Chapter 74: Magic Eyes

The room of a hotel in Geneva held four extermination affiliates: Japan, Russia, China, and the Sanctuary Knights (Sanctuary Knights). They’d gathered to confirm final decisions regarding the extermination of the Dragon in England.

"I’m joining the extermination. That’s why I’m here."

My words, and then Wang (Wang)—

"I’m going too! I’m curious how strong the Dragon really is!"

"Russia will participate. I can offer advice, I suppose."

Hmm... Honestly, I didn’t want you here...

"As I said in the meeting, the Sanctuary Knights (Sanctuary Knights) officially join the extermination effort."

A UN official summarized each nation’s stance.

"Thus, the Sanctuary Knights (Sanctuary Knights) will lead this extermination. We’ll also coordinate with national militaries. Important details will be relayed later."

With general agreement reached, the meeting dispersed.

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"For now, we’ll just wait here at the hotel. They’ll handle the specific plan. We’ll stay quiet and patient."

As Sakuragi said, I relaxed and spent the day lounging at the hotel.

The next day, we were summoned to the Geneva office. There, the Sanctuary Knights (Sanctuary Knights) and military officers waited. Leo stepped up onto the podium in the conference room.

"This operation will fully involve the NATO Rapid Response Force. General Hansen of the Army and General Gerhardt of the Air Force from the Rapid Response Force are here with us today."

General Hansen, introduced earlier, pulled out thick files and began explaining into the microphone. A projector stood at the front of the room, casting a map of Britain onto the screen behind it.

"First, our objectives in conquering Britain are several. One is locating and rescuing high-profile individuals—members of the royal family, politicians, that sort of thing! The other is finding and eliminating the Dragon's 'Leader.' Rescuing key figures is possible, but since dragons are running rampant, it's too risky. So locating the 'Leader' takes priority."

Hansen pointed at London on the screen.

"The strongest possibility for the Leader's location is London. It's said to have the worst damage and the most powerful dragons. We don’t have much intel, but one thing’s certain—there’s a place known as the 'Abyssal Hole.' We’ll focus our search around that area."

"What if we don’t find it?"

The Russian team’s Leader asked. Hansen adjusted his pointer and continued.

"In that case, we change our objective. We head north into Ireland and begin searching for key figures. If possible, we’ll rescue them."

"Wait—how exactly are we supposed to land in London? Use a ship!?!"

The Wang asked. Fair question. Flying in from above is too dangerous. Crossing the sea? Probably just as hard... I could teleport there in an instant, but that’s not exactly on the plan...

"We’ll use a submarine."

"A submarine?"

"No dragons have been confirmed moving underwater. It’s currently the safest route."

Yeah, that’s probably the smartest move... If we all die before reaching London, what’s the point?

"Operation starts tomorrow night. Details on roles will follow. That’s all."

Once the soldier’s explanation ended, a plump middle-aged man grabbed the microphone.

“Now, now—everyone, thank you so much. Tonight, we’re holding a little ‘farewell party’ for all of you, the ones who’ll make history tomorrow. It’ll be at the Esperance Hotel. Please come.”

“…Wait, who’s that?”

I asked Sakuragi.

“The sponsor of the Sanctuary Knights. The company that’s invested the most… uh… I think his name was Salman.”

“So that’s him… Still, ‘farewell party’? Doesn’t that seem a little too relaxed?”

“Probably trying to pitch the Sanctuary Knights to high-ups and the media. Salman’s one of Europe’s richest men—he wants to use them in post-war business, I bet.”

So they’re already acting like this mission’s a done deal? It’s an S-rank Britain, for crying out loud… not exactly a walk in the park…

“What do we do? Should we go?”

“Don’t really feel like it… but…”

If we talk to them, we might learn more about the Gacha… Yeah, I guess we’ll go.

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Esperance Hotel—

There were way more people than I expected. Politicians, businessmen, journalists, UN officials, military officers—packed in. Just like Sakuragi said—this was basically a debut party for the Sanctuary Knights, the new heroes.

“Now, first, let’s welcome Mr. Salman.”

Salman stepped onto the stage with a broad grin.

"Ah, ah, thank you all so much. The Sanctuary Knights—the knights who’ve received tremendous support from you, esteemed businesspeople and politicians here today—are now striving to save the world. Thinking back to the Day of Calamity... uh... uh..."

The speech went on and on, but I ignored it and kept eating the Viking-style food.

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While chatting with Freyja, someone called out from behind.

"Leo! I’ve got tons of people I want you to meet. Come on, join us."

This was routine—being dragged along for Salman’s business stuff. But everyone, starting with Freyja, clearly disliked Salman and turned their eyes away.

"Salman-san, I understand. I’ll come with you."

"Leo, I’m counting on you—but lately, you’ve been getting a bit too full of yourself. Johann in Dresden was complaining. Keep it in check, now."

"Apologies."

Just as we were about to leave, another voice called out.

"Leo’s husband’s back, you know."

"Oh? You’re here, Gres?"

"Kekkeke, the whole Canadian team pulled out. Now we’re finally complete."

"Quick question—can I count on you? I need you to assess the superpowered people gathered here. No dead weight—leave the useless ones behind."

"Consider it done."

Gres vanished into the crowd.

"What’s he like?"

"Gres Stingler—our team’s member. He’s got a special skill called 'Magic Eye.' Can perfectly assess anyone or anything."

"Magic Eye... so he can weed out useless people? Huh. Sharp move, Leo. That’s exactly why we invested. Now that’s what I call a smart investment!"

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Alright, first up—China’s Wang. Heard he’s got a thing for you, huh... Found the Wang chatting with Chinese officials in a corner of the venue.

Well well, what do we have here…?

Ah, so that’s how it is—three职业 skills, just as expected… they say the more职业 skills you have, the stronger you get.

Right now, Leo’s husband has the most job skills—five of them. Next is Freyja with four… nothing above that’s been confirmed, so three should be plenty, right?

That Liu next to me’s a monk too, with a high level… and three职业 skills? Not as strong as Wang, but still pretty tough. Should be fine taking these two along.

Next up, the Russians...? Scanning the five big guys...

What the—?! This level of stats... even non-superpowered idiots are out here! They’re telling me these guys took down the Leader? That’s a lie. Good thing I checked first. If I’d brought them along, they’d be dead before we even got started...!

Last one’s the mage from Japan... heard they go by the nickname "Great Mage," the Firestorm Sorcerer... upper-class job, so they could have three or so职业 skills, no surprise there...

Found a table with Japanese people. The woman with small glasses caught my eye—gave her a quick scan. Another talent user… “Explorer,” huh. Just a low level though. The one next to her—must be the mage from before, completely absorbed in eating that Viking’s cooking.

I gave that guy a once-over—

"………?"