Mutagen

Day 321 - 7:39 PM - Evernight Base, Kachidoki, Chuo City, Tokyo

The circumstances around the swordsman named Shin. It was among the thorns in the throat of the remaining members of Auraboros. And that was why Yukine was unable to respond quickly to Mark's question.

And since Yukine gave a pause instead of answering, Mark continued speaking.

"I already know about him joining the Demons in the north. So, what happened?"

Mark's question was a curious one. However, it also implied one thing in Yukine's understanding.

It was along the thoughts that negotiation might be easier if his demand to hand over Shin was fulfilled. But that was impossible now since the Japanese Branch let Shin leave.

In the first place, aside from originating within the same organization, the Japanese Branch should be able to escape Mark's hatred. However, Shin's group meddled in his fight. While it was due to a business contract and the mission to save a client, it still caused their side to become involved in this mess.

Yukine then gave out a clear sigh.

"If you already knew that much, it would be easier to explain the situation."

And there, Yukine unwillingly shared the circumstances of Shin's defection.

***

It was no news that the organization of Auraboros was composed of a mix of human and inhuman members. However, there was one thing common to most of them. It was their hatred for humanity. That was why they were messing with humans in the shadows, hidden away from the grasp of the common people.

The organization's main mission was to slowly take over human civilization. Gaining dominion over humans and the world. Well, while that was a mission that the lower members knew, who would know what the higher ones had in mind?

However, contrary to that common mindset within Auraboros, the leader of the Japanese Branch, the Empress, decided to take an uncanny path.

It was to ally with the humans. To be specific, the humans of the Reclaimed City.

The decision of the Empress was a rational one. With the common enemy in sight, it was better to avoid unnecessary conflict. Then, if possible, face the otherworldly enemies together.

In the first place, while both the Japanese Branch of Auraboros and the Reclaimed City managed to resist the immediate effects of the world's drastic change, it never meant that both managed to be scot-free from the calamity.

And, to no surprise, most members of the Japanese Branch hated that notion.

Still, it should have been fine. After all, the members should not be able to go against the Empress. Not only she had the authority, but she was stronger against the other members as one of the founders of the Auraboros.

They had no choice but to obey her.

But a single factor turned the tide.

A mighty being at the same status as the Empress. While he had yet to reclaim his original strength, it was true that he was one of the founders of the organization.

The [Demonic Deity of Flames]. Gar'Vlam.

While Gar'Vlam's arrival at the Japanese Branch was nothing but a coincidence, there was no way they would chase away one of the founders that shared the same status in the organization as the Empress.

And that turned out to be the worst decision.

Gar'Vlam was among the founders that looked down on humans the most. It was impossible for him to agree and ally himself with the insects he could trample under his feet.

With the instigation of Gar'Vlam, Shin and those who were against the Empress' decision deserted and headed north. They joined the Demons that had already set up base there.

And as far as they knew, Gar'Vlam became the leader of the Demons, and Shin was transformed into a [Demonic Human] under his blessing as a Deity.

Everything else about Shin was the information Mark had already heard from Ren.

***

Mark and the rest listened to Yukine's explanation. It was both amazing and annoying.

However, Mark could only shrug. It looked like the end of his goals here in Japan would end with a reunion with his past adversaries.

Mark smiled. He could not help but look forward to it. It was different now than before.

"You look like a psycho right now." Spera's voice entered Mark's ear. "What is there to smile about?"

"Don't you find the situation interesting?" Mark replied. "The central figures during the Bay City's incident will get a bloody reunion. And that also includes you."

"I'm not interested at all."

Spera argued.

At this time, Yukine spoke to Spera.

"Spera, you really have no intention to return? If you do, you can likely become an officer or a group leader."

The sudden invitation to return made Spera look at Yukine. If it was her in the past, those positions might feel attractive. But now?

"This is the second time you asked. And my answer is no," Spera shook her head. "I already found my place."

Yukine stared at Spera. The silent Spera, who became extremely expressive the last time she saw her, was now a girl brimming with courage and confidence.

With that answer, Yukine could only back down. And deep down, she knew. This would be the last time she would ask Spera this question.

Yukine turned to Mark, who was staring at her. His stare was clearly asking her what she was trying to do, trying to take away his people.

In this regard, Yukine actually had the right. After all, Spera was one of their members, and it was Mark who took her away. However, Yukine shut her mouth about this and decided not to reason. Because if this started, it would still end up with that very fact that Shin's group appeared in front of Mark to meddle with his business.

Putting those thoughts aside, Yukine asked Mark.

"Is there anything else? If none, it is better that we should go. Your place had a lot of prying eyes all over the place. It would not do neither of us any good if we got found out."

"I have nothing else," Mark answered. "You can go. We'll meet again in twelve days."

Yukine was pretty surprised by Mark's words. However, he was right. Yukine would be one of the Empress' escorts at that time.

"Kuroe, let's go."

Yukine turned around and called to Kuroe, who was staring at Mark's group with a mix of curiosity, anger, and confusion.

Kuroe immediately followed Yukine, and the two of them were enveloped in white light, turning back into foxes. They then jumped into the ground, melding into the shadows.

And just like that, the two fox ladies visited and left Mark's place without getting detected by the eyes observing outside.

"She's pretty smart, didn't she?"

Mark voiced out, looking at the now empty entrance.

"She can't be the leader of the intelligence group if she's not."

Spera said, putting down her spoon after finally finishing her dinner.

"What I meant is that she probably realized that you're why we can pass through the space distortion. That's why she took the chance to ask you again even if the chance you are going to say yes is near impossible."

Mark explained.

"How are you sure that I will not say yes?"

Spera asked Mark...

Only to be replied with another question.

"Will you?"

Spera fell silent while Mei and Emika were smiling at her funny reaction.

And from there, the night proceeded peacefully, although the new environment should have made it harder for them to sleep comfortably if not for Mark doing his work.

***

While Mark's group was asleep, the information about them finally leaving the Black Lotus' cradle spread to those people with varying intentions towards them.

When they were still staying inside the Black Lotus Compound, most of those people interested in them were reluctant to make contact. After all, there was a possibility that they were undisclosed members of the Black Lotus, and not everyone was powerful and courageous enough to clash with the lord of Kachidoki.

But now, Mark's group moving out pretty much confirmed that they were not members of Black Lotus. They were available for recruitment as an independent group. And given their performances during the previous days, it was no surprise that quite a number of people were eager to put Mark's group under their wing.

Of course, it was not all just them wanting to recruit Mark's group. There were a few individuals with different mindsets. And it was to join Mark's group instead.

And lastly, there were those who were instead wary of the group for various reasons. Those people were trying to gather information about Mark's group for completely different goals. There were two prevalent reasons for their cautiousness. One was because Mark's group was suspicious, and the other was because Mark's group was not Japanese. The second reason was not surprising. In every country, there were such people. Some of them had deep and strong reasons, while some were just hating people for no particular reason.

Among the people interested in the group, there were three factions that were the most powerful.

The Mitsui Clan, the Government, and the Temple.

An ancient Samurai Family and now the leader of a Conglomerate empire. That was the Mitsui Clan. It was no surprise they were interested in Mark's group. They were among the witnesses of the fight during the hornet attack.

The Government... There was nothing much to say. It was the remains of the Japanese government under the rule of a new Prime Minister. As the Prime Minister had just stepped into position after the Reclaimed City was established, he needed to establish a strong foundation and connections. He was seeking powerful and talented people to recruit under him.

And lastly, the Temple. It was the most important faction in the Reclaimed City. Led by the Priestess, it was the current religious pillar in this place. And without the Priestess, the Reclaimed City would have crumbled to the effects of the world's changes. Even if both the government and the Mitsui Clan vanished, it would only weaken the Reclaimed City's offensive and defensive forces. Without the Temple, it would be destroyed.

Fortunately for the smaller groups interested in Mark's group, the three giants were still taking the observer stance. They were still in the process of gathering information and would not make direct contact too soon. The smaller groups and individuals still had time to try.

Well... Not knowing that it was impossible in the first place.

There was no way Mark would join other groups or let people join his. Unless there was a special reason, of course.

Still, it was clear that the next following days would not be peaceful for Mark's group. And since ardent recruitments did not happen before, Mark underestimated the people's fervor.

Mark should expect an increased number of knocks on his door in the next few days.

***

And while the information about Mark's group was spreading in the Reclaimed City...

"That is all, your Majesty."

Yukine said as she kneeled down before a screen with the shadow of a woman behind it. She had just finished relaying the things that happened during her meeting with Mark and his group.

"The leader of another faction and the owner of the red-colored [Pure Spirit Tree]. We did not expect that it was possible for them to enter this country despite the situation at the borders. If We knew this would happen, We should have imprisoned that Shin instead."

The shadow of the Empress could be seen making a slight shrug.

Shin would have been a valuable asset because of his unpolished but powerful ability. But as a deserter, Shin's value in the Empress' eyes was dragged down the fecal drain. If she could reach an agreement with a powerful individual by sacrificing a traitor, she would gladly comply with the request. Unfortunately, Shin was already in the north, protected by Gar'Vlam and his forces.

"We appreciate your work, Yukine," The Empress complemented her right-hand woman. "Make adjustments to the schedule twelve days from now and prepare gifts. In the current situation, we do not want to enter unnecessary conflicts. It would be worth it if we could strike more than one alliance instead."

And there, the preparation for the meetup in twelve days from now on commenced.