Extra's Descent
Chapter 224: Infiltration [7]

A new skill after sacrificing [Mana Disruption] and [Mana Burst].

The conditions were met for such a skill.

[Retribution]

Duration: 744 Hours.

∟ Binds the victim to their own vows through a cursed chain. A blade at the chain's end pierces the victim's body and wraps around their heart.

∟ Effective against someone who's morale is low. Almost surrendering to the user.

∟ The user also binds themselves with a similar chain around their own heart, sharing the risk and pain.

That, and it was only effective against anyone ranked lower than him.

A high risk high reward skill.

He had no control over it. But regardless, this was exactly what he wanted.

Clutching his chest, he felt the chains wrapped around his heart. It felt sort of itchy.

A tingling feeling.

Staring at Matthew, Brandon began to ponder.

The main reason why he had specifically chosen that restaurant was to see Matthew up front.

After looking through the flash drive that Zed had given him, it was filled with information on brokers that worked under the syndicate.

Checking the files, the one that had piqued his attention the most was Matthew.

After all, he was the most peculiar among the rest.

It was with such reasons that Brandon specifically analyzed his file.

After all, signing up with the syndicate entailed personal information. An assurance in case of potential leaks.

Brandon recalled.

[Matthew Jaune]

[Age: 24]

[Code Name: Zero]

Description:

—Hi! I am Zero….

Of course, his name was omitted from his actual profile. But since Brandon had specific administrator access, thanks to Zed, he could see his entire resume.

—I can solve most of your tech problems. Even ones your neighborhood tech store can't. Don't believe me? I can offer a free trial! thanks-for-reading-on-NovelFire

It was sort of lackluster.

Overall, he had an overall review of 4.3 out of 5. That, and his comments were pretty well received.

His entire profile gave Brandon the impression that this man didn't even want to work under the syndicate.

Just that, perhaps, circumstances had forced him to make such a decision.

Staring at him—who was seated on the couch with his back straight, and his hands on his lap, Brandon realized.

This man had no backbone.

But Brandon couldn't blame him.

Maybe he was too harsh.

'Nah.'

He quickly dismissed his thoughts.

He didn't know much about Matthew. Just on the surface. If he were to betray him, then Brandon needed assurance.

The moment Matthew betrays him, he will undoubtedly die.

"Are you scared?"

"....No."

But his body language told Brandon otherwise.

"First of all, what's your agenda?"

"A-Agenda…?"

Matthew stammered, fiddling his fingers.

"What's your aim? Why are you in this blackmarket business…?"

"So you aren't—"

"No, I'm not from the blackmarket."

"Then?"

"I work for the Imperial Army."

"Ah."

The color from Matthew's face suddenly drained. His eyes widened, and his hands trembled.

"Don't worry, I've looked through your files."

"...."

"There's a reason why I chose you. Will you help me?"

"I…."

"I'm not lifting the chains. You could probably understand from my position. But I'm not lying. The pact will lift in a month. Even if you decide not to work for me anymore, I won't harm you."

Brandon decisively stated.

To build an actual foundation with potential allies, trust needed to be established. The chains only served to enforce that purpose.

From where Matthew stood, regardless of his intentions, he was still involved in illegal business. For that reason, standing in front of someone who worked for the Imperial Army, Matthew couldn't retort.

However, Brandon gave him a leeway. His actions weren't out of pity. It was only to serve his purpose.

He had given Matthew an offer—in which he couldn't refuse. But regardless, there were mutual benefits for the two.

Brandon's offer wasn't so bad from Matthew's perspective.

Working from Brandon—who was working for the Imperial Army—meant Matthew would be working under legal jurisdictions.

It gave Matthew a chance to prove himself, and Brandon knew that.

"Y-Yes."

Matthew swallowed and nodded his head.

"Where do I begin?"

And so, Matthew began to recount his experiences.

'This man….'

His entire life seemed pathetic. Kind of sad, actually.

No wonder he had no choice but to resort to an illegal platform.

'No family. Girlfriend left him. Working part–time with bare minimum wage. Fixing tech, or helping clients regain access to their accounts.'

No, actually, his tenacity was admirable.

'Guess I picked the right guy.'

Brandon scoffed slightly and fixed his sunglasses.

Then, he asked.

"How good are you at hacking?"

This was the real intention. To fully assess Matthew's value.

"I think I'm pretty decent."

"How decent….?"

"Do I have to say it?"

By now, Matthew seemed to be comfortable as he stopped shaking.

"You might arrest me or something…."

"I won't do that."

"Okay…. Uh…."

And so, Matthew continued.

Apparently, after his girlfriend left him, Matthew was at his lowest. Losing his job, and losing everything else, he resorted to hacking bank accounts, completely erasing his trace in the process.

"Then why are you still living in this dump?"

"....My conscience took over. It was all spontaneous. But when I calmed down, I realized what I've done. With the money that I stole, I returned it all to those exact bank accounts."

Completely erasing his trace once again.

"Pretty good."

Is all Brandon could say. He wasn't that well versed with hacking, despite having all of the other Brandon Locke's knowledge.

And so, that feat of Matthew's had him left surprised.

That being said, they began talking about their deal.

Matthew would work for him, no questions asked. And Brandon would pay him 15 gold coins every week until the month ended.

A total of 60 gold coins.

It was quite pricey. However, if he had to be honest, Matthew deserved to be paid more.

His work ethics had completely met Brandon's criteria. That, and his moral conduct.

Brandon was sure by now that this man wouldn't betray him.

And even if he did, there were no problems at all.

"And what's your affinity?"

The last question.

"Uh…."

All of a sudden, mana started to gather around Mathew.

Tzz— Tzz—

Lightning started to emit from him slightly.

"Lightning, huh?"

Perfect.

No wonder Matthew opted for the tech route.

"Since you're a broker. You could recommend me, right?"

"Ah. Yes."

After all, brokers entailed scouting for potential blackmarket customers.

"Then let's go."

"Huh?"

"The blackmarket. Take me there."