Chapter 264
Lennok finally understood what Evelyn meant when she said the timing was bad.
If the atmosphere inside the fortress was calm, becoming a representative of one of the eight families would not be a problem at all.
It would simply mean comfortably completing the auction and leaving the fortress.
However, in the current situation, where a fierce power struggle is ongoing among the families, what does it mean to become a representative of one family?
Evelyn was warning that one could get caught up in the disputes inside the fortress.
Not bad.
What?
Having heard that, Lennok was more determined.
Following the traces of the order. Entering the auction to learn about the ruins and time magic.
If both these goals were related to the internal struggle in the fortress, avoiding the conflict would be a poor strategy.
It would be more efficient to actively jump into the fray.
It wont be hard to at least keep myself safe, no matter what happens.
Lennok said, putting the ticket in his pocket.
If things go south, I can just use my position as an external director of Cartel as a shield and escape. There are plenty of ways out, so theres no reason not to step in.
.The board of directors will surely love that decision.
Evelyn shook her head with a wry smile at Lennoks grinning face.
If youre still planning to go after hearing all this, I wont stop you. Its not like youre new to this kind of work, having been around here for a day or two
Good.
But even I dont know much about how the struggle is unfolding inside the fortress. Information about the Eight Strongholds Fortress is hard to come by, and if its not necessary, I rarely touch it.
Jenny said the same thing. Understood.
Indeed, after expressing his intention to visit the Eight Strongholds Fortress and seeking the necessary information, it was said that even the deep web had no immediate answers.
It seemed better for Lennok to go in himself and scout around, as it would take at least a week to get the information or updates he needed.
Having heard about the ticket, it would be better to check which family issued it and participate in the auction.
While Lennok was organizing his next steps in his mind, suddenly a thick voice came from behind.
Team Leader Marcia!
A robust middle-aged man strode up and offered a handshake to Evelyn without hesitation.
The various ornaments and artifacts he wore indicated the thickness of his wallet.
Evelyn immediately recognized the man and smiled awkwardly.
President Tucker. Long time no see.
Indeed, its been a long time! What brings you here, Team Leader? Do you have business in the fortress?
The man called Tucker, without waiting for an answer, started talking about himself.
Thinking back, that was a really big deal. If it werent for your help, we would have ended up as fodder for the contaminants in the desert outside the city.
Oh, yes.
But after overcoming that crisis and delivering goods to our client, things went well, and now weve expanded our business to supply materials to the Eight Strongholds Fortress!! All thanks to you, Team Leader.
Marcia smiled awkwardly at Tuckers hearty laughter and his protruding belly.
Even Lennok, watching from the side, found the man excessively talkative. Such an energetic person could establish supply chains and clients everywhere.
But who is this?
After a while, Tuckers gaze finally fell on Lennok, standing behind Evelyn.
Evelyn then introduced Lennok to Tucker.
This is Van. Hes a mage who also serves as an external consultant for the agency.
Ah, Van! Ive heard that name before!!
Tucker excitedly reached out for a handshake.
Everyone knows the Steadfast Thunder of District 49. Youre famous for being buried in work. I never thought Id meet you here.
?
Steadfast Thunder. Lennok had never heard of such a title.
He glanced at Evelyn, who nodded with a resigned expression.
It seemed that she knew roughly what Lennok was called in this field.
Meeting the two of you in front of the passage to the fortress Do you have business in the Eight Strongholds Fortress?
Oh, its not me, but Vans matter.
As Evelyn stepped back, Tucker approached more eagerly.
I see! If Van is having trouble entering the fortress, I think I can help
Lennok, instead of responding to that, just quietly stared into Tuckers eyes.
If he could understand these conditions and constraints, Lennoks own skills in barrier magic could advance further.
Lost in these thoughts, Tucker addressed Lennok again.
Just accompany us to the client, that would be sufficient. After that, you can go wherever you wish.
Since he had already used Tuckers help to get inside, it was only fair to accompany him to his desired destination.
After parting with Tucker, Lennok planned to change his appearance and gather information about the eight families nearby.
Especially important was to find out the position of the Oryun family in the power struggle of the fortress, and how much they could assist Lennok.
As Lennok was about to nod in agreement, he suddenly sensed a presence rapidly approaching from beyond his sensory range.
!
Magic users. More than ten of them were converging on Tuckers truck from all directions.
Paba-paba-pabat!!
The swift movements of people running across rooftops in all directions.
In the midst of this, Lennok frowned as he felt a faint sense of danger.
Koo-woong!!
In an instant, over a dozen dark figures surrounded the truck in the middle of the road.
Sharp flashes of light from within the truck coincided with blades piercing through the windows.
Crash!!
There was no time to ask questions.
As a magic user, Lennok quickly caught and twisted the incoming attacks, then launched a counterblast, forcing the assailants to retreat.
Aaaah!!
The pale-faced employee drove the truck frantically forward.
The truck veered off the road into a narrow alley, driven almost recklessly by the visibly shaken driver.
The alley, barely wide enough for a single vehicle, was fortunately empty.
Lennok muttered, looking out the window.
It would have been better to keep driving on the road.
What, what?
This way, were only giving our pursuers an advantage.
These were people who didnt hesitate to attack even amidst a crowd.
Without the publics gaze in the alley, their aggressiveness could only escalate.
Lennok wasnt particularly surprised by this sudden attack, having entered the fortress without concealing his identity as Ban.
This, what is this!! Why is this happening to us!!
Tucker shouted, trembling.
Ignoring his words, Lennok immediately turned his attention to the chasing figures behind them.
Running effortlessly along the walls of the alley, they were quickly closing in on the truck.
Dadadadada!!
Unlike the truck, confined to the narrow alley, the pursuers moved three-dimensionally, rapidly closing the distance.
If this continued, everyone except Lennok was in grave danger.
If he wasnt planning to let the pursuers go, it was better to help them out and demand a price.
Ill intercept them. Keep driving.
Lennok quickly made a decision and reached for his left sleeve.
Click!!
A revolver sprung out as the shrinking spell was released.
However, its appearance was entirely different from Lennoks usual equipment.
A white barrel gleaming and a smooth cylinder emitting a faint blue magical glow.
This was Lennoks new equipment, custom-made at great expense from Palmer.
Holding the shining white revolver, Lennok looked back at Tucker.
Though he had feigned goodwill, Tuckers intention to use Vans name for his safety wasnt exactly noble.
Saving his life was worth a higher price than Lennok initially thought.
Lennok asked Tucker with a faint smile.
An incentive will be necessary. Thats okay, right?
(To be Continued)
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