Chapter 12 : Chapter 12
Chapter 12:
An endless wasteland unfolded.
The wasteland existed beyond the sectors in the 30s.
It was the end of ends.
A barren yellow earth.
‘I can’t believe this is Neustadt’s jurisdiction.’
I was surprised anew while looking around the wasteland.
If the sectors in the 30s were neglected sectors, this place was completely abandoned.
I had already walked for over three hours.
Nevertheless, Jinfre, who led the way, showed no intention of stopping his steps.
If we had used a vehicle, we would have arrived long ago.
‘The reason he walked on purpose is likely because he doesn’t want to stand out.’
I was certain of it.
I didn’t know who the people Jinfre wanted to introduce were.
However, the fact that it wasn’t a righteous meeting was as clear as day.
Otherwise, there would be no reason to make this barren land, where accessibility was extremely poor, the meeting place.
‘Not even a single rat is to be seen.’
It felt like even if one or two people were buried here, no one would ever know.
Furthermore, I was alone with Jinfre.
‘Could the tail have been caught? Is he planning to dispose of me here?’
A chill ran down my spine.
‘…Even if I am murdered by that guy here, my death is not meaningless.’
Even at this moment, the watchers, including Verdo, are observing this situation from afar.
If things take an unfavorable turn, they will take action themselves.
A few buildings half-buried in the wasteland were visible.
It was evidence that humans once stayed here.
Unexplored territory.
To be precise, the exploration was halted midway.
Originally, this place was where large-scale development was carried out.
It was unknown what direction the settlement was intended to be developed in.
It was undisclosed information.
At the time of development, access for anyone other than those involved was strictly prohibited.
Anyway.
The development was halted here for some reason.
After that, it fell into ruins.
A forsaken land where even vagrants do not linger.
It is a so-called lawless zone.
Rumble.
A loud vibration rang out.
The source of the sound was underground.
A strong vibration.
It was getting closer.
Dry grains of sand bounced up and down.
My feet, planted on the ground, shook uncontrollably due to the vibration.
“Be careful.”
Jinfre warned lowly.
He stopped his steps and then narrowed his eyes.
He seemed to be gauging the direction from which the ground was vibrating.
“It seems it will be difficult to just pass by.”
I agreed.
I placed my hand on the Arcane Sword at my waist.
Rumble!
Soil continuously shot up like a fountain.
Would it feel like this if a giant mole were swimming under the ground?
The ground was being dug up in a circle centered on where the two people stood.
“It’s coming.”
As soon as Jinfre’s words ended, a strange creature burst above the ground.
A being with long, hook-shaped claws.
I calmly gazed at the monster.
At least 3 meters in height.
It was bipedal like a human.
The upper part looked exactly like a leopard, but it was continuously flicking a long, thin tongue like a snake.
The bizarre points did not end there.
Thorns densely sprouted on the skin like a hedgehog, and even fins resembling a fish.
It was an individual where the characteristics of various animals were mixed in one body.
Hybrid.
It was a mysterious, strange creature that mainly appeared in the wasteland.
Their existence was also the main reason why the development of the wasteland was halted.
The appearances of the Hybrids varied wildly from individual to individual.
No specific standard was set.
In short, it wouldn’t be strange even if a guy with a lion’s body and bird wings popped out.
Guys with no consistency in their characteristics.
Therefore, it was impossible to give subdivided names for each individual.
They were simply called Hybrids.
A few commonalities did exist.
Hybrids possessed ferocious aggression.
And they were strong.
Someone with no combat experience would be torn to shreds on the spot.
They were beings that even trained soldiers struggled with.
Because they wouldn’t fall with just one or two bullets.
A level where hunting was only possible if at least one platoon or more were mobilized.
However, the story changed if a Prominence, an out-of-spec existence, stepped forward.
Kyah-ak!
The Hybrid bared its teeth at me while scattering sand.
‘Did I look easier to handle?’
Jinfre was silently observing the scene.
He didn’t seem to have any intention of helping.
Well, it didn’t matter.
Pazik!
When the Hybrid opened its mouth, sparks flew from within.
‘Electricity?’
The generated electric shock flew in a straight line.
I avoided it without much difficulty.
The trajectory was obvious.
It felt like it was just being bold despite not even having learned to fight properly.
“Grrr….”
When it didn’t work at all even after repeated attacks, the Hybrid began to hesitate.
I could see it.
That the guy was flustered.
By this point, even it must have realized.
That the being in front of it was an opponent of a different level than the humans it had hunted until now.
The Hybrid began to step back slowly.
The guy, who was observing the situation, seemed to have made up its mind soon as it put strength into its hind legs.
It had made a choice.
A foolish choice.
Phat!
The guy charged again while kicking off the ground.
I clicked my tongue.
You are rushing to your death.
Ssh.
As soon as I drew the Arcane Sword, I swung it down vertically just like that.
Kwa-jik!
The guy couldn’t even react.
My movement itself was simple.
It was just vastly faster than the guy’s perception.
The leopard’s head, which flew off cleanly, soaked the parched land of the wasteland red.
“It’s a beast type.”
Jinfre looked down at the headless corpse of the Hybrid.
“Originally, such strange creatures did not exist in the world. It was like that until only 10 years ago.”
I silently nodded my head.
Because his words were true.
“Why did such Hybrids suddenly begin to appear, especially only in the wasteland?”
Jinfre’s next word.
It didn’t seem like he threw out a question because he was truly curious.
“Even if the reason is unknown, one thing is certain. The time of the wasteland’s development and the time of the Hybrids’ appearance overlap. To anyone’s eyes, the Hybrid is an abnormal life form. They are guys who have wandered far from the providence of nature.”
After pausing for a moment, he added a word.
“As if they were made artificially.”
His voice had a strangely eerie side to it.
“At the time when the development of the wasteland was active, all sorts of rumors circulated. That a military base would be built, or that a development promotion district would be formed for the development of the Empire, and so on.”
He seemed to be retracing memories of the past.
“Among them, the most plausible was the theory that a large-scale research complex would be established. Someone even speculated that the research facility had reached completion and that research had already begun in secret. Though it is unknown what the Empire actually researched.”
His gaze rested on the dead Hybrid once again.
“What do you think?”
I could tell even just by listening to that much.
What Jinfre wanted to say.
‘Starting again.’
Most of the story Jinfre just told was nothing more than groundless rumors.
The conspiracy theories of anti-imperialists.
Among the stories he spat out as if excreting, what was revealed as truth was extremely limited.
That the development period of the wasteland and the appearance period of the Hybrid were roughly similar.
That the development was halted after that.
That was exactly where it ended.
‘The Empire made the Hybrids? For the sake of strengthening military power? Why bother? When there are Prominences who are superior in every way compared to such monsters that can’t even be controlled?’
Even if I were to concede a hundred times and assume it is true.
Why would they leave the monsters they worked so hard to create, the Hybrids, abandoned in the wasteland?
There was no reason for that.
“The Captain knows a lot.”
I let out an exclamation of admiration, but inwardly I let out a sneer.
“There are many secrets within the Empire. Much more than we think.”
Jinfre muttered in a serious tone and continued his steps.
The place he entered was an abandoned building where steel frames hung down like gaunt bones.
The scale was quite large.
It wasn’t just one or two buildings, but a whole complex.
It seemed a long time had passed since it was abandoned.
‘Was there a fire?’
I inferred as such.
On the surface of the exterior walls, scorched marks were vivid.
The situation inside the building was no different.
It seemed a large fire had broken out.
Internal structures that were not just burnt, but had practically become charcoal.
There was no way to even tell what the building’s original purpose was.
The wide-open hall on the first floor.
“This is the meeting place.”
Jinfre leaned his back against a wall and crossed his arms.
What was the identity of the force plotting treason with him?
The truth would soon be revealed.
About a few minutes passed like that.
I straightened my upper body.
I sensed a presence.
Even though it was quite far away, it was heard clearly.
It was because I had been constantly pricking up my hearing.
‘Footstep sounds. At least five. Are they soldiers?’
They were highly trained people.
It was an extremely disciplined gait.
Before long, they entered the building.
Every single one of them wore a mask.
The only part of their facial features revealed was their eyes.
Vigilance was contained within them.
“So this is the person.”
The one who seemed to be the leader among them expressed interest in me.
“That is correct.”
Jinfre nodded his head and exchanged greetings with the leader.
I stood side-by-side next to Jinfre as I read the room.
“I’ve heard a lot about you. That you’ve experienced many of the Empire’s absurdities.”
The leader spoke to me subtly.
He seemed to have heard a rough outline of the story through Jinfre.
‘These people are not Imperial citizens.’
As the conversation with the leader continued, my conviction grew deeper.
‘They are Republic bastards.’
Their Imperial speech was quite proficient, but they were certainly far from locals.
A trace of slurring showed in specific pronunciations.
‘He wasn’t simply hanging out with anti-imperialists?’
I was seized by shock.
To think that Jinfre was actually communicating with the Republic.
“We are from the Republic.”
As I guessed.
The leader revealed his identity himself.
“We do not classify people according to their status like the Empire. To discriminate just because one is not a noble, or because one is poor. It is an archaic idea. It isn't one's own fault for being born into a wretched family.”
He really explains at great length with effort.
To the point where his caution could be felt intact.
“Ered. You are a person thirsty for success.”
Jinfre opened his mouth following him.
“I don't think the stage for that success necessarily has to be the Empire, though.”
I felt as if I had been hit by a hammer.
‘Jinfre is plotting an asylum to the Republic.’
Secrets beyond imagination were surfacing above the water.
‘So that’s why he tested my intentions for so long.’
I now understood the reason Jinfre had acted so cautiously.
“In the Republic, we are waiting for talented individuals like you. The treatment won't be disappointing either.”
The leader calmly persuaded me.
A Prominence is a precious existence even in the Empire.
From the perspective of the Republic, whose military power was inferior compared to the Empire, it was worth being desperate for.
“…I will consider it positively. It would have been better if I had received a word in advance.”
I spat out such words reluctantly.
“I am sorry. It is such a sensitive matter. I wanted to tell you directly. Because it would be troublesome if classified information leaked.”
“We aren't asking you to decide right now. We will give you time to think.”
The leader and Jinfre spoke back and forth.
I didn't care at all about the things those bastards were blathering about.
‘When is Verdo arriving?’
That was the only thought in my mind.
“Since we have delivered all our intentions, we should withdraw for today.”
Already?
The leader concluded the conversation.
The secret meeting was short.
Much shorter than I had thought.
They are excessively cautious bastards.
“We will inform you of the appointment date and location in the near future. Until then, please think it over slowly.”
Ending with the leader’s words, the Republic contacts prepared to leave.
I shouldn’t just let them go.
“That’s a shame. I thought it was an opportunity to learn more about the Republic.”
I began to blabber as it came to mind.
In order to buy time somehow.
“Ah. Is that so?”
Fortunately, a response came.
“Then, a bit more of a conversation….”
The leader, who was preparing to leave, hesitated as if his heart was moved.
It was good up to this point.
“Let's stop here. Opportunities can be created again next time.”
The damn Jinfre cut in the middle.
“…Umm. Understood. Even if it is a forsaken land, this is strictly Imperial territory. The longer we stay, the higher the risk of our presence being exposed.”
Because of Jinfre, it became ambiguous to hold onto the Republic bastards.
‘Should I be stubborn even by force? Or should I give up and look forward to the next time?’
While my concern continued.
‘…A presence.’
I pricked up my ears.
It was obvious who it was.
Verdo.
He is coming.
The problem was that I wasn't the only one with superior hearing.
Sure enough.
“A tail has been attached.”
Jinfre’s expression instantly cooled down to a chill.
“Damn it.”
Only then did the leader seem to realize that things were turning serious.
“Curse it. Everyone, return immediately. Hurry!”
The Republic soldiers busily headed toward the entrance of the abandoned building.
I began to draw a map in my head.
I gauged the distance from Verdo based on sound.
‘…Just a moment is enough.’
If I buy just a very brief moment of time, I can wipe out Jinfre and the Republic spies in one sweep.
I made a decision.
I activated the mana circuits all at once.
Kwak.
I leaped up while kicking off the cracked marble floor.
The point I landed on was the front gate of the abandoned building.
“…What are you doing right now?”
The Republic bastards, whose retreat was cut off in an instant, glared at me with stiff eyes.
“Ered. There is no time for this.”
Jinfre persuaded me calmly, but.
“Shut up. You dirty traitor bastard.”
From my mouth, the emotions I had suppressed all this while poured out all at once.
The leader’s face turned grim.
The friendly smile and honorifics had vanished long ago.
“It seems you chose the wrong person.”
The leader rebuked Jinfre.
Schwing.
The Republic soldiers drew their weapons without mercy.
“Ered. Do you really intend to face all of us alone?”
Jinfre raised both hands as if he had no intention of fighting.
“Don't be ridiculous. Reinforcements will arrive soon. It won't even take three minutes. It's only a matter of time before you bastards are slaughtered.”
“I suppose so. But before that, you will die.”
…I couldn't deny that either.
The reality was that even Jinfre alone was difficult to handle.
“So you eventually decided to stand on the side of the Empire.”
Jinfre muttered in a stoic tone.
“Don't misunderstand. I was a soldier of the Empire from the beginning. I just forced myself to cater to your whims all this while.”
“It’s a pity.”
“I became a Prominence by trying with all my might. But you are throwing that away without any regret. As if it’s worthless.”
The points that made me angry didn't end there.
“After saying pity this and pity that for the poor, the best you chose was asylum? If you have complaints, solve them within the Empire. Don't run away unsightly.”
“It is not running away. It is just taking a slightly long detour. Because I alone cannot tear down this Empire.”
“Your words are always plausible.”
“…Fine.”
Jinfre let out a low sigh.
“I won't force my ideology on you anymore. From now on, there is only one thing I want from you.”
Jinfre pulled something from his waist.
A metal rod.
A length that could be gripped comfortably with both hands.
Click.
The sound of a button being pressed was heard.
At the same time, blades popped out from both ends of the metal rod.
A twin-bladed sword.
Red mana was flowing in the grooves at the center of the blade.
It was Jinfre’s Arcane Sword.
“Considering our relationship so far, I won't take your life. So move aside.”
Watching that, a question entered my head.
‘To be considerate of me at this point?’
From Jinfre’s perspective, there was no need to waste time with persuasion.
If someone is in the way, he can just kill them.
He had more than enough ability for that.
‘Anyway, if I don't move back, I die.’
I swallowed hard.
Even if I give my all, the probability of survival is 0.
It was a desperate figure.
I couldn’t even dare to harbor hope for a one-in-a-thousand chance.
After entering the Redstone Academy, I had gone through and overcome numerous trials.
I grew while receiving training so harsh that I felt it would be better to die.
In that process, not only my body but also my mental strength became solid.
‘…That doesn't mean I am not afraid of death.’
The range of the emotion of fear might be different for each individual.
However, one cannot be stoic without a single tremor in front of death.
‘If I die here, all the efforts I’ve built up until now will go up in smoke.’
Everything becomes meaningless.
That fact is more frightening than anything else.
‘If I want to live, get out of the way?’
Even if I beg for my life, it is the same that everything goes up in smoke.
If I let Jinfre go here?
I might be able to preserve my life right now, but I would spend a humiliating rest of my life being pointed at forever.
The days I strove to become a Prominence, as well as the days I lived as a Prominence, would all be denied entirely.
‘I’d rather.’
I hardened my resolve.
An angry smile was drawn on my lips.
“Fuck you.”
I point my Arcane Sword toward Jinfre.
“So that is your decision.”
Jinfre smiled bitterly.
He slowly took a combat stance.
The twin-bladed sword emitted a chilling light.
A vivid smell of death.
The atmosphere itself was different from when I faced Jinfre at the graveyard.
This time, he wouldn't go easy either.
Jinfre’s arm bent smoothly.
The twin-bladed sword rotated at a terrifying speed and drew a circular trajectory.
The wind being caught in the blades and torn to shreds.
Kagang-!
Sword and sword clashed.
“……!”
My expression distorted.
In the process of blocking the attack, my right wrist was strained.
It seemed the bone was broken.
The Jinfre in front of me was on a different level in every way compared to when we clashed at the graveyard.
I expected it to some extent, but it was a level that exceeded even that expectation.
Is he really the same person?
Skreee.
The blades scraped against each other and sparks flew.
I desperately blocked the pouring offensive.
My hands and feet began to grow frantic.
Combat experience?
Double Time?
I didn't even have the luxury to utilize them.
The opponent’s movements are vastly faster than the rotation speed of my thoughts!
Clatter.
My Arcane Sword scraped the floor fiercely and was flung far away.
Victory and defeat were decided.
It was a point where not even three seconds had passed.
Ssh.
The twin-bladed sword pointed at my neck.
A streak of blood flowed down along the blade that touched my skin.
‘Am I dying? Without even being able to put up any decent resistance?’
It was then.
Clap, clap, clap.
An unidentified sound of clapping.
It abruptly entered, wedging between the boundary of life and death.
‘…What is it?’
A heterogeneous sight entered my field of vision.
A being perched on the windowsill of the abandoned building.
It was Verdo.
He was the one behind the clapping sound.
“Congratulations.”
Jinfre suddenly held out his hand.
With an empty hand without the twin-bladed sword.
“You pass. Alpha, or rather, Ered Young.”