episode_0243

Episode 243: Black Magician (1)

Though black magicians live hidden in the darkness due to the persecution of the continent, a system and order exist even among them. Though called an evil power, black magic was also undeniably magic.

That world of black magicians was very similar to the Magic Tower of the Parun Kingdom. Schools were called factions, and those in the position of Magic Tower Lords were called leaders. There were no towers soaring as high as magic towers, but similar spaces existed throughout the continent.

In the very distant past. The group created by those close to darkness at a time when the good and evil of magic were just beginning to be distinguished was the very beginning of the current black magicians. As such, it was only natural that there were similarities.

And today. The leaders of each faction gathered in one place.

“…….”

“…….”

Originally, it was very rare for leaders to gather in one place. Even though they shared the commonality of being black magicians, the paths and methods pursued by each faction differed, so their relationship was not very pleasant.

But even considering that reason, it was definitely strange that no one had opened their mouths for 30 minutes. Seated around the huge round table, they were simply keeping their mouths shut.

Then, unable to bear the stifling atmosphere, one leader raised her voice and spoke. She was a woman with quite a young appearance.

“Ah~ What is this, calling busy people here. I’m exhausted from recovering from the damage. Should I just leave?”

To the woman’s words, an old man with a thick beard said,

“That temper is still the same. Did you think you would look younger if you said that? You old hag who’s lived for hundreds of years.”

At those words, a vein popped out on the woman’s forehead. She raised her hand, and dark red blood floated around her.

“Still, wouldn’t I be better than you, who are arrogant and disrespectful even after getting old? And… if you say that kind of thing one more time, I won’t let it slide then?”

She glared at him, her eyes shining. But the old man didn’t budge. He also gathered his strength and retorted.

“Go ahead and try. If you can.”

Just as fire is weak against water, and water is weak against electricity, black magic also has compatibility. The woman’s power was stronger due to the years she had accumulated, but the old man had the power of compatibility to make up for the difference. And the old man’s power was not at a level that would be inferior to the woman’s.

“Zeras, aren’t you going to stop them?”

“It’s not like they only do this once or twice.”

No one in this place didn’t know that the two had a bad relationship. It was those two who fought every time they had a meeting. Besides, it had been a few years since they had gathered, so it wasn’t unreasonable for them to act like this.

Then, a man who looked like a child slumped on the round table.

“Ah, I just wanted to stay cooped up. What is this commotion.”

“You are always the same.”

Zeras simply smiled at the child-like question. That innocent appearance was all intentional. The man in front of him was the most dangerous person in this place, contrary to his appearance.

“But was it really a problem that we touched Arden?”

“It was necessary. That is sleeping in the Arden territory.”

“Hmm, that’s true, but….”

Although they started activities in the Arden territory to obtain the target, the damage was increasing day by day. Even now, they were barely maintaining balance by concentrating half of their forces on the Arden territory side.

As expected, Arden was Arden, possessing power worthy of its reputation. It wasn’t for nothing that rumors spread that it could destroy a country. Except for the Holy Kingdom and the Empire, the number of forces that could face Arden could be counted on one’s fingers.

“Ugh, the Empire even got involved…. Because of that, other kids even died.”

Originally, the number of people who would be sitting at this round table was twice this. But recently, as the Imperial Family began to move, four people died, starting with one or two. There was only one reason for that.

“This Emperor is a little dangerous. She’s aggressive.”

Ariel Tianis. Her actions since inheriting the throne have been troublesome in many ways.

After preventing the rebellion of the 2nd Prince, she carried out a massive purge, and in the process, she inflicted extreme damage on the black magicians’ side as well. In particular, all the nobles who had been in close contact were swept away.

How much effort had been put into building those relationships. For some families, it had taken more than 10 years. Like master, like servant, there were many inherently dirty bastards, so it was easy to build relationships.

But that wasn’t the end of it.

Recently, as they moved to various parts of the continent in the process of temporarily retreating for reorganization, it seems that they caught her eye again. Because of that, a situation arose where the Imperial Family got involved.

Arden is difficult enough, but even the Imperial Family…. It’s a little hard to handle.

“Did you find out who the culprit was on the Alensia side?”

“Ruina said that the Saint was the culprit.”

“If it’s the Saint… Kyle Arden… tsk.”

To be involved with the Saint of all people. If the Holy Kingdom gets involved here as well, they might not be able to set foot in the Empire. Even without that, reports were coming in that the relationship between the Emperor and the Saint was unusual.

“Didn’t they say it was a duo?”

“She said she didn’t see the other one.”

“She managed to survive. Ruina too.”

“Because they know each other.”

It wasn’t just that they knew each other. They were actually in a teacher-student relationship. How happy he was when he heard that news. Perhaps they could easily eliminate the Saint, who was a hindrance.

“So what are you planning to do from now on?”

At that moment, a sweet voice cut in. Zeras looked at her and said,

“First, we need to divert the Imperial Family’s attention. We also need to reorganize.”

Each faction is in a chaotic situation, having lost its center, the leader. It was necessary to absorb them and properly organize them.

“So how? You know it’s hard for me or him to step up because of Arden, right?”

Although the old man and the woman fought as if they would kill each other at every chance, the two were key figures in the Arden conquest. If even one of them vacated their position, Arden might take advantage of that gap to launch an all-out attack.

Should he use that brat? That was also impossible. That guy had the same role as them.

Why did all the guys who could be entrusted with work die, leaving them in this state? There was no one who was of real help.

Then Zeras said,

“I’ll take care of the Imperial Family. The capital was my responsibility anyway.”

The reason why he had Ruina enrolled in Tianis Academy was also for that reason. He had put her inside to obtain information from the Empire.

“Okay. If you take it on.”

“There won’t be a problem.”

“Well, if it’s Zeras.”

The three nodded.

One way or another, it’s difficult to maintain both the status of being in the light and the shadows at the same time. In particular, the Magic Kingdom hates black magic and is desperate to ferret out black magicians.

In the midst of all this, Zeras Lindel hid the fact that he was a black magician. He had never been suspected even once. His mind was that brilliant, and he was trustworthy enough to be entrusted with the task.

“Is the conversation over?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll leave.”

With those words, the woman and the old man left their seats. They weren’t on such friendly terms that they needed to stay long.

Only the two of them were left at the round table. He casually asked Zeras,

“But are you going to take Ruina too?”

“If necessary.”

“Don’t do that, Zeras. Don’t waste her, and just give her to me….”

The moment he spat out those words, Zeras released his power and grabbed his arm tightly. Then, in a low voice, he said,

“I told you last time too. Don’t meddle with my things.”

“…It’s a pity because she’s precious. If you just groom her properly, a monster will be born.”

Ruina Lindel was a genius recognized by each leader. Although she wasn’t a complete human, her talent alone was outstanding. If he just took care of her a little, a remarkable black magician would be born. He could only feel regret.

“Shut up and go prepare for the ritual.”

“Humph! You’ll definitely regret it later.”

After that, he left the round table. Zeras hid the space in darkness and muttered.

“Either that bitch or you guys are all just sacrifices for that person anyway. I’ve been doing this nonsense until now for just that one thing.”

So….

“I’ll use everything.”

After muttering that, Zeras left the space.

***

Perfect autumn. The autumn breeze blows gently, and the red leaves fall one by one.

As a result, it’s a mess when you wake up after sleeping for one night. There were so many trees around that the ground was full of fallen leaves.

Because of that, the recent morning schedule starts with sweeping the floor. Of course, it would be easy to get rid of them all with magic.

Still, the second autumn I was experiencing was quite romantic. Sometimes, I would gather the fallen leaves and bake sweet potatoes with Lana. The summoned beasts would rush in every time, but it was quite enjoyable.

But this time was not going to last long. It might sound a little depressing, but it’s not what you’re thinking, it’s because winter is coming soon. When that time comes, I won’t be able to play around like I do now.

Anyway, I finished cleaning up in the morning and changed my clothes. Then Estella looked at me with a sulky expression.

“Oppa. Are you going out somewhere again today.”

“The place I go every time.”

“Is it the Imperial Palace again?! Why have you been visiting so often since last week!”

“I told you I have business to do.”

At those words, Estella scoffed.

“Ha, do you think I wouldn’t know? All the rumors have been going around lately! That you and His Majesty the Emperor are in that kind of relationship!”

“She’s just taking care of me.”

“I have ears too!”

She came close and clung to me, not letting go of my arm.

“I’m not going to let you go! Play with me today!”

She was holding on so tightly. My body didn’t move an inch. Then a good idea came to mind.

“Then do you want to go together?”

“No! No matter what you say, I’m going to play alone with you! Do you know how lonely I’ve been lately? You don’t even hug me well every meal!”

“Someone might misunderstand if they hear that.”

It was fortunate that this was a dormitory far from the center. If others had heard, they would have definitely misunderstood. Of course, it was too late to correct the misunderstanding.

“Oh, I saw it at the Imperial Palace last time….”

“Oppa! Don’t change the subject!”

“Don’t do that and listen. I went to the Imperial Palace warehouse with Ariel last time, right? But there, there was alcohol made in the Holy Kingdom 300 years ago….”

300 years, alcohol from the Holy Kingdom. As soon as I spat out those two words, saliva dripped from Estella’s mouth.

“S, so what…?”

“Weren’t you not interested?”

“Please tell me the rest of the story!”

Although the frequency of drinking has decreased since she started hanging out with me, she still liked alcohol. It’s going according to my plan.

“Anyway, I saw the alcohol. It was fine? It even seemed more aged. Do you want to go together?”

“Yes, yes, yes, yes!! Let’s go, let’s go!”

Excited, she pulled my arm. I couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. One way or another, she was still an easy Saintess.

That’s how I arrived at the Imperial Palace with Estella. And the moment I stepped inside.

[You have acquired the title: ‘Emperor’s Helper’]

[You have acquired 1 million Fame Points!]

I got an unexpected reward.