Chapter 78

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Chapter 78: The Special Operations Division (3)

The people he would recruit into the Special Operations Division will become his hands and feet in the future.

They will also be his comrades, working together to tackle various dangerous tasks.

‘In the worst-case scenario, we might even have to confront the demon-worshipping followers of the Black Finger.’

In short, he had to prioritize skill when selecting members.

It would be even better if they were people he trusted and knew well.

‘If I think about those who meet that criteria right now…’

Three people immediately came to mind.

Oscar called them all in.

Knock, knock.

The first person to arrive was recognizable just by the sound of their knock.

“Happy New Year!”

Fran cheerfully greeted him as he entered the office on the 14th floor for the first time this year.

“Yeah, happy New Year.”

“‘Happy New Year’? What’s that?”

“It basically means I’m wishing you a prosperous new year.”

“Where do you keep picking up such old-fashioned phrases?”

“….”

Do kids these days not use such phrases?

Fran, who was busy looking around the office with curiosity, asked,

“So, what’s this place? You called me all of a sudden, so I came, but what do you do here?”

“This is the Special Operations Division. In short, the Special Ops Office.”

“Special Ops? I didn’t know our tower had such a division.”

“It was just established.”

After briefly explaining the background, Fran turned around with a surprised expression.

“What? The Black Finger? You’ve tangled with those demon-worshippers before?”

“I didn’t know it at the time, but apparently, yes.”

The Cadena Flu, the Heavenlt Silkworm at the Magic Power Plant—

He hadn’t realized back then that those were their doing.

“They said I have an unusually high rate of contact with those guys. That’s why the Royal Family stuck me in this position.”

“...Wouldn’t they normally try to protect you more in that case?”

“Well, the Royal Family isn’t exactly known for their generosity.”

Efficiency was the Royal Family’s forte, after all.

“You say that as if you know them well. Oh? What’s this?”

Fran spotted a large box on the table and expressed curiosity.

“They say it’s support supplies from the Royal Family.”

“Can I see what’s inside?”

“Knock yourself out.”

Oscar responded indifferently.

People often overestimated Royal Family support, but it was usually underwhelming—

Just equipment, food, and maybe a few magic scrolls.

“Let’s see… functional attire, travel permits, and various magic scrolls.”

Just as he expected.

Oscar, sitting in his chair, began inspecting the box’s contents with him.

“Hmm. At least the attire is top-notch.”

The coats had temperature-regulating enchantments, while the tops, bottoms, and shoes were all reinforced for durability.

Waterproof and fire-resistant spells were standard, minimizing operational risks.

“Really? I find it a bit disappointing. The design isn’t much different from the White Tower robes.”

“Are you planning to go around bragging about being on a grand mission? Focus on functionality.”

There were 15 sets of the attire in total, likely accounting for potential replacements.

“The travel permits only bear the Royal Seal, nothing else?”

“That’s good enough. Showing that will grant you access to most places.”

It was clear the Royal Family intended to empower the Special Ops Division.

Considering the division’s tangential ties to demon-related affairs, that was only natural.

Besides, this was about utilizing Tower personnel at the Royal Family’s request.

“Hm. I doubt you called me here just to show off your office…”

Fran squinted suspiciously and made an immediate declaration.

“Nope. I’m not doing it.”

“…I haven’t even said anything yet.”

“You’re going to assign me to some special mission or whatever.”

Since when was he this perceptive?

Or had he always been this sharp?

Oscar nodded confidently.

“Correct. But this is actually for your benefit. It’s a great opportunity.”

“…A great opportunity?”

“You’re Level 4 now, so it’s time for you to choose a career path.”

Mages in the Tower typically decided their career paths at Level 4.

Most chose magical research, while a few joined departments like potion manufacturing or artifact crafting for commercial work.

Those who didn’t fit anywhere were automatically assigned to the task-solving department.

On occasion, particularly talented mages were scouted for the guards, but Fran likely wouldn’t fall into that category.

“Or are you planning to go into magical research after all?”

“Ahem…”

Fran averted his gaze.

The stereotype about magical researchers being reclusive workaholics wasn’t baseless—it stemmed from truth.

“You’re too active to lock yourself in a room all day, and you’re not exactly interested in potions or delivery services.”

“I could just join the task-solving department.”

“The Special Ops Division does the same kind of work but on a higher level. You’d even get to pick and choose the missions or cases you want to handle.”

Moreover, joining the task-solving department often meant enduring a rough start.

Even Killian, now hailed as a prodigy, likely began his career chasing runaway pets.

“With Special Ops, you can skip all that grunt work and jump straight into handling high-quality cases, often on par with prestigious individual requests. Naturally, the pay and benefits are far superior.”

“Hmm.”

Fran’s ears perked slightly.

“Most importantly, what was your goal again? To become the White Tower’s flagship mage and elevate your family’s name, right? Then you absolutely need to join Special Ops. It’ll become the go-to team for the White Tower’s elite.”

“…The White Tower’s elite?”

“Exactly.”

With that, Oscar turned his head toward the door.

“Come in.”

“You’re like a ghost.”

A deep, resonant voice accompanied Killian’s entrance.

Fran’s eyes widened as Oscar addressed him.

"Killian Lockwood. The most promising mage of the White Tower right now. He’ll join the Special Operations Division too."

"…Is that true?"

At Fran's question, Killian responded as he took a seat.

"What’s the Special Operations Division?"

"Nothing much. It’s a team where you make friends and solve cases together. Now, just sign here."

"Understood."

Without a moment’s hesitation, Killian signed the document, leaving Fran bewildered.

"Hey, do you even know what kind of hidden clauses might be in that before you just sign?"

"Oscar is a warrior who’s crossed life and death with me. A true warrior doesn’t deceive others."

"…Both of you are mages, though."

Fran's quiet muttering dissipated into the air.

At that moment, the last person he’d summoned entered the room.

"You’re here, Veronica."

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"…"

Her gaze swept across the room briefly before settling on Killian.

She seemed to recognize him as a rival, making her more conscious of his presence.

Killian met her gaze without flinching and put a pipe to his lips.

"Killian."

"Don’t worry. I won’t fight."

"No, I meant stop smoking indoors."

"…"

Killian, looking sheepish, set the pipe down.

Watching him, Veronica let out a soft sigh of exasperation.

"So, why did you call me here?"

"A new Special Operations Division has been established. It will handle incidents in Sirin and neighboring territories. I’d like you to join."

"What’s in it for me?"

Her voice, laced with sharpness, questioned him while her arms were crossed.

If the answer didn’t meet her expectations, there was no way she would join.

‘Veronica’s goal, as far as I’ve observed, is…’

Power.

A strength so overwhelming that no one could disregard her.

And, naturally, it included a significant need for recognition.

"You’ll grow stronger faster than in any other department of the White Tower."

"…"

Veronica seemed to mull over the offer, likely considering its feasibility.

"What does ‘faster’ mean, exactly?"

"Hmm."

As he pondered her question, Oscar’s gaze landed on Fran.

"Ah, there’s a good example right here."

With a faint smile, Oscar gestured toward Fran.

"I can guarantee you’ll reach at least the level of this guy."

"Fran Sirius? But this guy…"

A deep distrust gleamed in her eyes.

‘I used to see two mages in the White Tower as my greatest rivals.’

They were Killian Lockwood and Fran Sirius.

While Oscar Crucian was overwhelmingly more famous, he had been diagnosed with mana depletion syndrome, so she didn’t consider him a competitor.

‘But this guy…’

After rumors spread that Fran couldn’t use unique magic due to trauma, she’d stopped paying attention to him.

She couldn’t afford to waste time looking back when she had to keep moving forward.

"What? Do you think Fran is weaker than you?"

"He only reached the 4th level recently."

"Magic is unfair. Someone can spend years achieving something, only for a talented individual to catch up in a single moment of insight."

Oscar smiled meaningfully at Killian and Veronica.

"From what I see, Fran is currently the strongest among you three."

"…"

"…"

In the ensuing silence, Fran fidgeted nervously.

"Hey, hey! What’s that supposed to mean? Are you subtly mocking me? You’re just putting me in an awkward position!"

"What’s awkward about it? It’s the truth."

Wind and steel’s breath, combined with the whip.

This was a magical combination perfected by the great Seventh Tower Master, a continental-level powerhouse.

‘Of course, those two are exceptionally talented for their age, but…’

Even so, it would be nearly impossible for them to endure Fran’s devastating firepower with that perfect combination.

That’s why Oscar provoked them.

"Can you back that up?"

"Of course."

Hooked.

Oscar responded with a faint smile.

"We’re all busy people. No need for long discussions—just settle it with a match."

* * *

The White Tower’s outdoor training ground.

It was the same place where Fran had once faced off against Lazli, the bodyguard his older brother brought.

And today, he’d be facing Veronica Fricks.

"Hey, Oscar… is this really necessary?"

Fran’s brows furrowed deeply as he reluctantly walked forward.

"You know it better than anyone. I can only swing that move three times."

"Of course I know. I’m the one who taught you, after all."

But Fran still didn’t fully understand.

"Today, you won’t even need to swing it three times."

Oscar glanced at Veronica and then briefly at Killian.

"Well, maybe twice if that guy gets curious and intervenes."

"…What the hell are you talking about?"

"You don’t need to know. You’ll find out soon enough."

Fran still didn’t realize just how incredible the weapon in his hands truly was.

If he did, he wouldn’t have dared to make those audacious remarks about not joining the Special Operations Division.

"Step up."

Veronica was already on the training ground, exuding sharp, intimidating energy.

"Here goes…"

With a face full of reluctance, Fran shuffled onto the training ground.

Watching him, Killian approached Oscar and asked.

"Oscar. Do you really think Fran Sirius can win?"

"Yeah."

"…What did you teach him to make you so confident?"

At Killian’s genuine curiosity, Oscar smirked faintly.

"Something you can’t stop even if you know it’s coming."

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