Chapter 30: Kahalin

Chapter 30: Kahalin

So, whats the issue that needs solving?

Upon Phiris question, the Chief glanced at me briefly. It was probably a question of whether I should be present or not.

Phiri frowned.

I asked because its fine to talk about it.

Oh, yes.

The Chief couldnt be unaware. The recent incident was evidence that it was an important matter to discuss.

In the midst of their concentration, the Chief swallowed dryly.

While we were discreetly collecting Lyon ore, which goes unnoticed by the Empire, a suspicious group suddenly appeared.

Did we have competitors?

Yes. At first, we didnt realize it was a group. Its not uncommon for a Merchant Guild with a tight delivery deadline to wander around the black market, paying extra to secure goods.

Phiri nodded.

After tracking various small Merchant Guilds, we discovered that the ore was flowing towards a specific location.

Has the Empire caught on?

Not yet. We were able to identify the flow since we were collecting the ore, but its only a matter of time due to the aggressiveness of the opposing side.

Phiri sighed, and I quickly pondered the situation.

Lyon ore, primarily found in the northern region, was a material commonly used to produce magical items.

However, it was also an essential ingredient for manufacturing magic power bombs, making the Empires surveillance strict.

One question immediately came to mind. Setting aside the suspicious group, why was Haisen collecting it?

My thoughts turned to their leader, and not in a good way.

If theyre collecting something that cant be resold, there must be a purpose. Have you found out anything about the opposition?

Other than their base at the Kiberun Mountain range, we have no further information.

.

I apologize. The opposition has been thorough, making it difficult to track their movements.

Phiri bit her lip, showing signs of frustration. It was an unavoidable situation.

Haisen in the southern continent had difficulty exerting its influence in the north. Thats why this place was considered remote and dangerous.

What are the possible speculations?

Theres a possibility that its connected to Rialto or Hisala, which is adjacent to the north, but

As the Chief spoke, they suddenly paused.

Before Phiri could express her impatience and open her mouth, the Chief continued.

Personally, I believe it could also be the Empire.

Are the Empires dogs involved in something?

Yes. Theyre too aggressive to be Rialto or Hisala. Theres no reason for them to draw attention like this.

Common sense dictated that the Empire didnt need to purchase something coming from its own territory.

However, if there was something fishy going on, the situation could change. It was a reasonable assumption by the person in charge on-site.

If I hadnt been in a game scenario, I would have thought the same.

Devil worshippers.

In the game, devil worshippers revealed themselves starting from the north.

With a grand explosion that caused a fortress to crumble. Naturally, they were connected to the Lyon ore.

What they didnt realize was that the devil worshippers hadnt fully revealed themselves yet.

Since the establishment of the Empire, devil worshippers had become almost extinct.

Even in the intelligence community, they couldnt grasp every situation.

It was the same in the game. The appearance of devil worshippers caused astonishment throughout the entire continent.

Of course, there were those who were already aware.

The one concern was the leader.

He too was a devil worshipper, so he would know what was happening here.The initial instance of this chapter being available happened at N0v3l.Bin.

But Phiri was sent here.

A person who didnt exist in my memories. If she was such a strong individual, it was certain she had died somewhere.

Could that be happening now?

There was no immediate warning of Death Avoidance.

However, that didnt mean I could survive it. It meant that it would come at a truly dangerous moment.

Of course, I couldnt say for sure that Phiris death was around this time. It was just something to keep in mind and be prepared for.

Moreover, the current leader might not be a devil worshipper yet.

It was a matter of timing.

He was a named devil worshipper, but it was unknown when that happened. Caution was necessary, but possibilities had to be kept open.

Amidst the silence, the Chief swallowed dryly.

A week ago, two agents died. They werent weaklings, and it wasnt an easily visible place.

Who died?

Ferret and Haim.

They were capable individuals.

Phiri closed her eyes, lightly lowering her head as she placed her index and middle fingers on her forehead. It was the silent dedication of Haisens intelligence agents. The Chief and I followed suit.

After a moment, Phiri opened her eyes, appearing calmer than ever. However, the ensuing silence was chilling.

I could sense that she was genuinely angry.

Carlyn.

One thing was certain, they wouldnt have headed toward Kahalin.

A major city close to the mountains. The enemy would naturally deploy their forces there.

Hmm

Lets think from the beginning. There had been regular reports. They were not individual groups.

They would attempt to escape on their own, but if it became impossible, they would wait for Haisens support.

Since the reports hadnt come through, it was natural for us to sense that something was wrong.

In an instant, something flashed through my mind.

We had three homing pigeons. But there had been no contact.

It was not easy to differentiate the pigeons in the mountains, let alone in the city.

Unless they were already dead, they would have sent the pigeon even if it meant risking their lives during the escape process.

Agents prioritize information over their own lives.

Excluding the possibility of them being dead, there was only one conclusionthey couldnt send the pigeon.

They were alive, but sending a homing pigeon was risky.

Perhaps they are hiding near the enemys stronghold.

A picture began to form.

Unless they came face to face, the enemy might have discovered the herb gatherers tracks and started tracking them, so the agents might have realized it and gone into hiding.

Hmm.

The Chief and Mohen voiced their opinions one after another. They were in different directions for their own reasons.

But Phiri didnt have a satisfied expression.

Carlyn, what about you?

I think they might be hiding somewhere between the last reporting point and the northeast.

Why do you think so?

I explained my reasoning clearly. Of course, it was just a hypothesis with plenty of room for debate.

However, Phiri nodded briefly.

I have the same thoughts as you.

Feeling a slight thrill, I unconsciously scrutinized Mohen. My tightly closed lips trembled.

Phiri silently looked at the Chief. For a brief moment, it seemed like an unspoken conversation was exchanged.

Ill escort them.

Its dangerous.

The Chief responded immediately, predicting this situation. Phiri didnt pay attention to those words.

Only Carlyn and I will go. We dont need backup.

Vice-leader!

I wont entertain objections. Time is of the essence. Are there any agents here who are better than me?

It was an irrefutable statement.

Considering the urgency of the situation, it would take time to observe the situation and there would be a loss of manpower in the process.

However, the Chief silently resisted. Though it was subdued, their concern was evident.

Phiri let out a soft sigh.

Dont you trust me?

Thats not it. But what happened in the past

Dont worry, Chief. Ill report the situation and act accordingly. If its dangerous, Ill withdraw immediately.

What happened in the past? Was there something going on?

Theres no need for Vice-leader to personally intervene. I will send the agents.

I said I wont entertain objections.

In truth, Godfathers spy agency would do anything to rescue the agent.

Even if it was just pretending to do so on the surface.

Otherwise, trust in the organization would diminish, and the agents wouldnt risk their lives for the organization.

The Chiefs concern was that Phiri would personally take action.

Phiri pointed at the map with a finger. It was a route that passed through the mountains.

Four days from now, at noon. Send a merchant guild to this location. I will join them there.

The Chief had a talkative face, but they couldnt bring themself to speak up.

Regardless, the outcome was already determined. If the superior ordered it, we had to comply.

The Chief, who had been contemplating, hardened their expression. It meant that they had made up their mind. The atmosphere changed instantly.

What will be the operation name?

Escort.

Understood.

Were short on time. Get ready to leave in 10 minutes.

Yes.

The Guild Master and Mohen rushed out in quick steps. Phiri remained seated, taking out a cigarette.

I took a quick breath. Anticipated fatigue overwhelmed me. It was already my third consecutive mission.

I wondered if I was pushing myself too hard, but it couldnt be helped when it involved saving people, our comrades.

In a way, it was also my first real mission as an official spy. I tightly gripped the hilt of my sword, for no reason in particular.