Chapter 992: Proof of Crime ( 992 )

That evening.

A small house on the outskirts of Gaze Town.

The sky was darkening.

In the back room, a man sat in silence.

Tomorrow’s the day. But I still don’t know how to slip inside. Mission’s a mission. My job is to pass the layout to the team.

He slid a hand under the bed and pulled out a rolled sheet of paper. Unfurling it, he studied the rough sketches he’d drawn over the past year.

After living here for twelve months, working a stall in the market... I’ve pieced together what I could. Even if it’s not perfect, it’s something. I marked where they store weapons, where the mana relays are... I had to guess some of it from outside observation.

If only I could get onto the Armand estate grounds and map the main barracks behind it.

He scowled, thinking of the Pekko scattered throughout the town.

But those damned birds... they let locals ride them, yet they refuse me every time. They’re not even wild, just wandering wherever they please. The people feed them, the guards pet them... and they just stare at me like I’m some kind of bug.

I try to feed them, but they refuse with that smirking look on their beaks. Just because they’re big and special, they look down on me, like they’re mocking me. It’s getting on my nerves.

Ugh. I hate these birds. But horses are too slow. If I use a horse to reach the Armand estate, the Pekko patrols will catch me in seconds... and they’ll question me. Why am I heading toward the estate?

Shit. It’s all because of that damn bird! According to the people around here, this Pekko creature is special. Good-natured and able to use magic in a fight. Good-natured my ass!

Ugh! I want to slice that big bird open and roast it. But according to others, this bird monster is super strong. Not just super fast, but incredibly powerful.

The man sighed.

Whatever. Now focus on the mission. I should have waited for the leader to arrive and knock with our signal. Then pass him this layout and be ready to follow.

A sudden knock startled him. He shoved the map under the bed and straightened his shirt.

Time to act casual. If it’s the usual busybody neighbor, I’ll turn that grandma away and say I’m not feeling well.

Knock knock knock.

"Wait... I’m coming!"

The man approached the door and called out their signal.

"Who is it? Are you looking for something? I’m not accepting any donations."

A voice replied from outside.

"Ah, it’s me. Came to visit. Thought we could hang out and talk. Perfect day for it, right?"

The man smirked.

Ah... it’s the signal code.

He peeked through the peephole.

A man stood in front of his house, wearing a dark robe.

I have to be careful now.

"Are you bringing bread?"

The man outside replied.

"Ah, I don’t have bread, but I do have butter."

The man inside smirked and opened the door.

Once inside, the man placed his fist over his left chest.

"Leader," he said in a low voice.

"Mm..." The robed figure nodded slowly.

"Are you being followed?"

"No... I don’t think anyone will follow me."

"Follow me, leader."

The man led him into the back room, ducked under the bed, and pulled out the rolled layout.

"This... is what I’ve been able to observe during my time here. A year of watching. I’ve pieced together what I could."

"Good... good..."

"But I’m sorry, Leader... it’s not perfect."

The leader traced a finger over the sketched lines, his eyes narrowing beneath the hood. The single lantern flickered, casting shadows across the paper.

"It’s more than enough," he murmured. "The mana relays here... and the weapon caches. You’ve done well. This is good for proof."

"Proof?" the man asked, confused.

"Yes... proof~" The robed man slowly removed his hood and smirked. "Proof of crime!"

Javier grinned.

The man’s face went pale. "Who are you?!"

"Me? Well... let’s just say... I’m someone who hates spies like you." Javier tapped the mana talkie in his ear. "Stall them. Make sure they can’t get near this house for about ten minutes~"

The man tried to run, but couldn’t move.

"Ah~ Can’t move?" Javier smirked, his finger glowing faintly. "That’s better."

Six Armand Elite Guards entered the room swiftly. The captain stepped forward.

Javier gestured casually. "Take him to the holding block."

"Prince Javier," the captain said, fist to chest. "What will you do next?"

"Nothing much~ I’ll just be him for a while. His leader should be coming soon." Javier’s smirk returned. "Pull all guards from this area. Stick to the plan."

"As you command, Prince Javier."

The spy’s eyes widened, straining to speak, but no sound emerged.

Javier activated his magic, sweeping a hand over his face and adjusting his throat with a soft crackle.

The man stared in horror.

The face staring back... was now his own.

"Ahem!" Javier tested the voice.

It was perfect, the same pitch, the same subtle rasp.

The spy’s eyes bulged.

He could copy appearances... and voices too?

Meanwhile, on the road.

The Armand patrol pulled up on their Pekkos, feathers rustling as the big birds eyed the men.

The patrol leader leaned forward in his saddle, a lazy grin on his face. "Oh? You all came here to visit a relative?"

"Y-yes, sir. My cousin’s gettin’ married. Said in his letter he found a good woman here in Armand." The man offered the letter with a slightly shaky hand.

The guard leader took it with a smile, glanced at it briefly, and noted the others shifting nervously. Trying too hard to look casual.

He smiled wider as the mana talkie in his ear buzzed with Prince Javier’s new command.

"Wow, it’s great to hear your relative’s marrying an Armand girl. Lucky for him, yeah?"

"Y-yes."

"Alright. Oh, by the way, don’t go throwing rocks at the wild Pekko around here. Those big birds hold grudges. They’ll make you regret it." He laughed, and the other guards joined in, their Pekko puffing up their chests as if amused.

"Ah... okay... don’t worry... w-we’re just here to visit our relative."

"Anyway... welcome to Armand. Enjoy the hospitality. Free feast in the town square all month. Free drinks, free food. Make yourselves at home."

"Thank you." The man bowed, sweat beading on his temple as the patrol finally moved off. He caught the Pekko glancing back, beaks tilted in what looked like pure, smirking satisfaction.

Once the patrol was out of sight, the group sighed in relief.

"Leader, you’re really good. They didn’t suspect anything."

The spy leader smirked, wiping his brow. "Of course. This is what experience teaches you." He gestured forward. "Now... to Kay’s house."

Lowering his voice, he added, "This mission is important. Don’t get sloppy now."

(End Of Chapter)