Published: January 22, 2026
The Robe Woman, with a puzzled expression, turned her gaze toward the Man in Red Robes trapped in the ice.
Immediately, numerous cracks appeared across the ice block, and it began to shatter.
“...Ho. So this is a magic that simulates stopping time inside the ice. That was quite an invaluable experience.”
“...So my magic was prepared for after all.”
“That’s only natural. Otherwise, I’d be too scared to face you.”
The Man in Red Robes answered the Robe Woman’s words with a mocking laugh.
“Is that so? Then it can’t be helped.”
Right after the Robe Woman whispered this, blood suddenly spurted from the Man in Red Robes’ entire body.
This was likely due to the Aero Cutter.
Its activation speed was still impressive, although not quite as fast as the earlier ice block.
Anyone skilled in combat, like an advanced explorer, should have been able to react.
If this man couldn’t react at all, then he must not be a combat specialist.
So why did he come out here so casually?
“—Eh… Gyaaah! It hurts!!”
The confident aura the Man in Red Robes had moments ago vanished as he collapsed to the ground, writhing in pain.
It was clear this man was an enemy of Amuntzarse, but which organization did he belong to?
When thinking of groups opposing Amuntzarse, the Seeker’s Guild would be the first to come to mind.
Was this man part of the Seeker’s Guild?
No, the words he had thrown at the hero just now didn’t sound like they came from a guild member at all.
As I thought this, wary of everyone present, the cuts on the Man in Red Robes began to rapidly close.
It was an unbelievable sight.
I recognized this phenomenon.
This was undoubtedly Carol’s supernatural ability, Self-Healing.
It was different from what I had misinterpreted as mana convergence under gravity manipulation.
My instinct screamed that this was ninety-nine percent Self-Healing.
“Phew. That hurts, you know? Wounds heal on their own, but the pain remains. So stop it already.”
Why hadn’t I thought of this possibility?
There was only one organization this man could belong to.
Members of that group wore clothing dyed a deep red, like his.
That group was—the Cyclamen Cult.
“Could it be… they actually managed to perfect it…”
“Ah, so you’ve heard about it too. It was tough, you know. But to continue my research, I need the Spirit’s Eye. Yet, I just can’t find it anywhere. The White Demon should know its whereabouts. Will you tell me?”
When the Robe Woman muttered in a shaken voice, the Man in Red Robes answered eagerly.
If he’s involved, then at that moment—
“Well, who knows? Even if I knew, do you think I’d tell you?”
“Don’t be so mean. This research might evolve humanity. You understand that, don’t you?”
“Enough of this nonsense.”
I abruptly interrupted their conversation.
“Nonsense? That’s not true. This is crucial to my research—”
“I only want to ask one thing. Just answer that.”
“You’re so bossy, like a tyrant king. Fine, whatever. What do you want to know? My research results?”
“Do you know Caroline Inglott?”
The Man in Red Robes slightly widened his eyes at my question.
“...Ah, that’s a familiar name. I’ve known her for about ten years. But unfortunately, she passed away two years ago. How do you know Caroline?”
He hesitated briefly but quickly admitted they had some connection.
It’s confirmed, then.
I already knew Carol suffered inhumane treatment from the Cyclamen Cult before two years ago.
The reason was likely to analyze her Self-Healing ability and eventually grant it to others.
For greedy people, Carol’s ability would be something they’d covet desperately.
And since this man is using Self-Healing and is involved in research, it’s natural to think he’s one who treated Carol cruelly.
“Hey, Robe Woman.”
After obtaining the information I wanted from the Man in Red Robes, I called out to the Robe Woman.
“...Could it be you mean me? My name is Shion Nastathium, by the way.”
“I’ll take care of him myself, so don’t get in the way. If you interfere, I won’t go easy on you either.”