The Mysterious Intelligence Agent

CID

Zack thrashed and clawed as I strangled him, but my arm didn't budge an inch. Pure, unadulterated power.

"Gah... ack..."

I saw the look of pure terror flickering in his eyes and decided to loosen my grip just a fraction.

"What... what do you want from me...?"

"Let's see... is it possible for you to set me up with a Private Room?"

"I-it’s impossible to do right away. It’ll take at least a month."

I peered into his eyes. He didn't seem to be lying.

"I see. Well, that’s fine. Snagging a Private Room out of nowhere would probably stand out too much anyway. As long as I have a roof over my head, I’m good. I’ll just sleep in the hallway."

"Fine... I'll arrange it..."

"Also, I’m going to need balanced, three-square meals. If you can't handle that, then you are unnecessary."

"U-unnecessary...?"

"Yeah. Unnecessary."

I tightened my grip on his throat for a brief second to drive the point home.

"I-I get it! Wait, wait! I can do it! I can get you three meals a day, guaranteed!"

"I’m counting on you. And also... I’m going to need information. This place seems pretty interesting—I've taken a bit of a liking to it. I want to know everything."

"...If there's something you want to know, I'll tell you."

"Then there's the matter of our relationship. You're part of the Doem Faction, right? I have no Ki to join either side yet. I'm content just being Trash."

"...Then you’d better not talk to me in public. How are we handling the food?"

"I’ll eat in this room. I can slip in and out without anyone seeing me, so it won’t be an issue."

"...I see," Zack said, his face twisted in a mask of sheer displeasure.

"Well, that’s about it for now. I’ll let you know if I need anything else."

"Yeah, you do that."

I finally released his neck. He slumped to the floor, clutching his throat as he looked up at me.

"Who the hell are you? You aren't even using Magic Power... how do you have this much strength?"

"Well now, I wonder why..."

"You're no student," he croaked. "You're an Intelligence Agent from somewhere... no, maybe you're with an Underground Organization...?"

Oh, he’s good. He’s doing all the world-building for me.

"Now then, do you really think I'd be the type to talk about that?"

I put a little extra intensity into my gaze, playing the part of the mysterious powerhouse.

"...Tch."

Zack clicked his tongue and looked away.

"Is this related to the Civil War...? Fine. As long as you stay out of my business, do whatever you want."

"Works for me. As long as I can get my own job done, I’m happy."

"...Just do what you want."

Zack hung his head. I turned my back to him and reached for the door.

"Oh, and one more thing. It should go without saying, but you'd be wise not to mention this to anyone."

"...I know."

"Consider this a piece of advice. It makes no difference to me if I have to crush you, the Doem Faction, and everyone else here along with it—"

As I spoke, I let a surge of Bloodlust and Magic Power flare for a split second.

"Wha—?! Your Magic Power should be sealed!"

"You didn't honestly think a toy like this could hold me back, did you?"

With that final line, I pulled the door open and stepped outside.

"...Damn it. Talk about bad luck. I really stepped in it this time, picking a fight with an absolute monster..."

I caught the sound of Zack’s trembling voice from behind me. I mentally pumped my fist. Nailed it!