The Transmigrated Author

[Eldoria, Mercenary Cooperation's Headquarters - Jaxon Cain's Main Office]

[Thursday, 6:30 PM]

"The Heroes association have given us information on the whereabouts of a criminal organization linked to the dark world."

Jaxon spoke in a stern tone.

"When investigating these places, be extremely cautious. Their boss operates discreetly, and the dangers may not be obvious."

Hearing this information from Jaxon, I knew this was my first glimpse of the dark world.

I never imagined I'd be a part of the mercenary storyline originally, but I knew very well that it didn't matter. And yet... this is only the start.

[The Dark World]

It's a society that has links to most of the underground criminal organizations.

Just like the dark web, The Dark World is one place linked to many locations.

It's the place that is hidden beneath the world of the unknown.

It was founded none other than a previous reincarnator from Jan's world.

And that was Mordred Ashborne: the king of the dark world maintains absolute order.

Through Quadra, he uses them as the main structure of power, commanding the top of the criminal hierarchy.

His single goal in this world is to overthrow the heroes organization and create a new order where he reigns supreme.

The dark world controls many other large criminal groups, but the most crucial are those under Quadra: the Syndicate, the Devil Worshippers Cult, the Sifters Organization, and the Salvation Tribe.

The 4 main villains lead these groups and are the only group capable of stopping Jan.

But out of the 4, my biggest concern is Drakon.

I hope I won't be encountering him anytime soon–because as soon as anyone comes into contact with that crazy monster, it's better to stand still than to run from him since well... you'd already be dead.

...

...

...

"...Report any findings to the Heroes Association. Engage in combat if necessary,"

Jaxon said, organizing papers.

"Now, here are the details, location, and main suspects." He paused to ready his watch.

Then with a few taps on his screen...

shaaa...

His watch displayed a projection of the briefing.

[From The Heroes Organization Vice President: Amara Navarro]

[Details: Investigate thoroughly via infiltration. Reports indicate drug distribution and missing persons in the Gasan Digital Complex. A suspected distributor or underground leader could be located in the area. Exercise caution if you spot drugs or missing individuals. Report any findings immediately.]

[Location: Gasan Digital Complex, Seoul]

[Potential suspect leading operations: Code name: Ben Franky - Real Name: Lampard Harper]

[Criminal Organization Link: Nightshade Org]

Looking at the information details, I recall this setting I made a while ago.

However, it did occur only through Jan watching the news.

This organization conducting these operations wasn't relevant, but I knew they were always a part of the branches of the dark world.

Since I'm on this mission now. Survival seems wiser than fighting these guys head-on.

Still, I'm confident this mission will be successful with Christian and Vanessa around.

I just don't think I'm ready to see the potential horrors that could unfold.

Jaxon finished projecting the information.

Then, he looked me straight in the eye, saying words I knew I had to hear.

"Listen up newbie, it isn't necessary that you kill. But if you must, then do it. If it's for the sake of saving someone's life, then do it. if it's to save your teammate from death, then do it. This isn't a place where you can save everyone. I want you to know that as a mercenary.

You must never spare a criminal's life and do as you are told on the job."

Christian and Vanessa must have heard this speech countless times. But for me, the thought of killing someone was nerve-wracking.

This novel was still messed up, a reminder that no one was safe from death. Though my own life wasn't exactly secure, I hoped I wouldn't need to kill anyone.

"Yes sir." I kept my voice steady. Being a mercenary wouldn't be easy, but I'd do what I had to.

"Good. I'll prepare the IDS station. You'll head there once CA25B and VE4B are equipped. They'll guide you from there." Jaxon paused. "Also, about your nickname... there's been a request on your contract."

"Ah, right..." I don't recall asking for a nickname in my contract.

Did Gerrard do that for me?

If he did then I guess I'd have to thank him.

"What code name do you want?"

He stayed serious but relaxed – Jaxon was probably used to handing out nicknames but I guess now I'm an exception.

Though I never planned on naming anything other than my sword.

But as I thought about it, I felt my true name was fading away.

"I guess you can call me Axel."

Jaxon's brows furrowed. He scrambled beneath his desk, pulling out a folder and rifling through it.

After a quick read, he shoved it back into the drawer, his frown disappearing.

"I guess that nickname could work. It has no relation to you after all."

Hmm... that is strange though, after my integration as a character. The fact 'Axel' or 'Saint' hadn't been mentioned, only proved my point.

"...Okay then."

Suddenly, Christian's voice blasted against my ear.

"So, we can call you Axel now?"

"Yes?" I didn't understand his excitement.

"Nice to meet you, Axel." Hearing Vanessa beside me, I turned.

She offered a hand and after a quick handshake, I let go.

"Now..." Jaxon said, "you two will show him the IDS room." He pointed at Christian.

"And you, show him the men's equipment room."

Christian, flashing a childish grin beneath his mask, snapped a salute. "Yes, sir!"

***

[Location: Gasan Digital Complex, Seoul - Main Office]

"Boss!"

The lackey, in a dark tailored suit and coat a stark contrast to the urgency in his voice, rushed into Lampard's office.

"We caught some kids trashing things on our property again." He bowed. "What's your order, sir?"

Lampard, still counting his stacks of cash, leaned back in his chair.

Kids messing with his turf was a disgrace.

Not just to his business, but his reputation. If he was going to let mere children do such a thing, then he'd rather not be where he's at now.

tch.

"It's probably them again..." He muttered to himself.

"Hmm..." He tapped a finger on the table. "Bring them in, Eddie. Then..." A dark look flashed in his eye. "...send them to the experimentation room."

close!

"Right away, sir!" Eddie scurried out, slamming the door behind him.

Lampard turned his gaze towards the full moon. "I wonder when the time will come... when the-"

RING!!!...RING!!!...RING!!!

The phone on Lampard's desk rang incessantly. He snatched it up. "Who is it?"

"—It's me. Bane."

Lampard went tense. He stood up.

"Oh... So, you're the buyer wanting a partnership from my corps, right?"

"—Correct."

Lampard pulled out a sheet of contact details. The name was under the Syndicate.

"Got it. You're with the Syndicate, then?"

— Yes.

Lampard ignored the one-word answers.

This deal? It might be the biggest one he'd landed in a long while.

Syndicate was one of the richest organization's in the dark world.

"Got it," He wrote Vladimir's code name down on a sheet circling towards Syndicate.

"So... what did you call me for?"

"—Vlad, doing my calls again?" A sharp, male voice cut through the phone.

Vlad's reply was blunt. "Yes."

"Get off. I'll handle it," his voice snapped.

"Okay." mvle,mp|y|r hosted

Then another voice different to the dead tone he heard spoke up.

"— Hello is this the boss of the Nightshades Corp?"

Lampard tensed, a jolt of recognition hitting him. That voice was the leader of Syndicate Morwen.

"Correct!" He managed a business-like tone, a thread of excitement trembling beneath it.

"What can I do for you?"

— Yes, I was checking in for the production of the formula I had sent. Has there been any results on any willing 'Participants?'

"Well I've sent out my workers to find people for trial testing but we've got-"

Lampard said, a smile twisting his lips at the thought of the kids.

"We've got a few participants, Would you like me to send you all the results we get from them?"

— Yes that would be wonderful.

"Great! Is there anything else you need?"

— Actually, Yes. I need to check the shipment order from Paris.

"Ah, Right. Your order should be arriving at the docs around 3 am. You have all the collectors in place for it to be received right?"

— Yes. I've had them secure the place to ensure no one approaches near.

"Good, Then I assume that's all you came to acquire right?"

— Yes, that's all. Have a wonderful evening.

Lampard smiled saying "You too precious customer!"

— "Ugh..." Morwen hung up with a click.

khachp!

Lampard who heard the phone hang up muttered to himself.

"Let's see if Eddie and Ace caught those kids."

_____________

To Be Continued!

_____________

Author Notes:

- Eddie and Ace are the left and right-hand men of the Nightshades Corps.

- Christian Kaiser is the only mage (19) who has learnt elemental zone.