After Amon and the demons of Goetia met, their lack of movement afterward made their initial encounter seem meaningless.
Although curious, Amon’s group did not let their guard down against them.
It had been a few months since Amon and Goetia crossed paths.
During that time, Amon and Sonia continued their work.
Their daily routine involved fending off attacks from Neville Pharmaceuticals while securing witnesses to strike back against Miller Pharmaceuticals.
“Soon, we’ll have gathered all the witnesses we need,” Amon murmured, watching a plane carrying their 114th witness depart for the United States.
They had already gathered enough witnesses after surpassing the 100 mark.
However, to prepare for any ‘unfortunate’ accidents, they aimed to secure up to 120.
Amon reported the 114th witness’s departure to Cassie.
“Witness sent.”
[Good work, as always.]
Cassie, seated in her office in the U.S., spoke to Amon, who was in France.
[The essence business in Europe is now on track, and our armory has solidified. We’re ready to proceed with the lawsuit anytime.]
A world where corporations reign above the law.
Lawsuits were not mere battles of words or legal provisions.
They involved bullets, sabotage, evidence destruction, and even assassinations or acts of terror.
To sue a foreign megacorporation, one needed a strong local branch to protect witnesses and evidence.
That was why Cassie’s company had acquired the armory.
Neutrality, if well-fortified, served as an unbreakable shield.
However, weak neutrality was no better than an empty declaration.
The armory was intertwined with various European companies and had recently become indispensable through its essence business.
Its neutrality now stood as an impenetrable shield.
“How’s the lawsuit preparation going?”
[It’s already done. We just need to set the date.]
Cassie and her company had completed preparations to sue Miller Pharmaceuticals.
The plan was to strike after Miller won its cold war against Neville Pharmaceuticals.
They aimed to take advantage of Miller’s complacency after victory to catch them off guard.
This plan also included manipulating the stocks of both companies, ensuring Cassie’s company would profit from the cold war’s outcome.
Some might call it underhanded, but…
‘Miller and Neville are both the same kind of scum.’
Cassie dismissed such thoughts.
After all, this entire clash started when Miller Pharmaceuticals attempted human experiments on Amon.
Miller Pharmaceuticals believed that Cassie wouldn’t hold a grudge over what they did to ‘just’ a mercenary.
Unfortunately for them, Cassie had no intention of forgetting.
She had always planned to strike both companies.
[I heard from Miller yesterday. It seems the cold war is about to end with their victory. Once it’s over, come straight back to the U.S.]
The silence of the demons was troubling, but they decided to regroup first.
Dealing with Neville and Miller Pharmaceuticals would come before pursuing Goetia.
After discussing future plans with Amon and Sonia, Cassie ended the call.
“I’ll be there soon. Get me something good to eat when I arrive.”
[Just make sure you come back in one piece.]
***
A week later, the cold war between the two pharmaceutical companies ended abruptly.
[Breaking News: Neville Pharmaceuticals’ Chairman, Tonster, passed away from acute myocardial infarction…]
Miller Pharmaceuticals had already gained the upper hand with Reketio’s support.
With the chairman’s sudden death, Neville Pharmaceuticals had no choice but to concede.
The cold war, which had been raging without warning, came to an unexpected halt.
Amon and Sonia quickly prepared to leave Europe.
“Neville Pharmaceuticals conceded because they’re too busy dealing with internal chaos.”
Packing their luggage in the hotel, Amon explained the situation.
Neville Pharmaceuticals was now embroiled in disputes over their successor, leaving them no room to continue the cold war against Miller.
Thus, the cold war, which had begun over the patent for a single drug, ended with Miller Pharmaceuticals’ victory.
“For now, Miller Pharmaceuticals will dominate the cosmetic market.”
Sonia paused her packing to ask, “But was a cold war really worth it just to monopolize a single drug?”
“It absolutely was. This isn’t a market that can be shared.”
At the heart of this cold war was a fat-regulating drug. It wasn’t just a weight-loss medication.
Depending on its use, it could target specific areas, reducing or increasing fat in desired spots.
This meant it could enhance areas like the chest or hips while slimming the waist.
Amon recalled a pharmaceutical company from his past life that became one of the Big Three through a simple weight-loss drug.
If a drug could let people control fat so precisely, its impact would be unimaginable.
“No matter how much they lose during this war, they’ll recover and then some.”
Becoming the world’s top biopharmaceutical company wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Sonia, now understanding the significance of the fat-regulating drug, nodded.
“I see. That makes sense.”
“Didn’t Cassie explain this to you before?”
“I only knew it was a new drug.”
“Guess you didn’t catch the details.”
“Oh, by the way, does this fat-regulating drug have any side effects?”
Intrigued by the drug, Sonia resumed packing while questioning Amon.
“There were some minor side effects found during clinical trials, like dizziness or fatigue…”
As Amon packed clothes into his suitcase, their preparations were swift.
They checked out of the hotel efficiently, almost as if fleeing Europe.
Their haste was due to the upcoming lawsuit against Miller Pharmaceuticals.
[We’ll have to return to Europe soon, but we need to catch Miller off guard first.]
Following Cassie’s instructions, Amon and Sonia made their move.
Timing was critical in lawsuits.
If Amon and Sonia remained in Europe after completing their tasks, Miller might grow suspicious of Cassie’s intentions.
By withdrawing, they’d lower Miller’s guard, creating an opportunity to strike at the perfect moment.
As a company thriving on lawsuits and investments, Cassie excelled in such strategies.
[So hurry back. Stay by my side until it’s time to return to Europe.]
Her request contained only a pinch of personal desire to see Amon after months apart.
Amon and Sonia headed straight to the airport to await the flight Cassie had arranged.
Even while waiting, their conversation revolved around the fat-regulating drug.
Amon teased Sonia, tickling her side as he said, “You don’t need it. I like you just the way you are.”
“Hey, stop that! It tickles!”
An elderly couple seated on the bench opposite them watched the playful pair with warm smiles.
Eventually, Amon and Sonia struck up a conversation with the elderly couple.
“How did you two meet?”
“I first met my wife at a café…”
The conversation shifted to the couple sharing wisdom from their years of marriage.
At some point, the old man clicked his tongue and pointed at the news.
“Tsk tsk. That’s what happens when you stay too entrenched in corporate life. Money isn’t everything in this world.”
The news showed updates about Miller Pharmaceuticals.
[Breaking News: At 11:02 this morning, health authorities confirmed the existence of a deadly virus. The first infected individual is reported to be a researcher from Miller Pharmaceuticals…]
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the elderly man was convinced the virus was the corporation’s doing.
“Obviously an internal whistleblower. They’ve silenced people like this before.”
Dismissing it as mere conspiracy would have been easy, but the old man’s advanced age lent his words credibility.
Surviving this long in the world was a testament to his insight.
He turned to Amon, offering a word of caution.
“Remember this. Stay away from corporations if you want to live long.”
“Honey! Don’t say such things! I’m sorry, young man. My husband had a rough time during the corporate wars in his youth.”
“…No, it’s fine. Thank you for the advice.”
The elderly couple stood as their flight was announced.
After they left, Amon and Sonia exchanged glances.
***
Sonia nodded and cast a soundproof barrier.
Amon immediately contacted Cassie, covering his mouth to avoid being lip-read as he reported the situation.
“There’s news of a new virus outbreak at Miller Pharmaceuticals. Could it be… that?”
Amon recalled Miller Pharmaceuticals’ original plan—to use vaccines and a virus to secure victory over Neville Pharmaceuticals.
Cassie’s intervention had halted that plan, but the risk of it being implemented one day always loomed.
That was one reason Amon and Sonia had been dispatched to monitor the situation.
Hoping he was wrong, Amon waited for Cassie’s response.
Unfortunately, Amon’s hunches were rarely wrong.
[I just got word from Miller. It’s theirs.]
“What? They admitted it’s theirs?”
[It seems the virus leaked. Some researchers and even executives were affected.]
“What about the vaccine?”
[The vaccine only works if administered beforehand. It’s useless once someone is infected.]
“And the treatment?”
[The lead researcher fled to Neville Pharmaceuticals with the treatment and all related data.]
“Unbelievable. So, this is…”
[Neville’s doing.]
Amon rubbed his forehead in frustration.
Just when things seemed to be settling, Neville struck back in such a manner.
[Miller Pharmaceuticals is in chaos right now.]
Although Neville had spread the virus, Miller had created it.
Moreover, Miller also held the vaccine and treatment.
All the evidence pointed squarely at Miller Pharmaceuticals.
Miller couldn’t even claim innocence without admitting they had created the virus, which would only backfire on them.
They were overwhelmed, trying to contain the virus’s spread and manage public opinion.
[They’re desperate. They’re telling me everything with no filters. They really need help.]
It wasn’t trust in Cassie that led Miller to confide in her.
They simply had no other choice.
[They’re asking for help in any way possible.]
“What should we do?”
[Cancel your flight and wait. I don’t think Neville is done yet.]
“Got it.”
Amon and Sonia immediately canceled their flight and stayed at the hotel as instructed.
***
The next day, even more shocking news arrived from Cassie.
[Neville Pharmaceuticals attempted to assassinate Miller Pharmaceuticals’ chairman. It didn’t succeed, and Miller is suppressing the news, but their stock is plummeting.]
“What?”
Amon couldn’t believe his ears.
‘Why was this happening?’
While the assassination had failed, the mere attempt was enough to create chaos.
Amon tried to understand Neville’s motives.
‘Did they think Miller was vulnerable because of the virus and the new head of security I dealt with?’
Even with that logic, it didn’t make sense. Neville had nothing to gain from this.
The move seemed irrational, even for a megacorporation. It lacked logic and felt devoid of emotion—a series of incomprehensible actions.
Cassie empathized with Amon’s confusion.
[It’s true. Neville Pharmaceuticals has gone mad.]
“…What…?” Amon was at a loss for words.
He couldn’t grasp Neville’s intent.
‘Why resort to such measures?’
This wasn’t just an escalation—it was a declaration of war.
[That’s how I see it too.]
Neville seemed to desire war.
Not a cold, subtle war but an open, explosive one filled with destruction and chaos.
‘They wanted to turn Western Europe into a battlefield. But why?’
“Is this really about the patent?”
[No, it’s not about that.]
“Then, are they trying to recover sunk costs?”
[Even considering that, a corporate war isn’t cost-effective.]
“Could it be about the chairman’s death?”
[Neville isn’t a family-run business. They wouldn’t act out of loyalty or revenge. Besides, megacorporations don’t operate on such personal motives.]
“Then what’s their goal?”
[I’ll explain it to you in person.]
“…???”
Cassie ended the call abruptly.
As Amon stared blankly at his phone, someone knocked on the door.
“It’s me.”
“…Cassie?”
Startled by the familiar voice, Amon opened the door to find not just Cassie but other teammates standing there.
“Why are you here…?”
“We’re not sure either.”
A mage scratched his cheek and added, “Cassie just told us to come, so we followed.”
“What about the company?”
“Good question.”
The mage, apparently not having considered that, looked to Cassie, who replied nonchalantly.
“I am the company. Is there a problem?”
“Then shouldn’t you stay back?”
“No. That’s all the more reason to come.”
Cassie smiled.
“Don’t bother pretending. If war were really about to break out, you’d both stay here, wouldn’t you?”
Amon and Sonia couldn’t deny it.
If there was even a slight chance of war, they intended to remain.
It wasn’t just out of responsibility but also because they’d grown attached to the people they’d met in France.
They wanted to protect them.
Some might call it overreach, but…
“Didn’t I tell you? Our company will always support you.”
Cassie, having benefited from their sense of justice, naturally took their side.
Her sincerity made Amon smile without realizing it.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Cassie’s unexpected arrival led to the formation of a new expedition team.
“This time, it’s Amon’s situation, so let’s call it the Amon Expedition.”
However, under Cassie’s strong insistence, they changed it to the Amon Expedition.
As the team’s strategist, Cassie summarized the current situation.
“Neville Pharmaceuticals wants war.”
‘But why?’
Before explaining, Cassie revealed a shocking truth.
“Actually, ever since the day you were first attacked, I’ve stopped using my foresight.”
Cassie admitted that she had been deceiving Amon and Sonia.
She had noticed the presence of another seer in Europe and deliberately refrained from using her ability to manipulate the situation with Amon as her wildcard.
The truth was, Amon and Sonia weren’t moving based on foresight but their own choices, though they believed otherwise.
Sonia flinched at the mention of ‘deception’ but remained silent, realizing it wasn’t the time to argue.
Cassie gave Sonia an apologetic glance before continuing.
“As you know, there are demons behind Neville Pharmaceuticals, right? Those seers I mentioned are those demons.”
Cassie had been engaged in a strategic battle with the demons, using Amon as her trump card.
The battle’s conclusion was Cassie’s victory.
The demons had failed in their plans with Neville Pharmaceuticals.
Their current actions were their desperate last stand.
“They’ve abandoned subtlety. That’s as good as admitting defeat.”
“And what does that have to do with war?”
“They’re trying to abandon Neville. They want to erase all evidence of their involvement in the flames of war.”
This was a tactic often used by intelligence agencies when withdrawing from regions like the Middle East or South America—using war as cover to destroy evidence.
“Then what should we do?”
As if waiting for the question, Cassie opened her suitcase.
Srrrng—
With a chilling sound, a familiar spear floated out of the bag and into the air.
Pointing at Amon, Cassie spoke.
“It’s time to play the joker card.”