Capital City II-2

"Got it. No matter how much they provoke you, don't lose your temper—just play along. And don't forget to check in at the designated time!"

I lectured Noel with a firm tone.

"I've got it, don't worry."

Though I was concerned, Noel cheerfully dashed off.

Now it's our turn to act.

Alek is our突击 contingency, ready in case anything goes wrong.

As for me, I kept track of Noel's mana signature.

I don't know how far I can go, but I'll keep watching to make sure Noel doesn't show any abnormalities.

To my surprise, Noel returned shortly afterward.

"Something like, 'Come at the specified time,' and that was it—nothing unusual happened."

"Did anything else happen?"

"Hmm, I took a skill test. Since I'm good with swords, I showed off my sword techniques. That's all."

"Her abilities are exceptionally high. Perhaps they decided it was better to leave her as she is, rather than forcibly fusing her with a magic stone."

She's surprisingly calm about this.

Not everyone gets a magic stone implanted, then.

"Yeah, after that, I'm supposed to serve in the training grounds and certain facilities."

"I see..."

I look at Noelle.

"Great! We can just pretend to use the facilities and do our investigation instead!"

"I haven't said anything yet."

"I don't need to say it—I already know about you. So... what now?"

"Sorry, but it's risky. I'll rely on you."

"Leave it to me!"

Noelle immediately begins investigating the training grounds and other facilities.

I can't leave this entirely to Noelle—once night falls, we'll take additional action.

Using a light crystal, I gradually dim my own brightness.

If a magic stone can brighten things, I thought it might also be possible to absorb light and grow dark.

As expected, the room grew unusually dim.

At night, if you look closely at the castle's outer walls, you'll notice certain areas that are darker.

Taro.

Absorbing surrounding light and moving through shadows.

Even if he passes right in front of dazed guards on duty, they won't notice him.

He was blended into the darkness so completely it was as if he had vanished.

I never thought it would go this smoothly...

Thanks to Noel, I have information about the area surrounding the castle. I can conduct my on-site investigation with precision, eliminating waste.

Once night falls, the castle's interior lights go out, making it easy to move around.

In fact... this is basically the exact behavior of a thief.

I thoroughly explore the castle's interior. Still, there's a limit to how long I can search, and there are a few places I simply can't reach no matter what.

For example, the residential area, including the royal quarters.

The royal quarters are always guarded and under constant surveillance. In such conditions, approaching them is impossible. The residential area is simply too crowded—there's no way I can deceive so many people's eyes.

Moreover, my goal isn't to attack people.

On the contrary.

I must ensure that many people survive, and that they come to realize this battle is utterly reckless.

Working with Noel, we carefully search the weapons storage facilities and research sites over the course of several days.

The weapons storage was found quickly, but only regular swords and armor were present—no magical crystals at all.

Only the underground detention facility remains. Breaking in there would be extremely difficult.

"Well, what should we do...?"

"It's simple. Give me one day. I'll prepare everything."

Saying that, Alex left the hideout at dawn.

When night fell, everyone at the hideout stared in shock, mouths agape.

Alex had changed from bright blonde hair to dull black.

"What the hell... are you doing?"

"What do you mean? I dyed my hair. Can't you see?"

"I can see that, but why did you do it?"

"Simple. It's disguise. My appearance has changed, don't you see? I'm going to cause some chaos now."

"You can't be serious—trying to break in underground like this!"

It's not safe, young master. The secret facility beneath the kingdom is haunted by terrible rumors. They say it's been used for endless human experiments. Those imprisoned there never return alive.

Greg stood before Alex, his face twisted with urgency.

Please calm down. Who said anyone would go alone?

As he said that, Alek looked at me.

I don’t intend to let you die. You can trust me with this.

Yes, I’m counting on you.

Noel waited by the exit, having gathered all the magic stones for everyone, ready to make a quick escape.

Incidentally, Greg was coming along too.

As the sun began to set...

Alex dramatically wrecked a house that was currently unoccupied.

Civilians quickly arrived and Alex was captured without much resistance. So far, everything was going according to plan.

I absorb the light gathering around me and follow as a shadow.

As planned, I walk down the stairs leading into the facility. Yet being suddenly dragged away without any interrogation feels suspicious.

It's quite dark inside. The structure has two underground levels, and criminals are apparently taken to the lower floor.

Though the first basement level is also concerning, Alex's safety comes first. Being escorted by soldiers, I walk behind Alex.

Descending the stairs, a nearby cage was opened.

Well, this should be about the right spot...

I aim an electric shock from behind the two soldiers holding Alex.

"Wait, you two there..."

Suddenly addressed, I retreat into the darkness.

Fortunately, I don't seem to have been spotted?

The person who called out emerged from the back of the room. Was there a passage somewhere?

The room is too dark to clearly make out their shape.

"Soldiers, please transfer that object to my laboratory. I wish to begin research immediately. No, actually, there's no need—leave it here... right here..."

"But it's far too dangerous..."

"Very well! Or perhaps you'd like to assist me with my research instead?"

"No, my apologies."

The soldier quickly retreated from the scene.

In contrast, the figure slowly approached.

It's been a while, hasn't it? Since the Forbidden Forest, right? Alek, and Lord Taro.

Babylonian Neumann.