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Outside the window, the lightning storm that had been flashing relentlessly just moments ago had subsided, revealing the remains of a mansion.

Since Jenny had been observing from a considerable distance, she couldn’t discern the precise magic that Lennok had employed within. Nevertheless, she could make an educated guess about the extent of his remarkable feats.

This was owing to her significant collaboration with the wizard named Van and her dedicated cultivation of her own magical intuition.

Blindly obeying orders and merely carrying out tasks will never sustain a strong long-term relationship.

Understanding minor yet vital details such as the working environment and preferred working hours of affiliated freelancers, and exerting subtle control, is essential. They should also possess a foundational understanding of how freelancers execute their tasks.

“Isn’t it amazing?” Jenny contemplated as she addressed the person seated across from her.

Disregarding the unanswered response, she continued.

“Despite casting such immense firepower in one go, the shape of the target remains almost unchanged from the beginning.”

Although not overtly conspicuous, achieving this feat was impossible unless one wielded their power with almost perfect precision.

Much like a sword swung without a trace of blood, Lennok’s approach to handling things consistently displayed this finesse.

“Van doesn’t speak about his magical abilities, but everyone knows his talent isn’t of the ordinary kind. Rather than simply being a wizard, he’s closer to a gambler.”

A frigid demeanor devoid of self-aggrandizement.

Yet, his unique, overwhelming capability and flawless task management transform even that cold pride into unwavering trust.

The accomplishments achieved just one year into his freelance career were unlike any she had witnessed during her extended tenure as a broker.

“I know, Van isn’t satisfied with this life. It’s nonsensical. The mere appearance of such a person in a back alley overnight is nonsensical to begin with. He must have his reasons, and this lifestyle is likely just a means for him.”

“…So?”

The person facing Jenny finally spoke.

“What do you want to say, Jenny? You didn’t call me here just to boast about your partner, did you?”

“Of course not. What I want to say is… the landscape of this area might change soon.”

Upon hearing this, the man leaned in closer for the first time.

“A bit surprising.”

“……”

“I thought you really dislike making such statements. Is that guy that much to your liking?”

It’s a challenging prospect to claim that one person’s presence could disrupt the underbelly of this district.

Especially for someone who intimately knows the darkness concealed within these streets.

A place brimming with power and desire, something even Agent Evelyn Marcia can’t penetrate.

By that measure, she should be aware that a freelancer is merely dipping their toes in comparison.

Despite everything, if Jenny can say this much to him, it must mean she has faith in Van, the wizard.

Jenny nodded silently.

“Right. That’s why I’m asking for your help.”

“Help, huh…”

“People say you can’t predict human affairs, but I’m considering restructuring my entire business around Van. And in that process, I’m looking for capable investors and partners.”

“Jenny.”

“If we keep going at this pace, Van will quickly move beyond the realm of freelancers. He’s already gotten involved with Dyke Corporation and agents, generating profit. It’s only a matter of time before we clash with those who control the outskirts of the metropolis. We have to prepare before that happens.”

Confronted with Jenny’s resolute words, he remained silent.

He was intimately acquainted with both Kaiser and Jenny, having observed her closely ever since she embarked on her career as a broker.

He was also aware of her aspirations to achieve something through her partnership with Van.

There was a time when those expectations were directed toward him.

The man let out a chuckle.

“I should have met him when Dylan mentioned it… I’ve been too lazy.”

He rose from his seat and delicately placed the glass he held back on the bar.

“It’s difficult to give you an answer right away, you know that, right?”

“Of course.”

She was content that she hadn’t received a negative response, at least. Given his influence in this area, going against him would not be easy. Even if he didn’t actively cooperate, it would suffice to secure his tacit agreement.

Whether he was privy to Jenny’s inner thoughts or not, the man grinned and waved before departing from the bar.

“See you again. It’s been fun seeing you after so long.”

“Sure, come by more often.”

Though he always wore a friendly, smiling demeanor, few could discern what lay beneath that smile.

Despite possessing the power to assert himself fully, many believed he was simply biding his time.

Such perceptions had waned because of his prolonged inactivity.

Could Jenny’s current endeavors rekindle his motivation?

Only time and effort would reveal the answer.

“Antares.”

The leader of the Antares mercenary group.

A martial artist who ascended to the pinnacle of the Vulcan mercenary industry through his exploits as a war mercenary across continents.

A formidable force capable of challenging even the government’s formidable figures through sheer power alone.

A clandestine heavyweight whose mere movements could send ripples through the industry.

A distinctive character who garnered both admiration and criticism due to his enigmatic actions, but at the very least, he was the individual with the highest potential to become Jenny’s ally.

Only after his imposing presence departed did Jenny slump down at the bar.

“Will it be okay?”

Jordan, who stood beside her, inquired. Jenny took a drag of her cigarette listlessly.

“I’ve done what I can. He’s the kind of guy who won’t move unless he decides on his own. He’ll figure it out.”

“He’s a man who didn’t react even when Kaiser died. It’s impossible to gauge the depth of his mind. If we’re not careful, we might get eaten up.”

“Trust my judgment.”

Jenny replied.

Amidst the dim haze of smoke, only Jenny’s eyes gleamed with determination.

“He’ll see the same thing in Van, the wizard, that I saw.”

***

“Most of the artifacts given are like that.” Dylan remarked, gazing down at them.

By now, he appeared to have grown accustomed to the weighty greatsword, leaning on it with skill.

“It’s a clever choice and, in some ways, shows that you know your place. Knowing that you won’t have the luxury to draw another weapon during close combat.”

Dylan’s expression carried a hint of bitterness as he spoke.

Though he didn’t seem entirely comfortable with having killed a fellow guild member, he coped with it.

“Alright! Everything’s sorted out!”

“Good work.”

Lennok, who was leaning against the wall, commended Mila as she approached.

“Hey, didn’t I do well this time? There should be some incentive for me, right?”

Her intention was evident.

Was there something desirable among the artifacts recovered from Irina Pheffield?

Lennok pretended to deliberate for a moment, then subtly nodded.

Declining her request might be interesting to see her reaction, but there was no need to be overly greedy when the artifacts acquired from this job were quite valuable.

Making a concession for a single item she desired, as Dylan had done, could prove advantageous for future manipulation.

Not only did her psychic abilities prove useful, but her distinctive and fearless combat style turned out to be more helpful than anticipated.

Her audacity in wielding a shotgun, a close- to mid-range firepower weapon, and charging into a swordsman’s striking range was a significant asset in Lennok’s eyes.

Ultimately, it was Mila’s ability to divert Irina’s attention and disrupt her battle tactics that allowed Dylan to narrowly defeat her.

Irina Pheffield, who had bolstered herself with various self-enhancement magics akin to the compassion of Archangel and engaged in combat, fell disappointingly, partly due to Mila’s unorthodox combat style.

Of course, the fact that she continued to conceal her specific psychic abilities while wielding only a shotgun didn’t sit entirely well with him, but… it was her choice to make, and it had to be respected.

Upon receiving Lennok’s approval, Mila’s face lit up as she hastily picked up a brooch.

“This, this one! I’ll be good with this!”

“It seems like an artifact that lightens one’s steps. Hmm, it’s a bit too precious to be given to someone like you…”

“Shut up, you brat!”

The two mercenaries resumed their argument, exchanging curses. Their perfect synchronization during the battle against Irina was now a distant memory.

In Lennok’s perspective, these two were the most suitable mercenaries in some respects.

It’s simple to advocate for a strict separation between work and personal matters, but how many can uphold that on a battlefield where lives hang in the balance?

Being able to distinguish between the realms of instinct and reason is evidence enough of a highly skilled individual.

As Mila approached Lennok once more, her palms rubbing together frantically, Davi, who had seemingly materialized next to Lennok’s ear, spoke to him.

[The way she’s rubbing her hands together is quite something. Master, I like this human.]

Everyone seemed to have lost their composure.

Amidst the chaos, only Lennok remained composed.

The three individuals and a spirit left with the artifacts they had gathered.

Although it would have been preferable to act more swiftly, waiting for Lennok’s mana to recover wasn’t a terrible idea either.

Despite the significant mana depletion caused by activating the domain, the outcome was favorable since they were able to handle the entire exploration team at once.

Furthermore, it was confirmed that Davi’s hacking and computational abilities could be utilized within the domain.

“Van.”

“I know.”

On the road, emerging from the dense forest where the villa was situated, five black sedans blocked a narrow alley, awaiting someone.

Given the events that had unfolded inside, there was no need to ponder who it might be.

The rear sedan’s door opened, and an elderly man emerged slowly.

“We have been waiting for you.”

He scrutinized the faces of the three individuals with sharp eyes, then chuckled warmly.

“I suppose the fact that the three of you have come out first indicates that things have been more or less settled?”

The elderly man seen in the photos from the briefing with Sebastian, the same man who had won the auction for the Compassion of Archangel.

Vincent Mayblack was a step behind in arriving on the scene.