Chương 224: Chapter 11: “Yu Contacts the Masked Group”

Several weeks have passed since the Magic Combat showdown with Argus. Since that battle, I've become the center of attention whether I like it or not. If I walk around a bit, some look at me with awe, while others look at me with sparkling eyes. Because I have a sweet face except for my scary eyes, I've even ended up with female fans. Though not as many as Argus, naturally. I never thought it would turn out like this after just one battle. It seems Argus Ozbein was quite an amazing genius.

Since then, Milia has started treating me like someone from another world. Her speech remains strangely halting, and she looks away immediately if I try to make eye contact. Reading her emotions, she doesn't seem to hate me, though.... Good grief. What am I worrying about when I said myself that I don't need friends? In the end, Alice was the only one who treated me the same as usual. Or rather, this woman is too unchanged. She could be a little more reserved. And Argus is Argus.

Since then, he has completely recognized me as a rival and challenges me to a fight every day. I beat him back every time, though. When I first heard his name, I thought he was just a guy who was smug about his talent, but I found out he's a tremendous hard worker behind the scenes. Every time he challenges me, he shows steady growth one step at a time. I admire his guts. I've come to like him a little. Now. Attention has gathered, and various troubles have increased.

But what was most annoying was the emergence of groups sniffing around me. The repercussions were greater than expected. One is the group from the capital, Dandama. A faction of court mages seems to be investigating my background since I suddenly distinguished myself. I silenced the woman who saw my magic value during the measurement, but if it's an investigation by public authority, she might spill the beans. It might be a matter of time before my magic value is exposed... And the other one is—. Around nightfall.

I deliberately walked to a deserted back alley on the outskirts of town to guide my tail, and decided to finally confront them. It's annoying and unbearable to have them scurrying around forever.

"Come out. No one will see us here." After a somewhat bewildered silence, about five shadows appeared, surrounding me. All of them were wearing strange masks. Each mask had a glittering design that looked like it could be used for some ritual. The Masked Group. What brings them here? Four of the five were men, but there was one woman. There was a bulge in her chest, and brown hair tied back peeked out from behind the mask. From her demeanor of restraining others with her hand, she seems to be the leader...

This woman—I see. So that's how it is.

"I've been waiting for this opportunity. Yu Hoshimi." Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. That's a line I feel like I've heard somewhere. It seems the mask has magic to change voice quality, and her voice sounded inorganic like a mechanical voice.

"I wasn't particularly waiting. State your business." The masked woman giggled. Somewhat amusedly.

"You're an impatient one."

"Unfortunately, I'm in a bad mood because of someone." Ignoring the sarcasm, she proposed.

"How about it? Won't you join us?"

"I refuse." I didn't expect them to have been stalking me for days for such a trivial matter. At my immediate refusal, which was contrary to her expectations, the masked woman seemed to twitch. But she maintained her composure to the end.

"I heard you are greedily seeking power. More magic."

"True."

"There are limits to libraries. If it's us, we can provide as much as you like. Because we are—""Researching Lost Magic and the resurrection of the lost magical superpower Edel, was it?" When I casually stated their activity purpose, the five couldn't hide their great agitation.

"How do you know that!?"

"I can figure it out with a little research." Did you think I was doing nothing while being tailed by you guys? To survive in the underworld of highly informatized modern Earth, I gathered information risking my life. Compared to that, this was amateurish at best. Their ambition, in a nutshell, is the resurfacing and resurrection of the magical superpower that sank underground due to that magic experiment.

The aerial city Edel, said to be a treasure trove of powerful magic and where a highly advanced civilization flourished. If they get their hands on it, dominating the world would be easy.

"Then the talk is fast! As much magic as you desire, rewards. Even power enough to rule the world! Everything is as you wish!"

"Not interested." To her claiming loudly, I purposely spat out coldly.

"I know your bad rumors. Incidents resembling terrorism, human experimentation. Numerous heinous acts. Even I don't intend to go that far." What is needed for Edel's resurrection are Lost Items —special orbs—needed to float the city, and a massive amount of blood—human lives—needed to circulate the magic power maintaining the city. Since the technology of that time is already lost, bloody alternative means are required. Their own ambition and profit.

Just for that, they ransack ruins everywhere, kill countless people, and continue to squeeze out lives. Malice passed down continuously for three hundred years. How foolish. I saw many such groups on Earth. They were all worthless scum.

"... Heh. Then. What do you intend to do?" Her tone changed instantly to a threatening one. I guess they've been forcefully recruiting people and brainwashing them like that. This is why cults who believe they are right without doubt are troublesome. For them, there are only enemies and allies. I shook my head, sighing "Good grief."

"Generally, I don't possess useless things like a sense of justice. Do as you please." Was this answer unexpected? The explosive mood clearly softened. The masked woman put her hand on her forehead and sighed. As if to say I'm stubborn. Sorry about that.

"Hmm. What a waste. With that much magical talent, you could become an executive immediately."

"Executive?" I can't let that slide.

"Tell Master Megil or whoever. That he is misjudging the caliber." At that moment, one man—he must be deeply infatuated with the Master—lost his temper and suddenly lunged at me. The masked woman intervened in a panic.

"Stop it! He's not an opponent you can match...!" However, the man wouldn't listen at all. He had already concentrated magic power in his palm and was aiming dark magic at me. He intends to kill me. —Know your place. I held my left hand toward his front.

"《Qi Severing Palm》" An impact sound roared. Simultaneously, the man's body was thrown into the air and flew away at a speed invisible to the eye. Slamming headfirst into the wall of a residence, the man went limp on the ground and stopped moving completely. He might be dead.

"Addition. If you get in my way, this happens." Terror ran through them. Clear fear and agitation were visible in the four. Naturally, there was no one brave enough to attack me anymore. Or should I say wise? To the four who fell silent, I declared. Quietly, and with a stern voice.

"Never come near me again." No answer returned. Pathetically, they seemed unable to say anything. I take silence as an answer. I have no more business here. I just wanted to clarify my position.

"Good. If you understand, clear the way." I tried to step forward, but the group surrounding me wouldn't move from the spot for a long time. I strengthened my tone.

"Did you not hear me? I said clear the way." When I added intimidation, they stepped aside in droves as if suddenly coming back to their senses. Although I made them do so, them backing down so obediently makes me worry about the organization's future instead. As I passed by the woman, I decided to take a little revenge.

"You were the masked woman, right?"

"What. Did you change your mind?" She was trying hard to act tough, but her voice was trembling. Tap. I placed my hand on her shoulder. Her shoulders flinched.

"The other day was fun." Even from behind the mask, I could tell clearly that she was stunned.

"No way... That's impossible! A lie! How...!?" She could no longer act. Leaving her collapsing on the spot, I dared not say anything more and walked away toward the dorm. No matter what mask you wear. You can't lie to your heart. After that, perhaps having learned their lesson, they didn't get involved for a while. While dodging the group from the capital appropriately, I was able to spend a generally peaceful daily life.