamentally, their guns.

To a first-rate mage, guns were mere toys, no threat at all. A group of gun-wielding officers would be insignificant.

But for Glenn, a third-rate mage at best—

Guns were nothing short of a deadly menace.

“Tch, I’m only managing because they’re such lousy shots… but this is nerve-wracking…”

For now, Glenn could dodge their gunfire by reading their aim and muzzle direction, but how long could he keep that up?

The minor injuries from sporadic close-quarters skirmishes with multiple officers were starting to add up.

Being chased relentlessly was, unsurprisingly, taking its toll on his stamina.

(With a self-defense spell like [Shock Bolt], I can’t pierce the defensive enchantments on their uniforms… but using military-grade magic like [Lightning Pierce] could kill them…)

Of course, he could improvise to weaken a military spell’s power for non-lethal effect, but altering a spell on the fly—whether to strengthen or weaken it—dramatically increased mana consumption. Modifying an optimized spell naturally came at a steep cost.

(In this hopeless situation, wasting my limited mana recklessly is suicide… Damn it, if only I had as much mana capacity as White Cat…)

It was a truly bizarre twist.

Glenn, once feared as Number 0,《The Fool》, of the Imperial Court Mage Corps’ Special Missions Annex, found a single powerful heretic mage far less troublesome than a swarm of gun-toting security officers.

Gnashing his teeth in frustration, Glenn descended from the rooftops and darted through the alleys once more.

The officers, however, anticipated his moves with uncanny precision, closing in.

“That way!”

“Chase him! Chase him!”

And so, the pursuit resumed—

(But something’s off… Isn’t their tracking a bit too precise…?)

While deftly evading the officers’ pursuit, Glenn pondered.

Was it really possible for mere security officers to track him so effectively?

Drawing on his military experience and tricks taught by Bernard, Glenn had tried every tactic to shake them off. Yet the officers moved as if they were a single organism, their coordination eerily unified in a way that defied logic. Even a military unit, communicating via magic, couldn’t achieve such seamless teamwork.

(…Now then.)

Glenn mentally mapped the city, overlaying Sistine’s earlier navigation data on the officers’ deployments. Assuming they were ‘normal’ officers, he predicted their next encirclement.

The result—

(…If I turn right at that street, it should be clear, just as White Cat said…)

By all reasonable predictions, that was the logical outcome.

But—

“White Cat. You said earlier that turning right there would get me to the second district, right?”

‘Huh? Oh, yes… I confirmed with farsight magic that no one was there.’

“Can you check that area again? …I have a feeling it’s no good.”

‘What?’

Sistine’s voice betrayed confusion at Glenn’s words…

Moments later.

‘S-Sensei… You’re right, it’s no good…! Somehow, they’ve circled around already…! Huh? How…? There was definitely no one there before…’

“…As I thought.”

‘How did you know…!? Oh, wait! I’ll find another escape route right now!’

Ignoring Sistine’s astonishment, Glenn sank into thought.

(This unnaturally coordinated movement… Could it be…)

As Glenn ran, a grim suspicion took root…

‘Yo, good work, Glenn…’

Jatice’s grating, syrupy voice crackled through the communication device.

‘Oh my, how pathetic… To think you’d be this battered just dealing with mere security officers…?’

“Shut it, you bastard.”

‘If you’re struggling this much already, the road ahead looks grim, doesn’t it…?’

“I said shut up!”

‘Kukuku… You’re as inefficient as ever… Why not just kill them?’

“—!?”

Ignoring Glenn’s rejection entirely, Jatice continued, his tone almost seductive.

‘Sure, you’re not great against this kind of opponent. But if you got serious… there’s no doubt you’d come out on top.’

“—!”

‘Kill them, Glenn. It’s for Rumia’s sake, isn’t it? A few random officers—what do they matter? Don’t hold back… Just kill them. Eliminate the obstacles… Come on… Come on! …Come on!’

Words like those of a tempting devil.

“Shut the hell up—!”

Glenn rebuffed him completely, unshaken.

“You think I’d fall for your pathetic schemes!? Quit your yammering, I said shut it!”

Running, Glenn let out a fierce laugh and declared:

“I’m gonna save Princess Rumia from your demonic clutches with my head held high! Ha, what a perfect white-knight moment! Rumia’s gonna fall head over heels for me! ‘Kyaa, Sensei, hold me♪’—it’s that kind of vibe! For that dream moe scenario every guy fantasizes about, you think I’d let her carry the burden of some shady act? I’d rather die!”

“—!?”

“Worry about yourself instead, punk! I’m gonna personally beat you to a pulp and make you cry! Get ready!”

For a moment.

A stunned silence emanated through the communication device…

‘That’s the spirit!’

A voice of such ecstatic joy erupted, as if Jatice had ascended to heaven.

‘I knew I wasn’t wrong about you! Yes, that’s it! You have to be like that! No matter the odds, you’ve gotta stay true to yourself! I’m truly sorry for testing you like that! Ahahaha!’

“…Seriously, what is wrong with you? Just die already.”

Glenn, beyond anger, was utterly exasperated.

‘Sensei! Trouble!’

Sistine’s frantic voice cut through the communication device into Glenn’s ear.

‘—W-We’re surrounded! No way… When did they…!?’

“What!?”

‘Granny Street, Fourth-Fifth Lane, Second-Third Lane, Lukle Boulevard… Every path leading to your location has been blocked by officers!’

“…Anything else? Keep going. Tell me the exact positions of all the officers surrounding me.”

‘Y-Yes…! First—’

Glenn mentally organized the rapid-fire information from Sistine.

He visualized his position and the officers’ locations on the mental map of the city.

(…As expected.)

Observing the officers’ movements over time, Glenn reached a certain conclusion.

This kind of preemptive encirclement was—impossible.

No matter how skilled the commander, the subordinates were human. No amount of training could eliminate the inherent limits and time lags in communication and coordination… That’s just how it worked.

But the encirclement Sistine described was beyond what normal humans could achieve.

It was as if some magic unified their subconscious wills.

(The officers chasing me… From their behavior, they don’t seem like puppets stripped of free will. If such an obvious anomaly affected so many officers, their superiors would notice… Yet this inhuman coordination…)

Glenn speculated on what lurked behind the officers’ actions.

(If so, it’s likely a suggestion magic that doesn’t alert the target… The officers, unaware, are unified subconsciously through a shared deep subconscious field, with the caster manipulating the group like a single entity… That’s probably it.)

In other words, a command or piece of information sent to one officer could be shared instantly across the group via the subconscious, with no delay.

And no one would notice the anomaly—an invincible command technique.

(“Subconscious unification through suggestion”… It’s been theorized in magical studies, but to pull it off on this scale with so many officers… The culprit must be a mage of extraordinary skill…)

So, who could it be?

Jatice’s incomprehensible task.

And the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom, apparently scheming something in Fejite.

Looking at the bigger picture, the purpose behind Jatice’s cryptic task began to come into focus.

From the circumstances, the one behind these unified officers was likely a heretic mage from the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom. If so, Jatice’s goal was—

(Tch… Looks like I’m being used as bait.)

Though he’d partially seen through Jatice’s intentions, there was little he could do now.

‘Well, Glenn, this task is reaching its climax…’

Whether aware of Glenn’s realization or not, Jatice spoke with a voice dripping with delight.

‘I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing you live up to your bold words earlier. Until then…’

With that final remark.

Jatice’s communication cut off.

‘S-Sensei… What do we do…!? At this rate…’

“Yeah. In this situation… Let’s see, contact in about three minutes… After that, the trailing forces will catch up, and I’ll be arrested… Or worse, if arrest is even the goal.”

‘N-No way… It’s hopeless…!’

Sistine’s panic and despair bled through the communication device.

‘I’m sorry, Sensei… It’s all because I’m not good enough…!’

But.

“…Heh. That’s it, White Cat?”

Glenn flashed a defiant grin and said:

“You’re giving up already in a pinch like this? Compared to the hell I survived in my military days, this barely counts as a crisis.”

Glenn’s confident demeanor was reassuring, but—

‘B-But… No matter how many times I check the area with farsight magic… There’s no escape route! There’s no place to hide, no sewer entrance…!’

“Yeah… Figures.”

‘N-No way, Sensei, are you planning to fight the officers… t-to kill them to break through…!?’

“Oi, oi, that’s harsh! You really think I’m that kind of a guy!? That hurts, you know!”

In contrast to Sistine’s panic, Glenn remained oddly calm, as always.

‘I’m sorry…! But… then how…?’

“White Cat. Check if any of the things I’m about to list are in the area around me. First…”

Then, Glenn began giving Sistine peculiar instructions.

“…Let’s see. Any unnaturally new cobblestones along the sidewalk? Especially near intersections.”

‘…C-Cobblestones…? New ones…?’

“Also, any roads paved with long, rectangular stones? Or a building with a red, round sign still up? There’s a high chance one of those is around… If you find any, tell me their location.”

‘…Uh, what…? What are those…?’

Though completely baffled by Glenn’s intentions,

Sistine frantically searched for what he described.

—Somewhere in Fejite’s western district.

Strolling leisurely through the deserted residential area,

“…Yare yare, it’s taken quite a while, but it’s about to end.”

Fejite Patrol Agency Officer, Inspector Ewan Byleth, mentally processed the tracking data on Glenn coming through his communication devices, certain of victory.

“Heh… Glenn Radars, who slipped through Lord Lazare’s grasp… To think he’d be dealt with so easily… Almost anticlimactic.”

Yes, Inspector Ewan Byleth… A young elite among the patrol bureaucrats, trusted by superiors and subordinates alike, was secretly a heretic mage of the ‘Radical Faction’ of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom.

This plan required utmost secrecy to maintain its covert nature. The organization couldn’t act openly, which made Ewan, covertly embedded in the Patrol Agency, the perfect operative.

(My suggestion magic is unmatched. No one can escape its influence. These officers don’t even realize they’re being manipulated…)

Currently, all of Ewan’s subordinate officers in the Patrol Agency were under the sway of his suggestion magic.

(A field operation goes awry, officers fire on a dangerous criminal, resulting in an occupational manslaughter. The officers involved are discharged, and I express regret at a press conference… That’s the likely resolution.)

According to intelligence, the target was a third-rate mage with nothing notable beyond the irregular spell [Fool’s World].

In that case, officers like these were his natural predators.

(Heh… A mage’s strength isn’t just raw combat ability… Sure, that’s part of it, but what matters is “the strength of the cards you hold to achieve your goals”…)

In that sense, Ewan, who could orchestrate his desired outcomes with suggestion magic, was arguably among the strongest mages.

(Now… It’s about time for a report, I’d wager…)

Just as Ewan thought that,

A transmission came through his communication device from the officers on the scene.

“This is Inspector Ewan. What’s the situation? Have you apprehended the suspect? You haven’t resorted to gunfire, have you? No matter how heinous the criminal, such inhumane acts are 《not permitted》 by me.”

Lacing his words with suggestion, Ewan responded with feigned sincerity, barely containing his glee…

“…? …W-What… did you say…!?”

The report that reached his ears was utterly unbelievable.

“You lost sight of Glenn Radars…!? Impossible…! That’s absurd…!”

Ewan hurriedly checked his map. No matter how many times he reviewed it, there was no mistake. Escaping that encirclement was impossible. There was no route out. So why—

“I see, I get it! He’s underground!《Order》! Seal off all sewer entrances in that area immediately—”

“But—according to the map, there are no sewer entrances in that area!”

“That’s ridiculous! Fine! Search harder for the suspect! Teams Three and Five—”

Through the communicator, Ewan barked orders to his subordinates with growing irritation.

“…What the hell is going on…? This is impossible, it can’t be…!”

After a while, having issued his orders, Ewan brusquely cut the communication.

“…Damn it, prioritizing secrecy and focusing on command backfired… If I weren’t stuck in this remote location…!”

As Ewan gnashed his teeth in frustration…

Click.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed in the dimly lit alley where Ewan stood.

Clack, clack, clack…

As Ewan turned toward the slowly approaching footsteps…

“Hello… I’ve finally found you, Inspector Ewan Byleth…”

There, a peculiar young man appeared, clad in a top hat and frock coat.

“Wha… who the hell are you!?”

“I knew there was a mole from that organization within the Fejite Patrol Agency… and that this mole was using suggestion magic to control over half of the agency.”

Ignoring Ewan’s challenge, the strange young man continued speaking unilaterally in a flat tone.

“But I couldn’t figure out who the mole was… because your suggestion magic and concealment were far too perfect. I couldn’t trace the source of the control. Impressive, you should be proud. You’re likely the world’s greatest master of suggestion magic… but…”

In the next moment, a ferocious, madness-filled grin spread across the young man’s face.

“You got cocky, Ewan. Foolishly, you used suggestion magic to issue orders… and that inevitably caused unnatural movements among the patrol officers. So, by investigating the chain of command, I could trace it back to the source… That’s what I predicted, Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom… Ha, hahahahaha…”

A low, broken laugh resounded. A storm of joy, murderous intent, hatred, and madness surged.

Every vile emotion struck Ewan with violent force.

This was bad. This man was dangerous—his overwhelming darkness, seeping from his entire being, was enough to make even Ewan, a member of the Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom’s《Adeptus Order》, feel it.

“Wha… what are you talking about? Researchers of Heavenly Wisdom? I-I’m with the Patrol Agency…”

“No need for excuses, scum. Just die. Like garbage.”

The young man—Jatice—lazily raised his left hand.

“Tch—!?”

On guard, Ewan quickly leaped back to create distance, preparing to chant an assault spell—

“Gyaaaaaaahhh—!?”

Suddenly, a brilliant spray of blood bloomed in the air.

From behind Ewan, a legion of angels charged in formation, their spears piercing through his arms and legs in a frenzy, pinning him to the ground.

Red lightning surged through the spears, binding Ewan’s body as it coursed through him—

“Gyaaaah—!? Wh-what is this!? I can’t move…!?”

Ewan screamed, pinned to the ground like an insect specimen by countless spears.

“Kukuku… Tulpa [Her Messenger: Crucifixion]… Once pierced by those spears, your movements are magically sealed…”

Jatice drew a rapier from his concealed cane…

And coldly aimed it at Ewan’s forehead.

“Hii!? P-please, spare me—!? M-my life, at least…”

“Oh? So, will you admit your sins, repent, and swear to abandon your evil ways?”

“I-I swear… just spare my life…!”

Jatice smiled darkly…

“Then, if you answer my questions honestly, I’ll save you…”

“R-really!?”

“Yes… So, tell me. Where is the second [Mana Boost Supplier]?”

“—!?”

Instantly, Ewan’s face paled beyond freezing.

“You’re in charge of this district, right? Man, I’m in trouble… Your concealment is so perfect. The first was easy, but I can’t quite pin down the second’s location…”

“Wha…!? N-no way, you’re—!?”

Stab. The tip of Jatice’s rapier plunged into Ewan’s left eye.

“Higyaaaaaaahhh—!”

“Can you answer my question already…? I’m kind of busy…”

Jatice gouged Ewan’s left eye without a flicker of expression as Ewan wailed.

There was no trace of sadistic pleasure, yet the ability to perform such a brutal act so naturally, without resistance, was an abnormality that defied human comprehension, making it all the more terrifying.

“O-okay! I’ll talk! The second [Mana Boost Supplier] is in Third Street’s—”

Stab. This time, Jatice’s rapier plunged into Ewan’s right eye.

“Agyaaaaaaahhh—!”

“I hate lies… Come on, give me the real answer.”

“Higii!? Okay! I’ll tell you the truth this time…! S-so, stop—agyaaaaaahhh—!?”

A gruesome, heart-wrenching scene. The horrific screams would make any ordinary person cover their ears.

Yet Jatice, unmoved, methodically intensified the pain with precision.

“L-Linton Memorial Park! It’s hidden in the bushes on the east side! I know it sounds like a lie, but it’s true…! I used concealment magic there—”

Then.

Jatice looked down at Ewan with cold eyes—his pupils, instead of reflecting Ewan, shimmered with endless streams of numbers racing by—

“…I see… It seems you’re telling the truth.”

Finally, as if convinced, Jatice nodded and smiled gently.

“Th-then, now—”

Thud. Ewan’s hopeful words were silenced forever as Jatice’s rapier pierced through his brainstem.

“…Did you hear that, Rumia? Linton Memorial Park… We’re heading there now.”

Turning his back on the lifeless Ewan, Jatice cheerfully called out to the girl standing behind him… Rumia.

“…!”

Rumia, unfazed by the gruesome scene, glared at Jatice with eyes burning with anger.

“…What’s with that look? What’s your problem?”

“Why did you kill him…?”

Rumia pressed him, undaunted.

“…He had no will or strength left to fight… So why…!?”

“Hahaha… Did you really think I’d let that irredeemable evil live? Besides, I kept my promise and saved him… Yes, by making him atone with death, I, the embodiment of absolute justice, freed his soul from sin… Ha, hahahahahahaha!?”

“…You’re insane…! You’re a beast…!”

“To say a beast is inferior to a human—that’s human arrogance.”

“Don’t give me your sophistry…!”

“Oh? Let me ask you then… Who decides the boundary between beast and human? Who guarantees your sanity when you claim I’m mad? Who proves the existence of the self? God? The devil? The masses? Hah… Absolutely not. The only thing that proves the existence of the self is the will that declares, ‘I am here.’ Therefore—I am sane.”

It was hopeless. No conversation could be had.

No matter how eloquent a debater, no one in this world could outargue him.

His sense of self—was too strong.

Normally, one’s sense of self is established through the acknowledgment of others.

But Jatice, relying on no one, unrecognized by anyone… had forged an absolute, unyielding sense of self entirely on his own. It was a terrifying mentality, one that could only be described as monstrous.

“…Why do you go so far…?”

“Why? I’ve said it countless times. It’s all for justice.”

Jatice answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Faced with him, Rumia could only close her eyes in resignation, feeling her own powerlessness.