Chapter 176 – Return to the Magic Tower (3)
"Don't speak nonsense!" The minister for the army, Robert, banged his hand on the table and shouted loudly, "Prime Theodore's accomplishments are enough to make him the new Red Tower Master! He reached the 7th Circle before the age of 30 and defeated one of the empire's Seven Swords!"
"I can see that, Minister!" However, the minister of domestic affairs, Jerome, argued back, "I admit that his achievements are huge, but giving a Prime-level magician the title and estate of an earl might cause ripples in the currently stable political situation. We don't know what the empire is planning, so should we be fighting internally?"
"What are you saying? The discipline behind this kingdom is to award merits and punish faults. Why should we not reward a hero just because of the nobles who are playing politics?!"
"Uh, this man is like this until the end!"
After Theodore had finished his story and received permission from Kurt III to leave, the remaining people had been in a state of shock. However, they then started a debate.
The people around the table were split into two groups. There were those like Robert who wanted to publicize Theodore's achievements and give him a huge prize, while the other side led by Jerome thought it wasn't a good time to publicize it.
It was very intense because neither side was wrong.
The person in question had managed to reach the 7th Circle at a young age and kill one of the empire's Seven Swords. Meltor couldn't be allowed to neglect this type of person.
Likewise, the opposition's opinion was also correct. Up till now, high ranking magicians hadn't been part of the social circle, nor did they cling to fame, so the nobles had never felt hostile or tried to oppress them.
However, that balance could be overturned with the appearance of Theodore Miller.
'It is a funny story because his merits are too big.' Kurt III laughed inwardly as he watched the debate.
His thoughts were closer to those of the minister of the military, but as the ruler of the country, he had to consider both sides. As Jerome said, the empire hadn't revealed everything yet, so Kurt couldn't make a decision which might be a seed for a feud.
"Stop," Kurt III spoke in a stern voice and everyone fell silent. Then he continued speaking, "I understand your opinions about Prime Theodore. The words of both the minister of the military and the minister of domestic affairs are reasonable."
It was as he said. In this world, it wasn't always the case that only one side was correct. It was common for both sides to be correct and for him to have to pick one. Kurt III was devoted to the administration of the kingdom every day, so he was now accustomed to this.
He closed his eyes for a moment as he sat on the throne.
Then he opened his mouth and said, "Listen carefully!"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Starting tomorrow at 9 a.m., invite Baron Dennis Miller to the city where he will become an earl. Once his heir takes over the title, Theodore Miller will become a marquis. It is the same for his estate. Before that, Prime Theodore will be treated as an honorary marquis. Understood?"
"I will follow Your Majesty's words!" The other people stood up and bowed while admiring Kurt's smart judgment.
In Meltor, 'earl' and 'marquis' weren't just simple titles. They were the ranks where nobles could step into official affairs and discuss the administration of the state. What would happen if a magician of the 7th Circle who was also a famous person entered this position? The nobles might not have as much power as other countries, but they would unite in order to avoid losing more power. They would lead a counterattack against Kurt III's strong power.
'But it isn't a problem to be concerned about now,' Kurt thought as he smiled coldly at the ministers.
Since Kurt's rule began, the forces of the nobles had continued to shrink, and the arrogant ones couldn't afford to do anything due to the conflict with the empire.
However, everyone in this room sensed it. The long war with the Andras Empire was nearing its end. The Meltor Kingdom would win and unify the north, or be completely defeated. Whatever the result, there was no way for the nobles to escape losing power.
Theodore was someone who didn't care about power or wealth, but he willingly accepted the noble title in order to move his family to the safe capital region.
"Okay, it has been decided. Prime Theodore will be awarded a prize, and the tower masters will take care of it. I hope you don't argue about the decision."
"We will follow Your Majesty's will!"
From the minister of the military to the minister of domestic affairs, no one argued. In fact, Jerome was only worried that Theodore would cause unnecessary confusion in this country. He didn't actually want to hinder Theodore from getting a good reward.
The king smiled with satisfaction at the unanimous agreement. Then Kurt turned to Blundell and said, "That reminds me, Blue Tower Master."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Blundell responded.
"What is the current state of the Red Tower Master? Has her border patrol finished yet?"
"It seems like it. Based on yesterday's report, she will be back in a week."
Veronica always seemed selfish, but she was actually quite sincere. Just as Blundell had done last year, Veronica was returning after touring the border with the empire. However, when Kurt heard the answer, a question came to his mind.
"White Tower Master," Kurt called out.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Has this news entered Veronica's ears?" Kurt meant Theodore's return. Orta immediately understood and nodded. "Perhaps it has. I told my intelligence service that conveying the news to her was top priority."
"This…"
"Hah…"
Blundell and Kurt sighed deeply at the same time.
"…I guess she will be back in three days."
"This old man thinks so as well."
The two men thought about how crazily Veronica would behave once she heard the news and looked at each other.
The news of the emergence of a new 7th Circle magician and the death of one of the empire's Seven Swords… how much of a storm would that cause? Additionally, it would become worse once Veronica returned to the capital.
They couldn't help getting a headache at the thought.
At that moment, Orta whispered in Kurt's ear from where he was standing next to the two troubled men. [Your Majesty, there was a request from the Yellow Tower Master.]
Kurt was confused by the sudden words and scratched his chin in a gesture to tell him more.
[It is a request for a meeting with Prime Theodore. How should I deal with it?]
"Hrmm." This time, Kurt couldn't hide his confusion.
The mysterious Yellow Tower Master had kept quiet even when the owner of the throne changed a few times, so Kurt couldn't guess the reason for his sudden interest in Theodore. However, the Yellow Tower Master was different from the other tower masters.
Kurt didn't answer and nodded before raising his voice, "Everybody listen up."
As all eyes concentrated on him, Kurt firmly declared, "Apart from the promotion of Prime Theodore and Baron Dennis Miller, I will strictly prohibit everyone from approaching him for the time being. He is a hero who achieved a great merit. I want him to rest comfortably."
"I will follow Your Majesty's words!"
Orta understood the hidden meaning behind the command and smiled faintly. This was Kurt's answer to the Yellow Tower Master's request. It was the consideration of Kurt II, who stopped any meetings so that Theodore could rest comfortably for the time being.
* * *
On the other hand, Theodore returned to his room after the meeting with the top people of Meltor.
"Hah, did I make any mistakes?"
He wasn't a hero who was good at talking.
Theodore had reached the 7th Circle, but he was still a young man in his early 20s. He couldn't be calm when facing the king and two tower masters. It was fortunate that he didn't stutter or stop talking while telling his story. Besides, what good was it to regret what had already happened?
Theodore relaxed slightly as he looked at the room he hadn't seen for more than a year.
"It's clean…?"
Someone had looked after it. Theodore had cleaned his room before leaving, and it looked exactly the same as back then. There was no dust on the bookshelves, while the bed had a fragrant scent like the sheets had been washed and dried in the sun.
He changed his clothes and lay on top of it without any hesitation, feeling like he could fall asleep right then. All the tension which had unknowingly piled up was being released.
'I really am back.'
In retrospect, it had been an absurd adventure from beginning to end. He had encountered enemies as soon as he crossed the border.
There had been an unexpected windfall at the underground auction, and he'd poked the Orcus Company and its warlocks. Then he'd run to the Pirate Archipelago, stumbled across Aquilo, and fought against Superbia.
What about the way back? Nobody could've anticipated meeting a sword master with a god-sword. Even with nine lives, it was a crisis during which he could've lost everything.
"…Ah." All his tension was released as he lay down on the familiar bed, with his tired body feeling like it was melting into the bed itself.
From tomorrow, life in the magic tower would begin again. He had to meet Sylvia and look at the magic formulas, theories, and incidents which had newly developed in the kingdom. Even though he hadn't met her today, he had to say hello to Veronica…
However, Theodore's thoughts lasted up to there. His eyelids moved down slowly and covered his blue eyes. Then his breathing settled as he stopped thinking such complicated thoughts. The expressionless face, not suited for his age, relaxed as he fell asleep, leaving a sleeping Theodore that did fit his age.
[…Horororong…] Then Mitra suddenly appeared on his white pillow and snored while sleeping. She had been sleeping since leaving the Soldun Kingdom. Theodore hadn't realized it, but the leaves and stem of her bud were longer than before. An ancient elemental was different from ordinary elementals, and her 'growth' was still continuing.
Mitra groaned into the pillow as she slept. [Hoiii…horong?]
It might be a coincidence, or maybe it was caused by her drool.
Wuuong…
The bud of the sleeping Mitra moved. It split in two, and something grew from the center. The seed of the world tree had been planted in an ancient elemental, and a flower was now growing from the bud.
However, the sleeping Theodore didn't know it yet.
Chapter 177 – Eye of the Storm (1)
Three days later, the news that Theodore had left his room spread through the magic towers. Only a small number of people knew about his true work, but the appearance of a hero who hadn't shown himself for a year was a hot topic of discussion.
He also appeared wearing the robe of a Prime, causing the topic to grow even more. Even Vince hadn't expected the news to spread at this speed.
"Theo, it has been more than a year since you returned from Elvenheim… Your fame seems to have grown larger. It is usually hard to get a booking here."
"Yes. I didn't know it would be like this." Theodore smiled bitterly as he looked around.
They were currently at a fairly famous restaurant in the capital, and all the tables around them were filled.
The customers were well-dressed, but the landscape of this famous restaurant was different from the usual. The attention of the customers was focused on two people. Well, to be precise, it was on Theodore.
Unfortunately, all that hard work was in vain. The combination of silencing and illusion magic around the duo made the customers feel like they'd been cheated. Hopefully, they would return to their idle chatter after not being able to hear anything.
'Silence and Illusion. They are basic magic spells, but this type of application is only possible if the level is high.' Theodore smiled and lifted his teacup.
It was difficult but not impossible to unfold the two spells simultaneously and convert them to his desired form. His magic power control had improved after reaching the 7th Circle, making this task easier.
Theo took a sip and placed his cup down. Then Mitra, who was chewing a few tea leaves, caught his eye.
[Hoong?] 'What is it?' Her eyes seemed to ask.
"No, it is nothing," Theodore said.
He patted her wheat-colored hair, and she eagerly returned to chewing the tea leaves. She was cute enough to make people laugh, but there was no smile on Theodore's face. It was due to the bud growing further on Mitra's head. However, ancient elementals were so rare that even Gluttony had no useful information about them.
'I can't even find it in Myrdal's knowledge.'
Even the contractor of an elemental king hadn't been able to expect the ancient elemental to swallow a seed of the world tree. Theodore's only hope was asking the high elves of Elvenheim.
As Theodore let out a small sigh, Vince suddenly spoke, "Well, it would be hard to even leave the magic tower if all your activities were known. It is a peaceful time, so your adventures will be very popular as entertainment among people."
Theodore laughed in agreement, "Haha, Master's words are true."
However, he then shrugged humbly. He was glad to hear the favorable words, but he was also embarrassed. Wasn't this like the stories in books? Someone who wasn't yet 23 years old had received the title of 'Hero.'
As if sensing Theodore's inner shame hidden beneath his expressionless surface, Vince put his cup down and said, "By the way, I am ashamed as your teacher. I thought that someday you would jump over me… but I never imagined you would come back as a master."
"That…" Theodore didn't know how to reply.
In fact, there was no reason for Vince to feel ashamed. Theodore's growth was literally ridiculous and impossible without the power of Gluttony. It was a pace impossible even for the best talents of humankind.
Vince was proud of his disciple who had surpassed him, but he was ashamed about his inability to teach Theo further.
"From now on, I won't be able to solve any of your problems with my own ability. I know about the concept of 'Sorcery,' but it is nothing more than superficial knowledge. The number of people in Meltor who can teach you won't exceed five fingers."
They were the Tower Masters who had built their own specialties by repeating their endeavors after reaching the 7th Circle. Only they could help Theodore along his path. Fortunately, Veronica treated him especially well, so there would be no problem for him to seek guidance.
Vince thought up to there as he looked at Theodore with an equal amount of pride and sadness. His disciple had grown up to be a great magician. A fully grown eagle should be let loose to soar freely in the sky.
"It is time for your promise with that young lady. You should go before you are late," Vince said.
"…Yes, then what about Master?" Theodore asked.
"I'll have one more drink before leaving."
"I understand. Then I'll see you again in the evening."
"Yes."
Theodore rose first, while Vince looked at his departing back with calm eyes.
It was said that a hero was born in troubling times. According to that saying, Theodore would be caught up in an even more violent storm. He would be the one to decide the fate of the Meltor Kingdom in the Northern continent, with its hundreds of years of history.
As Theo's teacher, Vince prayed that the path before Theodore would be smooth.
* * *
'I feel glad to see this place,' Theodore thought as he placed his palms on the firmly closed door before him. The pair of doors was much thicker, and the patterns on it were more complex than the rest of the doors.
That's right. The place where he'd promised to meet Sylvia was Pentarium, the place where the finals of the Pupil Tournament was held.
Kukukung…
Somebody else had already entered this place, so the inside was already illuminated when the doors opened.
The Pentarium was empty, but the vastness of the audience seats could still be seen. It had been almost three years, but the scenery of Pentarium hadn't changed much. When he closed his eyes, it seemed like he could still hear the cheering which had echoed in his ears.
However, Theodore stared ahead at what was before him. There was a girl standing in the middle of the main hall. Sylvia's blue robe and silver hair gave Theodore a sense of deja vu.
It was Sylvia's voice which made him return from the illusion of the past.
"Hasn't it been a while, Theo?" Sylvia called out. If her old voice had been like a clear bell, then it now sounded like a calm lake as it echoed through the main hall of the deserted Pentarium.
Was it because they were meeting in this place, or was it due to the two of them meeting after a long time? Either way, Theodore took in the strange atmosphere and called out her name, "Sylvia."
With a faint smile on her face, Sylvia started to talk. "I thought about it after Theo left."
It was the first time Sylvia had cared about anything other than magic. Unlike Theodore, who already had good relationships with other people before Sylvia changed, Theodore was Sylvia's first friend.
They'd fought with all their power at their first meeting. Then on their trip together, they'd fought the undead and elder lich. They hadn't seen each other for a while, but Sylvia and Theodore had also fought together against 'Laevateinn.'
After that, Theodore had left. Theodore's departure had only been known to a few key people, including Kurt III. It was only after approximately three months that Sylvia had found out.
She didn't remember how many days she'd spent laying in her room.
Thus, she'd started thinking about it. Just like how she dealt with magic, she wrote things down and erased them until the right answer came out. No one had taught her that there were no right answers in human relationships.
"Why did Theo leave without saying anything?" Sylvia realized that he now stood in a different place from her. "I had forgotten. Friendship is a bond between equals."
She looked at his back which was much stronger than hers, and she felt despair. Sylvia thought that she couldn't be friends with him anymore if she didn't catch up to him. So, she read books every day and wielded her staff all day. She didn't give up until the fun magic became painful.
Sylvia looked down at the floor and said, "This place, Theodore was the same."
The final of the Pupil Tournament… It was the story of a boy who had been inferior to her but fought without giving up. He had borrowed Gluttony's power, but Sylvia had been much stronger at the time. Even so, Theodore had been the winner.
Compared to him who worked so hard, she had realized that her pain was merely a child's tantrum.
"I want Theo to check it yourself," Sylvia stated.
"What?" Theodore uttered.
"If I am your friend or not," Sylvia said as she grabbed her white staff firmly. Her hands were sweating, and she felt a mixture of tension and excitement.
On the contrary, Theodore was confused. It was true that he wasn't sociable, but he at least knew that friends didn't have to prove whether they were qualified.
'How do I talk to her?'
If this continued, one of them would get hurt unnecessarily. It was reckless for her to go against a 7th Circle. Why was she so obsessed with becoming friends with him? Why did she want to fight? What was she trying to prove?
He wanted to ask her all these questions. However, Theodore remained silent. Unlike three years ago, Sylvia's eyes were shining and determined.
"…I have a lot to say, but I'll postpone it until later," Theodore said.
Then he shifted his weight back fluidly, and his body glided over the ground. As he slid smoothly like the ground was ice, Theodore managed to secure a distance of 30 meters. This was a distance where two expert magicians could aim magic at each other.
In other words, it meant he accepted to have the fight with Sylvia. "Come Sylvia. This time, you are the challenger."
Sylvia smiled brightly. It was like the sun had emerged from behind some clouds. "Yes!"
Unlike their past fight, there were no spectators, but this was better. A battle between senior magicians was like a small natural disaster. The audience members would pay the fee with their lives.
Six circles rotated in Sylvia's body at a terrifying speed, causing the magic power to stir in the tranquil main hall.
Huuuuong!
As Theodore rotated his circles, he admired her, 'This is truly great sensitivity. Hasn't she become much stronger than a year ago?'
Her control of the surrounding magic power was strong enough to be on a similar level with Theodore.
The Blue Tower Master's disciple, she truly was one of the geniuses who represented this era.
The magic power around Sylvia was converted into an attribute, causing frost to appear everywhere.
Jjeok, jejejeok.
The ground frosted over as the moisture in the air froze and drew an unknown pattern. Shapes and letters were made from the transparent ice, forming a large magic circle made of frost.
An exclamation of surprise burst from Theodore's mouth as he grasped its identity. "Drawing a magic circle with frost…?!"
This was an idea he had never thought about. It was common sense that frost was a precursor to ice magic, but to think that it was possible to further amplify the ice magic by drawing the magic circle with frost? Although this was an unconventional idea, Sylvia was proficient in it.
While Theodore was in shock, Sylvia's high-pitched voice completed the spell like she was singing, "Over the sky, under the sky! Blow unceasingly in the sky, Ymir's white fog!"
This was Sylvia Adruncus' unique magic.
"-Diamond Dust!"
Chapter 178 – Eye of the Storm (2)
The moment she spoke, a cold wind started blowing. Apart from the lethal force that the magic implied, the phenomenon which occurred was unbelievably beautiful. It was a glorious silver storm!
The white, snowflake-like particles glittered like crystals as they froze. Even a human with a strong vitality wouldn't be able to survive. Theodore would become an ice statue before he could even feel the cold.
"…This… Isn't it really amazing?" Theodore marveled at Sylvia's genius.
'Using Blizzard and then the technique of Frozen Orb to compress the frost… There are at least five types of ice-making procedures being used in combination to create this… It would be difficult even for a Prime of the Blue Tower to do.'
This was a unique magic, but Sylvia had not designed or developed it. She had just combined existing magic formulas in a way that no one else had tried. It was similar to the magic fusion theory which Theodore had used to develop Volcanic Shell, but a few steps further.
Sylvia's 'Diamond Dust' overtook decades of research. It wasn't in the 7th Circle, but it was a magic which surpassed the 6th Circle! After Sylvia shouted 'Diamond Dust,' she pointed her shaking staff at Theodore and exclaimed, "Go…!"
The storm swirling above her staff followed her command. The movement of the high-density magic power condensed into a vortex which could be seen even by a person who didn't learn magic. Then it descended from the air toward the ground.
This storm which could freeze flesh and muscles descended toward Theodore, and—
Nothing happened.
Kurururung!
Theodore stayed still as Diamond Dust descended toward him, but he didn't even use defense magic.
"T-Theo…?!" A sharp scream burst from Sylvia's mouth.
It was a magic which a sword master couldn't be safe against when defenseless, and yet Theodore was defenseless?
Sylvia wanted to be acknowledged by Theodore, not kill him. Therefore, she received a huge shock. However, ironically, her legs didn't collapse because of her thorough training over the last year.
Unlike the robustness of her body, her face was pale white. The moment her mind was about to collapse like a perforated dam…
Puhwaak!
A red robe emerged from the storm. Theodore took off the robe, which was decorated with frost and icicles, and ran toward Sylvia. Unlike Sylvia, Theodore had calmly grasped the situation a while ago.
'This is a power that can only be called a foul.'
It was the Artificial Yin and Yang. Half of it was supported by Aquilo's Blood Mark, and the power derived from it was a natural enemy of water magicians.
[* Understanding of water magic and fire magic has greatly increased, reducing the casting time of magic. Ignores attribute damage that is below the user's level, and halves it if it exceeds the user's level.]
Sylvia's unique magic was definitely amazing. 'Diamond Dust' was perhaps the best magic which could be achieved by a magician who hadn't reached the master level, as it was in the boundary between 6th and 7th Circle magic.
Even a 7th Circle magician like Theodore had to be careful against it. He admired Sylvia's talents and efforts which had created such a unique magic.
The problem was that the target of the magic was Theodore.
It might be different when using magic to mobilize physical force, like the old Liquid Snake. However, the pure water magic phenomenon was blocked by the water resistance in Aquilo's Blood Mark. No matter how comparable to 7th Circle magic it was, Diamond Dust wasn't a 7th Circle magic.
He ran across the frozen ground and called out to Sylvia, who was losing control, "Sylvia!"
"Ah." Relief filled her eerily blank expression, and she held her staff like it was a spear.
She had already pioneered the staff techniques Blundell had taught her. It wouldn't be easy for a knight to find gaps in her defense to pierce through. In the finals of the tournament, Theodore had almost lost to that very staff technique.
'…No, it has changed from that time!' Theodore realized.
He was now 10 meters away from Sylvia. Simultaneously, a few ice spears floated around her, gleaming menacingly.
Kwa kwa kwak. Kwack! Kwa kwak! Kwack! The spears pierced the ground of the stadium in succession.
The strength of the spears, which had frozen at extremely low temperatures, was already above steel. Theo could defend against being turned into an ice statue, but it wasn't possible with physical force.
The spears aimed toward him. Sylvia was well-aware of Theodore's ability to use Battle Song with other magic tricks, so she didn't let him use it. However, the discipline carved into Theodore's body was incredibly sharp.
His ability to invoke Battle Song in this moment was amazing. Theodore easily pierced through the wall of rock aimed at him. The movement, however, was slow in comparison to Randolph's sword strikes or the water droplet Aquilo fired.
Kiiiiiik!
Theodore's hand flowed lightly. An object moving quickly in a straight line was vulnerable to attacks from the side, like an arrow being deviated due to a gust of wind. The strike from Theodore's hand caused the staff's trajectory to change.
"Ah…!" Sylvia gasped.
As Theodore's fist aimed for that fatal gap, Sylvia foresaw the pain and couldn't help closing her eyes.
She could endure pain, but she was somehow afraid of looking at Theodore. Sylvia tried to reduce the impact by tilting her head backward, but Theodore had no intention of hitting her from the very beginning.
He touched his finger and thumb together. Yes, it was an action that anyone would've done as a child. Theodore's powerful flick struck the middle of Sylvia's white forehead.
Ttaak!
"Kyak?!" Sylvia's legs loosened at the unexpected pain.
Perhaps it was due to the previous mental shock that the power behind the flick seemed like she was stung by a bee. Sylvia grabbed her forehead while feeling it was absurd. Theodore looked down at her with a smile and asked, "Have you calmed down now?"
"I'm angry!" Sylvia had been flicked during the middle of a serious fight, so she couldn't help complaining. "Forehead flick… Why…? I'm serious about this fight."
"Ah, wasn't that obvious with the magic you first used? It was definitely amazing. I would've suffered if I didn't have a foul method."
"F-Foul?! Theo, what foul?"
"I can't teach you that," Theodore teased Sylvia in a mischievous tone while looking at her innocent face.
It might be due to Diamond Dust having no effect, or maybe she was surprised by the forehead flick, but a dark shadow appeared in her eyes. Theodore realized that it was finally the atmosphere for a talk and sat down beside her.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"Huh?" Sylvia's blue eyes widened as he apologized.
"You were the one who always helped me when I was having trouble, so I��m sorry that I left without saying anything."
"Theo…?"
"It was me, not you, who was lacking in the relationship between us. I didn't do enough for you, compared to everything you did for me."
Due to his bad memories of the academy, Theodore was reluctant toward the existences called 'friends.' Therefore, he hadn't taken good care of Sylvia. He knew that he was her first friend, but he'd ignored how heavy a responsibility it was. He hadn't been able to say goodbye, and he'd left without telling Sylvia anything.
Theo had left her alone… because his baggage was too heavy.
"I'm sorry, Sylvia," Theodore apologized once again as Sylvia's eyes stared at him. It seemed like all his pent-up feelings were being released. "In the future, I won't leave without saying anything."
"…Sob." Tears formed in Sylvia's blue eyes. As the tears fell down her flushed cheeks, Sylvia jumped into Theodore's arms.
"Huaack, h-huaaang…!"
It would've been okay if she had been alone from start to finish. After all, a child left alone wouldn't know the concept of being together with someone.
However, Sylvia knew. She'd felt the warmth of being with someone, as well as what it felt like to share emotions and joy with someone who wasn't a family member. Along with a sense of fulfillment, she also felt a sense of loss.
Theodore patted her back and murmured, "Yes, I was wrong."
He felt the front of his shirt was becoming wet, but he didn't know what to do. These feelings of warmth, moisture, and a soft texture were unfamiliar. Theodore hugged Sylvia on the floor of Pentarium. He thought that the sobs had stopped, but it was probably his mistake.
Then at least five minutes passed by.
'S-So. How long should I be doing this…?' Theodore's mind was confused from hugging a girl for the first time.
He had experience with Veronica, but it was a situation where she had always initiated it. He had never once held someone through his own will. Theodore also didn't know how to comfort a woman who was crying.
At that moment, somebody's voice rang out from behind him, "Oho…"
A saying from the Eastern Continent fit this situation perfectly.
"I flew for three days and nights without sleeping, only to see you playing with this kid…?"
Speak of the tiger, and it will come to see you.
The woman, Veronica, revealed her presence behind Theodore and Sylvia.
"T-Tower Master…?!" Theodore exclaimed.
"Hrmm… You are still calling me Tower Master…?" Veronica remarked.
Theodore got an uncomfortable feeling when he looked at her. Sensing that, he let go of Sylvia and then rose to his feet. With her red hair flying around her, the beautiful woman looked like a literal flame. The fact that she'd flown for three days and nights sounded ridiculous, but the scent of the cold night air was coming from her disheveled robe.
Chiiiik! Heat spread from Veronica's feet, quickly melting Sylvia's ice. No, the speed was closer to 'evaporation,' rather than 'melting.' Veronica didn't use any magic. It was just that the temperature went up when she was feeling agitated. So, the cold air warmed up as well.
Veronica's shoes made loud sounds as she walked forward and said, "I haven't seen you in a year, but this is much more than I expected…"
Theodore couldn't move his body. Just like a herbivore that froze before a predator, he stood still as Veronica's golden eyes stopped in front of him. She stretched out her white fingers and patted Theodore's cheek gently.
"By the way…"
Her fingers moved from his cheek to his ear.
"Why?"
Then her fingers descended toward his neck.
"Why is there a bad fishy smell coming from the body of my kid…?"
Veronica's fingers stopped at a certain point on his neck. She gently touched the area, which Aquilo had bitten, and simultaneously poured out Dragon Fear like a full dragon.
Chapter 179 – Eye of the Storm (3)
The standard saying was the 'difference between the heavens and the earth,' but this was more like the phenomenon where a beast growled at another beast. The words which Veronica whispered into Theodore's ears caused a chill to go down his spine.
Theodore gulped and thought hard about it, 'A bad fishy smell… Is it because of Aquilo's blood?'
It was a completely unexpected problem. Just as Aquilo had noticed Veronica's presence back at the Pirate Archipelago, it was likely Veronica noticed Aquilo's presence on Theodore.
The red dragons and blue dragons had always had a thoroughly troubled relationship which stretched back to the ancient times. As far as these two clans were concerned, the invasion of each other's territories was a declaration of war. Therefore, it wasn't strange for them to be more sensitive to the other clan's presence.
Additionally, there were the words Gluttony had said. It had said that most battles between the two dragons were usually seen when crossing from one territory to the other… or when their possessions were touched.
"Kid. Yes? Don't keep your mouth shut." Veronica's grip on Theodore's neck tightened as she gazed at him with blazing eyes. Unlike her singsong voice, the emotions in her eyes resembled magma which was about to explode.
Despite the fact that there was nothing hard to reveal, Theodore's mouth couldn't open. Did she notice Theodore's cautiousness?
Veronica grinned as Dragon Fear melted away, then her voice became sweet enough to melt Theodore's ears. "I'm sorry Kid. In the meantime, haven't you suffered?"
"Huh?"
"I know the importance of breaking through the 'wall' as a magician, but I also know that the process is never smooth. You went all the way to foreign countries, so wasn't it hard?"
"…That…" Theodore's eyes shook at the words.
He had stubbornly pushed himself with a steel-like mental power, but he wasn't an iron man who couldn't feel tired. Theodore had missed his home whenever he looked up at the different constellations in the sky. On the days when he didn't speak, he had longed to communicate with someone.
It had been a little better after Randolph joined him, but he had wanted to have a chat with another magician. However, the people he could feel this kinship with had all been in Meltor. Standing before him was Veronica, one of the people he had missed.
'Ah, I'm comfortable.'
Her affectionate voice and hot temperature interfered with Theodore's cool thinking. Veronica was a person who knew his pain and gave him comfort. Theodore gazed at Veronica and gradually relaxed. As if she wanted to maintain the momentum to the end, a subtle smile appeared on Veronica's face. "Yes, I know everything. How difficult it was for you, how hard you tried…"
"T-Tower Master."
"Theodore, you should call me, 'Sister'."
Theodore's heart thumped when he heard her call his name, rather than a nickname. Was this the dragon's voice which had attracted heroes in many myths and legends?
'Should I just tell her? It is hard to hide everything…'
He knew it wasn't wise to reveal everything, but he had the feeling of wanting to confess everything to Veronica. She had the hot emotions as a mixed red dragon, but she was also one of the tower masters who guarded Meltor. Veronica was mature enough to deal with it.
His vigilance almost collapsed as Veronica's voice entered Theodore's ears, "I know everything, so don't worry."
"That…"
At that moment, the magma bubbling inside her leaked out. "-Where is the fish I should kill?"
An eerie atmosphere burst out from Veronica's body. The innate aversion of the red clan toward the blue clan was stepping on the male called Theodore. If it wasn't for the sake of their relationship, Veronica would've immediately flown away to kill Aquilo.
'No, there is no way I can tell her.' Thanks to that, Theodore barely regained his rational thinking.
He absolutely couldn't let Veronica and Aquilo meet. If he brought Aquilo here, there would be a life-and-death struggle. Aquilo wasn't his enemy, but neither were they in a mutually beneficial relationship.
As Theo hesitated to answer, the light of salvation appeared.
"Stop it, Red Tower Master."
It was Sylvia. She ran forward and used her white staff to separate the two people. Then she stood in front of Theodore and stared straight at Veronica as she said, "You are burdening Theo right now."
"…Hah?" Veronica uttered. This was different from when she talked to Theodore. Veronica didn't calm down. Instead, her atmosphere became even harsher. "Young girl, why are you getting in between me and the kid?"
"I'm his friend."
"Friend?"
"Yes, friend. The best."
Veronica smiled strangely at Sylvia's words and said, "Yes, you are the kid's 'friend?' I understand."
This time, Sylvia's expression stiffened. It was an explicitly mocking taunt. Theodore, the eye of the storm, didn't know it, but the two women had already become rivals. They competed with their positions, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Unlike men who just hit each other, this was the beginning of the nerve war called the 'catfight.'
"Does Tower Master know anything about Theo?"
"What…?!"
"You are just the tower master."
For the first time, Veronica's face before had a blank expression before her harsh atmosphere returned. She was used to fighting with fists or magic, so this was a first for her.
Maybe it was due to the retorts, but the argument between the rivals, who were fighting over Theodore, became more heated. This was the moment when the dangerous catfight was about to start.
However, the two women's fight stopped shortly before that.
"Veronica! Theodore! Sylvia! Are you in there?"
It was because a person's voice rang from outside the doors of Pentarium. As Theodore hurried to reply, a man entered and rushed before the two people. 'Didn't this happen last time?'
Veronica thought the same thing as her voice filled with annoyance, "Why are you calling me when I've just returned?!"
"Hiik!" The Dragon Fear in Veronica's voice made the knees of the magician weaken. She was an 8th Circle magician and had dragon's blood, which created an ominous presence.
However, the more surprising thing was the response of the Magic Society magician. His legs quivered, but he still delivered the news to the three people in a trembling voice, "H-His Majesty called all of you…!"
"Me and the kid?"
"S-Sylvia as well!"
Veronica and Theodore were understandable. There were many reasons why they might be called. After going beyond the wall of the 7th Circle, the magician was a pillar which supported the nation as well as a symbol of strength which was comparable to an elite army.
However, why was Sylvia summoned as well? The three people couldn't guess why and exchanged glances.
'Phew, I'm saved thanks to His Majesty.'
In any case, Theodore narrowly escaped.
* * *
Kwaang! The door opened roughly. Who would dare do such a thing in Meltor's royal palace? Even the empire's Seven Swords wouldn't dare do such a thing. However, no one yelled at the culprit.
Veronica's eyes were burning brightly as she kicked open the door!
"Your Majesty!"She roared.
As Theodore and Sylvia stayed back, Veronica snapped at Kurt on the throne, "Do you think I can travel like Orta? I flew all the way here! If I work without resting, of course I will be exhausted! In addition, what is this? Why is the chairman of the Magic Society here?"
"Hmm, it has been a while," the chairman of the Magic Society greeted.
"It has been a long time since you left the central tower," Veronica stated.
It was as Veronica said. The chairman of the Magic Society was different from the other tower masters.
The magic towers played an active part in the administration of the kingdom, and the chairman was a caretaker who always stayed in Meltor. He was an old magician who would help if war broke out, but otherwise, he put his own research first.
The chairman frequently didn't show up for big meetings, so today must be unusual if he was present.
"Now, let's sit down and talk."Kurt declared.
"…I will listen."
Kurt smiled bitterly as Veronica sat down. Once the three people who had entered sat down at the round table, Kurt rose from his throne. He said, "I would like to express my gratitude to you who have gathered in the middle of your busy day. I'll skip all the small chatter and let you know that the reason I've brought you in is to talk about the Magic Contest."
"Magic Contest… Already?"
"It is a bit sooner this year."
The event was held once a year in the Meltor Kingdom, and it was literally the greatest attraction in the North. It was a matter which had a great impact on the whole kingdom, so the king gathered all the top magicians in the kingdom to discuss it in advance.
However, the discussion about the Magic Contest was held periodically once a year, so there was no need to summon everyone. Kurt focused on the group and revealed the reason, "The Magic Contest this year will be more special than any other year."
The same questioning gaze appeared in the eyes of all the magicians. The king continued, "I was contacted just last night. An ambassador from Elvenheim will come to announce our alliance at this year's Magic Society."
"A-Ambassador from Elvenheim!"
"Announcing the alliance?!"
The others asked with disbelief and confusion, making Kurt nod with a gentle expression before continuing.
"Of course. They don't need to come to Meltor if they have no intention of announcing it. The present partnership would be enough. Doesn't it seem like the North is going to turn upside down?"
"…Fascinating."
"Huhaha! There is no time to rest in my old age!"
White Tower Master Orta touched his chin, while Blue Tower Master Blundell laughed and pounded the table.
Until now, Meltor was the only kingdom remaining undefeated by the vast territory, population, and armies of the Andras Empire. Every so often, they fought back when a great magician emerged, but the roots of the empire's pillars were never broken.
However, that story was only when both sides were fighting 1:1.
The alliance with Elvenheim and the emergence of a new master, who had killed one of the empire's Seven Swords, meant that Meltor's power had climbed to a point where they could compete with Andras.
The war which had lasted for hundreds, maybe thousands of years might be approaching its end.
"In fact, this discussion occurred last year, but it wasn't accepted because the main party wasn't there. It is Theodore Miller, not Meltor, that Elvenheim thinks of as their savior."
Theodore bowed his head. "I'm ashamed."
"No, there is no need to apologize. You returned with even more profit. You took down one of the empire's Seven Swords and gave this kingdom another master. This meeting isn't only to discuss Elvenheim's delegation." Kurt III paused for a moment before making a gesture.
The servant, standing silently behind the throne, approached Theodore with a box. It contained a symbol representing the Meltor royal family. The box was made of precious wood, and an unbelievable amount of magic power spilled from the seal on the box.
Theodore took it, and Kurt continued speaking, "Once the ambassadors from Elvenheim arrive, it will be hard for you to show any kind of credibility if you remain as a magician with no rank. So, I want to give you a worthy position as your personal reward."
Kurt's words weren't wrong. As a 7th Circle magician, there was no one more senior than Theodore except for the tower masters and the chairman of the Magic Society. How could such a person be left without a title? It would clearly be a waste in such a situation.
"Open it."
Theodore opened the latches of the box in accordance with Kurt's instructions.
Slide. The lid of the wooden box slowly opened, revealing its contents.
It was a suit of clothes. There weren't enough decorations on the clothes for them to be robes, and it was too luxurious to be a combat suit. It was like shadows had been weaved together in order to make these clothes.
Theodore looked at the clothing and murmured, "…This?"
The gold pattern embroidered on the heart area was in the shape of an owl, the symbol of Meltor's tower masters. Theodore understood the meaning and looked surprised.
Then Kurt started to explain, "In anticipation of the war with the Andras Empire, I proposed the formation of a magic division consisting of the next tower master candidates. I got consent from all the tower masters except for Veronica, and the majority of state administrators have approved it."
Theodore's eyes widened as he grasped the situation, and Kurt nodded.
He clapped a few times before making an edict, "I will make you the head of the magic division, 'Quattro.'"
Chapter 180 – Eye of the Storm (4)
'Quattro,' was a word which meant the number '4' and also symbolized the four magic towers. It was a division made up of the tower master candidates!
Theodore was now the head of a unit which would be the next generation of leaders of the kingdom, except for the king. Theodore rose from his seat and accepted the appointment. "I will do my best, despite still being immature."
"I look forward to your work in the future, Captain Theodore," Kurt III said while nodding.
Then Theodore sat down again. However, there were many differences from when he rose from that seat and when he sat down.
Although he hadn't created a 'Sorcery' yet, Theodore's magic abilities, cumulative accomplishments, and attainment of the 7th Circle were clearly too much for him to stay as a Prime. Theodore was already qualified to sit at the same table as a tower master.
For him to become the head of 'Quattro' was a suitable justification.
"It is decided," Kurt III said. Then after some light applause, he calmed down the crowd and declared, "From now on, we will raise the authority of Prime Theodore to the same level as the other tower masters. He will be guaranteed the right to participate in important meetings, and he can spend a portion of the budget allocated to the magic towers. He will also have free entry to the Zero Library. Are there any objections?"
""....""
"Tower Master Veronica."
After the crowd's silent affirmation, Kurt turned to the still silent Veronica, who glared at him.
However, Kurt was accustomed to this and didn't shrink back as he asked, "It has already been implicitly agreed, but do you accept Prime Theodore as the next Red Tower Master and agree with this decision? If you disagree, we can think about other ways."
"No." Regardless of whether it was a positive or negative acknowledgment, Veronica leaned back in her chair. Then she looked strangely at the box in Theodore's hands and nodded. "I'm in favor of it. He is qualified and deserving of that type of treatment.
"Okay, it is a unanimous decision." An expression of satisfaction filled Kurt's face, then he looked back. "Chamberlain, send them in."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The chamberlain bowed and opened a small door in the corner. It was designed so the door could only be opened from the inside. This meant the door wouldn't have been opened if Theodore or the tower masters had objected to the position.
Then two people walked in through the side door. One was a man with brown hair and dressed in white robes, while the other person was a girl with blonde hair and dressed in yellow robes.
They were from the white and yellow towers.
Surprisingly, the patterns on their robes indicated that they were a Prime and a Superior. The male Prime seemed to be in his early 30s, while the girl, who looked the same age as Sylvia, was surprisingly already a Superior.
"I will introduce you to your colleagues, Captain Theodore."
As Theodore expected, Kurt III introduced the two people as members of 'Quattro.' That meant…
"This is the tower master candidate for the White Tower, Prime William. This lady is the Yellow Tower candidate, Superior Para."
'I knew it.' Theodore looked at the two people in turn.
Since there were people from the White Tower and Yellow Tower, that meant there was one tower left.
Unsurprisingly, Kurt pointed to Sylvia next. "As you know well, Blue Tower Master Blundell's disciple, Superior Sylvia, was named as the next tower master. Unless she refuses, the four of you will work together as part of Quattro."
Sylvia had experienced Theodore's absence over the past year, so she couldn't refuse to work together with him now. One second after Kurt's introduction, she responded with prompt politeness, "Superior Sylvia! I will follow Your Majesty's words!"
Sylvia's voice was so loud that Kurt couldn't help stuttering for a while, "Y-Yes, I heard you."
He looked at Sylvia with a smile before the wooden boxes were also handed to the other three Quattro members. Just like Theodore's, these boxes contained black uniforms. However, there was no owl pattern on it. It meant that only Theodore was treated as equal to the other tower masters.
In any case, the leader of Quattro was Theodore.
'Hrmm, both of their skills seem fine.'
They were indeed the people who could become the next tower masters.
William was an elite magician who was already at the 6th Circle, whereas Para was only at the 5th Circle, but little magic power was overflowing from her. It was proof that her magic power control was very good.
Aside from Sylvia, Theodore looked carefully at the other two people. Soon his gaze turned back to Para.
'…Eh?'
There was no doubt that she was a beauty. She was smaller than Sylvia, but it would be hard for any man to turn their eyes away from her in 10 years. She had ocher-like skin, hair that looked like gold dust, and eyes which shone like rubies.
However, Theodore felt an uncomfortable feeling soon after he faced the reddish eyes. At that moment, the expressionless Para smiled thinly. She placed a slender index finger to her lips and secretly whispered, "Shh."
Without knowing what Theodore was thinking, Kurt thought that the four people needed time to get used to this and changed the topic.
"Captain Theodore."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"The remainder of your reward will be given by the Yellow Tower Master. I don't know what is going on, but he wants to meet with you."
"…I will follow Your Majesty's words."
He didn't know why the Yellow Tower Master called him, but there was no point asking the king. Theodore bowed his head and complied with the king's command.
Kurt finished giving out his instructions and got up from his seat. "Now, let's continue the story of this year's Magic Contest. The tower masters will each be responsible for their own areas, as it is every year. This time, there will be a lot of work to create an area where the delegation from Elvenheim can stay."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Prior to starting the full-fledged discussion, Kurt spoke to the Quattro members, "Quattro, you can leave now. Captain Theodore, you can participate in this meeting if you want. What do you want to do?"
"I…"
Now, Theodore had the right to participate in important meetings. If he wanted to, he could raise an agenda or refuse someone's suggestion about Meltor's largest annual event, the Magic Contest. Being able to participate in the meeting established him as one of the main powers of Meltor.
Theodore made his decision and opened his mouth.
* * *
In the end, Theodore didn't participate in the meeting. The other three members of his division walked out of the room with him and down the path towards the magic towers.
"What, you really left. Is it okay, Captain?" William, the brown-haired person in the white robe, asked Theodore as he walked. William was interested in why Theodore had left the meeting about the Magic Contest without hesitation.
"It doesn't matter. I didn't come to the magic towers for power, so it will be fine," Theodore affirmed.
"Ah, that is what I like hearing!" It seemed like William admired Theodore and praised, "Yes, this is a magician! It isn't about money or power! Quiet princess of the Blue Tower, what do you think?"
"Huh? Ah, yes," Sylvia uttered.
"Kya! Both of you are younger and more talented than me. My belly is a bit sore with envy, but you will be a good leader and colleague. Interesting." William chattered on with no interruptions for a few minutes.
Then the four people arrived at the crossroads which led to their respective magic towers. William left first, while Sylvia also had to head in the opposite direction of Theodore. However, she hesitated.
Theodore guessed the reason and soothed her, "Sylvia, are we going to act together from now on?"
"Yes…"
"I promise not to disappear without hesitation, and I'll see you again later in the evening."
"Yes, I understand." Sylvia looked back at him a few times before eventually leaving for the Blue Tower.
'…Then from here on out.'
Only Theodore and Para remained at the crossroads, and an unknown tension filled the space. In fact, Theodore wasn't interested in the Magic Contest. However, he was wary of Para's existence.
Theodore didn't know what was the source of the discomfort. He had encountered many strong people before, but his intuition told him that Para's true identity was unimaginable! In the unnatural silence, Theodore opened his mouth first, "What did you come to me for, Tower Master?"
He didn't doubt it. Theodore trusted his intuition, which had saved his life many times. The image of the girl which made him feel uncomfortable… Her real identity was the Yellow Tower Master.
It was doubtful if the other tower masters knew this identity, but Theodore was certain.
"Hoh." However, Para didn't feel confused by the sudden inquiry. She faced Theodore with a strange expression of admiration and said, "Haven't you changed a lot during the period when I didn't see you? It is a difficult growth rate to maintain, even if you are the owner of a grimoire. Is this the glutton of the Seven Sins, Gluttony?"
"-What?!"
It was shocking.
Pak!
Theodore lost his soul for a moment, then he jumped backward as reason returned to him. His seven circles revolved as he prepared to attack the opponent at any time. The fear which tickled the back of his neck was different from anything he had felt before.
It was a horrible chill as all his secrets were revealed at once. This was dangerous, but how did the other person know about Gluttony's existence? The identity of the other person didn't matter to Theodore anymore.
'Should I kill him?'
Even in the Magic Society, which collected knowledge, grimoires were rare. Theodore expected the masters of grimoires to be hunted and captured. Just like the case of the Miller Barony, there were many cases where grimoires adversely affected the world.
Of course, Theodore didn't know what would happen, but he wasn't reckless enough to make a bet on this gamble. However, there was someone who shouted before him.
-…You!
It was Gluttony's deep voice, which sounded as angry as someone from the bottom of hell. Gluttony's hatred and resentment exploded toward the unknown girl, –You dare to break the taboo!
Then Para nodded and bowed. "Taboo, what are you talking about?"
–Don't keep up your pretense! Gluttony's roar rang out through the crossroad. -Alchemy grimoire, Paragranum! An existence that violates its own nature and functions!
Chapter 181 – Paracelsus' Legacy (1)
It was like a bolt out of the blue.
The Yellow Tower Master, one of the symbols of the Meltor Kingdom, was actually a grimoire!
However, Paragranum wasn't surprised about having her identity exposed by Gluttony. Theodore, who was caught in a war of nerves between two grimoires, was simply astonished. The fact that he was encountering another grimoire besides Gluttony… This reality which went beyond his imagination shook his composure.
'What the hell is going on?' He gritted his teeth.
Theodore sent the grimoire on his left hand and the one in the shape of a girl irritated glances.
The presence felt from the girl wasn't great. The problem was that he couldn't guess what was inside. Why did she approach Theodore as a member of 'Quattro,' and why did she appear despite being aware of Gluttony's presence?
Additionally, he didn't know what Gluttony meant by 'taboo.' Theodore wanted to ask, but Gluttony was in an unprecedentedly confused mental state right now. Moreover, what was the reason for her status as the Yellow Tower Master?
"Kuhat, what type of atmosphere is this for a talk? I was interrupted the last time because of Veronica…" Unlike the cute appearance of the girl's face, Para smiled bleakly and waved her arms. "It is good to see you, Boy. I am the Yellow Tower Master Norden and the grimoire, Paragranum, the last book left behind by the great alchemist, Paracelsus. That tongue is pretty wary, but this body is 10 times weaker than yours, so you don't have to worry about it."
"..."
"Well, you would be an idiot to just believe me. There is still a lot to talk about."
It was a roundabout suggestion to change their location. This crossroad wasn't a suitable location to share a secret because it was a place where people usually came and went.
'Damn, is it okay to be dragged around like this?'
When Theo looked at the situation calmly, Norden didn't feel like an enemy. Theodore's feeling of discomfort toward her was a sudden fear of his secret being revealed, but his sensory perception had been quiet from beginning to end.
Theodore was well-aware that it was risky to rely solely on his senses, just like when he'd been attacked by Aquilo. In the end, his sensory perception was just an indicator, like a compass. It was reliable as well as unreliable.
In the end, it was up to Theodore himself to decide.
This was a situation where they both knew each other's secrets, but Theodore was nervous in comparison to the Yellow Tower Master's laid-back attitude. The initiative of the conversation had already passed over to Para.
"…Then where do you intend to continue this conversation?" Theodore asked as he was forced to take a step back.
"If you don't mind, how about my laboratory?" Para laughed and pointed to the top of the yellow tower. It was a place where no magician had stepped into for decades, maybe centuries. In that sense, the Yellow Tower Master was like an urban legend in this city.
The grimoire, Paragranum, had been hiding as a human for more than 500 years, at least since the completion of the magic towers. The two people began moving in the direction of the Yellow Tower.
* * *
'Gluttony.' As Theodore climbed up the tower followed the Yellow Tower Master, he used the gap to ask Gluttony questions, 'Explain the previous talk you had with the Yellow Tower Master. What is the taboo, and what is Paragranum?'
-Hrmm, I understand.
Did Gluttony think it was information that Theodore also needed to know? Gluttony confided the information more readily than Theodore had expected.
–As it said, Paragranum was created by the great alchemist Philipus Paracelsus. No alchemist surpassed him in the Age of Mythology, and the vulcans, the ancestors of the dwarves, regarded him as a wise man. Even the great blacksmith, Vulcanus, treated him as a demi-god.
'…The creator of a grimoire.'
The dwarves were far superior to human craftsman when it came to dexterity and aesthetic sensibilities. Then what about the ancestors of the dwarves? The high elves only inherited a bit of the blood of the Arv, yet they were able to cause miraculous phenomena. Then the pureblood upper species must be the embodiment of miracles themselves.
However, the alchemist called 'Paracelsus' was someone who even the upper species paid their respects to. It was clear that he was far beyond the framework of a mortal existence. He was a presence that could create a grimoire.
–Paragranum is the grimoire created by Paracelsus.
Alchemy had continued to deteriorate since the Age of Mythology, so it wasn't seriously studied in the current era. However, it was the base of the construction of Meltor's magic towers, and it was still being researched.
The grimoire went beyond common sense, so Gluttony's words made frightened Theodore. The reason Paragranum contributed to the founding of Meltor approximately 600 years ago and the making of the magic towers was to establish a research base.
Of course, Paragranum herself might have a different reason. However, Theodore watched the actions of the grimoire and found that his conclusion was close to the right answer.
'Then what does it mean by breaking the taboo?'
–Umm.
This question seemed a bit tough as Gluttony, who had been pouring out the explanation like a stream of water, paused for a moment. However, then it opened its mouth again.
–Every grimoire has a 'purpose of existence' imprinted from its creator. I collect magic, 'Pride' collects genes, and so on, so forth. All of our actions are meant to fulfill that purpose. Do you understand up to here?
'Yes.'
-Therefore, a grimoire follows its own methods of action to achieve its purpose of existence. Autonomous movement, ingestion type, manual control type… They all have their own principles. In the case of Paragranum, it is a 'manual control' type that requires a user.
But Paragranum doesn't have a master now. It created its own body and is pretending to be human. This is different from its purpose. Tools that deviate from their intended purpose are no longer tools.
They deviate from their 'purpose of existence' itself. That is the taboo for grimoires, Gluttony explained in a loud voice. –Simply changing its principles of action isn't bad. But books that violate their purpose become more and more erratic, and soon they will become wild.
It is a sin for a tool to deviate from its fate. It is a miserable end for a grimoire. Their ego will collapse, and they will disappear without achieving the purpose of their existence.
As Theodore had seen in the struggle with Pride and his own experience with Gluttony, grimoires emphasized intelligence and purpose above all else. So, this was an unacceptable result for them. At this moment, Theodore had a question. 'Eh? Then why does the Tower Master look fine? It has been 600 years since the taboo was broken.'
–I am also curious about that reason.
'…Is it dangerous?'
–There is a saying that you might wake up in the morning and die in the evening.
'I don't like that!'
As the grimoire and its owner argued, the girl arrived at the top of the Yellow Tower and asked, "Did you hear an interesting story?"
"…!" Theodore's eyes widened.
This caused Para to chuckle. "You probably asked about me. If you are a master, you would've released at least the 4th seal. You would've heard almost everything and wondered why I am fine after breaking the taboo."
"…Do you have any mind-reading skills?"
"Perhaps. Alchemy doesn't have that type of ability, but I have my own style."
If so, that meant it was Paragranum's fearsome intuition. She was able to infer about the conversation between Theodore and Gluttony. This wasn't an opponent that Theodore could challenge with words. As Theodore filled with tension, Para stopped in front of the tower and said to him, "35 liters of water."
"Huh?" Theodore uttered.
Without responding to Theodore's question, Para continued, "20kg of carbon, 4 liters of ammonia, 1.5 kg of lime, 800g of phosphorus, 250g of salt, 100g of potassium nitrate, 80g of sulfur, 7.5g of fluorine, 5g of iron, 3g of silicon…"
There were a few things in that list which Theodore knew, but some others he didn't. It was knowledge of science and civilization which would only develop in the future. This meant it was a monologue which Theodore didn't understand.
However, Gluttony was different.
–Is that the compound for one average adult human?
"Correct." Para grinned like she had been waiting and stripped off her robe. Theodore had seen beautiful women before, but he was impressed by Para's body, which had perfect proportions. Para waved toward her slim body and said, "I used fewer quantities when creating this girl."
-It isn't made from a human body.
"I can only create something from nothing. Using life that already exists is the domain of chimeras."
Theodore listened to the conversation between grimoires and couldn't hide his confusion. "H-Human body? You created a human body?"
"To be exact, it is a homunculus. This body is just a human imitation and will last 10 more years before dying. In other words, it is a failure."
"…Why?"
'Why was Paragranum trying to make a human? Why make a homunculus? Why was a grimoire doing this? Why live as the Yellow Tower Master?'
Many 'why' questions popped into Theodore's mind. Ethical reluctance, curiosity as a magician, unpleasantness as a human, curiosity about the life that was created… Theodore couldn't guess all the reasons.
However, Paragranum, who had watched many magicians for a long time, knew all of Theodore's questions. The grimoire in the shape of a beautiful girl laughed eerily. "This is because of my purpose."
The great alchemist, Philipus Paracelsus, had left the purpose to create a [human]. The [human] couldn't be superior or inferior to humans.
Paragranum's purpose was to create a complete human being. It didn't matter if they were a beggar or hero, as long as life was created. This was the destiny given to Paragranum and the purpose of its existence. This was the path of truth that the alchemist, who had reached the peak in the Age of Mythology, pursued until the end.
"Thanks to that, I could rewrite my behavior to exclude users and enable solo action. There is no research as effective as imitating humans directly."
One question was resolved for Theodore, but another question popped up. "Why did Paracelsus try to create a human?"
"According to the records of Creator Paracelsus, humans are the 'allies of possibility' and the 'seed of chaos.' Namely, a creature that can't be anything but chaos. If I can create that possibility myself, there may be a way of reaching the truth."
"That… it is a simple hypothesis."
"Is that really the case? No, that question is worthless. Be it right or wrong, I still have to try."
Chill.
After listening to Para, Theodore understood the madness inherent in the grimoire. The grimoire had wisdom from a time which humans could hardly imagine, and it could communicate with a high intelligence. However, it had the instinct to pursue its purpose, regardless of success or failure.
'Don't feel despair. Don't give up. Don't compromise. It isn't possible or impossible.' Para talked like a human, but her essence was thoroughly a tool.
Theodore shut his mouth. Then the Yellow Tower Master turned around and said, "My story is up to here, owner of Gluttony. Are you wondering why I brought you here and confided my secret?"
The tower master opened the door to the tower. The darkness inside flowed out smoothly and seemed to devour the cool air of the corridor. It incited a fear in Theodore that he couldn't understand.
Theodore barely overcame the tension and spoke, "There is something you want to ask."
"Correct." The Yellow Tower Master Paragranum reached out her left hand as she looked at him with a satisfied expression. Then she found something on the wall and bent it.
Click. A dull mechanical sound was heard in the darkness.
"Heok!" Theodore's eyes trembled in amazement.
The darkness cleared and an unimaginable sight appeared before him.
""Hello, welcome to my laboratory for the first time.""
There was something in the shape of a strong, young man. There was another thing in the shape of an elderly old man. Then there was something else that looked like a cute little boy…
And yet another thing in the shape of a beautiful woman. There were people of different shapes floating in transparent glass containers. No, Theodore knew. They were all homunculus. Human shells that didn't have their own ego.
Theodore barely calmed down as he spoke in a quivering voice, "…How many people know this fact?"
"There is no one. If you weren't the owner of a grimoire—no, you wouldn't know if you weren't the owner of Gluttony."
"So, why did you come to me?"
They entered the room, and Para sat down on a chair in the middle of the bizarre room.
Then she looked at the still shaken Theodore. "As you can see, I can't get away from the city. Mana-vil can cope with just Veronica, but I can only move a short distance away. So, I want to do business with you, who have the skills and a shared secret."
"Business?" Theodore shook his head and almost scoffed. Did she show off her power in order to make a deal? However, Paragranum nodded and said with a serious expression, "Don't you have a lot of hidden secrets because of Gluttony? I can help you when it comes to this."
It made a lot of sense. Theodore had managed to avoid answering about the Great Forest, but he couldn't conceal Gluttony's existence forever. The fact that he had recently defeated Hyde, one of the empire's Seven Swords, had yet to be revealed to the public.
Theodore was convinced by the Yellow Tower Master and nodded. "…Continue."
"I need someone to move on my behalf, and you can get benefits while sharing your secrets. Isn't this a win-win situation?"
"What exactly are the benefits?"
"I have been waiting for you to ask!"
From Theodore's point of view, he couldn't help but ask. However, Para pulled something out like she had been waiting. It was a map. The map was outdated, but Theo didn't have any problem recognizing the drawings. It covered an area which coincided with the Meuse Desert, outside the Austen Kingdom.
Para pointed to a red dot on the map and said, "This is the place where the laboratory of my creator, Paracelsus, is hidden. If you go there with my homunculus, I will give you all of the legacy he left behind, except for the materials I need."
Chapter 182 – Paracelsus' Legacy (2)
The laboratory of the great alchemist of the Age of Mythology, Paracelsus…!
Theodore's eyes shook at the unexpected proposal. Traces of the Age of Mythology had been almost completely destroyed, except for some ruins. Some were concealed, while others had been damaged over time.
In this age, there were only a few relics and ruins left intact. A number of magicians would risk their lives to find a laboratory of an alchemist from the Age of Mythology.
'No, I don't know if the laboratory is still intact. The offer might be a trap.'
Theodore took a step back and carefully asked Gluttony, 'Hey, Gluttony.'
–What is it?
'Judge whether the Yellow Tower Master's words are authentic or not. Paracelsus' laboratory… Is that possible?'
–Um. Gluttony was silent for a minute before replying, –I can't be sure it exists, but it is possible. Paracelsus didn't settle in one place but traveled around researching. It wouldn't be strange if Paragranum, the grimoire he created, knew about the location of a laboratory. A laboratory made by Paracelsus might last a few thousand years.
'Is it possible that Paragranum is lying?'
–For a grimoire, the creator is like a god. It wouldn't bring up the name if it was intending to deceive you. However, what is Paragranum looking for in the laboratory?
Theodore accepted Gluttony's words. What did Paragranum need in the laboratory? As the old saying went, the bear would play while the owner earned money.
Additionally, there was a question of what Paragranum would do with the things found in the laboratory. Theodore had already had several encounters with grimoires previously. So, despite the fact that the Yellow Tower Master had contributed to Meltor for hundreds of years, Theodore was wary, well-aware of the dangers of a grimoire.
That's why he hesitated. However, Paragranum opened her mouth first, "Are you wondering why I want to visit the laboratory?"
"…Honestly, yes."
"I know what you are concerned about, but there is no need for it. I just need the Emerald Tablet and a few materials that I can't acquire now."
'The Emerald Tablet?'
Before Theodore could ask what it was, Gluttony suddenly raised his voice, –Emerald Tablet?! It still exists?
"I'm sorry, but I can't allow you to have it, Magic Eater. I need it until the purpose of my existence is achieved."
–Are you going to waste that treasure on creating a human body? It is so foolish that there is no way to express it!
"Aren't you a grimoire? What a thing to say."
Either way, Theodore couldn't understand what was going on at all. He quietly listened to the argument between the two grimoires and carefully interrupted once the quarrel subsided a little bit.
"So, what is the Emerald Tablet?"
–I can't tell you at Stage 4.
"Tch, then it must be something pretty great? Is it dangerous?"
–It won't cause a lot of human fatalities. It isn't something meant for fighting in the first place.
"Then it is fine," Theodore cut off the long story and turned toward Para, who was watching him and Gluttony with a strange expression. "What is included in the legacy that you will give me?"
"Everything else," Paragranum responded immediately without any hesitation. "The golems, artifacts, magic scrolls… Ah, there is also something that Gluttony will enjoy."
"What is it?"
"Creator's original book, 'Fairy's Book'. It is useless for alchemy, but won't it be very useful for you who have contracted with an ancient elemental?"
'An original book from the Age of Mythology!' For a moment, Theodore's eyes filled with greed, and he barely managed to suppress it.
That said, it was a bit strange that an alchemist would write a book about 'fairies.' Perhaps the original book was written to be passed down to someone? However, that speculation was rejected by Gluttony.
-User, Paracelsus was an exceptional alchemist, but he was also a rare elementalist. I think that his book will, at a minimum, go beyond the 'Precious' rating.
'Perhaps even more than that?'
-That's right. Maybe eating that book will release the 5th seal.
The values were sufficient. From Gluttony's 5th seal to the bud on Mitra's head, several problems could be resolved at the same time with this request. Although it was hard right now, a grimoire didn't have the limitation of a lifespan, so it didn't feel 'impatience.' It would just fulfill the request as soon as possible.
Then at that moment…
'Ah, wait a minute.'
One fact that Theodore had forgotten popped into his mind: the sand dragon, Desertio, dwelled in the heart of the Meuse Desert. At the epicenter of the drought affecting the Austen Kingdom, the ancient class dragon was waiting to die.
Paragranum replied to Theodore's unspoken question, "Don't worry. The laboratory is located on the outskirts. Additionally, you are a master, so you can withstand the weathering, even at the center."
–It is true. However, you can't stay for a long time.
It was hard to accept even with the two grimoires agreeing, but Theodore finally nodded.
There was no need to create discord with fussing. Instead, it was necessary to make this relationship as tight as possible. Moreover, this wasn't an absurd request. There was no need for Theodore to feel uncomfortable since the promised price was reasonable.
Paragranum cheered after writing two contracts, "Good, then should I give you a prepayment?"
"What…?"
"Just wait a minute!"
Was the grimoire affected by its girlish appearance? Para cheerfully reached into a chest of drawers, pulling out a dagger and a strangely colored crystal.
Then she returned to Theodore and held out the two items. While gazing at him with her red eyes, she said, "Don't you have the appraisal ability? Pick one of these items. The other one will be given after the task is done."
"What is this?"
"SInce I am the tower master, I can't just speak with words. Take it."
Theodore couldn't refuse.
'Just one time…'
He stretched out a hand, and Gluttony responded by pushing out its tongue. The items were a dagger made of a mysterious material and a crystal which shone with unknown colors. Almost simultaneously, two information windows popped up.
[+20 Azoth Sword (Magic Tool)]
[-A dagger that the great alchemist, Paracelsus, always carried around with him. The blade is of an unknown origin, with A Z O T H written on it. It symbolizes the beginning and the end. There is an empty place for a philosopher's stone to be mounted. In its complete form, Azoth forms the shape of a long sword, not a dagger. In that state, even a demon would submit to the power of the Azoth Sword.
* The rating of this magic tool is 'Treasure'.
-Once the philosopher's stone is installed, it will be promoted to 'Legend.'
* When used, all alchemy processes can be omitted.
* (Can't be grasped with the 4th stage Appraisal ability.)
* (Can't be grasped with the 4th stage Appraisal ability.)
* Can't be destroyed by any means in the material world. Can't be consumed with the 4th stage predation ability.]
[+? Foolish Philosopher's Stone (Catalyst)]
[-This catalyst was created from records and is a near-perfect imitation of the 'Philosopher's Stone' from the Age of Mythology. It has the same shape and effect as the Philosopher's Stone, but unlike the stone which boasts a semi-permanent durability, this one is close to a consumable material. It is a catalyst which can convert all materials to a different material, depending on the standards. It is a treasure which Paragranum has completed after decades of trial and error.
* The rating of this catalyst is 'Treasure'.
* When consumed, a large amount of magic power will be absorbed.
* When used, you can make the material that you want.]
"Wow…" Theodore's mouth dropped open when he saw the dazzling information windows.
'A legendary artifact could emerge?' He couldn't directly use the god-sword which Hyde had carried around, but it would be completely different if it was the tool used by Paracelsus.
The 4th stage Gluttony couldn't figure out half of the dagger's functions, but once the Philosopher's Stone was mounted on it, even a demon would submit. Demons were a species that once ruled this material world. They were transcendent beings, and the dagger called Azoth was a treasure which could make them submit.
Yet Theodore was going to be given this treasure as prepayment…?
The Yellow Tower Master giggled at Theodore's baffled expression. "It isn't something that is really useful to me, but it is a great motivation for you."
"…One of the two, yes."
"I see?" A playful smile appeared on her face.
Theodore smiled wryly at Paragranum's scheming.
The true value of the treasures could only be revealed when both the Azoth Sword and the Philosopher's Stone were joined together. Of course, the Philosopher's Stone could transform a material into any other material, but it wasn't something that would appeal to Theodore, who had low skills in alchemy.
It was a blatant but effective scheme. Theodore impatiently held out his hand toward the dagger which Para was holding. Between the Philosopher's Stone and the Azoth Sword, Theodore's choice was right.
"The Azoth Sword first."
"Indeed."
As if she had been expecting it, the Yellow Tower Master handed the Azoth Sword over to Theodore, while the Philosopher's Stone was returned to the drawer. Then the Yellow Tower Master spoke to Theodore, "Okay, our deal has been established. Now, it is my turn to do what Kurt asked."
"...?"
"Why do you look so stupid? You should've heard that I would give you a reward."
"Ah." Theodore regained his sense of reality and nodded.
'Then the Yellow Tower Master will guide you.'
It had been a while ago when Theodore had found out he was the captain of 'Quattro' and introduced to the members. In fact, it was hard for him to return to reality after talking about an alchemist from the Age of Mythology.
Theodore was reminded that the girl before him was the Yellow Tower Master, and he once again felt nervous.
Regardless of whether she knew his feelings or not, Para continued talking, "What do you want? You can take a book from the Zero Library or a royal treasure. You can choose what you want."
"Umm…" Theodore struggled for a bit before asking, "Not a national treasure?"
"You can, but I wouldn't recommend it. Your body already has several large powers coexisting. They seem stable right now, but it would be dangerous if more power is added."
Indeed, Theodore was convinced. If he hadn't accidentally got his hands on Artificial Yin and Yang from the 'Art of Onmyōdō', the two powers might've exploded one day.
'Ring of Muspelheim,' 'Aquilo's Blood Mark', 'Umbra'… Additionally, Theodore had the ability to summon an elemental. Increasing his powers might be good in the short term, but it might have an adverse effect on creating his Sorcery.
It was literally just like the saying, 'too much is as bad as not enough.' Too many treasures would be difficult for Theodore to digest.
For a moment, he worried about choosing a national treasure, then he made a decision.
"Let's go to the Zero Library."
Chapter 183 – Quickening of the Northern Continent (0)
Flash!
There was a flash of light, and simultaneously, two people appeared inside the room. They'd traveled through space movement using the magic circle Veronica had used previously. In contrast to back then, Theodore opened the door with his own hand this time. Then he looked around like a gourmet with delicacies spread out before him.
'It has been a while, but I don't see anything different.'
Unlike humans who lived for a hundred years or so, the Zero Library was a place which had almost 500 years worth of history. So, the configuration wouldn't change in just a year or two. However, Paragranum's thoughts were a little different. "Hoh, the number of books has increased since I was last here. Was it 300 or 400 years ago? Well, this is a good collection."
"300 years… In the meantime, you haven't been here even once?"
"Of course not. For me, this knowledge has no value. It was much more interesting to create this place."
Certainly, Theodore remembered that there were no alchemy-related books in this Zero Library. However, most magicians would be interested in special magic, even if it wasn't their field. After all, there was ancient magic practiced externally or theoretical primordial magic which no one could explain. As such, there were many such rare books in the Zero Library.
The Yellow Tower Master had unfettered access to this library, but she had never once stepped in here for over 300 years. Indeed, this was the grimoire's way of thinking, which was different from a human's.
As Theodore thought that, he followed behind Paragranum who had moved ahead and looked around. Once he entered deeper into the Zero Library, the rareness of the books increased. After walking past the books near the entrance, they arrived at an area Theodore had previously seen.
"…Ah." Theodore stretched out his hand when he saw a familiar red book.
[Hell Fire]
[-This book contains the method to summon a flame which exists in the Demon World, a flame that burns all matter. Once called, the flames of hell can't be turned off by using a normal method. The summon will be ended only when the user's power is exhausted or his life force is cut off. Burns from this magic are difficult to heal. The author of this book has hidden their identity.
* This magic book is rated 'Treasure.'
* Acquisition Conditions: 7 circles, affinity for fire magic is required.
* When consumed, 'Hell Fire' will be learned.
* When consumed, your ability in fire magic will increase greatly.
* This is the original that was directly written by the author. There is a very low probability of absorbing some of the author's proficiency.]
It was magic Theodore hadn't been able to learn in the past, but now Theodore was qualified to learn Hell Fire.
With the requirements of having 7 circles and an affinity with fire magic, apart from Veronica who had inherited the blood of a red dragon, there was no one more appropriate to learn this magic.
'Umm, it is definitely a magic I can use now.'
Theodore also had the 7th Circle fire magic, Inferno, which had a wide range of attack and could attack several enemies. However, it was limited when dealing with several strong people.
If a sword master was his opponent, it would be meaningless if the magic's attack power was lacking. It was a different story if the magic was compressed in some form, like with Veronica, but that was the realm of 'Sorcery.'
However, Hell Fire was powerful enough by itself. Even the 4th stage Superbia couldn't endure Hell Fire. According to records from the last war, Hell Fire was the magic which had killed a sword master.
Abraxas couldn't always be used, so this was a good choice to fill the void.
'It is one of the options that I will consider.'
There were many magic books anyway. Theodore made a note of Hell Fire and looked at the rest of the books. Even if he had already chosen Hell Fire, there was nothing wrong with looking at the other books in advance. This didn't seem to be the last time that he could take a book from the Zero LIbrary.
After several trials and errors, Para nodded as Theodore picked up two more books.
Theodore's list of options was as followed:
[Reverse Shadow]
[-This book describes the negative dimension which is adjacent to the material world, as well as dimension magic which deals with shadows. A shadow isn't simply a blank that appears on the other side of light. It is a mirror of the world where the boundaries of matter don't exist. Magicians who learn this magic can change the existence of reality and illusions, making it possible to use the wielder's own shadow as an alter ego.
* This magic book is rated 'Precious.'
* Acquisition Conditions: 7 circles, needs access to the negative dimension.
* When consumed, the proficiency of permanence magic will increase.
* When consumed, understanding of the two dimensions is greatly increased.
* This is the original that was directly written by the author. There is a very low probability of absorbing some of the author's proficiency.]
[Ultima]
[-This book describes cryogenic magic which can stop all phenomena of the physical world. It is no coincidence that Ultima, from the ancient world 'Ultimate,' has become the name of this magic. In the past, it was said that a magician used Ultima to freeze a dragon, only to die himself. This means that in order to perfectly use this, the 8th Circle is needed.
* This magic book is rated 'Precious.'
* Acquisition Conditions: 7 circles, affinity for water magic (high) is required.
* When consumed, 'Ultima' will be learned.
* When consumed, your ability in ice magic will increase greatly.
* This is the original that was directly written by the author. There is a very low probability of absorbing some of the author's proficiency. The degree may vary depending on the level of the user.]
In addition to Hell Fire, there was a total of three books. Theodore was troubled for a moment as he debated what to choose.
'Fire, ice, or shadow… Their personalities are so distinct that it is difficult to obtain a clear standard.'
All of them were charming. Hell Fire which boasted the strongest power among 7th Circle magic, magic which controlled shadows, and ice magic which had killed a dragon… Despite Theodore's desire to take all three books, he took a few deep breaths and decided to think about it calmly.
First, Reverse Shadow.
'It is ingenious to be able to control the shadows… but I don't know how to blend it with other magic attributes. Furthermore, it is ambiguous since the level of difficulty is too high… It might take longer than a year to raise my understanding to a high level.'
It might rival or be even worse than space magic, which was known for its difficulty. Theodore looked at Reverse Shadow and put it down with a sad expression.
Then it was Ultima's turn.
'Ice magic that stops all phenomena… It's quite attractive, but the 7th Circle is only the introductory stage. In order to use it, I need at least 8 circles. Right now, I can just barely learn it.'
It was a magic which required his water affinity to be near the peak. However, Theodore could learn it if he accepted Aquilo's blood. The problem was the practical use, not the qualifications.
Ultima was ice magic which could freeze a dragon, but it wasn't something that a 7th Circle magician could create. It needed at least an 8th Circle magician with water affinity. According to Theodore's understanding after reading the book, Blundell was the only one who could use Ultima in the Meltor Kingdom
'Finally… Hell Fire.'
Theodore had only one option remaining. He put two books down and looked at the Yellow Tower Master, who understood that Theodore had made his choice.
'Hell Fire.'
It was an obvious choice for a magician of the Red Tower.
However, Para looked at Theodore with a strange gaze and asked, "Do you have a reason for choosing that book? Hell Fire is a powerful attack magic, but it is difficult to control the size of the firepower, and it is inefficient when it comes to the amount of magic power consumed."
"I know, but it is a risk I can afford."
The amount of magic power consumed would be reduced by more than half due to Artificial Yin and Yang. Moreover, Theodore knew all about the disadvantages of Hell Fire. He had great expectations for its power because it was commonly used by a master to wreak havoc.
However, Para didn't stop staring at him, so Theodore gave one more reason.
"…I am interested in the fact that the author concealed their identity."
"I knew it." Paragranum sent Theodore an unpleasant smile. It was horrifying that a non-human existence could perfectly mimic a human.Para seemed to sense Theodore's disapproval and said in a small voice, "Then can you tell me before you eat that book?"
"What…?"
Before the puzzled young man, the grimoire whispered, "The magician who created Hell Fire is…"
Para's voice was so soft that it couldn't be heard from nearby. However, Theodore��s eyes widened at her words.
* * *
At the same time, someone was listening to his subordinate's report in the annex of the Imperial Palace.
"-The Meuse Desert?"
"Yes, Your Highness." The knight, wrapped in black from head to toe, prostrated himself on the floor and elaborated, "This is the report from No. 36 and No. 37. According to the archaeologist who discovered the archaeological site on the outskirts of the Meuse Desert, it is believed to have been built in the latter half of the Age of Mythology."
"Did you start digging?"
"I tried, but it didn't work. The exterior walls and door of the ruin is too strong. Ah, there is also a metal I have never seen before."
"…Hrmm."
Prince Fermut of the Andras Empire, the first in the line of succession, touched his chin with interest. (It said 3rd prince in an earlier chapter. Either the author made a mistake, or his brothers died and he jumped up the line of succession.)
If Meltor was filled with magic research, then the Andras Empire devoted themselves to the study of swordsmanship and developing the military. Yet this was a metal which the knights of Andras had seen for the first time? Perhaps it was the discovery of a new metal which hadn't existed previously in this world.
The value of the ruin jumped up by two levels for Fermut. These days, only bad things had been occurring. However, this report was enough to soothe his mood. This was a metal which a shadow unit made of peak aura users couldn't break through… How powerful would it be if it was forged into armor?
"…I will have a new weapon in my hand," Fermut declared.
Then at that moment, a spiteful voice rang out, "It can fill the blank space of the god-sword."
"Seventh… it's you."
"I beg your pardon, Imperial Prince. You seem distressed that I spoke too lightly." It was the imperial sword, Lloyd Pollan. He smiled frivolously as always while mocking the prince for losing the god-sword.
As Fermut's face twisted with slight anger, Lloyd stepped back and bowed his head. "I have returned, Your Highness. I handled it perfectly, so please let go of your anger."
"…Impertinent fellow."
"Isn't that my charm?"
Fermut's eyebrows twitched irritably a few times, but he ended the story. Lloyd was a valuable tool for Fermut, who had lost his sword master, Hyde. It would be a shame to lose him just because of an argument.
However, setting aside Lloyd's value, Fermut had to maintain his dignity. Fermut turned toward Lloyd and said sharply, "This is a new mission."
"Your Highness." Wasn't it clear that Lloyd had just returned? The meaning of his unspoken words was obvious.
However, Fermut gave a different type of answer.
Kukukung…!
"Ack!" Pressure emerged, forcing Lloyd to fall to his knees and bow his head.
This was real power, not a mere presence. It was a physical force which squeezed the bones of the sword master and bent it. The source of this pressure was Fermut, who had stretched out his hand toward Lloyd.
Once Lloyd was beaten down, Fermut said, "Shut up, bat-like fellow."
Right now, Andras was divided into two factions. It was centered around Prince Fermut, who wanted change, and the emperor, who wanted to maintain the status quo.
To Fermut, who wanted to destroy Meltor and unify the northern continent, both his father and his father's faction were nothing but cowards. Fermut had thought about it since growing up. Why didn't the empire fight? If they were so powerful, why agree to a ceasefire?
Thus, Fermut tried to raise his own fire. He would cast the seeds of war over the entire Northern continent. However, his work in Elvenheim was foiled. The god-sword, Claimhb Solais, was also taken away.
So, Lloyd's cheeky words were enough to break Fermut's patience.
"Do you think I don't know that you are seeing both me and my father? You are playing both sides while seeing which one is more advantageous, how disdainful," Fermut spoke spitefully.
"Y-Your Highness…!"
"I won't tolerate any objections. This is a command." Fermut's eyes turned red as he ordered the prone Lloyd, "Go to the ruin in the Meuse Desert. I will be watching to see if you give up or fail."
"T-That is the territory of the Austen Kingdom."
"Are you afraid of idiots who can't fill their stomachs because of a drought?"
"I'm just saying that we should move carefully."
"Bah!" Fermut lifted the oppressive aura from Lloyd, leaned back in his chair and snorted, "Cowards always try to cover their fear by saying it is prudence. I am sick of seeing that. Go to the ruin. If you don't, I will consider you as static."
"…I understand, Your Highness," Lloyd spoke more cautiously before disappearing. It was similar but different to Hyde's 'concealment' ability. Prince Fermut sensed Lloyd's departure and picked up a bottle he'd placed nearby. One drop had the same value as gold.
Kiing.
He used his index finger, opened the bottle and filled up the cup.
"It has already been 700 years since the founding of this kingdom… and the weather in Andras is decaying," Fermut lamented with a grimace and looked into the cup. His loyal servant didn't meet his expectations, and the god-sword he'd received had vanished. However, Fermut's ambitions were blazing because of these adversities.
"I have to ascend to the top." He drank the cup and mumbled as he made a promise, "The north will be unified in my generation."