A whole week slipped by in this undercover routine.
Being a spy wasn't rocket science, especially since I had a blueprint to follow from the previous spy's routine. I didn't spend days observing him just to fumble such an easy task.
Surprisingly, after a while, the opportunity to infiltrate the Psychiatry department presented itself.
The paranoia around Operation Strix became my ally. Toss in some well-timed insights from the future, and they were eager to have me report directly to my superior.
The spy I was impersonating was at the bottom of the hierarchy, and my superior wielded nothing more than Weak Combat Prowess, which, frankly, didn't pique my interest. What did, however, was the revelation that eavesdroppers lingered behind the walls.
Thanks to my high level Intuition and Sixth Sense, there was no way I wouldn't understand that, but this worked in my favor.
Mirage Veil's weakness? If the target could see me and had a higher combat prowess, it was game over. But if they could only hear me, well, that restriction turned out to be useless.
While they couldn't see me, I could sense their presence, giving me a handy advantage as I didn't need my vision.
[Spy Y has [Low] Combat Prowess]
[Spy Z has [Low] Combat Prowess]
.
.
.
[Your Target, Sylvia Sherwood, has [Low] Combat Prowess]
[Your Target, Fiona Frost, has [Medium] Combat Prowess]
The stakes were high in this operation, but did they really need to scrutinize a humble spy reporting minor details under such intense pressure? Not my problem, though.
They seemed to be checking every word on the spot. A single misstep, and my so-called superior might decide to put a bullet through my head...
---
Having achieved my goal for this trial, I saw no reason to prolong my stay here. My focus now was to monitor Fiona Frost's movements and face her in combat when I felt strong enough. The tricky part was that since Twilight got married, Fiona Frost had practically become his shadow, making my future endeavors more challenging.
I need to concoct a plan to deceive her somehow.
Suddenly, an idea popped up in my mind.
Could that work?
"Sir. Just a quick thing before I head out. Can I, uh, ask you something?"
I approached the question as if I were confessing to some misdeed, leaving my superior looking puzzled.
"What's on your mind, rookie?"
I scratched my head, carefully choosing my words to convey what I had in mind.
"Well, there's this Festival coming up in a few days. Word is, there's this famous fortune teller who can tell you if the person you're thinking about will ever love you back. I'm kinda curious, you know? I was thinking of checking it out..."
Sure, spies aren't supposed to be daydreaming about festivals and such, right?
"If you want to, go ahead. Just let the others know, and we'll arrange for someone to cover for you that day. Think of it as a little reward for your hard work."
To that, I gave a respectful nod.
"Thank you, Sir! If I ever get married, I'll ask you to be the Godfather of my children...!"
Honestly, I'm intrigued. Given Fiona Frost's tendencies, there's a good chance she might make an appearance at the Festival now that I've mentioned it.
Well, time to try my hand at fortune-telling.
---
It wasn't all grind and no gain during my time as a spy. Progress on my quest didn't lag behind either. After pushing through the final reps of an intentional abdominal exercise tucked away in my room, the quest bar finally hit 100%, prompting the usual cascade of prompts.
[You have leveled up] x15
[You have acquired the [Body] Talent]
[You have acquired the [Determination] Talent]
[You have acquired the [Overload] Skill]
[You have acquired 5 [Skill Ticket]]
[You have acquired 5 [Question Ticket]]
[Your [Orc Body] Passive Skill has absorbed the modest muscle gain, maximizing its effect]
[Your skill [Orc Body] has leveled up]
[Your skill [Orc Body] has leveled up]
[Your skill [Orc Body] has leveled up]
.
.
.
[Your Skill [Orc Body] has perfected your muscles for combat]
[Your Talent [Body] and your Skills [Run], [Jump], [Adaptive Evasion], [Sky Footwork], [Overload] will greatly benefit from this]
[Your Skill [Run] has leveled up]
[Your Skill [Jump] has leveled up]
[Your Skill [Adaptive Evasion] has leveled up]
[Your Skill [Sky Footwork] has leveled up]
[Your Skill [Overload] has leveled up]
.
.
.
[Your Skill [Orc Body] has perfected your reaction speed for combat]
[Your Skill [Orc Body] has strengthened your survival instincts considerably]
[Your Skills [Sixth Sense] and [Observe] will greatly benefit from this]
[Your Skill [Sixth Sense] has leveled up]
[Your Skill [Observe] has leveled up]
.
.
.
[Your Talent [Body] and Your Passive Skill [Orc Body] have begun resonating]
[Your Skill [Orc Body] has leveled up]
.
.
.
[The Skill [Orc Body] is not satisfied. It seeks to perfect your body for Combat]
[To completely perfect your body, it will have to go through a reconstruction, which will cause immense pain. Your Talents [Body], [Determination], [Wisdom], and [Intuition] are resonating to avoid your Instant Death]
.
.
.
[Your Talent [Wisdom] has decided to use 3 Skill Points to strengthen the process]
[The Medium-level Body Purification will aid in the process of body reconstruction, allowing your vessel to be completely cleansed in one sitting. You will not gain anything from Medium-level Body Purification anymore]
[The Sword is enthusiastic about your change. To support your talents, it will level up considerably]
[Your Talent [Sword] has leveled up]
[Your Talent [Sword] has leveled up]
[Your Talent [Sword] has leveled up]
.
.
.
I was utterly shocked by the overwhelming influx of prompts as I scanned through the essential information.
Oh no, the cliche is here!
That was my only reaction before an excruciating sensation swept over me, as if I was just cut into a thousand fragments.
Collapsing to the ground, I lacked the strength to even prop myself up.
"Haha..."
I comprehended the rationale behind Wisdom's decision to allocate skill points this way.
However, clinging to my determination, I somewhat endured the ordeal stretching on for what felt like hours before I sensed the pain relenting, if only by a fraction.
Relying on my [Sixth Sense] and [Intuition], I chose to rest, prioritizing recovery over understanding the enigma unfolding within me.