Chapter 25
Sion’s ability was mind control. As long as it was a sentient creature, he could manipulate its mind and make it do whatever he wanted.
The “Calamity” looked like a black hole, but it was a living being. That made it a valid target for Sion’s ability.
He controlled the Calamity’s mind so that it would never attack the capital.
He maintained that control 24/7, making sure it didn’t harm the minds of any humans or animals within its range. The farthest that ability could extend—while satisfying both those strict conditions—was exactly to the capital’s borders.
Thanks to Sion, the capital became completely safe, and people from all over the empire flooded into the city.
But with that sudden population surge, slums began sprouting like weeds along the outskirts.
In those slums, the law had no power. Only the brutal order created by fists and gangs ruled.
And at the top of that gang hierarchy was Male Lead No. 3, Viktor König.
Even after awakening as a Transcendent, he chose to remain a gang leader instead of joining the imperial army.
Though the empire tried appointing him as a colonel, he ignored every command with complete indifference.
Still, the empire let him be—because whenever a Calamity appeared, he would charge in like an excited dog and eliminate it.
He had no sense of duty, but in the end, he fulfilled his role anyway.
Viktor only acted when he felt like it. In my past life, he had aggressively pursued me, likely because he found it entertaining to corner me.
“A fake purifier, huh? Gods, what a rotten stench.”
“You’re pretty clever though. I don’t think anyone else could’ve run from us this well.”
“Goodbye, darling.”
I still vividly remembered the feeling of Viktor’s huge hand around my neck, just before I died.
‘In this life, I was relieved I hadn’t run into Viktor yet.’
I had really hoped I’d never have to see that mad dog again.
Considering the odds of meeting that lunatic, avoiding the slums today would be the smart choice. But I had no other options.
Gisela. Today was the only day I could learn her exact whereabouts.
The slum known as “Red Globocnik.” As the rare hired carriage rolled to a stop, a few drunken thugs turned their gaze toward it.
I let out a sigh as I pulled down the curtain inside the carriage.
To lure her in, I had to park right here on this road… but the public safety in this place was a disaster.
“Haah… I don’t care about anything else—just please let me not run into Viktor, that insane bastard.”
I prayed things would wrap up without any trouble.
Just to be safe, I checked the item I’d hidden under my skirt again. A pistol I’d quietly “borrowed” from Goetz’s pawnshop. Goetz didn’t know I had it, but… well.
“Money just keeps rolling in today.”
Her curly hair was wild and tangled from neglect. As Gisela stuffed small change into her sleeve with her rough hands, she let out a cackling laugh.
“Idiots everywhere. What astrology? Please.”
Gisela had no real ability to tell fortunes.
She was just good at shuffling tarot cards and had a silver tongue.
The cheap bracelets she sold off as “talismans” brought in a decent profit. Counting the coins in her hands, the woman walked out of the street lined with bars.
‘Founding Festival’s the best. People blow their cash even in this stingy dump.’
That’s when she saw it—a hired carriage stopped in the middle of the road.
‘What’s a fancy carriage doing in a place like this? If it came this far off the main roads, then whoever’s inside must be loaded.’
Excited, Gisela ran over and knocked on the carriage door.
The lower part of the curtain inside rustled and lifted. A young lady was seated inside the dark carriage.
Judging by her clothes, she was probably the daughter of a lawyer.
‘A rich young miss? Today’s my lucky day!’
Young women were Gisela’s preferred targets. They were generous and hesitant to say no.
Without waiting for permission, Gisela yanked open the carriage door. There must not have been a latch, because it opened easily.
“Young lady, wouldn’t you like to know your future? Aren’t you curious what kind of fate you were born with?”
Saying her usual line, Gisela boldly plopped herself down on the opposite seat. This kind of attitude always annoyed clients, but even that discomfort was part of her usual routine.
Once they got angry, she’d dazzle them with her tarot skills and launch into a performance: “I’m a gifted astrologer. I approached you because I saw that you’re at a pivotal turning point in your grand destiny.”
“I am curious. So, you know how to read the stars?”
‘—Wait, what?’
Gisela was startled by the unexpected reaction. The girl didn’t get angry—she actually welcomed her, like a host inviting a guest.
“Read my fortune. I’ll pay you well.”
That gentle yet commanding presence threw Gisela off her game. She awkwardly replied,
“Uh, oh. Y-yes. Of course.”
She was intimidated. And it wasn’t just the girl’s attitude that unsettled her.
‘Weird. Why is she sitting in the shadows?’
Thanks to the positioning of the gas lamp and curtain, the light shone only on Gisela.
The girl could see Gisela clearly, but Gisela could barely make out the girl’s mouth and silhouette.
‘P-probably just coincidence. Don’t freak out. Girls this age always worry about the same stuff.’
“The future you want to see must be… your love life!”
Her throat dry, Gisela started her usual act, pretending to see visions of the future.
The girl remained silent the entire time while Gisela spoke, peeking into the crystal ball and cards.
“In summary, it looks like you have terrible luck in love. The one you like is completely captivated by another young lady.”
“…”
“But don’t worry, miss. I have just the thing! This love charm bracelet, crafted as I watched the stars each night, will make him fall in love with you.”
She’d given one of her most dedicated performances. But the girl gave no real reaction, only a faint, unreadable smile.
“You worked hard. That was fun to hear.”
Her mature and elegant tone was unsettling, far beyond what one would expect from a girl her age.
‘Her clothes suggest she’s not high nobility, but she feels more noble than anyone I’ve ever met.’
“I’ll buy the bracelet too, along with the reading.”
The girl casually handed over a gold coin. Gisela’s eyes widened in surprise as she accepted it.
‘Phew, guess I was just being paranoid. I’d better take the money and go!’
“Thank you, miss! I’ll be on my way then.”
But just as Gisela reached for the carriage door, it lurched and began moving.
“W-wait? Miss, what’s going on—?!”
“No need to rush. You’re not on your way to the apothecary or anything, are you? They’ll be closed during the festival anyway.”
The girl’s tone was relaxed and lazy.
“How do you know that…?”
“Sit down. I’d like to properly repay you for the reading.”
Terrified, Gisela flinched and looked at the girl.
Thanks to the gas lamp light filtering through the window, she could finally make out the girl’s face.
Expressionless like a wax doll, the girl stared at her as if dissecting her soul.
Gisela, sensing danger, glanced nervously at the speeding world outside the window.
Could I jump out?
As if reading her thoughts, the girl smiled and said,
“I wouldn’t recommend jumping. You’re all your son has, and your mother’s already bedridden. I simply told the coachman to take a long loop around the city. Nothing to fear—just sit.”
At the mention of her family, Gisela’s face went pale.
“Who are you?”
“Also, change your apothecary if you can. He’s only making your son’s condition worse.”
“Who are you?! Tell me!!”
Gisela screamed in desperation, but her voice was drowned out by the noise of the horses’ hooves. It wouldn’t even reach the coachman.
Was this her plan? To make sure no one could hear our conversation?
Cold sweat dripped down her back. She had clearly walked right into a trap set just for her.
“Gisela.”
The girl spoke her name with eerie softness.
“Will you sit now? That was your final warning.”
“Y-you… w-who…”
“If you refuse again, I’ll have to switch to threats.”
“…”
“Like telling you that impersonating an astrologer and scamming me could get you beheaded for defaming a noble.”
In an instant, the oppressive pressure of a noble’s authority crushed her. Gisela’s legs trembled as she was forced to sit.
“Thank you for complying, Gisela.”
