A Dark Fantasy Spy

---

Static crackled from the old radio.

Like a radio picking up the wrong frequency, the noise from the walkie-talkie carried a subtle chill, and a sinister voice followed without pause.

– “…Wizard. I know you’ve appeared here. What are you doing?”

Dark, ominous wavelengths cut through the air, wrapping around the surroundings, and the echoing, unsettling static carried a malicious voice.

– “There are tens of thousands of apostles on this land, yet you are isolated. The brethren you drove away will soon find you.”

– “Wizards, priests, soldiers, police. Unbelievers with closed eyes and ears, serving false idols. The time has come to gain the glory of perception. You who encourage and preach to countless ignorant fools. Repent truly of death and resurrection, lift the veil of ignorance, and enjoy peace.”

– “The Lord waits for your confession, but do not dare to test His mercy.”

On the fence between the venomous curse and the chilling noise, I took a step back, having picked up the faint signal.

A tarpaulin covering the window flapped as a gust swept in, and a white light pierced through the desert’s gloom, coloring the surroundings.

“…….”

Amidst the shimmering light, I moved the keffiyeh aside and greeted the figure.

“You took a while, Ibrahim.”

“I was delayed a bit at the border. Are you ready?”

“Let’s go. I will guide you to the Necropolis.”

—

Episode 17 – The Tree that Drinks Blood

—

After the infiltration fact was exposed, the external perimeter grew dangerously tight.

However, the internal perimeter remained at the usual level, meaning that if I could slip into the city without being watched, there was no chance of getting entangled in trouble.

I utilized the secret passage that Joaquin had informed me about to avoid the ground checkpoints.

It was a small hole made by some wizards from the Necropolis who wanted to skip annoying entrance procedures, and since it was a path only known to a few, there was no fear of being discovered.

“This is a temporary base prepared to avoid the cultists’ eyes. It may be uncomfortable, but please bear with it.”

The people from the Order of the Holy Knights watched the dilapidated house with peculiar expressions.

It seemed they were not particularly pleased with the shabby building assigned to them. To my eyes, it did look like a beggar’s abode.

“No problem. We’re only here to retrieve our target and then exit.”

“I’ll transfer the necessary documents to you right away.”

“Thank you. But may I ask one question?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“Who is that person?”

Ibrahim pointed to Joaquin, sprawled out on the floor.

The scent of burnt straw wafted as moldy wallpaper emitted a foul smell, and the drugged wizard was sprawled on a mattress that seemed to have come from who knows where.

“He’s a resident who’s helping us; there’s no need to worry about him. Just leave him be; he’s good at taking care of himself.”

I led Ibrahim further inside.

An old table covered in a thick layer of dust. Under the dim light of a feeble lamp, the dust floated around leisurely.

“I’ve pinpointed the cult’s location.”

Maps, documents, and photographs were laid out on the table.

“That’s good news. Have you also found the blood of Saint Lucia?”

“I’m not certain of the exact location, but it seems the cultists are in possession of it.”

The reconnaissance had confirmed that the tracking device planted by the Sanya Warlord was showing no movement so far.

Ibrahim asked.

“Do we have any grounds for that?”

“Evidence has surfaced that the cultists are searching for a magic power storage device. It was of the same specifications as the storage Magical Tool they purchased from a broker.”

I tapped the report on the Necropolis traders noted in my information memo.

“A magical tool is absolutely necessary to prevent the blood from degrading. Looking for a power storage device indicates they have a reason to keep the blood for an extended period.”

The commander of the Holy Knights, who had been looking down at the memo, began to pull out the photographs as he continued.

“If long-term storage is the cultists’ goal, they won’t be here for too long. The moment they secure that storage device, the chances of them leaving the city increase.”

I shared the same sentiment.

The only relief was that the cultists had yet to secure a compatible storage device, and that the Order of the Holy Knights had arrived in the Necropolis.

“Either way, they won’t be able to get far.”

I took out a cigarette and flicked my lighter.

“Let’s first lay out our plan.”

—

The eradication operation was about to begin.

The operation area was the Port of the Dead Whale, otherwise known as Ash Tree Alley in the Necropolis.

The objectives were to recover Lucia’s blood and eliminate the cultist group.

These two things.

“First, I want to share some crucial information.”

Before establishing the operation plan, I relayed information to Ibrahim—knowledge essential for mission execution.

“Ash Tree Alley is a region densely populated by cultists. Most of the religious groups residing in the Necropolis are located there, and given their nature, they are hostile toward the Order.”

In other words, we would have to enter into a hostile environment to recover the blood.

Ibrahim reacted with indifference. It was only natural; fighting inside a cultist stronghold was nothing new for the Order of the Holy Knights.

“As you’ve mentioned, I have no objections. However, we encountered an issue during our information-gathering process.”

“What do you mean?”

“Our activities have been detected by another cultist organization.”

I answered honestly—that during our encounter with the Abyssal Devourer to ascertain the cultists’ whereabouts, our informant’s identity had been exposed.

Of course, I had to conceal the fact that Francesca was my informant, so I spun it as if Joaquin had been the one to get caught.

Ibrahim, stroking his beard, continued the conversation.

“Hmm, if your identity is revealed, the cultist group known as the Abyssal Devourer may pose a hindrance. Are you monitoring them as well?”

“We are keeping an eye on them. Fortunately, there haven’t been any notable movements yet.”

“Then let’s proceed with the operation.”

Ibrahim insisted on covertly eliminating the cultists while reclaiming the blood. But I objected.

The Abyssal Devourer, a major cult, had realized Francesca’s infiltration. Although I had gathered seemingly useless information to obscure our true intentions, it was common for even fortune tellers not to know their own futures.

“What if the Abyssal Devourer notices while we enter the building and ambushes us? Even if it’s not them, the cultists are rife everywhere. If we go in without a backup plan, we could easily get cornered here.”

Arguing for the necessity of a reserve force to safeguard the Holy Knights, Ibrahim subtly unfolded his arms.

Of course, Ibrahim would have developed contingency plans against being encircled by the cultists. However, unexpected situations often exceed predictions.

Perhaps acknowledging that my argument held weight, he began to sort his thoughts while examining the map, then he posed a question.

“Alright, let’s go with that. But where will you bring in the reserve team from?”

—

With a spark!

A burst of light erupted from a building abandoned in the desert. Amidst swirling blue mana, a person appeared bearing a duffel bag.

I released my arms from crossing, peeled myself off the wall, and spoke up.

“You arrived quickly, Matt.”

“I teleported as soon as I got the message. It’s a cheap one; feels like my stomach’s churning.”

“Then take it up with the R&D department. I’m not the one conducting magical research; the researchers are. In any case, good to see you. Is there no trouble with the Asen and Sanya sides?”

“The artillery fire from the Asen Warlord struck the city, killing dozens of civilians. Other than that, it’s the same as always.”

Matt, dressed in civilian clothes, wore a nonchalant expression. Complaining about the magical tools issued by the company, he wandered around surveying the area.

A team of operational intelligence officers began to follow him. They had arrived promptly via a teleportation magic circle in response to my support request and were also reserve soldiers to protect the Holy Knights.

Thus, people gathered in the shabby house of the Necropolis.

“This is Ibrahim.”

“Matthew.”

Matt and Ibrahim exchanged simple handshakes.

The op team members entered the room to unpack, avoiding the Holy Knights, and as one of the soldiers from the Holy Knights recited a prayer, a barrier was established. It was a barrier to obscure sight and impede sound.

Though they were faces I had never seen before, the reason they were gathered was clear. Intelligence officers and soldiers ignored each other, focusing on their respective tasks, while I explained everything to Matt and Ibrahim.

The location and numbers of the cultists, the detection magical tool activated by the tracking devices, testimonies from nearby merchants and residents, and general information provided by the Abyssal Devourer.

Lastly, the risks involved.

“So you’re saying that an informant has been exposed to the Abyssal Devourer?”

“Yes. To be precise, it’s a collaborator….”

From behind, a piercing scream began to echo.

“Ughhh—!”

Horrified, Joaquin jerked awake, yelling. The operational team members reaching for their holsters and the Holy Knights froze in surprise.

Joaquin, bolting awake, dashed to the floor with a sudden leap and clung to the wall, pointing at the Holy Knights with a finger.

“Ah, ahhh—! W-why are the Holy Knights here! Oh no, townsfolk! Francesca! We’re doomed! Let’s get out of here now!”

“…….”

“What the hell is he doing? We put up a soundproof barrier.”

“Just let him have his fun.”

I waved my hand dismissively.

Joaquin was performing theatrics, gripping an aged, rusty door. He was trying to body-slam it open, even though it had to be pulled to open. It seemed the drugs had yet to wear off.

While soldiers and intelligence officers blinked in bewilderment at the lunatic wizard’s antics, a meeting continued around the table. I marked the route to our target point on the map, while Ibrahim and Matt reviewed the building’s blueprints and photographs, coordinating the operation.

“It’s impossible to walk to Ash Tree Alley. The Walpurgis Night festival begins this evening. All entrances will be flooded with the crowd and controlled by the hosts. However, if we take the sewers, we should be able to move easily to the target area.”

“Both the front and back gates seem sturdy; how do we breach them? Do we have any explosives?”

“We have demolition explosives designed for clearing pathways. We also have cutters and torches ready.”

“Let’s position snipers on the rooftop of this high-building area. We should be able to observe the courtyard and up to the second and third floors.”

“We’ll monitor the exterior along the perimeter wall, and the entry team will split into two squads to enter the building. For convenience, we can refer to the buildings within the target area as Building A and B….”

—

As the late afternoon approached, the dilapidated house grew increasingly eerie.

The Holy Knights and the operational team each took their respective rooms to rest. They cleared away a reasonable amount of dust and rubbish, using their gear and helmets as makeshift pillows to catch a bit of sleep.

Occasionally, sounds of people passing by could be heard. The rhythm of footsteps echoed through the corridor at regular intervals, then faded away, leaving the sound of a door closing from a noticeable distance.

“…….”

One of the intel officers emptied a plastic bottle filled with urine as he returned to the abandoned house. I greeted him with a small nod, having seen his face a few times as he passed by.

“Is it noisy…?”

Kair, stirred awake by the sound of footsteps, groaned in annoyance and squinted his eyes.

Even if told to go into the room, he stubbornly insisted on staying in the cramped space. It seemed he wasn’t able to sleep properly due to the disturbances.

I cautiously stepped outside, having to smoke in the fresh air due to the presence of a beastman with a sensitive sense of smell.

“Ah….”

Smoke began to rise in the underground city.

I tucked the cigarette into the handle of my rifle and exhaled the smoke into the shade.

“It’d be wise to quit smoking.”

“…….”

“That stuff is really harmful to your health.”

Francesca, who had appeared before I realized it, spoke with a smile on her face as if she were genuinely concerned about my health.

“Shouldn’t those words be directed to a friend of mine instead? I’m not on drugs.”

“You might not know this, but smoking is much worse than using marijuana.”

I chortled lightly, halting my smoking for a moment.

“Did Joaquin calm down at least?”

“Yes. He seemed quite shocked to see the Holy Knights first thing upon waking up, but after drinking some cold water, he seems to have regained his composure.”

“What’s he doing now?”

“Probably enjoying his own time, I guess.”

Was that her indirect way of saying he was smoking marijuana?

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity. Seeing the Holy Knights and then smoking? I began to question his mental state.

He might be preparing to indulge, celebrating his near-life-and-death experience.

“Are we attacking the cultists this evening?”

“We depart at 9 PM. We should reach the scene by midnight at the latest.”

“Aren’t you coming along?”

She subtly sat down next to me and posed her question.

It wasn’t purely innocent curiosity; her tone carried a hint of concern rather than simple curiosity.

“I’m going, of course.”

After I answered, the questioning turned back to me.

“Why?”

Francesca tilted her head slightly, displaying genuine puzzlement.

“With the Holy Knights moving, I’m not sure if it’s necessary for you to follow. It’s quite different from what you initially said, isn’t it?”

“…….”

“Could there be another reason?”

“What exactly are you curious about?”

A smile began to form on her lips, leaving me perplexed whether it was a sarcastic grin or genuine.

As her delicate eyes softened, the smile became more pronounced, as if her pretty face was silently laughing, causing thoughts to swirl in my mind.

How long had I been waiting?

After taking a moment to breathe, she finally spoke with an anxious expression.

“Regarding you and the Saint.”

“…….”

“You two. What exactly is your relationship?”

—

“Team Leader, we’re ready.”

Matt nodded to the operational team members.

“We’re all set on this end. How about you?”

“Same here.”

The members of Unit 92541 of the Holy Knights checked their equipment.

Some reached behind their backs to check if their cutters were in place, while others pulled the charging handle to see if live ammunition was loaded.

The operational team mirrored their actions.

After handing over a loaded pistol with a slide pulled back, one team member plugged lines into the communication gear.

An operative, firmly adjusting his bulletproof vest, pressed the light and the guide to check his main weapon.

“Kair?”

The beastman fastening his waterproof ammo pouches perked up his ears.

Kair, clutching a heavy ammo pouch stuffed with grenades, finished fastening it.

“Done.”

Kair flipped the cloth aside and stuffed the ammo pouch inside. The ammunition belt of the Kien Empire’s assault rifle was the latest model.

Matt surveyed the members disguised as Kien Empire troops. The aging, pungent ammunition belt had been replaced with a newer model, and the outdated, heavy assault rifle had been swapped out for a submachine gun, while the Kien Empire’s special forces uniform took the place of traditional Mauritania attire.

After his brief introduction, Matt began to look around, conversing with Ibrahim in distraction.

“Where’s Colonel Frederick?”

“He’s over here.”

A voice called from a distance, turning heads.

Frederick was descending the stairs from inside the house. Dressed in military gear over his bulletproof vest, he trudged forward with a shortened rifle in hand.

“Is there an issue?”

Matt, wearing gloves, asked with a hint of suspicion, to which Frederick replied.

“Nothing at all.”

“Then who are those people?”

Matt’s finger pointed upward.

There was a small commotion coming from the direction of the abandoned house. A wizard in a cape stepped out of the entrance, while Joaquin, carrying a load, shouted something at him, but the wizard did not turn back.

“…….”

Frederick, staring blankly at the scene for a moment, shrugged it off as he adjusted his gear and replied casually.

“I asked them to step outside the city. They’ll be waiting on the ground with Nymph.”

“Why’s that?”

“Does there need to be non-combat personnel present on-site?”

It was said with a tone implying no further explanation was necessary.

Matt slightly pouted his lips, shrugging his shoulders in resignation; an expression implying he didn’t care, let them do as they wished.

With his bulletproof helmet on, Frederick began to guide them through the waning alley.

After a 15-minute walk, they arrived at the deeper end of the back alley. Clearing away overgrown vegetation and piles of debris, the sewage system hidden beneath the city’s refuse finally revealed itself.

Clonk, the light began to illuminate the darkness. As Frederick bent low and turned back, he urged them.

“Hurry up. We don’t have much time.”

With a spring, Kair accepted the waterproof gun pouch and followed Frederick inside.

Matt and Ibrahim trailed closely behind, followed by the last batch of defensive team members who covered the entrance with overhanging foliage.

As the last to enter, when the rear guard drew the foliage to conceal the entrance,

Faint sounds wove together, beginning to resonate above the discarded waste.

—

“Hey! Hey! Stop there!”

The beastman licking the bottom of an ice cream cone looked shocked by the sudden shout.

“Hey, just listen to me!”

“…….”

“If this keeps up, I’m really going to die! How do you have that much stamina…!”

The usual sights of mana lamps were nowhere to be seen; the streets were gleaming brightly.

It was late, at a time that should have left the streets devoid of people. Typically, only a few shops would shine their lights like lighthouses on treacherous sea paths, but today, all the shops flickered to life in unison.

This was because Walpurgis Night was tomorrow.

“Wooow!”

“This beer was just brewed today! Come on over and have a taste!”

“Hey kids! Don’t run around!”

With Walpurgis Night just a day away, the Necropolis was teeming with festive vibes.

Wizards, clergy, beastmen, and humans, countless races crowded into the streets, fully immersing themselves in the celebratory atmosphere.

A human with bronze skin and an impressive traditional outfit played music, a goblin’s cards vanished from under their palm, and someone started singing loudly, prompting spontaneous dancing from the crowd.

Whether it’s you or me, all were caught up in the revelry, raising their glasses in delight.

“Ugh…!”

As I paused to catch my breath from running, merry voices erupted in my ears. Turning around, I spotted a tavern bearing the marks of time.

As I tore off a piece of freshly baked bread and inhaled the rising steam, the soft interior peeked through. I cautiously brought the mug to my lips to taste the precious alcohol, feeling the frothy bubbles tickle my nose.

After hastily wiping the overflowing foam off the frozen mug, I lifted it high, letting the cold beer pour down my throat relentlessly.

“Ugh—”

“Oh come on, what are you doing?”

“Acting all cleanly while munching on rat meat.”

An orc wiped the foam off his chin with a flick of his tongue. A beastman cringed, disgusted, as he tore into a cave rat roast.

The greatest festival of the Necropolis, the excitement of Walpurgis Night, filled the city. The city was already soaked in festive cheer, transforming ordinary spaces into realms of freedom and deviation.

Some were laughing; others were crying.

There were those who expressed anger or wore somber expressions, but in the end, everyone managed to smile.

In the contrast of light and darkness, the vibrant lights piercing through the slumbering city seemed to be alive, filled with a heartbeat.

The late-night cityscapes were exceedingly beautiful.

“……”

Amidst the cascading lights and sounds, faint voices began to flicker in my mind.

‘Why are you suddenly asking that?’

‘Is this a question that’s difficult to answer?’

‘…….’

‘To be honest, I don’t understand. Why you would go with the Order of the Holy Knights? Why risk your life to confront the cultists like this.’

‘What do you want to say?’

‘Let’s turn back.’

‘…….’

‘Let’s go up to the surface together. This place isn’t where either of us should be, and since we achieved our goal, there’s no reason to linger here, right? So…’

‘Let’s go first. I’ll catch up quickly.’

‘…….’

‘We’ll look from above.’

—

A warm breath slipped from my lips.

Francesca, who had momentarily stopped to catch her breath, abruptly halted her hurried pace.

Her silky hair broke free, and as she combed it back with her hand and lifted her head, it took a moment to think.

“…….”

What on earth am I doing here?

I raced to a place I didn’t know, but why was I running?

What was I aiming to do, or where was I heading?

I couldn’t even recall why I had started running in the first place.

Should I ascend to the surface and head to camp? Or return to the Magic Tower?

Or maybe just now,

“Darn it…! Why is this guy just plowing ahead like a bull…”

With hurried footsteps, Joaquin dashed up, raising his voice.

His breathless panting made him look rather like a dying patient.

He kneeling to catch his breath, wheezed, heaving a sigh.

“It’s driving me mad… I thought I was gonna die! You were trying to kill me on purpose, weren’t you?”

“…….”

“I really might die this way. I should probably quit this junk….”

While Joaquin was lamenting death, a cold, assessing gaze swept over him.

Charnoy shook her head watching the wizard nearly choking on his own breath.

At that moment, Francesca, who had been rooted to the spot, finally spoke.

“Joaquin.”

Joaquin managed to grab a hold of his senses.

“What? Did you call?”

“Let’s go.”

“Where to?”

The alchemist’s gaze turned back to the wizard.

The glittering lights, laughter from the crowd, lively songs, and enthusiastic atmosphere.

Against the flickering glow, the light pink lips fluttered gently.