Sophien stared at the fountain pen suspended in midair. She had learned that fundamental spells in various categories included the destructive Fireball, the supportive Barrier, and the manipulative Telekinesis. Given the inherent limitations of magic output, a mage's talent was the most significant factor in mastering basic spells.
Sophien used her Telekinesis to pull the fountain pen forcefully. Though the pen remained motionless, her violent Telekinesis had already half-destroyed the Hall of Learning. The floor was torn up, the ceiling had collapsed, pillars were shattered, and bookshelves lay in ruins.
Amidst the destruction, Deculein remained calm, showing no signs of strain. His breath was steady, his demeanor impeccably composed. His noble presence stirred something within Sophien.
"... How fascinating," Sophien murmured.
Sophien had a sharp intuition that let her discern what was possible and what was beyond reach. Deculein's Telekinesis fell into the latter category. Initially, she was reluctant to admit it, but time had run out, leaving her no choice.
"Twenty minutes have passed," Sophien observed, her gaze fixed firmly on Deculein. His blue eyes met hers, sparkling like crystals. Sophien smiled slightly. "I see now why you are confident enough to risk everything. My Telekinesis cannot surpass yours."
"Then let us commence the conceptual lesson," Deculein responded.
"Are there still concepts you wish to teach me?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, I intend to present concepts known only to me."
"Concepts known only to you?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Deculein replied as he drew a magic circle in the air, its form distinct from any ordinary one.
"Intriguing," Sophien remarked, resting her chin thoughtfully on her hand. She found Deculein himself more fascinating than the magic circle he had drawn.
"I know you. I have read the reports and seen you in person," Sophien said, pulling out a dossier on Deculein provided by the Intelligence Agency and handing it to him. "All of this is wrong. None of it is accurate."
"... Your Majesty, these are classified documents. They should not be shown to anyone," Deculein said, frowning at the papers.
Sophien paid no attention. Since everything in the documents was incorrect, she saw no harm in showing them.
"They claimed your talents were fake and that you were a fraud. But the person I see now—what am I to make of you?" the Empress said, her gaze intense and filled with questions. "You are full of mysteries. I believe you are hiding secrets. Am I correct?"
"Yes, Your Majesty, you are correct," Deculein replied, nodding. He was never one to lie.
Sophien was satisfied with that. As long as he was truthful, he deserved to stand before her.
"Very well. One day, I will uncover those secrets," Sophien declared.
"If Your Majesty devotes herself to the lessons, that moment will not be far off," Deculein replied confidently. The Empress smirked and finally examined the magic circle Deculein had created. "This is the magic I intend to teach you, Your Majesty. It is an ancient concept I have reimagined in modern terms."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
"It is the runic language," Deculein explained.
"... The runic language?" Sophien's eyes widened in surprise, but Deculein remained calm.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
From the moment he began translating the runic letters, he intended to teach the entire system to the Empress. His goal was to break her ennui and bestow upon her the great power needed to face the ultimate final boss in the future.
"I heard you destroyed it. Is that not correct?"
Sophien was well aware of Deculein's Symposium. She had observed it through the eyes of a cat, and the Imperial Palace's network was the quickest source of information.
"It remains in my mind, Your Majesty. Therefore, there will be no physical evidence of my teachings from now on."
This lesson was possible only because Deculein was the teacher and Sophien the student—a communion of words and mana. At that moment, Sophien understood Deculein's true intentions. A new emotion flickered in her gaze as she glared at him.
"I will teach you all forty-eight runic letters I have translated. If you master Telekinesis using these runes, you may be able to defeat me, Your Majesty."
Naturally, a mage would not easily destroy their research. Particularly if the research involved something as significant as runes, no one would be mad enough to bury it all in ashes. After all, mages are the kind who obsessively seek to leave their mark on the world.
"So, you intend to make me your protégé?"
Sophien grasped Deculein's intentions. He had been waiting quietly, hoping for this moment. He sought someone who could master the vast magic of runic language, someone with the talent to carry on his research from a position of great authority.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Deculein replied with a sincere nod.
Understanding his true intentions, the Empress smiled broadly.
"You will be the first protégé of my runic language, Your Majesty," Deculein declared. This had been his goal since their first meeting. "By teaching you these runic letters, I can understand you better, and you can understand me as well."
"You arrogant man," Sophien said with a laugh.
She didn't entirely dislike the idea; in fact, she found his audacity quite appealing.
"Very well, we shall see if it unfolds as you plan. Proceed as you wish..."
Deculein immediately began to assemble the runic letters. His earnestness was almost endearing in its sincerity.
***
"... That is enough. Now get lost," the Empress had declared, ending the ninety-minute lesson.
I exited the Hall of Learning.
"Lord Yukline."
While I walked through the corridors of the Imperial Palace, someone called my name. I turned to see Jolang, the eunuch.
"Have you concluded your lesson with Her Majesty?" Jolang inquired.
He had blond hair and wore the typical eunuch's attire. His small stature, pale skin, and beardless face made him appear more like a courtier than a servant. I knew who Jolang was—a notable figure in the palace, renowned for his role in the Darkness of the Imperial Palace quest involving the Demon's Mirror.
"Yes, it is concluded," I replied.
"Then, I have a request to make of you."
"Is this matter concerning the Imperial Palace's underground?"
Jolang looked surprised but quickly regained his composure, nodded, and said, "Yes, that is correct. Please, follow me. There are ears and eyes everywhere in the Imperial Palace."
I followed Jolang through the palace corridors. The palace contained hundreds, if not thousands, of rooms, and he led me to one of them. It was an empty room illuminated by flickering candles.
"An ideal location for a clandestine meeting."
"Haha, indeed, that is the purpose of this room," Jolang said.
"Do eunuchs also partake in romantic affairs?"
"Well, it depends on the situation," Jolang replied. "Now, Lord Yukline, I will explain what lies in the darkness of the palace..."
I was well aware of the secrets hidden beneath the Imperial Palace. Darkness lurked there, concealing the remnants of a demon. No one could say for certain if it was truly a demon, but the mirror revealed the hidden side of the world.
If it only reflected, there would be no problem. But the mirror also served as a gateway to another realm, and it had long since taken over the Imperial Palace's underground.
"... Therefore, we are assembling a team to purify the underground. Her Majesty has faith in you, Lord Yukline—"
"Very well," I responded, not asking many questions. There was no need; I had already completed this quest during my test plays. "However, I have one condition."
"What is your condition?" Jolang inquired.
"Yulie must be excluded," I stated.
Jolang raised his eyebrows and then chuckled softly, saying, "... The affection of a hedgehog, is it?"
Jolang's words were meant as a joke or a sneer, but they struck me deeply. Two hedgehogs, shivering in the cold, approach each other for warmth. They try to survive the winter by huddling together, but eventually realize that the closer they get, the more their countless spines hurt each other.
"It was merely a joke," Jolang said hastily, misinterpreting my stern expression.
"... That's enough. Just do as I say."
"Yes, Lord Yukline, I understand. I will convey this to Knight Yulie to the best of my ability."
Nodding, I left the room. My mind was troubled, and I had expended a lot of mana teaching the runic language. Despite this, I had another task to complete, the auction at Haileich.
***
Haileich, the wealthiest city in the Empire, was a center of commerce, filled with rare treasures, luxurious items, and beautiful artworks.
"The air feels different here..." Arlos murmured, closing her eyes to savor the golden sunlight that bathed Haileich.
The streets of this affluent district bustled with a vitality that contrasted sharply with the ashen remnants of other places. As she walked, a small leaf landed on her shoulder, and a voice emerged from it.
— Arlos,
Arlos slowly opened her eyes.
— It's Jukaken.
Jukaken, like Arlos, was in a cooperative relationship with the Altar, but he was also one of the six heads of the Six Serpents.
"I already told you I won't be participating," Arlos said.
— The plan is solid, and it's about capturing, not killing. We need both you and Gerek. There's no risk to you.
"... Gerek isn't suitable for this plan. He's obsessed with Deculein and doesn't fit your cautious approach."
Jukaken, a figure from the underworld, was meticulous. He had likely been devising a strategy since the Altar placed a bounty of thirty million elne on capturing Deculein. In contrast, Gerek, with his multiple personas, was more like a deranged lunatic.
— Have you forgotten Deculein's clash with Rohakan? We need comparable strength. At the very least, we need Gerek.
"Gerek would do it for free if it meant killing Deculein," Arlos replied.
— The mission is to capture, not to kill.
While walking and conversing, Arlos arrived at Haileich's auction house, which had a sign that read Crain.
"I'm hanging up now," Arlos said.
— The Altar has added the Stone of the Land of Destruction to the bounty. You'll receive 15% of its value. We just need your puppet and Gerek.
The Stone of the Land of Destruction was tempting, and Jukaken was taking full advantage of that allure.
— All you need to do is control your puppet. Do you see the red-haired man smoking on the right side of the street?
Arlos glanced in that direction and saw a driver in a suit smoking.
— That's Jeff, Deculein's driver for today. We'll take him down, and you'll use your puppet to impersonate him.
"You're a complete fool. Deculein has already detected my puppet before," Arlos warned.
Deculein had been the first to see through her puppet. Thanks to the hints he provided, her puppets no longer had ash sticking to them.
— Deculein doesn't pay much attention to his servants; he sees them as mere tools. I assure you, nothing will go wrong.
Arlos said nothing.
— It's a top-grade mana stone, Arlos, equivalent to a mana diamond. Untouched by human hands. Aren't you tempted? I estimate its value at 100 million elne, and you'll receive 15% of that.
After a moment of consideration, Arlos said, "20%. If it's worth 100 million, then it's actually worth at least 150 million. Don't take me for a fool."
Jukaken fell silent. Arlos had nothing to lose. Although she harbored a small personal grudge against Deculein, she didn't want to make an enemy of the entire Yukline family.
— Damn it, fine. I, Jukaken, Ruler of the Underworld, promise Arlos, the Money-Eating Hippo, a 20% reward.
"Good. Just don't rush things like this again," Arlos said.
— Opportunities like this are rare. That's the beauty of chance. Today is ideal.
"I get it. Now, get lost," Arlos ordered curtly. She ended the message and entered Crain.
"May I see your identification, please?" inquired a staff member.
"Here you go," Arlos replied, handing over her identification.
"Your identification has been confirmed, Miss Sollette."
The auction house Crain was crowded, mostly with nobles in elegant attire. Like her, they were probably eyeing Homeren's Carved Ring. Arlos had no intention of letting it slip away.
... Two hours later.
"Miss Sollette, congratulations on winning Homeren's Carved Ring. The owner is waiting inside," a staff member announced.
After winning the auction, Arlos nodded in acknowledgment. She followed the staff member's guidance to the backstage area. The owner of the item stood with his back to her in the center of the room. Arlos found the silhouette familiar.
"The winners have arrived," the staff member announced.
The owner turned around, and though Arlos was surprised, she didn't show it. Deculein stood there, bathed in sunlight, which gave him a radiant aura.
"Congratulations on your winning bid," Deculein said, holding out the item.
"Thank you," Arlos replied calmly.
There was no need for Arlos to be nervous; Deculein did not know her true identity.
"Is your name Sollette?" Deculein inquired.
Arlos nodded. Deculein gave her a faint smile, a reaction she was accustomed to from other men who saw her appearance. Yet, she felt slightly uneasy because it was Deculein.
"Here is the Homeren's Carved Ring. It was a good deal," Deculein said, handing her the ring.
"Yes," Arlos replied, accepting the ring that had cost her a staggering twenty million elne.
At that moment, Deculein's eyes widened as he looked beyond her.
"... Sylvia?" Deculein said.
"Yes, Professor," Sylvia replied.
Arlos turned to see Sylvia, a young lady from the Iliade family.
"Did you purchase the Lotherin's Amber Brooch?"
"Yes, Professor, using my savings."
"You must be occupied with your final exams," Deculein observed.
"It is fine."
Arlos observed the unusual pair. Deculein appeared indifferent, while Sylvia, despite her lack of expression, seemed strangely bright.
"Then I shall take my leave," Arlos said as she exited the room.
"The brooch is beautiful, Professor. Have you dined yet?" Sylvia asked.
"Indeed, I have."
"Oh."
Whoever Sylvia was, as long as she distracted Deculein, it worked to Arlos's advantage.
***
Once the auction concluded, I stepped into the car.
"Have a nice day," Sylvia said, bowing her head slightly outside the window. She had spent almost thirty minutes with me backstage, and the Lotherin's Amber Brooch was now pinned to her hair.
"Indeed, the brooch suits you well," I responded.
"Ah," Sylvia said, puffing out her cheeks, clearly pleased, as I rolled up the window.
"Proceed to the Mage Tower," I commanded.
"Yes, sir," Jeff responded, the driver for today.
Vroom—
The car began to move smoothly. As usual, I leaned back in my seat and took out a paper.
Solda Drent's Thesis: Axial Rotation
Last week, during career counseling, Solda Drent asked for my feedback. Considering the high value of my input, I rarely agreed to such requests.
"Professor Deculein, I, Solda Drent, aspire to be your assistant!"
Drent sought my favor by expressing his desire to become my assistant. Noticing his genuine sincerity, I accepted his request and handed him a contract.
The author configured the core circuit for Axial Rotation in the following manner. The objective of this supportive category circuit was...
"Inefficient," I muttered, letting out a slight laugh as I noted the inefficiency evident from the very first paragraph. "And unsophisticated."
The circuit's flow, including its knots and connections, was unstable. This instability was due to the inherent difficulty of achieving the effect of Axial Rotation.
"Your abilities fell significantly short of your objectives."
I continued reading the thesis.
"Despite your commendable initiative in seeking me out..."
The idea itself wasn't bad, so there was room for improvement.
"... It was evident that you were in dire need of proper education," I concluded, writing the feedback.
To be honest, his talent was too great to be just an assistant under Deculein.
***
In the same space and time, Arlos drove Deculein's car. Following the plan, Jukaken had kidnapped the driver, Jeff, and Arlos had infused her puppet with Jeff's appearance and her own soul. She glanced at Deculein through the rearview mirror. He was reading a document, but its contents were not visible.
At this distance, he won't be able to notice, Arlos thought, swallowing a sigh of relief.
Her puppet was indistinguishable from a human, and with Jeff's appearance perfectly mimicked, no one would suspect a thing—at least, that's what Arlos believed. But then...
"Inefficient," Deculein suddenly remarked, breaking the silence.
Arlos's heart sank, and she instinctively gripped the steering wheel tighter. She wondered what he was referring to as inefficient. She glanced at Deculein through the mirror again.
Without breaking his composure, Deculein added, "And unsophisticated."
Arlos clenched her teeth as doubts began to creep into her mind.
"Your abilities fell significantly short of your objectives."
Had he recognized her puppet again? This time again? How? Had he invented some magic to detect it instantly? Arlos's thoughts were scattered. What a fucking idiotic plan.
Arlos considered passing on her words to Jukaken, but an unsettling feeling crept over her. If Deculein had noticed her, he showed no hostility. He didn't react as he had within the barrier, where he had been so agitated. It seemed more likely that he was just talking to himself.
As she pondered this, Deculein spoke again, "Despite your commendable initiative in seeking me out, it was evident that you were in dire need of proper education."
Arlos bit her lip at the arrogant choice of the word—education. She realized that, whether there had been a leak or a traitor, Deculein fully understood the situation. She let out a rough breath but quickly calmed herself. After all, she could always escape from her puppet if necessary.
Jukaken, the rest is your responsibility, Arlos thought. My task is simply to take him with me. I won't involve myself any further...
"Hello, readers! I'm very happy to be able to share my story with you and I really appreciate your support. To continue writing new chapters and further improve the content, I'm asking for a small stipend. If you can contribute, any amount will be greatly appreciated. welcome and it will help a lot! Contributions can be made simply and securely via PayPal (jhonnwendell01@gmail.com). I sincerely thank you for everyone's support!"