NOVPUBRumors about the clinical research spread like wildfire among the students.
“Did you hear? There’s a clinical study that’s supposed to increase mana discharge capacity.”
“Is that safe though? It’s a clinical trial, which means they’re doing something to your body, right?”
“But apparently it’s being led by Professor Ludger Cherish?”
“That professor?”
The Seorn internal community was buzzing with discussion.
Most were unsure whether to participate.
“Still... a clinical study feels like too much.”
“A research study to increase mana output? That’s not something you can just do on a whim.”
“Yeah, if it were that easy, other mages would’ve already done it.”
Many responses were skeptical.
Of course, there were those who thought positively, too.
“But it’s Professor Ludger.”
“Exactly. Source Code, magic circles—he’s created entirely new forms of magic. Maybe this time it’ll work too?”
A belief rooted in his past brilliance—that he’d deliver again.
But thinking rationally, participating directly in the experiment brought significant anxiety.
“This isn’t just a thesis study—it’s clinical. What if there are side effects?”
“If something goes wrong while trying to boost mana output...”
“I’m just gonna wait and see who signs up first.”
The potential for side effects made students hesitate.
Even if Ludger had done great things before, there was no guarantee he’d keep succeeding.
Especially when it came to mana-related complications—any misstep could mean a death sentence for a mage.
Success would be a blessing, but failure... irreversible.
That vague fear had begun to take root among the student body.
“Hm. So even with the announcement posted, there haven’t been many applicants yet?”
Ludger stroked his chin as he listened to Sedina’s report.
It wasn’t unexpected—he had anticipated hesitation.
“Professor, will this be alright? At this rate, the research might fall apart before it even begins...”
“It’s fine. There’s no way we’ll have zero applicants.”
Right now was the deliberation phase.
Balancing risk and return. Assessing the feasibility.
There would inevitably be someone willing to take the risk.
“It’s a matter of time. Right now, the announcement’s fresh, so people are hesitating. But eventually, one or two will decide to go for it.”
All he had to do was wait patiently.
There were still three days left in the application period.
“So, Sedina.”
“Yes, Professor!”
Her voice came back bright and firm.
She had once carried fear in her voice, but since learning the truth, that fear had vanished.
Her expression was livelier now, her whole presence clearer—it was a welcome change.
“If any students come by inquiring about the notice, compile a list and report it to me.”
“Understood. Ah, will you be stepping out?”
“Yes. I’ve got business to attend to.”
And Sedina knew exactly what that business was.
He was going to take out a branch of the Black Dawn Society.
She felt a strange sensation.
Not long ago, she had been part of Black Dawn herself.
Technically, she hadn’t formally withdrawn—on paper, she was still a Second Order.
But her heart had already left completely. Even knowing Ludger was about to strike them, she felt no regret.
She was surprised at how calm she was about it.
‘So I wasn’t as loyal to Black Dawn as I thought.’
She knew the truth.
Her supposed loyalty had been no more than a cry for recognition—a childish plea for someone to acknowledge her.
And it wasn’t John Doe, the First Order of Black Dawn, who gave her that.
It was Ludger Cherish.
Now that he had recognized her, the fate of Black Dawn no longer mattered to Sedina Roschen.
Of course, that didn’t mean she could cut ties entirely.
Her value lay in being a source of information from within.
“Then I’ll be going.”
“Ah, Professor. There’s one thing you should know before you go.”
“What is it?”
“There’s a rumor going around among the other Orders... that a different First Order might show up in Baltanung.”
“A First Order? Now that’s interesting.”
“The most likely candidate is Victor Dreadpool... Though I can’t say for certain. It’s just a rumor floating around internally.”
Sedina warned him not to put too much faith in it—but Ludger didn’t agree.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. If that rumor is spreading, there’s a reason. Either way, thank you. That helps.”
“O-Of course!”
Sedina replied with exaggerated denial, but the corners of her lips were already twitching toward a grin.
Please return safely!
Leaving her behind, Ludger departed from Seorn.
* * *
Baltanung, the neighboring city of Rederbelk.
Though the sun hadn’t yet set, the city lay in shadow.
The air was choked with orange smog, like yellow dust.
It wasn’t fog—it was a toxic haze that damaged the lungs just from breathing it in.
It was what made Baltanung feel qualitatively different from Rederbelk.
‘So this is Baltanung.’
A two-tier tram ran at ground level, packed with day laborers. Not a single face carried hope.
The buildings were tall, the roads narrow. Which meant light barely reached the streets.
In the gloom, water festered in stagnant pools. Beggars fought over discarded scraps of food.
‘It’s practically post-apocalyptic.’
Most of its infrastructure and industrial workforce had been siphoned off by neighboring Rederbelk. There was little of worth left in Baltanung.
Hsssssshhh—
Even the wind was chilling, slipping through the seams of one’s coat.
Streetlamps flickered on before dusk, casting an orange glow.
But the smog diffused the light, leaving it dim and oppressive.
‘No wonder Hans said it’d be hard to find the warehouse.’
Baltanung didn’t even have proper street signs.
Well—some existed, but they were so battered and defaced they were useless.
Graffiti everywhere suggested the city itself had given up.
‘At this rate, I’ll have to get the information locally.’
The streets matched the atmosphere—empty and grim.
Few shops were open, and even those were guarded. Owners stood to one side gripping clubs, glaring suspiciously at any movement.
At the faintest shadow of a passerby, heads snapped around and eyes narrowed.
There was no one Ludger could reasonably ask for directions.
Yip!
A scrawny stray dog barked a few times, only to bolt in panic when a shop owner raised a stick.
Ludger turned into an alley.
Baltanung was dark everywhere, but the alleys were worse.
The stench was revolting.
Without changing expression, Ludger pulled his scarf higher to cover his mouth.
“Hey, buddy. You alone?”
After a few turns, three thugs greeted him.
Their yellowed teeth were the first thing to catch the eye.
One stood in front; two behind.
“Nice coat.”
“This one?”
Ludger glanced down at himself and shook his head.
“I specifically chose something cheap and plain to avoid attention.”
He wore a common, cheap frock coat.
But the thugs didn’t see it that way.
There was an unmistakable air of refinement about Ludger. An elegance that couldn’t be masked by a shabby coat.
“Hand over everything. And take off that coat while you’re at it.”
The one who looked like the leader reached for him.
They figured some clueless rich boy had wandered in—what luck.
He definitely looked like he had money.
Snap.
The moment that thought passed, Ludger grabbed the thug’s outstretched wrist.
The thug scowled and started to say something—but Ludger spoke first.
“Do you happen to know where District B-13 is?”
“You bastard, what the hell are you on about? Let go of me!”
“Wrong question, then.”
Crack.
Ludger snapped the thug’s wrist with a flick.
“Aaaagh!”
The man dropped to his knees, unable to even consider drawing his knife.
The pain and pressure were overwhelming—his brain went blank.
“Timmy! Get this bastard!”
“Die!”
The two behind lunged—one with a rusty knife, the other with a steel pipe.
Just as they were about to strike, Ludger spun.
Whish!
His coat flared like a curtain, blinding the thugs.
Their weapons sliced empty air.
And then, Ludger’s form seemed to vanish into the ground.
“Huh?”
The one with the knife blinked in confusion—just as a sharp pain exploded in his jaw.
Smack!
Eyes rolled back, and he collapsed.
Ludger, who had landed a clean punch, immediately turned to the last thug.
“D-Don’t come any closer!”
Terrified, the thug raised his pipe—but Ludger’s hand lashed out like lightning.
His fingertips jabbed the man in the throat.
“Ggh!”
He choked, vision spinning.
Clutching his throat, doubled over—he saw Ludger’s knee coming.
Thwack!
With a harsh cracking sound, a tooth shattered and flew into the air.
The blood that followed splattered across the alley.
Having taken down the two thugs in an instant, Ludger turned his gaze back to the first one.
“I’ll ask you one more time.”
“Hiiek!”
As Ludger spoke, the tearful thug trembled.
He looked up at Ludger in terror, and amidst the orange smog, Ludger’s blue eyes gleamed sharply.
“Tell me where District B-13 is. Unless you want to die.”
* * *
District B-13 was an abandoned factory zone in Baltanung.
Once the heart of a thriving industrial sector, it was now a barren wasteland with not even a shadow of its former glory.
The residents of Baltanung called it “the ruins of glory”—a self-deprecating nod to the time when they too lived proud and prosperous lives.
‘It’s the perfect place for suspicious types to hide.’
There were no people, and the area was filled with large factories.
The issue wasn’t finding the zone itself—there were too many buildings to know which one was the target.
As Ludger scanned the area, something caught his attention.
A statue?
In front of one of the ruined buildings stood a stone statue that matched the dreary atmosphere perfectly.
Its placement looked so natural that it seemed like it had always been there—but Ludger’s eyes weren’t deceived.
A gargoyle.
Gargoyles were summoned creatures shaped like statues, used to guard mansions or certain facilities.
They were essentially a type of golem.
Though once regarded as reliable gatekeepers, they had long been overshadowed by steam-powered golems in the current age of steel.
Still, some people favored gargoyles for their classical aesthetic, especially in old mansions.
‘But in an abandoned factory like this? Highly suspicious.’
There was no reason for something like that to be here.
The gargoyle had been intentionally dirtied and corroded, but Ludger could tell—it was in perfect condition underneath.
Had he noticed a bit later, the gargoyle would’ve leapt at him with a weapon.
‘They’re definitely inside that factory.’
However, the gargoyles were placed strategically around the perimeter. Getting close wouldn’t be easy.
‘Same goes for the roof.’
Gargoyles were stationed even atop the factory.
Using levitation or a wire launcher to reach the roof was practically impossible.
Teleportation required coordinate calculation—but without knowing the internal structure, it was too risky.
And he needed to conserve his mana.
‘Looks like the only option left is going below.’
He didn’t care for filthy routes, but this time there was no choice.
Ludger quickly found an entrance and descended into the underground drainage system.
Surprisingly, the sewers didn’t stink as much as expected.
‘Probably because no one lives here. There’s no wastewater. But... I smell strong chemicals.’
That much chemical odor in an abandoned area? No way it was natural.
The Black Dawn branch was almost certainly here.
Ludger lowered his scarf and began gathering mana.
Thoom—
The air vibrated as if a giant drum had been struck. A ripple spread out in concentric waves.
It traveled forward, bounced off walls, and returned to Ludger.
Using echolocation, Ludger instantly mapped the sewer layout in his mind.
‘There’s an entrance to the factory up ahead.’
But there was another issue.
‘I’m not alone down here.’
From the returning wave, Ludger detected another presence in the sewers.
Not a patrol—no one patrolled alone.
Which meant someone unrelated to the Black Dawn Society.
‘And they sensed me too.’
Whoever it was, they had high-level perception and were now tracking him using the wave he’d sent out.
Leaning against the sewer wall, Ludger closed his eyes.
He adjusted his breathing and maximized all five senses.
The person approaching was being careful to make no sound—but it wasn’t enough to fool Ludger.
As the gap between them shrank—
Ludger suddenly turned the corner, raising his cane and aiming it straight at the figure.
The other person didn’t flinch, responding calmly.
They, too, held a cane out in return.
A mage.
Both of them had their canes raised, locked in a silent standoff.
And then they got a clear look at each other.
What Ludger saw first, even in the dim sewers, was a head of unmistakable water-colored hair.
“Casey Selmore?”
“Ludger Cherish?”
Neither had expected the other to be here—surprise flickered across both their faces.
“What brings the famous detective here?”
“And what brings you, Professor Ludger?”
“I tracked a suspicious group that had infiltrated Seorn. Their base is here.”
“Funny. I came here because there were suspicious people, too.”
For a few moments, they stared into each other’s eyes without looking away.
And then—simultaneously—they lowered their canes.
A silent agreement had been reached.
“Didn’t expect you to show up here, Detective Selmore.”
“Same. You’re a teacher, after all.”
Still, an agreement was just that—an agreement.
They wouldn’t fight each other, but Ludger still had his mission.
“And where are you going?”
“I’m going to do my job.”
“You’re going to charge in there alone?”
“Is that a problem? You can do your job, and I’ll do mine.”
“Not interested in cooperating?”
“If you’re willing to follow my orders, I’ll consider it.”
“Haha. You’re funny. That’s my line. I’m the one who gives orders here.”
“Then negotiations have failed. I’ll be going.”
Ludger turned away, intent on moving forward.
Getting involved with her any further would do him no good.
But he didn’t get far before he had to stop.
Was it a change of heart?
No.
Casey Selmore had pointed her cane at his back.
“Don’t move.”
“...What are you doing?”
Ludger’s voice was laced with protest, but he didn’t turn around.
“What do you mean, what am I doing? You told me to do my job. And I’m a detective. So I’m doing my job.”
“And what does that have to do with this?”
“It has everything to do with this.”
There was a certainty in her voice.
Ludger felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
‘This situation... I’ve experienced something like this before.’
Three years ago, in the Kingdom of Delica.
“I was right. Seeing you from behind confirmed it. Yeah. I’m sure of it.”
A situation almost identical.
Casey smiled, her sharp canines showing.
“Been a ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ while, hasn’t it?”
“......”
“How long are you going to keep pretending? Do you think I’m stupid?”
“Or maybe I should just call you this instead—Professor James Moriarty.”
