Killing the Possessor - Chapter 119

To sum up what I learned, here’s the situation:

The person suspected of being a possessor is a young man working for the Public Security Bureau. If this is a trap, he’s possibly one of the most dangerous targets around.

Ironically, the reason Bali couldn’t send Hawk or any of the other wizards was precisely because they’re too skilled. Wizards with recognized abilities almost always hold high-ranking official positions.

For instance, Ailrose, despite appearances, works as a practitioner at the Royal Research Institute, and while Hawk’s exact rank is a mystery, his abilities suggest he holds a pretty high position too.

And in Harent, you can’t work as an official wizard without registering your magical signature. This registry measures a wizard’s capacity and unique magical attributes, and—if the wizard gets involved in criminal activity—it’s also used for tracking them down.

It isn’t as precise as fingerprinting or DNA back on Earth, but it’s good enough to narrow down a list of suspects. Even the possessor identifier orb that Rudolf Midas invented supposedly works on a similar principle.

“I know it’s risky. But the target’s an investigator who used to be a priest.”

“That does sound like a shame to waste.”

“Right? So you get why this matters.”

The reason Bali was so determined to go through with this mission—despite the risks—came down to two things.

First, if this man really was a possessor, then getting to him meant placing an inside agent right at the heart of the Public Security Bureau.

Second, he possessed holy power. People with that kind of energy are extremely rare, and Bali has always wanted to recruit someone from the priesthood. In a world where evil spirits actually show up, holy power is a precious asset.

“So why did a priest join the Public Security Bureau? Is that a normal career switch?”

I had always assumed only someone like Ren Abyss would make such a weird choice. And even he, with his privileged background, was still putting himself through hell on the frontlines, so everyone thought he was half-crazy.

But something felt off, as if I were forgetting something important. There was a prickling sense at the back of my neck.

Bali gave a snort.

“It’s not common, but it’s not unheard of. Who knows why? I guess the temple is just too dull for some people.”

“That’s such a Bali-thing to say.”

She shrugged, drumming her fingers on the mask in my lap, and then met my eyes with a more serious look.

“So, what’s your decision? Are you in, or out?”

“…”

It was me, after all, who’d said I wanted to get more involved in field work to extend my residence permit. Still, I had no way of knowing if this kind of mission—one that didn’t appear in the original plot—would actually help me renew my permit.

I was only just getting used to artifacts. For someone whose supposed major was magic but who could barely admit it, this felt like a bit much.

“I’ll do it.”

Despite all my doubts, that’s what came out of my mouth. Maybe their courage was contagious. Or maybe it was the alcohol talking.

Bali—a wild child obsessed with wine and men, but somehow also the most fiercely committed leader of this underground group. Ailrose—who claimed to live for pleasure, but when it mattered, would throw herself into danger without a second thought.

Neither of them needed to fight for survival or cared about their social standing, yet their sheer willpower was as bright and intense as a burning star.

When I was little, I once asked my mother why stars shine. She told me it’s because they burn themselves up from the inside. In truth, the brilliance of a star comes from endless collisions and fusions hidden behind the glow.

I figured maybe people are the same way. Maybe it’s all the turmoil and inner struggles that make someone shine.

“I’ll do it. I’ll take the job.”

Call it courage or call it recklessness—I’d already decided.