The Novel's Extra (0-100)

Chapter 53 - Vestige (1)

Evil Society was one of the most notorious Djinn associations in the world, being officially recognized by the UN and the Hero Association as the number 1 wanted group. Although there were groups that were more vicious and wicked than Evil Society, the latter was just too widely known throughout the world.

But that didn't mean that someone purposely spread their name. Their notoriety was the result of their evil doings. They caused countless incidents in countries all over the world. From the Artifact Scramble incident in China to the Suwon Battle in Korea, they participated in human-Djinn wars of every scale.

"Say that again."

Evil Society's hideout was surprisingly not far away.

In an artificial cave under Russia's Vladivostok waters was the hideout Evil Society has kept secret for over 40 years. As the years went by, the technological advances made the cave a state-of-the-art facility that looked nothing like a cave.

"My apologies."

"No, don't apologize. I said to say that again, Silasen. You said... a cheetah messed with our plan?"

"No, it was a panther. Um, a man wearing a panther mask."

Artifact retrieval was Evil Society's first and foremost task. In the first place, they were an organization formed by devils to steal artifacts.

Homer's Ring was the artifact that Kim Hakpyo, Evil Society's artifact retrieval team leader, desperately wanted.

This ring of wisdom amplified all abilities related to magic power, such as magic power control, adaptability, and materialization. It was an incredibly useful artifact for Djinns who had abnormally high amounts of magic power.

"You mean a panther that looks like this?"

Kim Hakpyo showed a sketch of the masked man depicted according to Silasen's description.

"...Yes. He wasn't an ordinary individual."

"I know. I heard you lost a subordinate."

"Yes, we lost Sidius. From what we observed from his life clock, he seems to have been killed in one blow."

"..."

Sidius. Although he had a weak defense, because of his superb swordsmanship, his attack power was something even Kim Hakpyo acknowledged. He was supposed to be capable of handling up to low-intermediate rank Heroes, making him one of the organization's rising stars.

"He wasn't a Djinn?"

It was surprisingly common for Djinns to kill each other.

"No, but he didn't seem to be a Hero either."

"Then he must be a mercenary or a hunter. Look into it. Of course, don't think about confronting him alone even if you find him."

Homer's Ring was something Kim Hakpyo vowed to obtain when he heard about it from the Collector. And when it came to his vows, he had no intention of breaking them.

"His weapon?"

"Yes?"

"Sidius' magic sword, it's expensive. Did you retrieve it?"

"Ah... no."

Magic swords were created by humanity but could display the same power as an artifact depending on one's magic power. Naturally, it was extremely costly. Low-rank artifacts went for 500 million won, and naturally, so did magic swords.

"I see. That makes sense. Someone who knew to take the ring wouldn't have missed something that expensive."

Kim Hakpyo accepted the reality. Only a fool wouldn't take 500 million won lying on the ground.