A Dark Fantasy Spy

---

“The number of casualties has increased. It’s now 27.”

In the apartment located on the 21st floor of the Magic Tower where Trinity is based.

The view showcased a radiant sea and a coastline that sprawled out, complemented by a subtle jazz melody that flowed from a stylish turntable accompanied by a band.

I sat back in my recliner, enjoying the splendid scenery.

-“I heard. The two who were transported to the hospital also died, right?”

“I was told that while being treated in the hyperbaric chamber for inhalation burns, there was an error in the pressure control spell causing the oxygen supply to be cut off.”

-“That’s quite an odd occurrence. Normally, it shouldn’t break down like that.”

“Well, human affairs are inherently unpredictable, aren’t they?”

Just as I continued my conversation against the backdrop of soft jazz.

The hallway lights flickered on, revealing someone’s shadow coming into view.

“I’ll hang up now. I’ll contact you first.”

-“Let’s talk face to face. Quietly.”

“Yes-.”

I placed the disconnected prepaid phone on the table.

Then, I pressed the button to stop the turntable and turned on the magic lamp next to me.

Click.

“……”

I adjusted my position comfortably and spoke to the owner.

“Have you arrived?”

“…Merlo?”

—

Episode 5 – Journalist, Diplomat, Soldier, Spy

I’ve known a person named Sophia for over five years, yet I don’t know who she truly is.

Like most information agents, she primarily uses a pseudonym. She introduced herself as ‘Sophia,’ so that’s what I call her. But I still don’t know who she really is.

However, I do know exactly what kind of person Sophia is.

She is a spy.

Affiliated with the military intelligence agency. The precise title is the Integrated Intelligence Department under the Supreme Command of the Republic of Patalia. For reference, it would be akin to the Information Command in South Korea and equivalent to the Reconnaissance General Bureau in North Korea. As I recall, her position was that of a sub-team leader. So, she is a sub-operative.

Her operating area was the Kien Empire.

Five years ago, we met for the first time there.

“It’s been a while, Sophia.”

“Here again, Merlo.”

I politely gestured for her to take a seat.

“Sit here. Don’t just stand.”

Sophia wore a slightly bewildered expression.

“Do you think I’m saying this without knowing that this is my house?”

“Of course.”

I sat in the recliner and surveyed the home.

Top floor of a five-story apartment. If I opened the window, I could see the sea, and stepping out onto the terrace offered a view of the sprawling city along the coastline.

It had one bedroom and a bathroom, the kitchen and living room were separate, and there was also a designated dining space.

In this neighborhood, there’s relatively little land available for living, and given that this is the heart of the Magic Tower named Trinity, this apartment was very luxurious indeed.

Perhaps that’s why the furniture was quite expensive as well.

A well-organized bookshelf, a glossy wooden table that gleamed, a turntable that was the latest product from a famous brand, and a television whose bulkiness was anything but awkward.

After deeply surveying the house, my impression was simple.

“You really spent a fortune here. Settled down nicely, haven’t you?”

“Why do you say that? Makes me feel unwelcome.”

While this place was certainly nice to live in, it was not the best abode for an operative. Too expensive.

“You’re planning to live here for life, huh?”

“Since I’ve come all the way here on a business trip, I should enjoy it, right? I’m human too.”

Sophia replied with a slight smile as she moved toward me naturally, questioning me without any sign of confusion in her actions or expressions.

“What would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Or perhaps alcohol?”

“Why would you drink such things at bedtime?”

“Well, it’s because a friend has come over, right?”

I let out a small laugh and told her.

“I suppose seeing you joke around is not surprising?”

“Why would I be surprised? You didn’t even hide your address. So, what are you having?”

“I’m fine. I just dropped by for a moment.”

“Oh really?”

Sophia, with a serene expression, brought out tea. As usual, her mouth was smiling while her eyes scrutinized me.

She returned from the kitchen with a mug and some snacks for the living room.

Sophia naturally opened the liquor bottle to fill a glass, while I glanced over the furniture, murmuring.

“…You have a lot of furniture at home?”

“Well, it’s my home now. It should look like a place where people live.”

“….”

Before long, after filling my glass, Sophia put the bottle down and asked me.

“What brings you here?”

“I have something to ask.”

I brushed my fingers over the wear and tear on the furniture, imagining the traces of time that lingered on these objects.

“How long have you been employed somewhere else?”

“Who knows? About a year?”

“…I see. And the Magic Tower?”

“Not long. I just came here from the desk.”

It seemed she had just arrived recently.

Pulling my hand away from the furniture, I nodded. I pressed the button on the turntable and shuffled back to the recliner.

The refreshing melody filled the living room, blending the sound of the saxophone player, the band’s accompaniment, and the singer’s voice.

Through the window, the glittering night sea and the dazzling city’s night view poured into the dimly lit living room, and there, before my eyes, stood Sophia.

“….”

In the noise-filled living room.

In that place where eavesdropping was nullified, I threw a question toward Sophia.

“Where is she?”

“Who?”

“Giada Bianchi.”

—

Sophia responded as if she genuinely didn’t know. At least, that’s how her expression appeared.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m asking where Giada Bianchi is. You must know something, so why ask again?”

“Then why are you asking me, Merlo?”

She was quite cheeky.

“…Sigh.”

I rose from my seat, walking towards the bookshelf.

As I absorbed the books stored within and the dust that had accumulated there, I scanned the bookshelf thoroughly.

“Since you already know everything, let’s not waste our energy, shall we? If we argue among allied nations, it’ll just put the elected officials in a bad mood.”

I glanced around the bookshelf and looked back at Sophia.

Then I asked.

“Where is she hidden?”

Sophia replied.

“I truly don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Is that so?”

I deeply sighed, thrusting my hand into my pocket while leaning on the bookshelf.

I genuinely didn’t want to waste effort on this, but it seems I would have to go through the trouble of explaining it again.

As I leaned against the bookshelf, I calmly chose my words.

“Um. I’m talking about Fabio Verati. Your retired agent.”

“Yeah.”

“He’s currently in our possession.”

“What?”

For the first time, Sophia appeared genuinely astonished. From her tone, it didn’t feel like a feigned expression.

“Why is that person with you? We said we would take responsibility for him.”

“Right.”

I let out an unjustified expression while letting those words slip.

“I don’t know the details. I heard he was disengaged, but it seems the upper management pushed this through.”

“Heads up.”

Sophia said.

“Do you intend to kill him?”

“I had no idea. I’m sorry.”

“What’s going on? Are you making a joke out of this?”

Sophia glared at me with a fierce expression, and I smiled, shaking my head.

“Don’t look at me like that. I really didn’t know.”

“It’s not a matter that can be resolved by just saying sorry right now.”

“The Military Intelligence Agency kidnapped Fabio Verati?”

Sophia didn’t respond.

In fact, this could lead to a significant diplomatic issue. An intelligence agency kidnapping a foreign national. Moreover, the person originates from an ally’s intelligence agency.

But.

“It seems we won’t be the only ones to die here.”

“What?”

That’s not the case.

“You guys kidnapped an Abas citizen, too.”

“…….”

“On a closer look, aren’t we going to end up being the ones who are taken?”

I returned to my seat, and Sophia from across the room glared at me. Her gaze was lethal. Strong enough to kill someone.

“It doesn’t seem like a time for jokes, Merlo.”

“I mean, you should consider the audience when you’re joking, Sophia.”

“Do I seem like someone who’d play along with such jokes?”

—

I, as a familiar acquaintance, was cornered with threats.

However, I didn’t falter under her murderous gaze and replied with a smile.

“Do you think I look like someone who’d fall for your tricks?”

“…What?”

“You.”

The soldier threatened the journalist.

“You lied to me.”

“No, what are you talking about—”

“Fabio Verati.”

The spy threatened the spy.

“You said he wasn’t a retired agent, but he’s one of your people, isn’t he?”

—

Fabio Verati is a former member of an intelligence agency.

During his time at the National Security Agency, Fabio Verati operated as an operative in Mauritania, a region akin to the Middle East, accruing experience until he was promoted to manager in his early 40s.

After becoming a manager, Fabio Verati transferred departments, briefly working as an information officer at the Magic Tower. According to the official records, that’s where his trail ends. At least, that’s what the data from the National Security Agency indicates.

Fabio Verati decided to retire. No one knows the reason. At least, no official record of the reason for his resignation exists.

Since all intelligence agencies are state organizations, every retiree is entitled to severance pay. Although it’s not disclosed externally for security reasons, it’s stated that retiring individuals can claim pensions and severance payments. After all, they are civil servants.

However, they can only receive them within the legally guaranteed limits. That’s also due to being a civil servant.

And like all retirees, anyone retiring from an intelligence agency typically faces severe dilemmas.

Should he take the lump sum of his pension at once, or receive it in installments?

Fabio Verati chose the former. Although he could have taken it in installments due to his more than 15 years of service, he decided to take it all at once. Roughly an amount equating to about 600 million won.

The issue lies in the fact that he has to support a family of five.

How can a 40-year-old head of household, who just left work, raise four children who haven’t even entered college with just 600 million won? That’s impossible anywhere. Regardless of where you go, the weight a head of household bears is similar. It’s rare to find someone who can easily decide to gamble their family’s lives on a stake.

Yet, Fabio Verati resolved to retire. Because he had backing.

The Magic Tower Representative Office.

He took a brief break before transitioning to the Magic Tower Representative Office, specifically the Human Development Department under the Magic Tower. Despite its name ‘Human Resources’, it’s essentially a place for creating ‘scholarship students’. Moreover, the work there is remarkably aligned with the functions of an intelligence agency.

Fabio Verati, employed as a senior member, managed to sustain his wife and four children. He couldn’t refuse the Magic Tower’s offer, which provided high salaries, especially considering the National Security Agency would surely come to capture him if they found out.

As a result, the Verati family led a prosperous life in a house with a swimming pool. Three of his four children entered college, and his youngest daughter studied abroad at a prestigious academy within the Magic Tower.

However, Fabio Verati was being hunted by the Military Intelligence Agency.

He was abducted in an undercover operation led by agents dispatched from the Military Intelligence Agency, and is currently being interrogated in a hidden facility.

That much is obvious from the outside.

What I’m curious about is this.

The Magic Tower Representative Office is a public institution.

Everyone working there is a public servant.

So, how has Fabio Verati’s family been leading a wealthy life in a house with a swimming pool?

—

“Logically speaking, a public servant’s salary wouldn’t allow someone to live in such a house. Unless they are a high-ranking official, it’s impossible for the family of a mere third-grade deputy director to live in such luxury.”

This leaves us with three possibilities.

First, embezzlement.

“If they messed with their operational funds, it could be plausible. Depending on the scale, operational funds can reach hundreds of millions. In reality, it’s common for people to abscond with funds. But such activities would raise flags during audits.”

Second, investment.

“There are occasional cases where employees play money games with information. Stocks, real estate, bonds, futures, options…. But this carries too much risk. Investment isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s actually against the law for agency members to engage in investing.”

Third, business.

“The sale of information. This is the most realistic scenario. It’s discreet and, with careful navigation, there’s hardly any risk of getting caught. Plus, the money to be made is enormous. Finding people to buy isn’t hard. There’s plenty of demand but scant supply, so everyone’s waiting eagerly.”

Selling information is the most realistic way to earn money.

In fact, those who’ve resorted to selling secrecy due to financial distress are often found. They seem particularly more prevalent among retirees.

And since Fabio Verati is a retiree.

So, what I’m getting at is this:

“Fabio Verati sold you guys information—this is what I’m saying. It wasn’t sensitive information leaked abroad but rather confidential information from the Magic Tower that was smuggled into Patalia. For money.”

This means that a former information officer from the Magic Tower Representative Office sold information from his previous workplace. For a price.

To this, the current National Security Agency investigator responded.

“Great narrative you’ve woven there.”

“Right? I might consider writing like le Carré once I retire.”

Though I tried to brush it off jokingly, Sophia didn’t take it lightly.

She crossed her legs.

“Information trading. It sounds plausible, but….”

“…….”

“Do you have any evidence?”

“…none.”

I don’t have any hard evidence for my claims.

How could one prove a retired cadre from another agency’s information dealings? Setting aside the time constraint, it’s hardly within my purview. My job is to uncover the higher-ups who dispatched the spies.

Still, the question linger. It can’t be disputed that Fabio Verati’s family living a lavish life is improbable. How would someone who’s not even a drug lord afford a house with a swimming pool? In a world where land for living is scarce.

Doubts persisted, but there was no evidence.

I decided to shift the topic.

“Well then. It’s true that the Military Intelligence Agency is in possession of Fabio Verati. They might release him if I head to the Representative Office and send an urgent memo, or if I make a few calls. After all, he’s a retired agent of yours. But, you know.”

“……”

“Your side hasn’t yet located a person known as Giada Bianchi, have you? If you could return that person to me, I might be able to see how I can help out.”

Though I proposed a deal, Sophia outright refused.

“You don’t need to go through that trouble. We can locate her ourselves.”

“It won’t be easy to return her.”

“Then we can straightforwardly generate a diplomatic issue; catch up with me if that’s what it leads to.”

Sophia rose as if she was truly ready to storm the Abas Representative Office.

I clasped her wrist firmly.

“What are you doing? You’re not letting go?”

“How long have you been here?”

“What?”

“I’m asking how long it’s been since you came to the Magic Tower.”

Sophia looked down at me with a puzzled expression, and I kept a hold of her wrist, closing my eyes as I fell into thought.

“I’m talking about you. When we first met at the Magic Tower.”

The number of scuffs on the furniture, the date of Sophia and her team’s arrival, the date provided by the real estate agent, the information Sophia let slip, and my experiences. Coupled with some observations of dissonance I noticed later, it gave way to a slight deduction.

A mere spy doesn’t just hide away for over a decade and conduct operations.

If so, how challenging would it be to identify a double agent who’s well informed about the agency’s internal strife?

“You clearly stated that Fabio Verati didn’t sell national secrets. Am I right?”

“That’s correct.”

The puzzle pieces clicked together.

“But here’s the thing.”

Finally, I successfully completed the puzzle.

“How did you determine that he didn’t sell information? With no surveillance, how did you know what he engaged in? How did the Military Intelligence Agency come to pursue him, and now you are just beginning to grasp the situation?”

“…….”

“How did you know Fabio Verati didn’t sell any secrets?”

That doesn’t quite add up, does it?

“…….”

Logically speaking, grasping such distinctions within that short span of time is implausible. How could verification occur so quickly?

But if Fabio Verati were indeed a ‘loyal person’ planted by National Security Agency in the Magic Tower, everything begins to make sense.

Just like Petrus.

“Doesn’t it seem strange to you?”

“…….”

“Even if you lie, you should at least do it convincingly.”

I slowly opened my eyes and gazed upwards at Sophia’s face.

Her smile, which used to be there, had now stiffened.

Looking up at her face, I let out a small chuckle.

“What are you doing.”

“…….”

“Go on, take a look.”

—

The National Security Agency reacted instantaneously.

No sooner than an hour since Sophia entered the Patalian Representative Office, an unofficial letter under the name of the Patalian Foreign Ministry landed at the Abas Representative Office.

[Patalia has maintained respect for the actions of the Abas Kingdom for the past 70 years. However, regrettably, we cannot overlook the unfortunate incident that took place in the Magic Tower. This matter could have a significant impact on diplomatic relations between the two nations, and the Patalian government takes this matter seriously….]

While superficially attributed to the Patalian Foreign Ministry, in reality, it was an official communiqué sent by the National Security Agency to the Abas intelligence agency.

Adorned with diplomatic phrasing and euphemisms, the conventional form of diplomatic documents, to summarize its meaning:

[Hey, when have we ever wronged you? We’re still allies, so this isn’t etiquette. How dare you kidnap one of our nationals from the Magic Tower? This isn’t gang behavior. We already know your stance, so let’s meet and talk this out, okay?]

…could be interpreted as such.

The fact that an official stance was released within three hours indicates they had somewhat prepared for the eventuality of Fabio Verati’s true identity being uncovered. They didn’t just send a letter, either; they sent people too.

“First of all, I would like to express my regrets. An unpleasant incident occurred due to misunderstandings, but our National Security Agency is inclined to resolve the matter smoothly, considering the relationship between our two nations.”

In principle, issues that arise in the shadows should be resolved in the shadows. The National Security Agency aimed to deal with the incident delicately without straining foreign relations or upsetting the President, but the Military Intelligence Agency did not share that perspective.

“How could an ally send spies to gather military secrets? Explain that to me!?”

“Colonel. Please calm down….”

“I will officially lodge a protest! This is treachery!”

The Military Intelligence Agency was foaming at the mouth with rage.

The National Security Agency contended that, “Disagreements between the two governments about the activities of Patalian nationals in the Magic Tower led to a blatant misunderstanding,” while the Military Intelligence Agency was in uproar, shouting, “One of our citizens has gone missing while military secrets have been harvested, and this is the response?”

Under these circumstances, one would think the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would intervene; however, due to a reluctance to bear political responsibilities, they remained hands-off and observed the unfolding situation.

Eventually, the talks fell apart, leading to a tense standoff between the Military Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. Relations between the two intelligence services grew hostile, and rumors of strife began to circulate within the diplomatic arena.

If this continued, the chance of a diplomatic rupture between the two nations was high. Before it escalated further, someone needed to step in and resolve the situation.

At that moment, a group stepped forward to offer themselves as mediators.

The Royal Intelligence Department.

“Ah, let’s hear both of your thoughts first. If we proceed with patience and continue the dialogue, I’m confident we can find a common ground that accommodates both sides. First, let me express the Royal Intelligence Department’s position….”

The Royal Intelligence Department, which had been observing from the sidelines with hands in their pockets, intervened in the dispute between the Military Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. They prepared a negotiation table at the Magic Tower to facilitate a reconciliatory resolution.

It may be considered a dereliction of duty on the part of the Royal Intelligence Department, given that they were well aware of the situation. However, upon closer consideration, this could also be seen as a strategic tactic.

While the Military Intelligence Agency dragged out discussions with outrageous demands, the Royal Intelligence Department received intel from both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Military Intelligence Agency, pondering what proposals could be extended. More precisely, they gauged until what point the National Security Agency would be willing to reconcile.

“Then do you think this part is feasible?”

“Yes, but information on the operational network in the Mauritania region of the Kien Empire is a matter that needs careful consideration.”

“Understood.”

As the Royal Intelligence Department stepped in as mediators, signs of resolution flickered on the horizon.

The Royal Intelligence Department proposed a ‘release compensation’ to the National Security Agency, while the National Security Agency indicated they would present compensation of ‘equal value’ to Fabio Verati, and I went to see Fabio Verati to get him to keep quiet.

“Congratulations. For humanitarian reasons, you will soon be repatriated to your homeland.”

“…….”

“As you well know, the events that transpired here should be completely forgotten. You know what I mean, right?”

“…Where is my youngest child?”

“When promises are kept, rewards usually follow. We’re looking for her, so you can rest assured.”

It was crucial that my identity as an operative did not leak externally. If fragmentary information reached the outside world, it might indicate that I was an operative. However, I also needed to conceal my involvement in this incident, even if it concerned an allied nation’s intelligence agency.

Fortunately, Fabio Verati obediently kept his mouth sealed. With his family under the surveillance of the Military Intelligence Agency and uncertainty surrounding the fate of his youngest daughter, he had no choice but to remain silent.

Amidst this, discussions continued, alongside covert operations.

[Another explosion incident occurred after three days. The Director of Public Order announced that these incidents would be classified as acts of terrorism. Meanwhile, the Anarchist Radical Group, ‘Cult of Black Flames’, has released statements throughout the city claiming responsibility for the bombings.]

They managed to assassinate most of the targets with the remaining liquid explosives.

Sending bombs via delivery had gained too much notoriety, so instead, they had to conceal bombs within the targets’ routes and detonate them remotely.

I disguised the entire series of attacks as acts carried out by an anarchist terrorist organization. I located a relatively large group that was found to be scheming terrorism through data kept by the External Affairs Police, created a plausible statement, and scattered it throughout town in the early hours when few were around.

Now, people would inevitably believe that a terrorist organization was behind the attacks. The Magic Tower Police and counter-intelligence agencies were suspecting imperial intelligence agencies, but whether that assertion was true or not needed verification. During that window, Military Intelligence Agency operatives should have adequate time to destroy the evidence.

“…Does terrorism occur with such frequency around here?”

“Recently, it’s been severe. Normally, it doesn’t happen like this.”

“Hmm….”

“Both of you should refrain from going out for a while. It’s not just about the terrorism; protests are likely to intensify. Especially with Lucia.”

“…Did you mean that one?”

“Don’t go to the hospital for the wounded. It’s not safe there either.”

For reference, once Middle Eastern and African terrorists execute a bombing, they typically follow up with an assault on the target shortly thereafter. Generally, they come armed and push through.

While no such specialized terrorist organizations exist in this region yet, you never know what might happen in the future, so caution is warranted.

“…Thank you for your advice.”

Lucia gazed gravely at the disasters airing on the television, while Camila fiddled with a soft drink bottle, seemingly lost in thought as she looked at my face.

“Why do you look at me? Did I do something?”

“Hmm… No!”

“……?”

While I was meeting with Camila and Lucia, covert operations continued unabated alongside the discussions.

Spies made contact in safe houses, lobbying took place beneath the surface, and a negotiation over tangible and intangible benefits ensued.

Dozens of meetings occurred, and as time passed, the atmosphere grew tenser.

Eventually, the National Security Agency disclosed the truth.

-‘It appears that Agent 51 admitted to being their operative. His name is listed among the retired personnel, but in fact, he was an undercover agent infiltrated in the Magic Tower.’

The National Security Agency recognized that Fabio Verati was their agent.

“Is that everything? What about the classified information?”

-‘They’ve gathered everything. They’re under the impression there was no intent to gather military secrets. It should really be seen as an incident that simply occurred.’

Honestly, it’s uncertain whether the National Security Agency inadvertently collected Abas’ military secrets or not. Only Fabio Verati knows that.

“However, the information has already passed through once.”

-‘They will dispose of what needs to be discarded and preserve what must be retained. It seems more will end up being discarded, though. But there’s not without some yield either.’

In any case, the National Security Agency acknowledged the operative’s existence and presented a ‘release compensation’ as they requested Verati’s repatriation.

The National Security Agency decided to share information in addition to repatriating Fabio Verati on humanitarian grounds.

Information regarding the imperial intelligence agency’s overseas operations, developments in civil strife in the Mauritania region, confidential information Fabio Verati smuggled from the Magic Tower office in various nations, key activity spots of demonic beings and cults, and intel about the Magic Tower’s information agencies were among that information.

Moreover, the National Security Agency also returned the missing Giada Bianchi, who disappeared years prior.

-‘Originally, there were plans to repatriate her as soon as the report came in, but they had to conceal her existence to avoid revealing the operative’s identity.’

“Where was she?”

-‘In Patalia.’

Giada Bianchi was assigned a new identity by the National Security Agency and was living a second life.

Initially, she was scheduled to be returned through the embassy, but it was decided that due to the complications arising from the incident that occurred at the Magic Tower coming to the ears of Abas intelligence agencies, they had no choice but to take her back to Patalia.

Nonetheless, she was treated decently since she was an innocent caught in this operation; from what I gathered, she seemed to have experienced an exile she couldn’t have anticipated.

In any case, an employee from the Royal Intelligence Department stationed at the Patalian Embassy visited her to inquire about her desire to return, and Giada Bianchi promptly expressed her intent to go back to Abas.

Thus, the exchange was realized.

The Military Intelligence Agency sent Fabio Verati bundled in a diplomatic bag to the Patalian Embassy, while the National Security Agency deposited Giada Bianchi at the Warp Gate leading to Abas, and Fabio Verati’s youngest daughter transferred vessels to avoid detection and made her way to Patalia.

Having received the operative back, the National Security Agency presented the promised release compensation, while the Military Intelligence Agency and the Royal Intelligence Department shared the information given by the National Security Agency.

On top of that,

“Now that this has concluded, I hope there won’t be any more face-offs. Right, Sophia?”

“…Yeah.”

“Don’t go around saying something strange. I hope you keep your promises well. I wouldn’t want to come back again for any hassles.”

In return, the National Security Agency pledged not to interfere with the activities of the Abas intelligence agencies for a while. Though limited to the Magic Tower, that was sufficient.

Just as it had been back at the cult, this time, everyone carved out a little ground for themselves as well.

The National Security Agency managed to conceal the operations that had taken place at the Magic Tower while ensuring the safety of their operatives. The Military Intelligence Agency balanced the impact of the clandestine operations while acquiring quality information.

The Royal Intelligence Department, who took on the mediator’s role, showcased their intelligence and influence. Of course, they remembered to also receive share from the information the Military Intelligence Agency obtained. The cunning Royal Intelligence Department emerged as the final victor.

And,

“Your efforts are much appreciated, Priest Rebecca. Please accept this as a token of our appreciation for the past events.”

“What is this?”

“This is information concerning the Magic Tower’s intelligence agency that we recently acquired.”

I shared several pieces of information with the Inquisition.

“You’re working hard building an intelligence network these days. I hope this helps, albeit slightly.”

“You’re not telling me the source of this, are you?”

“That’s hard for me to explain as well. Just be informed that the materials are verified.”

“Thank you.”

Given that I received help from the Inquisition while tracking the Magic Tower Representative Office, this was a reasonable way to pay it back.

The act was neatly performed under the auspices of the Military Intelligence Agency. The director approved the initiative, and analysts sifted through the materials until they found suitable ones to pass on to me.

While the overseas branch of the Military Intelligence Agency suggested a simple return on investment to the Inquisition, I successfully convinced them of the necessity behind maintaining a strong partnership by offering inducements, leading to its approval.

Consequently, the once-quiet Inquisition obtained precisely the information they were craving about the Magic Tower intelligence agency.

Of course, I too received something in return, which justified the bribe.

“By the way, how’s the intelligence network building coming along?”

“Currently, we are working on recruiting low-level informants.”

“Are you able to identify any targets? The intel base feels minimal.”

“We’ve gathered ample personal information.”

“What’s that… oh, medical relief.”

Disguised as Lucia’s aide, the Inquisition was conducting medical relief services to forge an intelligence network. According to Priest Rebecca, among those who received treatment and aid supplies, they were filtering out individuals with the right motivations for recruitment.

In that manner, the Royal Intelligence Department, the Inquisition, the Military Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency were inching ahead to carve up their returns.

The Royal Intelligence Department and the Inquisition acquired information on the Magic Tower intelligence agency, while the National Security Agency secured the safety of their operative while camouflaging the fact that they procured national secrets via Fabio Verati. Meanwhile, the Military Intelligence Agency was able to retrieve a substantial amount of information while quietly mending the aftermath of the covert operations.

The genuine fools here were the Magic Tower, completely oblivious to events unfolding in their domain.

The Magic Tower, where 31 intelligence agents were assassinated, remained constrained from intervening and was forced to keep its silence.

As a result, the conflict between the Abas and Patalia intelligence agencies ended without significant noise.

It felt like peace had returned to the continent once again.

However.

“We eliminated 31 members, and the total number of casualties, including civilians, is 27.”

-‘Is there a target among the surviving casualties?’

“Yes. It’s the final one listed in the reports.”

-‘Make the arrangements.’

As always, the affairs that transpire in the shadows seldom reveal themselves to the light.

“The National Security Agency seems to have resolved their matters, but what about the situation with the Magic Tower?”

-‘The Prime Minister is currently pondering over it. No conclusion has emerged from the cabinet meetings. The approval of the king is pending as well.’

“The bombing incidents were all disguised as the acts of an anarchist group.”

Beneath the guise of a still ice lake, the undercurrents began stirring.

-‘The Reconnaissance Command has detected unusual movements. While the specifics haven’t yet come to light, random broadcasts have resumed, and communication directed towards foreign missions has doubled compared to usual.’

“What’s the reason?”

-‘It likely pertains to the Magic Tower.’

“…Should we withdraw the task force?”

-‘Only a partial withdrawal. And you should keep monitoring the Magic Tower Police and the counterintelligence agency closely. The Reconnaissance Command and the Magic Tower Representative Office will handle things on this side.’

—

The serpents began to awaken, ready to uncoil.