Chapter: 95
Commence precise analysis.
If it had been just Pink-Balrez and me, things would have gotten a bit tangled. We would have had to rely on either the academy’s or the Purple Tower’s laboratory, or maybe even rob a nearby artifact shop to stack up on magic stones.
But here, we had the Tower Master with us. I extended my hand like a doctor requesting a scalpel.
“Tower Master?”
“Yeah, here.”
Ta-da. The Tower Master reached out her hand.
The Tower Master was like a walking power generator. I didn’t grow up sipping her yawns for nothing. We clasped our hands firmly.
I received a mind-boggling amount of magic power, constructing an artificial brain right where I sat. A holographic image popped up, looking like a mannequin’s head had just been ripped off.
I transferred the illusion magic that had been embedded in the boy’s mind into the artificial brain and replicated it. Based on the flow of magic and the feedback from the artificial brain, I began to comprehend the specific effects of the magic.
This was an illusion magic that acted on the subconscious.
1) It prevents the victim from realizing they’ve been enchanted by Fish Electronics, 2) it compels them to obey commands, and 3) it forces them to commit suicide if discovered by others.
After hearing my explanation, the Tower Master spoke as if a light bulb had gone off in her head.
“…Is it a hypnosis app?”
I was taken aback. How did you know that?
“What kind of cartoon have you been watching?”
“Um, I just happened to catch a glimpse while passing by…!!”
Should I apply some censorship to the modern map I left at the tower? It seemed like I had jammed in everything I saw and heard from my previous life, allowing the ever-curious Tower Master to see things she shouldn’t.
So far, the analysis revealed it to be an ordinary hypnosis app.
Up to this point, any regular magician could figure it out with enough time and effort, but there was something… cleverly twisted about the magic. Was it a hidden function?
What was the trigger? A visual cue? Nope. A sound? Not that either. I had checked all five senses… Time? There was some reaction to the flow of time. The artificial brain accelerated its perception of time by several hundred times.
Flick, flick. The perceived time in the artificial brain felt like it had stretched to about a week.
As a tightly closed bud blooms with time, the twisted parts unwound and the hidden fourth function activated. The artificial brain began to pray to someone, slipping into a hypnotic state.
And it started muttering out the encrypted and compressed information. Let’s summarize.
“…So, those affected by this hypnosis app regularly spill information somewhere once a week.”
“…”
It was a magic that turned people into CCTV. The overall level was quite high, and the hidden parts would be tough to decipher unless it was me. Who on earth created something like this?
Pink-Balrez, listening from the side, stiffened her expression.
“So, this illusion magic exists. Can anyone from the Purple Tower use it?”
“No, most can’t. Even for me, it would take about six months to reach this level from scratch… It must have taken a talented illusion magician at least a year.”
Pink-Balrez pressed further, and I honestly shared my views. This was a serious matter.
The number of people infected by this magic was still unknown, but if it could also affect a passing pickpocket boy, there was a chance it had spread farther than we thought.
In other words, there could be countless background spies lurking in the Empire’s capital, all unaware of their roles.
Pink-Balrez adjusted her glasses.
“This doesn’t seem like something I can omit from the report. I’ll report to higher-ups and conduct an inspection in the Purple Tower.”
“O-oh, I would actually appreciate that… I don’t want to seem… suspicious for no reason…”
The Tower Master nodded earnestly. She added:
“B-but it wouldn’t be from within the tower. I-I definitely made sure everything was… spotless. There’s nothing like this among the ongoing research.”
The hesitation in the Tower Master’s voice contained trust in her fellow Purple Tower members. Not so much firm belief, but rather a fragile hope that it wouldn’t be so.
It was a sad situation, but I had to puncture that optimistic thought.
“However, Tower Master, about this.”
“Yeah…?”
“Doesn’t it resemble the magic of that scar-faced senior?”
“…Rorei’s magic?”
The Tower Master’s eyes widened in shock. Pink-Balrez pulled out her notebook, taking notes and asking once more for confirmation.
“Are you referring to ‘Puppet’ Rorei?”
“If that’s what the scar-faced senior calls her, then yes, it must be Rorei… But why do you think that?!”
“The fundamental structure of the magic is strikingly similar. I’ve read the senior’s thesis. But I’m not claiming she’s the culprit; it’s just a resemblance in the framework. The finished product seems to be… mixed with various elements.”
“Le-let me see. I want to check it.”
The Tower Master set the artificial brain on the ground and delivered a low kick. Crack, the illusion magic shattered. The shards of magical power scattered across the floor.
As if sensing something familiar from that texture, the Tower Master squatted down, a somber expression on her face.
“This is definitely Rorei’s work…”
“Let’s dig deeper. If our research data has leaked externally… it’s something the Purple Tower must address actively.”
“Y-yeah. If it’s leaked, we have to erase everything…”
“…”
I closed my eyes for a moment. The Purple Tower. A place where I had spent about half of my life. Though I couldn’t remember the names, the memories I shared with them were vivid in my mind.
It wasn’t pleasant to suspect people I had known for so long. It left a bitter feeling in my heart.
For the Tower Master, it must have been even harder. I gently patted the Tower Master’s shoulder in a supportive gesture. But she slowly brushed my hand away.
“I’m okay.”
Shake.
With that one word, something ominous flickered faintly behind the Tower Master’s eyes. It looked like anger, or maybe sorrow… some form of resolve. If guilt were to blossom, she’d tend to it herself.
It was like watching a colossal meteor wandering through space, finally about to crash down. The sight of that immense power moving with intent sent a shiver down my spine.
===============================================================
We needed to find the caster.
For now, I decided to name the magic “Big Brother.”
“Big Brother” was magic. It had a caster, had been cast, and was in effect. And we had a victim in our grasp who had experienced this magic before. Remembering the caster’s appearance would lead us to unraveling the mystery swiftly.
Extracting an image from a person’s mind and constructing it in 3D was easier than eating a meal. If it merely brushed past my mind, as long as a fragment of the information remained in the brain, I could pull it out.
But life isn’t always that simple, is it?
“I-I really… don’t remember anything like that.”
“I’m Yuri Lanster, an agent of the Imperial Defense Bureau, and I possess unlimited killing authority regarding investigations of individuals classified as grade two or higher. Think carefully and answer again. Do you know anything?”
“…”
The ominous threat of ‘if you’re lying, you’re dead’ froze the pickpocket boy stiff, unable to breathe a word. I waved my hand to stop Pink-Balrez.
“There’s no need to press further. He genuinely doesn’t know.”
“Understood.”
“Instead, you… let’s head to where you live. I need to survey your living area. If you follow my instructions, no harm will come to your people.”
“…Y-yes, sure.”
I led the boy into the alley.
Claiming he had no memory of being affected opened up two possibilities. He was either a veteran capable of erasing others’ memories or he didn’t even realize he had been enchanted by hypnosis.
I leaned towards the latter.
Why? Because tampering with someone else’s memories is incredibly difficult. If it was hard for a genius like me, it would certainly be challenging for others too.
Human thoughts and memories interact in complex ways. Deleting a seemingly trivial memory can lead to a drastic change in one’s personality. And those kinds of changes are easy for people around to notice.
If it were me, faced with the complex and tricky task of erasing evidence, I’d choose the cost-effective approach of concealing it.
“Why not develop a bit of this magic and supply it? Then, you wouldn’t have to worry about research funds.”
“If it were that easy, we’d have already teamed up with the Defense Bureau long ago.”
If that were the case, wouldn’t we have had a cyberpunk-like city?
Magicians manipulating minds and agents safeguarding cities from the shadows, and a frail Emperor… This scenario is ripe for a session theme.
But something that should have only happened in a session was unfolding in reality, leaving me somewhat dizzy. Suspecting people I knew was not a pleasant experience, and I worried about the Defense Bureau’s planned investigation into the Purple Tower.
After all, there were quite a few research materials I wouldn’t want to show to others.
“Hey, Pink-Balrez. Do you think you could check my room instead?”
“What are you saying… do you have human trafficking records or something?”
Pink-Balrez looked at me with a dubious expression, clearly uncertain of how far I could cover for myself. Seeing her face, I quickly added an explanation. It wasn’t that kind of trouble.
“Not at all. It’s just that, when you’re a hot-blooded teenager, you inevitably stumble into… things.”
“That’s intriguing.”
I was genuinely worried about how other agents would perceive me. Thankfully, Pink-Balrez seemed to take an interest. It seemed unnecessary to develop a “shame suppression” magic.
Even in the glorious capital of the Empire, shadows loomed.
Hidden behind the bright and bustling streets were filthy, dark alleys. Places where regular citizens wouldn’t dare to tread. I scanned the surroundings.
It didn’t look chaotic or overly serious. There were no signs of corpses littering the streets, nor were there signs of people zombies hanging around in a drugged stupor. It seemed to be managed to some extent.
Also, it seemed relatively affluent. Even if it was a den for the impoverished, it was still the impoverished of the ‘Imperial Capital.’ The nutritional status of the citizens appeared to be quite okay.
In the darkness, several pairs of eyes glimmered. They peered at us through cracks in windows and doorways. Guarding against outsiders, checking us out.
Wherever people lived closely together, there would always be some order. Still, this place leaned more towards a wild state.
What happens when different beast packs invade each other’s territory in the wild?
“Hey, this isn’t somewhere outsiders should be running around.”
“Hmm, classic.”
“…Don’t get into any unnecessary trouble. Just leave.”
One shaved-headed delinquent stepped forward to intimidate us. Even though he didn’t bring a club, he spoke sweetly despite his intimidating appearance. It seemed his crew was something of a well-established group, so he was being cautiously diplomatic.
The Tower Master looked anxious, fidgeting with her fingers.
“Uh, maybe we should just leave…?”
“I’ll handle it, Tower Master.”
Establishing hierarchy is crucial among wild beasts. If I remind them of the fact that I’m way above them in status, they won’t dare to show their teeth.
While I could intimidate them by mentioning that I came from the tower or that the breathtaking beauty next to me worked for the Imperial Defense Bureau, proving that would over complicate matters.
Here, power worked universally.
I flicked a gold coin.
“…Is that all?”
I flicked a gemstone.
“I don’t know where you’re from but…”
I flicked a large ruby.
“Ah, noble sir. Just give me your orders, and I’ll show you where to go!”
Sufficient wealth serves as proof of status in itself. Sure, I wasn’t a true noble, but the Tower Master beside me came from genuine nobility, so it wasn’t technically incorrect.
Thud. The shaved head dropped low in complete submission. I activated my aristocratic mode, slowly waving my hand. Pink-Balrez quickly caught on and matched my flow.
“Our magician was tracking down the one who ran away, and we are following their traces…”
“Do not obstruct me, you lowly scum. I won’t be asking for your help, and I’ll handle this investigation on my own. If anything goes wrong, I’ll pay double for the repairs, so keep your mouths shut.”
The shaved head bowed deeply and vanished into the shadows. For the time being… they wouldn’t interfere. I patted the boy’s back, who was delayed in grasping the ‘I didn’t know your lordship’ moment.
“Let’s go. Just follow your usual routine. Where you sleep, how you wake up, the routes you take, where you eat… just do it as you always do.”
“Y-yes…”
The boy tripped over his words as he guided us through the back alleys.
Claiming he had no recollections raised two possibilities. He could either be a veteran skilled at erasing other people’s memories or maybe he didn’t even realize he’d been hit with hypnosis.
I leaned towards the latter.
To explain, effortlessly manipulating someone else’s memories is incredibly difficult. If it’s tough for a genius like me, it must be just as daunting for everyone else.
Human thoughts and memories interact intricately. Deleting a trivial memory can lead to drastic personality shifts. And those kinds of changes are typically easily noticed by those around.
If it were me, in the face of complex and tricky memory erasure, I’d opt for the more effective concealment method.
“Why didn’t you develop some of this magic and supply it? Then you wouldn’t have to worry about research fees.”
“If it were that easy, we would have been working closely with the Defense Bureau!”
If that had occurred, wouldn’t it have turned into a cyberpunk-like city in the first place?
Magicians manipulating minds and agents safeguarding cities from shadows, and a frail Emperor… This scenario is ripe for session material.
But something meant for a session was suddenly happening in reality, making my head spin slightly. Suspecting people I knew didn’t feel good. I was also worried about the Defense Bureau’s intention to conduct a thorough investigation into the Purple Tower.
After all, there were quite a few research materials I wouldn’t want to show others.
“Hey, Pink-Balrez, could you investigate my room?”
“Wha… do you have records of human trafficking or something?”
Pink-Balrez looked at me with an expression of disbelief, as though wondering how far I intended to cover for myself. Noticing her expression, I quickly added an explanation. It wasn’t that kind of trouble.
“No, it’s just that when you are a vibrant teenager, you inevitably stumble upon… things.”
“Sounds interesting.”
Igan worried about how other agents would view me. Thankfully, Pink-Balrez showed interest, indicating that I wouldn’t need to develop any shame-suppressing magic.
Shadows loomed within the glorious capital of the Empire.
Hidden behind the bright and bustling streets were filthy, dark alleys. Places where regular citizens wouldn’t dare tread. I scanned the surroundings.
It didn’t appear overly chaotic or serious. There were no signs of bodies littering the streets, nor were there signs of people standing comatose due to drugs. It seemed to have some degree of management.
Also, it seemed relatively affluent. Even if it was a den for the impoverished, it was still the impoverished in the ‘Imperial Capital.’ The nutritional state of the citizens appeared to be quite satisfactory.
In the darkness, several pairs of eyes glimmered. They peered at us through cracks in windows and doorways. Guarding against outsiders, evaluating us.
Wherever people lived together, there’s a semblance of order, but a place like this often appeared closer to a wild state.
What happens when different beast packs invade each other’s territory in the wilderness?
“Hey, this isn’t a place for outsiders to be rummaging around.”
“Hmm, classic.”
“…Don’t get into any unnecessary trouble. Just leave.”
One delinquent with a shaved head stepped forward to intimidate us. While he wasn’t wielding a bat, he employed elegant words beyond his rough appearance. It seemed he was cautiously diplomatic about it, given the nature of his group.
The Tower Master looked anxious, fidgeting with her fingers.
“Uh, should we head out…?”
“I’ll handle things, Tower Master.”
Establishing hierarchy among wild beasts is critical. Instilling the fact that I’m drastically above them would deter them from daring to bare their teeth.
I could mention that I was from the tower, or that the stunning beauty beside me worked for the Imperial Defense Bureau, but demonstrating that would be a complex process.
So, employing universal power here…
I flicked a gold coin.
“…Is that all?”
I flicked a gemstone.
“I don’t know where you’re from, but…”
I flicked a large ruby.
“Ah, noble sir. Just give me your orders, and I’ll show you where to go!”
Having enough gold serves as proof of status. I may not be a true noble, but the Tower Master besides me certainly had noble lineage, so it wouldn’t be entirely false.
Thud. The bald man bowed deeply in total submission. I activated my aristocratic mode and waved my hand slowly. Pink-Balrez quickly caught on and matched my flow.
“Our magician was tracking down the one who escaped, and we are on their trail…”
“Don’t obstruct me, you lowly scum. I will not be asking for your help; I will find out what I need on my own. If anything is broken, I will pay double for the repairs, so tell your group to keep quiet.”
With that, the bald man bowed his head deeply and melted into the shadows. For now… they wouldn’t trouble us. I gently patted the back of the boy, who momentarily faltered before grasping the ‘I didn’t recognize your nobility’ realization.
“Let’s move. Stick to your usual routine. Where do you sleep, how do you wake up, which route do you take for meals… just keep to your usual ways.”
“Y-yes…”
The boy stumbled over his words as he led us through the back alleys.
Claiming he hadn’t recalled being affected allowed for two possibilities. He could either be a veteran skilled at erasing memories or completely unaware of being enchanted by hypnosis.
I leaned towards the latter.
To explain, effortlessly manipulating someone else’s memories is incredibly challenging. If it’s tough for a genius like me, it would likely be daunting for others as well.
Human thoughts and memories interact complexly. Disrupting a trivial memory could lead to significant changes in personality. Those types of shifts would generally be easy for those around to identify.
If it were me, in the face of all the complexity of erasing evidence, I’d opt for the simpler yet more effective concealment option.
“Why not develop a bit of this magic for supply? Then you wouldn’t have to worry about research expenses.”
“If it were that simple, we’d have partnered with the Defense Bureau ages ago!”
If that were the case, wouldn’t we have ended up in a cyberpunk-like setting?
Wizards manipulating minds and agents protecting cities from the shadows, along with a frail Emperor… This would practically write itself for a session plot.
But something that should stay within the confines of a session was unfolding before me in reality, making my head spin. Having to suspect familiar faces didn’t sit well with me. I was also growing worried about the possibility of a thorough investigation from the Defense Bureau into the Purple Tower.
After all, there were plenty of research materials I wouldn’t want others to see.
“Hey, Pink-Balrez. Could you handle checking my room?”
“Wha… do you have records of human trafficking or something?”
Pink-Balrez looked at me with a surprised expression, clearly contemplating just how far I was willing to go in covering for myself. Seeing her face made me hastily add an explanation. It wasn’t that type of trouble!
“No, it’s just that when you’re a passionate teenager, you’re bound to delve into… things.”
“That’s intriguing.”
I was genuinely worried about how other agents might view me. Thankfully, Pink-Balrez showed interest, which meant I wouldn’t need any form of “shame suppression” magic.
Darkness loomed even in the glorious capital of the Empire.
The bright and bustling streets concealed filthy, dark alleys. Places where ordinary citizens wouldn’t dare enter. I scrutinized my surroundings.
It didn’t seem particularly chaotic or dire. There were no signs of corpses littering the thoroughfares, and no figures were slumped over in a drug-induced stupor. It appeared to be managed to a certain extent.
Moreover, it seemed relatively affluent. Even if it was a den of impoverished individuals, it was still mere poverty within the ‘Imperial Capital’. The populace’s nutritional status seemed quite acceptable.
In the shadows, numerous pairs of eyes gleamed. They peeked at us through cracks in windows and doors. Cautiously observing outsiders.
In congregated areas, there’s always a semblance of order, but in places like this, it leaned closer to a wild form.
What happens when different beast packs invade each other’s lands in the wild?
“Hey, this place isn’t meant for outsiders rummaging around.”
“Hmm, classic.”
“…Get lost before you run into trouble.”
One bald thug stepped forward to menace us. While he wasn’t wielding a club, he spoke with a surprising grace that belied his tough exterior. Seeing his crew appeared formidable led to his cautious approach.
The Tower Master flashed a nervous expression, tapping her fingers.
“Uh, should we retreat…?”
“I’ll handle this, Tower Master.”
Establishing hierarchy is essential in the realm of wild beasts. If I remind them of my elevated status, they won’t dare to show their fangs.
While I could have boasted of coming from the tower or that my exquisite companion was affiliated with the Imperial Defense Bureau, demonstrating such would be an unnecessarily convoluted affair.
So here, I resorted to universal power.
I tossed a gold coin.
“…Is that all?”
I tossed a gemstone.
“Not sure where you’re from, but…”
I tossed a large ruby.
“A noble sir! Just give me your orders, and I shall guide you accordingly!”
Having sufficient wealth serves as proof of nobility. I might not be a true aristocrat, but the Tower Master standing beside me undoubtedly hailed from genuine nobility, so it wasn’t technically incorrect.
Thud. The bald thug bowed deeply in utter submission. I activated my aristocratic mode and leisurely waved my hand. Pink-Balrez picked up on the cue without a hitch.
“Our magician has been on the trail of one who fled, and we are following their footsteps…”
“Do not obstruct me, lowly scum. I will not ask for your assistance, and I will uncover what I seek on my own. Any damages that occur will be compensated at double the rate, so you’ll advise your group to keep their mouths shut.”
With that, the bald thug bowed deeply and retreated into the shadows. For the moment, they would… not disrupt us. I lightly patted the boy’s back, who hesitated, contemplating the ‘I didn’t respect your lordship’ moment.
“Let’s get moving. Stick to your usual routines. Tell me where you sleep, how you wake, the paths you take, where you eat… just go about your usual ways.”
“Y-yes…”
The boy stuttered as he guided us through the shadowy back alleys.
Claiming he had no memories of his experience leaves room for two assumptions. He could be either a seasoned individual skilled in memory erasure or perhaps completely oblivious to the fact he had been enchanted by the hypnosis.
I leaned more towards the latter.
To explain, manipulating another person’s memories naturally is immensely challenging. If it posed a struggle for a genius like myself, it’s only fair to assume it would be similarly difficult for others.
The human mind and memory intertwine intricately. Even inadvertently erasing a trivial memory could lead to drastic shifts in one’s personality. Such changes are usually easy for those around to discern.
If it were me, facing the complexities of erasing evidence, I’d favor the simpler, more cost-efficient concealment options over the outright erasure of memories.
“Why didn’t you develop some of this magic for supply? Then you wouldn’t fret about research expenses.”
“If that had been simple, we would’ve long ago aligned ourselves with the Defense Bureau!”
If it were the case that rival factions were actively at play, wouldn’t we find ourselves immersed in a cyberpunk-like city?
Magic users manipulating minds, agents fighting to preserve order from the shadows, and a frail Emperor all mixed together—this practically begs for a session-themed narrative.
However, what should stay confined within the realm of a gaming session was unfolding in grim reality right before me, causing my head to swirl slightly. Having to suspect those I know and care about felt sour; clearly, I was concerned about the potential thorough investigations from the Defense Bureau, poking into the Purple Tower.
After all, I had ample research material I’d rather keep under wraps.
“Hey, Pink-Balrez, would it be possible for you to investigate my personal quarters?”
“What… you wouldn’t happen to have human trafficking records, would you?”
Pink-Balrez gazed at me, her expression a blend of shock and doubt on how far I intended to go in covering for myself. Spotting her dubious expression caused me to quickly clarify my situation. I simply wasn’t getting into that kind of trouble.
“No, it’s merely that when you’re in the turbulent ages of youth, you inevitably stumble upon… matters of interest.”
“Sounds quite intriguing.”
I couldn’t help but worry about how the other agents would scrutinize me. Fortunately, Pink-Balrez appeared genuinely interested, meaning I likely wouldn’t need to create any form of “shame suppression” magic.
In the capital of the Empire, darkness loomed.
Behind the bright, lively streets lay grimy, dark alleyways. Places where ordinary citizens wouldn’t dare step foot. I made my observations.
It didn’t seem overly chaotic or dire; no signs of corpses littered the thoroughfares, nor were figures present, slumped in an intoxicated stupor. It appeared to denote some level of management.
Moreover, it also seemed relatively affluent. Even for a den of impoverished, it remained a den within the ‘Imperial Capital.’ The health of the populace seemed acceptable.
As shadows danced, several pairs of eyes glowed under the veil of darkness, peering at us through narrow gaps in the windows and doorways; quietly guarding against outside interference.
People living in close quarters always maintain some semblance of order, yet such places still lean much closer towards a wild state of affairs.
What occurs when packs of beasts invade one another’s territories out in the wild?
“Hey, this isn’t a place for outsiders to roam freely.”
“Hmm, classic.”
“…Best not to stick your nose into things and just leave.”
One delinquent with a shaved head made his way forward, trying to intimidate us. Even though he bore no bat, his speech was surprisingly eloquent for his rough exterior. It seemed his crew was sufficiently feared to compel him to remain diplomatic.
The Tower Master looked overly nervous, fidgeting anxiously with her fingers.
“Uh, should we… leave…?”
“I can handle this, Tower Master.”
Setting the hierarchy within the wild packs is imperative. If I firmly assert that I indeed hold a higher status, they wouldn’t dare to pull their fangs.
While I could mention my heritage from the tower or insist that the stunning lady next to me was affiliated with the Imperial Defense Bureau, proving such a credential could prove complicated.
So here, I opted to employ universally recognized power.
I flicked a gold coin.
“…Is that really all?”
I flicked a gemstone.
“I don’t know where you’re from…”
I flicked a big ruby.
“Oh, a noble sir! Please direct me, and I will escort you as per your will!”
Having enough riches was itself a mark of nobility. While I wasn’t a genuine noble, at least the Tower Master beside me was of true aristocracy, so saying so wasn’t entirely wrong.
Thud. The bald figure bowed low into deep submission. I engaged aristocratic mode and draped my hand slowly. Pink-Balrez swiftly aligned with my gestures.
“Our magician is pursuing the one who fled, and we’re following their trail…”
“Do not obstruct me, lowly wretch. I shall not seek your assistance; I shall do this investigation on my own. Should there be any damages, I’ll pay double the price, so instruct your kind to silence themselves.”
Thereupon, the bald man bowed deeply and retreated into the shadows. Momentarily… they wouldn’t engage with us. I gently ruffled the boy’s back, who hesitated momentarily in realizing the situation of ‘I didn’t recognize your nobility!’
“Let’s proceed. Stick to your habitual routine. Where do you repose, how do you wake, the paths you frequent, where do you dine… just live your usual day!”
“Y-yes…”
The boy tripped over his own words as he guided us through the dim alleyways.
Claiming that he had no inkling of being incensed permits for two possible scenarios. He happens to be either an adept cloaked in the art of memory erasure or wholly oblivious to the hypnosis cast upon him.
I distinctly favored the latter possibility.
The rationale is simple: effortlessly manipulating another person’s memories runs exceptionally complicated. If it poses difficulty for a genius like me, it’s reasonable to assert it would be similarly arduous for the masses.
Human cognition and memory intertwine intricately. Even without intent, affecting a seemingly negligible memory could yield significant alterations in personality. Such shifts are usually well within the perception of those close to the individual.
If it were me, faced with the challenge of erasing evidence, I would surely choose the more cost-effective concealment approach.
“Why not develop this magic for mass supply? Then you wouldn’t bleed dry on research costs.”
“If it had been that straightforward, we’d have long joined forces with the Defense Bureau!”
Given the previous assertions, wouldn’t we submerge ourselves in a cyberpunk-esque reality?
Mages mingling with memory; agents safeguarding their realm unbeknownst to the shadows, and a fragility wrapped around an Emperor—this could easily materialize into a session narrative.
But a scenario suited to a session rapidly became reality—and that stirred a disorienting sensation. Questioning the integrity of those I hold dear carried a bitter taste; additionally, contemplation of investigations from the Defense Bureau on the Purple Tower raised anxiety.
Indeed, I had ample research material I certainly wouldn’t want scrutinized.
“Pink-Balrez, mind checking my sleeping quarters?”
“Wait… human trafficking records perhaps?”
The startled expression upon Pink-Balrez was indicative of uncertainty regarding how far I was willing to cover for myself. It was evident her skepticism urged me to clarify myself. No, not that kind of dilemma!
“N-no, it’s merely that while navigating the tumultuous river of adolescence, one tends to become embroiled in… matters that pique curiosity.”
“Oh? How intriguing.”
I honestly found myself anxious over how others in the organization would perceive me akin to Pink-Balrez’s fascination. Luckily, her interest seemed sufficient, thus erasing any need for the crafting of “shame suppression” magic.
Deep shadows were cast across the illustrious capital of the Empire.
Flickering light illuminated the vibrant streets, concealing dirty, gritty alleys behind the glare. Places where countless ordinary residents would never dare trespass. I surveyed the environment.
The chaos didn’t appear overwhelming, nor was it particularly dire. Not a single corpse was strewn about, nor were there any signs of individuals shambling around as if wacked out on drugs. There was a polished air of control visible.
On top of that, it felt relatively affluent. Even if treated as a den of unrest, it still qualified as the poverty of the ‘Imperial Capital.’ The overall health of the populace appeared satisfactory.
Amid shadows, twinkling eyes stared yet again. Those eyes latched onto us through the cracks in windows and doors, observing and vigilant against outsiders.
When a plethora of individuals cohabitate, there’s usually some modicum of order, but this space resembled something closer to a wild concatenation on occasion.
What occurs when varied beast packs seek to usurp each other’s territories in untamed lands?
“Hey, this is no place for outsiders to idle about.”
“Hmm, classic.”
“…Best get lost if you wish to avoid complications.”
One shaved-headed thug eerily sauntered close, attempting to instill fear. Without wielding a club, yet aggressively eloquent, it seemed that his crew’s notorious reputation forced him to play it cautious.
The Tower Master issued a visibly anxious fidget along her fingertips.
“Uh, should we make our exit…?”
“I can shoulder this burden, Tower Master.”
Establishing the hierarchy when in the wild proves essential. Should I firmly elucidate that I reside atop this social structure, the others would be too afraid to show their fangs.
While it would certainly suffice for me to declaim my ties to the tower or the extraordinary woman beside me being a member of the elite Imperial Defense Bureau, substantiating that could prove arduous.
Thus, I had to resort to a universally applicable type of power…
I flicked a gold coin.
“…Is that all?”
I flicked a gemstone.
“I’m unsure where you are from…”
I flicked a hefty ruby.
“Oh good sir, it is clear you belong to the nobility! Please do give me your instructions, and I shall escort you however you deem fit!”
Possessing sufficient wealth inherently serves as a testament to status. I may not claim true noble origins, yet the Tower Master at my side was undoubtedly from a genuine noble family. Thus, these assertions held merit.
Thud. The shaved head bowed deeply, submission radiating from him. I turned on my nobleman persona, my hand waving in slow fashion. Pink-Balrez promptly attuned herself alongside me.
“Our magician tracks the individual that fled, following their trail…”
“Don’t impede me, ruffian. I’ll not solicit your ilk’s assistance; I’ll unveil what’s necessary myself. Should anything be damaged, compensation will be rendered at double; thus, relay to your folks to hush.”
With those words, the bald thug bowed down low, becoming one with the shadows. For the immediate future… we’d face no distractions. I casually ruffled the boy’s back, who had paused, captivated by the realization of “I would not place your nobility in question!”
“Let’s get moving. Stick to your daily regimen. Where do you sleep, how do you arise, which routes do you traverse for meals… just continue as you ordinarily would.”
“Y-yes…”
The boy stammered, guiding us through the alleyways shrouded in darkness.
Claiming he retained no memory invoked two distinct outcomes. He might be an adept in the craft of memory erasure—or wholly unaware of having fallen victim to hypnosis.
I preferred the latter.
Expounding on this preference, effortlessly manipulating another’s memory undeniably retains its difficulty. If such a challenge perplexes a genius like me, it stands to reason that the general populace would fare similarly poorly.
Complex interactions define human thought and memory. Erasing even a minor memory could mark a drastic shift in personality. Such changes typically remain within the expertise of others nearby.
If faced with the dilemma of erasure versus concealment—I’d logically gravitate towards concealment.
“Why didn’t you craft some of this national magic for distribution? Then financial concerns for research would simply vanish.”
“Had it been that straight, we’d have approached the Defense Bureau for national support ages ago!”
Pathways didn’t create an ideal scenario, but wouldn’t our theater have morphed into a city laced with cyberpunk themes?
Wizards weaving through perceptions; agents preserving something darkly hidden from the beckoning shadows; a frail emperor at the center—beyond a gaming session’s narrative could beckon.
Yet, as we dug deeper, it transitioned from mere playful session fantasy into stark reality. My head filled with disorientation. Suspending trust proved itself uncomfortable; further deepening fears encircling investigations by Defense Bureau members into the Purple Tower.
Tempting as it might’ve been, I still valued keeping much of my research materials confined.
“Hey, Pink-Balrez, could you check my chambers while I take care of some things?”
“Wait… do you happen to have human trafficking documents?”
Pink-Balrez’s eyes widened with astonishment, mirroring thoughts of disbelief and uncertainty related to how deep I intended to fall while covering for myself. Then again, her expression bared the desire for reassurance; I hastily dispelled the thought.
“N-no, just—while navigating through the teenage tempest, there finds an inevitability in encountering… unexpected engagements.”
“How fascinating!”
Concern tried to dominate my perception. What about how fellow agents would view me? Unexpectedly, Pink-Balrez appeared sincerely interested, relieving my fears concerning the necessity of crafting a “shame suppression” spell.
In the splendid capital of the Empire, darkness lurked.
Bright streets bathed in vigor concealed grimy, shadowy pathways beneath their facade. Locations where everyday beings wouldn’t dare tarry. I scanned the perimeter.
Chaos scarcely presented a threat. No bodies littered the cobbled streets, nor had any inebriated figures sagged lazily against alley walls. It bore the insignia of acceptable governance.
In addition, relative wealth seemed present. Even amid dens of impoverished existence, it existed under the canopy of the ‘Imperial Capital.’ The populace’s overall health remained noticeably adequate.
Shadows encapsulated undulating reflections; multiple gleaming eyes witnessed. Slipping glimpses of curiosity pierced through merely cracked windows.
Inhabiting such tightly occupied spaces clearly defined an underlying order; life invariably rubber-banded into the proximity of a semblance of wildness.
What twists of fate defined animalistic packs intruding upon others’ lands?
“Hey, this isn’t a space reserved for outsiders to roam undeterred!”
“Hmm, classic.”
“…Recommend you depart before trivial matters escalate.”
A shaved-headed rogue edged closely to us; his bravado radiated menace. While his arms presented emptiness, he wielded words more eloquent than his appearance insinuated. Treading lightly given his assortment of friends.
The Tower Master’s nervousness illuminated in how she fiddled with her fingers.
“Uh, should we withdraw…?”
“I’ll handle this, Tower Master.”
Hierarchy in nature remains essential among beasts. If I can instill within them a firm understanding of my superiority, they wouldn’t risk a fanged confrontation.
Though I may cite my connections to the tower or announce the distinguished beauty at my side’s affiliation with the Imperial Defense Bureau, proving those credentials presented its own challenges.
Thus here, I exploited only necessary power.
I flicked a gold coin.
“…Is that all?”
I flicked a gemstone.
“Not clear where you’re from…”
I flicked a prominent ruby.
“Ah, your nobility! Please dispense orders, and I’ll ensure you receive proper escort!”
Sufficient wealth itself serves as pedigree proof. I may not be a true aristocrat, yet distinguished figures like the Tower Master who stood by my side certainly hailed from noble blood.
Thud. The bald renegade bowed deeply, full submission reverberating from him. I activated my noble mode; lazily manipulating the air around me. Pink-Balrez caught right on without fail!
“Our wizard tracks a fugitive; we follow their trail…”
“Do not impede me, insignificant canaille! I shan’t solicit assistance, nor rely on your kind—I’m wholly capable of this investigation! Should anything break, I’ll compensate us in double, so keep your rabble in check!”
Bow. He complies again, swiftly blending into the shadows. At least for now, they shall not disrupt. I gently nudged the continuously reflective boy who appeared to have taken a breath of realization regarding ‘I had no grain of nobility to acknowledge!’
“Forward, we move! Maintain your daily surroundings; divulge where you sleep, how you wake, typical routes traversed to fill your belly… act accordingly.”
“Y-yes…”
Stumbling on his own tongue led him ahead through the shadow-filled paths.
Claiming he retained no memory encapsulated embers of two distinct narratives. Either his adeptness led him to cloak ownership of erasure, or complete ignorance to external hypnosis.
I determinedly leaned toward the latter.
To equivalently elucidate complexity boiling with the promptness of mind-manipulating tension: figuring the nuances of householders seldom swayed an average witness. Their memories tether it strongly to the past reality expanded in outrageous coping mechanisms.
If it were me standing upon the choice’s discretion, I’d select the most simplistic yet efficient means tailored to conceal rather than unwind the unfurling of deceit.
“Why wouldn’t you develop fractions of that magical nonsense for discharge? Then financial burdens dissipate, right?”
“Had it been straightforward, we’d be part of surging alongside the Defense Bureau already!”
Conduits in theory, wiring complexity through ingenious craft had this led to intricate clubhouses glinting expectancy within every era.
Manipulators threading minds, clandestine protectors safeguarding urban structures lurking too close to an over-calibrated Emperor… A tale whispered among taproots stretching far, seeded within its cyclical reality.
But herein was flourishing before us yet many had fashioned their narratives limiting forthwith through lapse-deconstruction.
“Ah, Pink-Balrez! What leads you to paperwork within my quarters?”
“Hold up… human trafficking papers you maintain?”
Shocked recognition mingled as disbelief swept over Pink clear as day, forever uncertain how far she ought push against cover adaptations clamouring. Capturing sight merely skimmed expectations; its attitude snapped me down.
“N-no; trust me; I’ve kept a real sacred tiptoe… It appears through those wild adolescent journeys one consistently stumbles upon… related yes.”
“Awfully interesting you might add!”
Perchance it spun beneath the outer threads tightly woven against mental landscapes echoing back! What weird a parallax deemed reality sculpted even unto unveiled control?
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