In the near future.

Since magic first appeared among humanity, the world has begun to change drastically.

While magic brought infinite possibilities, it simultaneously became a new tool for crime. Magic-fueled crimes became incessant, and existing police power and judicial systems could no longer cope.

Crime rates soared annually, and public distrust and anger toward the government reached a breaking point.

Following successive failures in public safety, the ruling party's approval ratings plummeted, and the opposition faced fierce criticism for failing to provide clear solutions.

Ultimately, the ruling and opposition parties agreed on an unprecedented bill to win back the public and resolve the security crisis.

[Special Act on the Authorization of Private Sanctions]

This bill permitted private sanctions, which were previously illegal, under specific legal conditions.

It was a radical decision to allow civilians to exercise a portion of the force against criminals that had been monopolized by the state.

Once the bill passed, the nation seethed with support and opposition. Some welcomed it as the realization of justice, while others criticized it as a violation of human rights and the collapse of the rule of law.

However, one fact was clear.

Judging criminals was no longer the sole authority of the state.

The initial attempt seemed successful. However, every system has its light and shadow.

In the early stages, crime rates dropped, and it seemed to yield positive results. But as time passed, unexpected side effects emerged.

Armed conflicts using magic between citizens and criminals became frequent, and civilian casualties from indiscriminate private sanctions began to mount.

The law created to stop crime was instead turning the city into a battlefield. Eventually, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to amend the law once more.

Special Act on the Management and Licensing of Private Sanction Businesses

The core of the amendment was simple. It completely banned individual private sanctions and granted that authority only to specialized agencies licensed by the government.

Eligibility for a license was restricted to businesses established by parties who had suffered serious damage due to crime.

Tracking, suppressing, and punishing criminals became official business, and a new market formed where one received compensation for such work.

Thus, revenge became a legal right, and private sanctions became a business.

One month after the implementation of the private sanction licensing system.

Guest visited the interview room of a private sanctions agency officially licensed by the government.

Across the desk sat a woman with long black hair and gray eyes, her legs crossed.