On My First Day Undercover, the Organization Collapsed - Chapter 39

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Organization Collapsed on My First Day of Infiltration Episode 039

 

 

You Can Tell by Looking

 

 

After anesthesia.

While the surgery was in progress.

 

‘So Belberg Wings were such precious items.’

 

I had transported them a few times during my days as an assassin.

I had handled them even more often.

Of course, back then I was brainwashed, so I had no time to think about the value of the items.

It’s just that the memory from earlier was a bit intense.

 

‘They seemed to need it desperately.’

 

Of course, their method was wrong.

Even if they had asked politely, Ziel wouldn’t have sold the wings.

But I think I understood one thing.

 

‘High-ranking people.’

 

In crude terms, people of high status.

I had sensed it from the Black Market.

From one man came the scent of strong perfume that only wealthy people use.

From the other men came the smell of oil used on weapons and armor, and the fishy metallic scent.

Something I instantly recognized with my extremely sensitive senses.

 

‘Am I being pursued?’

 

I didn’t particularly regret it.

It was for a student’s sake.

I didn’t particularly plan to avoid it either.

There were plenty of ways to evade pursuit and hide.

All while maintaining my cover identity well.

 

‘Once the surgery goes well, it’ll be over.’

 

If I had considered the risk, I wouldn’t have come outside in the first place.

What mattered was Yurio’s illness as he was going to participate in the Exchange Tournament.

In that condition, even if he somehow managed the Exchange Tournament, he probably wouldn’t last long.

Every training session.

His heart rate that started rising again even after the breathing technique modification.

The breathing technique modification had finally reached its limit too.

Only by treating the illness could the modified breathing technique be effective again.

 

‘It should be finished soon.’

 

If nothing unusual happened inside, the surgery itself would end well.

Since it forcibly changed part of the body’s metabolism, there would be some burden on the body, but it was too small a price compared to what would be gained.

Of course, another price had already been paid.

In silver coins.

Also, that doctor was trustworthy.

Ziel had been indebted to him during a past mission.

 

Click.

 

The operating room door opened after a while.

 

“The surgery went well.”

“I see.”

“I confirmed there’s no problem with the heart. However, the muscles around there have weakened considerably, so blood needs to circulate there for a while to strengthen them. It’s better not to overexert for a day or two. Oh, and I also performed physical surgery on the heart area. The hemostasis and suturing are perfect, so don’t worry.”

 

The surgery was indeed perfect.

Even without going to look, the breathing heard through the door was sufficiently stable.

 

“But what was most perfect was the drug combination. How did you manage to be so delicate…”

“It was easy work.”

 

Usually people would be modest.

But this man had not a trace of humility.

However, that wasn’t too bad.

Rather, it made him feel like a skilled expert.

And it was also the truth.

No matter how perfect one’s surgical skills, the combination of drugs that change metabolism is the most important.

 

‘Amazing. Just who is he?’

 

I thought I knew most people in the Underworld.

Indeed, the world is vast and experts are abundant.

 

“Still, thank you.”

“It’s nothing. I got to show my skills after a long time. Oh, by the way… have we met before?”

 

At the doctor’s question, Ziel nodded.

 

“We have.”

“I knew it. So I was the one who couldn’t remember.”

“Do I look familiar?”

“More than that, you found this place very familiarly, didn’t you?”

“That’s true too.”

 

Ziel took out four silver coins.

 

“This is the remaining payment.”

“Oh my, thank you. To give me this much.”

“I know it was a difficult surgery.”

“It was thanks to the excellent combination.”

“Really?”

 

Ziel’s hand taking back the 2 silver coins.

 

“…Well.”

“Didn’t you say it was thanks to me?”

“That… well, yes.”

“Then I did half the work.”

“…”

 

It was absurd, but it seemed right so I couldn’t find words to say.

Doesn’t he know what courtesy means?

Actually, it was a bit awkward to argue.

1 coin earlier.

Another 1 coin meaning to keep quiet.

And 2 coins as the remaining payment.

Earning a total of 4 silver coins at once was harder than expected.

He was truly an excellent customer.

It would have been absolutely perfect if only he hadn’t taken them back…

 

“It’s a joke.”

“Pardon?”

“Is this how you’re supposed to say it at times like this?”

 

Ziel returned the 2 silver coins.

 

“I read it in some book. ‘Act like you won’t do it, then say it’s a joke and they’ll be happy.'”

“Uh…”

 

For some reason, it felt like an atmosphere where I should be happy.

 

“Ha, hahahaha. Great!”

“Good. You find this kind of joke amusing.”

 

I take back calling him an excellent customer.

He’s just a strange customer.

Of course, it would probably be beneficial for my well-being for life to never speak about this customer.

Since he’s both scary and strange.

 

“I should read more books.”

 

What kind of book could that possibly be.

 

‘I wish the Imperial Palace would ban it.’

 

And after some time passed.

 

“…Ugh.”

 

Yurio woke up.

Ziel approached him and asked.

 

“Does it hurt?”

“Yes, a little…”

“It’ll hurt for a day or two. Bear with it.”

“Yes…”

 

The first thing he says upon waking up is that it’ll hurt so bear with it.

How very teacher-like.

But despite the pain, strangely his breathing felt comfortable and his body felt refreshed.

 

“They say the surgery was successful.”

“Really, truly?”

“Yes. You’ll be fine now.”

 

Yurio’s voice choked up.

It was an illness that had tormented him his entire life.

But to think it could be cured so completely like this.

 

“Thank you… truly thank you…”

 

On one hand, all those years of spending so much money and calling countless doctors and priests seemed meaningless.

That’s why Teacher Ziel seemed even more amazing.

Now there was no doubt or question.

Only curiosity remained.

 

‘He really… is an amazing person.’

 

But it seemed like I shouldn’t dig deeper.

My instincts were screaming that.

 

“I’ll definitely tell Father about this.”

“You should. Being cured of an illness is a joyful thing.”

 

That wasn’t what I meant – I meant I’d definitely tell him so we could repay you.

 

‘Maybe Teacher won’t accept it?’

 

Still, I wanted to repay him somehow.

That’s human decency.

Even though we’d pulled up the family’s foundation by the roots trying to cure the illness and paid Academy tuition, we still had to repay what should be repaid.

On one hand, I also had this thought.

Why would Teacher go this far for me.

Even if I’m his student, still.

 

‘They say a teacher’s grace is like the heavens.’

 

Yurio barely suppressed the surge of emotion in his chest and slowly sat up.

 

“Are you alright?”

“Yes. I can move well enough.”

 

Truly professional skill.

It was quite a major surgery, yet he could move as soon as he opened his eyes.

 

‘I made the right choice entrusting it to him.’

 

The illness must be cured too.

The remaining goal is clear.

The Exchange Tournament.

 

“Now I’m going back.”

 

It was time to return to the Academy.

 

 

The Sword School was busy preparing for the Exchange Tournament.

Five days until the Exchange Tournament.

While each grade was enthusiastically practicing, the First Years were nervous before today’s training.

 

“Today’s sparring, right?”

“I think so?”

“We’re not facing Teacher Ziel anymore, are we?”

“You should speak properly, Ann. We’re not facing him – he’s graciously sparring with us.”

 

The past few days had been hell.

Not a single person had managed to land an attack on Ziel yet.

He dodged almost everything, and when it seemed like someone might hit him, he’d block it.

Some students had somehow made landing an attack on Ziel their life’s goal.

 

“I’m almost there, damn it.”

 

That was Delev.

Ziel was both a subject of respect and, at some point, had become a wall he wanted to overcome.

However, the wall was a bit high.

Very much so.

 

“Oh, it’s Yurio.”

 

Celia waved her hand at that moment.

 

“Yurio! Over here!”

 

Delev frowned at the sight.

 

“When did you two become so close?”

“What’s there to become close or not when we’re participating in the Exchange Tournament together?”

 

Celia seemed to have been deeply impressed by Yurio during the selection tournament.

Delev didn’t like that sight at all.

 

‘What’s this, suddenly? He didn’t show up for a day or two.’

 

Yurio had missed the training for the past two days.

The teacher said it was personal business.

He already seemed to lack stamina quite a bit – did he go get some special training?

 

“Yurio, it’s been two days?”

“Oh, Celia. Hello.”

 

Yurio greeted Celia awkwardly.

Celia was someone even most male students found difficult to approach.

Even the male seniors who would fawn over any new female student didn’t dare speak to Celia.

So for Celia to approach someone first like this was quite rare.

 

“Did something happen?”

“It’s… not that, I was just a bit sick.”

“Sick? Badly? Are you feeling unwell?”

 

Delev was amazed at Celia’s worried expression.

 

“Hey, Yurio. If you missed two days, you should work harder. Don’t you think?”

 

Celia whipped her head around and glared at him.

 

“What are you saying. He’s already working hard enough.”

“Hey, I’m just…”

“Are you perhaps jealous? Hm?”

 

Her mischievous side activated.

Delev took the bait completely.

 

“What nonsense…”

“Right. Jealous.”

“Bullshit. Of who? You?”

“Oh my, look at him swearing. See this. I told you it’s jealousy.”

 

Yurio quietly slipped away from the childhood friends’ bickering.

It was surprising that Celia had spoken to him, but he didn’t want to get involved in that.

 

“Karen, hello.”

“Yurio! Suddenly missing two whole days.”

“I just had some things to take care of.”

 

Even Karen, who stuck close to him, hadn’t seen Yurio for two days.

Since it happened to be the weekend, Yurio had holed up in the dormitory focusing only on recovery.

Thanks to that, he was perfectly fine now.

 

‘I should keep this secret from Karen too.’

 

The fact that Teacher treated my illness is a secret.

For life.

I’m thinking of telling about my recovery when the opportunity arises later.

 

“But today… you look like you’re in good condition?”

“Do I?”

“Yeah. You seem a bit different from usual. Did you get a really good rest?”

“I’m glad if it looks that way.”

 

Yurio’s condition was very good.

Surprisingly so, even to himself.

 

“Is everyone gathered?”

 

Just then, Ziel entered the auditorium.

 

“Teacher’s here. Hey, see you later, Celia?”

“Get lost, Delev.”

 

Ziel looked once toward Yurio and nodded.

 

‘He’s recovered.’

 

His breathing is stable and his heartbeat is regular.

Most importantly, his complexion looks good.

At this rate, he should be able to handle the training I prepared for today without any problems.

 

“Today’s training is group sparring in preparation for the melee matches.”

 

Group sparring!

Finally, they’re entering into full-scale Exchange Tournament preparation.

Until now, it seemed more like preparing for selection matches rather than the Exchange Tournament.

It felt like focusing on improving individual capabilities rather than cooperation.

In that process, everyone was attacking the same target, so they did learn cooperation to some extent, but…

 

‘Is this finally the real thing?’

‘There are only 5 days left, will it be okay?’

 

The feeling of preparing in earnest excited the students gathered here.

 

“I decided the groups arbitrarily. Check the chart.”

“What criteria did you use, Teacher?”

“Mutual complementarity.”

 

Ziel added an explanation.

 

“From now on, you’ll move together in melees, but when attacking or defending, you must always move in the pairs that are currently formed.”

 

It meant not moving all together at once, but pairing up within the group to move efficiently.

Looking at the chart, Delev was paired with Ann.

 

‘Ah.’

 

Delev understood.

His swordsmanship is destructive but a bit slow.

On the other hand, Ann’s swordsmanship, while not as much as Celia’s, is sufficiently fast and powerful.

 

‘So this is how we complement each other.’

 

And surprisingly, Yurio was paired with Celia.

 

“Yurio, please take care of me?”

“Uh, y-yes. Celia.”

 

It was difficult to deal with her.

Not because Celia was beautiful and pretty.

But because she was a Rihart.

 

‘As expected, major families aren’t easy.’

 

Having grown up watching his father bow his head to the Great Lord Family since childhood, it wasn’t something easily overcome.

 

“Be comfortable, be comfortable. We’re in the same grade.”

“That’s true, but…”

“I think you’re really good though?”

 

Even as Celia said this, her gaze was on Delev, smirking.

 

‘That girl, really.’

 

Not to be outdone, Delev extended his hand to Ann.

 

“Please take care of me, Ann.”

“Oh, yes!”

 

Ann grabbed Delev’s hand firmly.

Ann’s face was slightly flushed.

 

“How ridiculous.”

 

Karen sighed as if exasperated while watching the two groups.

 

‘It would be nice if I were on the same team as Yurio.’

 

Karen was just as jealous.

Since her rival happened to be Celia, there wasn’t much she could do about it.

 

“Karen, please take care of me?”

“Ah. Quantus. Yeah.”

 

Well, since I ended up on the same team as this muscle head.

I figured we wouldn’t be lacking in strength at least.

 

“From now on, we’ll start team sparring. We’ll proceed in turns, and after each sparring match ends, you’ll analyze the match and tell me about it.”

 

The first sparring match was between the Delev-Ann team and the Celia-Yurio team.

We hadn’t coordinated our breathing in sparring even once yet.

But something seemed a bit strange.

The bracket wasn’t balanced.

 

‘Even though Celia is included… they’re putting her against Delev?’

 

Though they compete for 1st and 2nd place, everyone knew that Delev had a slight edge in skill.

They paired that Delev with Ann, who was among the top skilled fighters after those two.

No matter that Celia was included on the opposing side, her partner was Yurio.

He had skipped training for two whole days and was practically last among this group.

His talent itself was remarkable, but everyone had unknowingly sensed such rankings during training.

 

“Um, Teacher. Is this bracket okay?”

 

Karen’s question, worrying most about Yurio.

 

“What’s the problem, student Karen Aswan?”

“Well, I mean… the balance…”

“You’re saying student Yurio Harmatan’s skills are lacking.”

 

Karen’s face reddened at the blunt words that came straight at her.

Everyone knew it, but it was a question only Karen could ask.

Because she was genuinely worried about her friend.

 

‘Is the Teacher just pairing them up because he’s the teacher?’

 

—That’s what I was thinking when.

 

“The strength of both teams is almost equal.”

 

Ziel presented an analysis different from expectations.

 

“There’s plenty of possibility that the Delev Kundel and Ann Peshwa team could lose.”

“Huh…?”

“You’ll see when you watch.”

 

Ziel’s voice was calm as always, but strong conviction was powerfully embedded within it.

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