# Chapter 23
—
“The Imperial Army’s Mage Tower. Of the three towers in Arcane, it is the most secretive and sinister place.”
Willet explained as he poured tea.
Arthur took the cup and sipped.
It was such high-quality tea that a refreshing sensation lingered in his mouth.
“Every sort of experiment is conducted there. That includes human experimentation. And Hazes was one of those test subjects, the byproduct of a discarded project.”
“A discarded project? What kind of project was it?”
“In simple terms—it was called the *No Signal Magic Project*. A project to produce pre-engraved magic, without the enlightenment that magicians usually undergo.”
Arthur stroked his chin.
What Willet referred to as “enlightenment” meant the spell world of a magician—
the magical network established within that world.
*‘I heard each magician’s magical network has its own unique structure. That’s why even if it’s the same spell, the incantations differ…’*
And now—
according to Willet, the Imperial Army’s magicians had been experimenting with replicating that personal magical network.
*‘So that’s why Mr. Hazes could recite the same incantations as an Imperial magician. He was using a copied magical network.’*
Had the experiment succeeded, even ordinary people might have been able to use magic.
But of course, the Imperial Army would never have wanted such a world.
It was likely conducted simply to mass-produce magicians.
*‘But since Mr. Hazes escaped, it means the experiment failed… Still, this is unexpected. I didn’t think he’d be entangled with the Empire’s secrets…’*
Among the Imperial Army was Khan Madrid—the very endpoint of this vengeance.
And most likely, the one in charge of that project was Ares Arekis,
a loyal subordinate of Khan Madrid and an army magician.
*‘Since Mr. Hazes’s incantations were exactly the same as Ares Arekis’s from my past life.’*
In that life, Ares had been one of the most troublesome opponents Arthur faced.
As befitted a true magician of the Imperial Army, he conjured countless miracles in an attempt to kill Arthur.
Arthur was highly likely to cross paths with him again in this life as well. Which meant—he was a man who had to die.
*‘To think I’d gain information linked to *that* magician from nothing more than a test job, not even a commission. Jackpot.’*
With that thought, Arthur asked the next question.
“Who commissioned this job?”
“The Imperial Mage Tower did.”
“The Imperial Mage Tower?”
“Yes. They must have been uneasy, knowing that a subject from a discarded project was wandering the streets. Even in a city where money buys anything, human experimentation is still condemned.”
Willet folded his arms, his eyes asking if Arthur had any more questions.
Arthur hesitated, then asked the final one.
“Why was Mr. Hazes kidnapping children for human trafficking?”
“To survive. Fresh organs are quite useful in many places… and those who demand them are usually the big shots of the underworld.”
Willet’s eyes sank low.
“He tried to secure ties with them as an organ supplier to avoid the Mage Tower’s attention. But in the end, he only drew more of it… which is why the commission reached our office.”
“Hm… I see. Complicated circumstances.”
“That’s all I can tell you. I’ve said everything I know.”
“Thank you, Master Willet. You’ve cleared up my doubts.”
Arthur bowed politely.
Willet, watching, suddenly spoke.
“I have one question too. May I?”
“Yes, of course.”
“How did you know Hazes was using the Imperial Army magician’s incantations?”
Arthur smiled.
“I’ve met him before. That’s how I remembered. He was strong… and troublesome.”
At that, Willet let out a hollow laugh.
The Imperial Army’s magicians—strong and troublesome?
That was undeniably true.
A magician of that caliber was called a “true magician.” Given time, one could face an entire army single-handed.
*‘If he survived an encounter with such a magician, it can only mean one of two things: he was one of them, or he was stronger than one.’*
And if Donn’s words were to be believed, the man before him was closer to the latter.
That was why Willet’s gaze on Arthur was no longer just wary—deep curiosity glimmered there.
At that moment, Arthur rose from his seat.
“Mm… Master Willet, may I take my leave now?”
“…Leaving is your choice. But are you truly not going to read the contract?”
“No. If it still bothers you, I’ll come back tomorrow and look it over again.”
Willet nodded slowly.
Arthur was just reaching for the doorknob when a forgotten memory resurfaced.
“Ah! The children Mr. Hazes had captured—I left them at a nearby general store. About eight of them. Please look after them. You could even place them in the orphanage you run.”
—
—
A test he had taken lightly.
But what he gained was far more than expected.
Not only insights into the city’s underbelly, but also the secret of one of the men he absolutely had to kill.
Arthur nodded in satisfaction.
*‘Being a mercenary was the right choice. To gain so much from the very first job.’*
His main reason for coming to this city had been to collect bloodlines of good quality.
But that didn’t mean he intended to blindly hoard blood.
This, the largest city in the world, concentrated enormous wealth and manpower—and among them were those few individuals Arthur had to kill in this life.
*‘And one of them is Ares Arekis… Khan Madrid’s subordinate magician. And I’ve already found his traces?’*
That alone made yesterday’s results immensely satisfying, reaffirming his judgment as correct.
*‘Becoming a mercenary really was the right call. Already I’m gaining such information.’*
But not everything had been positive.
Arthur tapped his fingers, recalling yesterday’s battle.
The results were good—but in truth, it had not gone entirely in his favor.
*‘If not for Mr. Gnome’s help, Hazes’s magic would have electrocuted me.’*
That reminded him again of the need for a new bloodline.
And also—the need for new weapons.
*‘Relying solely on a sword… has its limits. Especially against magicians like Hazes. Which means, what I need is… a good gun.’*
For those without mana, guns were deadlier than swords, capable of ranged attacks, and easy to carry.
He had made good use of them in the past life, and they would surely prove useful again.
Since he could not yet unleash sword aura, a firearm could cover that weakness to some degree.
With that thought, Arthur decided to visit an armory before heading to *Manners Make the Man* tailor shop.
It was a place he had relied on in his past life—stocked with fine-quality guns.
Recalling that, he opened the door. The shopkeeper, who had been dozing, opened his eyes.
“Here to buy, or just to look?”
“To buy.”
The shopkeeper’s eyes swept over Arthur—
a masked face, wearing high-end luxury clothing.
Noticing the unusual attire, his demeanor shifted.
“What type are you looking for, sir?”
“What type?”
“Yes. For horseback riding or target shooting. In that case, those rifles over there aren’t bad. Or, if it’s just a hobby, these pistols crafted by a master are good too.”
Arthur shook his head.
“Not that sort. Don’t you have something else?”
“Hmm… then tell me the purpose. If I know that, I can pick the right one.”
Arthur snapped his fingers.
“For killing people.”
“…?”
“So it needs strong firepower, a large magazine. Most of all, something that won’t break easily. Do you have that sort of gun?”
The shopkeeper blinked.
“…Are you joking?”
“No, I’m serious.”
“…Are you from the backstreets?”
“Yes. A mercenary.”
The shopkeeper sighed, scratching his head. Then, with a new attitude, said:
“Do mercenaries these days all wear luxury brands like that?”
Arthur shrugged. The shopkeeper muttered as he turned away.
“You have enough money?”
“Mm… probably?”
“Well, with clothes like that, it’d be odd if you didn’t. Follow me.”
Arthur followed him deeper inside.
There, unlike the guns on display outside, dozens of weapons with a far deadlier air awaited.
The shopkeeper pulled one from the wall and handed it over.
“This one’s new. A shotgun. Small magazine, but insane firepower. If you hit properly, it’ll grind anyone into minced meat.”
Arthur examined it carefully.
“Looks good… but it’s too big.”
“Not portable enough?”
“Yes. Something smaller?”
The shopkeeper stroked his chin.
“There are smaller ones with both strong firepower and large magazines.”
“Oh? Can I see?”
“You can, but you won’t be able to buy it.”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s ridiculously expensive.”
“….”
“It has auxiliary enchantments. Designed for military officers. Rare and costly. Honestly, I don’t recommend it. There’s little profit in selling it anyway.”
Arthur thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers.
“Can I see it? After all that talk, I’m curious.”
“…Fine. But once you see it, you won’t want anything else. It’s that good.”
The shopkeeper rummaged, then brought out a jewel box.
“Open it.”
Arthur slowly lifted the lid.
Inside lay a sleek pistol radiating faint magical energy.
*‘Just like Mr. Frakil’s ring… An artifact?’*
Though weaker than Frakil’s ring, it was still undeniably an artifact.
Arthur picked it up with anticipation. At once, the magic within responded to him, emitting a soft glow.
As Arthur’s lips curved in amusement at the strange sensation, the shopkeeper eagerly explained:
“It’s enchanted with \[Magazine Enhancement], \[Power Increase], and most importantly, \[Aiming Assist]. Not enough for the rank of luxury artifact, but still the best you can get on the market. Rumor has it, even a novice turns into a killer with this in hand…”
Arthur cut him off.
“I’ll take it. It looks good. Multiple enchantments too.”
“…Did you not hear what I said?”
“I heard.”
“Then do you not understand how absurdly expensive it is? Just pick another. This one breaks easily, low durability. You’ll spend a fortune and it won’t last—”
Arthur cut him off again—not with words, but with a stack of gold coins.
The shopkeeper’s eyes widened.
“Will this be enough?”
After a moment of silence, the shopkeeper glanced again at Arthur’s luxury attire.
Then he smirked and bowed deeply.
“The case is complimentary, sir. Thank you for choosing our armory.”
—
—
Leaving the shop, Arthur hummed to himself as he headed for *Manners Make the Man*.
*‘Didn’t expect it, but I’ve ended up with an incredible gun.’*
He had spent a fair amount, but it wasn’t a burden.
Compared to the allowance Yonel gave him every month, it was just six months’ worth spent in advance.
*‘Weapon secured… Now all that’s left is a bloodline. Time to acquire a usable one soon…’*
Thinking so, Arthur pushed open the door to *Manners Make the Man*.
Willet, reading the newspaper, glanced up.
“Early today. You must be short on money?”
“…Excuse me?”
“People in this line are usually lazy. If someone moves this diligently, it’s because they need money.”
Arthur chuckled.
*‘Still testing me. But I don’t need money…’*
By then, Willet had closed his newspaper and locked the door.
Gesturing for Arthur to follow, he said:
“Business is usually discussed downstairs. Come along.”
Arthur followed him down, into a hidden underground space.
It resembled a bar, where several people sat drinking at tables.
They appeared to be Willet’s contracted mercenaries—some of them clearly extraordinary.
*‘Oh… 5th circle magicians. And even some who can unleash sword aura? As expected of Master Willet’s problem-solvers.’*
In this line of work, mercenaries capable of wielding sword aura were extremely rare.
Such people usually took comfortable knightly posts.
Soon, Willet led Arthur into a back office and handed him some documents.
“There are three commissions available now.”
Arthur took them as Willet pointed to one and said:
“This is the one I recommend. Easy, simple, and won’t waste your time.”
—
