Its too early to be surprised.

A smile appeared on Mazelans face, satisfied by Isaacs surprised expression. He waved at Isaac to enter the elevator, and the doors closed the moment Isaac stepped into the elevator.

I see it only leads to one floor.

Part of its function is to act as the Royal Familys secret escape route in emergencies.

Escape? Does that mean theres another form of transportation underground?

Mazelan made a wicked smile in response.

Youll know when you see it.

This is madness.

Its just as Mazelan said. Isaac felt the elevator move, and it reached its destined floor within moments. When its door opened, Isaac was greeted by a train stationed by a platform .

Like I said. Weve already finished researching and replicating most of your technology. We are simply waiting for the right time to release it. But that doesnt mean we should let these wonderful things sit around doing nothing right?

But a subway

Its not exactly a subway Hm, what did the Queen call it? Magnet? No. Le, le

A maglev?

Yeah! A maglev. She said it travels at the speed of 600km/h and faster according to your worlds scale all the while generating no noise or vibrations.

Thats insane You succeeded in mass-producing superconductors?

Isaac remembered the shallow knowledge he glimpsed through in the sea of information that was the Internet. Maglevs were theoretically possible, but the high cost of producing superconductors and the inability to create a superconductor that could function in high temperature barred it from commercial use. Yet one was right in front of him in plain sight.

This must be using magic right?

That word really was the solution to everything.

Huh? Of course. What did she say? It was developed by utilising the magic circles of polar forces, was it?

Of course. Wait, isnt this dangerous?

No matter how capable Yoo-rah was, developing a superconductor was a feat impossible to do alone. Especially since she was lacking a proper research facility in this place. Isaac remembered the enchantments he imbued on his crossbow. Magic circles applying the forces of push and pull. She probably didnt need superconductors since magic in itself behaved like a magnet. But the scale of its utilisation was enormous.

What would the Expeditionary Force do once they find this information? Just the utilisation of magic alone solved what would supposedly cost a great fortune to develop such technology. That fact alone was enough reason for the Expeditionary Forces to cling on to this Middle World, even if they had to give up on mana crystals.

The major powers of the other world may be working secretly to monopolise the gate for now, but if they changed their stance and began a full scale assault, just defending the gate like they were doing so now wouldnt be the end of it.

Wait a minute. I just gained another useful card, havent I?

While Isaac pondered how he was going to get the most out of this, Mazelan got on the train and called out to Isaac.

Arent you coming in?

Yes, yes. Im coming.

With Mazelan and Isaac on board, the train slowly started to move.

Is there no driver in this thing?

Who would we assign here, a top secret facility requiring absolute confidentiality? Do you think we would waste an agent of Central to drive a train we use once in a blue moon? Thats just wasted potential. We used a single button to solve the issue, since it only travels between two destinations.

Isaac nodded in response to Mazelans explanation and scanned the insides of this tiny train. He then walked over to the front of the train, seeing the view that laid of him. The train slid silently through the tunnel, floating atop the tunnel floor where the train rails were laid. The tunnel was lit up by light bulbs on the roof, and Isaac could tell how quickly the train was traveling, seeing how the light from these bulbs blurred into a line of light.

Man, feels like Im in warp space.

Isaac smirked, remembering how the stars turned into lines in sci-fi dramas during warp speed. Isaac walked back and sat on one of the empty seats lining both sides of the train. Isaac asked Mazelan.

Can I smoke in here?

Mazelan gagged as if an insect crawled into his mouth. He flicked his hand at Isaac, allowing Isaac to do whatever he wanted. Isaac smirked and immediately placed a cigarette in his mouth. After lighting the cigarette, Isaac inhaled one deep breath and called out to Mazelan, who was looking away from Isaac with his arms folded as if he was trying his best to ignore Isaac.

Shouldnt you let me know where we are heading at this point?

Were going to New Port City.

From here? Thats going to take a while. Dont tell me you didnt bring any snacks or drinks for such a long trip.

Who said were going to New Port City by train alone? In fact, how could we possibly dig a tunnel all the way there, considering how far away it is?

Then what? Dont tell me were going there in a car.

Mazelan scorned Isaac with his eyes.

Like I said. Its too soon to be surprised.

Youre telling me theres something more surprising than a maglev?

Of course.

This is madness.

All Isaac could do was to let out an empty laugh. The destination of the train was a hazardous region where the mountain range of the Minolen Mountain, which acted as the boundary splitting the North and Centre of the Empire, met with that of Adelin Mountain. In its corner operated Centrals secret base.

This base was created for resupplying and transporting our agents in addition to letting them recuperate.

You should call it an airport, not a base. Unbelievable Im so shocked that I dont know what to say.

Would anyone believe that atop the eternally snow covered mountain range there existed a basin and a small city constructed on top of it?

Countless shops, restaurants, theatres and entertainments were visible within the city, aimed at providing rest for the agents. Although there wasnt an airstrip, Isaac could see many airships and propeller planes taking off and landing in an endless cycle. Isaac couldnt help grabbing at his head after seeing one of these planes taking off.

Im going mad. To think Id get a culture shock here of all places

Mazelan snickered away watching Isaac writhe in pain. Isaac quickly flicked his head toward Mazelan, staring at him as he spoke.

This is all magic too right?

Of course.

Cant believe that the word magic is all thats needed to explain everything. The word really is magical.

Many who worked in the field of magic would denounce Isaacs statement, but the word magic really was all the explanation that was ever needed.

How many of these base cities do you have?

We have one in every strategic location in the continent.

So its a system where you stock up necessary supplies with trains and distribute them with planes. The agents will also be deployed using these planes, but seeing how they all takeoff vertically, you dont need an airstrip, do you? Only a small landing zone centred at these base cities, right?

Mazelan unknowingly gulped after hearing Isaacs mumbling. Isaac had deduced most of the operating system after taking one glance at it. More and more, Mazelan was starting to doubt if involving Isaac with Central was the correct move.

Maybe the best choice was to shove him into a rural village? Mazelan considered filing that request once more, but quickly shook it away. It was already too late. The decisions of the Grand Council could not be overruled. Especially when theyve played the practically unheard-of card founding a whole new Directorate. If they undo all of this so soon, all of the Centrals agents would rise up, questioning their decision-making capabilities. So the best choice was to control this man as best they can.

Can she really do it?

Mazelan recalled Rivelia. At first, the stubborn and strict Sword Master Rivelia was the limiting factor of Isaac that everyone could accept, but Mazelan had seen her being pushed around by Isaac too many times in the past. Mazelan shook it off back then since she was still young and inexperienced, but was it any different now? The experiences theyve had were of different dimensions.

Now this is an unexpected appearance.

After a three-hour flight, the plane arrived at the base located opposite to Lake Levonen, where an airport and a dock operated in tandem.

Mazelan insisted that Isaac stay put and lay low before disappearing back into the plane. Isaac waited alone, waiting for his ship destined to New Port City. But onboard the silently approaching ship that sailed through the night fog was an incredibly unexpected individual.

Let me introduce myself again. I am agent Soland of Directorate of Strategy, manager of Project 401 in New Port City.

Thats funny. So its Smartass after Reisha. Whos next?

I dont think thats a question I should answer. Nor do I know anyone else.

Isaac smirked as he put his coat back on. Solands response was polite but also drew a clear line. Seeing Isaac was ready, Soland led him out of the room to the ship. On the way, Isaac asked.

So whats Project 401?

Its classified. If you want to know, you can submit a formal request for clearance to the higher-ups and receive approval.

Isaac giggled at Solands clear cut answer.

My little Smartass, how did you hold it in for so long until now? Your mouth must have been itching to reveal your identity.

Are you not asking about Trentor?

Oh yeah. Where is that bastard?

Hes dead.

Dead?

Yes. He was terminated when he attempted to report the suspicious activity halfway through the mission.

Tsk. Retard.

What? You mad?

Even if it wasnt his original intention, he died trying to protect you, Sir Isaac. You should show some respect to the decea

Respect? Dont make me laugh.

After having a good chuckle at Solands words, Isaac sent a cold glare back at Soland and replied.

Sometimes, when youre really unlucky, you wind up dead after being thrown around as pawns by the higher-ups. At that point, the only retards are those who died.

Well. I guess I should avenge him at the very least. Who knows when Ill be in his shoes.

The eerie sight of Isaac chuckling with a cigarette in his mouth sent a chill up Solands spine. Was this really the correct move? The rumours of the chaos within the Grand Council spread like wildfire, and all of the Centrals agents were aware. How the Director of Surveillance declared him a monster.

When Soland first heard of the rumour, he dismissed it, believing in his heart that Isaac wasnt that bad. But seeing him again now, he could feel it. As the Director of Surveillance said, they had awoken a monster He was far too dangerous. On top of that, they gave him the position of Director. Soland didnt know what the higher ups were going for but could he really be controlled?

What are you standing around for? Lets get moving. Its always tiresome when you leave home. Homes the best, isnt it?

Isaac and Soland boarded the ship and traveled for 30 minutes before arriving at the port in the Meta District, using the glamourous lights and boisterous noise of the Ceta District as a guiding beacon.

I dont like it. Why do I have to sneak back in like some rat

What, did you expect some grand welcoming performance?

Soland immediately retorted to Isaacs grumbling. Isaac narrowed his eyes and spoke back at Soland.

Seems like youre crossing the line quite often these days.

Because Im not just some syndicate mutt who cant utter a single word.

I miss Smartass.

My name is Soland.

Is that even your real name?

At least it seems like theres someone here to welcome me. Although its someone I never would have guessed.

As Isaac got off the ship, Rivelia, who had been waiting, approached him with a complicated look in her eyes.

Let me introduce myself again. I am Rivelia of the Directorate of Analysis, overseer of all activities in New Port City.

Isaac snickered, fascinated by Rivelias polite attitude.

Now isnt this a fresh response?

Isaac mumbled through his chuckle. Rivelia, gritted her teeth and growled as she glared at Isaac.

Central has assigned me to be your vice director and your secretary, Director Isaac.

Well the higher the rank and lower the responsibility, the better. But how many of Centrals agents are there around me? Smartass, damsel and Reisha. At this rate, even Kunettes going to confess shes an agent.

That isnt something I can answer.

And it isnt something I should care about either. But I never thought youd be tagging along here to welcome me.

Its good to see that youre doing fine. I heard you had a bad time there. Hm? What is it?

Ha! Its nothing. Just seeing you like this is so new to me.

Rivelia frowned, seeing Isaac sending a strange look at her when she asked how he was. Isaac smirked and shook his head. To think there was someone whod ask how he was doing, even if they were just empty words with no feeling in it. Is it because she hadnt been tainted enough? Or is she simply defending her own belief? Whats the point? The endings already decided.

Lets go then.

Isaac marched toward City Hall, but Rivelia, who was at his side, hesitated before speaking out.

Theres something you need to know.

Im sure you can take care of it. Theres no need for me to know right?

Rivelia bit her lips seeing Isaacs disconcerted response. She had to report it, no matter how much she didnt want to. She was stressed enough when they were of the same rank before, but now he was her superior. It ate away at her mind because she couldnt even quit everything out of spite. All she could do was just hold it all in.

Its a problem concerning your stand-in, Director Isaac.

Dont tell me he got found out?

Thats not it

Rivelia pondered how she was going to explain it, until she summarised it briefly.

The problem is that hes working too well.

Isaac immediately stopped hearing Rivelia. he turned and faced her directly.

Working you say?

Yes.

Me?

Yes.

Rivelia responded as her eyes avoided Isaacs overbearing glance. Isaac stared at Rivelia for a moment before smirking and heading to City Hall once more.

Thats obvious. That standin or a puppet couldnt possibly be of a high rank in Central, most likely a rookie. You said you were the Overseer of New Port City, so the rookie cant say a word and only do as you tell him to. And the damsel here abused this situation to proceed with all of the plans she had. Am I wrong?

Youre correct.

Rivelia hung her head. He managed to deduce so much after hearing that he was working. Perhaps it was right for the Director of Surveillance to make such a scene. But a monster was that true? All he has is exceptional talent in analysis. But she also heard that Isaac managed to kill tens of combat knights and even injure agents of Central.

Hey, Damsel, what gave you the bright idea to make a mess like this? Isnt it obvious theres bound to be suspicion if a stand-in acted like that?

My name is Rivelia.

Irritated by the name Isaac insistently called her, she firmly spoke back at Isaac with a glare, emphasizing her name. Isaac, however, laughed in Rivelias face as if she was no competition.

What, does it piss you off? Consider it your punishment, because I need to sort out the mess you made. I couldnt really do it back when I was just Isaac, but not anymore. I dont remember peoples names. No matter who that is. You want to be called by your name? Give it up. We were never that close to begin with, right?

But how am I going to clean up the mess our damsel made? Im sure everyones suspicious at this point. I would too, if the man whod been lethargy incarnate suddenly became so diligent. So thoughtless of you, maybe because youre still too young. Tsk! Oi, damsel. Make sure you take notes when youre following me around. Itll be of great help in the future.

Soland, who was quietly tagging behind the two, noticed Rivelias firmly clenched fists quivering. Soland quickly slowed his pace, distancing himself from the two. If Rivelias temper were to erupt, which it likely would at this pace, itd be mere moments before a new body would be placed into a coffin.

It may be thanks to Rivelias stubbornness that she was holding herself, but thats what scared him even more. Its much scarier when a quiet person goes mad.