Chapter 428 - The Magic Eye of Thorns
With a light heart, we ventured into a different town. We paid for a spot in a random hotel's parking lot and then set off on foot toward our destination.
None of us wore the Kikyo Society's coats, nor did we carry ostentatious weapons. We were trying to blend in as tourists. The only eye-catching detail was the expensive sunglasses most members wore, which hid our eyes. No one would think we were looking for a fight.
A group of about ten women strolled through the streets. Led by Heidi, we passed a large shopping district. Off the main road, old houses lined the streets, brimming with the authentic feel of local life. It was clear this area was aimed at locals, not tourists, with modest, unassuming shops lining the way.
The number of people was sparse, and there didn't seem to be much to see.
Compared to the vast and bustling capital of Beltoria, this place seemed far less interesting for tourism.
"Heidi, is this the right area? It just looks like a rundown shopping district," I commented.
"This is a legitimate shopping district, but prices are inflated by about twenty to thirty percent because everything has to be purchased through official channels. People are flocking to the black market, where things are cheaper. Especially weapons and magic potions are often out of stock here. With this situation likely to persist, it's only natural that people want to save money. That's why the black market is thriving," Heidi explained.
"Inflated? Don't look that high to me," Gradena remarked, glancing at the price tags on some food stalls, which didn't seem particularly expensive.
"True, the prices might not seem astronomical, but they are higher than usual. The black market offers better deals, especially for items that are hard to find here. It's a mix of practicality and necessity," Heidi elaborated.
"But come on, how can outsiders run scams so brazenly? They can't all be idiots. Something feels off. The Bluecoats or local gangs must be in on it," I mused.
"I haven't been able to get all the details, but it's a fair assumption," Heidi conceded.
I didn't particularly want to get into a tangle with the Bluecoats. Dealing with the aftermath would be a hassle. A minor scuffle I could handle, but if higher-ups got involved, things would get complicated. Using connections to resolve issues comes with strings attached, and that's a price too high for a small fight.
The more I thought about it, the more it made sense to avoid trouble. However, in our line of work, we can't always play it safe. Sometimes, you need to be unpredictable and a bit reckless. It's part of our nature, and it's important to show that side periodically.
The Kikyo Society has achieved many great things, but we also need to maintain a reputation that makes us seem a bit unpredictable and even a bit dangerous. Today, we'll cause a little trouble and then make a clean getaway. It's all about balance. Good deeds should be followed by a bit of mischief.
We moved through the shopping district, crossing a couple more blocks, and arrived at a bustling market. The noise of vendors and customers filled the air, and the place was teeming with people. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, official shopping district.
"There’s a weapons store over there. Let's check it out," Heidi suggested.
"Sure, let's head that way and see what's up," I agreed.
We strolled past various stalls, enjoying the lively atmosphere. We weren't planning to buy anything, but the energy was infectious.
As we wove through the crowd, a sudden commotion caught our attention. Angry voices rose above the general buzz.
"There's sand mixed in!"
"That's a lie! You did it yourself!"
"Don't mess with me! Give me my money back!"
The argument was followed by the sounds of things being knocked over. Naturally, this drew our interest.
Before the crowd could clog up and we were stuck, we hurried to the source of the commotion. Pushing our way through, we reached an open space where two men with large knives were brandishing them aggressively.
Several large sacks had fallen on the cobblestone ground, their contents spilling out. They looked like corn kernels, but there was a noticeable amount of sand mixed in. This wasn't a natural occurrence, especially on a cobblestone street. The customer's claim seemed legitimate, and getting cheated like that would certainly provoke anger.
"This kind of commotion will draw the Bluecoats or other authorities soon," Heidi noted.
"Looks like we missed our chance. Shall we try again later?" I suggested.
While it might be interesting to see the authorities arrive, the Bluecoats would be a nuisance.
Ideally, we'd stir up some trouble, and the Bluecoats would arrive just as we were about to leave. But it was too much trouble to come back another time.
Instead, we decided to join the current fight. There was no need to overthink things.
"The bigger the commotion, the better. Let's cause a bit of chaos," I said.
"That way, our own little chaos won't stand out," Heidi added.
"Exactly. We'll just be caught in the fray. We're innocent," I laughed.
Just then, a pickpocket seemed to have caused another commotion nearby.
In such a crowded place, minor conflicts tend to erupt. Other disputes over bumped shoulders and stepped-on feet started popping up as well.
The increased tension and frustration in the air made it the perfect environment for more trouble. One more push was all it needed.
An older woman nearby had been pushed and was about to fall into me. I nudged her in the direction of the fight, guiding her momentum.
The woman stumbled into the two men who were arguing, causing one to stagger and knock over a nearby stall. The stall owner and a customer nearby were livid.
The negative chain reaction was amusing. Another man, who had been pushed, now stumbled toward me. I gave him a well-timed kick, sending him flying in the opposite direction. Those who got caught in the spill-over started shouting and retaliating, and chaos ensued.
"Hey, you pervert!"
"N-no, that's not it!"
Our members, recognizing the opportunity, joined in the fray. Gra dripped a man who was accused of groping and then her comrades pounced. The fight quickly escalated.
Shouts and insults flew, and the mood turned violent. The narrow passages between the stalls were becoming battlegrounds, and the noise grew deafening.
"---This is perfect. Everyone, let's scatter and avoid getting caught by the Bluecoats," I said over the comms.
"Got it," the others responded.
Although the situation was different from what we had planned, it was time for some chaos. Our first target was a stall selling suspicious weapons and magic potions. We identified a few and pushed our way through the crowd. On the way, we spotted a stall with a variety of magic potions, including healing potions.
The eclectic selection was typical of a shady stall. Magic potion bottles usually have signs or marks to verify the maker or the workshop. Reusing bottles without proper labeling is fraudulent, and unlabeled bottles are generally avoided.
The stall had only unlabeled bottles, likely made by amateur mages or diluted and repackaged. There are always a few oddballs who are interested in such items, but the high prices during wartime made it a profitable but risky business.
I was annoyed by two old men blocking my path, so I kicked them into the magic potion stall. They knocked over some bottles, and I checked the contents. One bottle, which should have been a healing potion, was diluted with water. A seventh-grade healing potion, the lowest tier, was now so weak it could only heal minor scratches.
To sell such diluted garbage at a high price was outrageous. As a mage and with a sense of pride, this was unacceptable.
I threw the bottle in frustration, and it shattered with a surprisingly loud noise. The stall owner, who had been striking one of the old men, turned to face me.
"What do you think you're doing with my goods?!"
"Goods? More like garbage," I scoffed, crushing a few more bottles underfoot.
Normally, this kind of shady business wouldn't concern me, but today I was feeling particularly rebellious. The stall owner, already agitated, lunged at me with his stick, enhanced by Physical Enhancement Magic. If I got hit, it would hurt.
Fine then. No need to hold back.
I slightly adjusted my sunglasses to expose my left eye and channeled a bit of power. The stall owner's face contorted in agony, and he collapsed without a sound.
He lay on the ground, pale and trembling, retching and vomiting. He was in such a state that he couldn't even see me or his surroundings. He must have been praying to whatever god would listen, hoping the pain and nausea would subside.
The curse sealed in my left eye was powerful. The effect of disrupting magic was potent, even though I had used only a fraction of its power. The difference in control and endurance between us was significant.
I adjusted my sunglasses back into place, and the effect of my cursed eye subsided. The stall owner had passed out, finally released from his suffering.
I felt a sense of satisfaction from this new power. The curse I endured had been a steep price, but the result was worth it.
However, there was a cost. Using the cursed eye's power also affected me with the same level of curse. But no one was more accustomed to curses than I was. This made me inherently resistant, giving me an advantage.
"Ah, dammit," I muttered, realizing that the two old men had also fallen unconscious due to the curse.
One of the strengths of the cursed eye was its ability to adjust the intensity of the curse and its range. I could curse anyone in my line of sight, no matter the distance. However, it cursed everyone in my field of view, and the more targets, the greater the strain on me.
It was a powerful ability, but not one I could use freely. It was dangerous, and even a weak curse could incapacitate the weak, while a strong one could be fatal.
I didn't want to be blamed for mysterious deaths, so it was best to keep this ability secret. However, the fact that the Kikyo Society president's left eye had changed would eventually become known. The color shift from black to a reddish hue would be noticeable to the observant.
Rumors about my cursed eye would certainly spread, but I wasn't bothered by that. Let people imagine and fear. I had no intention of hiding it and was fine with using it when needed.
I am a villain, after all. It was fitting to inspire fear and let others take the blame for my deeds. Using this power was only natural.
After testing the cursed eye's power, I quickly picked a few more fights, then slipped away with my companions. We made our way back to the hideout, feeling a sense of accomplishment.
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The 'Magic Eye'—a coveted power. But with great power comes great trouble. Its use is limited, and a more practical ability might have been more convenient.
Starting from the next chapter, the Academy will reopen, and the atmosphere will shift a bit.