Chapter 389: A New Project (5)

Cartel and Dyke Corp.

Two organizations that rose to legendary positions, each in the shadows and the light, in the form of corporations.

It had been decades since the leaders of the two organizations had directly met, ever since the mega-city was completely reorganized into area-based districts.

At a place that, in the history of this mega-city Vulcan, held great significance, Panua Belluci hung her head low.

“……”

Virgil glanced at Lennok, then cleared his throat silently.

He had expected a grim atmosphere, but it was far more somber than he’d anticipated.

But Lennok, who had a rough idea why Panua was in such a state, said nothing.

As Lennok recalled, the president of Dyke Corp. and Panua maintained a relationship that was more than just simple superior-subordinate.

It would be difficult for her to regain her composure easily, with the president she trusted and relied on for more than just public matters dying overnight, and over half of the internal business network gone.

It was remarkable that, not long after the incident, she still managed to maintain contact with those around her.

Inferring this, Lennok also hadn’t been too concerned when Panua didn’t immediately reply.

A moment of silence.

Panua, wiping her eyes and raising her head, looked slightly haggard but otherwise normal.

“You must have waited a long time. My apologies to both of you.”

“……No. I am truly sorry for what happened to Dyke Corp.”

Virgil replied in a soft tone.

“I hear it was your planning to venture into the shadow world’s arms industry, even while firmly established in the light? Moreover, to recognize Van early on and utilize him shrewdly before his value rose, shows you’re a talent with both ability and foresight.”

“You always have to say it like that…”

Contrary to Lennok’s furrowed brow, Virgil tapped the ashtray on the desk and chuckled.

“But pioneers who are ahead of their time always face backlash. Isn’t it true that by jumping into the underworld’s arms industry before the Prohibition Edict was lifted, you inadvertently incurred the public’s wrath?”

Sharp, direct words. These were words that could never be uttered without a careful understanding of the current situation at Dyke Corp. and its causes.

“……I cannot deny it. That is correct.”

Panua nodded readily and spoke again.

“But even if I were to go back to that time, my choice would not be much different. This city makes it difficult to maintain one’s position, no matter how relentlessly one pursues profit.”

“I see. I understand.”

Only then did Virgil lean forward, interlace his hands, and lower his gaze as he spoke.

“Still, your judgment hasn’t completely failed. If this is the case, perhaps we can lend a hand to some extent.”

“Is Cartel planning to directly intervene in Dyke Corp.’s affairs?”

Virgil agreed with Lennok’s question.

“If it’s to the extent of providing necessary information. Favors given to those in desperate need are remembered longer, after all.”

“You have a knack for making obvious things sound profound.”

“……Anyway, at this point, with the Prohibition Edict gone, is there any reason to hesitate intervention by drawing lines between the light and shadow worlds?”

Virgil grinned, looking at Panua’s face.

“Now that we know the City Council itself is divided on this matter, we can simply move as we please and side with whichever party we desire.”

“Wait, what do you mean?”

Panua, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, her eyes sharpened.

“Are you saying the City Council is involved in the series of incidents targeting our company?”

Lennok briefly explained about the employee from the City Government Secret Management Agency who had sought him out.

Panua, listening intently, also nodded repeatedly and immediately spoke.

“I see. A new project… In fact, we had internally almost concluded that it was the work of Achilles.”

“So you already knew about Achilles. You weren’t just sitting idly by?”

“Of course not. We were simply enduring without making a public announcement, but we succeeded in hacking and securing footage based on the database remaining at the seized military factory. Through that process, we learned that Achilles was deeply involved.”

So Dyke Corp. was also gathering various information for a counterattack.

Even with its head lost, as long as the working staff were alive, the company’s power was not yet dead.

While it would be difficult to stop falling stock prices and fierce protests from shareholders, they were gathering as much information as possible before electing the next management.

And Panua seemed to have already succeeded in identifying the opponent based solely on the information Lennok provided.

“If, as Van says, some high-ranking City Government officials are deeply involved… I think I can figure out who the opponent is. And why we haven’t been able to identify them until now.”

Panua abruptly stood up and, without Virgil’s permission, began to touch the projector placed in the corner of the table.

Flash!

Instantly, countless photos of people appeared on the wall.

“This is the organizational chart of the security company Achilles’s executives that we recently acquired. The man on the far right among them.”

An elderly man with age spots on his face. He had a somewhat benevolent expression and a gentle smile.

“Madrich Onnion. The head of the judicial institution who held the position of Vulcan City Government’s Supreme Court Chief Justice until five years ago. Achilles reportedly spent a fortune to put him in an honorary position.”

Panua stared at the old man’s photo and slowly opened her mouth.

“If the City Government and Achilles have joined hands, this man is most likely behind this incident.”

“I recall hearing about Madrich as well.”

Virgil, who had been listening, spoke.

“He’s a powerful figure who lived even before the city was founded. Before he suffered a serious injury in the war, he was said to be a powerful Commander Wizard, capable of even contending with the Chairman.”

“……”

“That’s right. He was active in the field for a very long time, so he has many connections in both the City Government and corporations, and even after retirement, he’s famous for rumors that he still holds a tight grip on the judicial institution.”

Panua, who was touching the projector, nodded.

“If the series of maneuvers against our company are related to the new project, a position and status like this man’s would be necessary for smooth access and execution. And it also explains why no traces were left.”

Among the judicial institutions where Madrich Onnion served as head, there were also detention facilities for various criminals and wanted individuals.

“He’s using his connections to leash criminals and freely employ them as his pawns. If he uses old inmates whose personal information has been erased, there would be no repercussions or traces left behind.”

“That’s a very bold assumption. If he’s caught, Madrich himself would be in trouble.”

“But this is the only reason why, despite capturing several terrorists who attacked the military factory, we still haven’t obtained any distinct information.”

Panua put away the projector, then slightly bowed her head and turned her back.

“Discussing baseless conjectures here right now would be meaningless. We will secure additional evidence to support our hypothesis.”

“It will take some time, are you sure? I heard that over half of your production facilities in the shadow world have been destroyed.”

It was a matter of investigating a former Chief Justice. Gathering evidence to support Panua’s hypothesis and taking action would require more time than moving immediately.

“We can reclaim lost factories and rebuild facilities.”

Panua, who answered sharply, suddenly smiled bitterly.

“But people don’t come back. So, even if it takes some time, I want to handle this matter more thoroughly than ever.”

“……”

“I sincerely thank both of you. Madrich Onnion was one of the very few official personnel who directly participated in the Black Consumer Project… It might not be impossible to secure a list of those involved in the Black Consumer Project while tracing this matter.”

After saying that, Panua immediately left Virgil’s office.

“If I acquire additional information, I will contact you again.”

Click!

Virgil, who had been staring at Panua’s disappearing figure like a gust of wind with a bewildered expression, burst into laughter.

“She’s a strong-willed person. It’s clear why she holds such influence as the de facto head of Dyke Corp. at her age.”

“It must be a time when she can’t afford to worry about formalities.”

Lennok, who brought the ashtray closer and lit a cigarette, replied.

“Achilles is also a huge corporation, one that I know is not inferior to Dyke Corp. in scale. Now that the instigator of this incident has been identified, it must be hard for them to stay put.”

“Oh, so you’re defending her?”

“I’ve received help from her in many ways. As you said, she’s someone who will definitely repay a favor if given the chance.”

Even during the Defense Force incident, didn’t Panua personally step forward and provide convenience for tracing the movements of the special forces?

Lennok somewhat acknowledged Panua’s abilities, not only in swiftly gaining control of the underworld’s arms industry but also in not forgetting to return his favor during that process.

If there had been no mutual interests, it might have been different, but from Lennok’s perspective, intending to uncover the inner workings of the project, there was no reason not to take Panua’s side.

“So, when can I see the Chairman?”

Lennok, who casually changed the topic, asked.

“Rumor has it that his Hierarchy has fallen due to the aftermath of the war… This precisely matches the rumors I know about your Chairman.”

“You really are abnormally quick-witted.”

Virgil replied with a wry smile.

“You’re right. He once clashed with the Chairman when Madrich was still active.”

“……”

“The Chairman would certainly remember that ancient hag, so if you contact him mentioning his name, he will respond.”

“Hmm, ancient hag… If you say that, then your Chairman is also-”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing.”

Virgil snorted, watching Lennok subtly change the subject.

“Instead, on the condition that you help us with one of our tasks, I will contact the Chairman immediately.”

“A condition?”

“You wouldn’t be acting so proactively just for the sake of the project. Isn’t it because you have personal business that you’re looking for the Chairman?”

“……”

He wasn’t wrong.

Lennok intended to meet Olivera Ron Maize to inquire about ways to improve his The Seven Debts Jewels Mystic Eye, which was becoming increasingly abnormal.

Although it was said her level had somewhat declined after a long period of seclusion, she was still one of the most powerful and superior The Seven Debts Jewels Mystic Eye users on this continent.

He thought that she, who possessed The Seven Debts Jewels Mystic Eye, would likely know what problem his own The Seven Debts Jewels Mystic Eye had.

Virgil looked at Lennok’s face and smiled slyly.

“I won’t ask what your business is. But to meet the Chairman as an outside director, wouldn’t you need a track record of having helped the company? In that sense, how about we work on something together for old times’ sake?”

“……I’ll listen first, then decide.”

“You might not know, as you’re not interested in company affairs, but there has recently been a significant upheaval in Cartel’s chain of command.”

Virgil said, crossing his arms.

“They’ve added two more presidential positions, and are actively recruiting talent for the internal board of directors. Yerien, whom you met, is also a case of being recognized for her performance and promoted during that process.”

So there was an external appointment among the newly inaugurated presidents, was that the Chairman’s directive?

“The problem is that the conduct of the newly appointed Third President, brought in through the Chairman’s acquaintance during that process, is extremely suspicious.”

“……”

“We need to find out if he’s already looking to jump into a power struggle, or if he has other motives. In that sense, I’d like to borrow your hand.”

Only then did Lennok realize Virgil’s intention and let out a chuckle.

“You plan to provoke him by making him see me as a rival for the presidential position? That’s a very insidious idea.”

“The Third President is from the Eastern Continent and doesn’t know much about the city. Naturally, he doesn’t know who you are. This is a good opportunity to investigate his background.”

He knew why Virgil was making such a request to Lennok.

Lennok was the one who personally executed Parden McQueen, the traitor who served as the First President just a few years ago.

Even if it started lightly, creating an atmosphere of contention towards the Third President, wasn’t Lennok the most suitable person to eliminate the new president in case of an unforeseen situation?

It seemed Virgil had temporarily put aside the idea of making Lennok the new president, and instead intended to use him as an executioner to weed out traitors within Cartel.

“Fine. As long as it doesn’t drag on, I don’t care.”

While Lennok was using Cartel, he would have to understand that they, too, would be interested in Lennok’s power.

It was better for Virgil to be frank and upfront like this.

Of course, even this attitude from Virgil was likely the result of analyzing Lennok’s preferences while dealing with him over time.

“Make sure to speak well of me to the Chairman beforehand.”

Lennok, grasping the doorknob of the chairman’s office, turned to Virgil and said.

“If Olivera refuses after I’ve accepted your condition, that would be a headache.”

Virgil nodded with a wry smile.

“I’ll do my best.”

[Madrich Onnion, you say?]

Lennok answered Jenny’s call indifferently.

“He seems to be quite famous among public officials. It’s highly likely that he’s the one pushing the new project.”

[……Damn it, this seems to be a big fish.]

“Do you know him?”

[No. But I do know that he has the ability to design a new project to succeed the Black Consumer Project.]

Jenny grumbled.

[The problem is that if an old hag like that has joined hands with a security company like Achilles and started something, I can only think of ominous things.]

“Are you saying the new project might be a part of control to replace the Prohibition Edict?”

[……]

Lennok chuckled at Jenny’s lack of response.

“Virgil and everyone else seems to think so. It was obvious the moment we learned Achilles was deeply involved.”

The Prohibition Edict only bound superhumans in the light world who had agreed to its existence.

It wouldn’t be strange if someone was envisioning a plan to create a new control that encompassed both the shadow and light worlds, pushing the entire city towards a single goal.

If all the lives and assets of this city, where tens of millions reside, were brought together and struggled, someone might reach Ascendant.

Lennok thought it wouldn’t be strange if someone still harbored such a hope.

[Honestly, I don’t like Virgil getting involved in this…]

“Do you think you can’t trust that vampire?”

[His work ethic is solid, but he’s a beast with cold blood, typical of his kind. The fact that he’s taking on this matter himself means he thinks Dyke Corp. has a chance… No, it’s just a hypothesis, forget it.]

Lennok cut her off sharply, despite Jenny’s playful words.

“If you say so, there must be a reason for it.”

[…Is that so?]

“Your caution against fully trusting Virgil is valid. However, to meet Olivera, you’ll have to accept certain conditions. It seems unavoidable.”

[I didn’t transfer over half of the distribution business to their subsidiary to prepare for cases like this, but… If you say so, there’s nothing I can do.]

Jenny sighed slightly, then swiftly summarized the situation.

[For now, I’ll organize the information on that new Third President.]

“Alright. The sooner, the better.”

Lennok glanced up, looking at the rapidly passing scenery outside, and said.

“It seems a confrontation with that fellow will be necessary to resolve the situation.”

Click.

Lennok hung up the phone and gazed out the window at the passing evening sunset.

Since Panua had volunteered to investigate Madrich Onnion herself, it was only natural that it would take some time.

During that time, Lennok planned to take care of his personal affairs that had been delayed due to his schedule.

As he bypassed the complex exterior barrier and internal security devices to open the front door, something cascaded down and scattered at his feet.

Rustle!

A bundle of papers densely covered in writing.

Lennok hastily picked them up and, as soon as he closed the door, let out a small sigh.

“Whew… I wonder if this is really a good idea.”

[I told you to use a display, Master.]

Davi, who popped out from inside Lennok’s arms, hopped around on the pile of papers and said.

[You’re the one who said you needed to write it down to feel satisfied. Hmph, a master of a digital spirit being so analogue.]

Lennok smiled wryly at the spirit’s grumbling.

“I can’t help it. Barrier magic is a field where you won’t get results unless you draw and study it by hand. It’s hard to properly observe the unfolding process if you draw it on a display.”

[With Master’s hands that even scribble circles crookedly?]

“……”

[It’s the truth, isn’t it?]

Lennok, who had been pulling at both of the digital spirit’s cheeks for a long time, turned his gaze.

A pile of papers stacked densely all the way to the shoe rack by the entrance.

Filling the mansion’s space without even fitting into the laboratory, these were the traces of Lennok practicing Jindun’s barrier magic.

“Partial deployment of Domain… It’s a power I’ll surely reach once I master Jindun’s barrier magic.”

Lennok held up a crooked barrier circle, his eyes shining sharply.

“From now on, I plan to begin full-scale research for that.”