I followed Kuban, and we walked to an elevator at the end of the ground floor.
'There's an elevator?' This world keeps surprising me.
An elevator!!
Inside the elevator was a small, meticulously furnished room. There was a blue crystal the size of a palm next to the door, which seemed to serve as the buttons.
After we entered, the door closed automatically.
Kuban walked toward the crystal, removed his glove, and placed his palm on it. In a low voice, while channeling his mana into it, he said: 『############ ####### #### .』
Kuban recited the spell in a strange language I couldn't understand. I was confused; I felt this was a new type of sound.
...I felt a slight pain in my ears.
"Clank!"
The elevator made a sound and began moving upward.
"You can ask me whatever you want in the meantime, young Lord Arai, and I'll answer to the best of my ability."
Kuban put his glove back on, stepped back, and stood beside me.
I was intrigued by the language he spoke, as well as the organization and the elevator itself.
"Excuse me, but what was that language you just used? I mean, the one for the spell."
"Oh? You don't know?" Kuban looked slightly surprised. "It's called the Old Marlin language. Haven't you heard of it before?"
"No." His reaction made it clear this was supposed to be common knowledge.
Tsk, if it weren't for Verdi keeping all the magic-related books away from me, I wouldn't seem so embarrassingly clueless right now.
Kuban nodded in understanding and explained: "The Old Marlin language is a special magical language, developed several eras ago by an unknown individual. As a magical language, it serves many purposes, especially in spell incantations and communication with magical entities that don't speak human languages—such as the Spirits."
So, it's both a method of communication and a magical tool? Interesting. I hadn't realized something like this existed.
"What's the difference between a regular language and a magical language?"
"It's called a magical language because it's exclusively used in magic and its applications. It plays a vital role in magical circles, chants, and even the creation of defensive and offensive arrays. It's also integral to drawing complex magic matrices," Kuban explained.
"In fact, ordinary humans can't even comprehend the words of this language with their ears because using it requires the presence of mana! In special cases, some potions grant the ability to hear it."
So that's it! That's why I felt pain in my ears, huh?
"What is the Truth Court?" I asked another question.
Before coming here, I searched for information about this organization in the library. However, I didn't find anything related to it except its location on the Artemis Islands map. Most likely, Verdi classified it as 'magic.'
Kuban was momentarily surprised by my question before he chuckled lightly.
"Our Truth Court is an ancient organization with a long history that began even before the new moon Calendar."
I was stunned.
Before the new moon Calendar? That's over ten thousand years, isn't it?
"We are like the security officers of the magical world. We don't interfere in the affairs of kingdoms, empires, or wars between them, but if it involves warlocks, magical catastrophes, or even monster tides, we intervene. Sometimes, some secret realms appear inside dungeons or even outside them, and chaos always ensues. We also intervene in such cases to organize matters."
"In the Truth Court, our primary principle is the existence of order."
Secret realms? What's that? I held my tongue and didn't ask.
"Our organization is divided into two sections: Law Enforcers, and Mystery Researchers."
Oh, will he continue? What he said earlier is enough; his desire to continue and this tone... it seems he's proud to belong to this organization.
"Law Enforcers are tasked with killing and capturing warlocks. Mystery Researchers are our scientists and researchers, and also investigators."
"There are many mages who want to conduct research, but unfortunately, they don't have the necessary funding! Researching requires vast resources! That's where our Truth Court comes in! We help them with their research and provide them with money, resources, and the necessary equipment to complete their studies, in exchange for sharing their research results with us."
In other words, they're a kind of self-interested government. I like their style—give and take.
Hmm, I like it a lot. If what he's saying isn't just boastful claims, then they are logical men of justice.
In black.
"Anyway, what's this? Are we ascending because of it?" I feigned ignorance and asked about the elevator.
It's rude to ask so many questions to someone I don't know. Maybe acting like a curious child once or twice won't hurt, right? I think I'll adopt the cheeky "Arere" style of that bespectacled detective boy.
No, forget it; I won't do that.
"Oh, this? It seems the young lord is quite curious; most people don't care about this magical device." Kuban adjusted his glasses upward and smiled.
"This is the result of one of our special experiments."
"This crystal you see there is a special kind of magical crystal called 'Bamhanka.'"
Oh? A magical crystal? Damn, this man speaks with many obscure terms.
"The size of this crystal is several meters and contains tons of mana. Through a special programming method by a specialized magical circle engraver, we managed to use the mana inside it to raise and lower this room. It's similar to a push and pull force but programmed and precise! Several commands were engraved on the 'Bamhanka' by a specialized master, and thanks to that, it became easy to use."
Kuban pointed to the crystal next to the door and continued: "This is a small part extracted from the 'Bamhanka' located beneath the tower, which acts as a command transmitter to the real mother crystal to raise or lower the elevator."
"There are several command keys, which are essentially zero-level spells, but you must recite them in the Old Marlin language for the commands to work and the elevator to function; otherwise, they would be useless."
"..."
My face went blank for a moment before I sighed in amazement.
"Impressive! Mana can be used like this?"
The idea of programming with mana? That was something I hadn't anticipated. I'd underestimated this world's level of development. Even if they hadn't advanced electronically, their magical technology was astonishing. They'd built an elevator powered by a magical crystal!
To be honest, I had assumed this world was akin to a medieval fantasy setting where magic was revered only for combat, with no thought of its technical applications. I mean, that's the typical trope in most stories I've come across.
But clearly, I was wrong! True, wasting mana just to operate an elevator when a pulley or some basic electricity could suffice was a bit inefficient, even foolish. But the ingenuity of creating such an enchanted lift was undeniable. At the very least, it beat climbing 50 flights of stairs, didn't it?
This world isn't as backward as I initially thought. I hoped their technological ceiling wasn't this low. My expectations, previously at rock bottom, were now cautiously raised.
Kuban noticed the excitement on my face and commented enthusiastically, "Amazing, isn't it? Even though you're still just a child, you're quite sharp, young lord."
"There are countless ways to use mana, and this is just one of them! Our Truth Court possesses extensive knowledge in these areas. So, are you interested in joining us, young lord?" Kuban clasped my hands, stars practically sparkling in his eyes.
"Young lord, we care not for innate talent—only a thirst for knowledge is needed to join our Department of Mystical Research!"
I froze, momentarily at a loss for words.
He wants to recruit me just because I was amazed by their elevator? Is this guy serious? I wasn't sure how to respond. Thankfully, it seemed he wasn't in charge of their admissions.
Still, this organization appeared trustworthy. As researchers, they suited my interests, and they offered a potential escape card from being the heir to a dukedom.
But joining an organization would also mean restrictions on my freedom… and I didn't know enough about them yet.
Their vast pool of knowledge was tempting, though.
Sitting among their scholars would undoubtedly be better than wasting away in the duke's library. I'd already spent years reading trivial books on economics, geography, and the flora of the Artemis Islands, what a colossal waste of time!
Would I join them, though? No, it'd be foolish to make such a commitment as a child.
"I'll think about it," I replied, giving a vague answer to avoid outright refusal, which would've been impolite.
Kuban didn't push further. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a badge shaped like a diamond, emblazoned with a white tower insignia.
He tossed it to me and said, "If you ever decide to join us, we'll welcome you with open arms! It doesn't matter if you lack talent in magic; our research department values only results and knowledge!"
I caught the badge, slipped it into my pocket, and silently commended him for his persistence.
"Ring!"
A bell chimed, signaling our arrival at the 50th floor.
"Oh, we've arrived!"
The elevator doors opened, and I stepped into a mid-sized floor. In the center was a circular platform with a large, glowing magical array inscribed on it. The room was filled with people, their whispers and hushed conversations blending into a low hum.
On the platform stood a middle-aged man with a stern, sharp expression.
"Well then, young lord Arai Rolan, it was an honor speaking with you."
"Until we meet again."
With a slight bow, Kuban bid me farewell and left.
I returned the gesture politely.
This floor seemed entirely open, devoid of individual rooms. The platform dominated the space, though I noticed three smaller chambers along the edges.
Judging by their attire, most of them were nobles or individuals of significant status.
I recalled Verdi's earlier comment: the Truth Court typically conducted these rites, as few other organizations took on the responsibility.
Perhaps the kingdom feared offending other nations by suppressing talent from surrounding territories. Were they reluctant to provoke the Truth Court? This organization was growing more intriguing by the minute.
Should I join them? They seemed powerful. Even if I became a member, it would shield me from the pressures of dukedom.
Before I could ponder further, a boy wearing a flamboyant pink robe approached me. A red rose dangled from his lips, and he wore a mischievous expression.
"What an honor!"
The boy knelt theatrically on one knee, placing a hand over his chest as he declared in a loud, dramatic voice, "Rudolph Strauss, son of Viscount Krios, greets the young lord Arai."
I covered my face with both hands.
Sigh. Just as I feared. Hearing "young lord" sent the crowd scattering like startled insects.
"He's the son of Duke Verdi!"
"The future heir to House Rolan!"
I had hoped to remain low-key and avoid drawing attention, uninterested in mingling with children. But this clown had ruined my plans entirely.
I shook my head silently and asked coldly, "What do you want?"
Rudolph seemed nervous for a moment but quickly regained his composure. Taking a deep breath, he shouted: "I want to become a knight under your command!"
As expected. This was the same request I'd received from a few boys during my birthday party.
I examined him closely. His body was muscular for a child, his clothes highlighting his training. Several calluses marked his hands, evidence of intense sword practice. Even Mizuki bore similar marks.
Despite his playful demeanor, his physique demonstrated his dedication and sincerity.
Why would he want to serve under me? Likely because working for a duke's house was the fastest path to glory for a minor noble.
House Rolan, known for its military strength and magical prowess, was the ideal choice.
But I had no interest in knights or their chivalric nonsense. Even if he trained tirelessly before me, why should I care? His flashy presence alone was irritating.
I opened my mouth to refuse, but another voice interrupted.
"A knight for House Rollan? With your level? Know your place, Viscountling~."
A boy with silver hair and soft features stepped forward, dressed in a white robe and wielding a fan, his gaze dripping with disdain.
Oh, great. Stuck between a bunch of spoiled brats. I wanted to flee.
"Who are you?"
"Trik Masayk."
Masayk?
"Ah, the son of Countess Eliana?"
"No!" His expression darkened. "Eliana is my elder sister. I am the son of Gustav!"
Oh? The old man's still got it in him, huh?
Before the tension escalated further, the middle-aged man on the platform raised his staff and barked: "Silence!"
His commanding tone froze everyone, including Trik.
"Let the awakening rite begin!"