Chapter 14

"Kim Ihyeon?"

A man with neatly tied long hair raised an eyebrow. He held a thick sheaf of papers filled with densely written text—the report he had just received.

The report repeatedly mentioned an unfamiliar name: a self-proclaimed 'vagrant' with unknown identity and purpose.

"He seemed to know many of your aliases, sir. When Ghost tested him with a random name, he didn't react."

Layla tried to recall the incident as accurately as possible, despite it being nearly two weeks ago.

"So, I wondered… but it seems he has no connection to you either. Haha."

Layla laughed awkwardly, scratching her cheek. Nothing had been uncovered about the man named Kim Ihyeon.

"…You do realize this isn't a laughing matter, right?"

"Uh, yes. I apologize."

The man, known as 'Kushan' here, pressed his fingers to his forehead. The more he read the report, the deeper his concern grew.

"A spell that creates weapons—or rather, can also create weapons. Spell possessors aren't extremely rare. Plenty of people know my identity. It's not uncommon for vagrants to explore isolated areas under disguise."

But, he continued, tapping the report.

"Combining everything makes it all the stranger. Pab, Ghost—how are they faring?"

"Pab often mutters to himself, 'That guy, he's not dead, right?' And Ghost, though she doesn't say it aloud, seems to miss him as well."

Layla carefully chose her words before continuing.

"The professor seems more motivated. Honestly, I'm worried about Ihyeon too."

"I'm more worried about you all. Were you collectively brainwashed or something?"

"Haha…"

Kushan couldn't help but sigh. Even knowing his subordinates well, moments like this left him feeling weighed down by concern.

'…But I am grateful.'

According to the report, Layla's team was in extreme danger at the time. If Kim Ihyeon hadn't stepped in, someone might not have made it back alive.

'Ghost might have stayed behind.'

A significant loss had been averted.

Ghost was the mental pillar for the agents. Losing her instead of the professor would have been a severe blow.

Kim Ihyeon. Would they ever meet?

He didn't particularly look forward to it.

Even without knowing the man's face, Kushan had already concluded that Kim Ihyeon was a considerable troublemaker.

Especially with the recent information giving him a headache, Kushan sincerely hoped no more complications would arise.

"Any other issues? Anything else I should know aside from this so-called vagrant?"

"Carib."

Layla took a deep breath, the image of the mutilated corpse vividly etched in her mind.

"The spell of the one Ihyeon called Carib was abnormally strong. There seemed to be some connection with the professor's research. Is it related to his work?"

"…"

Kushan exhaled heavily, old memories resurfacing in his mind.

"Layla. Gather the elite agents."

With the Legion starting to move, they could no longer keep this hidden.

* * *

Polaris has highly uneven levels of civilization across its regions.

Some areas have regressed to pre-modern times, while others have advanced to near-future stages.

The cause of this disparity is the "Calamity."

The first recorded instance of the Calamity dates back about 300 years, though that's merely what's written in documents. The true beginning was in the year 2000.

The current year in the story is 2042. For over 40 years, the Calamity has devastated numerous cities and nations in Polaris.

Infrastructure collapse, destruction of historic buildings, desolation of fertile lands, and the emergence of numerous mutant beasts have drastically reduced habitable areas.

'Restoration is practically impossible. Hence, many countries abandon the affected areas entirely.'

Cadillac is a prime example.

Living standards in Ulanche are comparable to the American West during the frontier days, while the capital, Babenburg, retains a modern appearance.

The concentration of living areas and infrastructure is a common strategy among nations to cope with the Calamity, differing only in degree.

Kilicia's rulers, however, adopted an exceptionally extreme policy of "selection and concentration" for survival.

They abandoned all territories except the capital, reorganizing into a city-state.

"Huh. I've heard about it, but seeing it is… impressive."

Rosco had halted in his tracks, exclaiming in awe. It wasn't an overreaction; even Kim Ihyeon was momentarily spellbound by the city's scenery.

'Seeing it in person is really striking.'

Tall skyscrapers filled the city. Neon billboards emitted a unique, dreamy glow, and patrol drones floated through the air.

It was like another world. Tulavia was completely closed off, and Ulanche was a backwater with barely any vehicles.

"For the first time in ten days, I'm glad I followed you. Even if I end up in prison here, at least I'll be warm and well-fed."

"I'm glad you like it. But let's not commit any crimes unless you want to get expelled."

Kim Ihyeon rolled up his sleeve, revealing a titanium bracelet on his wrist—an item issued during the immigration process.

Kilicia accepts immigrants without question unless they're international criminals.

Yet, the city remains orderly because it strictly monitors everyone who steps inside.

"This bracelet serves as an ID. Everything you do is recorded. In that sense, it's not much different from Ulanche."

"How can you say that? You shouldn't belittle their efforts to maintain order. At least mafia thugs won't come knocking just because you've made some money."

"Efforts, huh…"

Kim Ihyeon glanced at Rosco. The rough-looking man had a silly grin on his face. The initial impression of Kilicia was evidently better than expected.

"Why isn't the young lady saying anything… Hey, are you okay?"

Rosco's words made Kim Ihyeon turn his attention to Asterike. She was looking around anxiously, trembling as if she were about to break down.

"…I'm not okay."

"Why all of a sudden? You were fine earlier."

"T-There are too many people. I feel like throwing up."

Her face turned pale as she clutched Kim Ihyeon's sleeve. The worsening stench from ten days of travel hit his nose.

Of course, Kim Ihyeon wasn't in much better shape. The three of them, looking like vagabonds, were a sight to behold on the bustling street.

They felt like zoo animals. As more eyes turned their way, Asterike's trembling intensified.

…He hadn't expected her to have social anxiety.

"Let's find a place to stay first."

* * *

Naturally, they didn't stay in a fancy hotel. Their total funds amounted to 1.35 million credits, with 1.3 million of that coming from Rosco.

While it wasn't a paltry sum, they couldn't afford to spend it recklessly. They needed to conserve their resources until they had a steady income.

They found a relatively cheap lodging near the red-light district. Though it was a shabby area compared to the city center, it was still better than Ulanche.

"Five thousand a night is considered cheap. City living sure is expensive. If we run out of money, we'll have to sleep in the car."

"I'll work and repay you triple."

"Haha. Thanks, young lady."

Rosco smiled kindly while mentally calculating his plans.

He had no connections in Kilicia, no particular skills, and couldn't hunt monsters alone.

The current dynamic would inevitably reverse. Soon, the benefactor and the beneficiary roles would swap.

'It'll take time to get established. Better to help them now while I can.'

Of course, Kim Ihyeon saw through Rosco's thoughts.

But he didn't draw a line. He genuinely felt grateful.

'We've cut at least two weeks off our journey.'

They had arrived in Kilicia much sooner than expected. This time was precious. Kim Ihyeon hadn't come here for sightseeing.

'Less than three months left.'

Soon, Kilicia would be engulfed in war. He couldn't predict the changes Shadow's death would bring, but the incident itself wouldn't vanish.

A large-scale tragedy that would make the previous 0-5 stage seem trivial. No matter what he did, there would be casualties.

'The key is minimizing the damage.'

He needed to protect people and organizations, and on a larger scale, the city itself. Preventing Kilicia from becoming a Legion stronghold was essential.

And beyond the episode, there was something else he needed from Kilicia.

'Time to assign roles.'

Kim Ihyeon glanced at Asterike. She finally looked somewhat presentable, having washed off the grime and donned new clothes.

"A bed. How long has it been?"

Creak, creak.

Every time she bounced on the bed, the springs groaned in protest. The bed was old and worn out.

'She might act foolish, but… she has more than enough ability.'

He tried to shake off his lingering doubts. She was, after all, a 6-star agent. Incomparable to him in terms of power.

There was no one else he could rely on.

"Asterike. I have an important job for you."

"Huh? Me?"

"It's a crucial task that only you can do."

Asterike blinked, processing his words. Then, a smile tugged at her lips.

"If you say so. What is it? Mining? Sewer cleaning? I've done all sorts of jobs."

"Why would I make you do mining?"

"I really did it! I was better than the potbellied guys. They took all my wages, though… But it's okay now. I won't be taken advantage of again."

"That's not what I meant…"

She was speaking pit

ifully.

Kim Ihyeon swallowed his bitter thoughts and refrained from comforting her. The defeatist mindset would be corrected in time.

He worried she might get too cocky.

"Anyway, it's good you're motivated. You need to register as a free agent and participate in the league."

"Oh! The young lady is entering the 'League'!"

Rosco interrupted, his interest piqued. He knew little about Kilicia, but he had heard of the League.

It was an extreme sport where participants competed in duels and monster hunts. Players vied for rankings each season.

Major matches attracted thousands of spectators, with ticket prices often soaring.

The League was Kilicia's premier entertainment and a colossal business.

That's the setting.

'It's not a game content.'

In reality, the League would vanish soon as Kilicia fell into chaos.

Instead, the "Hunt" content would open after the city's collapse.

The initial rewards for the Hunt were excellent.

'I need to secure the special solution.'

An essential item for agent growth. Its description mentioned it was originally a prize for top League players.

Kim Ihyeon needed it. Ideally, he would secure it himself, but… Asterike seemed capable of handling the League.

'Official matches will mostly be fair fights. She might be better suited than I am.'

The League focused on entertainment and business, with limited room for individual tricks.

Asterike, with her physical prowess and flashy spells, was perfect. It would also be an opportunity for her to get used to using her spells.

"Sponsors will quickly line up for Asterike. That's both reassuring and worrisome… Rosco, could you act as her manager?"

"Of course. Leave it to me."

Rosco had no reason to refuse. If Asterike succeeded, he'd benefit as well.

He could also forge connections with various businesses. It was much more appealing than manual labor.

"How about registering tomorrow, or even today? Haha, I need to study up."

"I'm not sure… but I'll try my best!"

"You'll do great, young lady. But…"

After encouraging Asterike, Rosco turned to Kim Ihyeon.

"What about you?"

"I'll work. Can't be the only one not contributing."

"Do you have a plan? Are you joining the League too?"

"No. I'll be moving separately."

There was something more important than the League's rewards. Kim Ihyeon tapped his foot lightly on the ground.

"I'm going underground."

He had business in the 'Metrocity.'

* * *

Kilicia's underground was brighter than its surface. Instead of neon lights, incandescent bulbs in daylight and cool white illuminated the enclosed space.

At the center of the light stood a massive pillar, surrounded by nine levels of the underground city, showcasing its grandeur.

Metrocity.

It was the hub of various commercial activities and as crucial as the surface parliament, the city's heart.

'I should've taken the elevator.'

Kim Ihyeon rode the escalator down, driven by curiosity to explore Metrocity.

Five commercial floors. Levels 1 and 2 housed tourist shops, and levels 3 to 5 contained various corporate offices.

The lighting decreased from level 6. Fewer people were around. Levels 8 and below were storage areas.

Level 9.

Kim Ihyeon finally stepped off the escalator, glancing to the side.

He saw the base of the pillar supporting the underground city, an octagonal structure with tracks extending from each vertex.

'It looks like a mind map.'

Each track led into a dark, deep tunnel.

Unlike modern subways, few people used this transport. Less than a hundred people roamed the vast space.

'Well, it's not meant for passengers.'

Kilicia's underground trains were mostly for cargo. Occasionally, prisoners were transported, but civilians rarely used it.

Because of outlaws and monsters.

Criminals who committed serious crimes were harshly punished. They weren't kept in prison long to drain taxes.

They faced banishment, execution, or were forced into the League as gladiators. Naturally, they weren't treated as well as free agents.

'Win or lose, they get no money, no medical treatment… basically slaves.'

In a way, it was worse than death.

So, criminals fled underground. They lived there, causing trouble by raiding cargo trains.

The Kilician council chose not to deploy security forces against the outlaws but opted for a different solution.

They placed bounties on the missing criminals.

While surface athletes competed in the League, bounty hunters roamed underground.

'From vagrant to bounty hunter.'

His twisted fate made him chuckle.