"What are we going to do with him now?" I asked while tying up the hands and feet of the spy we caught.
After catching the spy, we brought him back to the previous road for better lighting. Since there wasn't any rope nearby, I used plants cut with the pocketknife I always carried. I knew it wasn't very strong, but it was enough to restrict his movement.
The spy only groaned from the pain still lingering on his face from my punch. His glare at me looked like someone harboring deep resentment. If you hadn't run, maybe I wouldn't have hit you, but since you tried to flee and blow me up with a talisman, you deserved it.
"He's one of the members of the Magic Community. Class XI-A. Enhancement user. One of the best in physical strength among the others. But it seems he was too shocked by what happened before, so he didn't have time to use his magic," Putri said from beside me.
So he really is a spy. Was he following me, or Putri? Looks like he has better information about the Magic community plans than Asgar, who is just being used.
"Since when have you been following us?" After finishing tying him up, I squatted in front of him and threatened him with the pocketknife I held.
His face still looked like he wouldn't open his mouth, no matter what I did. Where did he get such a strong conviction? Maybe you think I won't do it, but you're wrong.
"AGHH!!" the spy screamed, his voice echoing in the quiet night.
I wouldn't blame him for that; there was now a knife stuck in the back of his hand. Even if you can hold onto your beliefs, that doesn't mean you can withstand pain.
"I didn't do it before, and I almost died. Don't think I won't do it. Even if I can't kill you, I have no intention of holding back this anger," I said again, with a tone full of fury and killing intent.
It reminded me of a memory similar to this, not exactly the same, but with a similar atmosphere. The flashback made my blood boil. I regretted not acting back then, and as a result, my heart got shot, and Evan died. I couldn't hold it back anymore. Even though I'd tried to cast off that vengeance, it still sat deep in my heart.
This guy was also one of those who worsened my situation and those around me. At first, I said I'd just punch the ones involved, but after he seriously tried to hurt others, my view of them darkened even more.
Tears started dripping from the corners of his eyes, which were full of pain. His face showed a mix of terror and pain. His body trembled as he looked at my face. His mind was filled only with fear. He wanted to run, but his limbs were tied. He wanted to speak, but the words got stuck in his throat, refusing to come out.
Seeing this unusual side of me, Putri came closer. She found it strange that I suddenly acted this way. The atmosphere I gave off was different than usual, someone usually too lazy to care suddenly too focused. She patted my shoulder, trying to calm me down.
"You're acting weird. Stop it."
I turned to her in surprise. Putri brought me back from my rage and bloodlust. I was so focused on the spy and getting information from him that I'd lost awareness of my surroundings.
I didn't know what I might've done if Putri hadn't been there. My mind wasn't thinking straight, and my choices would've leaned toward something awful. I wouldn't have regretted it, but I definitely wouldn't have gained anything from it; it would only hurt me.
Even if the guy in front of me is a member of my enemy, he doesn't deserve to die.
Putri crouched beside me, pulled out the knife stuck in the spy's hand, and began chanting a spell.
The man screamed again in pain as the knife was pulled out, but Putri ignored him.
A magic circle appeared, larger than normal, pentagonal in shape, with a special character. As far as I could tell, it was a support-type spell.
"… Super Heal."
After Putri finished her chant, the hole in the spy's hand began to close bit by bit, and after a few minutes, it looked as if nothing had ever happened, no scar or mark left.
Isn't that high-level magic? But Putri did it easily, like it was normal. That special character in her circle… so this is Putri's
"I've never tried my magic before, and this healing spell is the first one I've used for testing," she explained when she saw the curiosity on my face.
So her magic could absorb even things that can't be seen. Healing can't be seen with the naked eye except for its glow, and only felt as a flow. It seems her magic can absorb types of spells based on the constructed magic, whether visible or not. I'd assumed she could only absorb visible spells and control their flow, but apparently, she can absorb whatever she wants.
"I've healed you, so can you tell us your superior's plan, the plan of Vidiano Zaccardi?" Her voice was as usual, but she was clearly threatening him.
The spy looked terrified. He felt like his life was in danger, whether he talked or not. He doesn't expect that the other side will threaten him like this.
Getting punched? Yeah, it is expected.
But getting stabbed? That is outside his expectations. And maybe he will get worse treatment.
He was truly terrified. The trembling hadn't stopped, but he still tried to stay silent. If he told the boss's secrets, he'd die too.
Seeing that he still wouldn't talk, Putri just sighed. She handed the knife back to me, and I accepted it without a word.
At the moment pocket knife in my hand, his nape hair stood on end from sheer fear, cold sweat appeared, and his body trembled even more.
"I-I'll talk! Please don't use that knife again!" the spy screamed in panic and fear. He figured it was better to extend his life a day than die now.
I was a bit impressed by Putri, and also slightly horrified. She just handed me a knife, but managed to make him talk. I figured she could be quite scary if she wanted. I'd better not mess with her too much, it could backfire badly.
And so, the spy revealed everything he knew. Most likely, he was telling the truth, given his condition. There was no way he'd dare lie, or the knife would return to his hand.
The leader of the Magic Community, Vidiano Zaccardi, was planning to take over leadership of the school. He was trying to become its leader after securing control. Apparently, they also had methods to fight Espers, but the spy wasn't given any details. He had also heard rumors that they had supporters within the government.
After hearing his story, Putri let him go, even though I opposed it. But she said the trauma and fear we'd planted in his mind would keep him from talking to anyone. I just nodded and trusted her reasoning.
This issue had already escalated by involving the whole school, but now, after hearing the spy's story, it had gotten even worse. The more I dug into this, the more complicated things got instead of clearer.
They had something to fight Espers, and worse, they had support from the government. After surviving the government's experiments on me, I have to face them again? My luck is seriously the worst.
Those people can cover up anything with the government backing them, just like when the big lab accident I was in was hidden as an "accidental fire."
"I guess we should head back. Since you're alone, you can stay at my dorm," I suggested.
Even though I trust her strength, she still wouldn't be entirely safe with people targeting her.
"Alright. I won't resist anymore." Putri agreed quickly, without hesitation. She didn't seem interested in thinking much further.
---
"I'm home."
"Welcome." Alysha greeted us. She was wearing her apron, and it looked like she was cooking.
She glanced at Putri and smiled.
"I win."
Huh? What was she talking about so suddenly? Did they make a bet or something? I didn't know what they were talking about.
"Of course. I lost badly," Putri said while removing her shoes.
I really had no idea what this was about.
"Did you two make a deal?"
"You'll find out soon enough, Brother."
"You always love hiding things that interest you," I muttered with a long sigh as I put away my shoes, while Alysha just laughed. I was used to her behavior.
"Well then, let's eat. I've already prepared everything."
We headed to the dining room. I saw Violet setting the table.
"So Senior really did come back," Violet said, a bit surprised by Putri's return.
The food was already portioned for four. Alysha must've known for sure that Putri would return. Maybe that's why she asked me to walk her home earlier? As usual, how does she know all this stuff? I seriously want to know. But did she also know about the spy?
I know that she probably knows that Putri is something weird(as a member of the Magic community). With that info, she likely made a bet with Putri.
I sat at the table with Putri across from me. Violet sat next to me, and Alysha across from her. We all started eating together.
I ate more than usual. Today felt so much more exhausting than a normal day. Fighting in the tournament, piecing together information, confronting a spy, it was all draining, mentally and physically. Alysha even scolded me for eating too fast. Yeah, like I said, today was exhausting.
Putri seemed to enjoy her food, and so did Violet. It felt nice to share a meal with friends and family. I don't like crowds, but I don't mind being with family and close friends.
After we finished eating, Alysha told me to wash the dishes since I ate the most. I didn't argue; she was right.
"Would you come with me, Putri?" Alysha asked, standing and inviting Putri, who was just watching us.
"Sure." Putri stood up and followed Alysha out of the room.
And now there is just Violet and me in the room.
"Can I help you, Senior Naozumi?" Violet offered, picking up plates. As usual, she liked helping others. I nodded and accepted; if I refused, she would've insisted anyway.
"Sure, we do like before."
"That's not what I meant," Violet said, looking at me with hopeful eyes. "I meant about the trouble Senior Naozumi is having now. Lately, it feels like you're keeping something in and worrying on your own. So if there's anything I can help with, please don't hesitate to ask."
So Violet had noticed I was in trouble too. Maybe she could sense when others needed help. She really is a kind person, so kind that it makes me feel guilty. I appreciated it, but I needed to keep her out of this.
"There's really nothing. But sure, if anything comes up, I'll ask for your help," I replied with a forced smile.
This wasn't a small issue, and it involved her. If she found out, she'd definitely blame herself for everything.
With our tasks done, I returned to my room. On the second floor, I ran into Alysha. After chatting a bit, it seemed she'd sent Putri to take a shower.
"Alysha, I'm heading to sleep. If anything happens to me, please help," I said, stopping briefly.
"Of course." She nodded, not asking anything else.
I asked her because the side effects of my ability still hadn't shown up when I used my Skill this afternoon to clear the tournament faster, and not once had I used it without a reaction. I was already past the usual time limit. I just wanted to be cautious.
In the past, I passed out, and the side effects hit while I was sleeping, which caused panic, and even woke up my dad. So I was counting on Alysha to help calm things down if it happened again.
Another reason, maybe I'd have that nightmare again. Violet's offer to help kept replaying in my mind, and I felt like the same dream might return tonight.