Published: July 3, 2025
"Is it true that count haskir Kalinikos has vanished?"
"Yes, it is true. It has been confirmed with the 'Crystal'."
That place was simply a room known as the 'study'.
With a size comparable to a school gymnasium, numerous bookshelves lined the space.
Books were arranged from floor to ceiling along the walls, making it a 'study' that could easily be featured in one of those 'beautiful European libraries'.
Since it was a study and not an open library, it was not a public place.
This room was solely for the master of the building, containing books meant for him.
The 'master' who listened to the report appeared to be in his early twenties.
He was a young man with excessively pale skin.
However, the calmness he exuded felt as if he had experienced eternal time... a certain aura surrounded him.
"Where did the disappearance occur? Which country in the Western Nations?"
"No, it is not in the Western Nations. It is located in the Southern part of the Naitorei Kingdom in the Central Nations."
At this, the 'master' finally lifted his gaze from the book and looked at the reporter.
"The southern part of the Kingdom? That is troubling..."
He placed his hand on his chin and pondered for a moment before giving a directive.
"I want to know the circumstances. We should confirm if there is anyone in the Central Nations who knows how to make us disappear. Or if someone from the Western Nations came and caused the disappearance..."
"Understood."
"Be sure to have the 'front' people handle it. We cannot risk sending the 'back' people into action, as that could lead to irreparable consequences."
After the reporter bowed and left, the 'master' murmured to himself.
"A count-class who manipulates dark attributes has vanished... They are not a proper opponent."
After shaking his head a few times, he began reading his book again.
Since it is very, very short, I will be posting two chapters today.
The next chapter, "0162 Interlude," will be posted at 9 PM.