I was a Warrior?

So, let me get this straight—the secret peacekeepers are after some criminal hiding in the labyrinthine sewers beneath the slums, right?

And our goal is to infiltrate those sewers and capture said criminal?

I finally started to grasp the vague outline of this incomprehensible mission we’ve been handed.

Still, regardless of that, there’s no denying the absurdity of the task at hand—it’s impossible not to react negatively.

“I understand what you’re saying… but are you telling me that the two of us are supposed to search these complex sewers and catch the criminal before sunrise?”

“As a hired bodyguard, it feels weird to say this, but even mobilizing all the Peacekeeper forces might not be enough for a search on this scale. Isn’t this plan way too reckless?”

With eyes filled with disbelief and shock, I unleashed my barrage of questions toward her retreating back.

The underground sewer system of Tracion…

It’s no exaggeration to say its size mirrors the city above ground—an immense maze so vast that finding your way around, even with a map, is a challenge.

Ancient beyond record, constructed by either humans or demons long ago, it has since undergone countless renovations and expansions as the capital grew, turning it into an impenetrable labyrinth.

Rumors say even peacekeepers avoid entering it whenever possible.

Yet here we are—two people tasked to comb through this monstrosity within hours?

This sounds like something only a lunatic or someone completely detached from reality would propose—and worse, it came from my own client!

While I was drowning in despair, she turned around with a bright smile and calmly responded:

“Ms. Karin does have a point. I’m fully aware how absurd it sounds for just the two of us to search the entire sewer system.”

“But I have a ‘secret method’ that makes it possible. Trust me for a moment—I’ll show it to you shortly.”

Turning on her heel, Ms. Riel faced me, leaning forward with a mischievous grin and sparkling green eyes that could charm any man.

And then there was the deep cleavage, leaving little to imagination—a sight bound to captivate every male observer.

For me, though? All I felt was awkwardness and discomfort. Where do you even look in such situations?

To make matters worse, glancing down at my own chest made me feel oddly inferior compared to hers.

Though I’m not exactly petite for my age, standing next to her somehow made me feel smaller than ever.

In the end, after briefly wallowing in self-pity, I regained my composure and crossed my arms, letting out a dismissive sniff.

“Hmph! Of course you think so. Besides, my job was just bodyguard duty—not catching criminals. This is contract violation!”

“Aw, come on! Do it as a favor to me~ We can’t include classified missions in official contracts, you know?”

“Besides, I paid you far more than average. Consider it a bonus service!”

Her shameless attitude left me speechless—but she wasn’t wrong about the generous payment.

Still, lingering doubts and mistrust remained buried deep inside me.

Ultimately, I decided to observe her ‘secret method’ first before making any final decisions, continuing to follow her deeper into the slums.

Eventually, we arrived at the entrance to the underground sewer system hidden deep within the slums.

Simultaneously, a nauseating stench assaulted our senses—fitting for a place where all the filth of the capital flows.

I quickly blocked my olfactory receptors while poor Ms. Riel, lacking such mechanical advantages, had no choice but to endure it fully.

Surprisingly, her expression remained calm—a stark contrast to what I expected.

Apparently, beastmen possess heightened senses, yet she seemed unfazed.

After scanning the dense surroundings carefully, she turned to me with an unusually serious expression.

“Alright, let’s begin. But first, can you promise me one thing? Whatever you see from here on out must never leave this place.”

She stared directly into my eyes, hinting at her upcoming ‘secret method.’

This reminded me of what the receptionist sister mentioned yesterday—how Ms. Riel specifically requested someone who could maintain strict confidentiality.

Despite my earlier protests, she insisted on hiring me anyway.

Though tempted to criticize her decision, I swallowed my pride and nodded in agreement.

Truthfully, despite my reservations, I had no intention of betraying anyone’s trust or exploiting their secrets.

Whether she trusted me or not was entirely up to her.

Then, as if sizing me up, she gazed intently before smiling softly and clasping her hands together.

Suddenly, without warning, everything changed.

<em>Whoosh!!!</em>

<em>Ding-ding-ding!!</em>

Mysterious words flowed from her lips as her body glowed faintly blue.

In response, vibrant, shimmering fragments of light erupted around the sewer entrance—like thousands of fireflies lighting up a dark forest.

The dreary slum transformed into a surreal dreamlike landscape, leaving me momentarily stunned.

Expecting something bizarre, I instead found myself awestruck by sheer beauty.

Gradually, the lights condensed into a moss-covered golem under her guidance.

As the glow subsided, I eagerly asked, “Ms. Riel! What… is this? Some kind of magic?”

“Not quite. This ability involves connecting with the spirits embedded in all things—animate or inanimate—to manifest unique powers.

It’s called Elemental Magic, used long ago by a select few humans.

This little fellow here is a low-tier elemental spirit created from nearby inanimate objects near the sewer entrance.

Though small and cute, it’s actually an ancient entity dating back to when the sewer was first built.”

Ms. Riel explained patiently while the tiny golem began exploring its new form with playful movements.

Like a newborn insect testing its wings, its antics were undeniably adorable.

Gazing at it, I understood why she emphasized secrecy so strongly.

Even I, having learned basic knowledge from Mr. Mark, knew nothing about this mysterious power.

If elemental magic was indeed exclusive to humans, it made sense why she kept it hidden.

Especially considering how many demon folk despise human abilities—if word got out, she’d face severe consequences.

Given her human-like appearance, the risk was very real.

Recalling Lady Yuria, whom I loved and respected, reinforced this fear.

Even she, despite royal lineage, wouldn’t have escaped persecution if discovered wielding human powers.

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