After a long pause, she spoke softly.

“…The payment is unnecessary.”

“Great, no take-backs. But why?”

“…I don’t need money.”

“I heard that alchemists always place equal weights on both sides of the scale. Isn’t it against your principles not to receive compensation?”

“…I’m fine.”

‘…Those chosen by Golden Mirror, whose unique magic and alchemy are one and the same, are blind to the scale’s balance.’

What nonsense. Don’t be blind to it. The scale is there for people to see, after all.

But something interests me more than her principles right now. She’s the head of Gunguk, and yet she’s subtly cooperative with me. It doesn’t seem like she has any intentions of starting a war.

Hmm, maybe I should probe her a bit more. Just as I was considering this—

Someone else entered the tent. Considering there was a guest inside, it was rather rude of him, but he barged in without hesitation.

“Pardon me, Chief Peru. Do you have a moment?”

You’re already in; why the formalities? As I was nudged to the side by his large frame, Peru looked at him and asked calmly.

“…Commander? Why?”

Ignoring me completely, the rugged-looking commander spoke directly to Peru.

“I came because of an incident in the camp.”

“…Me?”

Peru looked puzzled, as the commander was the first person to establish and run this camp.

If I had to compare him, perhaps “lord” would come close, though the analogy doesn’t quite fit for the nomadic people of Gunguk. He set up the camp, ensuring peace and order, collecting a nominal fee from visitors, akin to a tax.

Naturally, maintaining peace requires the power to end conflicts. As a leader of a significant camp, the commander was one of Gunguk’s renowned powerhouses. In Gunguk terms, he was akin to a general.

So, what kind of problem could he not resolve on his own that would bring him here? Peru and I waited with curiosity for his explanation.

“There’s a young lad out there asking everyone he sees about the location of the Golden Palace. He’s being so noisy that the inner part of the camp has become a bit chaotic.”

“….”

Peru cast a pointed look in my direction.

What? Yeah, that’s probably the Regressor. His actions are drawing suspicion with how conspicuous he’s being. Well, that’s just how he is.

As Peru’s gaze bore into me, she finally spoke slowly.

“…Did he cause any trouble?”

“No, he hasn’t caused any actual problems yet. However, he’s been spending an enormous amount of money on information, to the point that the alchemical currency is so heavily circulating that physical goods are starting to run low. We thought we’d be rolling in riches, but at this rate, we may have to close the camp just to keep up with the flow.”

Too much money becomes a form of violence. The camp is teetering under the economic flood brought on by the Regressor’s spending spree.

Hey, Regressor! If you had that much cash, you could’ve given it to me! For half the price, I could’ve read everyone’s mind here and mapped out a rough location!

“….”

Even now, Peru was staring at me.

What? I’m envious too! It’s gut-wrenching to watch! All that alchemical currency and physical goods—how much does that all cost? How does he have endless wealth?

“It’s suspicious, isn’t it? Normally, scavengers are drawn toward Gunguk when loot permits are issued. But here he is, swimming against the current, looking for the Golden Palace. And with so much money… Under normal circumstances, we’d let it slide, but given the current climate, I felt it best to consult you first, Chief Peru.”

Yeah, it’s suspicious. Even I, with mind-reading abilities, find it odd, so it must be even stranger for you.

‘…It’s blatant, but maybe he’s desperate if he’s an envoy from Gunguk.’

As I nodded, Peru sighed and spoke softly.

“…Leave it be. It’s fine.”

“Do you know something?”

“…Roughly.”

“Understood. I’ll let him be. Shame…”

‘…I was considering confiscating his assets by accusing him of espionage, but it seems Chief Peru has no intention of helping. Maybe he’s important. I should warn the others not to interfere.’

The commander’s mixture of ambition and restraint was striking—a typical trait in Gunguk’s leaders. Peru looked at him steadily and asked.

“…Are you finished?”

“Oh, one more thing. He’s been spreading something besides money.”

The commander took out a metallic structure from his pocket—a d20 with various metals combined, each face a different color. It looked too heavy to be used as a die, making its purpose hard to guess.

The commander spoke.

“Embarrassingly, my alchemy couldn’t break it down. I thought perhaps you might be able to handle it.”

“…This.”

Peru’s eyes widened as she snatched the structure. She usually had a languid demeanor, like a sloth, but now she moved as swiftly as a cat whose tail had been stepped on.

The commander scratched his head awkwardly as he relinquished the metal.

“Well, I thought you might recognize it.”

“…The Gold of Understanding.”

“Excuse me?”

“…A relic of Elic. Where did you get this?”

“Didn’t I mention earlier? Some strange kid…”

The startled commander then noticed that Peru’s gaze had shifted to me.

Damn. So that’s why he seemed so filthy rich. Did he find an ancient treasure vault of the former Golden Kingdom? Using it as his “pocket,” connecting it to a subspace? What a life—never had to worry about money.

But if he has it now, that means he acquired it this iteration. Then why didn’t my mind-reading pick up on it? Shouldn’t memories from “this iteration” be readable?

Maybe it’s because it’s a repetitive routine each time, or there’s some other reason I don’t know. It’s suspicious, whatever the case.

“…How did you…”

Honestly, I don’t know. But I can’t let that slip easily. Admitting ignorance ends the conversation, but acting knowledgeable can turn it into leverage.

I looked her way with a calm expression and replied nonchalantly.

“Well, who’s to say?”

“…He’s your companion.”

“Indeed. But you’re not, are you? Whose side should I consider first, my companion or someone who’s not?”

“…You…”

“What nerve to speak like that to Chief Peru!”

The commander lunged for my collar. Swift and powerful, but predictable. Even without mind-reading, I could have avoided it.

Besides, I’m a mind reader. I grabbed a card from the table, transforming it into a wire just as his hand approached. By the time his hand reached me, the wire had already wrapped around his wrist.

“And you—who do you think I am, grabbing at me so rashly? You should know when to keep your hands to yourself.”

The world’s greatest magician and once-famous pickpocket wasn’t going to fall for a typical collar grab. Think of how many times I’ve dodged such attempts.

‘Alchemy-made wire? Steel… in such a short time!’

Of course, if he pushes with strength, I’ll be in trouble. I could channel my minimal energy into the thread, but all that would achieve is a few cracks.

‘Damn it. I never expected this! I should have been on guard the moment I was alone with the Chief…!’

But if he thinks I can handle it, he’ll see me that way. Go ahead and pull back. I’ll loosen my grip slightly, just enough to let you retract your hand…

Then, it happened.

“…In front of me…”

My grip loosened as the wire I’d been pulling taut slipped away. Her voice, distant and heavy, echoed in my ears.

“…Do not use my creations as weapons.”

The steel disintegrated. The newly forged wire vanished into dust in an instant. Fortunately, only the alchemized section disappeared, but…

If she wanted, she could make every card in my possession crumble.

Damn. I’d forgotten about her.

The commander, now free, raised his arm with renewed vigor.

“Fool! Leaning on steel in the presence of Peru, the Mistress of Rust! This ends now!”

“…Stop.”

“I’ll stop you right now!”

He swung his fist toward me, but at that moment, the table elongated, grazing past his nose. The table’s corner, sharp as a blade, tore through the tent, jutting out halfway outside.

As the startled commander swallowed nervously, Peru spoke, her voice slower than her actions.

“…Both of you, listen.”

Your words are so slow that they came out after the action. It would’ve been nice if you’d spoken before using force.

In any case, her intention succeeded. Both the commander and I froze in place. Peru let out a long sigh, looking at me.

“…What’s it for?”

Hmm. The Regressor probably didn’t think much of it. He likely tossed it around thinking people would appreciate it, as it’s valuable metal.

But I can’t let it slip that he’s that reckless. Time to pretend he had a purpose.

“Well, it’s not like we came unprepared. Look, even you responded to this metal, didn’t you? I thought perhaps having this would let us meet Golden Mirror.”

“…A foolish endeavor. Don’t pursue it.”

‘…Elic’s relic… It could awaken Golden Mirror.’

Oh? Now that’s intriguing. She’s not fully certain, but it could wake him up? Just what is this metal?

…Regressor, what in the world are you spreading around so casually? It’s starting to scare me.

“Oh, come on. If you’re just going to tell me not to pursue it without an explanation, do you think I’ll listen? Do I look like your child? Just saying ‘don’t do it’ without any reason isn’t going to cut it. If you want the scale to stay balanced, you have to put something on the other side.”

“….”

“You may be able to deceive others with your little tricks, but not me. Let’s hear your counterproposal.”

“……”

Enough with the silent treatment. Just agree to help, or at least give me a bit more information. Why so cagey?

“Chief!”

The commander shouted urgently. He didn’t seem to be urging her for an answer or interrupting our conversation.

No, in his eyes, something else—something flaming and flying with a deadly trail—had appeared.

What in the world is that?

“Take cover!”

Fweeeeeew!

With his yell, the sound of something slicing through the air ripped through the silence, and a streak of fire sliced the night sky, as though cutting it with invisible scissors. The blazing projectile—a long rocket—struck the tent across from us.

An instant later…

Boom!

A delayed explosion resounded, and a temporary sun blazed within the camp. Shadows danced in the fiery glow, and a hot wind rippled through them, shaking everything in its wake.

Screams erupted. Fear and chaos spread among the people, scattering as they fled. The free folk of Gunguk were always ready to run. Right now, they were putting that skill to use.

Peru squinted against the blaze and asked.

“…What’s happening?”

“I’m not sure! We’re under attack. Could it be Gunguk?”

‘…Incoming projectiles? No, if the goal were a tactical strike, such noisy explosives would be inefficient. If they create chaos, the scavengers scatter. This… is a hunter’s tactic, not a soldier’s.’

“…No. This method…”

Before she could even speak the name of who she thought was responsible, the booming voice from the explosion announced itself.

[Lord Locket speaks to you.]

The voice was curious. Though harsh and ear-splitting in parts, it somehow strung together into a coherent speech.

Auditory pointillism? It’s hard to guess what kind of technique this is without reading thoughts.

The commander mumbled the name, recognizing it instantly.

“Locket? The Lord of Heat and Explosion?”

[The great Golden Mirror commands you to attack Gunguk.]

Lord of Heat and Explosion. The titles alone sounded ominous. If I ever met this guy, I’d have to ask if he intended the title to sound ridiculous. If he gets angry, that’s confirmation.

Locket’s voice continued, spewing fiery rhetoric.

[But instead, you’ve set up a camp, gathered together, and are too busy fattening yourselves! Why haven’t you left? Why haven’t you obeyed?!]

In an irritable tone, he scolded the crowd. Someone muttered, “I was just about to leave…,” but there was no chance his voice reached the speaker.

And honestly, I doubt Locket wanted to hear it.

[The food you eat, the clothes you wear, the things you ride—all are creations of Golden Mirror. Everything you are is by his hand! Our god is Golden Mirror! And yet, you ignore the god’s command?!]

Throw in a bit of blasphemy for flavor.

[Fine, I’ll make you comply! I, Lord Locket, loyal servant of Golden Mirror, will begin the hunt for heretics now!]

With that proclamation, dozens of projectiles began to pierce the sky. After a brief pause, time resumed, and those who had halted to listen to his voice started running again. Locket’s words chased after them as they fled.

[If you want to live, leave! Plunder! The only gold you can keep is that of Gunguk!]

Damn. What madness is this? They’re actually raiding here? Even among their own people?

Now I think I understand why Gunguk fell to Gunguk within a week.

At that same time, a shocking scene unfolded in front of a tent pub.

An ethereal girl, as if stepped out of a fairy tale, with silver hair as pure as moonlight, gracefully walked through the unfamiliar surroundings with a black parasol on her shoulder, wearing a dress. She spoke of meeting the king of Gunguk or of rewarding anyone who knew the Golden Palace’s location. No one questioned her words, as her very presence seemed unreal, like a fairy or an apparition that would vanish any moment.

But who would have guessed that she would be directly hit by a rocket cutting across the sky?

Her arm fractured, her body pierced, and crimson blood blossomed beside the fiery light. Someone, murmuring how the human body resembled a flower, watched as others finally realized the horror and screamed.

“Aaaaaaaah!”

“Someone’s been hit! Someone’s dead!”

“Is that even a person?”

“It’s something!”

Just as those delayed in grasping the situation began to scatter in terror…

“She’s not dead.”

The girl, seemingly missing her limbs and pierced through by the rocket, spoke. Dark shadows billowed from her body, enveloping the projectile in pitch-black darkness. Half-submerged in shadow, the rocket flickered weakly before going out.

She glared at the rocket with her red eyes, filled only with… annoyance.

“One flaming arrow… highly unpleasant. I was going to obtain information my way for once.”

But there was no one left to hear her words, as everyone had fled in terror greater than the rocket itself.

Elsewhere, Azi was running on the ground. It’s hard to describe his thoughts in human words, but it was something close to “excitement.” So far, every time Azi had snatched something flying, it had ended in delight. From this inductive reasoning, he concluded that doing the same thing this time would yield the same result.

Also, the glimmering flame triggered his hunting instincts. Where else would he find such a tantalizing trail?

And so Azi ran—straight toward the falling rocket.

Fortunately, he smelled it before the explosion. Azi instinctively changed direction, leaping upward.

“Yelp!”

The flames grazed him, causing him to whimper. Though not seriously hurt, the noise, smoke, and fire were stressful enough. Desperately, Azi fled from the scene.

Utterly terrified, Azi raced to the one reliable figure he could think of.

The human—man’s best friend.

At that moment, another person opened her eyes. Hearing the explosion, she rose, murmuring as if she had been waiting.

“They’ve finally appeared. It took long enough. I figured they’d show up once I scattered the Gold of Understanding…”

But seeing the incoming rockets and hearing the voice, she frowned.

“…Hmph. But why is a juggernaut coming? And from outside the camp? The effect is too fast. Anyway…”

Just then, a rocket headed straight for her. But this no longer fazed her. With a flick of her wrist, she sliced the incoming rocket in two, causing it to explode.

It could’ve been threatening—a fast, heavy metal projectile capable of causing an explosion. A weapon meant to threaten her life, a dangerous implement.

But now, it was just one of the minor issues she could handle with her body’s defenses.

And even the one who launched the rocket…

“I’ll catch and interrogate him.”

The Regressor, Shay, muttered in a dry tone.