"First, based on what you said about their base being like a maze, you must have some kind of information about it, right? Like… a map."
Hearing Knox's answer, a grin appeared at Kael's face.
"That's right. Who do you think I am? Here—" he said, raising his hand. "I've already marked the key areas for you."
A faint shimmer flickered in the air before a rolled map materialized on the table. It had clearly been stored inside his subspace ring.
When the map appeared out of thin air, Knox caught a glimpse of the ring on Kael's finger. He figured it was a subspace ring—but since he already had space magic for storage, it hardly piqued his interest.
After spending a moment studying the map, Knox's eyes narrowed as he pieced together a plan. A moment later, he stood up.
"Alright, time to start the hunt."
Then, Knox walked out through the tavern's back door. Not long after he was gone, Kajann spoke up.
"Are you sure about this, old man? I mean, I do feel he's not exactly normal… but he's still just a kid, right? And if something really goes wrong, won't 'she' be disappointed?"
Kael leaned back in his chair with a faint smile.
"Putting aside the fact that you're also just a kid— that one, Knox… how should I put it? The way he acts, the way he talks… it doesn't feel like a normal kid at all. My instincts keep ringing alarms in my head. Because of that, I've come to two conclusions."
Kajann tilted his head. "Two conclusions? What are you talking about?"
Kael leaned forward, his expression turning serious.
"First— not investing in him might become one of the biggest regrets of my life. Second— I don't have proof, but my gut tells me that making him an enemy would be an even bigger one. That kid… he's the kind of person who'd scheme you to death. The most troublesome kind."
He paused, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Of course, I doubt that'll ever happen— especially if she's really taken an interest in him."
Kajann didn't quite understand what his father meant, but he chose to trust his instincts—after all, his father's intuition had never been wrong before.
Meanwhile, on Knox's side.
"Phew~ this map doesn't do it justice at all! Seriously, what kind of maniac thought turning a maze into a basecamp was a good idea? I bet even the members themselves get lost on the way to the bathroom. Really now… Slippery Rat? You should just call yourselves Slippery Moles!"
Not long after arriving, Knox began grumbling to himself, muttering complaints into the air.
But based on this map, I can tell that the leader of this gang is the cautious type—or simply, a coward. However, my intuition tells me that something about this map feels off… or rather, something is missing.
Knox fell silent, lost in thought.
If he's truly that cautious, then there's a high chance he's already prepared an escape route. There might even be another entrance—one that only the leader himself knows.
Suddenly, Knox sensed the presence of several people nearby. Judging by their voices, they seemed to be chatting casually. Without hesitation, Knox decided to move closer and eavesdrop on their conversation.
Hiding behind a cracked wall, Knox could make out a few voices echoing through the damp corridor. Judging from their tone, they were likely guards—or maybe just drunk lackeys killing time.
"Sigh… I really want a drink right now."
"Then drink—why are you sighing? You're making my ale taste weird."
"So what am I supposed to do? The boss blamed me for the branch fire."
One of them slammed his mug on the table, the clatter sharp in the silence.
"Shh, don't say that here! What if the boss hears you?"
"He won't. Don't you know he's always holed up in his office? Besides, I heard him cursing that so-called 'White Devil.' 'White Devil' my ass. Sooner or later, he'll be dead."
Knox narrowed his eyes slightly, the corner of his lips twitching. So even the rats are squeaking about me now, huh? Perfect timing—I needed some information anyway.
"Haii~ what a beautiful night, isn't it?"
His tone was light, almost teasing, as if he'd just joined a friendly chat instead of sneaking up on two armed men in the dark. Without a hint of hesitation, Knox stepped out from the shadows, pulling his katana from his inventory and unsheathing it in one graceful motion.
The two lackeys froze mid-conversation, mugs trembling as they turned toward the sudden voice.
"What?! Who are you?! How did you get in here?!"
A barrage of questions flew at Knox, but he simply swatted them away with a calm shrug.
"Uncle, can you ask one question at a time?" Knox tilted his head, feigning offense.
"Besides—I'm the one asking questions now, not you."
He pointed his blade at them. The sharp gleam under the dim light made both men freeze; cold sweat rolled down their necks. One of them instinctively stepped back, only to hit the wall behind him. The other tried to reach for his dagger, but his trembling hand betrayed his fear.
Before they could even blink, Knox had already appeared behind them.
"Now then~" he said, his tone suddenly bright, almost cheerful. "It's quiz time! Answer correctly, and you'll win… nothing! But if you get it wrong—" he smiled sweetly, tapping his sword on the floor, "—you'll receive a punishment. Fair, right?"
Fair, my ass! Unfortunately, that was the only thing they could say—in their hearts.
Soon enough, the so-called "quiz" came to an end.
But just like after every pop quiz at school, the "teacher" walked away with a smile…while the "students" sat slumped in place, eyes blank and soulless.
"Now that the appetizer's over… time to hunt the main dish."
Knox whispered softly, breaking into a quiet run.
On his way, that old habit of his — the 'must-clear-every-mob-in-the-dungeon' syndrome — started to kick in again. Just like when he played games back then.
After clearing some not-so-much experience points, Knox arrived in front of a double door.
Based on the map—and supported by what those lackeys said—this should be the one. Knox smirked, like a player reaching the boss dungeon, facing a rat-type boss.
"Knock knock~." Knox even added a little sound effect with his soft voice.
And then—
"FBI, OPEN THE DOOR!"
BANG!
The door was kicked open with a deafening crash, flying inward and startling everyone inside — a few men were even struck by the frame as it swung through.
"Arghh!! Who the hell are you?!" shouted a plump, thinning-haired man, scrambling to his feet.
Knox tapped his chin theatrically, pretending to ponder the question. He let the moment hang, then slowly lifted his head and smiled.
"I am—Vengeance."
Silence hit the room like a stone. For a beat, nobody moved.
Then the plump, thinning-haired man's face twitched with rage. He pointed a shaking finger at Knox and bellowed,
"You damned brat! Stop joking around! Who are you really?! And you lot — why are you just standing there?! Kill him!!"
As soon as the boss shouted, chaos erupted. Tables flipped, bottles shattered, and shouts filled the air.
Knox didn't flinch. His eyes were sharp, his movements steady. With a quiet breath, he summoned his katana — mana crackled faintly along the blade.
"I'll make this quick," he said flatly.
The first thug rushed in. Knox sidestepped, his sword flashing once — clean, decisive. The man collapsed before realizing what had happened.
Lightning flickered around Knox's hand as he whispered, "Lightning Bind."
Arcs of blue light shot forward, wrapping around two more enemies. The air filled with the sharp scent of ozone and the sound of restrained grunts.
Knox didn't even look at them. His tone was cold.
"Don't move. You'll live longer."
Another charged from the side — a desperate swing. Knox raised his other hand, muttering under his breath. A spear of lightning formed instantly, piercing through the man's weapon and sending him sprawling backward.
Silence slowly returned to the room, broken only by the faint hum of residual magic.
Knox exhaled through his nose, lowering his blade.
He stepped forward, the boss instinctively stumbling back.
"Now then," Knox said, eyes locking onto the man, "shall we start?"