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“Director, we’ve received contact from the Royal Intelligence Department.”

In the building of the Military Intelligence Agency divided into several floors, at the upper levels used by the Overseas Division.

The voice of a senior officer echoed through the office.

“The infiltration of the operations team was undetected by the Kien Intelligence Agency, and the team is ready to move north. All that remains is to determine the infiltration route, Director.”

Leoni, sitting in the chair set up in the office, lifted her head. The desk was cluttered with reports drafted by the overseas intelligence officers and various documents submitted by departments responsible for foreign operations.

The nameplate read “Director Leoni Risha,” and the sharp light reflected dazzlingly off her title.

After jotting down her signature, Leoni spoke up.

“Is everything definitely prepared?”

“Yes.”

The report from the senior officer continued.

“I just confirmed it in the situation room.”

“And they definitely haven’t caught on to our plans?”

“Absolutely. I checked with the embassy and domestic divisions to see if there was surveillance on the safe house, but there were no notable issues.”

“Good.”

“What about the infiltration route? I’ve been informed that all paths leading north have been blocked.”

Leoni remained silent despite her subordinate’s question.

After finishing her signature with a businesslike manner, she put down her pen and fell into thought.

Currently, all resources of the Military Intelligence Agency and Royal Intelligence Department were focused on the issues concerning the Mauritania Continent. Most urgent matters getting attention from the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Defense, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were concentrated there.

However, Leoni’s thoughts, moving between the Royal Intelligence Department and Military Intelligence Agency, were somewhat different.

After finishing her signature, she tightly capped the pen and spat out, “Forget that problem. There’s someone who can help with the infiltration.”

“…Um, where exactly is this person who can help with the infiltration? Are you saying it’s in the north?”

Her sharp, bird-like gaze shot toward the officer.

Under the scrutinizing glare of Leoni, the information officer hurriedly averted his eyes.

“Uh, I’ll prepare the follow-up operations as you commanded. If the operations team successfully infiltrates the north, I’ll report at that time.”

“Report every day, not just after success.”

“I understand, Director.”

“Get out.”

As the dismissal order echoed, the information officer hastily exited the office.

Leoni, observing his retreating figure, clicked her tongue in displeasure.

While Leoni stood up to prepare for her departure, the advisor entered the room carefully and closed the door.

“What is it?”

“An urgent report from the Kien Empire’s military attaché office.”

It was a report that came in the early hours well past midnight. Not a good sign.

Leoni, who had been gathering her things to leave, clicked her tongue again and returned to her desk, where the advisor handed her a one-page report.

The contents of the report were concise, almost double the whitespace compared to text.

However, the information contained in the report was not something that could be easily skimmed over.

[Urgent.

Four Inquisition Officers deceased in a confrontation in the northern region. Suspect believed to be a male monk from a cult. Presumed to be a Necromancer or Possessed Person. The cult envoy to Kien Empire is being summoned by the Inquisition.

Contact Officer: Colonel Frederick Nostrim.]

Episode 12 – The Most Powerful Magician in History

As undead creatures were discovered in the north, the stance of the cult flipped.

A group of priests, who had previously argued for caution led by Director Petrus, fell silent.

Murders of combat magicians and soldiers, monster rifts, manifestations of sorcery, terrorism, deaths of Inquisition Officers, and undead sightings, etc.

The situation spiraled out of control, and the cult could no longer sit idly by regarding the events in the north.

The cult immediately summoned the Kien Empire’s ambassador back to the homeland.

“A Necromancer or possibly a Possessed Person has been found in the north. This individual has killed four Inquisition Officers who were operating there, and undead began appearing in the area where he was last seen.”

“…….”

The activities of intelligence agencies typically carry a tone of hypocrisy.

When I spy in another country, it’s considered a necessary evil; yet, when someone spies in my country, it’s treated like an unpardonable crime that justifies severe punishment.

From that viewpoint, the ambassador should have protested against the illegal activities conducted by the Inquisition in the north, but,

“I will inform the royal family.”

The ambassador did not voice a complaint.

The information conveyed by the Inquisition was passed through diplomatic channels to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Empire and quickly relayed to the royal family via a delegate from the Ministry.

“What do you want?”

“We request a swift and thorough investigation. Given the nature of the issue, the cult is fully willing to cooperate with the Kien Empire’s investigation, sir.”

“Your Majesty’s approval will be necessary. However, I will inform the Ministry of Defense and the Magic Department for now.”

At the moment when the proposal for a joint investigation by the Inquisition was suggested.

A letter from Archbishop Theodosius was delivered to the Empire’s government.

The letter diligently outlining the news from the north was personally drafted by someone as significant as the archbishop, so it naturally reached the Chancellor’s residence.

Along with the remains of the undead brought by Lucia.

As soon as the corpse of what appeared to be a puppy-sized undead surfaced from the north, both the Ministry of Defense and the Magic Department were thrown into chaos.

With the news that a large-scale incident had occurred in an area under martial law, and that undead had appeared there, the Magic Department was highly alarmed by reports of an individual strongly suspected to be a Necromancer.

Despite the urgent calls for a quick resolution from the cult, the two ministries immediately formed a task force to address the events unfolding in the north.

“We need to send investigators to the north immediately!”

“Listening to the diplomatic channels, it seems a Necromancer or Possessed Person has been sighted in the north. Shouldn’t we call in the Inquisition officers as well?”

“They’ve been dispatched, but all of them have reportedly perished.”

“What? A whole village has simply vanished? While citizens are missing, what was the city government doing?”

“We’ll have to ask the Inquisition for help. This is not a normal situation. Military support is also essential.”

“We need to mobilize combat magicians from other fronts as quickly as possible.”

“Wouldn’t it be better to deploy the special forces from the Reconnaissance Command? That unit is experienced at capturing magicians, right? A Necromancer would die with a bullet in the head.”

Various measures were discussed.

However.

“But pulling in the Inquisition without the royal family’s approval is a bit…”

“The North is where the Duke resides…”

No matter how elite one may be, acting without the Emperor’s consent could turn one into a traitor overnight.

Moreover, the one who effectively governs the North is the Archmage, who is also the Emperor’s aunt, the Duke.

Even though martial law has been declared and the administrative and judicial powers of the North have been transferred to the military administration, that does not mean the Duke’s political position is in jeopardy or that she faces purging.

Yet, who in their right mind would dare to act unilaterally without the consent of the royal family and the Duke?

Obtaining approval from the Emperor or the Duke is also a problem. While the Emperor, living in the palace, isn’t hard to approach, when it comes to the Duke, whose whereabouts are unclear, finding out where she is must come first.

There are rumors that the Duke is residing in her stronghold, but even if those rumors are true, one wonders if she would read letters from officials much younger than herself or grant them visits.

Of course,

We did have a way.

“Who are you? This place is not open to outsiders.”

“I’ve come to deliver a letter to the Duke. It’s urgent.”

“The Duke has prohibited any contact with outsiders and visits from outsiders. While I don’t know who you are, this is getting rude…”

“I am Lucia, the 59th Saint of the Cult. Lives are at stake here, so I must deliver this letter to the Duke.”

Using her authority, Lucia managed to pass on the letter to the Duke.

She pleaded in a polite tone, explaining the circumstances of the incident, what she had witnessed, and requested permission for the Inquisition’s exorcists to enter the North for the sake of tracking down the monk.

And an unexpected result came forth.

“A reply has come…!”

The Duke of the North sent a direct response to Lucia.

The letter contained content allowing the forces of the Inquisition to enter the North on behalf of the authority delegated from the royal family to conduct an investigation.

At the same time, letters bearing the Duke’s seal were sent to the Chancellor’s residence and various government departments.

The letter contained a message permitting the use of any means necessary to resolve the issues occurring in the North, stating that she would take responsibility herself, allowing the matter of receiving the royal family’s approval to be put on hold for the time being.

“I never expected the Duke to actually reply.”

“The letter was written by the Lady herself.”

“Honestly, I expected she wouldn’t even read it. From what I’ve heard from the Archbishop and the priests of the diocese… even the customary letters asking about well-being on important days were all returned to the Cathedral. I worried this would be the same.”

Word has it that this event has caught the Cult and even Empire officials off guard.

It’s remarkable that the Archmage, who once fought tooth and nail against the Cult, responded to a letter from a priestess, let alone a Saint.

“Honestly. These magicians… What would you have done if they hadn’t accepted the letter?”

“I would have just pushed past anyone blocking the way and gone to the stronghold to meet her directly.”

“…….”

Regardless, with the Duke’s approval—which grants power comparable to the Emperor’s in the North—everything began to progress swiftly.

The Empire dispatched a large investigative unit to the North, and the Cult supported the Inquisition with personnel and resources. While the exorcists were yet to arrive, the Inquisition received ample support to ensure they did not feel lacking.

In the meantime, I visited my colleagues.

“What happened yesterday? You suddenly stopped responding.”

“Camila. For the time being, avoid the frontlines and move to the rear. No, you can move your things later, just get in the car quickly.”

“Why? Did something happen?”

“I’ll explain on the way. And you still have the item I gave you, right?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s find just one person. I’ll describe their appearance, so keep an eye out.”

Camila.

“Oh, you’re here? How did it go? Was the information given by the Palm Tree Trade Guild accurate?”

“It was correct, but I’m not sure how accurate. By the way, Francesca, could you take a look at this?”

“Why are you suddenly taking off your clothes…?”

“…….”

“…What exactly happened to you?”

“I got stabbed, and it’s become like this. The wound is rotting after just one day; do you have any way to treat it?”

“It’s not a common occurrence, but… it’s not impossible to treat. First, I need to assess your condition, so lie down. Explain what happened.”

Francesca.

She was the one who killed four Inquisition Officers in one blow and wiped an entire village off the map. If she’s behind the terror, murder, or rift attacks, there’s a significant chance she’ll target Camila, Lucia, or Francesca.

I moved the two to a safe location. I was also looking into whether there was a way to treat the wound without Lucia’s help.

It won’t be easy, but since Francesca mentioned she might have a solution, I figured it was worth holding out hope.

Everything proceeded rapidly.

With the Duke’s permission now granted, there was no need to tiptoe around or face obstacles anymore.

Thus, on the surface, it appeared that everything was wrapping up without any major conflicts.

However.

Just like in every twist of fate.

Problems arise from the most unexpected places.

*

“…No. Francesca. What did you just say?”

“The Magic Tower is pushing back. Specifically, from the personnel dispatched to the North…”

“Excuse me?”

“They say they cannot allow the Cult to conduct an investigation in the North.”

“God damn it.”

 

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