A Dark Fantasy Spy

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The situation at the Magic Tower was extremely unstable.

Fears were ignited by a series of bomb terror attacks, and the media was setting the Magic Tower ablaze, fueled by the public security vacuum left by the failure to suppress anti-cult protests.

Typically, when the media publishes news releases, it’s called a report; and when several media outlets run the same story simultaneously, it’s referred to as an issue. When issues spread like wildfire, it’s known as public opinion.

Public opinion is on fire.

Protests with anti-cult sentiments gradually morphed into anti-government protests, and violent demonstrations were beginning to look like they could escalate into riots, taking advantage of the absence of law and order.

On top of that, animosity towards foreign powers and grievances from smaller factions against the dominant triumvirate were increasingly escalating. Simultaneously, government approval ratings were plummeting.

That was the conclusion of the information analysis team.

“…Therefore, the factors mentioned earlier are likely to act as various variables in the election of the next Oracle committee member,” said Pippin, wrapping up a neat briefing.

“Who do you think will be elected?”

“Well, it’s not really easy to conclude since this isn’t an election but a selection. It can be influenced by public opinion, but….”

“If the Oracle chews on public opinion, it can end up disastrous?”

“That’s a rather extreme way to put it, but yes, it’s correct.”

I meticulously reviewed the analytical report handed to me. Histograms, bar charts, pie charts, and line charts filled my vision.

A red line trending upward intersected with a blue line trending downward. A golden cross. It showed a reversal in government approval and disapproval ratings.

“Disapproval has exceeded the majority at 58.3%. Approval is at 26.6%. Including the undecided, those who don’t know is at 15.1%.”

Surprisingly high ratings for disapproval and indecisiveness, but considering that the three major factions comprised the majority of Tower’s population, these were not encouraging indicators.

Normally, when the ruling party is weak, the opposition rises, but—

“Are the three factions unified?”

“Yes.”

This was a situation where a big party was forming alliances amongst themselves. The two factions that could be potential adversaries were banded together, while the other factions lacked the ability to counter the Trinity.

A scenario lacking alternatives.

Perfect conditions for a coup d’état to arise.

“Who is the candidate that the Oracle is backing right now?”

“That matter is beyond our judgment.”

The analyst said it couldn’t be analyzed.

“The Oracle is a body where the intelligence capabilities of the Public Order Defense Agency are concentrated, making it impossible to approach. There’s almost no intelligence collected by information officers. However….”

“It’s alright. Speak.”

“Considering the international situation and the influence of the candidates within their respective factions, Francesca Ranieri has a low chance of being elected.”

“Specifically, how low?”

“It’s estimated at 50 to 75 percent.”

That was the word.

I signed the report and closed it.

“Collect and analyze all intelligence related to the current situation for the time being.”

“We’re not election consultants.”

“You are the intelligence analysis team. And if a soldier doesn’t follow orders, then they aren’t a soldier, right?”

“….”

I chuckled and passed the report to Pippin, who rolled his eyes.

“Is there a problem?”

—

Episode 6 – The Betrayer of the Revolution

“Seems like there are many problems in the country.”

A suit man, dressed sharply, smiled kindly as he held a cue stick.

With a sharp sound, a lively billiard ball was struck.

The struck billiard ball rolled chaotically on the green table.

“Problems? Where in today’s world is there a country without problems? Hahaha.”

As the suit man placed his cue stick down, a middle-aged man who had hung his jacket on the coat rack responded while rubbing chalk on the tip.

“Originally, the thorn buried under my nails always hurts more.”

“What thorn is buried that hurts you so much?”

“Plenty. Refugees, Elves, Goblins, Orcs… monsters! I’ve pushed them into No Man’s Land, so it’s not an issue for now, but with problems arising elsewhere…”

“It must be quite a headache for you. I’m worried about my promotion. Hehe.”

“Oh, you are entering the first screening for Colonel this time, right?”

As the Colonel in just a white shirt spoke, the Major chuckled awkwardly and took off his jacket.

Another Colonel who had been listening to their conversation lit a magic herb and quietly smiled, while the Major sipped his drink and burst into laughter.

“How’s Yulya these days? I heard you went back to your hometown on vacation last time.”

“How do you know that?”

“You brought back a gift.”

“Oh, right! The magic herb, right? I received it from a friend in the east. The scent is nice, so I often light it! Hahaha!”

“How would you light a magic herb if you can’t use magic? That’ll hurt your lungs.”

“I can quit gambling, but I can’t quit magic herbs!”

Forty and fifty-year-old men laughed good-naturedly as they gathered around the billiard table. All of them were Defense Attachés working at the Tower’s representative office.

No junior officers were here in this billiards club. Most of the attachés dispatched from renowned countries to the Tower were gathered here.

Diplomacy is an extension of politics, and the basis of diplomacy is socializing. The reason Defense Attachés gathered in this billiards club was to build friendships. Diplomacy is an extension of politics, and war is ultimately a continuation of politics.

Thus, the attachés gathered in this club were all people dispatched from countries that wield influence in the international community.

Whether it be war, diplomacy, or politics, you generally deal with those of equal standing.

To put it grandly, this was an unofficial meeting spot for diplomats from powerful countries; to put it bluntly, only the big shots were allowed.

I smiled lightly as I picked up the chalk.

“Are you perhaps worried? When you feel uneasy, you usually turn to either cigarettes or alcohol.”

“You don’t have to choose strictly between the two! I do both.”

“My, you must always take care of your health.”

The attaché laughed heartily, and though the young lad was saying such words, he might have felt a bit put off, but at least it appeared he was responding with joy.

It was probably not because I was holding the cue stick that he reacted like that.

We were all representatives from our countries.

“Are you good at billiards?”

“I can play a bit.”

Of course, though the people here were nominally attached to the embassy, that was just a facade.

In reality, they were intelligence agents under military intelligence agencies. In other words, official undercover operatives, spies.

On the surface, they looked like ordinary diplomats dispatched from the Ministry of Defense. However, the one giving orders to the attachés was not the embassy but military intelligence. In the case of South Korea, the Defense Intelligence Agency manages the attachés, while for the red factions, it would be the Ministry for People’s Armed Forces’ Foreign Operations Bureau or the Reconnaissance General Bureau.

Although they claim to be under the intelligence agency, the military’s intelligence activities are essentially directed by the National Intelligence Service. The law states so, and the auditing authority and budget distribution are handled by the National Intelligence Service, making it unavoidable. The red factions have essentially no central command to oversee their agencies.

Anyway, everyone gathered here was a Defense Attaché. To put it another way, they were not gathering as diplomats for diplomacy but as spies to feel out each other and collect information.

Naturally, I was included in that.

“This is my first time at the Tower. It’s louder here than I expected.”

I casually aimed at the ball and spoke.

Thwack! With a sharp sound, the ball moved.

“Ha! If it were quiet, it wouldn’t be the Tower. It’s just temporarily noisy.”

“Is that so? I was worried for no reason. I was afraid something like a civil war like in Mauritania would break out.”

Given the setting and our identities, the conversations among the attachés were exceptionally light-hearted.

At least according to the Ministry of Defense’s view.

“Oh, about the bomb terror. Do you have any news?”

The first topic was indeed the bomb terror.

A military attaché dispatched from the Lushan Federation asked, and a military attaché from Kashubia answered.

“Not yet. I recently met with the head of the Public Order Defense Agency’s Section 3, and he said he didn’t know how the bomb was made either.”

“What about the Inquisition?”

“The Public Order Defense Agency and the Inquisition have no exchanges with each other. They’re just as clueless.”

Two people, both impressively tanned and healthy, sweetly exchanged information; after all, Lushan and Kashubia were allies.

However, neither of them knew anything about bombs or terror. There were bits of information from those with connections in counter-intelligence agencies, but the conversations were not particularly substantial.

“…….”

Though I knew where the bomb had come from, I didn’t deem it necessary to speak up.

Thwack!

With another sharp sound, the ball rolled and the topic of conversation shifted.

The second topic was civil war.

A military attaché dispatched from Patalia casually opened up as he cleaned his cue stick.

“I hear there are many rumors in Mauritania. Is everything alright there?”

“That place is always noisy.”

Mauritania, if likened to Earth, is a region most similar to the Middle East. Fact is, the continent is vast, so both the Lushan Federation and Kashubia also resemble the Middle East in some ways.

If we were to be exact, the Lushan Federation and Kashubia align with Southeast Asia (Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran-Saudi Arabia-Turkey, etc.), while the Mauritania area across the ocean is analogous to North Africa (Algeria-Sudan-Libya-Ethiopia-Eritrea, etc.).

I’ve been on a few business trips to Pakistan and Turkey, so I know them well. However, Africa is a different story. I’ve briefly visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Eritrea, but my time spent there was so short.

The Middle East and Africa are areas plagued by civil wars and terrorism. Thus, Mauritania, which is comparable to the Middle East and Africa, and the southernmost part of the continent, are practically chaotic areas riddled with civil wars, terrorism, diseases, and coups.

And the biggest issue in those regions—

“What about drugs?”

—is drugs.

At the question from the Patalia attaché, the Lushan Federation attaché made a troubled expression.

“Well, there is indeed a bit of an issue regarding drugs. Those Green Skin folks have been rambling about some bizarre ideology called Maoism or something, causing a ruckus….”

Indeed, drugs manufactured in the Mauritania region where public order has severely broken down were making their way onto the continent.

Drugs are profitable, leading even the most moderate criminal organizations to get involved in the drug trade. Consequently, the drugs flowing onto the continent were spreading across it via railroads and canals, similar to veins.

“This drug issue is part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ concerns, but our Ministry of Defense in Patalia is also keeping a close eye on it.”

“Yes, I understand. I fully comprehend Patalia’s position. However, our federation is also not sitting idly by regarding drug eradication. I want to make that clear.”

It’s a given that the Lushan Federation keeps tabs on drug organizations. The problem is that new organizations are sprouting up faster than they can clear out old ones.

The issue lies in the fact that the Lushan Federation is not the only one suffering from this problem. Currently, Patalia is employing its Ministry of Defense and intelligence agencies to conduct boarding searches on all vessels coming from the Lushan Federation, and other nations like Abas are taking similar precautions.

Nevertheless, issues surrounding drugs continue unabated.

“I understand your federation’s situation. In fact, the problem of drugs from the Tower is greater for us. I’m not making a pointed statement here, haha.”

“Does the Tower cultivate drugs as well? They should raise suspicion among police.”

“Poorly funded wizards do dabble in drug production. They can make small amounts, but since there are so many of them, and they make it right in their homes or workshops, gathering intelligence on them is quite difficult. Workshops are practically personal vaults for the wizards. Ah, by the way, you were a wizard too, weren’t you?”

The attaché, who’d been playing billiards from a distance, asked me.

The place with the most information about Camila was Abas. And I was the one who knew the most precise and extensive information within Abas.

That was the reason the attachés had specially invited me to their club, and also why a mere Major could join the elders’ gathering.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“About the last time, during the barren land operation. I noticed you were handling fire, could it be elemental magic?”

“Investigations must be undertaken to ascertain the exact nature, but for now, it appears to be the case.”

The attachés relentlessly asked me about Camila. To a degree that it was almost obsessive.

“What do you enjoy, Hero?”

“I believe she likes foods high in sugar. Additionally, she has a keen interest in magic.”

“Have you adapted to the local culture?”

“Yes. In addition to magic, I have a strong interest in arts, architecture, music, and various fields. Everything seems fascinating.”

“What about sorcery?”

One of the attachés who’d been chatting with the Kashubian attaché clicked his tongue and asked a question.

“…Hmm.”

I pretended to rub the chalk and diverted my gaze while quickly brainstorming.

The Lushan Federation is a country in the southern continent close to Mauritania.

The reason the cult exerts influence on the continent’s political scene is due to inciting a vast number of believers. However, this influence cannot exert much power in the south.

The southern region is affected by Mauritania, where polytheism and various indigenous religions have taken root throughout the entire area.

As a result, the southern continent sees both political and religious leaders governing together, akin to the Arabs.

In the Lushan Federation, there exists a president (disguised as a king) who is essentially the local feudal lord and a priest who leads the polytheistic faith, who, throughout history, have had numerous clashes with the Pope over these matters.

Moreover, Lucia, who is a saint of the cult and Camila’s companion, is up against Francesca Ranieri, a candidate for the next Oracle committee from a prestigious magical lineage. Her competitor is a shaman from the Lushan Federation.

Conclusion: This guy is trying to spice things up.

I set the chalk down and grinned.

“Of course, since sorcery falls under primal magic, it’s something of interest. However, what I’m wary about is that sorcery has a facet that stands opposed to divinity….”

Unlike conventional magic, which prays and offers sacrifices to the gods for powers, sorcery receives its authority through sacrifices and prayers to various deities, which might make Lucia uncomfortable. More precisely, it’s the cult. To clarify, it’s the Inquisition.

—I didn’t feel the need to elaborate further.

If an intelligence officer were promoted to a position where they’d be dispatched overseas, they should recognize the atmosphere at least.

As expected, the Lushan federation’s military attaché responded with a friendly smile, showcasing his impressively white teeth against his dark complexion.

“Haha! Religion is indeed a complex matter. I completely understand.”

“No, rather I was worried that this might have sounded aggressive, but I had no choice but to phrase it this way. Those folks can be quite zealous….”

That meant, rather than taking it to heart as someone from Abas, they should directly confront the cult if they had complaints.

Of course, those fanatics would likely not dance along to such tunes.

I made a regretful expression while pinching the cue between my fingers.

“By the way… any news regarding the Oracle election?”

Thwack!

—

“…The Lushan Federation seems to be showing interest in Camila. By asking about her hobbies and interests and mentioning sorcery, it seems they are hoping to turn their focus toward sorcery rather than divinity or alchemy, or elemental magic.”

“Thank you, Major.”

The member of the Inquisition posing as Lucia’s aide offered a light bow and thanks.

“I still don’t get why the Lushan Federation is expressing interest in Camila.”

“There isn’t a single company on the continent that isn’t interested in the Hero.”

“Putting that aside. Why is this matter being consulted with Abas, instead of the cult? It’s clear that they’ll vehemently oppose it. Isn’t that right, Priest Rebecca?”

Priest Rebecca carefully folded the piled laundry, which belonged to the hotel staff.

“That’s exactly why, I suppose. It would be awkward to confront the cult directly.”

The casual tone made a gasp escape me.

“Damn, those lowlife Sandniggers. I can’t just grab them and smash their heads open.”

No matter what, getting involved with a black-skinned foreigner was a problem. The Pakistanis were like that, and so were Syrians. The same applies to the African regions. Even if over twenty years has passed, I still can’t shake the anger of how a translator cheated me out of $3,000 and wakes me up startled even in sleep.

I muttered resentful and racially charged remarks as I cooled down with some fizzy water.

Noting my demeanor, priest Rebecca bluntly remarked.

“You’ve got quite an aggressive nature, I must say. I wasn’t aware.”

“You should spend about three years mucking about in Africa and the Middle East. Then, let’s see what you become. Water is swarming with parasites and germs; when you get hurt, finding a hospital is like a nightmare because the roads are terrible. Finally entering after much searching, the hygiene is utterly atrocious. Diarrhea is a given; it becomes chaos if you catch any endemic disease. Even with three or four dozen vaccinations, it’s a struggle.”

“I’m not sure where that is, but that sounds like a terribly deprived region.”

As Rebecca continued folding laundry, she nodded knowingly.

“Perhaps the statement from the Lushan Federation regarding their interest in you relates to the external debt question.”

“External debt?”

“Recently, Lushan Federation has accrued an external debt of about 14 billion Shillings to the cult.”

Shillings. The currency of Abas. In this area, it holds a status comparable to dollars or euros, nearly on par with the Kilian Empire’s Tacon and the cult’s Denarius.

It’s not an exact comparison, but putting 14 billion Shillings into won amounts to approximately 20 trillion won.

“……”

If they owe that much, then they certainly have a reason not to provoke the cult. No debtor would act foolishly toward their creditor.

But what’s crucial is—

It’s not my problem.

“I don’t care how much they borrowed from the cult. That’s a matter for the cult to handle. This is not something for us to resolve.”

“If you’re worried about relations with the Lushan Federation, we can take care of it. After all, that’d make for a better appearance. There’s justification as well.”

It was decided that the sorcerers’ nonsense would be blocked by the cult.

However, this wouldn’t immediately reflect in policies or external stances. It would require reporting and internal discussions, along with the approval of the decision-makers (the Pope) to see any influence.

But, given that it involves another religion and both Lucia, a saint, and Camila are intertwined in it, I believed it would be reflected much faster than usual.

I exchanged some information with Priest Rebecca and pulled a chair over to plop down heavily.

“Oh….”

Lately, I haven’t been able to rest easily.

Being dragged to a villa by Veronica, suddenly talking about a coup d’état, scraping together intel to pass to the information analysis team, only for it to blow up with Camila and Lucia… just when I think I’ve resolved that, I get informed that the attaché office is meeting with attachés from other countries.

When I think about it, it’s all Veronica’s fault. If you’re going to inform me, do it properly. What’s with the timing as if you’re a fisherman?

I feel lost with no information. I’m in the process of building everything step by step from the ground up, but listening to the information analysis team’s report raises my worries about a coup happening at any moment.

“…….”

“You look fatigued.”

“…Yeah, well. If diplomats are comfortable, that becomes another problem, doesn’t it?”

“You have a point there.”

I engaged in light banter with Priest Rebecca.

“How far along is the intelligence network construction?”

“We’re in the phase of creating favorable conditions. Once our training is complete, we plan to move to phase four.”

“Progressing quite quickly, it seems.”

The Inquisition’s intelligence network construction within the Tower was nearing phase four (identification, evaluation, situational improvement, and employing).

It was much faster than expected, almost to a level where I wondered if they were hurrying too much.

“What will you do? You can oversee them after employing them for a while, but you can’t stay in the Tower permanently, can you?”

“There’s a consulate nearby. We’ll fire those who need to be let go, and pass on those worth transferring.”

That was a statement about entrusting intelligence network management to intelligence agents. Since the Tower was located in the southern Empire, the intelligence network built within the Tower would become part of the Empire’s networks.

They seemed to be sketching their own larger plan.

As I maintained silence, Priest Rebecca, who was arranging her robe, suddenly asked me.

“Major, have you heard about Sister Veronica’s news?”

“…What happened?”

“It seems she suddenly disappeared without a word. She’s usually a person who dislikes staying in one place for too long, but….”

“…….”

Veronica was currently in the Tower, but I bit my lip and pretended not to know.

Veronica wanted to keep her whereabouts hidden. She said something about paying taxes if her alias-disguised villa were discovered. While she might inform Lucia, she had warned me that the Inquisition must never know, leaving me with no way out.

Thus, I gave no answer to Priest Rebecca’s question.

“It’s late. Oh, and starting tomorrow, the Tower will be strengthening security personnel.”

“Did intelligence related to terror come in?”

“We don’t have counter-terror intelligence yet, but given the situation, it’s prudent to be cautious.”

“Better to be safe than sorry. So, Major, what about you…?”

“I plan to accompany the afternoon schedule. There’s just too much to do in the morning.”

Tomorrow is the day I’m supposed to officially report the coup issues to my upper management. Although I lack sufficient intelligence, it’s right to inform them at least.

As I gathered my things, I offered a solemn farewell to Priest Rebecca.

“I’ll be going now.”

“Please take care on your way back.”