The mountain range called Bercht was situated in the northern part of the continent, a place that didn't belong to any empire or kingdom. Its altitude was 3,500 meters, and a population of about 1,000 people resided among the peaks. It also served as the home of a group of wizards called the Elders.
Bercht was the collective body of the magic schools spread throughout the continent and the institution that determined the schools' actions. They followed the Isle of Wizard's Wealth ritual that they adapted, but the summit rarely happened, perhaps only once every few decades.
"…The summit…"
It was a day in April when the Elders felt the need for a summit.
"It must be held at once!"
The wizards swiftly gathered at the Elders' Hall, located at the top of the mountain range shrouded by endless darkness.
"A devil appeared in the Mountain of Darkness. We must not forget that magic was initially formed as an occult art to punish the devil."
Even though they avoided becoming involved with the secular world, they were forced to make a strict exception to deal with the threat that now loomed over them.
"Has the directive been written?"
"We had to go to great lengths for the Shinjin, but the attendance of the Twelve Families has been ascertained."
The Twelve families, which included the Eliade, Yukline, Bran, Beorad, Riwaynde, and its newest member, the Shinjin, known for their achievements over the past decade, were summoned as per tradition. Being allowed to attend the Bercht conference itself was a great honor for any family. Hence, no one dared refuse the summons.
"The Eliade and Yukline families have fiercely fought each other in the past."
Bercht's decision-maker, Dzekdan, expressed his concern.
"That happened ages ago. They've already reached some sort of agreement."
"It's merely superficial."
Dzekdan sighed deeply.
"That's only natural, considering the power their households have. However, Glitheon has become more dangerous."
"No, the currents of his rage have calmed down."
Eliade's Glitheon was once an uncontrollable flame. The blazes of his ambition seemed like they had the primal need to burn eternally. Dzekdan still hadn't forgotten how Glitheon behaved, not wanting to let go of his deep-seated delusion.
"Does he not have a child who's better than him? She didn't inherit her father's bottomless ambition, and she most certainly wouldn't do anything that would put her in harm's way."
That was also true. His ember, seemed ready to devour the world. He then was granted a scion that was a far more brilliant spark than himself. If Glitheon was fire, then Sylvia was the sun.
"You know what to do. On another note, the Shinjin mages have been asking about the vipers of the Isle of Wizard's Wealth."
The twelve Elders bowed down to Dzekdan's word.
"Yes. Once the Isle has picked out eight families, I will send you a message."
Upon the rise of such a day, Bercht's will was transmitted to the Empire's tower and the mage families. At the same time, all high-level wizards across the continents would begin their journey to Bercht. As a precaution, their messages always included one warning.
[A fair reminder: Bercht cannot be held liable for the wizards' safety. Its law is nothing but magic. Hence, death amid the mountain ranges will be naturally considered magical.]
The reason behind the need for it would soon be revealed.
***
About ten days later, my prized items flooded Routen. As Ganesha advised, I bought two premium quality magical vaults and kept them in separate locations: one in the main building and another in an entirely different building. I also called Professor Relin of the University Tower and the wizards of the Security Department to renew the mansion's defenses.
With my home once again prepared against invasion, no possession of mine should be at risk for theft now.
"The ones I can personally use…"
Of the many items, I had two artifacts that didn't go immediately into the vault. Both of them were relics, so any wizard would want to have them.
——— [Ruperin's Ring] ———
◆Rating: Relic
◆Description: An equipment created by one of the very few master craftsmen of their generation, Ruperin. He has infused his blood, sweat, and tears into it.
◆Category: Equipment ⊃ Artifact ⊃ Accessory
◆Effects:
– Regulates blood circulation to smoothen blood flow.
– Increases mana recovery speed.
– Slightly amplifies magical powers.
—————
A ring that helps blood circulation and mana restoration.
——— [Ancient Relic Necklace] ———
◆Rating: Relic
◆Description: Relic Necklace inscribed with ancient runes
◆Category: Equipment ⊃ Artifact ⊃ Accessory
◆Effect:
– Store up to [300] mana.
—————
A necklace designed for storing mana, comparable to a power bank. After absorbing [300] mana from my body, it could be used as a portable mana source. It was only 300, but mana volume was an extremely important stat in this game. There weren't many items like this either. Because of the limitations of my magical power, I was forced to rely on my [Iron Man] skill. I couldn't even dream of becoming a knight.
From here on out, I decided to start using the two accessories as part of my equipment. Based on their [Aesthetic Sense] alone, they looked immensely luxurious. However, the most important item I bought was…
I sighed as I looked at the item in question. It was the mysterious metal with a white and blue glow. It looked unattractive because it hadn't been refined yet, but the Snowflake Obsidian's existence itself was no different from magic.
"It's not moving."
It cost no less than 40 million Elnes, but no matter how much I used Psychokinesis on it, it wouldn't budge. It wasn't because it hadn't been refined yet, that it was too big, or even that I lacked magic. The problem was that the spell in it was resisting my magic. In its current condition, even after it had been refined, smelted, and forged, I still wouldn't be able to control it even if I spent my entire life trying to.
"What should I do…?"
The Snowflake Obsidian was an item too expensive to just serve as a display or decoration, but I couldn't think of a way to awaken it. As I stared at it deep in thought, I suddenly remembered a line from one of the books in the library.
"Swords need to be tamed, which is why knights must first swing their swords before they can use their fullest potential. This process is called communion."
Communion. I had never learned how to use a sword as I was a wizard. However, if taming the sword meant understanding the sword itself, then…
I gazed into the sword with my [Understanding] and even placed my hands on it just in case my eyes wouldn't be enough. Both heat and cold coursed through me. Those two qualities could never coexist in a practical sense, yet they tickled my palms together.
But what I wanted wasn't its contradictory quality, atomic structure, or its value. What I desired was an essential and metaphysical understanding of it, far more important than any of those combined. I needed insights that transcended rationality from my trance of communion…
"…!"
I felt a searing pain pass through my eyes as if electricity pierced through them.
Ziiiiing—
The Snowflake Obsidian scorched my hand, but I continued staring into it as I clutched one of my eyes. I didn't find any changes. However, I felt it with my body. When I checked it with my [Vision], I felt even more assured.
[Understanding: 0.1%]
[Mana: 1,357 / 3,357 (+300)]
0.1% after consuming two thousand mana. Considering the daily amount of mana available to me, which was more than ten thousand, and my recovery speed, it would take at least a year to fully understand this metal. It might be easier to use upon reaching 40% or 50% understanding, but steel would be the best until then.
Did my routine just gain one more task? I deposited the Snowflake Obsidian into the vault with a bitter smile. Then, I wore Ruperin's Ring and the Ancient Relic Necklace, immediately noticing a notable change.
"Hmm?"
The aura and color of the accessories that were touching my body changed completely to a vintage style.
—— [Aesthetic Sense] ——
◆Rating: Unique
◆Description:
-Genius sense in classifying appearance.
-Has the potential to be well-versed in all artistic knowledge and responds to high-quality artworks.
———
Was that change the effects of [Aesthetic Sense]'s second description? I thought it was an attribute that was so useless that only [Prodigy] could beat its worthlessness. It wasn't practical, but it wasn't bad to have either.
I put on my jacket and prepared to go to work.
*****
I remained true to my daily routine as a professor. First, as soon as I arrived at work, I analyzed my research in the lab, allowing the aftermath of morning training to subside. At noon, I went by car to eat at a restaurant.
After lunch, I came back to the tower and prepared for my 4th-period class. I then thought about alternating Allen's syllabus books, and it was already 5 P.M. before I realized it.
"Make sure you keep the theories in mind when answering the midterm exam."
I sat on the chair and nodded. Today, the outline and composition of the exams and the topics of the students' projects and reports were finalized. The exam's level of difficulty was brutal. Maybe too much so.
"Ehem."
This was fun. Bullying the students was so fun. Imagining the wizards who would suffer from the problems I would present, I felt unnecessarily pleased, and when I saw the notebook on my desk, my pleasure turned into a strange feeling.
[Schedule Notebook]
Deculein's itinerary, my schedule. I sighed as I swept my hair back. Ever since last week, there was an event that had been bothering me.
[9th of April]
[Death Anniversary]
It wasn't the death anniversary of Deculein's parents but Deculein's fiancé, or rather, his ex-fiancé, Yuli. I wasn't flustered since that event had already been resolved. Some time ago, when I first met Ganesha at the 'New Year's Flower Party,' she clearly said, "Is it because you're newly engaged?"
Deculein had an ex-fiancé, and I knew the whole out-of-the-game situation all too well. During a vacation's late evening in a world now too far away, when all the company employees were crunching, the Easter eggs were brought up and discussed. Inspired by it, Yoo Ara then added a small backstory to Deculein, saying she had a brilliant easter egg, which turned out to be his first fiancé.
"After three days…"
Perhaps that was the only trace that reminded me of her in this world, those mischievous pranks she left behind as easter eggs. The things that made her smile so brightly. As I reminisced about her…
Knock knock—
Opening the door using Psychokinesis, Allen was revealed standing behind it.
"Professor, Count Freyden is here— ugh—"
While introducing the guest, he was pushed aside as a big man came in from behind him.
"Oh. I'm sorry. My size is all too large, unfortunately. Are you okay?"
"Ah, yes. Yes. I'm alright…"
Allen bowed and headed outside as Zeit looked at him softly from head to toe.
"Is that your underling?"
I nodded.
"He's my Assistant Professor."
"Hmm. Is that so? He seems…vague."
He muttered strange words with his arms crossed. I looked at the clock: 5:15 in the afternoon. It was still too early for our 7 P.M. appointment. Yet Zeit smiled brightly.
"Ah! We're going to a prominent place, you see. I couldn't help myself. I've also been wanting to ride in your car."
I knew it. The man wanted a car as a marriage gift.
*****
One of the most popular restaurants in the Empire, Pon Meschule. It was so famous that even high-ranking nobles found it hard to make reservations. However, we managed to obtain a private room on the second floor.
"Ah— uh—"
Julie constantly wriggled. She was like a baby, babbling from time to time.
"Ugh—"
For her, who had only worn armor before, dresses felt tight around her muscles and were more restraining than handcuffs. The accessories she had to wear were also continuously scratching her body.
"…Are you okay?"
Josephine watched her sister struggle as if she were a cute caterpillar.
"Yes. I'm okay."
Julie laughed bitterly.
"You don't look okay."
"I'm fine."
Josephine pouted with her hands on her chin and raised an eyebrow.
"…Liar."
"I can tolerate it."
"I'm not talking about your dress or this meeting. I meant the marriage."
"What?"
"You said you didn't want to get married."
Her straightforward question left her fumbling for words.
"…I'm fine."
She shook her head with a darkened expression. Josephine laughed.
"If you hate it that much, would you like to be taught a way to get out of it?"
"What do you mean?"
She placed her lips beside Julie's ear, who naively tilted her head. She then whispered in a very small voice.
"What if you marry him then kill him? If you did that, the Yukline family would be yours, too."
Listening to her made her feel like a snake's tongue was flicking in her ears, causing goosebumps to rise over her body. Julie's eyes opened wide in shock as she glared at her sister, her face reddening. It was a ludicrous suggestion that she had never even thought about, let alone would dare attempt.
"Sister! How could you say that—"
"It's a joke. A joke."
Josephine chuckled so hard she had to place her hand on her shoulder for support.
"There are some things you shouldn't joke about!"
Julie pushed her hand away and, finding such retribution lacking, tried to smack Josephine with her fist. However, she couldn't dare hit her, so she floundered around a bit instead.
"I'm just messing with my precious little sister because it's so regrettable to waste your life on such a man. Don't be too angry."
"Shut up! Who in the world would kid about something so serious? That's more akin to profanity!"
"Hmm~. I just did."
"You! Seriously! Do you think this is funny?!"
Clang! Clang!
Infuriated, Julie slammed the table as her face reddened even deeper, causing Josephine to repeatedly apologize. Not long after, the door of the private room opened. A serene scent immediately permeated through the air, one so sophisticated that it changed the room's atmosphere instantly. After that, the man in question appeared.
When Josephine saw him, she let out a ragged sigh, letting the sound out unconsciously in awe. His appearance and style were especially striking today.
"You must have been stared at on your way here."
She smiled at him, but he didn't answer. He just casually looked at the two, nodded, and sat down. Zeit, the one who arranged this whole ordeal, squeezed through the door afterward. He tilted his head when he saw Josephine.
"Hmm. You're here too?"
"I styled my little sister, and we came here together. What do you think?"
Zeit's eyes expressed every drop of his surprise upon seeing Julie's dress. She loved her armor so much that this was the first time he had seen her in a dress in about a decade.
"Ah, no wonder you look gorgeous. What do you think?"
Zeit gave Deculein a proud smile as he looked at him. With Josephine's help, Julie's beauty was indeed on a different level.
"Julie's my little sister, but even if she weren't, I'd still find her beautiful. Meanwhile, you're the same as usual, but you somehow look cooler today."
Deculein looked at Julie without saying anything, and she looked back at him. She wasn't certain if it was a battle of pride or not, but neither of them turned their eyes away. Across those gazes, Zeit turned sideways and laughed quietly to himself.