The information didn’t contain exact details, it only confirmed what the higher-ups had been speculating about for several months. I don’t know if I was fortunate to run into a mid-level member, I was able to slightly fight against his curse for a few seconds because his contract wasn’t that strict.
An external participant wouldn’t have that much information, while an internal participant would have some kind of much stronger contract or restriction, I wouldn’t be able to break or stop it even if I gave my best effort, I could have even died just from the intention of trying to tell the truth.
So the archduke is involved… no, his daughter is involved in all this problem. This person knows nothing about that topic, he only managed to see her once by chance at one of their bases, an internal rumor spread that she was one of the sponsors and none of the higher-ups came out to deny it.
The Kingdom of Merno also has involvement, he wasn’t completely sure if the king is involved, but the only duke has direct participation in the underworld and inside this new organization.
Among all the information, the most important topic was the corrupted villain dungeons. He didn’t know much about them, only that they always train in those places, they are sent to hell daily to grow stronger.
All the members think the organization is somehow behind the appearance of these dungeons, it is too unusual that they can always use them for training.
That would be a huge problem, then the dungeon that appeared near Skyblue City was the work of this organization, possibly orchestrated by the empire’s archduke or the duke of the Kingdom of Merno, or maybe by another one of the higher-ups.
I have all the information memorized, I even asked Glia to pay attention, it’s better if she can help me remember everything clearly.
I turn toward the elders, who hesitate to take a step toward me, I can feel their Imra confused and anxious about approaching. “Sorry for the unpleasant scene. Everything is over now.” I completely freeze the bodies and store them inside my dimensional bracelet, even the blood is turned into ice and stored as well.
Marcelina approaches, she takes my hands gently. “I don’t know if we will ever be able to repay everything you’ve done for us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Emago.” She holds back her tears while thanking me.
“I would do it as many times as necessary, but it’s not over yet.” My tone and expression become serious as I speak. Marcelina seems confused by my words.
“You’re right… the rest of their group will come investigate when their companions don’t return after a few days.” Malcom speaks. Marcelina opens her eyes as she understands the situation, the other elders already had some idea of what could happen.
“We must move the children somewhere safe, this place will become a battlefield…” I can see smoke practically coming out of Wedy’s head while he thinks about where to move all the children.
“It will be a headache rebuilding this place again, the only good thing is that now we have the resources and can make better use of the space.” Marcelina’s voice is full of sadness, her eyes scanning the entire building as if memorizing it.
“Don’t worry.” I raise my hand and wave it from side to side, everyone looks at me in confusion. “I know where the base is, I’ll go pay them a visit.” I wink at them, that is another part of the information the man gave before dying, it’s not an exact location, but once I arrive there I’ll recognize it.
“No, you can’t go alone, it’s too dangerous.” To my surprise, the first one to object is Malcom.
“You shouldn’t risk your life so much, we will rise from our ashes like a phoenix. I’m sure the mayor will help us with the land issue and even the governor will help once he learns about our situation.” Marcelina speaks quickly, for a moment I thought she would choke.
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“Marcelina is right, it’s too risky to go directly. The governor must already be sending soldiers for the eradication, they should arrive soon.” Wedy’s eyes are full of concern.
“Don’t worry, even if I don’t look like it, I’m much stronger than what you’ve seen.” I wink at all of them, my smile overflowing with confidence.
“Will you change your mind if we keep insisting? It would be a waste of time right now.” Malcom asks me, his expression difficult to read, though I can tell it pains him not being able to do anything.
“You won’t change my mind, I already made my decision. I’ll go greet them soon.” There’s no point in staying here waiting for them to arrive, it’s better to go directly and try to catch them by surprise.
“Will you let someone accompany you? I volunteer to go with you.” Wedy raises his hand.
“I don’t want to sound rude, but you would only make things more complicated. I don’t want to dedicate part of my brain to keeping you alive, I’ll have a much higher chance of winning or escaping if I go alone.” I’m being honest, all of them would be more of a burden than support on the battlefield.
Their gazes remain calm, they are very wise and understand the situation, the question was only courtesy, although I’m sure if I asked them, they would go without hesitation.
“What will you do now? Leave immediately? It’s good to strike while the iron is still hot.” Portad asks expectantly.
“I was thinking about it, but first I need to deal with a little mouse hiding nearby.” My words surprise them, in less than a second they understand and begin discreetly scanning every direction with their eyes. These elders react quickly, I can see their experience.
I disappear from their sight instantly, appearing beside some large columns on the highest floor.
“Where did he go? He was here a second ago.” I hear someone speak from the other side of the column.
“I’m here.” The moment I speak, I feel the concern and panic in his movements, although he reacted quickly, he is still far too slow. He ends up trapped in my prison just like the other bastards.
I slowly descend together with the little mouse, using gravity magic to levitate back toward the elders. This prison is different, death mana is not active, I’m simply imprisoning him while interrupting every attempt to use mana or Imra instantly.
My Dominion and Imra combine well to break any attempt. I’m not doing it subtly as if I had a screwdriver to dismantle him piece by piece, I’m simply using a giant hammer capable of smashing everything through brute force.
“Marka? Is that you, Marka?” Wedy speaks softly, clearly confused.
“Yes, it’s him, that scar on his forehead proves it.” Marcelina approaches to examine the young man. None of the elders moved away, it seems they trust my ability to restrain people a lot.
“Look at the insignia on his shoulder, our boy hasn’t been wasting his time.” Portad points at a logo on the young man’s right shoulder, I recognize that symbol because I saw it when entering the city, it is the symbol of people belonging to the territory guard.
“Who is he?” I can roughly understand based on what they said, but I don’t want to jump to conclusions.
“His name is Marka, he used to live in this orphanage, he left full of hopes toward the territory capital. He has been sending money constantly, but never any letters, we thought he had gotten involved in illegal things, but apparently he exceeded our expectations.” Malcom quickly explains the situation.
Now that I’ve confirmed his identity, I release the prison around him. He keeps staring at me in shock, and when he looks at the elders he seems deeply embarrassed.
“You still have that habit of spying on people from the shadows.” Marcelina approaches and pulls his ear hard. “You’re going to get yourself into serious trouble one day.” Marka only lowers his head awkwardly.
“Don’t scold the poor boy, he already grew up. I’m sure that stealth ability and shadow affinity opened the path for him to enter the guard.” Wedy calms Marcelina down.
“Elder Wedy is right, I was recruited into the espionage and information division.” Marka puffs out his chest proudly. The elders bombard him with questions for several minutes until they are somewhat satisfied. They want to keep asking, but restrain themselves.
“I’m Emago, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” I extend my hand toward Marka.
“The pleasure is mine, Lord Emago, thank you for saving my family. I’ll repay the favor someday, even if it costs me my life.” His words are sincere. I explain the situation a little, I understand he is responsible for sending information to his superiors so they can proceed with their plan of action. At first he refuses, but after another ear pull he decides to cooperate.
He will say that some unknown strong individual passed through the city and dealt with the bandits, he couldn’t get more information because the person disappeared, technically that’s true. “I’ll return in a few days, I promise I’ll come back safe and sound.” I teleport away quickly, I want to finish this as soon as possible.