Ch.55The Greatest Magic Tower Tournament (3)

Aether Tower.

It was a place no different from the Imperial Palace in the Empire, with grounds so vast that it couldn’t be compared to any other Magic Tower.

While other Magic Towers were also quite spacious, they simply couldn’t match the scale of Aether Tower.

So naturally, the Greatest Magic Tower Tournament had to be held around Aether Tower.

With so many different events to compete in, the tournament needed a spacious venue with multiple locations.

It was the inevitable choice—a place convenient for all Tower Masters to gather while satisfying all these conditions.

“Hmm…”

The hall built specifically for this tournament had countless people, the Tower Masters from each Magic Tower, and at the highest seat, a place for Eterna to sit.

Judging by the seating arrangement, it seems I’ve come to the right place.

Given the layout, this building was clearly constructed specifically for this tournament.

“Finally arrived, I see.”

“Y-yes, indeed…”

Razak, who somehow became my secretary, answered while breaking into a cold sweat.

I wanted to bring Irina too, but unfortunately, even apprentices couldn’t accompany us to this event.

It pains me to think of Irina’s disappointment at not being able to join me, but what could I do? As a Tower Master, I had certain protocols to follow, so all I could do was promise to spend more time with her later.

“But why that expression on your face?”

“It’s just… you’re wearing the same clothes as when we first met… I’m just happy to see it again…”

“Is that so?”

I thought I should look the part of the Blood Tower Master, so I dressed to appear like a “True Ancestor.”

I even brought a parasol for the concept.

I thought it would create the right impression.

“Does it look bad?”

“N-not at all!”

“Good. That’s a relief.”

If he’d said otherwise, I would have changed immediately.

Since he complimented the look, I might as well keep it.

“Oh…”

Turning my gaze away from Razak, I looked around and clicked my tongue in amazement.

I hadn’t expected much since they said construction had only recently been completed, but I never imagined it would be this impressive.

“What remarkable engineering.”

Would people understand if I said it looked like Aether itself given physical form?

I wish I could explain it more clearly, but I can’t think of any better description than saying it symbolizes Aether Tower itself. That’s how well it was built.

The fact that this area is so well-developed probably adds to that impression.

“A thousand years ago, buildings like these were unimaginable.”

Even in my time, the tallest buildings were shorter than this one.

Just looking at the Magic Towers that now reach endlessly into the sky, the construction technology is at a level that would have been unimaginable during my time in the Empire.

Considering how difficult it is to build tall structures, you can see how much the technology has advanced.

Though a thousand years have passed, seeing Magic Towers built even better than the Imperial Palace really shows how remarkable the Magical Kingdom is…

‘That woman Eterna… despite how she acts around me, she seems to be respected by most people in the Magical Kingdom… Perhaps she’s more competent than she lets on.’

She’s shown me such an unhinged side that I’m always surprised when I see evidence of her accomplishments.

“Have you been here before?”

“Ah, no… This is actually my first time at Aether Tower… Hahaha…”

I tilted my head at Razak’s response.

Is that so?

‘Is Aether Tower that difficult to access?’

Then again, even the magicians who work at Aether Tower are said to be only those who have shown considerable research achievements…

I suppose it makes sense.

I glanced around before bringing up a new topic.

“This must be the first time Tower Masters have shown themselves so openly, isn’t it?”

“Yes, that’s right… Honestly, I was surprised too.”

Razak nodded in agreement.

Of course, the Red Tower Master and Green Tower Master had appeared at the Blood Magic Tower, but that was only an unofficial visit to meet me, not a public appearance.

Tower Masters rarely engage in public activities.

So most of the Tower Masters gathering here are probably making their first public appearance.

“Tower Masters tend to avoid public activities.”

I nodded at Razak’s awkward explanation.

I didn’t know at first, but apparently that’s how they all were.

From what I heard, none of them would have come if not for Eterna’s order that all Tower Masters must gather.

After all, why would someone of a Tower Master’s status bother coming all this way?

The fact that even a former low-ranking magician like Razak knows that Tower Masters rarely leave their towers shows just how exceptional this event is.

‘I hardly went outside either.’

Wasn’t I cooped up for a whole month right after becoming the Blood Tower Master?

I did visit Aether Tower once before, but that was only to meet Eterna, and I returned to the Blood Tower immediately afterward…

Other than that, I had never been to Aether Tower.

There was no reason to come all this way.

“Hmm…”

I looked around.

‘I wonder where Eterna is.’

It’s been a while since we met, and though we haven’t spent much time together, I still remember her clearly.

I should at least greet her if I see her.

As for the Red Tower Master… well, never mind…

‘Ignius, was it?’

That must be right.

I might end up laughing involuntarily if I meet him face to face.

It would be better if we just briefly acknowledged each other from our respective seats.

‘I’m looking forward to it.’

There are many people to meet.

While I’m excited to see the Red Tower Master, Green Tower Master, and Seria, I’m most looking forward to meeting the other Tower Masters here.

I’ve only heard stories about the other Tower Masters but don’t know what they’re actually like.

‘The Black Tower Master was mentioned the most.’

He was often described as a man with chuunibyou syndrome, but I wonder what he’s really like.

Is he actually a Tower Master with chuunibyou?

As I headed toward the Blood Tower Master’s seat with these thoughts and expectations, I overheard people discussing the tournament in the distance.

“I’m so excited to meet Eterna in person…”

“That’s not all! The fact that we can even be here where all the Tower Masters are gathering is unbelievable…”

Most people seemed unable to believe they were actually here.

‘Yet on the forums, the towers were always busy fighting each other…’

Wasn’t there a saying about this?

That forum users are just a minority, and when you go outside, you can hardly find people discussing the topics that appear on community boards… Something like that.

‘That’s exactly what’s happening.’

Seeing how friendly everyone appears here, it’s clear that they only fight on the forums while actually planning to enjoy the tournament.

“I’ll go alone from here. You return to your seat.”

“Ah, yes, understood.”

Razak nodded at my words and turned to leave.

As I watched Razak go, I suddenly sensed someone approaching and turned my head.

“Hmm?”

The approaching man also seemed to notice me, his eyes widening.

‘What’s this?’

I’ve never seen him before.

If he’s here, he must not be an ordinary person, but his appearance—wrapped in a black cloak—was quite suspicious.

Of course, I was merely suspicious; if someone who belonged here was dressed like that, one person did come to mind.

‘No way… I shouldn’t jump to conclusions…’

I just thought it might be presumptuous to be certain right away.

I cleared my throat and cautiously called out to the man.

“Um… who might you be?”

“…”

The cloaked man silently looked down at me.

‘He seems like the Black Tower Master.’

I wonder if the rumors about his chuunibyou are true.

I looked up at him with a slightly surprised expression, not expecting him to appear like this.

The Black Tower Master also seemed confused, judging by the look in his eyes visible between his hood.

How should I put it…

It was an awkward first meeting.