To grasp the completely unexpected situation at hand, I cast a detection spell and observed the visions that naturally surfaced in my mind.

  This is my current location... The spell not only detailed the building's layout but also indicated the direction I was facing. When I shifted my gaze, people moving outside the building appeared as scattered dots. Among them, a group of people blended in, approaching with a calm demeanor.

  No matter how I look at it, it’s hard to say my eyes are playing tricks on me...

  The ones heading toward the house were clearly aiming for this place, advancing without straying from their path.

  Even though magic is powerful, I doubt there’s a spell that reads minds... Oh, there isn’t.

  Recalling how magic in Ether Punk had often made progress easier, I felt a pang of disappointment.

  What’s this?

  Just then, I discovered a potentially useful spell in the Arcane Orb’s record space.

  This should at least prevent me from being caught off guard.

  After confirming through a brief description that it could be used as I intended, I cast the spell as quickly as possible.

  “Ugh!”

  Perhaps because I activated the spell without testing it first, my vision was suddenly transported to an indoor space somewhere in the city. If that had been all, I might have been relieved. But there, a woman with red hair cascading to her shoulders was moving about energetically, completely unclothed, her face beaming with satisfaction. As I struggled to avert my gaze from the sight of her exploring her own time in the nude, it happened.

  Ugh!

  The woman, who had been entirely focused on herself moments before, turned her gaze directly toward me.

  What... the...?

  Her crimson lips moved, as if asking, “Did you enjoy the view that much?” Her flushed face, ragged breathing, and sweat—or perhaps something else—drenched lower body were all on display. With a knowing look, she stared straight at me, her eyes burning.

  Enough!

  Finally, the spell I had been desperately trying to control began to respond. After frantic efforts, I managed to manipulate it as I wished, directing my view toward the suspicious group.

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  “…So, we’re just supposed to scare them a little?”

  “If we do exactly as the boss ordered, yeah.”

  “He never said not to have a little fun, so as long as we keep it moderate, it should be fine!”

  “Moderate, got it. Moderate.”

  “Of course. Loud and clear!”

  Now able to control the viewpoint freely, I saw a group of men approaching, their appearance suggesting they were far from law-abiding citizens.

  Could they be targeting Claudia?

  From their brief conversation, it was clear they weren’t coming for a friendly visit.

  “But, you know…”

  “What now? Trying to ruin the mood before we even start?”

  “It’s just that… there are still two days left until the collection deadline. Isn’t this too early?”

  At that, the man who seemed to be the leader—his face marked by a deep scar—scowled, making his already menacing expression even more intimidating.

  “That little brat who used to scrape by is already half-dead, barely hanging on. You think they’re gonna pay up?”

  “So, we’re making the woman pay in another way?”

  “Heh, now you’re getting it.”

  The scarred man grinned wickedly, twirling his mustache in satisfaction.

  The men’s eyes, clouded with desire, reflected the dilapidated house where Claudia and I had been staying—a place that looked like it could collapse at any moment.

  Given Claudia’s character, she wouldn’t associate with such lowlifes…

  Whatever their reasons, I wasn’t foolish enough to stand by and watch them wreck what was mine.

  Without hesitation, I searched the Arcane Orb’s record chamber and found several spells suitable for the situation.

  I should politely ask them to turn back the way they came.

  If they refused, I decided I would use maximum force without delay to make an example of them.

  Being mentally prepared makes a big difference in emergencies.

  Still maintaining the clairvoyance spell, I walked toward the exit.

  Thump, thump, thump

  As the heavy footsteps of the men shook the old house’s door and walls, signaling their imminent arrival, I acted.

  Click

  I flung the door open and simultaneously dispelled the clairvoyance magic.

  Creak…

  “Haha! Now you open the door without being told… Huh?”

  The men, suddenly confronted with my presence, froze, their brains seemingly unable to process the situation, leaving them with dazed expressions.

  “Are you done talking?”

  In the ensuing silence, my question echoed hollowly. Nearly ten seconds passed before the leader’s eyes bulged as if they might pop out of his head. Pointing at me, he shouted,

  “Y-you…!”

  His face twisted with shock and agitation. His finger trembled, unable to finish his sentence. After a few more seconds, the words stuck in his throat finally burst out.

  “Why the hell is this bastard here when he should be dead?!”

  His outburst spread shock and disbelief through the other men like a wave, stirring murmurs and unrest.

  “D-damn it! What kind of ghost crap is this?!”

  The group, who had approached so confidently, now retreated just as quickly, their earlier bravado replaced by confusion.

  “H-hey! Are we just leaving like this?!”

  Even the slower ones eventually followed suit, albeit a beat late.

  Hmm… I can’t let them get away like this.

  Though I wasn’t thrilled about it, I instinctively knew that extracting information from them while warning them off would be beneficial for the future.

  Despite their distance, they were still within my sight. With the Arcane Orb’s assistance, I cast a marking spell on the suspicious group.