Memoirs of the Returnee-Novel

Setup (5)

“Mentorship is a common elective that helps with your growth.”

The entire Department of Magic at Edsilla National University participates in this common elective: Mentors and Mentees.

“As you can see, we only have ‘mentees’ here, right?”

The vast auditorium was filled with all the new students of the Department of Magic.

“In another place, there are as many ‘mentors’ waiting for you. Everyone, please take out your smartphones.”

The professor said this and activated a device. Mana then emanated from the ceiling and flowed into the smartphones.

“You’ve just been sent an invitation message on your smartphone.”

[Shion Ascal, you have been invited to the ‘Mentee Pool’.]

[Please set your nickname.]

It’s a mana-app. An application made purely of mana. Therefore, it has much more dramatic effects than other apps.

“Once you set your nickname, the mentor-mentee matching will begin. Make sure your nickname doesn’t reveal your real name. That way, you can have a smooth consultation, right?”

[Nickname ‘NothingToDo’ has been set.]

[Mentee-Mentor matching in progress…….]

[Ding!]

[The Glistening Snowman has been selected as your mentor.]

[The Glistening Snowman: Hello?]

A message came through immediately.

“Of course, it’s okay to reveal your identities to each other. After all, seeing is believing, right?”

I sent a reply.

[Yes.]

“Hm?”

I felt a slight consumption of mana. It was puzzling.

I wasn’t the only one. The other students also looked at the professor with faces that demanded an explanation.

“Ha-ha. It’s fascinating, isn’t it? Mana is consumed for conversation, that is, for chatting. It’s the minimum requirement to use the mana-app.”

The professor continued.

“However, by spending mana on conversation, you can get coaching that goes beyond simple text chat. For example, sending a Magic Spell.”

[The Glistening Snowman: What’s your specialty? Swordsmanship or magic?]

[Swordsmanship.]

[The Glistening Snowman: Hmm. Really?]

“Shion, who did you get matched with?”

Layla, sitting next to me, asked. I showed her The Glistening Snowman on my smartphone.

“And you?”

“I got ‘The Cold Blade of Ice’. But why does this person have such a nickname?”

Layla tilted her head in confusion.

[The Glistening Snowman: Well. If you have anything you don’t know or are curious about, feel free to ask~ I’m also good for consultation.]

Consultation.

I’ve never shared concerns with anyone before. I’ve always thought there was no need for that, both in the past and now.

“Remember well what kind of mentor you get and what happens~”

But lately, there’s been something on my mind.

Someone who still flickers in my thoughts.

An old friend.

[I have a consultation. What should I do if I feel like I’ve forgotten someone, but I’ve also forgotten who that someone is? I vaguely remember that they are a university student.]

I sent the message.

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

At that moment, I sensed someone approaching from behind.

I flinched and turned around.

It was Elise.

“Spying, are we?”

“I was just looking at the front.”

Elise shrugged her shoulders and said.

“Interesting. You, seeking advice?”

“It’s a lie. I’m just testing to see if this person is fit to be a mentor.”

“…Hmm. Is that so? Then I’ll also—ugh!”

Suddenly, Elise was sent flying. It was because of someone’s sudden body slam.

“Ha-ha! How’s that for an ambush!”

It was obviously Layla.

She pointed at Elise, who had fallen, and laughed heartily.

“Elly, you should never let your guard down! I taught you that!”

“You…”

Unfortunately, there was a trash can at that spot, and a banana peel happened to land on Elise’s head.

“Ha-ha-ha! Elly, you human banana!”

“…I’ll kill you. I’ll murder you.”

Just as Elise’s eyes were about to turn red with rage, she grabbed my wrist.

“Shion! Let’s run! She’s gone crazy!”

* * *

…After the class ended.

I was walking through the campus.

Layla had run off to Trick City to do her thing—probably playing hero—

[The Glistening Snowman: Are you trying to tell me you have dementia? Because that’s something I can’t help with.]

“What the hell is this guy.”

I was considering whether to cut off this mentor.

“Hey.”

Suddenly, a voice drifted from behind a dark tree in the park.

I looked over.

It was Bell Moore.

“It’s okay. No one’s tailing me.”

He gestured to me. I raised an eyebrow and approached.

“What’s the matter?”

“What’s the matter? It’s about what you mentioned last time.”

Bell Moore had been smoking since the beginning of the year. He looked pretty rough, as if he had been up many nights.

“If what you said happens to be true. Who do you suspect is the culprit?”

“The culprit, you say.”

“Yeah. Assuming it’s a setup, who set up Sonya?”

“…”

I took another step towards him. He offered me a cigarette.

“I asked Sonya directly if she suspected anyone.”

“…And?”

“Sonya mentioned the team leader of the Intelligence Agency.”

Then, Bell Moore was the first to utter his name.

“Benedict.”

I nodded silently, and Bell Moore exhaled smoke. A faint anger flickered across his crumpled face.

“But. There’s no evidence that guy did it.”

His reference had changed from Benedict to ‘that guy.’ I struggled to suppress a laugh that was threatening to burst out.

“We’ll have to start looking for evidence now.”

Bell Moore frowned in frustration.

“He wouldn’t be stupid enough to hold onto that evidence, would he?”

“I think he would have it precisely because he’s smart.”

“…Smart?”

“Yes. If he’s the real culprit.”

As an internal investigator, I diligently adhered to the principle of the presumption of innocence as I continued.

“He would have kept it as insurance for cutting ties, if nothing else.”

“Insurance.”

Bell Moore’s complexion changed at that moment. His entire expression hardened like the crispy skin of fried chicken.

He must have understood what I meant immediately.

“Like insurance, to have it in case of a setup?”

“Yes. If suspicion falls on him, he can just leak it to someone else.”

Bell Moore’s hand trembled as he held the cigarette. His face had already turned coldly impassive.

He probably thought that he might be the target of that setup.

“There won’t be anything at his personal residence. Even if team leader can be searched. But Benedict—”

“He’s got a villa purchased under a different name.”

Bell Moore picked up where I left off.

It was information passed on by Grawl.

“Yes. It’s in a wealthy neighborhood. Lagrange Beach.”

“It’ll be tough to infiltrate. Better to call an agent—”

“No. I’ll do it alone. I am the internal investigator.”

“…Are you sure?”

“Yes. I’m sufficient.”

Bell Moore twisted the burnt-out cigarette in his mouth.

“Fuck. This is really fucked up. All because of that bastard team leader.”

Crunch. Crunch. He chewed it up before asking me.

“When will you infiltrate?”

“The 6th round is about to start. It’ll have to wait until that’s over.”

“…Alright. Let me know when you start. I’ll do my best to distract them.”

“Understood.”

Bell Moore was about to leave but then turned back to look at me.

“Right. Did you hear the rumor?”

“What rumor are you talking about?”

“The stakes have been raised. The game you’ve entered, it’s almost worth 2 billion ren now.”

“…2 billion ren?”

It was slightly startled.

2 billion ren is an amount even Libra would find burdensome to spend at once.

Bell Moore smirked.

“Yeah. Feeling nervous?”

“Not at all.”

“It seems like they’ve done it without telling you anything. Is that okay with you?”

“Rather, it feels like I’m being trusted.”

“Ha.”

Lunatic bastard. Bell Moore shook his head in disbelief and muttered.

“The condition is that you win the whole thing. That card tournament or whatever. If you don’t win, you might get on the bad side of the eldest daughter.”

“Please control the information until it’s over. Team Leader Benedict and his subordinates will surely be suspicious if the case doesn’t close quickly.”

“Leave it to me.”

Bell Moore waved his hand.

As he turned to leave, I stopped him.

“Mr. Bell Moore.”

He turned to face me.

“Do you trust me?”

“…”

A question that sought affirmation of trust.

‘Shion Ascal’ was a character built to be loyal only to Libra, to act only for Libra’s sake.

“I trust you.”

That much of a firm answer was enough.

This setup must succeed.

* * *

[World Series of Poker: Round 6]

From the round stage onwards, direct spectatorship is allowed. However, to prevent any influence on the outcome, the game tables are thoroughly separated by partitions.

“…This should be interesting.”

However, for VIPs like Johanna, there is a balcony inside the gaming hall that allows an unobstructed view of the tables.

Johanna smiled as she watched the players enter through the door.

─A new face. A player who, like a comet, has effortlessly pierced through the preliminaries, Shion Ascal.

A blond handsome man. His stature is quite impressive, making him stand out far more than the other players.

─Card reading, composure, bluffing, game management, he has shown stellar skills in every aspect, a true supernova.

He took his seat at the table.

─Now, let’s begin Round 6.

Johanna glanced around the balcony. There were many VVIPs. Among them were Senators who loved gambling, conglomerate CEOs, and even Karlos.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

Johanna asked Karlos. Karlos scoffed.

“It’s the underdog who should be nervous.”

…8 hours later.

─We have another incredible disturbance! The winner of Round 6 is Shion Ascal!

Johanna clapped her hands as she looked down at the table.

Round 6 winner Shion Ascal.

He won with a difference of just 8 chips. There were mistakes here and there, and games where his bluffs didn’t work, but all that could be excused as the nerves of a novice.

─The new face, Shion Ascal advances to the final round of the World Series of Poker!

“Congratulations.”

It was Karlos who spoke. He smirked and extended his hand, and Johanna took it with a smile.

“Congratulations for what? There’s still one more round to go.”

“…Yes. Think that way. The other five who’ve made it to the finals will probably be scoffing.”

True to his words, the players from the final round were among the most notable in poker history.

They were all winners. Guys who had won the World Series of Poker at least once.

“It seems to me that those guys might be the ones shaking.”

“Feel free to be delusional. Well then, I’ll be off.”

With that, Karlos left, and Johanna spoke to Beckman behind her.

“Beckman.”

“Yes.”

“Shion Ascal. Bring that guy to me. Who knows what the mafia might do.”

“…”

Beckman remained silent again.

Johanna felt a surge of murderous intent but suppressed it forcibly and turned to look at him.

“Is there a problem?”

“No. I will do as you ask.”

“…Don’t make me wait next time.”

She gestured to Beckman as she turned away.

“You’re my balancer.”

Words without sentiment. But she had no choice because he liked hearing that phrase.

“Strive for perfection.”

“Yes. Thank you.”

As he bowed, Johanna turned and walked away.

* * *

“Don’t be under any illusions.”

On the way home.

In the limousine, while I was snacking on this and that, Beckman, sitting next to me, suddenly said something strange.

“Illusions?”

“Yes. Lady Johanna doesn’t favor you. She’s only sponsoring you because it seems you have a talent for gambling.”

“Yes. I think so too.”

“…”

Beckman silently glared at me.

“It doesn’t seem like it.”

“I’m sincere. I serve Miss Zia, not Lady Johanna.”

“…”

Beckman still looked doubtful.

He’s definitely an uncomfortable guy.

“What do you plan to do with the prize money if you win?”

The prize money is ten million ren.

A whopping ten million ren.

After taxes, it’s about seven million ren, and I’m secretly hoping.

Maybe Johanna will take care of the taxes.

“Self-improvement. And the rest should be used for Libra.”

“…Wasting money.”

Beckman is good at keeping checks. Despite being a balancer who needs to maintain composure.

It doesn’t matter.

He’s someone I’ll kill someday.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Thank you for the ride.”

“…Yeah. Better thank me instead.”

What an idiotic jealousy, telling me to thank him instead of Johanna.

Vroom──

As I watched the car drive away, I put my hand to my ear.

‘Grawl. Are you ready?’

‘Yes! I’ll set the navigation to Benedict’s villa for you!’

* * *

Benedict’s villa was located on ‘Lagrange Beach,’ a popular resort destination for the wealthy. As such, security was tight, but I managed to infiltrate successfully. I wore an Infimian of a millionaire who actually lived there.

‘This is it.’

‘Yes.’

The mansion stood almost touching the sea.

A lot of money was spent indeed.

I used both the 「Shadow Spot」 and 「Dark Shadow」 formulas simultaneously. I infiltrated while being concealed.

‘There are several security formulas in sight.’

‘It doesn’t matter.’

I had already learned the security formulas from Elise. I had seen them during lessons too.

Once I see a formula, I can completely memorize and dismantle it. As far as my magic can reach.

It was such an ability from the start.

Crackle─.

I disrupted one of the circuits of the security formula with my magic.

I didn’t cut it completely; I just sealed it off, like soldering. If I had cut the circuit entirely, it would have triggered an alarm.

I slipped inside with ease. The interior was pitch black.

This darkness was a security feature in itself.

Without a card key, this darkness would obstruct one’s vision.

I turned on the SZX-9500. The inside lit up again.

‘There are quite a few traps around. Is there a safe or something here?’

A place to store evidence.

‘Yes! Please go up to the second floor! Be careful, there’s another security formula there!’

I ascended the stairs. My footsteps made no sound, nor did they leave any track.

Crackle─

I dismantled the security formula in the same way.

And then…

‘It’s a magic-based code!’

Inside a closet. A keypad for entering a code, like a touchpad.

‘This is serious. I can’t crack this.’

‘No. I’ve cracked one before.’

Back then, when I decrypted the USB drive of the double spy from the Cartel.

Long magic pulses were dashes (─), short magic pulses were dots (·). Like Morse code, the code was formed by combining these two types.

It was secure because it existed only in the owner’s mind, safer than biometrics like iris or fingerprint recognition that could be exploited using a corpse.

Usually.

But not for me.

I summoned Benedict’s 「Memory」 left on the touchpad.

– – ··· – – – · – · – – · – – – ··· – – · · – · – · – · – · –.

I entered the code in sequence.

Click─

The door inside the closet opened. A fairly large secret space was revealed.

“Done.”

Now, all I had to do was plant the evidence here and escape…

“……”

I was at a loss for words for a moment.

‘Ah.’

Grawl was also speechless.

It was shocking.

“It wasn’t a human being.”

There were all sorts of photos. There were video tapes too. People being abused, tortured, trampled upon…

All twisted films shot by Benedict himself.

There were also some ledgers, but they didn’t catch my eye amidst the rest.

‘Wow. There really are such people.’

I shook my head and corrected Grawl’s words.

‘No. That’s not a person.’

‘Ah.’

I planted some evidence related to ‘Sonya’ in there.

Considering the inhumanity of this place, it seemed almost unnecessary to need that evidence.

But when I return later as an internal investigator to stir things up, Benedict will be finished.