Nearl and Don Quixote's first order of business ended up being to reach Kazdel proper.
After all, they needed directions. Although Don Quixote was brimming with determination to discipline those wayward Sarkaz mercenaries, he ultimately had no clue where to find their supposed "Fixer Association."
Thus, upon entering the city the next day, it took Don Quixote no time at all to locate the largest mercenary market nearby.
Scar Market—practically identical now to the "talent market" Theresis used to fill his frontline.
"In other words, this Theresis fellow could also be counted as one of the primary culprits?"
Don Quixote immediately drew his own imaginative conclusions, throwing the question at Nearl.
Nearl nearly jumped out of her skin at this comment.
Because she genuinely feared Don Quixote planned to go after Theresis directly.
Her fears proved correct, at least initially, as that had truly been Don Quixote's initial plan.
After Nearl painstakingly explained the entire situation, Don Quixote amended his intentions on the fly, saying cheerfully:
"Hmm, if that's the case, then we'll slightly adjust our objective… It's simple—we'll just ask this Regent Theresis directly ourselves!"
Don Quixote spoke without hesitation. At that, Nearl finally gave in and sighed.
I'm used to this by now. After all her efforts, reaching this compromise felt like a small victory.
"In any case… Let's just go check it out first! Onward! Next stop: Scar Market!"
And with great excitement, Don Quixote hurried away, dragging Nearl behind him towards their new destination.
Trailing after Don Quixote, Nearl shook her head slightly.
Her gesture held a mixture of helplessness, gentle relief, and quiet anticipation.
Deep down, she was still fundamentally a knight. As Don Quixote guided her toward their adventure, how much quiet expectation lingered in her heart?
Well, then, let's see just how this future unfolds.
With such hopeful thoughts, Nearl allowed herself to be led wherever Don Quixote might choose.
After all, she was Don Quixote's "attendant."
...
The intensity of Kazdel's war was gradually easing.
Nearly everyone could feel this distinctly. Consequently, the city of Kazdel was now rife with heated speculation around this very topic.
Suddenly, discussions ran rampant within the city: Was the war finally coming to an end?
This speculation grew increasingly fervent. But alongside hope, inevitably, trouble emerged as well.
A small group of merchants in Kazdel seized the chance to profiteer heavily by inflating prices for wartime goods, hoping for one final big payday. War enthusiasts, angered by the prospect of peace, accused the higher-ups of betrayal. Meanwhile, those who'd lost everything during the war protested silently, feeling bitter and resentful—because the war had scarred them irrevocably, yet others would now escape that same fate, simply due to this newfound ceasefire.
Thus, even though many in the city fervently hoped for peace, plenty were poised, ready to protest immediately should the war truly end.
Ultimately, it was because the contradictions of war couldn't easily be resolved overnight.
The war had left too deep an imprint on the Sarkaz. Such marks couldn't fade quickly.
People's lives had become intertwined because of war, like vines parasitically clinging to a tree.
Those vines greedily consumed the nutrients from war. And when the war seemed on the brink of ending—faced with losing their abundant nourishment—they began to struggle, to protest, or to squeeze every last drop from the tree.
This was what transpired the day before Don Quixote entered Kazdel city.
It was also exactly what Suo Bismar witnessed on his first day stepping into Kazdel.
Beneath white robes, slender legs moved continuously forward. Suo's eyes were closed, yet he walked as if clearly seeing the path ahead. His great key-shaped sword dragged behind him, scraping loudly along the ground as he advanced.
Walking through Kazdel's streets, Suo continuously mulled things over.
External pressure facing Kazdel…Heal would handle that. Likewise, she and Lobotomy Corporation would undoubtedly make a tidy profit amidst the turmoil.
But internal conflict…
That was precisely the domain Suo and the Index needed to consider. And also precisely the domain from which they could profit immensely.
Based on Heal's intel, Suo knew clearly that the Twin Kings were occupied with extensive preparations for the ceasefire—readying themselves for the possibility of an even greater war, and calming internal unrest.
Currently, these issues probably fell to the Ten Kings Court. No rush—there was still an unpredictable variable named Don Quixote, capable of complicating matters for them at any moment.
Such was the minor uncertainty long accounted for in this elaborate scheme.
According to Heal's report, the ceasefire declaration was still roughly seven or eight days away. The exact timing would hinge on how loud the opposition in Kazdel city became.
Of course, large or small, it wouldn't impact Suo's next move.
Thinking thus, Suo turned calmly into a secluded alley.
There, he began summoning his Jinbei.
The enormous, key-shaped greatsword instantly began transforming. Sheets of paper materialized, seemingly floating in empty air. Suo opened golden eyes, and two massive locks emerged alongside him. Beside him manifested two enormous fists—representing his intent, extensions of his will.
[EGO Manifestation: My Intent]
This was Suo's Jinbei, his [EGO]. His eyes swiftly scanned the floating papers, carefully plucking two of them out.
This was his Jinbei's ability. The miracles appearing before him were called "Instructions."
This was the unique power of his [EGO]. Aside from enhancing his personal strength, this [EGO] carried some special abilities—such as manifesting these instructions.
In other words, his Jinbei was akin to a miniature Loom producing "Instructions." Now Suo could issue orders on behalf of The City's Will, or even draw upon the resonance of people's minds, writing corresponding Instructions accordingly.
Moreover, fulfilling these manifested Instructions could even provide boosts in strength. Such was Suo's [EGO]'s power.
And now, Suo intended to utilize this very strength to execute his own plans…
"It's about time we launched the Index's plans."
...
When the Index arrived in Kazdel city…
Looking at the Instructions in hand, Suo couldn't help but smile softly.
The Index has arrived! Good times are here! Instructions have come! Clear skies ahead!