158 – Villain's Squad #1
After hearing the story from Marmar, I went to Professor Balan.
After making sure that no one was around, Professor Balan let me into her lab.
"It's an honor to have your presence. Wh, what brings you here?"
"Professor Balan, can you detect the presence of other Ars Nova?"
"To some extent, yes. Of course, if they are extremely well hidden, there's no way I can find them. Due to the series of events, they've probably already noticed me. I'm sure they're on their guards."
The incident where Professor Balan attacked the Draco Family and caused a commotion was so famous within Ark that hardly anyone did not know of it.
Of course, the fact that she was one of Angmar's Ars Nova, which was the reason behind the incident, remained a closely guarded secret known only to a few, including me.
However, according to Professor Balan, there was a high probability that the other Ars Novas already discovered her presence because of it.
And that they'd hide even deeper, making it difficult for Professor Balan to find them.
Pushing away the regret, I said.
"Then there is one person I would like you to investigate. My prediction may be wrong, but there is a high possibility that the entity we are looking for is there."
Professor Balan crossed her arms.
"And whom would you like me to investigate?"
"Are you aware of the recent attack on the Queen?"
"Ah, you mean that strange hunter. I have kept an eye on him, but he's unrelated to us. He, he's just a peculiar entity, that's all."
Well, she wasn't wrong for calling him strange.
"It's best not to approach him. Rather, what I'm referring to is not the hunter but the Guide who led him here."
"The one wearing the same-ish but black robe, with the same build as me."
I didn't know anything beyond that. I didn't even know his name or his face.
However, I was certain that he was an irregular variable who didn't exist in the original story.
And such a guy was gathering Solomon's magic-. My senses hadn't dulled to the point where I wouldn't find that suspicious.
Then Balan confidently stated.
"If I uncover this, I will be able to prove my loyalty to Theo-nim. Very well, I agree."
"I am not a fool. Oh, I know there are many things Theo-nim hasn't told me yet. Heuheu-"
Heuheuheu- Balan eerily chuckled. I certainly didn't trust Professor Balan completely. In my eyes, she was like a bomb with many variables.
This fella wasn't that stupid, after all.
Professor Balan's ominous red eyes looked sinister. However, she reassured me as she adjusted her soft purple shoulder cape.
"To question everything. Indeed, it's a trait of a wise King. So, is there anything else you'd like to ask of me?"
"I do have more-. What happened with the investigation of the Saintess? Didn't you say she has one Ars Nova sealed inside her, just like you?"
Balan's voice sounded like a snake's hiss in a pitch dark cave. I said, ignoring the goosebumps.
"Yes, Agares. Is the operation proceeding well?"
Hynax and Balan both said that one of the Ars Nova was sealed in Saintess Priga's body. It was probably the truth, since I didn't think they were lying. ŔÅŊȰ𝐛Ɛṩ
I had crafted a plan beforehand to get that magic and strengthen myself. Alas, Balan let out an exasperated sigh.
"Well, it's not easy. The Saintess's mental defenses are strong. Unless something happens, there doesn't seem to be any openings."
"Sometimes, there are people like that. Strange humans who withstand the mental corruption of the Ars Nova. Humans with little to no desires, like the Saints-."
Balan continued in a sinister voice.
"Still, it's not that there's no way~."
She looked like a villain with the shadowy cast on her face.