Becoming a Mage of the Special Unit in Another World

Chapter 34 – I’m a Newbie!

“…No. Why can’t this be done?”

Sindel was on the verge of losing his mind.

According to the information just received, the officials had indeed entered the headquarters.

Since they could show up here at any moment, he needed to destroy the CCTV immediately, but all the wizards had thrown up their hands in surrender.

“Well… there’s magic cast on it.”

“So I’m telling you to undo the magic. Isn’t that the reason I hired you in the first place?”

Sindel was dumbfounded.

He had called wizards to break the spell, yet all they did was say they couldn’t.

What were they supposed to do?

When Sindel cracked his neck, making a ‘cracking’ sound, the wizard, who had been holding back, finally spoke.

“…No matter how many times I tell you, it’s impossible. What’s impossible is impossible.”

“Stop just telling me you can’t undo it and explain why!”

“Will you understand if I explain it?”

“Are you looking down on me?”

“…Ha.”

The wizard sighed and gestured towards the wizards gathered around the container.

As the wizards moved their hands, the magic became visible.

Its form was difficult to make out, but it resembled a transparent box with a lock on it.

“Do you see? There was originally a magic circle here, but now it’s invisible. We don’t even know what this is, not its true form.”

“This… so, you’re saying it’s magic?”

Sindel slightly parted his lips. This was different from the magic he had seen before. It was an entirely different kind of magic.

How should he describe this?

‘Was this… that guy’s doing?’

Sunal.

The memory of his nearly white hair made him easy to recall.

Just thinking about him made Sindel’s anger rise, his eyes heating up.

“Can’t we just destroy it?”

Black smoke swirled fiercely in Sindel’s eyes, and the sound of his teeth grinding echoed.

“So, if that were possible…….”

The wizard trailed off and looked at someone. The expression on his face, as if he were looking at a stranger, made Sindel turn his head as well.

Sindel’s jaw dropped.

“You, you’re…….”

“No matter what you do, you won’t be able to break it.”

Sunal adjusted his glasses and spoke with confidence.

Sindel, shocked by his sudden appearance, remained frozen, and Sunal chuckled at his reaction.

“Don’t worry about the magic cast on the building. I made some adjustments to it.”

Sindel couldn’t respond to Sunal’s words, as if he couldn’t comprehend what he was hearing.

Still smiling, Sunal continued.

“I’ve just returned from the headquarters. Since I’ve received their cooperation, please step back. We, the Interethnic Grievance Resolution Special Unit, will take custody of this CCTV now.”

Sunal pulled out a copy of the cooperation agreement he had received from the executive director and handed it to Sindel before walking over to the wizards.

“Now, shall we gather the employees together, Deputy Manager Sindel?”

Lee Rang smiled kindly at Sindel, who stood there speechless, holding the paper.

With Sunal securing the evidence, the next step was to gather testimony.

“Fr-from the headquarters…….”

Sindel, looking at the executive director’s name on the paper, stuttered, unable to finish his sentence. Lee Rang ignored his unfinished words.

Sindel’s jaw hung loosely as if he were in a daze, his mind a blur.

“You can confirm later what orders came from the headquarters. For now, we ask for your cooperation.”

As Lee Rang led Sindel away, Sunal turned his attention back to the wizards.

“I know you were hired by Mr. Sindel. I, however, have received cooperation from Mr. Sindel’s superior, so please step aside.”

Despite Sunal’s words, the wizards didn’t seem inclined to back down.

They just stared at each other.

“We are currently conducting official government business.”

When Sunal showed his official ID, the wizards finally began to move, albeit slowly.

At that moment, one of the wizards paused and looked at Sunal.

A fairy, a species about half the size of an arm, with two pairs of wings fluttering, snickered loudly.

“You’re the one, aren’t you?”

“What are you talking about?”

“The one who raided the Rihiridong branch of the Wizards’ Association.”

“It was legitimate government business.”

“You’ve got guts. Do you know the rumor’s all over the place?”

‘You’re the ones spreading the rumors.’

Sunal narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at the delighted fairy.

‣Loves spreading rumors.

It was a fact that about 90% of all rumors originated from the fairy race. They enjoyed spreading and carrying rumors.

“Is having guts such a big deal? Isn’t it strange for people to criticize legitimate government business?”

“Because of you, the branch was paralyzed, and the customers were inconvenienced, you know?”

There was a clear hostility in the fairy’s tone, but Sunal found it amusing.

It had been a while since he’d encountered Wizards’ Association members outside, and it seemed nothing had changed.

Regardless of the species, the wizards’ selfishness and arrogance remained sky-high.

That absurd confidence that only wizards were the best in the country still prevailed.

It almost made Sunal wonder if joining the Wizards’ Association came with a mandatory course on how to behave with arrogance and selfishness.

“Were you employed at that branch by any chance?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m criticizing you. Did you mess with the Wizards’ Association without even preparing for the consequences? How cute.”

The fairy giggled, covering her mouth with her hand as Sunal asked.

Whether she laughed or not, Sunal felt exhausted.

“The Rihiridong branch of the Wizards’ Association was shut down for violating the Anti-Racial Discrimination Law. I have no reason to be criticized.”

“That’s why you should understand that you messed with the Wizards’ Association.”

“What does it matter if it’s the Wizards’ Association or any other group? If a grievance is filed, we resolve it. That’s all.”

As Sunal began walking forward again, the fairy shouted at him.

“I’m not finished talking yet!”

“Keep your eyes wide open and watch, wizard.”

As Sunal released his mana, a previously invisible mana box became distinctly visible.

“…What is this? You’re a wizard?”

The fairy, startled, asked in disbelief.

But Sunal didn’t answer. Instead, he reached toward the keyhole.

Clang!

The magic shattered, revealing a hidden magic circle.

“The era of forgiving everything just because someone is a wizard has ended.”

Sunal pointed his finger toward the sky, determined to break that arrogance which seemed to soar endlessly.

[Strike down, lightning.]

Rumble, rumble.

As soon as dark clouds gathered, lightning struck the container.

The bolt, which seemed as though it would engulf everything, vanished after devouring only the magic circle.

Crackle!

Everyone present stood speechless at the sight.

Sunal held no staff, nor any object to store the magic circle.

The fact that only the magic circle was destroyed in a place full of electronic devices—thanks to his precise control of mana—was astonishing, even for those who knew little about magic.

The wind stirred, causing Sunal’s hair to sway.

Between the strands of hair covering his ears, a red earring swayed violently.

“If it hadn’t been for that, something serious might have happened by now, don’t you think?”

Sunal’s eyes became as sharp as a snake’s.

The Wizards’ Association. He hated that place more than anything, and it disgusted him in every way.

If he let them go now, how much more would they look down on him?

“If you are ever troubled by issues of racial discrimination or conflicts, feel free to visit the Interethnic Grievance Resolution Special Unit.”

Sunal spoke politely as he opened the container door.

“…I, I know who you are.”

The fairy cautiously addressed Sunal.

Her wings flapped slowly, seemingly hesitant, as she approached him with a curious, fearful look.

“You’re a fraud.”

The fairy’s eyes narrowed with amusement.

“The fraud who tried to shake the foundation of the Wizards’ Association with fancy words for wizards!”

“So now they call me a fraud? That’s an improvement. There was a time when they used to call me a demon brat.”

“That thing you just did… it was a trick, right? How is it possible that the lightning struck so close, but none of the electronics were affected? Even the CCTV is still working. Look at this too.”

The fairy pulled out a cellphone from her pocket.

Sized perfectly for the fairy race, it was just slightly smaller than a human’s pinky finger.

“I’m currently on official government business.”

Sunal warned the fairy before pulling out his work tablet from his bag. He connected it to the recording device and copied the entire CCTV footage.

[Footage secured.]

He sent copies to Edina and Lee Rang before turning away.

As the fairy stared at him intently, Sunal let out a light sigh.

“I already told you, I’m on official business.”

“I’m just checking your name.”

“Sunal Hase.”

“You, be careful.”

The fairy’s eyes narrowed.

Did she know that everything was being recorded by the body camera?

Sunal asked casually.

“Is that a threat?”

“Yes.”

“Understood, then.”

Sunal smirked and continued walking forward.

In that brief moment, the words the fairy had let slip—about him being the one who had messed with the Rihiridong Wizards’ Association—seemed to have struck a nerve, as the wizards gathered around him in a confrontational manner.

‘…Of course. Letting me go smoothly wouldn’t be the Wizards’ Association’s style.’

As they glared at him, spreading their mana in an attempt to intimidate, Sunal was exasperated.

Mana often influenced other mana. Knowing this, the government had imposed even stricter regulations on magic use.

If multiple wizards all directed their mana toward a single individual, it would obviously cause a ripple effect. Had it been anyone else, the mana inside their body would have been disturbed, possibly causing harm.

‘Do they really think my mana will waver because of this?’

It was so childish and petty.

With a languid expression, Sunal pushed his glasses up with his middle finger.

Despite his repeated assertions that he was on official duty, their actions had now narrowed down what he had to do.

Sunal walked a few steps forward, scattering his mana as he went. Since mana wouldn’t be captured on the footage, he continued his walk calmly.

[Rise, nightmare.]

Black-tinted mana slithered around him before rapidly spreading out, revealing its terrifying presence to the wizards.

ROAR!

To some, it would appear as a massive snake. To others, it might take the form of their worst imagined monster.

With this magic that planted illusions, they would likely be tormented by terrifying nightmares, perhaps even to the point of madness.

“S-Screeeeeam!”

The wizards’ screams echoed, but Sunal couldn’t hear them.

The body camera was positioned facing forward and blocked out sound, so no screams would be recorded.

Turning slightly to look behind him, Sunal smirked.

‘See what happens when you mess with me for no reason?’

Worthless scum.

It disgusted him that the wizards, rather than thinking the Rihiridong branch of the Wizards’ Association had done wrong by engaging in discrimination, actually blamed him for uncovering it.

Drip.

Feeling something trickling down, Sunal realized his nose had started to warm up.

He pulled a handkerchief from his bag and wiped away the blood.

‘Oh… right.’

Sunal belatedly remembered that magic that messed with someone’s mind wasn’t something mana liked. He, too, suffered some backlash from using it.

Though he didn’t use it often due to this, today had been a necessary exception.

Soon, the Wizards’ Association would send someone after him.

That person would be on their way by now.

‘If rumors spread, things should quiet down for a bit.’

Sunal followed the flow of mana as he tried to find Lee Rang.

After a few more steps, he heard Lee Rang’s voice.

“This way, Sunal.”

“How did you know?”

“The smell of flowers was getting stronger.”

“Flowers…?”

Sunal glanced at the mana clinging to his body, but before he could say anything more, Lee Rang’s voice chimed in again.

“That’s not mana. It’s a scent that only goblins can pick up. It fades quickly though. Maybe in three hours?”

“Oh. That, huh?”

“Did you know? A lot of people don’t, so it makes you seem a bit like a stalker, doesn’t it?”

“When I was in the Special Unit, I chased a goblin who was really good at escaping. That’s when I found out.”

At Sunal’s nonchalant reply, Lee Rang took a step back.

“…I won’t ask anymore.”

Though he was missing some details, Lee Rang decided he didn’t want to know.

Swallowing nervously, Lee Rang then noticed the handkerchief in Sunal’s hand.

“Are you bleeding?”

“Yes. Just a little nosebleed after facing off with the wizards.”

As Sunal covered his nose again, Lee Rang pulled out a square sheet of hanji from his coat and slapped it onto the ground.

Whoosh.

The paper vanished, and from the ground emerged a collection of snowman-shaped creatures, each about the size of a palm. At a glance, there seemed to be at least thirty of them.

‘Spirits, huh?’

Sunal tilted his head slightly, examining the spirits.

“Sunal.”

Lee Rang called out, and before Sunal could lift his head, he was shoved backward.

“…?”

Someone had grabbed his legs, causing Sunal to lose his balance and fall backward.

Whoosh.

Just as he was about to cast a spell, the chattering sound of spirits beneath him made him stop.

Spirits, beings who borrowed the power of nature through magic arts, were especially beloved by mana.

As a wizard, Sunal wasn’t too keen on doing anything that would make mana displeased.

‘Though, I guess I just did….’

As Sunal blankly stared up at the sky, Lee Rang’s voice drifted over.

“I’ve heard that magical shocks can affect your entire body. Just stay still.”

“No, it’s not me….”

“Team Leader, Sunal’s got a nosebleed from magical shock.”

‘…?’

Sunal, still gazing at the sky, blinked in surprise at Lee Rang’s serious tone.

‘These people never listen to me.’

“Oh. So I’m supposed to go to the hospital and then head to the town office?”

“Hold on a minute. Magical shock is….”

Sunal tried to sit up, but the spirits wouldn’t let him.

Some of them had climbed onto his chest and were tilting their heads, curiously observing him.

Whoosh.

“Go away. I’m not a toy.”

Feeling oddly attached to the ground, Sunal didn’t want to get up. He half-heartedly waved the spirits away.

“If you do that, the spirits will be sad. Oh, wait—done.”

“Done? Who’s done?”

Sunal glanced at Lee Rang and asked.

“Mr. Sindel. No, I mean, Mr. Sindel admitted to the charges. I guess going to headquarters made things smoother?”

At Lee Rang’s casual explanation, Sunal narrowed his eyes. Lee Rang, still on the phone, fiddled with his mask.

“You and the team leader are so alike, Sunal. Really. I didn’t do anything. You know I’m no good at threats.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

“If he’s going to face police questioning anyway, he knows he won’t be able to escape. So, he’s cooperating now to try and reduce his sentence.”

Lee Rang’s hypothesis, delivered nonchalantly, made sense.

Sindel was smart enough to know which side benefited him more. If he foolishly tried to flee or deny the charges, Hanul Construction would only come down on him harder. Better to admit guilt, cooperate with the investigation, and hope for a lighter sentence in court.

‘…Still, this is oddly comfortable.’

With fatigue setting in and his back now stuck to the ground, Sunal felt himself growing sleepy.

“Feels nice, right?”

Lee Rang ended his call and smiled lightly.

“Very comfortable.”

“Take your time. I called a taxi straight to the hospital. Get checked out, then head to the town office.”

“…Like this?”

“The spirits will help you to the taxi.”

Whoosh.

At Lee Rang’s request, the spirits began moving.

“W-wait a minute.”

Sunal was genuinely taken aback. Was he really going like this?

“This feels like punishment!”

Despite Sunal’s protests, Lee Rang waved dismissively.

“You’re the treasure of our special unit, Sunal. We must treat you with care.”

“…Liar!”

—-

“…Sunal?”

Maeve cautiously called out to Sunal, who sat slumped over, barely holding himself up with his arms like a sick chicken.

“Haa.”

His deep sigh was almost enough to bore a hole through the desk.

“Is something wrong…? You don’t look so good.”

“…Something terrible happened.”

Sunal tightly shut his eyes.