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I stepped inside and took a deep breath.

“Haa. What kind of air is this, really? I almost suffocated. It’s a bit refreshing in here.”

After casually throwing the mustached man I had dragged along onto the floor, I nudged the large figure lying crushed under the iron door with my foot.

“What’s with this guy? Is he unconscious?”

Looking closely, it seemed he had been crushed when the iron door flew off.

I greeted the familiar man sitting at the table.

“So you were here, Mr. Walter.”

Suddenly, the man sitting opposite him looked at the mustached man I had brought and said,

“Hmm, his mustache is all burnt.”

“Yeah. This happens every time. It wasn’t intentional.”

I clapped my hands as I recognized the black mask the man was wearing.

“As expected, my guess was right. I know that mask well. So this was the Information Guild after all. No wonder I thought Mr. Walter seemed unusual from the moment I saw him.”

“Was it that obvious?”

“You definitely weren’t acting like a monkey.”

“Did you come to capture me?”

I picked up a stone ornament from the wall and sat on it like a chair as I spoke.

“That’s hurtful, Mr. Walter. ‘Capture’ is a bit harsh. I was just curious where you were going. And since I’m here, I might as well buy some information.”

This was half true.

At first, I was mostly annoyed, but after following him, I became curious about where he was going.

“Then it seems there was no need to choose this method. You could have just given me a hint.”

I pointed at Walter.

“That’s a bit rich, coming from you. Are you taking advantage of my politeness?”

Suddenly, as I looked at Walter’s expression, I felt annoyed again.

“Mr. Walter, let’s be clear: information comes at a price. Nobody enjoys being spied on, especially someone like you who’s made a career out of prying into other people’s lives. It seems a bit hypocritical to react so poorly when the tables are turned, wouldn’t you say? If you’re going to follow someone, you have to accept the consequences. If that bothers you, then perhaps you should reconsider your methods. Instead, all I see is that sour look on your face. What’s the matter?”

The black-masked man, who had been listening, nodded.

“He has a point.”

I looked at the black-masked man and said,

“Then you wouldn’t mind if I took one piece of information for free, would you?”

“Go ahead.”

“It’s definitely easier to talk to a superior. Are you a high-ranking member?”

While the black-masked man remained silent, I continued,

“I suppose it’s a difficult question to answer. You must be higher than the Khaoto branch manager, at the very least.”

“That much is true.”

“Do you know the branch manager there?”

“If I know them, I know them, and if I don’t, I don’t. That’s how the Information Guild works.”

“In any case, you must know more than the branch manager there.”

The black-masked man changed his tone and said,

“You want to buy information?”

“That’s right.”

“We don’t do business with just anyone.”

“I think it’s best if we don’t beat around the bush.”

The black-masked man replied with a smile.

“I meant that there’s no need for a monetary transaction. Welcome, Ruin. I also happen to have some questions. How about we exchange three pieces of information each?”

“Are you suggesting a sudden three-question exchange?”

“Rather than questions, I’m suggesting an exchange of information.”

“Either way, that sounds reasonable.”

“Would you like to ask first?”

I gestured towards the black-masked man with the edge of my hand.

“I’ll yield the first move.”

“Very well.”

To think that a conversation would be established so quickly…

An ordinary person might think this was a play.

It hadn’t even been a few minutes since the iron door was ripped off, the musty underground air filled the room, and several men were sprawled on the floor.

Of course, I’m not the type to be bothered by such things.

However, seeing that the masked man also didn’t seem to mind was a bit unexpected.

“Who killed Parin?”

“I did.”

There was no need to lie.

I gauged his level from his first attack.

It was highly likely that he already had some expectations when he asked the question.

Just how far has he deduced?

“Indeed, that’s surprising.”

“Now it’s my turn.”

I chose to go second to formulate the optimal response after hearing the opponent’s question.

This is the advantage of going second.

“Do you know Parin’s true identity?”

I posed an implicit question.

A question that hits the core without revealing my own hand.

In this kind of verbal sparring, it’s important not to lose ground.

The black-masked man asked back,

“He’s the First Elder of the Blue Magic Tower, but I don’t think that’s what you’re asking.”

“Is this how the Information Guild usually treats its guests?”

“Do you have any expectations?”

“I’m the one who asked the question.”

“You must have really faced Parin yourself. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have asked such a question.”

“Trust is essential in any transaction.”

The black-masked man rested his chin on his hand and pondered for a moment before nodding.

“It’s ambiguous.”

“If you don’t know, you don’t know, and if you know, you know. What’s with the ambiguity?”

“We’re in the process of figuring out Parin’s true identity.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“It’s clear that he’s part of another secret organization besides the Blue Horse Tower. But we haven’t been able to grasp it properly yet.”

“Why not?”

“We keep hitting dead ends at crucial points. We’re only skirting around the edges.”

“You’re not lying, are you?”

“The Information Guild does not lie.”

I pointed at the braised carp and said,

“May I eat this?”

“Of course.”

I took a big bite of the braised carp. The flesh, free of bones and packed with flavor, filled my mouth.

“This is quite skillfully prepared. Do you happen to have any moonshine as well?”

“We don’t have any alcohol.”

I nodded and said,

“I still don’t think I’ve heard an answer to my question.”

“It’s not an organization that reveals itself openly. It’s an extremely secretive organization. We haven’t even figured out their purpose yet. What’s certain is that there are definitely others like Elder Parin in other Magic Towers. Otherwise, there’s no way they could block information so thoroughly.”

“So it’s a secret organization.”

“However, now that Parin is dead, there might be a chance to exploit a weakness.”

The black-masked man looked at me.

“That sufficiently answers my question. This kind of information is valuable. Now, I’ll ask my question.”

I casually answered while eating the braised carp.

“Go ahead.”

“Why did Ardehain intervene?”

“Because the Third Military Commander was attacked.”

“That’s information I already know.”

“Oh?”

“I’m asking how you got Loren Ardehain involved.”

“Are you aware of ‘Demonic Bloom’?”

“Of course.”

“You’re quite knowledgeable. Balkan used it on the Third Military Commander.”

“I’m also aware that you claimed that. I’m asking how you made Ardehain believe it.”

“You’re hitting the nail on the head.”

I answered honestly.

“I treated the Third military commander, so they had no choice but to believe it.”

Even if I revealed this information, it wouldn’t harm me or Ardehain.

Rather, there was a high chance they would naturally find out as time passed.

Timing is everything when it comes to information.

Walter, who had been listening, let out a gasp, and the masked man, after a moment of thought, said,

“So it really was Demonic Bloom. Somehow, I feel like there’s more to it, but I’ll accept your answer. Could you perhaps also tell me how you treated them?”

“Is that a question?”

The black-masked man shook his head.

“No.”

The level of conversation was high.

This wasn’t what I originally intended, but I was gradually getting drawn in.

My curiosity about this organization called the Information Guild was piqued.

At first, I thought it was just another organization, but now I see that it doesn’t seem like a gathering of random individuals.

I took my hand off the braised carp and looked directly at the black-masked man for the first time.

I couldn’t read his eyes.

This was because the mask completely covered even his eyeholes. How could he see with his eye holes covered like that? Did it have some special artifact?

“Ask your question.”

Suddenly, I became curious.

“Is there a lot of infighting within the Information Guild?”

“That question is beyond the scope of my answers.”

“I have a feeling that someone within the Information Guild might be part of that secret organization.”

“Please clarify your question.”

“That secret organization Parin was part of. Do you think someone from it is also within the Information Guild?”

A chilling silence fell.

An unintentional chuckle escaped the black-masked man.

“What is the basis for your speculation?”

“You’re trying to make me reveal my hand again. I’ll take that as an answer.”

I thought to myself, if the secret organization Parin belonged to had infiltrated the Information Guild, it would be incredibly difficult to uncover.

“Then I’ll ask my final question.”

The black-masked man asked casually,

“Ruin, does your incantation magic originate from Samael?”

I sighed in frustration as soon as I heard the question.

Shaking my head, I asked back,

“What are you trying to do?”

“I’m sure you understood my question.”

“You’re crossing the line here.”

“If it’s a sensitive question, I can ask something else.”

I shook my head.

“That’s not what I mean. We were having a lively exchange, and you just crossed the line.”

I looked at the black masked man and said,

“This isn’t going to work. Let’s stop here.”

“Are you saying you want to stop the questioning?”

Suddenly, I burst into hearty laughter.

I laughed while looking at the black-masked man, laughed while looking at Walter, and laughed while looking at the large man who was just regaining consciousness.

After laughing for a while, I suddenly engulfed my hand in flames and threw a punch.

“Let’s stop playing games. The play is over.”

As soon as I saw the black-masked man smoothly slide back with a whoosh— I channeled lightning into my hand.

Just before I unleashed it, the man took off his black mask and faced me.

I looked at the corner of the man’s exposed mouth and said,

“I told you to stop smiling so artificially, Mr. Kant.”

“How did you know?”

“I could smell it.”

Was that surprised expression genuine or not?

I asked Kant, “Why are you here?”

“I heard that something interesting was happening. I ended up coming here myself.”

“Doesn’t Shan Kris have another branch?”

“I’m in charge now.”

“A promotion?”

“Something like that.”

“You’re quite capable. I can’t predict you at all.”

“That’s what I want to say to you, Ruin.”

I couldn’t tell if he was being sincere or not.

Kant looked at Walter and said,

“Haha, we were completely defeated today. To think we’d be completely exposed.”

I said to Kant,

“It’s hard to believe your promise to help me in every way now.”

“I apologize. I missed the timing to tell you.”

I replied indifferently,

“It was entertaining, though.”

“I mean it. Once again, I apologize.”

Suddenly, Kant’s eyes gleamed as he spoke.

“I’ll give you a proper answer. Parin belongs to another secret organization. It’s almost certain. There have been several terrible incidents in the Demon Realm, and we’ve confirmed that Parin is behind them.”

“Like people disappearing?”

Kant met my eyes and slowly nodded.

“It seems it hasn’t happened just once or twice.”

“It’s definitely not a normal organization. That’s why I became interested. Parin couldn’t have done those things alone. However, it’s difficult to know who else is involved and how far it reaches.”

“…”

“I tried to investigate starting with the Magic Tower Alliance, but it’s not easy.”

“Isn’t there an Information Guild there?”

“There’s a branch in Keplan. It’s one of the top five Information Guild branches. That’s precisely why it’s even harder for me to investigate.”

“You could ask for cooperation, right?”

“It’s not an official investigation.”

I said with a smile,

“It seems you’re not on good terms.”

“You can think that.”

“By the way.”

“Go ahead.”

“You know quite a lot for a branch manager in the backwoods.”

Despite my pointed remark, Kant only smiled.

I said to Kant,

“I plan to go to Keplan.”

“…Are you thinking of entering the Demon Realm?”

“It seems that’s how it’ll be.”

“I understand. I’ll gather any helpful information and pass it on to you.”

“Why don’t you give me some moonshine first?”

Kant placed his hand on the wall, and soon the burly owner appeared.

“Owner, you’re here. Would you like to sit down?”

“Not at all.”

The owner, looking at the chaotic surroundings, said nothing, simply placed three bottles of moonshine down, and hurriedly left.

“He looks like a bull, but he’s a timid owner.”

I sat down, uncorked a bottle of moonshine, and looked from side to side.

“Kant doesn’t drink. I saw last time that Mr. Walter seems to drink a bit. Would you like some?”

“I don’t drink while on duty.”

“Can’t be helped then.”

I poured myself a glass of moonshine and drank it alone.

I emptied a bottle on the spot while gathering my thoughts, then spoke,

“Do you know any old stories?”

Kant replied seriously,

“I know quite a few.”

“The legend of the Land of Death.”

After a moment of consideration, Kant nodded.

“I know it.”

“Do you know its origin?”

“It’s an old legend, so I don’t know where it originated from.”

“I’d like you to look into that. As specifically as possible.”

It must have been an unexpected request, but Kant nodded without any further questions.

“Understood.”

I poured myself another drink.

As I drank, I reorganized my thoughts.

When I finished the last glass and stood up, Kant spoke as if he had been waiting.

“Ruin, I have a favor to ask of you as well.”

———