105 – The Queen of Seoul (2)

Mapo.

Even in Seoul, a city where the law held little sway, this was where the high life flourished.

It was a city so advanced, it felt like an entirely different world from where I came from. Entering the district itself was a grueling task, requiring one to navigate a labyrinth of procedures.

Unsurprisingly, all specialized equipment was confiscated. Seized right there at the entrance.

“She’s a stickler for rules. Easier to just do as you’re told.”

From firearms to blades, anything that could remotely be considered a hazard was taken.

One could say they permitted no external threat, starting from the very gate.

In return, the safety rating seemed exceptionally high.

The interior was pristine. In any developed city, shadows were bound to exist, but in Mapo-gu, there was no such thing.

Not a single blemish marred the facades of the luxurious buildings. And the streets? As if determined to leave no stain visible, a stream of cleaners worked tirelessly.

Nobody wore anything that could be considered ostentatious, and an air of sophistication flowed from everyone passing by.

“…So this is what they meant by a district for the wealthy…It really is different.”

“It’s her little hobby. Just starting with the residency requirements… Ugh. Let’s not even get started.”

“I heard you can’t get in if you don’t have money, is that true?”

“Absolutely true. This is, quite literally, a city for the upper class. The land prices alone are astronomical. And on top of that, you have to go through a separate screening when you move in. The amount of red tape is absurd… but people go through it all without a second thought. Why? Because the reward is worth it. This is the most peaceful city in the lawless zone. There’s no danger here. Under that Queen’s rule… it’s been enjoying peace for a long, long time. The faith people have in Quantum, Mapo-gu’s powerful organization, is beyond anything compared to other major factions. Why? Because while the rulers of other districts have changed countless times, Quantum has been right here, ever since Seoul fell outside the government’s jurisdiction.”

Baek Soyeon grumbled.

“And of course, the ruler hasn’t changed either. Word is, she’s been in power for… a ridiculous amount of time… But wait, doesn’t that seem strange? And she hasn’t aged much at all? Almost looks like she’s my age… Will I become like that too? How can she act so dramatic with that face of hers… such a fraud.”

“Well… wouldn’t you be similar? The aging rate for those with abilities is known to be slow.”

“…True. I can’t even imagine myself all wrinkled and old. If I ever get any lines on my face, I’ll just drop dead.”

“Don’t speak it into existence.”

“What-ev-er. Who cares.”

Not a soul dared to break traffic laws. Everything flowed, seemingly predetermined.

The level of refinement was high. You could say the standard of the people was unreasonably high, matching the size of the buildings.

All of it was quiet, as if consciously trying to live up to the title of a polite city.

I was starting to understand Baek Soyeon’s words.

This really is… an absurdly well-mannered city.

A stillness that bordered on stifling.

“Here we are.”

As if stepping back in time, we arrived at a place that was the only one of its kind, unlike the surrounding modern buildings, it looked like a medieval European manor had been transported there.

What mattered was that the building before us wasn’t just one. It felt more like a colossal structure, continuously connected and extended, almost like a small kingdom.

Like visiting a palace. Starting with the expansive gardens, the building within felt utterly out of place with Seoul.

Archaic. Unbelievably archaic. Was this some personal indulgence? Contrasting that, the guards at the entrance examined us once more with meticulous detail.

“Black Mamba of Hundred Eyes. Confirmed.”

With a clang, the gates opened. A long path stretched inwards beyond them.

Even the path was archaic. It felt as if they’d cleared out entire buildings, and built this towering mansion upon it.

Only the style is Western…sort of…

Looking at its height, it’s clearly closer to modern architecture.

Complicated. So complicated. So on the surface it shines but below, they appreciate efficiency, is that it?

Black Mamba, who had been conversing with someone who appeared to be a manager, turned her head towards me.

“I’ll be busy from here on. Tsubame. Follow.”

“Boss! Loyalty! Vows!”

“Try not to open your mouth. Before I tear it off your face. Got it?”

“Hee hee.”

“Darko. Look after the others. I’d prefer to take you with me…but if you weren’t among them, I’d be too uneasy.”

Darko bowed his head.

“Have a safe trip, Boss.”

“Don’t cause trouble, Lee Seo-joon. Understood?”

“Won’t cause any. No need to worry.”

“…Trust?”

Baek So-yeon disappeared with Tsubame.

Another staff member led us into the mansion.

“Welcome to the Quantum Estate.”

Stepping aside, what spread before my eyes was… well…

Yeah.

In a word, it was like a casino.

A place overflowing with all manner of amusements. Food and entertainment, beyond comparison to even a spa land, was everywhere.

The staff member, having done their duty by opening the door, stepped aside. Darko narrowed his eyes.

“The Quantum Estate. From the basement to the upper floors of this vast building… it’s entirely filled with entertainment. Starting with gambling dens, clubs, hotels, party halls… and you can see it connects with several surrounding buildings. There are also floors for those with more…private tastes. As the Quantum Estate is made up of multiple buildings, there are various forms of enjoyment available. Even places for narcotics. Here, you can check the layout with this holographic map.”

“Narcotics?”

“Though it appears refined on the surface, Quantum yields to no other place in terms of decadence. If Quantum, practically the overlord of Seoul, were of sound mind to begin with, Seoul wouldn’t have become a lawless city. This place is nothing more than a facade, a mass of pure pleasure. Which is precisely why people clamor to reside here. Ordinarily, this place is open to the public… but during the regular meetings, only the bosses of the powerful factions from each district, and their henchmen, are permitted to enter. Therefore, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Seoul’s most dangerous individuals are gathered here, right now.”

Darko glanced at me askance.

“While it’s a dangerous place, it’s also a place of abundant amusements. At the three-day party, as long as you don’t cause trouble, you can do practically anything. You’re free to indulge in whatever you desire, but I’d recommend traveling in pairs. The reason is simple. In case of an emergency, someone needs to be in a position to call for help. Of course, Quantum’s personnel are deployed in force, but… I believe we should still prepare for the unexpected.”

“Hmm.”

“First, I’ll ask the four of you here. Are any of you prone to… drunken antics?”

I shook my head. Scarlet, naturally, merely blinked.

Lee Seoyeon simply shrugged. Joo Yeonhwa offered a bright smile.

“You don’t have to worry about us. We’ve been here plenty of times.”

“…Considering the two of you used to belong to this establishment, you’re free to wander as you please… but it seems best if the Artisan Master stays with us. As the Boss mentioned, there could be disruptive elements mixed in here.”

“Understood.”

“Let’s secure lodgings first, then split up. Aside from anything else, everyone must attend the opening address tonight in the banquet hall. Even if you get separated from us and lose your way, Quantum’s personnel will guide you, so don’t hesitate to make use of them in case of trouble. Quantum’s guards are incredibly skilled, so feel free to rely on them if the need arises.”

Darko finished his explanation with precision.

“Feel free to enjoy yourselves, but I would be grateful if you’d always remember that you’re in enemy territory. Artisan Master.”

“Nothing problematic will happen. I’m not that foolish.”

“Understood.”

It wasn’t just powerful factions coming here…

But also enforcement agencies and resolver offices.

And the noise from the Bad Sector.

I eagerly awaited the opening address. Only then could I get a proper sense of the landscape.

. . .

More than I thought, what should I say.

The banquet was dull.

Perhaps because the original purpose was different. I couldn’t focus on anything I did.

Of course, there was much to do. Much, I say…

It was hardly appealing.

When I think of those lying incapacitated because of me.

Still, I diligently made my rounds. The reason was simple.

Scarlet’s eyes sparkled, having never directly experienced this kind of affair before.

“…….!”

For her, this was practically the first outing where she could freely move about with a body that wasn’t her own.

It felt like watching a young daughter, eyes wide with wonder, poking and prodding at everything new. As I watched her, a smile tugging at my lips, Scarlet glanced back at me, cake still clinging to her lips.

“Master. Ah.”

She swallowed it whole.

The cake was more delicious than I’d expected. But I had a more pressing question for Scarlet.

“How is it? The organic matter decomposition unit?”

“It’s functioning. Though the energy output is… minimal, overall. It’s like I’m constantly hungry, no matter how much I consume. Even when I decompose the organic matter and attempt to convert it into your Aether energy, the total is negligible. It’s… better than nothing, perhaps?”

“But it *is* working?”

“Yes, it’s working. Though receiving a direct charge from you is far faster.”

Scarlet’s true form was, after all, a supercomputer.

A vast mass of data, the product of countless integrated artificial circuits.

She adapted quickly to all the amusements of the banquet hall. She even won at everything, so much so that she soon acquired a following, a veritable fan club.

“…Queen of Games…!”

“No way, she’s good at *this* too?”

“I-I challenge her…!”

Darco had been right.

From the start, conflict itself was forbidden here. As such, some people abandoned all hostility and actively engaged in the games and diversions.

To these individuals, Scarlet was a bona fide superstar. Her looks went without saying, and her gaming skills were utterly flawless.

“Royal Flush. How simple. Is this all there is? Inferior humans… Truly, aside from Master, there isn’t a single person here worth my attention.”

She was even good at gambling.

The dealer, who had dealt the cards, almost doubted his own hands.

“Easy.”

She was, without a doubt, having more fun than me.

Surrounded by cheers and an adoring crowd, I subtly retreated.

Darco stopped me.

“Where are you going?”

“Just need to use the restroom.”

“I’ll accompany you.”

“Very well.”

Even without her, the second-in-command of Hundred Eyes would make an adequate bodyguard.

I left her to enjoy her games, and headed towards the restroom. Classical music drifted from its location, tucked away in a relatively secluded corner.

But, for some reason…

There was no one.

“…?”

I recognized the source of the uneasy feeling. The restroom I’d visited before this one had a male bodyguard standing guard.

But not here. No one was here.

Darko, almost simultaneously realizing why I’d stopped, turned his head. But his face, the next instant…

Was seized by an unknown hand, obscured.

“Shhh.”

Big. The hand was big. No, other things were big, too.

Everything was big, starting with her height. A woman I’d never seen before, wearing a mask, held Darko.

“Don’t go thrashing about now, hmm? Just stay still. We can’t have too much commotion. “

“…!”

“Shhh. Be a good boy, alright? I don’t want to use force, child. Surely *you* know who I am? Just be still. Don’t make a sound. I didn’t come to see you. I came to see the most talked-about kid lately.”

Taller than I even thought I was, and I was no shorty.

A woman, almost two meters tall, loomed over me.

“Seo-jun. It’s a pleasure, I presume?”

“…Who are you?”

“The sovereign of this little kingdom. Do you have time? Unfortunately, I have no desire to enter the men’s restroom. I’d prefer to go somewhere more… private.”

From behind the mask, I heard the masked woman’s laughter.

“Care to follow?”

The words were laced with a threat.

A threat of what might happen if I refused.