Ch.88Chapter 88. The Emergence of Black Magic (3)

When people think of Black Magic, most immediately imagine the Undead.

After all, when Black Mages were active on the Arcaria Continent, they left the greatest impact on the world’s population.

But Black Magic wasn’t limited to just the Undead.

The Undead that people so feared and avoided were merely a small part of Black Magic.

‘Hehehe.’

Arte Flora, the sole princess of the Flora Kingdom, smiled secretly where no one could see.

The Laurellai Kingdom’s camp was in complete chaos.

The special weapon she had prepared for this war was working perfectly.

“Princess, it seems to be quite effective.”

“Hehe. Indeed it is.”

“Shall we prepare now?”

“No, let’s watch a little longer. It’s too enjoyable to look away.”

Arte maintained her sinister smile, her eyes fixed on the Laurellai Kingdom soldiers.

The once solid defensive formation of the Laurellai Kingdom camp was gradually crumbling.

Countless soldiers were fleeing in all directions in panic, with blood splattered all around the camp.

Belatedly, mages rushed out to cast barriers, but their response came too late.

Soldiers fell helplessly as the creatures spewed black thorns.

She had sent a total of 24 creatures to the Laurellai Kingdom.

Of course, they weren’t just 24 anymore—at least 50 were rampaging now after multiplying.

‘The effect is even better than I expected. Hehe.’

Arte felt ecstatic watching the Laurellai soldiers coughing blood and dying after being pierced by the black thorns.

It was thrilling.

She never imagined her created creatures would be this effective.

This was her first time experimenting on actual humans who knew nothing.

She had been a little worried, but now…

What’s more, the type of creature she had sent wasn’t even one she had high expectations for.

At best, she had hoped they would buy some time; she hadn’t even expected many casualties.

‘Hehehe. I should give Number 67 a proper name.’

Arte thought to herself as she swept her bright red hair back.

The color of Arte’s hair was almost identical to the blood being spilled across the Laurellai camp.

“Now, let’s attack.”

“Yes!”

Arte finally took her eyes off the Laurellai camp, which was still struggling against the Number 67 creatures.

Arte Flora.

The sole princess of the Flora Kingdom and the likely next queen now that the first prince had died.

Simultaneously, she was the Second Elder of the Nameless Organization.

‘My children are indeed superior to things like the Undead. Hehe.’

Arte made no attempt to hide her smile as she glanced at the Flora Kingdom troops preparing for battle.

Though they all wore determined expressions, there was an undercurrent of fear in their demeanor.

‘Unlike my children, who can’t feel fear at all.’

Arte turned away from them, seemingly displeased.

As both the princess of the Flora Kingdom and the Second Elder of the Nameless Organization, Arte was a Black Mage specializing in creature creation.

The three Elders of the Nameless Organization each had different specialties.

The Second Elder, Arte, specialized in combat using creatures created through Black Magic.

The Third Elder, Landgar, specialized in combat using Undead and various barrier techniques.

Arte firmly believed that her personally created creatures were far superior to mere Undead.

Indeed, the black spherical lifeform—her 67th experimental creation—was performing exceptionally well.

Furthermore, unlike the Third Elder, she had completed all her missions flawlessly.

All that remained was to win this battle perfectly and widely announce the existence of Black Magic to the world.

‘My children will be the first step. Hehehe.’

“All troops, advance!”

“Waaaah!!”

Arte smiled more deeply as she watched the kingdom’s army advance at her signal.

From today’s battle onward, the western part of the continent would fall into great chaos.

By her created children and the Flora Kingdom—no, by the Nameless Organization.

**

“After several meetings, the academy’s academic schedule has been decided.”

Everyone’s attention focused on Professor Amillion’s words.

Professor Amillion continued speaking, unfazed by the six pairs of eyes intently focused on her.

“Despite everything that’s happened, our Crescen Academy has decided to proceed with this semester as planned.”

‘Phew.’

I couldn’t help but sigh in relief.

Professor Amillion’s words were fortunate for me, though not for everyone.

Behind me, Agnes and Marie sighed in disappointment.

Landgar had been captured, the festival had concluded successfully, and the quest had been cleared.

I thought all that remained was to happily attend the academy as the “Academy Dark Knight,” but an unexpected variable emerged.

The incident of Undead appearing at the academy, along with the events Addy told me about that shook the entire world.

In the war that broke out in the western part of the continent, the Flora Kingdom openly used Black Magic.

As a result, the continent was turned upside down overnight, and the Flora Kingdom instantly became a public enemy.

According to Addy’s report, an alliance centered around Crescen and O’Neil was already forming.

It was such a major issue shaking the continent that even the Black Shadow Corps was paying attention.

They sent two captains who had been investigating Black Magic to the Flora Kingdom, and I was thinking of visiting once I had time.

The Flora Kingdom was near where my villa was located, after all.

I thought it would end at that level, but…

‘I never expected talk of a school break to come up.’

I thought there wouldn’t be much impact here since it happened far away in the west, but I was wrong.

When it became publicly known that “Black Magic” had revived on the Arcaria Continent, there was chaos everywhere.

To the point where people questioned whether it was appropriate to operate the academy normally during such a crisis.

“Despite both the chancellor and vice-chancellor being absent, this is the result from the professors’ meeting. We believe that especially in times of such turmoil, we must more firmly educate the talents who will become Crescen’s solid pillars in the future.”

Professor Amillion concluded with a resolute voice.

I don’t know the professors’ circumstances, but this is excellent news from my perspective.

My attendance at the academy is directly connected to my quest, so if there had been a break…

‘That would have been a disaster.’

“However, we are aware that the continent is generally unstable and dangerous. Therefore, many external event schedules after the festival will be adjusted.”

“I have a question.”

“Yes, Elaine.”

“Does that mean the previously planned Northern expedition and field trip schedule will be adjusted?”

“Yes. In the current situation, we can’t go to the dangerous northern continent.”

“Ah…”

“Instead, it will be replaced with another schedule. Something safe yet offering a special experience.”

Elaine nodded, but her disappointment was evident to anyone watching.

The Northern expedition and field trip.

I vaguely remember hearing about such an event at the beginning of the semester.

I didn’t realize Elaine was looking forward to it so much.

“Perhaps.”

Professor Amillion seemed concerned about Elaine’s reaction.

In a situation where she could have ended her explanation, Professor Amillion continued as if something was bothering her.

“Although we won’t be going to the northern continent, you’ll have a ‘truly’ special experience. Especially our S class.”

“What?”

This time, Cynthia asked curiously.

I also became curious after Professor Amillion emphasized it so much.

“It’s not finalized yet, but we will likely go abroad. Just not to the north.”

“Then where?!”

Following up on Cynthia’s question, Agnes asked this time.

Going abroad.

For me, it’s something I could do in the blink of an eye, but not for most people.

Leaving the Crescen Empire for another country was a very special event.

Unless there was a major reason, most people never left their country in their entire lives.

This was true even for nobles.

Unless they were from the royal or imperial family, or from prestigious families like the Six Great Houses, they had no reason to leave.

“I’ll tell you more once things progress further.”

Professor Amillion answered Agnes’s question with a faint smile.

That concluded Professor Amillion’s announcements.

Anyway, the most important conclusion is that the academy will continue to operate.

“It’s disappointing that we can’t visit the northern continent.”

After Professor Amillion left, Elaine muttered with genuine regret.

“Isn’t this better? I heard the north is completely barren. They say accommodations there are really uncomfortable.”

Cynthia tilted her head, finding Elaine’s reaction puzzling.

Emily beside her nodded in agreement.

“Still, I wanted to experience it once. To see what the north is like.”

“Why bother?”

“…Because my eldest brother visited there.”

‘Ah.’

Now Elaine’s reaction made sense.

Kassis Sinclair, currently working as a professor at Crescen Academy.

Come to think of it, Kassis had made a name for himself as the “Knight of Salvation” in the northern continent.

“Why don’t we go together sometime?”

“…Pardon?”

“I’ll take you there. Like Cynthia said, it’s an utterly barren place, but if you want to see it that badly.”

I don’t know exactly where in the northern continent Kassis was active, but I had some experience with the north myself.

I once worked there, just like Kassis Sinclair.

In fact, if I wanted to, I could take Elaine there right now.

“T-take me there…”

“Ah, if it’s burdensome, never mind…”

“Not at all! It’s not burdensome at all!”

“…Alright. Then let’s go together later. It might be dangerous, but I think someone of your caliber should be fine, Elaine.”

“Is that so?”

As satisfaction spread across Elaine’s face, my vision became slightly blurry.

‘Huh?’

An opaque infographic.

It was a system message.

<Side Quest Generated!>

It was a message announcing a side quest after quite some time.