Fifth-tier Resolvers. I guess this is the threshold at which Resolvers make a name for themselves. I hear even established associations extend scout offers once you reach this level.
The two standing in front of me qualify. My mother is a veteran of healing Arts among the rear-line Arts, and my father has a reputation among information Resolvers.
Of course, I'm not sure how much I can trust what they claim about themselves. But their resolver licenses—those ID cards—look legitimate, so I'll take them at their word for now.
"More importantly, our son brought a friend home! How long has it been, darling?"
It takes him years just to bring a friend home...?
This guy... he's the real deal. And he's pretty handsome, too.
"Have you had dinner or will you stay the night? I only have the old blankets..."
"Uh... well..."
"We'll stay the night."
I can't turn down their offer of a base. Thanks.
"Is that so? Then how did you two become friends?"
"Well, I found him getting mugged in the alley below and rescued him. He said he just came up to get some ointment."
"So... you're just meeting now?"
"Sometimes a single act of kindness resonates more than years of vague acquaintance. I guess that's what happened."
"I see... quite a rare child."
"Indeed. Reminds me of my own childhood!"
"You weren't this handsome and cute, you know?"
Were those two childhood friends who married? True love indeed!
"But why did Sua run off? Did you two argue?"
"That was because of me. Um, there was talk concerning the Sword Sect."
"Ah... I see. Lately she's been causing more chaos down south... Anyone who remembers her old self can only sigh..."
It seems I'm not the only one who misses the past.
"Then... should I go get her?"
"Giving her a little time alone might be good. Call her when it's time for dinner."
That might be for the best. That offhand insult probably stung her pretty hard.
"We'll head to our room then."
As we followed Jihyun to the room, I noticed something: in my father's file was the exact same portrait as our target.
He has a large scar under his eye. A middle-aged man of the Liprova tribe. A possessor of Electric Arts.
The description matched perfectly with the photo Moejang showed me earlier.
"What do they know to talk like that? It's so annoying."
I know. The Sword Sect isn't what grandfather once stood for anymore.
"Hey, they say his grandfather served the Sword Sect."
"Really? Our uncle said the Sword Sect robbed his shop last time."
"Really? My aunt too..."
The proud Sword Sect that my grandfather protected wasn't like this!
"What do they know... I'm really sick of it."
"Is that so? What's got you so irritated?"
What are they talking about? I've never even seen these kids before...
Fzzzzt!
"One assignment done. Three left, right?"
"Dinner's almost time. Shall we go find her?"
He's so late... I'm going for the free dinner.
"Sorry, kids. Order delivery with money. Something urgent came up."
Huh? Suddenly?
They grabbed the files and rushed out. I guess...
"Hese. No, Sinclair. I think it's time for us to work, don't you?"
"...Yeah."
"W-Wait, what is this?!"
Jihyun's voice came from behind. Turning, I saw a photo sent by someone labeled Sua.
A dimly lit container. People bloodied and beaten. Terrified children.
"...What is this?"
The atmosphere was clearly wrong.
"Hey, what is this? Where is this?"
"I don't know. Ah... Dad's gear!"
Before I could ask why, he dashed off and returned with a laptop marked with the number 7.
"Dad belongs to the Seven Association, the intelligence-focused organization. They have programs to track a target's location. It's seldom used now under the new account laws."
Good. No need for pointless detours.
"So you're going? To rescue her?"
"I'm not trying to stop you. But let me come too."
"Wait. You know where we're going, right?"
"It's a site crawling with criminal groups. Even we can't protect her there."
"...I know. But the closer we get, the easier it is to pinpoint Sua's location."
"...Tch. I won't be responsible if you die. Hey, take a hoodie! Sinclair, you put one on too!"
"Huh... Ha... Ha... Fine. Let's go."
The location is an abandoned scrapyard to the north. It's a bit of a detour, but...
"If we go through the back alleys, we can get nearby quickly."
Alley know-how never goes to waste.
"Let's go. Mission start."
The Magpie and the Hawk drew their swords. The night of the Sword Sect had arrived.