Isaac safely returned from his travels to Rondart fiefdom without any incidents, betraying everyones expectations. Everyone questioned why Isaac had returned alone and couldnt help but feel jealous when Isaac explained to them that Trentor, one of his capable employees, was handed over to the Rondart Family as the price for cutting all relations with them. As a graduate of Campus, he was bound to be treated well by the baron family, and he could be with his family. Nobody raised even the slightest suspicion of the explanation.

However Isaac couldnt avoid being the centre of rumours for the gossipers in the city. The inheritance of the Rondart Family was the reward promised by the Emperor for the current mission he was tasked with, and Isaac had forfeit the title with only a year left before the mission was finished. Many began to spread the rumour that Isaacs act of forfeiting the title was akin to disobeying the Emperor and that it was only a matter of time before the Ark Royale came knocking. But despite everyones anticipation, the Ark Royale took no action whatsoever.

So instead, people began to focus on Isaacs future actions, since he was now free from the shackles of the Rondart family. Isaac continued to stay shut in on his rooftop like hed always done, but the administrative body couldnt help but feel confused as more time passed.

An endless stream of incidents are bound to occur as one manages a city. Incidents requiring Isaacs final decisions happened every day, even if Isaac himself refused to work. It was these decisions made by Isaac that always pained the administrative body. Showing no signs of following a proper standard, Isaac would always make his decision according to his mood on the day, sometimes escalating the problems even further. It was up to the administrative body to clean up the messes he made.

But even since Isaac returned from Rondart fiefdom, he was righteous and just. Isaac still maintained his lackluster motivation, always grumbling about their many visits to him and pretending that he wasnt listening. But now? He began cooperating with Rivelia to manage the city properly. First there was the reform of tax paperwork and the citys financial records, which had previously been haphazardly maintained. Now, it was much more efficient and tracked the funds to the Bit.

There were only two verdicts Isaac had made in the court in the past: not guilty if the fine had been paid or forced labour in the mines if not done so. Now he gave verdicts backed by logical rulings that everyone could understand, shocking the populace.

He even started intervening in districts other than the Ceta District, which had been outside his concern until now. He reconstructed roads, restructured the sewage system, and constructed schools, orphanages, and food banks. He deployed the police force into the other districts to prevent and solve cases in these regions, helping improve the public order.

As the city continued to operate under these conditions, a more sinister rumour began to take hold in New Port City that Isaac was dead. The Rondart Family had joined forces with either the Seven Grand Merchant Guilds or Port City and sent a fake to take over New Port City. That Isaac was dead and the Duke of Pendleton allowed it. That Rivelia had killed Isaac and was running the city herself. Plenty of rumours circled the city, ranging from ludicrous to plausible. But all of these rumours focused on the fact that Isaac was either dead or had disappeared and that the one in the city now was a fake.

We cant just ignore this any longer.

But dont you think being pushed around by mere rumours is a little

Does the current situation seem normal to you? Sir Isaac is working! You heard the verdict he gave to the son of Count Burshen regarding the murder incident in the casino! Count Burshen said hed pay the fine, but Sir Isaac issued the verdict of imprisonment according to Empires law.

Thats because the mines are currently closed

Thats why it makes even less of a sense! He isnt the type of man whod refuse money and hand out imprisonment sentences instead!

Thats true but

Cordnell sighed, unable to refute Kaldens argument. Everything he said was true. All of Isaacs actions had been completely different ever since his return from Rondart fiefdom.

In truth, this was how things should be. It was Isaac who was strange all this time. But theyd gotten so used to the abnormal lifestyle that this ordinary situation was hard to swallow.

The atmosphere within New Port City was souring by the day. Something happened between the once-friendly elves and North Bears, as everyone could see they were getting colder to each other despite the smile on the outside. Lanburton, the leader of the elves, began to act as if hed let go of all his responsibilities. Rizzly, whod returned from his trip before Isaac, shut himself in his residence, refusing to stand by Isaac as hed always done. It was no wonder that a rumour suspecting that Rivelia detained Isaac and overtook the city propagated.

Dont you think its more stupid to go and tell him that working normally is weird?

Kalden gulped like a fish when Cordnell asked that question, his head hung.

But we cant just ignore these rumours. As you know, Isaac sunbaenim was designated as the Lord of New Port City by the Emperor. What would happen if one were to find out that someone removed him before the designated end of his term? The Pendletons will be fine, but what about us? In the worst case scenario, well be the tail thatd be cut off.

Cordnell moaned at Kaldens worried comment. That was indeed the problem. It was unlikely that shed murder him, but what if Rivela, frustrated by Isaacs continued irresponsible attitude, had convinced the other races and imprisoned him on the rooftop and took over the city?

Rivelia herself would be overlooked because she had the protection of the Pendletons, and the other races were untouchable by the Empire in the first place, so the only party left was the administrative body. If someone had to take the responsibility and bear punishment, there was enough authoritative power to make a scapegoat out of the administrative body and bury the incident.

There was still some doubt that Rivelias personality wouldnt resort to this kind of action no matter how much she hated Isaac, but the fear that the rumours were true grew as the days passed, as citizens watched how things were unfolding. Thats just how righteous Isaac had become to the point of disbelief.

I mean theres this rumour too. All of Isaacs actions until now were just a cover to avoid the eyes of the Rondart and the Milros families, and after breaking free of their shackles, he has now spread the wings hed been hiding

That is most definitely not it.

Now thats the most ridiculous rumour Ive ever heard.

The two immediately cut off Soland before he could finish, shaking their heads. As if thatd be true. Would one almost burn down a city and agitate the Ark Royale all for the sake of keeping up a disguise? Ludicrous.

Theres no choice. I have to see Sir Isaac and confirm it with my own eyes.

As the mood within the room began to reach a general consensus that they couldnt let things go on like this, Cordnell jumped off his chair to lead the way. Most of the administrative body followed behind him. Soland hesitated for a moment but eventually followed the rest as he scratched his head. He would have done everything to stop them just until yesterday, but there was no reason to now that Isaac had returned.

I wonder how hes going to sort out the mess his stand-in made?

With Cordnell and Kalden at the head, the administrative body bravely walked upto the rooftop. But they quickly faltered when they saw Isaac face to face. What awaited them were the lazy, lethargic eyes embedded with annoyance that they were so familiar with. The only difference would be that Rivelia and Lanburton were standing together, and Rizzly, whod been shut away in his home, was serving Isaac at his side.

What do you want?

U, um

The administrative body hesitated, confronted by Isaacs question. They were now face-to-face, but they couldnt just say that we came here to check if youre a fake because youve been working too well. After scanning the administrative body, Isaac waved his hand as if he was tired.

Buzz off if theres nothing to say. Im tired from the trip I just returned from.

All of the administrative body opened their eyes wide.

Youve just returned from a trip? Then what about Sir Isaac, whod been here all this time?

He was a fake, of course.

The jaws of each and every member of the administrative body dropped when they heard Isaacs nonchalant response.

A fake? why?

Why else? I decided that since I left this city, I may as well take a vacation.

B, but there was no need for you to hire a double?

Cordnell argued, and Isaac responded with a smirk.

Do I look that insignificant to you, now that Ive forfeited my title? Im sure everyone would have praised me if word went around that I decided to have a vacation in the midst of acting out the Emperors will.

Then you shouldnt have taken a vacation in the first place!

All of the administrative body had the same thought, but they dared not speak it aloud. Kalden began to ponder, cocking his head before asking his question.

I understand that you wanted to travel for some time, but why didnt you order your double to remain quiet? Thanks to him, all kinds of rumours have sprouted.

Isaac immediately shot an annoyed glare at Rivelia hearing Kaldens question.

I judged that I should at the very least let the Mayor know about my vacation, but our dear majesty from Duke Pendleton decided that she would do whatever she wanted during my absence. How could the fake even dream of opposing her? All he could do was shut up and do as hes told.

Rivelias head hung as Isaac went on. All of the administrative body understood, witnessing the sight. Basically, while he was absent, Rivelia went ahead with all the projects that were initially blocked by Isaacs refusal. So the rumours were half-true.

T, then what will you do now?

This was infringement of authority. A crime so heavy that if Isaac demanded Rivelia be fired, there was nothing she could do. The actions shed done were beyond undoing at this point.

What do you mean what will I do? How could a lowly peasant who kicked away his title of Baron possibly overrule works that have been approved by the princess of the great Duke Pendleton? Im so scared that I may as well give up on everything.

All could see that Rivelia was trying her hardest to hold down her anger, the trembling of her body clearly visible. Feeling threatened, all of the administrative body quickly ran away from the rooftop without looking back, lest they be caught in the crossfire. Confirming that the rumours werent true was enough. They certainly didnt want to be caught in someone elses emotional outburst.

Cordnell too wanted to run away immediately but stayed behind, as he needed to discuss something. It was fortunate that Cordnell had been able to finish the work that came his way while the body double was here, but he now needed to discuss what to do if a problem or payment of great importance that required Isaacs approval occurred during his absence.

May I speak with you privately? I need to speak with you regarding the funds.

Is it about the smuggling?

Huk! Sir Isaac!

Cordnell hastily looked about with a pale face, unsuspecting that he would mention it when there were so many people around.

Dont worry about it. Our lady Rivelia here is Centrals overseer in New Port City. So go see her if theres a problem when Im not around. And dont come to me.

Cordnell stared at Rivelia with disbelief in his eyes.

Is this true?

Rivelia sent an annoyed glare at Isaac then nodded.

Thats right. I can handle all issues that require Sir Isaacs input regarding that business. And if I happen to be not around as well, you can ask Mr. Lanburton or Mr. Rizzly here . Although they arent agents of Central, they are officers deemed our equals.

Cordnell immediately realised he had set foot in a swamp that he could never escape from. He collapsed onto the floor filled with despair. The identities of Centrals agents were of utmost secrecy. The fact that they were so casually revealing it to him meant that hed crossed the point of no return.

His life was now subject to Centrals constant watch. He could no longer embezzle or cheat on his wife if he ever got married. No, he could end up in the frightening situation of his wife being an agent of Central all along.

I happened to get involved with Central while I visited Gabelin. So I decided to help them, and theyll help manage the city for me. So make sure you work well. Try not to find yourself waking up at the bottom of the lake.

The scariest part was that it could certainly happen. Cordnell shouted out unleashing the built-up anger and hatred.

You! Son of a bitch! Just kill me instead! Kill me!

In response to Cordnells rage induced cry, Isaac confidently commented to Rivelia.

See that? Hes the type to just go head first when things go bad. Hes the perfect candidate to manage my city.

Once Cordnell disappeared from the rooftop, his shoulders hung and wearing the face of a man in an abyss, only Lanburton, Rizzly, and Rivelia were left. Isaac grabbed a cigarette and looked at the three one by one.

I never thought Id be a man of such importance. Just how many Central agents are there around me?

Huhu. Although we arent officially members, most adults of the non-humans are considered part-time agents, since theyve participated in battles to defend the gate.

You too?

Lanburton gave his feeble excuse while laughing. Isaac turned his eyes to Rizzly, who was dripping with cold sweat and tried his best to avoid eye contact.

Ha, of course a force like the North Bears wouldnt be excluded for the battle. Does that mean Kunette approached me knowing who I was? No. You said only adults participate, so that brat Kunette wouldnt know anything yet.

Rizzly let out a sigh of relief and shut his mouth as Isaac mumbled. He was of no position to mention anything about Kunette.

Such a funny place, this world. You approach invaders like youre completely oblivious to everything all the while having complete knowledge, all just to monitor closely. If you think the target isnt one, all of you disappear. If the target is one you guys try to recruit them? What happens to those who refuse to cooperate?

I cant give you an answer, since this is the first mission I got to approach the surveillance target.

Missions regarding target recruitment are top-secret endeavors overseen by Directors.

Truth is that this is the first time information regarding surveillance targets has been released.

All of them shook their head, saying they didnt know any better. Isaac mumbled on nonchalantly.

I guess its got nothing to do with me.

Its obvious what happened to the people who refused the offer. Isaac couldnt have been the only victim of the Dark Royale rummaging through his brain.

I have a question I want to ask.

Rivelia timidly asked Isaac, who was quietly meditating with his eyes closed.

What?

Is it true that you exterminated the warlocks, I mean, the demonic turncoats, alone before the agents of Central intervened?

Both Rizzlys and Lanburtons ears perked up in anticipation of Rivelias answer. Currently, Central was in quite a commotion, hearing that Isaac managed to not only kill tens of combat knights but even injure some of Centrals agents. This was an astonishing feat. Not even agents of Central could face off against tens of armed combat knights alone, even if they were equipped with their extraordinary equipment.

And if it is?

Everyone let out a moan of astonishment.

So you did possess the Queens Artifact. And youve been keeping it secret all this time!

Rivelia couldnt help but glare at Isaac, frustrated that she had been tricked by him all this time.

Youre supposed to hide treasures in the first place.

Isaac smiled, seeing Rivelia. Then he quickly remembered the Emperor and Yoo-rah, who made no mention of it at all. Considering Rivelias personality, she most definitely would have mentioned the Queens artifact in her report.

Arent they worried that someone like me is possessing such a dangerous tool?

I guess it doesnt matter.

Huh? what doesnt matter?

That theres one thing thats gotten better. I can do whatever I want in broad daylight.

What are you scheming now?

Do I have to report everything to you? Shall I file a report of every single breath I take as well?

Crack!

Rivelia couldnt help but grit her teeth and clench her fists, listening to Isaacs sarcasm. It had been like this ever since their positions were reversed. Isaac was someone Rivelia could deal with alone in the past, but that was before he got involved with Central. Now not only did he outrank her now, but her position was quickly changed from the Overseer of New Port City to the Vice Director of Security.

She couldnt even object, as shed heard that her father, who loved her dearly, was on the verge of declaring war when he heard the news. The Pendleton family most definitely had the power to do so. That was barely stopped when the Grand Council and even the Queen stepped up to appease him. But if Rivelia ever uttered a single complaint about her current work and her father heard of it, the Empire would be embroiled in a civil war immediately. The fact that this couldnt be taken as a joke was the scariest. So if she didnt want to become the woman who threw the Empire into a civil war by complaining that her work was difficult, she had to suffer through the workers dilemma unable to quit no matter how disgusting, unfair, and unjust her work was.

Unlike his claim of swearing that hed play all day, Isaacs life returned to the norm. He just couldnt be bothered to move around, and despite putting his mind to it, he realised that there were no suitable locations for leisure. But that didnt mean he wasted all the time. Now that he didnt need to worry about Centrals watch, Isaac began making actions in broad daylight.

He ordered Soland to scrap together all the books regarding magic circles and circuits. Rivelia assumed that it was related to the Queens Artifacts power at first, but even that became doubtful when Isaac didnt even study those books attentively, rather just flicking through them and then throwing them away.

She would have used every tool at her disposal to extract some sort of information from him if he were just a normal invader, but behind Isaac stood the Queen. The news of Isaac and the Queen being acquaintances even in their previous world had spread throughout Central already. Humans were beings that found safety in their own kin.

The Queen would protect Isaac no matter what disasters he wrought, making him free to do whatever he wanted under her authority. Isaac didnt seem like he was causing incidents at this point, but thats what was most worrying. It felt like the calm before the storm.

To Isaac, this was perhaps the most leisure time hed ever had. Now that the Emperors decree held as much power as wet toilet paper, he no longer needed to concern himself with developing the city. What little work that required his attention was now all pushed to Rivelia instead, and Isaac was simply waiting until he was contacted. After two months, he finally received a call from Mazelan.

Are you finally back from your house arrest? Your face is a mess.

Isaac jabbed at Mazelans exhausted face that appeared on the screen, but Mazelan seemed too tired to react and sighed before speaking.

-Ive gathered the volunteers you wanted.

Wow! There really were idiots who volunteered?

MAzelan frowned upon hearing Isaacs words of surprise.

-Ive already sent their resumes. Rivelia will hand over the documents regarding them when you go see her.

How many are there?

-That doesnt matter. Your job is to weed them out until theres only 50 of them left.

50?

-Thats the maximum number we can allow.

Thats quite small.

-Thats the limit, considering all of the noble titles and fiefdoms we need to provide for them. Thats two months of painstaking work right there.

Youve worked hard.

-Their actual training will begin after they graduate from the Campus next year.

Isaac tilted his head hearing Mazelan.

Whys the Campus involved in this?

This time it was Mazelan who cocked his head.

-Has the Queen not told you?

Tell me about what?

Mazelan sighed and grumbled.

-So much for leaving all the explaining to her. How did she miss out on so much?

-All of Centrals activities are utmost confidential. We cant even recruit normal soldiers during the defence of the Gate because of it. In truth, they are of little help and only drag the morale down. Because of this, we only have a small number of elite troops to engage the enemy, but where do you think the most ideal place to recruit these talented individuals is? Who would be able to keep their mouths closed and be willing to sacrifice their lives for the Empire in the darkness, away from the public eye?

The College?

The Campus was not the answer. Thats attended by actual students. But the College was completely isolated from the outside. Nobody knew what happened inside the College other than those who attended it.

-The Campus is more than enough to nurture talented individuals. The reason the College is isolated from Campus is because it is tasked with training those who have been recruited into Central.

I thought the College was too isolated to be called a school. But it seemed like the College teaches quite a lot for just training?

-As the saying goes, hide the tree inside a forest. Just as everyone has their unique talents and skills, Central recruit students from the College who demonstrate talent in military or combat. The rest are true geniuses, as you know.

Sounds plausible. Even if you see them training, no one would doubt it since they are already majoring in that field anyway. I dont know who came up with it, but that was very smart.

-Of course, we do not shy away from recruiting others if they have talents that would be of great benefit to Central, whether they are from Campus or College. Those who have been transferred from the Campus to the College are mostly individuals who have been recruited into Central.

Thats efficient.

Everyone found it an honour to even attend the Campus and the College. All Central had to do was pick and choose from all of the Empires greatest talents that had been gathered on their doorstep. Graduating from the College set them up for guaranteed success, and Central was perhaps the most stable and powerful institution in the Empire. No wonder all these brats whod spent all their time studying would rush over and take the bait.

-But the losses the Empire had suffered was painstaking.

Losses?

-You know how the basic title for those who graduated from College are genius among geniuses? Thats a fact. These talents, who would have achieved historical feats, are slaughtered in a mere single defence of the Gate. The number of casualties have dropped ever since the development of the coat, but every College graduate lost is a critical blow to the Empire.

Is that so?

-Just remember that fact. And I dont know what training youll make them go through, so is there anything you need?

Ideas came into Isaacs mind hearing Mazelans question.

Are there any weapons you managed to steal from these Expeditionary forces?

-We do but

Send as many of them over as you can. With ammo. Its not broken by any chance?

-No one in this world can match the Department of Supplies storage management.

Hearing Mazelans prideful boast, Isaac considered commenting that it wasnt much to be proud of, but he kept the fact that there was no need to agitate him in mind.

Good. Bring me as much as you can.

-Which kind?

Bring me one of everything.

- That much? What are you going to use it on? Dont tell me youre going to equip all of your Security agents with weapons from the Expedition?

No. Im using it for training.

Mazelan cocked his head, unable to fathom Isaacs actions, but decided to accept his demands for now.

-Well Ill send them over since theyve been rotting away in storage. Anything else?

Bring me the defensive coats agents use to equip all of them. Using manufactured mana crystals, not the pures.

-Manufactured? Thats going to make their efficiency horrible.

Then you can try to provide pures for all of them?

- Ill send them over with manufactured crystals. Anything more?

Ill let you know if anything else comes to my mind.

-And Nevermind.

Mazelan was about to ask what were Isaacs training goals or how long it was going to be but decided not to. Theres no way that man would even bother to plan it, and most likely, he was forcing Rivelia to sort through all those things.

So when can I begin?

-You can start whenever you want once you pick your candidates.

Then lets say I start in a months time. Ah! Ill be heading to Campus in a few days because there are things I need to prepare. Provide me with the necessary transportation.

-What? What about New Port City?

It was doing fine without me. The fake was doing a good job.

-