Genius Warlock

Vroom——!

The vehicle Forrest and Oliver were in smoothly drove along the road, heading towards District A.

In the heart of Landa, District A was densely populated with the city council, related administrative facilities, and the local branch of the Parter Church.

Inside the car, Forrest was talking to someone on the communication device.

"…So you don't need to come. Alright. I'll contact you right away."

With a click, the call ended, and Oliver asked,

"Who were you talking to?"

"Joe. He heard the rumor and asked how you were doing."

"Really?"

"Yeah, he may seem blunt, but he seems to like you a lot. He was asking if he's needed."

"Um, I'm grateful for that. I don't know why, though."

Oliver spoke sincerely. He genuinely didn't know why Joe liked him.

Forrest looked at Oliver and shook his head, then opened his mouth.

"Having a pointless conversation with you is enjoyable, but let's get back to reality. Did you manage to memorize everything I told you?"

Oliver replied, holding the memo,

"Yes, first, answer questions about the past minimally. Second, if asked about demons, say you have no interest and don't know anything. Third, if asked about jobs, mention the contract terms and exercise the right to remain silent… I've memorized it all."

"Excellent."

Forrest immediately took the memo from Oliver, crumpled it, and put it in his mouth, chewing and swallowing.

It was a contrasting action to his usual well-dressed, polite, and dignified appearance. Oliver stared blankly at him.

"We can't give the Paladins anything to accuse us of."

"…Ah."

"Focus again. Did someone see you using the Corpse doll?"

"Yes, during my last job with Mr. Jonathan. I used Helper-2 Parker to capture Venium. Some residents there witnessed it."

"Helper-2 Parker?"

"Yes, it's a Corpse doll made by combining the hands of doctors and engineers with a spider-contaminated life form as the base. It's the size of a large dog and can be used to repair other Corpse dolls on the spot."

"Thanks for explaining it so well. I'm starting to feel a bit nauseous though, but that's on me. Hey, I don't want to be bossy or anything, but I gotta ask – was it really necessary to use that super unique Corpse doll?"

"I'm sorry for going against your previous advice. But it was necessary. If I hadn't, the damage could have been greater, and the people living there might have been harmed."

"Hmm… Alright, if you say so, I'll take your word for it."

Upon hearing the reason, Forrest immediately accepted it without further questioning.

His focus was not on pointing out trivial faults but on resolving the current situation.

"Say that you fixed up and utilized the Corpse doll obtained from the contaminated area. Even if it sounds forced, say it with a straight face."

"Yes, I understand… But is that better?"

"Just using the Corpse doll itself is a big problem. I don't mean to criticize you, but it's an object that undermines human dignity, given its materials."

"Um…"

"I'm sorry if that made you feel bad."

"No, it's not that. You're right."

"… Also, since Puppet was the first to create Corpse dolls, using the technique is often associated with him and may be viewed through colored glasses."

"Is that so?"

"I heard it's just a rumor, but that's what I know… I mean, even though the Corpse doll technique is ancient, there are other ways to learn it, so why risk drawing unwanted attention?"

"Um, I see… You know a lot."

"I study every evening."

Forrest smiled as if joking.

From then on, Forrest reassured Oliver by telling him not to worry too much since he would go in with him, asking the broker's union for help, and explaining that there had been no big trouble with other warlocks as examples.

One could feel sincerity and dedication in every word he spoke.

"… It's likely to be just a nuisance, so don't be anxious and calmly respond. Answer only the questions asked, minimally."

"Yes, I understand."

When they were somewhat prepared to face the Paladins, Al carefully spoke up.

"Boss. Mr. Dave. We'll be arriving soon."

Looking outside, it was true.

A white building that looked like a mix of a military facility and a temple came into view.

"Is that…?"

"That's the Holy Paladins' England branch."

"The building is impressive."

"It should be, since it was built with the tithes of the believers. The church pays a lot of attention to such things. Impressive and majestic."

"Is there a reason for that?"

"It's necessary to establish authority."

Forrest replied with a mix of sarcasm and ridicule, as if to say it was petty.

A short while later, the car stopped at the entrance gate.

The guards, who appeared to be staff members, checked Al's face and frowned.

"Red skin?"

There was a sense of discomfort. It was the same experience as when they first visited the Ministry of Internal Affairs building.

Forrest told the guards, just like back then, that he was his driver.

The difference was that when the Ministry of Internal Affairs guards saw Forrest's face, they greeted him with apologies and smiles, whereas the guards at the Holy Paladins' England branch seemed even more displeased.

"At the Ministry of Internal Affairs, we were guests, but we are not to these humans. They think of us as insects that must be exterminated. They believe we make a living through illegal means."

Forrest spoke as they passed through the main gate and entered.

"I see… But why don't they do anything about it?"

"Due to the city treaty, they can't interfere with anything other than warlock crimes and demon-related matters. Besides, we regularly ‘feed' donations through the brokers union."

"… You ‘feed' donations?"

"That's how I'd like to describe it. It's a donation, but at the same time, it's a bribe. Anyway, the point is not to worry too much since we have an arrangement in place. I'll handle it, and you only answer when asked. Refrain from unnecessary remarks."

Oliver nodded at Forrest's sincere request.

"Yes, I understand. I'll trust only you, Mr. Forrest."

"I'll try not to disappoint your expectations."

? ? ? ? ? ?

"What do you mean by that?"

Forrest, who had gotten out of the car and entered the Holy Paladins' England branch building, stopped walking down the corridor and asked the staff member.

It was evident that Forrest was angry.

As if he had experienced something extremely unfair.

"As we told you, only the summoned warlock is allowed to enter," replied a gruff staff member with a thick neck, who looked like a bear.

Despite his intimidating appearance, the man seemed determined to use his looks to intimidate the other party.

However, Forrest didn't back down. After all, he too was no stranger to the rough life in Landa.

"I don't get it. Why can't I go in? I'm Dave's assigned broker and I'm even the guarantor for this guy. Plus, I heard that previous brokers were allowed to enter with their Solvers."

"We've changed the rules temporarily for a more accurate investigation. Please cooperate."

"We've already cooperated a lot, and we can't agree to that rule."

"Are you ignoring the Holy Paladins' request?"

"I'm telling you to follow the rules of this city. This is Landa, not some backwoods village where ignorant bumpkins believe that eating rabbit meat makes their ears grow longer."

Forrest didn't hide his displeasure in the slightest.

The Holy Paladins' branch staff member also showed his discomfort.

It seemed that having the authority of the Holy Paladins challenged was a significant grievance.

He slowly raised his huge hand, which was a harmonious mix of muscle and flesh, and tried to place it on Forrest's shoulder…

…Thud!

Oliver, who had been watching from behind, slightly lifted his quarterstaff and stopped the staff member's hand.

The other staff members around were surprised and watched the scene. They looked ready to act if necessary.

Oliver remembered who these people were.

They were servants, assistants, and soldiers who supported the Holy Paladins.

He had seen similar people when he first met Joanna.

‘Um… So, am I meeting Ms. Joanna today?'

It was entirely possible. Joanna was a Holy Paladin. And then Oliver felt an indescribable emotion.

Should he call it awkward, or bitter? Anyway, it was a mysterious feeling.

At that moment, someone spoke to Oliver, and Oliver returned to reality.

"Hey… What are you doing?" he asked.

"Huh? Oh…"

Oliver looked at the servant who had been talking to Forrest. Oliver's quarterstaff was blocking his hand.

He seemed very unhappy about this.

"How dare a mere warlock like you oppose us? In our Holy Father's house?"

Holy Father. The one and only God of the Parter religion.

Oliver wanted to ask if God descended and slept here, but he held back as it seemed to be a metaphorical expression, no matter how much he thought about it.

Oliver carefully opened his mouth as he saw the other servants around him on guard.

"No, I just thought it would be rude to touch the body of an elder carelessly. We should respect each other."

The servant who was about to touch Forrest's body seemed surprised by the unexpected response and hesitated for a moment.

Then, he slowly lowered his wicked hand. Following suit, Oliver lowered his quarterstaff and bowed slightly as a greeting.

"Thank you for understanding. I apologize for touching you without permission."

Oliver, who had learned to be polite from his experience in the angel's house, opened his mouth again.

"Did you say I should go in alone?"

"….Yes."

"What are you talking about?"

Forest asked, grabbing Oliver, who was suddenly speaking on his own.

Oliver replied quietly, "Shouldn't we cooperate?"

"There's a limit to that too. You can refuse if it comes out like this. It's cooperation, not a legal obligation."

"Mr. Forrest. Even without coercion, weren't you willing to cooperate for a good reason?"

That was right. Although there was no legal problem with refusing right away, there were plenty of ways to harass indirectly.

They had investigative authority and the power to mobilize police forces regarding warlocks and demons.

Although it was just an assumption, if the holy paladins had ill intentions, they could have easily interfered with Forrest's work.

"I can handle that."

"Isn't this a busy time for Mr. Forrest and me?"

Forrest was taken aback by the precise words that hit the nail on the head once again.

He had a strict deadline to deliver the members of the Fighter Crew to the Crime Firm, and even his time to eat, sleep, and enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink felt too valuable to waste.

He realized that any mishap with the holy paladins could have severe consequences for his work, and the contracts in the underworld were often more stringent than those in the world above.

"Plus, you need to find a place to move the restaurant and expand the business, right? Just cooperation. It seems better that way."

Forrest sighed at the irrefutable argument. There was nothing to say since the most troubled party was talking like that.

"When did you become so good at talking?"

"After spending over a year here, I've come to understand the atmosphere a bit. Knowing things makes it easier to talk."

"Hoo… Are you really okay?"

"Yes. I can't know for sure without trying, but I think it'll be fine. I want to finish my work quickly, too."

"What are you whispering about?"

The servant who had halted Forrest earlier inquired with an interrogative tone, still maintaining a level of caution towards Oliver and Forrest despite having softened his demeanor.

Forest seemed to make up his mind and said.

"Excuse us for a moment… Dave, I'm really sorry I couldn't be of more assistance after promising to help. I'll leave it to you now."

"You've already taught me enough, so it's been helpful. Please wait a little longer."

Forrest nodded, and Oliver turned to the servant, saying he would follow.

The servant looked suspiciously at Oliver and then guided him.

"Follow me."

(To be Continued)

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