Knock, knock, knock.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Hello, sir, your pizza delivery is here. Please open the door."
A slightly awkward voice called out from outside.
"You must have the wrong room. I didn't order any pizza," Lucius said, pausing briefly before responding.
"But, sir, the order clearly states this address."
The delivery person sounded confused.
"Why don't you come out and check?"
"Just a moment, I'm finishing a game—I'll open the door in half a minute. I'll wrap it up quick," Lucius said, grabbing the sealed bottle and tucking it into his coat. He stood, moving quietly to the door.
"Alright, sir, please hurry—huh?"
The voice outside, belonging to a middle-aged man in black, cut off abruptly.
The door swung open, and a fist slammed into his face, leaving him dazed, stars dancing in his vision.
A hand swiftly yanked the sword from his waist, then pressed him down by the back, followed by a heavy foot on his spine.
"Idiot," Lucius said, increasing the pressure of his foot, his tone laced with mild irritation. "A restaurant delivering to the wrong place, and the customer just happens to speak my language—you think I'm stupid?"
"Also, a piece of advice: don't lie about delivering food to someone worried about not having enough money to eat."
"Ughhh—" The man, struggling to breathe under the weight on his back, let out a muffled groan.
"I've got a few questions," Lucius said, easing the pressure slightly.
Perhaps sensing a chance to break free, the man beneath him began to struggle desperately.
"Settle down," Lucius said, his voice tinged with displeasure as he sharply increased the pressure, making the man's insides churn.
He then rested the sword he'd just taken on the man's shoulder.
Completing this series of actions, Lucius realized how fluidly he'd moved.
And, surprisingly, he felt no aversion to any part of it.
"Question one: why are you here?" Lucius asked calmly.
The Italian man beneath his foot clenched his teeth, putting on a brave front.
"Answer," Lucius said softly, pressing the sword against his neck. "This might not matter much to me, but it could mean you'll never enjoy red wine or pasta again. Think carefully."
"I… I'll talk," The man said, gritting his teeth, choosing to preserve his life. "I felt a magical disturbance, so I came under the guise of a delivery to investigate."
"Magical disturbance… looks like I need to find a new place," Lucius nodded, understanding.
It must have been the unconscious release of magical energy when he fused with the artifact's power.
Upon waking, he'd seen the state of the room—bed and floor looked as if they'd been drained and weathered.
If even a lowlife like this could sense something, it wouldn't be long before real experts showed up.
"Question two: which organization are you with?"
"I—Copper-Black Cross."
He hesitated only briefly.
"Question three: got any money on you?" Lucius asked bluntly.
"Y-Yes, I do," The man stammered, feeling the blade's edge near his neck and answering honestly.
"Hand it over," Lucius said without hesitation.
Surrendering was like putting on a disguise—once you'd done it the first time, the second came easier.
The man closed his eyes in agony, clenching his teeth as he pulled out a wallet with trembling hands and held it up.
"H-Here."
His voice quivered with reluctance and attachment.
"Relax, I'm not interested in your wallet itself. Won't even touch it," Lucius reassured him.
Using a few tissues from his pocket, he carefully extracted the cash, then tossed the wallet beside the man.
The longer it took for the Copper-Black Cross to notice him, the better. He couldn't risk leaving fingerprints.
He'd anticipated being tracked, so he'd already taken precautions with the room's contents.
This inn was old-fashioned, with no surveillance systems.
Besides, he was just an unknown figure in the mystical world. Even if they were wary, they likely wouldn't resort to extreme measures right away.
He should still have time to get accustomed to his new power.
Looking at the man's crestfallen face, Lucius hesitated, then used the tissues to pick out two coins from the cash and tossed them in front of him with a clink.
"I don't like coins. These two are for your trip home."
Before the man could react, Lucius raised his hand and struck the back of his head.
"Ah, good, I controlled the force."
Killing him by mistake would complicate things.
It wasn't out of mercy.
Even before, Lucius had been somewhat detached.
Having nearly been warped into a wolf god by faith, only saved by the demon, his already shaky human morality had taken another hit.
He didn't care about this man's life or death, but there was a difference between "a mysterious figure sneaking into Rome" And "a mysterious figure who harmed a Copper-Black Cross member." The magical associations would react differently.
The former warranted caution; the latter, a threat to be eliminated.
Unnecessary trouble was best avoided, if possible.
Though what he planned next would likely stir up plenty of trouble.
Lucius thought idly, standing to leave.
He instinctively touched the bottle tucked inside his coat.
Aside from the sealed bottle, he had nothing else to carry.
***
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