C89: First Order Esmeralda (1)
One more chapter later.
I’m looking forward to meeting the First Order.
Rudger, who confirmed that the opponent appeared only as a flame without showing up, had no choice but to bite his tongue inwardly.
‘You don’t reveal yourself, but we meet like this.’
In fact, it was not a situation that he didn’t expect. A First Order will have to carefully hide its identity and not be exposed.
Considering the way he was signaled to meet, he vaguely expected something like this.
“You’re late.”
Whatever the case, the owner of the flame in front of him is a First Order. Even if he doesn’t know its true identity, he shouldn’t show his disappointment.
At this moment when they face each other and talk, if he let his guard down even a little bit, the other party might be suspicious of his identity.
‘There’s no such thing as regret.’
Rudger immediately washed away his miscellaneous thoughts. Even if they don’t meet in person, there are plenty of ways to get to know the other person.
A word that they say without any intention can be a great clue.
[I didn’t know you would be here so early]
The answer came back in a slightly hoarse voice. Although the flames were fluttering and the voice reverberated, it was easy to tell that the subject was a woman.
He didn’t think that voice was used to deceive him.
His opponent must be aware that he is Rudger Chelici, the ‘First Order’, and she wouldn’t use such a troublesome way.
“So what did you call me for?”
Rudger said, trying to figure out the opponent’s intention.
The [John Doe] that he is impersonating right now is a very relentless and merciless human being, even when it comes to members from the Black Dawn Society. He’s always annoyed and angry, and even kills them if he’s too annoyed.
Nevertheless, he maintained his First Order position because he was capable and Zero Order thought highly of him but there is no guarantee that it will be the same for the others First Orders.
Would this [John Doe] character behave as usual to the other First Orders?
Adding unnecessary words could have made him reveal who he really is so he must be careful with whatever he says now.
[Hmm?]
Was Rudger’s question unexpected?
A surprised voice came from the flame.
“……What’s wrong?”
[You’re less angry than I thought. You used to try to tear me apart.]
“It’s just a matter of time and place. If I get angry in a place like this, is there any advantage besides getting caught?”
[Oh. That’s definitely true, too. You’re a teacher of Theon now.]
“I’m very busy right now. I don’t know why you called me, but I’ll go back if you have nothing more to say.”
With that said, Rudger turned his back. Of course, it is not right to leave as he has not yet fully figured out who his opponent is. However, a detailed review of the situation changes the story.
In the first place, it was the flame in front of him, the other First Order, that asked for this meeting.
Since the other party wants something from him he can leave without worries because the other party will try to stop him.
[Wait.]
Indeed, as he expected, the flame stopped him. Rudger stopped walking but he didn’t look back.
He’ll listen for now, but it means he’s not fully committed and the opponent didn’t know that.
[Okay. Sorry, I’m late. I made an appointment first, but I offended you because I was just joking around.]
“Just get to the point.”
[Whew. You’re still hard and cold. Anyway, I called you like this because I need help.]
Only then did Rudger look back.
“Help? You?”
[…… I wouldn’t normally do it, but this is Theon and I can’t do things my way.]
Do things your way. If you say that with your own mouth, , it means that what you’ve been doing before was pretty glamorous.
“You seem pretty impatient.”
[My second order disappeared recently]
“It’s because of the Almighty Stone.”
[Yes, that’s it. They tried to take matters into their own hands, but they completely screwed it up!]
Just thinking about what happened at that time made the flames stronger. The heat reached Rudger, but he kept a casual look on his face and the flame, which grew bigger, returned to its original size.
“But they’re all dead.”
[Right. Who knew the president would kill them all? It’s even…….]
“It was a trap.”
[What? You know everything?]
How can he not know that? If he had not left right away, he would have been swept away by the president’s magic. Of course he can’t be honest about it, so he’ll just answer in a sloppy way.
“There’s no way I won’t know.”
[As expected, of John Doe. Come to think of it, that was your role. Disguise yourself and hide in the enemy’s camp to win the admiration of others and steal information. Your skills didn’t die.]
“That’s enough nonsense.”
At Rudger’s reaction the flame, which was expanding playfully, became slightly withered. Surprisingly, she is a chatterbox.
[Anyway, I lost a subordinate that I thought was useful, so my plan was disrupted. It’s a plan that’s left to be carried out right away.]
“Because you treated such a person as a subordinate, you ended up like that.”
Rudger said, giving his opponent a hard time.
The flame remained silent because there was nothing to refute.
[…Well, I’m in a different field than you. You just do things quietly on your own, but I can’t do it.]
“…….”
[What is that silence?] That’s why you’re not popular even among our First Orders. Because I don’t get along with anyone.]
“I just didn’t feel the need.”
[Ha. So funny. You’re so handsome and you’ve always been loyal to Zero Order. You’re the only one who’s good, right? Getting a lot of love from Zero?]
“Noisy. So what do you want help with?”
[Will you help me?]]
“Let’s hear it first.”
At Rudger’s words, the opponent seemed dissatisfied and the flames were shaking. However, from their conversation, Rudger was convinced that he was in control.
The Second Order, who died during the Almighty Stone incident, was her subordinate, and because her immediate subordinate disappeared it caused a major setback in her future plans.
‘However, it would be impossible to use another Second Order and a third order. It’s not good enough.’
One thing Rudger knew for sure while playing Sedina was that the Black Dawn Society consists of seven First Orders along with the Second and Third Orders under them which naturally divides the “faction” inside.
‘Perhaps the second order, who died trying to steal the Almighty Stone this time, is most likely her subordinate.’
Did he say his name was Demires? Even if he was a master of his own will, he must have been a competent subordinate. With such a man dead, the plan she had made must be completely blank. However, calling another Second Order will inevitably lead to hesitation because their “faction” is different.
If she uses the Second Order of the opposing faction, she will show another First Order her weakness.
‘I see. That’s why you asked me for help.’
Unlike other First Orders, Rudger Chelici acted alone, and he wasn’t part of any faction. Those without factions were neutral.
[You know, my specialty is setting fire but no matter how much I set fire in Theon, the wizards quickly extinguish the fire. It’s an environment where I can’t use my talents well.]
“Yes.”
In Theon, both teachers and students can use magic. Since the place is full of elites any fire can be easily extinguished. Above all, there is no way that there is no way that there is no preparation for a fire in Theon, where all kinds of things happen with the use of magic.
In particular, it should have been considered impossible to set a fire in Theon, since strict preparations were made. Nevertheless, she did not give up.
‘She’s capable enough to set a fire, I guess.’
She could not have become an executive of the Black Dawn Society for no reason.
[My role is focused on destruction but the defense here is solid. That doesn’t mean I can’t do anything. If you make the preparations, I can burn more brightly than anyone else]
“Are you asking me to prepare for that?”
[I’d appreciate it if you did. If you help me, I will also give you the corresponding help. It’s kind of a deal and a promise.]
“Whose deal is it with?”
[Of course] It’s John Doe’s deal with Esmeralda.]
Rudger found out the name of the person who made the fire in front of him.
I don’t know if it’s a code name like John Doe or a real name.
‘In the case of John Doe, he completely concealed his identity and called himself by a code name, but Esmeralda likely didn’t just like Victor Dreadful.’
John Doe was an unusual case, and I didn’t think the rest would.
[…Hey, do you have to check like this to make your stomach feel better?]
“It’s better to make a deal clear.”
Rudger said calmly so as not to be caught rejoicing.
[I told you honestly and now it’s your turn to answer. Do you accept my offer?]
“I refuse.”
[What?]
“There’s nothing I can do for you in my situation.”
[Wait. Are you really going to do this after listening to everything?]
The flames burned more strongly as if they were expressing anger but Rudger stared at the flames with a blank face and no sign of fear.
“Are you asking because you don’t know my position? I’m a teacher of Theon. Even if it’s nominal, it’s not an easy place to move.”
[If you’re good enough, you can do it. You always try as hard as you can to hide yourself. It’s just annoying, so can you do more than make an excuse?]
“I would normally have, but not now.”
[Why?]
“The president is still suspicious of me.”
Esmeralda could not argue more and shut up when the president was mentioned.
[You really can’t? Even though it’s a job that would put me in debt?]
“Yes.”
[There’s nothing we can do. Then we have to pick the right person]
When she clearly drew her line, Esmeralda took a step back, fearing that hanging on to me would hurt her self-esteem.
[But keep this in mind. If this is successful, it will help our Black Dawn Society a lot and you kicked the chance.]
“Everyone has their own thing to do. Just because I don’t help you doesn’t mean I’m not loyal to the organization.”
[You talk annoyingly as well. Anyway I’ll take care of it myself.]
I was grateful that she would give up on her own. However, Esmeralda kept complaining because she was angry that she was rejected.
[I was crazy to ask you for help.]
“So what are you going to do in the future?”
[Are you curious now?]
Even though the words were so blunt, she didn’t hide anything.
[What am I supposed to do? As always, I’m doing what I’m good at.]
“I see. Do your best.”
There was nothing more to be gained by asking more questions. Above all, he already figured out what he can find out, so this meeting was not without benefits for him.
When Rudger was about to say good-bye and leave.
[Come to think of it, I heard some interesting news recently.]
“What do you mean?”
Rudger felt anxious at the sudden remark. Why was she suddenly talking about interesting news at this time?
[You said you had a subordinate]]
The word subordinate flashed Sedina Rosen across Rudger’s mind.
[I mean, that’s weird. The John Doe who claimed to be comfortable alone, has a subordinate? A third order, too?]
Esmeralda was suspicious and asked him.