A Dark Fantasy Spy

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The sudden appearance of the Government Army brought the situation to a close.

We escaped the threat to our lives, but the real problem began now.

“W-What should we do…?”

Exchanging glances with Camila, who asked in a trembling voice, I stood up from the ditch and raised both hands. The armed soldiers began to retrace the route they had taken to bring us here.

With my hands bound, I pondered how to get through this ordeal. I thought and thought, but no clever solution came to mind.

Without any weapons, how could we shake off the pursuit of the Government Army and escape? I was injured, and Camila was already utterly exhausted.

“…”

As we moved along the western road, I quietly closed my eyes. I prepared for the future that lay ahead.

However.

Upon arriving in the city, led by the Government Army, the figure we faced wasn’t one of their executives or an Inquisition Officer.

“…What are you doing here?”

“Asud. Very glad to see you.”

—

Episode 16 – The Six Million Dollar Man

When someone is truly surprised, not a word escapes their lips.

Faced with an unexpected figure, neither I nor Camila could muster a single sound.

“…”

“…”

As an awkward silence flowed, the man and the woman waved cheerfully.

The people who had come to greet us were the Warlord Duo, who had set off for the city around lunchtime yesterday.

With delightful expressions, they greeted us.

“You’ve come a long way. You must have had quite a lot of trouble, soldiers. Were they kind?”

“Your face looks a bit worse for wear. You’ve had a tough time.”

We unexpectedly ran into the Warlord Duo at a moment we couldn’t have anticipated. I exchanged uncomfortable glances with Camila.

What in the world is going on?

“Uh, what exactly happened…?”

In response to Camila’s awkward question, it was the woman from Hassan’s side who answered. Following the traditions of the tribe she represented, she spoke on behalf of the man to clarify our doubts.

“Hassan has heard the news. There was a major incident in the village. We thought you might need help, so we quickly sent reinforcements.”

“Reinforcements…?”

Camila and I stared blankly at each other.

“So the soldiers who brought us here…?”

“They are the Government Army responsible for this area.”

“What?”

The British girl looked at the smiling woman from the Warlord side with a shocked expression. At that moment, I could instinctively sense how the situation had developed.

The Government Army responsible for the area had colluded with Hassan’s Warlord!

Sure enough, as the man from the Warlord side gestured, the soldiers from the Government Army approached to free our bindings.

An officer, presumed to be one, approached the Warlord Duo, conversing with the man in the local dialect. After receiving a bundle of cash, he left with a satisfied smile along with the soldiers.

I stared blankly at the soldiers of the Government Army, who had shamelessly accepted the bribe. They didn’t seem to even realize what was wrong.

In the meantime, the Warlord Duo began explaining in clumsy Kien dialect.

“The Government Army here. Very kind. If you give them money, they’ll do anything. The Commander, he’s quite corrupt.”

“…That’s about right.”

This meant that the Government Army stationed in the region was accepting bribes from the warlords. No surprises there; I figured the local military would be corrupt.

Though the army supposed to extinguish the warlords was throwing a raucous party with them, I sighed as I dusted off my clothes, as if all this were routine.

It’s not like this is the first time the Government Army in a war zone has gotten cozy with the warlords. It felt strange from the moment I ran into the Government Army on the Warlord’s territory.

Camila stared at me with wide eyes, clearly wanting an explanation rather than just watching me ascertain the situation. I willingly clarified her confusion.

“Most officials in areas controlled by warlords are corrupt bureaucrats. The decent folks usually retreat to areas under government jurisdiction.”

“But aren’t those people soldiers?”

“The military police are the same ilk. They take bribes from the warlords while just keeping their positions.”

Camila wore a foolish expression, astonished by the culture of a war zone that one couldn’t even imagine in developed countries. When I mentioned that similar things happen in Africa and the Middle East, she sighed deeply.

In any case, for me, this was good news. A corrupt society is the best place for an Information Officer to operate. If one has money, anything is possible.

“You both have injuries. Let’s get you treated first.”

The woman from the Warlord side immediately called for a doctor upon seeing our wounds.

After a short wait, an elderly local appeared, dragging his slippers.

According to the Warlord Duo, he was one of the few doctors remaining in the city since the outbreak of the civil war, a veteran medical professional with ample experience treating gunshot wounds for both military and warlord patients.

As the woman from the duo reassuringly spoke comforting words to Camila, the man assigned to me proudly boasted about how he had managed to bribe the doctors and soldiers.

“The police rejected the money. They were busy with a village feast. More important than the money.”

“…So, at first, you tried to call the police, but they refused because they had to go to a village feast?”

“Exactly. They brought soldiers instead. The doctor was also related to a soldier.”

So, to sum it up.

The Warlord Duo intended to send the police to the village as planned. However, due to the village elder’s birthday celebration (in such a tribal region, local events are a significant matter), the police had refused to deploy.

When the police refused to respond, the Warlord Duo bribed the local army to send them instead. Luckily, the doctor they had aimed to bring along was related to someone in the army, which is how they managed to bribe them.

Understanding the situation caused me to let out a spontaneous exclamation.

Those corrupt police bastards. If they had left on time, there wouldn’t have been any fighting with the robbers in the first place!

“Bribing the army was not easy. But I know many people. Doctor? Police? Soldiers? They’re all my friends.”

“Yeah, you’re really something…”

“Overwhelming gratitude.”

Though I wasn’t particularly interested in his tale, out of courtesy, I heard the Warlord Duo’s bragging until the end. After all, if they hadn’t bribed the army, I would’ve been caught by the robbers.

The elderly doctor brought in by the Warlords performed emergency aid with remarkable skill. It was the kind of talent that aptly warranted the phrase, “in a blink of an eye.”

As I observed the treatment, the Warlord Duo explained that since they had paid plenty for calling the doctor, I wouldn’t have to spend a dime.

But wait, didn’t I just give them that money? Why is he acting like he’s doing me a favor?

As the tension eased, I couldn’t help but smile.

“This is a perfect country for business. Unlike the central government, the relationships between local military, police, and the residents aren’t bad, so if you can recruit locals and utilize your connections, you can also bribe the army.”

“… Are you seriously thinking about business right after barely escaping with your life?”

After smearing on some ointment, Camila shot me a sulky glare.

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Old habits die hard.”

“Geez…”

I left behind the discontented look from Camila as I got into the vehicle the Warlord Duo had arranged. Buckled in, the duo urged us to hurry up, as if they were waiting for us.

“Get in quickly. We will take you to a safe place.”

—

When Camila and I entered the safe zone of the Al Bas Tribe, news of our ambush near the border had already spread like wildfire.

“…I have received reports.”

Nayan Al Bas greeted me with a solemn expression.

“It is my fault.”

He admitted that the series of events was entirely his mistake without any excuses. Even when the lives of guests hung in the balance, he acknowledged his failure to respond appropriately as the host.

I received his apology in the office where I had sat across from him a few days earlier.

“I will take full responsibility for this incident on behalf of the tribe’s honor.”

There was no need to question how he would take responsibility. The honor of a leader governing a tribe is significant, and to place one’s honor on the line in a region where honor is valued more than life is akin to placing one’s life at stake.

I gratefully accepted Nayan’s apology.

“Thank you for saying so, though it must’ve been a difficult decision.”

“There’s no need to assuage my ego. It’s something I ought to do.”

Nayan waved his hand in an embarrassed manner.

Having promised to take responsibility, there was no need for me to further provoke his feelings. I decided to calmly await Nayan’s decision.

Hassan’s accountant and leader of the Al Bas Tribe earnestly comforted his guest. After personally serving refreshments, he offered a carrot, saying I should not hesitate to ask if I needed anything.

I sensed that this was one aspect of the compensation for the recent events.

“Please say whatever you need. If it’s a request I can grant, I will willingly oblige.”

“Hmm…”

As I pondered and crunched the numbers in my mind for a quote, I considered what kind of favor might be appropriate.

“I’ll need some medicine.”

“Medicine?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, right, you got shot. Do you need a doctor? I can send my chief physician.”

“I would appreciate that, but I need some medical supplies.”

I requested various medical supplies: painkillers, antibiotics, bandages, gauze, sutures, etc. Though I already possessed these items, considering the local scarcity, I needed to conserve as much as possible.

Upon mentioning specific medical names and their components, Nayan nodded silently as a sign that he could procure those without a problem.

He seemed curious about how I knew all these names suited for a doctor or pharmacist, but fortunately, he didn’t pry into my background.

“I will send the supplies along with the doctor as soon as they’re ready. Is there anything else?”

Nayan licked his lips and inquired whether I needed anything further.

It seemed that just providing a doctor and some medical supplies wasn’t enough to maintain his reputation. After all, if a Warlord’s higher-up promised compensation, it would raise eyebrows if things ended that lightly.

“Then…”

I conveyed a few additional requests, most of which I presumed would be useful for drafting an operational plan.

If an ordinary civilian affiliated with a humanitarian organization had made these requests, they might easily raise suspicion with the Warlords, but my status as a war correspondent provided a sturdy shield, masking my true intentions even amidst the most sensitive demands.

As the atmosphere became warmer, Nayan glanced at the wall clock. I sensed through his gesture that he was starting to want to wrap things up.

I took a sip from my teacup and, finally, made my last request.

“I’d like to meet Sheikh Nasir Al Hassan.”

Nayan Al Bas’s eyes began to roll as he glanced at the clock. He met my gaze and spoke in a heavy voice.

“You want to meet the leader of Hassan?”

“Yes.”

“…”

At my firm response, Nayan covered his chin with his hand, bowing his head.

He seemed deep in thought, closing his eyes and crossing his arms. I refrained from interrupting his contemplation, keeping silent.

“It’s a request that’s not easy to answer.”

Nayan awoke from his reverie but did not grant me a clear answer.

“It’s a request that I can’t decide on my own. I will need to discuss it properly and then get back to Asud with an answer. Would that be acceptable?”

Though he didn’t give me a direct answer, it was a favorably open response. After all, he didn’t completely shut the door.

I responded that he should go about it as he pleased.

—

“…He seems like a difficult character.”

On the bustling streets, I spoke to the phone while seated on the second-floor terrace of a cafe where the whole street could be seen.

“Given his reticent demeanor, I can infer he’s a very cautious person. He’s also decisive.”

-‘Do you think you can establish contact with Hassan’s leader?’

For now, I couldn’t be certain. However… I believe it would be best to wait for Nayan’s decision rather than pushing too hard right now.

-‘Understood. Take care of yourself. Signing off now.’

I heard the phone receiver being hung up on the other end. I detached the battery and the calling card from the disconnected mobile phone.

It had been a week since operations began. A lot had transpired in that time.

I reported all the intelligence I had collected over the last two days. Similarly, I also informed the company about the encounter with the robbers last night.

Leoni, who passed the intel to the analysis team, checked on the condition of the information officer dispatched locally. Despite suffering a gunshot wound, she found out that I could continue operating without major issues. She subsequently ordered me to focus on contacting Sheikh Nasir Al Hassan.

After handing the documents to the analysts, I promptly took a break.

Perhaps due to the fatigue catching up to me, I collapsed into bed the moment I entered my lodging. After about 14 hours of deep sleep, I woke up, washed up to shake off my drowsiness, and immediately opened my mobile phone.

While overseas, information officers are typically not allowed to have personal communications with their relatives; however, there were occasions where some employees managed to communicate through back channels. As I opened the personal mobile phone arranged by the locals, a slew of missed messages began to appear on the screen.

The first text that caught my eye was from Lucia.

[Today, I conducted a joint service with the bishops. Many believers came to Leterano to commemorate the Feast Day. My mentor, who is the Archbishop of the Kien Empire’s northern region, also visited the Holy Land this time. He was curious about your well-being, so if you find a moment, please do stop by.]

[I’ve received word from the healing priestess in the ward. The Inquisition Officers wounded by the demon in the north have reportedly recovered safely. It seems the Lord has aided them. Priest Rebecca is currently undergoing rehabilitation therapy and, according to the investigations, she should be discharged before autumn arrives. Looks like my prayers weren’t in vain.]

Lucia being Lucia, there were religious phrases scattered throughout her messages.

It seemed the Inquisition Officers who had been attacked by the demon possessing the exorcist had finally finished their treatments. Priest Rebecca, who had suffered internal injuries, had spent quite a long time in the ICU, but since she was now undergoing rehabilitation, it appeared her deep wounds were nearing recovery.

Let’s visit her together sometime. I typed away on the keyboard, eagerly pressing the send button.

After checking Lucia’s message, I moved on to the next one, which was a text from Francesca, sent from Patalia.

[With summer here, the villa is buzzing with activity. Feeling the warm sunlight on my skin, the breeze from the distant sea cools me down. I’ve been managing business affairs, hardly noticing the season change. I’ve also refurbished the coastal cliff’s promenade while tidying up the workshop; do come visit the villa sometime, Colonel.]

[Mr. Hormoz from the Palm Tree Trade Guild sent me some liquor. It’s a traditional drink from the Mauritania Continent, called Arak. Arak means ‘tears of God’ in the Mauritania language, and just like its name, it tastes quite nice. If you’re interested, should I send a bit your way?]

[The Oracle has attempted contact with the Ivory Tower. Unofficially, it seems they’re seeking cooperation with the Ivory Tower regarding matters connected with the Dark Magician. Appears it’s not going smoothly, though. I’ll tell you more when we meet later.]

Francesca had sent quite a few messages. Lucia seemed to prefer letters over messages, leading to sporadic updates, while Francesca had no reservations about keeping in touch.

Even while conveying her personal regards, she weaved in notes about business; it was very much her style. But the fact that the Magic Tower and Ivory Tower attempted unofficial contact is quite strange. What on earth is going on?

After sending a text proposing to meet for intelligence exchange in two months, I checked other messages. Following Lucia and Francesca, texts from family members flooded the screen.

However, amidst all that, a familiar message caught my eye.

[I’m so bored.]

[The geezers are being a pain, and it’s driving me nuts. I can’t just shoot them, what am I supposed to do?]

[I made a killing at the horse races today; wanna make a bet together later?]

It was a message from someone I didn’t need to verify the sender. How ridiculous is it that a Saint is playing with gambling?

I tossed Veronica’s message into the recycling bin and deleted all the incoming messages from my mobile phone.

After confirming the condition of my companions, I finally felt slightly relieved. It felt as if I had finally set down a heavy burden.

After handling some urgent matters, I found myself with a little spare time, allowing me to seek out Camila with a light heart.

“Camila? Can I come in?”

“Oh, you’re here?”

Camila, who had been slumped on the bed, waved at me. She had sprawled out like a sloth, moving her arms lazily in a way that made her look like one.

I perched myself on the bed and gently patted her IV drip bag.

“You really suffered from food poisoning. Looks like you’re doing much better now.”

“Hmph. Of course.”

Camila curled her arms and flexed with all her might. Of course, it didn’t highlight any muscle; she just had a round plump body.

The combination of fatigue from the battle and food poisoning left Camila bedridden for a while. Even though she was still lying in bed like that, judging by her recovery speed, she’d probably be bouncing around by tomorrow.

Now that vitality was returning, Camila stretched to shake off her lethargy, then gave me a bright smile.

“So, we’ll be heading back out starting tomorrow, right?”

“Exactly.”

I had to hustle to make contact with Sheikh Nasir Al Hassan.

After the robbers’ attack, Nayan Al Bas was arranging a meeting with the leader of Hassan Warlords based on my request, but waiting idly with my mouth agape under the tree for fruit to fall would be foolish.

“Do you have a plan?”

“First, we need to set up an information network.”

I decided to establish an intelligence network within the area of the three groups.

I would engage informants within the military, police, and public institutions, as well as civilian organizations. It was crucial to recruit informants within the warlords’ camp, but it wouldn’t hurt to have a network planted across various locations where their eyes wouldn’t reach.

Camila pondered while playfully tapping her belly with her fingers.

“Is there really a need to rush, though? You’re still not fully recovered; it’s better to rest a bit. There’s a saying: haste makes waste.”

“We’re not only looking for informants; there’s another purpose.”

“What’s that purpose?”

“Getting equipment.”

“Oh.”

Thanks to the Warlord Duo’s swift action, we managed to recover the SUV, but our equipment has not been returned. The rifles and pistols were still abandoned in the reeds, and the night vision goggles and bulletproof vests were gone as well.

A moment might arise when we’d need to fight either the Warlords or the Government Army, so we needed equipment. At the very least, we should secure a handgun for our safety.

“Let’s start with investigating the military and police under the guise of journalism. We can obtain the operational funds there and procure firearms.”

“It would be great if we can recruit informants along the way.”

“I found out where the doctor brought by the Warlord Duo lives. Let’s leverage his contacts.”

“Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. Such a fitting expression for the current situation.”

“Quit talking like a nerd.”

We set out the next day seeking informants in the outside world.

It was four days after that when I heard from Nayan Al Bas.