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Evelyn reclined in her chair as she conveyed this information.

“With your broker’s skill and connections, she should be able to trace where the cartel’s money is flowing even with just this information.”

“… I owe you one.”

As Evelyn mentioned, identifying which city council members are primarily funded by the cartel is of paramount importance. Each council member is responsible for a distinct district and possesses their own specific areas of influence.

In essence, this information reveals the sectors in which the cartel conducts its operations, where it concentrates its investments, and how it maneuvers to evade regulation.

Considering the immense utility of this data for Lennok alone, there is no need to emphasize how effectively Jenny could utilize it.

The fact that Evelyn shared this confidential information, which circulates covertly among council members, essentially aligns her with Lennok’s cause. If this information were to leak, Evelyn would be the prime suspect.

It’s evident just how earnest she is in summoning Lennok here.

“The reason I’m doing this is not solely because I want you to settle the score with the cartel,” Evelyn stated.

“Do it moderately but efficiently. Stop when you have secured your position. Do you understand?”

Her perspective is rational. Even if Lennok and Jenny manage to dismantle the cartel, immediately filling the void left by the cartel would be impractical. Evelyn desires for Lennok to gain a measured advantage over the cartel and then infiltrate its clandestine business network.

Nevertheless, Lennok merely responded with a subtle smile.

“Well… that depends on how the other side reacts.”

Lennok exuded confidence. He was well aware of the extent of the cartel’s influence, but he also understood that in a direct confrontation, one side would undoubtedly suffer more.

And in matters such as these, nobody was swifter and more efficient than Lennok.

***

Upon Lennok’s return to the bar, Jenny immediately sprang into action.

In a world where magic thrived, the restoration of a damaged building posed little challenge. She swiftly enlisted contractors and, within a single day, restored the structure to its original condition. Simultaneously, she initiated preparations to safeguard against potential future assaults by the cartel.

Leveraging her extensive network, she commenced the recruitment of guards to protect what had essentially become an office building.

Within a mere half-day, more than thirty mercenaries had assumed their positions throughout the streets of the 49th district.

“I’ve given you a generous time frame. Work until we’ve dealt with the cartel,” Jenny remarked, a grin on her face as she addressed the mercenary before her. “We’ll pay you well, so work your bones off.”

The man replied with a wry smile, “I never thought I’d be hired by you in this manner,”

Dray Krimgal, a tall, broad-shouldered middle-aged man with imposing muscles and a composed demeanor, nodded in agreement with Jenny.

“Fine, we owe Van anyway. We’ll take full responsibility for the security this time.”

The Krimgal Mercenary Office had previously partnered with Lennok to eliminate scavengers. Jenny had thoroughly evaluated the office, including Dray, to secure the building.

“Mr. Wizard, long time no see. It’s been a while since the curse sorcerer incident,” Dray remarked.

Lennok responded with a casual exchange of pleasantries, “You look healthier than before. Seems you’ve recovered,”

Dray smiled and replied, “Well, that’s part of it. Plus, our office has been doing pretty well lately. We’ll have even more forces available once things stabilize. Things have definitely changed since the days when we were just starting out with the kids,”

“Captain, did you consider us kids all this time?”

“Don’t you know you get stabbed in the back if you look down on the founding members?”

A bespectacled woman named Kidel and a bald, burly man named Ike grumbled in jest.

As the three engaged in amiable banter, another individual approached Lennok.

“Wizard.”

“…Weian?”

“It’s been a while.”

Weian, grinning, had undergone such a transformation that he was hardly recognizable compared to the Weian in Lennok’s memory.

The awkward appearance of his youth had largely vanished, replaced by substantial growth in height and a much more matured facial structure, making him appear like a young man of similar age to Lennok.

The magical aura enveloping his body had been honed to such a degree that Lennok couldn’t help but take a second look.

Were it not for the two tonfas strapped to his waist, Lennok might not have recognized him.

Weian, sensing Lennok’s reaction, offered a polite handshake with a slight bow.

Lennok accepted the handshake, his expression tinged with nervousness.

“…You’ve really grown a lot. Do kids usually grow up this quickly?”

“It would have been impossible without your help, Wizard.”

“…”

While his tone hadn’t changed much, Weian’s demeanor was remarkably respectful, as if he were in service to a master.

The energy emanating from his body resembled that of a skilled martial artist, finely honed and controlled.

Disregarding Lennok’s demeanor, Weian spoke with unwavering confidence.

“I am not one to forget favors. I’ll help with your business just as you’ve helped us.”

“…Thank you.”

“Just leave it to me. If there’s anything I need to do, just say the word.”

With these words, Weian departed the bar to undertake his patrol duties, prompting a chuckle from Dray.

“I thought even you wouldn’t recognize him, Wizard.”

“It’s not me who’s strange, is it?”

“Of course. Isn’t it strange for that guy to grow that much even after turning twenty? He was whining about being sick for a while, and then suddenly grew a lot taller within a week.”

Dray gazed at Weian’s departing figure with a somewhat gratified expression.

“Well, I don’t know if it’s because of that, but Weian’s abilities have grown as much as his height. You might be even more surprised if you see him work now.”

According to Dray, not only had Weian’s physical stature increased, but his magical and combat proficiencies had also undergone a remarkable transformation.

He now played an overwhelmingly crucial role within the current Krimgal Mercenary Office.

Dray casually mentioned that various offices and organizations had made numerous scouting inquiries about Weian.

“These days, I’m teaching him not just combat skills but also situational judgment and organizational leadership. I don’t know how long he’ll work in my office, but this is the only way I can help him.”

If Dray, a former soldier possessing fundamental combat skills and diverse abilities, expressed such sentiments, it was clear that Weian had indeed made substantial progress.

Lennok listened silently and then realized why he found Weian’s growth to be somewhat unusual, causing him to chuckle.

Although he had formed many connections through freelancing, most of them were already accomplished or had established their own distinct identities.

This marked the first instance where someone close to him had exhibited notable growth or gained recognition.

In this line of work, individuals with potential but lacking immediate skills often met harsh fates.

“…”

Lennok silently observed Dray as he began devising patrol routes with the mercenaries.

These were the individuals who had rushed to Lennok’s aid upon learning that he had made an adversary of a formidable entity known as the Cartel.

While he hadn’t anticipated that a relationship forged solely for professional purposes would lead to this, he couldn’t deny the positive feeling it evoked.

He understood that in order to ascend in this world, he needed relationships that transcended mere financial transactions.

Dray must have recognized this as well, which was why he had readily decided to support Lennok.

In that case, Lennok also needed to deliver noteworthy results.

“Van, come here for a moment.”

Jenny gestured to Lennok from within the bar as he contemplated these matters.

In front of the establishment, Lennok briefly glanced at the mercenaries engrossed in earnest discussions before entering the bar. Jenny then guided him to her office.

“What’s going on?”

“If we can’t avoid a fight with the cartel, we should prepare in advance. That’s what I’ve been working on, reaching out here and there.”

“Did you call in others besides the Krimgal Mercenary Office?”

“Hmm… Let’s talk inside.”

With that, Jenny ushered Lennok into her office.

Upon entering the room, Lennok was met with an extraordinary sight.

Rumble…!!

Thud!

Two colossal beings, each standing over 2 meters tall, sat calmly, facing each other.

“…”

One was a werewolf with a lengthy snout, and the other, a giant birdman with the sharp beak of an eagle.

Jenny’s office was by no means cramped, but with these two imposing creatures locking eyes, the space appeared to lack breathing room.

Upon Lennok’s entrance into the room, both beasts simultaneously redirected their attention towards him.

“Oh, welcome! Long time no see. How have you been?”

Almost in perfect synchrony, the two creatures waved at Lennok, only to immediately resume their intense staredown.

The spectacle of a wolf and a bird engaged in a psychological standoff held an oddly captivating quality. However, it was even more peculiar that Lennok recognized both of them, a testament to how much he had achieved on these streets.

Taking a seat, Lennok turned to Jenny and inquired, “Did you bring in both Dyke’s Head of Security, Killian the werewolf, and Antares Mercenary Group’s giant birdman, Felix?”

Lennok possessed a fairly sharp memory, and the striking appearances of the two creatures allowed him to recall them instantly.

“Killian, why are you transformed for no reason?”

In response to Lennok’s question, the werewolf scratched his chin with an awkward expression.

“No, when I came into the room, that bird was already transformed.”

“This is my natural form, there’s no need for transformations or whatever.”

Felix replied solemnly, arms crossed, prompting Killian to avert his gaze with an audible tongue-click.

In an instant, Killian reverted to his human form with green hair and addressed Lennok.

“I’ve heard the gist of it. You’re planning to fight the cartel?”

He grinned, displaying his teeth.

“Panua asked me to send her regards. She sent me instead, so let’s do well together this time.”

“…So you guys have already finished discussing?”

“Of course. From our perspective, who were originally doing business in the light, it’s much better to split the pie with you than to share it with the likes of the cartel… Ahem, that’s the gist.”

“…,”

Lennok chuckled at Killian’s words as he averted his gaze.

He had a rough understanding of Killian’s perspective, which, from his standpoint, wasn’t unreasonable.

While he hadn’t anticipated that Jenny would seek cooperation from Dyke, it was surprising that Dyke had readily accepted the proposal.

However, it made some sense.

Jenny’s existing connections were intricately intertwined with the cartel, making them less likely to act independently. Consequently, Jenny had reached out to newcomers in the area, approaching them from a more neutral standpoint, or organizations that had no direct ties to these interests.

The Antares Mercenary Group appeared to fit the latter category.

“Felix. Is it the same on your end?”

“…That’s precisely the issue I came to discuss.”

Responding with a serious tone, Felix cleared his throat and glanced down at Killian.

“Our circumstances are different from a corporation’s.”

“What are you looking at?”

“…”

Whether it was due to animosity between their respective races or some other cause, their frequent bickering was quite conspicuous.

Felix, who had initially projected an air of calm and seriousness, had now displayed this heated behavior, which was unexpected.

“Of course, I am thankful for Jenny’s consideration in not contacting Dylan or Mila first. If it were them, they’d accept the request without considering the position of the mercenary group…”

Lennok reclined in his chair as he absorbed this information.

“So, you came in person to discuss the importance of dealing with the cartel.”

“That’s exactly right. To add, it’s not so much about refusal but more about…”

“Wanting to make a deal, right?”

Jenny, who had been standing behind Lennok, interjected.

“This gentleman came to propose conditions to us from the beginning, acting on behalf of Antares.”

“You’ve got it exactly right.”

Felix’s gaze bore a sense of gravity.

“The Antares mercenary group is willing to cooperate with you guys, depending on the situation.”