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static crackling came from the old radio.

Like a radio picking up the wrong frequency, the static carried a subtle eeriness, and a sinister voice continued without pause.

– “…Magician. I know you’ve appeared here. What are you doing?”

A dark, ominous wavelength swept through the air, and the echoing unsettling noise carried a malicious tone.

– “There are tens of thousands of Apostles in this land, and yet you remain isolated. Your brothers, whom you drove out, will soon find you.”

– “Magician, Priest, Soldier, Police. Unbelievers with closed eyes and ears, worshipping idols. The time has come to attain the glory of cognition. You encourage and enlighten the countless ignorant fools. Embrace death and resurrection, lift the veil of ignorance, and truly repent to enjoy peace.”

– “The Lord endures your confessions, but do not dare test His mercy.”

On the cusp of a malevolent curse and chilling noise, I took a step back, having caught a faint signal.

The tarpaulin covering the window fluttered as a gust of wind rushed in, and a blinding white light pierced through the desert’s darkness, coloring the surroundings.

“…….”

Amidst the swirling light, I set aside my keffiyeh and offered a greeting.

“You took your time, Ibrahim.”

“I got held up at the border. Are you ready?”

“Let’s go. I’ll guide you to Necropolis.”

Episode 17 – The Tree That Drinks Blood

After our infiltration was exposed, the external security tightened to an almost unrecognizable degree compared to before.

However, the internal vigilance remained at a regular level. As long as we could slip into the city without being monitored, there was a low chance of getting caught up in trouble.

I utilized the secret passage that Joaquin had informed me about to avoid a ground checkpoint.

It was a hole made by some magicians from Necropolis to bypass the cumbersome entry procedures, a path only known to a few, thus minimizing the risk of being discovered.

“This is a temporary base established to evade the eyes of the cult. It may be inconvenient, but please bear with it.”

Members of the Order of the Holy Knights observed the dilapidated house with peculiar expressions.

It seemed they were not too thrilled about being assigned a rundown place as their shelter. Even I recognized that it looked like a beggar’s shack.

“No problem. We just need to retrieve our targets and then we can leave.”

“I’ll hand over the necessary documents to you right away.”

“Thank you. But may I ask one question?”

“Yes, what is it?”

“Who is that person?”

Ibrahim pointed to Joaquin, who was sprawled out on the floor.

The stench of burnt herbs lingered in the air, and the peeling wallpaper reeked of mold, while the drugged-up magician lay on a mattress of unknown origin.

“He’s a local resident helping us, but there’s no need to mind him. Just leave him be; he manages on his own.”

I led Ibrahim further inside.

An old table layered with dust sat under the faint light of a lamp, as wisps of dust drifted lazily in the air.

“I’ve located the cult’s position,” I said.

Maps, documents, and a few photographs were laid out on the table.

“That’s good news. Did you also find the blood of Lucia?”

“I don’t know the exact location, but it seems the cult has it.”

According to reconnaissance, the tracking device set by the Sanya Warlord had not shown any movement yet.

Ibrahim asked, “Do you have any evidence?”

“There are indications that the cult is looking for magic power storage devices. It seems they’ve purchased blood containment magical tools from a broker, similar to their specifications.”

I tapped on the reconnaissance report of the Necropolis merchants noted on the info sheet.

“To prevent damage to the blood, magical tools are essential. Searching for a storage device means there’s a reason for needing to preserve the blood long-term.”

The commander of the Order of the Holy Knights, while looking over the photographs, continued to speak.

“If the cult’s objective is long-term preservation, they won’t be staying here for too long. They might leave as soon as they secure the storage device.”

I shared a similar thought.

One thing I was glad about was that they haven’t obtained a compatible storage device yet. And that the Order of the Holy Knights had arrived in Necropolis.

“They won’t get far anyway.”

I pulled out a cigarette and flicked my lighter.

“Let’s first set up a plan.”

*

The cleanup operation was about to commence.

The operation area was the Ash Tree Alley in Necropolis, known as the harbor of dead whales.

The goals were the retrieval of Lucia’s blood and the elimination of the cultists.

These two were our objectives.

“First, I need to share some information you should know.”

Before establishing a plan, I passed on crucial information to Ibrahim. It was essential knowledge for the mission.

“Ash Tree Alley is an area densely populated by cultists. Most of the religious groups residing in Necropolis are based there, and given their nature, they’re hostile toward the church.”

In other words, to recover the blood, we’d have to step into a hostile environment.

Ibrahim showed no signs of concern. Fighting in a cult’s den wasn’t new for the Order of the Holy Knights, naturally enough.

“Well, if you say so, I have no objections. But we’ve run into issues during the information-gathering process.”

“What kind of problems are you referring to?”

“Our activities have been detected by another cult.”

I replied honestly. I had been exposed to the identity of an informant while trying to gather the location of the cult by contacting the Abyssal Devourer.

Of course, I had to hide the fact that Francesca was my informant, so I spun the tale that Joaquin was the one who got caught.

With a thoughtful stroke of his beard, Ibrahim continued.

“Hmm, if your identity has been exposed, the faction known as the Abyssal Devourer might interfere. Are you monitoring them too?”

“We are keeping an eye on them. Thankfully, there hasn’t been any notable movement so far.”

“Then let’s proceed with the operation.”

Ibrahim insisted on discreetly exterminating the cultists and retrieving the blood. However, I disagreed.

The Abyssal Devourer was a major cult that had possibly caught wind of Francesca’s infiltration. Even though I had also gathered unnecessary information to obscure our true intent, one could never know what could go wrong.

“What if the Abyssal Devourer notices us entering a building and attacks? It’s not just them; cultists are strewn everywhere. If we enter without a backup, we could get completely surrounded.”

As I pressed the need for additional forces to support the Order of the Holy Knights, Ibrahim slowly unfolded his arms.

Of course, Ibrahim must have devised strategies for scenarios where they could be surrounded by cultists. But unexpected situations always transcend expectations.

He seemed to find validity in my argument, as he pondered over the map and eventually posed a question.

“Alright then, let’s go with that. But where will we recruit this backup?”

-Bright!

A light burst forth from a building abandoned in the desert. A man burdened with a duffel bag emerged amid the scattering blue magic.

I relaxed my arms, pushed off the wall, and spoke.

“You’re early, Matt.”

“I teleported the moment I got your message. It was cheap, so now I’m feeling a bit queasy.”

“Take that up with the R&D department. I’m not responsible for magic research, the researchers are. Anyway, it’s nice to see you. Any issues with Asen and Sanya?”

“Only that Asen Warlord’s shelling in the city killed dozens of civilians. But that’s the usual stuff.”

Matt, dressed in civilian clothes, wore a nonchalant expression. Complaining about the performance of company-issued magical tools, he looked around as he walked.

Following behind were the members of the operations team. They had flown in via the teleportation magic circle in response to my support request, effectively becoming the backup for the Order of the Holy Knights.

Thus, people gathered in the shabby abandoned building of Necropolis.

“I’m Ibrahim.”

“Matthew.”

Matt and Ibrahim exchanged simple handshakes.

The operations team members moved into a room to unpack, while a soldier from the Holy Knights, upon taking out a holy book, began to recite prayers, establishing a barrier to obstruct sight and muffling sounds.

Though we were all strangers, our purpose for being there was clear. The information agents and the soldiers avoided each other’s gazes as they focused on their respective tasks, while I explained everything to Matt and Ibrahim.

The positions and numbers of the cultists, the detection magical tools activated by the tracker, the testimonies from nearby merchants and residents, and the general information provided by the Abyssal Devourer on potential risks.

“Are you saying an informant got exposed to the Abyssal Devourer?”

“Yeah. More accurately, they were a collaborator….”

A sudden scream erupted from behind.

“AHHH-!”

Joaquin sprang up with a shriek. The members of the operations team who were unpacking reached for their holsters, and the Holy Knights standing nearby were startled.

Attempting to leap out of his makeshift bedding, Joaquin flailed and wildly crawled across the floor before sticking himself to the wall, pointing a finger at the Holy Knights.

“Ahh, ahhh—! W-Why are the Holy Knights here! Oh no, the locals! Francesca! We’re doomed! We have to run right now!”

“…….”

“What’s that person doing? We have a noise barrier set up.”

“Let him have his fun,” I waved dismissively.

Joaquin was busy grabbing at the rusty door in a panic, trying to force it open. He pushed against a door that needed pulling to open—like it would budge. He must still be under the influence of drugs.

As the soldiers and information agents blinked at the sight of the wild magician rampaging through the abandoned house, a meeting was still ongoing at the table. I was marking the target path on the map, while Ibrahim and Matt checked the building design and photos, coordinating the operation.

“It’s impossible to approach Ash Tree Alley on foot. The Walpurgisnacht festival starts this evening, and all routes will be under the control of crowds and the host. However, it seems we can easily navigate to our target location through the sewers.”

“Both the front and back doors look sturdy; how are we going to breach them? Do we have explosives?”

“We do have breaching explosives prepared. Also, we have cutters and torches.”

“We’ll position a sniper team on the roof of the tall building here. We should be able to observe the inner courtyard and up to the second and third floors.”

“We’ll monitor the outer perimeter along the cultists’ wall, and the infiltration team will split into two to enter the building. For convenience, let’s designate the buildings within the target area as Building A and Building B….”

*

As late afternoon arrived, the abandoned house grew even more eerie.

The Order of the Holy Knights and the operations team took their respective rooms to rest. They cleared away some dust and trash, using their gear and helmets as makeshift pillows to catch some sleep.

Every now and then, footsteps echoed in the hallway, slowly fading away before the sound of a door closing echoed from a distance.

“…….”

One of the information agents came back from emptying a PET bottle of urine. I recognized the face briefly and nodded in greeting.

“Is it noisy….”

Car stepping sounds stirred up Kair, who frowned irritably, awakening from his light slumber.

Even when urged to go back to his room, he claimed he preferred the cramped space and wormed his way into an abandoned wardrobe, suggesting he wasn’t getting a good night’s sleep due to the commotion.

I cautiously muted my own sounds as I stepped outside. With a beastman with sensitive senses around, I had no choice but to go outside to light a cigarette.

“Hah….”

The smoke rose in the underground city.

I slid a cigarette into the grip of my rifle and exhaled the smoke towards the shade.

“You should really consider quitting smoking.”

“…….”

“It’s a very harmful substance for your health.”

Francesca, who had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, said with a smiling face, concerned for my health.

“Shouldn’t you be advising a friend of yours instead? Since you’re no stranger to drugs yourself.”

“The Colonel might not know, but cigarettes are much more harmful than marijuana.”

I paused mid-drag and let out a hollow laugh.

“Has Joaquin finally calmed down?”

“Yes. He seemed quite shocked upon seeing the Holy Knights and after drinking some cold water, he has regained his composure.”

“What’s he doing now?”

“Probably enjoying his personal time?”

Which meant he was likely smoking some weed.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the absurdity of it—the sight of him smoking weed while looking at the Holy Knights, wondering if he still had his wits about him.

Perhaps he was trying to celebrate being brought back to life by lighting one up.

“Is it tonight? The ambush on the cultists?”

“We’ll head out at 21:00. We should arrive at the site by around midnight at the latest.”

“Are you going too, Colonel?”

Francesca, who had softly sat beside me, asked.

It wasn’t a mere question of curiosity; her voice hinted at mild concern more than curiosity.

“I must go.”

As I responded, she returned the question.

“Why?”

Her head tilted slightly in question, curiosity evident in her eyes.

“With the Holy Knights moving, I don’t see why it would be unnecessary for you to accompany us. Isn’t that contradictory to what you initially said?”

“…….”

“Is there something else behind your reasons?”

“What are you asking?”

A faint smile, difficult to discern if it was bitter or genuine, started to form. Her narrow eyes tilted, creating a pleasant smile, her lips slightly curving.

It felt as if her graceful face smiled silently, which made me think it might be a fabricated smile.

How long did I wait?

After a brief, deep breath, she finally spoke with an anxious expression.

“Colonel and Saint.”

“…….”

“What is the relationship between the two of you?”

*

“Team Leader, we’ve finished preparation.”

Matt nodded at the operations team members.

“This side is all ready. How about you?”

“The same.”

The troops of the Order of the Holy Knights Unit 92541 checked their gear.

Some extended their arms behind them to ensure they still had the cutters, while others pulled the charging handle to see if their cartridges were properly loaded.

The operations team members followed suit.

Handing over a loaded pistol, they equipped their communication devices with precision, preparing for the operation.

The colleague who was placing the weapon was taken away, and the agent, tightening his bulletproof vest, pressed the lights and checked their main arms.

“Kair?”

The Beastman, locking the waterproof gun pouch, perked up his ears in response.

Kair, equipped with ammo and grenades, lifted the heavy gun pouch.

“It’s done.”

Kair flipped the cloth and stuffed the ammo in. It was a clip for the Kien Empire’s automatic rifle.

It was not the old, moldy clip but a new model. The old, heavy automatic rifle had now transformed into a submachine gun, and the Kien Empire Special Forces uniform replaced the traditional attire of the Mauritania Continent.

Matt, looking around at the team members disguised as Kien Empire soldiers, nodded. After chatting with Ibrahim, he began to glance around.

“Where’s Colonel Frederick?”

“Right here.”

His head turned toward the voice that came from afar.

Having just come out of the abandoned house, Frederick was coming down the stairs. He was casually walking while wearing a bulletproof vest over his uniform, holding a shortened rifle.

“Is there something wrong?”

Matt, putting on his gloves, asked with a puzzled look, and Frederick replied.

“Nothing.”

“Then what about those people?”

Matt’s finger pointed upwards.

There was a small commotion coming from the direction of the abandoned house. A magician wearing a cape exited the front door, and Joaquin, burdened with items in both hands, shouted something behind him, but the magician didn’t turn back.

“…….”

Frederick, staring blankly at the scene, turned his head. Adjusting the chin strap of his bulletproof vest, he casually replied.

“I asked them to leave the city. Those two will be waiting on the ground with the Nymph.”

“Why?”

“Is there any need for non-combat personnel to remain on-site?”

His tone implied that he couldn’t fathom another reason.

Pouting, Matt shrugged. It meant he didn’t care what decisions were made, just do as you like.

Frederick, wearing a bulletproof helmet, began to guide them down a secluded alley.

After a 15-minute walk, they arrived at a deep corner of the back alleys. Ripping through the dense bushes and clearing away the trash and debris piled up to their waists,

the sewer, hidden beneath the city’s waste, finally revealed itself.

Click, the light began to shine into the darkness. Frederick, stepping into the sewer while stepping on the stagnant water, crouched and looked back.

“Let’s hurry. No time to waste.”

Kair, jumping in place, received the waterproof gun pouch and followed Frederick inside.

Matt and Ibrahim followed suit, and soon, members of the Order of the Holy Knights and the Operations Team’s Information Officers entered the sewer.

Finally, when the rear guard that had just entered pulled aside the bushes on both sides to cover the entrance.

Over the discarded trash and debris, faint noises began to blend and echo together.

*

“Hey! Hey! Stop right there!”

The Beastman, licking the bottom of an ice cream cone, looked startled at the sudden shout.

“No, just listen to me!”

“…….”

“I’m gonna die like this! How on earth is your stamina so good…!”

The usual image of fading magic lights was nowhere to be seen. The streets were shining brightly for once.

It should have been a time when people were scarce, with only a few shops lighting up like lighthouses guiding the treacherous sea routes, but today, every shop had its lights on.

Tomorrow was Walpurgis Night, after all.

“Wow!”

“This is freshly made beer! Come quickly and taste it!”

“Hey, guys! Don’t run!”

On the eve of Walpurgis Night, the Necropolis was brimming with festive atmosphere.

Magicians and clergy, Beastmen and humans, Goblins and Orcs. Countless races gathered in the city, flooding the streets to soak in the festive spirit.

A human with bronze skin and traditional attire played an instrument, cards in the palm of a Goblin’s hand disappeared before their eyes, and someone began singing loudly, causing people to dance.

Everyone, without exception, raised their glasses and merrily mingled, which was simply fascinating.

“Huff…!”

While running and gasping for breath, cheerful song melodies reached my ears. Turning my head, I saw a tavern marked by the traces of time.

Tearing off a piece of freshly baked bread, the fragrant steam rose, revealing a soft inside, and as I cautiously brought the rim of the glass close to my mouth, the foam tickled my nose.

After hurriedly wiping the overflowing foam off the icy glass and taking a big gulp, the refreshing beer began to pour down my throat.

“Gah-!”

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Acting all prim and proper about eating rat meat.”

An Orc wiped the foam off his jaw. The Beastman frowned in disgust and then tore into a cave rat roast.

The heat of the greatest festival in the Necropolis, Walpurgis Night, filled the city. Though there was still time left, the city was already immersed in celebration, transforming the spaces of daily life into realms of freedom and indulgence.

Some laughed, some cried.

There were even those who got angry or wore gloomy expressions, but ultimately, everyone wore smiles.

Bright lights set against the backdrop of darkness, the clamor of a bustling crowd. The dramatic contrast of light and shadow,

the streets lit up in a city that had fallen asleep felt as if they were alive and breathing.

The night scene of the late city was breathtakingly beautiful.

“……”

Amidst the pouring lights and noise, faint murmurs began to flicker.

‘Why are you suddenly asking that?’

‘Is it a difficult question to answer?’

‘…….’

‘To be honest, I don’t understand. Why follow the Order of the Holy Knights, why risk our lives to confront the cultists?’

‘…What do you want to say?’

‘Let’s go back.’

‘…….’

‘Come with me to the surface. This isn’t a place for either you or the Colonel, and since the mission has been accomplished, there’s no reason to stay, right? So…’

‘Let’s go ahead. I’ll catch up quickly.’

‘…….’

‘Let’s see from above.’

Breathless whispers escaped her lips.

Francesca, pausing her steps for a moment to catch her breath, let her soft hair fall out of place, and brushing it aside with her hand, she raised her head.

“…….”

What am I doing here right now?

Running like a madwoman, arriving at an unknown place, what was I really trying to do?

How did I even start running, and where was I trying to go? I couldn’t recall the reason I started running in the first place.

Should I go up to the surface and head to the camp? Or should I return to the Magic Tower?

If not, even now,

“Ugh…! Just wait! Why does he keep running…”

Joaquin, panting from a hurried pace, raised his voice.

He looked like a patient on the verge of collapse.

Kneeling on the ground, huffing and puffing, Joaquin regained some composure but started wobbling as he lifted his upper body.

“I think I’m going crazy…. I thought I was going to die! You must want me dead or something.”

“…….”

“I don’t know if I’m really going to die like this. I need to stop taking my meds quickly….”

As Joaquin feigned death, cold glances brushed past him.

Charnoy, having hardly breath left, coughed as if her lungs would pop, shaking her head at the magician.

At that moment, Francesca, who had been standing still like a nailed-down statue, finally spoke.

“Joaquin.”

Joaquin, who had been coughing, finally grasped his senses.

“Y-yes? Did you call me?”

“Let’s go.”

“Where to?”

The Alchemist’s gaze turned to the magician.

The splendid lights, laughter from the crowd, cheerful songs, and a heated atmosphere.

Amid the flickering light, rosy lips began to speak.

*

The joy of the festival spread noisily.

The crystalline lights brightening the city created dancing shadows. Cheers echoed, resonating even in the distant alleys.

That chaotic sound felt as if it resonated from a faraway dream. Distant cheers and laughter stirred hearts as small children, holding hands, dashed towards the lights.

The alley wrapped in darkness seemed almost mystical. Something sparkled under the weak illumination as it emerged from the alley.

“…….”

The form that emerged from the alley began to wiggle.

A shadow slowly moved, as if surveying its surroundings.

Cautiously glancing around, the shadow peeked into the alley and stretched out an arm.

A hand raised high behind its back signaled. It meant the area was secure.

As the signal continued, the people who had been crouched low sprang into action. A team member leaned against a corner while staying alert, watching the balcony and windows of the opposite building, while another, taking cover, aimed at the road.

At that moment, a communications term indicating a specific point had been crossed came through the radio.

“Highpa crossed.”

The manhole cover thudded and rose.

As the sounds of the city’s heartbeat came alive and the sewer opened, the sloshing sound of water echoed softly.

The world seen through the scope was green.

Lasers visible only through night vision flickered across windows and balconies, hiding the members of the Order of the Holy Knights in the shadows where even outlines couldn’t be discerned.

“Move.”

The members of the Order of the Holy Knights, hearing the order, emerged from the shadows and crossed the street. Following them were the Operations Team Information Officers, and lastly, the rear guard.

The process of moving to the target location was extremely cautious.

They must not be discovered by civilians, so talking was prohibited.

Only the team leader could use the radio until they arrived.

No running, and no loud noises were permitted.

Leading soldiers adjusted their steps, their pace shifting from fast to slow as needed.

“Etsera crossed.”

As they got closer to the target, the intervals of radio communication tightened.

Each time Ibrahim crossed a checkpoint, he sent a communication, and his voice was relayed to everyone.

The sound of combat boots crunching on sand and gravel was heard, but neither the information officers nor the team members spoke.

“Sarvat crossed.”

“…….”

Ibrahim’s single word over the radio snapped their focus back.

Tension gripped them like a rubber band stretched to its limit, and as Matt checked around with night vision goggles, he whispered softly.

“These buildings are the ones we saw in the reconnaissance photos. We should be arriving soon.”

I know that.

Every time the gear shook, rattling noises blasted in my ears, and I could hear the sound of gravel and sand being crushed beneath my boots.

A heavy silence hung over Ash Tree Alley. It was at the point when they had moved about 400 meters from the sewer.

“…Halt.”

The lead member of the Order of the Holy Knights signaled and transmitted over the radio. He was someone who hadn’t spoken a word in the last 30 minutes.

Ibrahim and Matt signaled them to crouch low. Cautiously, they turned their gazes.

“…….”

As I looked ahead, I opened my pants pocket. I momentarily set down the rifle hung on my sling and switched on the detector.

“…….”

The detector’s strong light pointed ahead.

I nodded to Ibrahim and Matt. Then Ibrahim signaled his subordinates.

The members of the Order of the Holy Knights, cautiously rising, approached the building.

The three-story building had a typical design for the Necropolis. It wasn’t built of mud like houses in Afghanistan or the Mauritania Continent’s countryside, but,

with high stone walls and three stories, it had a fig tree planted in the courtyard. It looked just as it did in the reconnaissance pictures Kair had taken over the past few days.

“…Huh.”

The team members, nearing the wall, lowered their stances, on high alert. Three members were on the lookout, while one pulled out an object strapped to his gear.

The member approaching the door verified its material.

“Metal door confirmed.”

Then, with skilled hands, he began to set up the device.

Meanwhile, Matt led the Information Officers to bypass to the north.

Among the conversation happening on the commander’s exclusive channel between the two team leaders was just a moment.

The member who had stepped away from the door reported to the commander.

“Setup complete.”

Soon after, a command from Ibrahim came through the channel. “Stand by.”

After putting down the radio, he focused on one of the Order of the Holy Knights members. That member knelt on one knee, praying.

While the soldier with his eyes closed murmured the prayer, a shadow descended from the sky as if colored by water, enveloping the surroundings.

Like a baseball stadium dome.

Once the prayer was finished, the soldier made the sign of the cross.

“The barrier is ready.”

Ibrahim nodded. Then he mumbled something.

I didn’t catch the contents of the radio, but I could sufficiently predict the orders he gave.

The Order of the Holy Knights members leaning against the stone wall turned their heads opposite from the door. The member checking the door also turned his head.

The member holding the device shouted into the radio.

“Blast, blast, blast!”

Click. The blasting device was pressed. Tensed members shut their eyes. The Order of the Holy Knights members lined up against the stone wall all turned their heads, closed their eyes, as the explosive joined with the metal door,

–Kwang ̶ ̶ ̶ ̶ ̶ ̶ !!

 

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