Chương 229: Interlude 2: “The Masked Ones Begin to Move”

Time goes back a little from the day of Yu's Qi Sword Art instruction. Deep underground in Sacris. In a place where the hustle and bustle of the city didn't reach at all, there was a secret facility of the Masked Group. Numerous ancient magic tomes were stored there, and several suspicious mechanical devices existed. Some were even illegal. In a room deep within the facility, two people wearing suspicious masks were conversing. One was the masked woman who contacted Yu before. And the other was.

"Is the situation progressing?"

"Yes. Of course. Master."

"Good. Keep it up." The man called Master said in a satisfied voice.

"Yes, sir." The woman maintained a respectful tone throughout. It seems she is his subordinate. The Master nodded "Hmm" once and continued.

"Now. I found out that something that will advance our plan by one step is sleeping in that place. We must secure it at all costs."

"But that place is..."

"Indeed. That place is a legacy of Edel. Security is a bit tight. It would be troublesome if they call for reinforcements. We could force our way through, but if we make a flashy move, there's a risk of attracting attention from the capital. Now is not the time to stand out yet."

"In that case, I have a good idea."

"Hoh. Let's hear it." The woman sneered quietly behind her mask." Stardust Festival. At that time, most of the personnel belonging to the Magic Corps and Swordsman Corps will be assigned to secure the town."

"Hoh. And?"

"So, how about we set Vester and his lot to cause a disturbance, and while they divert their forces there, we do it secretly?"

"Hmm. That's a good idea." The Master showed admiration. Feeling somewhat pleased by that, the masked woman immediately fleshed out the details of the proposal.

"Where and on what scale should we cause the disturbance?"

"Moderation is key. If we make the scale too large, it would be bad if forces were called from the capital after all."

"As you say."

"The place... let's see. How about the Colosseum?" This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. At the stage of hearing the location, her face under the mask clouded over.

"The Colosseum?"

"Yeah. How about the final day, the third day? It's the day the Magic Combat finals tournament is held. Many people will gather. It would be good to do something resembling terrorism there." She worried a little, but eventually decided to advise.

"That is the center of the town. Security is tight. Even Vester might not be able to escape." Although she didn't like that violent man, she felt guilty about making the mission too dangerous. But the Master seemed not to mind at all.

"I've been thinking. He is a bit too edgy. He lacks prudence."

"That is certainly true, but... no." She could already predict the next words. Because the Master is ruthless and cruel.

"Honestly, if this goes well, he's a pawn I no longer need. If he manages to pull it off and withdraw, fine. If not—I intend to dispose of him there."

"I see... So that was your thought. You will rely on him, then."

"That is my intention." To the intelligent woman who guessed without him saying everything, the man nodded in a good mood. He removed his mask slightly and drank a black liquid like coffee. Then, he said as if making small talk.

"By the way, this term's Magic Academy has gathered students with talent that could be called a golden generation."

"It seems so."

"Their potential is truly wonderful. Argus Ozbein is famous, but especially Yu Hoshimi, who enrolled this year. He is exceptional."

"Yu Hoshimi..." Remembering that day, she trembled. That man can dispose of her anytime if he feels like it. She is merely being left alone as an insignificant existence for now. And she still hadn't been able to tell the Master about that day.

"How about it? Is there anyone we can bring over to our side?"

"A few. However, Yu Hoshimi. H-Him alone is a no-go." At the sudden desperate plea, the Master tilted his head.

"Hoh. Why is that?"

"Anyway, it's no good! I tried to recruit him, but I was beaten back. You must not make an enemy of that man! It will lead to terrible consequences."

"I-Is he that much of a guy...?" Master Megil was slightly put off by her desperation.

"Yes. Fortunately, he says he has no intention of doing anything unless we initiate it. I think it's best to leave him alone without provoking him poorly." She asserted firmly.

"Hmm... But after all, he is just a student. Can the mighty Masked Group function if we are frightened of a mere student?"

"But..." He doesn't understand the horror. Behind the mask, the woman bit her lip. However, the man didn't seem to notice her subtlety. Just then, the door to the room opened.

"I also agree with her proposal."

"Oh! Clam."

"Lord Selenberg!" The one who appeared was a silver-haired man with a scar on his cheek. The hero, Clam Selenberg. Hero was his public face. Behind the scenes, as an Enforcer for the Masked Group, he had stained his hands with numerous dirty jobs. The Master also treated him differently from other subordinates as the trump card of the Masked Group.

"That man named Yu seems to have a connection with Inea of the Qi Sword Art. This connection itself is troublesome, and if he can handle not only magic but also Qi Sword Art, he must be a considerable powerhouse. If we're not careful, he might possess strength rivaling mine."

"What. Is he that good!?" The Master showed great agitation for the first time. It was hard to believe that a mere student possessed such power.

"Yeah. But I have that. If it comes to a fight, I won't lose."

"R-Right." Clam has the strongest Space-Time Magic, acknowledged by himself and others. With this, he even killed a Black Dragon in one blow. No matter who the opponent is, they cannot win. He had that much confidence. Then, hearing the raid plan made by the masked woman, Clam proposed to be absolutely sure.

"I'll bring up the story of a military exercise to Yu and Inea soon, and keep them away during the Stardust Festival. I've completely erased traces of my connection to this place, so it's unlikely to be exposed."

"In that case...!" The masked woman finally sighed in relief. She sincerely thought it was helpful to have someone who understood.

"I'll cause an 'accident' over there. While those two are busy with that, you can proceed safely." Hearing Clam's proposal, Master Megil clapped his hands very satisfiedly.

"Alright. It's decided. Let's go with that. Let's work hard for our purpose."

"Yes. Without fail, as Master wills."

"I do it for my own ambition."

"Umu. I'm counting on you from now on too." The Master's high laughter echoed in the inorganic room.