On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 366

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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First Day of Infiltration, The Organization Was Destroyed — Episode 366
Praise Card Awarding Ceremony (2)
“The kids seem to really like it.”
“Mm. They do like it.”
“New, new swords, and, always happy.”
The three of them nodded with satisfaction as the students scattered about, selecting swords and equipment.
“Hey, this one looks really impressive, doesn’t it?”
“Hey, be careful!”
“This one seems really heavy though…….”
“That one would work for Quantus.”
“What? There’s supposedly an incredibly powerful sword?”
“I never said anything like that…….”
It was like a marketplace had sprung up.
The sight of them crowding around, selecting swords and drawing them out, was a scene he’d witnessed many times before.
“I never thought the spoils we’ve been collecting all this time would be put to use like this.”
“It’s turned out well, being put to efficient use.”
Not long ago.
Ziel, together with Gilbert and Kelvin, had hauled out all the equipment they’d acquired through various channels into the basement of the Faculty Dormitory.
Among them, they’d selected only items that posed no problem for students to use, excluding those that would create complications in anyone else’s hands.
The sheer quantity came to roughly several hundred pieces.
This collection included equipment that people from the Solaris Religion had amassed.
There were no particularly outstanding or magnificent swords among them, but they were certainly adequate for students of this level to use.
“But Boss, we’ve been handing out quite a few Praise Cards to the kids this time — how will we handle sword procurement going forward?”
“There are many places to acquire equipment.”
“Ah.”
“And we’ll prepare some special prizes as well.”
“Special prizes……?”
“Special swords that the students will definitely love.”
“Oh!”
Ziel already had several methods forming in his mind.
The first.
Acquire weapons from the Black Market with overflowing money.
But that method wouldn’t be sustainable.
So, second.
He’d conceived of this approach.
“Everyone, pay attention.”
Attention focused for a moment.
“From now on, you’ll be able to exchange Praise Cards for swords like these, ones you can use without issue. And for students who achieve excellent grades, we’ll be awarding special swords.”
“Oh!”
“Special swords?”
“Does that mean something like the sword the teacher uses?”
Ziel moved to the main point.
“Precisely — custom-made swords.”
“Custom-made……!”
A few students’ mouths fell open in surprise.
They were the top-tier students with solid family backgrounds — Delev, Celia, and Maris.
They shared another commonality: the swords they currently wielded were made using that very ‘custom-made’ method Ziel had just mentioned.
‘That’s incredibly expensive…….’
‘Really? Truly?’
So they knew well just how expensive and remarkable such a thing was.
Of course, prices varied wildly depending on materials and method, but given Teacher Ziel’s nature, he wouldn’t use cheap materials for the students’ swords.
“W-wait, sir. Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“But even so, having them made custom-made…….”
“I’m sure.”
The students murmured among themselves.
“The teacher must have a lot of money.”
“The teacher’s finances must be unreal.”
“Then why does he live in the Faculty Dormitory……?”
“He probably has his own quarters in the Imperial Palace anyway, so what’s to worry about.”
“Is that so?”
Ziel hesitated.
‘Does he know about my financial situation?’
He’d already been wondering how to spend the excess of money flooding in.
Equipment like this could be obtained freely enough, but custom-made pieces came with a steep price.
That was why he’d reached this decision.
He’d planned to seek out that blacksmith in the back alley who had modified his Ether River-crafted sword before.
“Teacher, then for custom-made work… could we exchange it with Praise Cards as well?”
“We can.”
“Oh! How many?”
“Ten.”
“Ten…!”
It was an enormous quantity.
Ten visits to the Unlimited Table!
“According to my current records, no student has yet collected all ten. However, three students currently possess seven, eight, and six cards respectively. Do your best.”
The moment the students heard that even those without top grades could obtain a custom sword by collecting ten Praise Cards, their eyes began to gleam with fierce ambition.
Some even set down the swords they’d been holding.
“A-are there any restrictions on materials?”
“Materials that cannot be obtained or are unsuitable for swords are forbidden. However, all other materials are possible. But first, you must consult with me to select the material best suited to the swordsmanship style of the requesting student.”
A systematic custom-production method!
Now the students had a goal.
‘A sword that will never break!’
‘Should I go with the sharpest blade in the world?’
‘Is a sword with magic enchantments the best after all?’
Custom sword-making, that was it!
“Boss, the kids’ eyes look dangerous.”
“Motivation is always necessary.”
Thus the Praise Card exchange was complete.
The number of students who exchanged was not particularly large.
Usually they traded one to three cards for a single piece of equipment.
But all the students who made the exchange were satisfied.
Normally, obtaining a sword would require requesting one from their family or scraping together separate funds, but they had exchanged their Praise Cards—tangible proof of their hard work—for them!
“Thank you, Teacher!”
“Work even harder, Jon Riversong.”
Now it really felt like the practical training was completely finished!
Gilbert felt a sense of liberation and turned to Ziel.
“Boss, how about some beer and chicken skewers tonight?”
“B-beer!”
Kelvin’s interest was piqued as well.
A drink to celebrate the end!
What could be more joyful than that.
“No, that won’t be possible today.”
“Why not?”
But Ziel had something far more important to attend to.
“Now that the training has ended, I’m going to search for a secret base.”
Thump-thump.
Both their hearts began to race.
And so did Ziel’s.

* * *
Ziel, Gilbert, and Kelvin set out on night movement.
“M-Master! So f-fast!”
“You’re slow. Kelvin, train more.”
“Ugh!”
Kelvin was being tested.
This was the time to show the results of the speed training he’d been putting effort into so he could join them on these outings.
But unfortunately, his body was simply too large.
Massive musculature and nimble movement seemed difficult to reconcile.
“I’ll create a Human Skin Mask for now. But you need more speed training.”
“T-thank you!”
“And since there’s a limit to how fast we can move, I’ll consider other measures.”
“Other mea……sures?”
Kelvin flinched.
If someone at Master’s level was bringing up the word ‘special,’ there was definitely something—
And it was something terrifying.
“We’re moving.”
Shortly after, the three of them arrived at the place where Ziel, Gilbert, and Zephyros had previously had their Human Skin Masks made.
“Guhhhhh!”
When a sheet made from specially blended materials was placed over his face, the flailing that followed was almost comical.
“What a fuss from someone so large.”
“I—I can’t breathe.”
After finishing the commission for the Human Skin Mask, their next destination was Berte’s Mansion.
Berte had to face ruthless attackers on yet another night.
But this time, it wasn’t one or two.
It was three.
“Dark Ghost, sir, there’s one more person……than before?”
An absolutely massive frame!
Given that the figure already stood out due to his sheer size, Ziel had instructed him to wear clothing that made him appear even larger.
Armor draped over his shoulders, a robe fastened, and a hood pulled down over his head.
‘The pressure radiating from him is overwhelming. Truly worthy of Dark Ghost, sir!’
Berte swallowed hard, wondering if this might not be a magical beast at all.
“…….”
The complete silence made it seem as though Dark Ghost had truly brought along a magical beast.
And why wouldn’t it seem that way?
The world contained many varieties of magical beasts, and among them were those that resembled humans.
Beasts that walked upright!
‘If Dark Ghost is as powerful as he is, he might actually be able to tame a magical beast!’
Caught in this misunderstanding, Berte heard Dark Ghost’s question.
“How are the tasks I’ve assigned progressing?”
“Ah! Yes! You mean the education center for the poor, of course. I was just about to inform you of this. See for yourself!”
Berte quickly rummaged through a drawer and produced a thick sheaf of documents.
“We’ve acquired a property spanning a total of ten acres!”
Gilbert was startled by the pride in Berte’s announcement.
“That’s enough space for a respectable mansion, a garden, and various facilities.”
“And who am I? I went ahead and purchased land in District 43. And paid those living there quite handsomely!”
It was certainly a considerable expense.
No matter that the Trading Company was among the most prominent in the Capital and that the Slums were considered poor, the sum spent must have been substantial.
“All of this is thanks to you, Dark Ghost, sir. Because of your instructions, the sponsorship funds from the Noble Families have grown tremendously, allowing us to cover everything.”
“I see.”
Gilbert finally understood.
‘The scale of the secret base is that large?’
His heart began to race again.
A secret base of such magnitude!
‘Now we’re truly beginning in earnest!’
“We’ll construct approximately five buildings. We’ll also arrange the finest facilities for education. Already, sponsorship inquiries are pouring in.”
At the mention of an education center, Gilbert’s eyes sparkled.
‘I see—so it’s being disguised as an education center on the surface.’
Ziel was a genius, as always.
An educational facility for the poor.
There was no better cover than this.
On the surface, a space where the kindest works in the Empire would take place—but in reality, where the Organization would operate in the shadows!
“Recruit talented instructors so the poor can learn academics and swordsmanship well.”
“There’s no question about that, sir. You needn’t worry about funding at all. Beyond the Noble Family sponsorships I mentioned, our Trading Company will contribute without reservation.”
“Understood.”
Kelvin, knowing little of the situation, held his tongue, but Gilbert continued to layer misinterpretation upon misinterpretation.
‘Surely one of the facilities will serve as the Organization’s true base of operations. Given the Boss’s nature, he’ll definitely construct an underground section to facilitate movement between buildings, and if needed, he’ll create an emergency exit for escape as well……’
Regardless, Ziel continued with his detailed instructions.
“When constructing the facilities, be certain to submit them for my review. Especially the swordsmanship training facilities.”
“Of course, sir. Ah, and you needn’t worry about recruiting talent. The Noble Families have already requested personnel dispatch on multiple occasions.”
What Berte said was true.
The nobles despised the Dark Ghost, but what frightened them even more was their reputation.
An educational facility for the poor!
There was nothing quite like it for preserving noble dignity and elevating their standing.
Once word spread, they would be lauded throughout the citizenry.
Of course, Ziel had never intended any of this.
The Dark Ghost’s prestige had simply risen to this point of its own accord.
“We must also establish a facility to care for children who have lost their parents.”
“Of course. We’re already preparing for that as well. Currently, the upper section is compiling the roster. Ah, and that boy Johan—you know, the one with talent in swordsmanship? I’ve brought him to my mansion and had him cleaned up.”
“I see. Since he has talent in swordsmanship, find him a good master.”
“Yes. We’ve already made contact with the Schneider family. Their Family Head is coming in person! After the Academy’s practical training!”
Berte looked like a child seeking praise, and Ziel responded in kind.
“Well done. You handle matters efficiently.”
“Hehe, thank you! Just tell me if there’s anything else you need!”
To Berte, the Dark Ghost was a savior and a god.
A benefactor he’d met while treading the precarious line of a business that might collapse at any moment!
And now he was earning even better than before.
Part of it came from sponsorship by nobles eager to curry favor with the Dark Ghost, but for the nobles, reputation and standing were worth more than money itself!
“By the way, several sponsor families have asked if they might meet you…….”
“Mm.”
“I refused them all, of course! I told them you’re so elusive that even I rarely see you. But I felt I should at least convey their wishes.”
“I don’t wish to meet them.”
“Yes. Understood.”
He didn’t know what he’d do if they actually met.
That was why he disliked the idea.
And so the matter of meeting with the patrons was smoothly dismissed.
‘The boss is truly thorough!’
Thus Ziel’s business at Berte’s mansion was concluded.
Ziel had meant to vanish as he’d arrived, like a breeze, but Kelvin proved a slight obstacle.
“You’re slow.”
“I-I’m sorry, Master.”
“You should disappear before your target notices. That’s when it looks impressive. Remember it.”
“Y-Yes! I’ll remember!”
Kelvin stared at the window he’d clumsily clambered through, resolving never to fail again.
‘Still can’t listen properly—must be because he’s a magical beast!’
Though that was merely Berte’s continued misunderstanding.
In any case, Ziel and his group departed Berte’s mansion for their next destination.
“The roof—tread lightly. Lightly!”
Bang!
Kelvin remained a stumbling block even as they bounded across rooftops without drawing attention, though he was far better than before.
“Boss, the Academy is actually that way, not this direction.”
“I told you. We’re going to establish a secret base.”
Gilbert gained sudden insight.
‘Of course, the boss! He’s preparing contingencies by creating another one!’
The more secret bases, the better.
The organization Gilbert once belonged to—the Red Raven—had been the same way.
They’d established multiple secret bases at the organizational level and deployed them in emergencies!
‘How could I forget something so fundamental!’
“Boss, I failed to grasp your intention. I will strive harder.”
“See that you do.”
And so they arrived at a place that was none other than…….
“B-Boss?”
“M-Master?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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