Lucent was bewildered.
When the gunshot rang out, he thought they were dead, but no one fell and everyone was fine.
The next surprising thing was the yellow ring floating above Osian's head.
It was different from an angel's ring that symbolizes God's messenger. Unlike the horizontal ring above the head, it was like a halo behind the back of the head, with 12 points protruding in different directions.
If anything, it looked like a sun shaped into a single form.
"What, what is this?"
Those who fired the guns were equally surprised.
The three people who should have fallen while spraying blood were perfectly fine.
Unlike Lucent who was confused because he couldn't see properly, they saw exactly what happened.
That's why it was even harder for them to accept this reality.After the ring appeared above Osian's head, the bullets they fired were enveloped in yellow flames and vanished into thin air as if evaporating.
'Magic? Is it a flame-type protection magic?'
Looking closely, the space around Osian appeared to be rippling with some kind of turbulent flow.
Flame-type magic was the best explanation they could come up with based on their knowledge.
'He's holding a sword but he's a magician? If not that, then a protective artifact? Looking at that ring floating above his head, I've never heard of an artifact with such effects.'
A mere fixer wouldn't be able to use something like that. Moreover, if it were flame-type magic, it should have been much more noticeable.
While the flame attribute specializes in attacks, it can also be used for defense.
However, even when used defensively, flame magic was so spectacular that its intense heat and crimson flames would catch the eye.
But in Osian's case, it wasn't like that.
‘Some kind of power similar to magic.’
They quickly drew this conclusion and immediately replaced their magazines.
"You're quite quick-witted. I thought you'd keep charging in mindlessly."
Seeing them quickly grasp the power of the First Ring that was deployed and change their weapons showed they were definitely professionals.
Having their identity exposed, they quickly hid behind cover and fired again.
The fired bullets exploded in mid-air and turned into countless ice crystals.
"Hooh."
"They're rapid-freezing bullets. Special ammunition designed to suppress and kill flame-type magicians or mutants who use fire. These bastards are using expensive stuff."
Loraine, who was well-versed in such matters, provided the explanation instead.
"How much does each of those cost? If they had bought more stocks with that money instead..."
"..."
Ignoring Loraine's words who still couldn't let go of her regrets, Osian focused on the situation before him.
As Loraine said, since they were expensive bullets, they were slowly neutralizing the power of the First Ring with their cold energy.
'It seems the ability to block projectiles, one of the First Ring's characteristics, applies properly here as well.'
The advantage of the First Ring is its definite defense against external threats.
That defense includes not only nullifying damage based on strong defensive power but also intercepting attacks coming from long range like this.
Should we say it neutralizes power with power?
In a way, its purpose was similar to the Storm Shield which deflects projectiles by manipulating wind direction.
'But still, I can't maintain it for long.'
The mental power consumption was considerable as the First Ring spun rapidly.
Moreover, when continuously struck with opposing attributes like now, it was bound to be pushed back.
'Since it's not a perfect First Ring to begin with, I should be satisfied with knowing that it can block bullets for now.'
Osian released the power of the First Ring.
When the First Ring floating above his head disappeared, the attackers saw it as an opportunity.
However, Osian didn't release the First Ring because he was exhausted from the endless barrage of bullets.
It was a decision made with the confidence that he could handle it even without it.
And trust in his companion behind him.
"Loraine."
"Leave it to me."
Loraine immediately drew her dual pistols.
Loraine instantly spun her body and fired two shots each in five directions, totaling 10 shots.
-Tatatatatang!
The interval between shots was so short that although 10 shots were fired, it sounded like 5.
Five sparks flew with a 'ting' sound in mid-air, and five groans echoed.
Amazingly, Loraine not only performed the feat of shooting down bullets with bullets but also aimed at the attackers simultaneously.
Three out of five died instantly from bullets hitting their vital points.
The two who survived barely managed to avoid fatal wounds thanks to their quick reactions.
But they were wounded all the same.
Loraine's shooting was so precise that she aimed for spots not covered by their protective gear.
'Damn it! This is strange! Shooting down bullets with bullets? Was that even possible?'
The two survivors who experienced Loraine's ghost-like marksmanship quickly applied pressure to their wounds while retreating.
They quickly realized it was pointless to continue fighting against such opponents.
They detonated smoke grenades from their waists and quickly fled the scene.
'This calculation was wrong. They're not ordinary fixers!'
They acknowledged Osian and Loraine's strength. More reinforcements were needed.
As the two attackers tried to quickly escape into the alley, they had to frown at the person blocking their path.
There wasn't even time to warn them to move aside. They didn't know when those solvers would chase after them from behind.
Move or die. With such thoughts, they drew their guns, only to face a shoe sole right in front of their vision.
-Kwajik!
The neck of the attacker running in front suddenly bent backward.
His companion running behind was confused about what was happening. As a result, his reaction was too late.
-Pueok!
A kick mercilessly struck his abdomen, and he who tried to enter the alley was thrown back onto the main street at triple the speed.
Osian looked down at the attacker who rolled to his feet, then looked at the person who had blocked them.
"I thought all the guards around here would stay quiet, but I guess that's not always the case."
The person who appeared from the alley with clicking footsteps was Alensia, an executor of Tirna.
"Gunshots rang out in the street, yet no one has stepped forward until now. It seems discipline has become quite lax."
Alensia’s sharp gaze turned toward Lorraine.
Loraine flinched and naturally stored her guns away.
She thought Alensia might say something about the gunfire, but Alensia wasn't that inflexible.
Rather, the attacker who was thought to have fainted from Alensia’s first kick attacked her from behind.
"Behind...!"
Lucent shouted in surprise, but it was already too late.
The dagger they had drawn was already approaching Alensia’s neck.
At that moment, Alensia’s right leg became blurry below the shin and disappeared.
-Paang!
With the sound of air bursting, the attacker's jaw from behind suddenly turned and collapsed like a puppet with cut strings.
While Lucent was surprised by this overwhelming scene, an old man's voice flowed from inside the alley.
"You're too soft, Executor Alensia."
"I stepped in to avoid unnecessary bloodshed. Otherwise, we'd have corpses to clean up."
An old man emerged from the alley with trudging steps.
He was an old man with sharp features. His gray hair was slicked back and neatly tied at the nape of his neck, and his beard was also stylishly groomed.
While his appearance reminded one of an elderly gentleman, his inner nature was not so.
A feeling of nausea appeared just from looking at him. His aura was so brutal it created an illusion as if some evil spirit's face appeared behind the old man's back.
Loraine instinctively reached for her gun, and Osian watched the old man with interested eyes.
More precisely, his gaze went to the sword hanging at his waist.
"Hooh."
The old man also showed great interest in Osian.
"Ah yes. Are you that fixer everyone's been talking about lately?"
"And you are?"
The old man burst into laughter at Osian's provocative question, showing no sign of displeasure.
Rather, Alensia, who was watching from the side, hurriedly interrupted.
"This person is an executor of Tirna and my senior."
Yes. From the fact that he was moving with Alensia, Osian had expected him to be someone similar.
However, Osian had doubts.
"He seems quite ferocious for an executor."
"That's..."
"Hahaha! Young man, you're quite bold! And Alensia, you should have denied those words right away."
"...I'm sorry."
"No, it's fine. I know well that you're not good at empty words or lies. Yes, young fixer. As you say, I'm someone who's a bit too rough-handed to be doing public official work."
Osian observed the old man who shrugged his shoulders lightly.
A nimble body, a tall stature and a physique that showed he clearly hadn't neglected training.
While Alensia wore boots made of metal.
That old man wore metal equipment that went up to his forearms.
In terms of armor, it covered from the gauntlets protecting the hands, to the vambrace covering the forearm, and the couter reaching up to the elbow.
'However, it doesn't have that clunky feeling of armor. Rather, it's small and lightweight, giving off a more nimble impression.'
It was clearly something made so intricately it could be mistaken for a prosthetic arm.
And looking at that old man's aura, it certainly wasn't something he wore just for show.
It must be some special item that only executors use.
Moreover, that old man was holding a weapon, and it was a sword like his own.
'To think I'd meet a swordsman in a place like this.'
The weapon stored in the scabbard was different from cold weapons like his own. Although it was a modified sword, it wasn't something to be dismissed.
'I'm curious.'
Although the desire to cross swords with him welled up, he had to forcefully suppress it because right now, Lucent was trembling in fear behind him.
"So what brings you here? People of executor rank in Tirna don't seem like they'd casually come to a place like this."
"Going straight to the point, are we?"
"It seems too coincidental to say you came because of an incident."
Given how vast Tirna is, there was no way Alensia could arrive at the scene with such perfect timing.
Moreover, she didn't come alone, but with another executor.
Osian shifted his gaze from Alensia, who hesitated to answer for a moment, to the old man beside her.
The moment he saw that look in his eyes, Osian naturally moved to block Lucent's front.
"My, young man. Aren't you too quick-witted?"
"You don't seem to have any intention of hiding your motives either."
"Well, that's true. What need is there for an executor to hide their intentions?"
That was a criticism of Alensia’s attitude, so she protested for a moment as if feeling wronged.
"Senior. The situation hasn't been clarified yet. Until then, moving hastily would rather tarnish the executor's name..."
"How many times have I told you that if you consider everything so thoroughly, you'll be too late? Step aside."
"Senior. But..."
"Tut tut, I said step aside."
It was the first time Osian had seen Alensia being so flustered before someone.
While part of it was because he was her senior executor, it was also evidence that the old man's skills were that extraordinary.
The fact that he maintained his position as an executor at that age was enough proof of his abilities.
"So you came because of the Saint Tree incident after all."
At Osian's words, Alensia turned to look at him with round eyes.
The smile on the old man's lips deepened.
"Yes. You know well. Because of the stock price manipulation incident at Saint Tree, hand over Lucent Philburg, the chief researcher, and we will protect his safety."
The old man's attitude was arrogant and even one-sided.
Arbitrarily demanding to hand over someone's safety. Moreover, he said it to Osian rather than Lucent.
Beside them, Alensia hurriedly added supplementary explanations.
"The Saint Tree incident is being closely watched by Tirna city as well. It's too unusual for funds to gather like this no matter how you look at it, and if this continues, the situation will become dangerous..."
"Enough, Alensia. Drop the unnecessary explanations."
The old man criticized Alensia’s attitude and admonished her.
"No matter what persuasion you attempt, that fellow will absolutely not listen."
"What? What, what do you mean by that, Senior!"
"Look at his eyes."
The old man smiled amusingly as he met Osian's eyes.
"Can't you feel anything from those eyes that remain so silent even as we're talking like this?"
"It's not like the old man had any intention of persuading with words either."
"That's right. If I had my way, I'd like to cut off Lucent's neck right now, as he's essentially the root cause that brought about the current situation."
At those words, Lucent trembled. The killing intent that burst from the old man targeted Lucent like an arrow.
Osian narrowed his eyes as he dispersed that killing intent.
"Then that's even more reason why I can't allow it, because protecting my client is my job."
"I thought you'd say that. So I'll have to take him by force."
"Try it if you can."
The old man, who had vaguely known it would come to this, showed a fierce smile and said.
"And my name is Sestain. Remember it, you impudent young fixer."
"My name isn't young fixer but Osian."
Osian flicked his hand toward Sestain.
"Old man."