Chapter 91 : Detection

“Do you have any idea where it might be? Now that we’re inside the academy, it’s hard to pinpoint anything with all these mixed energies.”

“Hmm… Would you mind checking the restricted section of the library first? It’s possible that what you sensed is just some corrupted mana

leaking due to poor management.”

“I don’t think that’s it…”

In truth, something called ‘magi’ may seem incredibly dangerous at first glance, but when examined closely, it’s often not that remarkable.

Not that I’m in any position to talk, seeing how I was utterly captivated by something so unimpressive.

Think about it. In a world where gods, angels, mysteries, and monsters exist, is a substance that enhances its user’s abilities really that

extraordinary?

Its addictive nature and side effects are what make it a subject of special attention. But substances that emit an unholy aura opposing divinity

aren’t all that rare.

‘To the average person, it’s hard to distinguish from magi.’

Let’s take an example. The forbidden grimoire ‘Thanatos,’ currently lying dormant in the restricted archive, is surely radiating a sinister

energy.

It grants immense power to an ordinary person and causes corruption—making it no different from magi. That’s probably why Haila is

following along, even if my theory is a bit flimsy.

‘Who would’ve thought I’d show up here with no real plan…’

In the Holy Kingdom, people who abandon god and fall into corruption by using the power of demons are called heretics.

They dispatched a Saint based solely on a report about magi, even without clear evidence of a heretic’s presence.

Does that mean heretics are that serious a matter to the Holy Kingdom? Or is it just because this is the academy?

One thing is clear: If it weren’t for Arwen, I might have been captured already.

The items Amiter practically snatched away from me are probably either in her dorm pocket or stored deep in her room. I need to retrieve

them while Haila checks the forbidden room.

Even if they’re small, the Saint who detected them from outside the academy is bound to find them eventually.

And if I get caught, even if she has nothing to do with it, she won’t walk away unharmed. The best course of action is to retrieve and stash

them in a pocket dimension.

“Um, if someone really is using magi… what happens to them?”

What if… What if they find out I’m using magi? I never really looked into the consequences, so the question popped into my mind.

There isn’t much documentation on it, either.

She thought deeply and answered my question.

“Well… It’s never happened since I became a Saint, so I wouldn’t know. But it probably won’t end well. According to doctrine, they first sever

your limbs, then make you crawl naked through the streets with a blade to your neck… Treya? Your face just turned pale!”

This place is insane. Does the concept of human rights even exist in this world?

What on earth does repentance to God have to do with crawling naked down the street?

“… Even if the person is of noble blood?”

“Everyone is equal before God.”

Haila responded with a damn-near holy smile, completely untainted.

No, hold on. Since when did we become a democracy? I actually prefer this status-based society where I can legally order people around.

Still, I managed to keep a neutral expression, though Haila may have misread my reaction, waving her hands quickly.

“Oh, are you worried your friend might be involved, even if it’s unlikely?”

“… Well, a little.”

“Don’t worry. The doctrine hasn’t been enforced in decades. Maybe this incident will bring about change. My mission is just to apprehend

and escort, not judge.”

Even as she said that, she gazed at me intently. A silent question behind her eyes: “You’re not telling me something, are you?”

“This has nothing to do with me. Whatever the punishment is, the Rudbeck family respects the Holy Kingdom’s decisions.”

“Oh my, thank you. I knew tagging along with Miss Treya was the right choice.”

“Hahaha…”

No wonder even Reins refuses to handle it, despite its stronger addiction than any drug. If Ami hadn’t caught me back then… Ugh. I need to

find her, fast.

“We’re here. This is the library.”

How long did we walk? The academy’s pride, the massive library, finally revealed itself. Haila, seemingly here for the first time, was swept

away by the mysterious atmosphere, her head turning in every direction.

Having practically lived here for a month, I was sick and tired of the place.

As we approached the restricted section, the floating digital spirits started gathering around us like flies.

I took a step back from Haila, who was about to open the door using her Saint’s authority. She looked puzzled, but I grinned.

“Students aren’t allowed in this section. It’s against the rules.”

“Since when do you follow the rules?”

“Actually… I’m scared of dark places. I’ll wait outside.”

“You’re like a cowardly pervert.”

Hey now, coward I’ll take, but where did the pervert part come from? Fortunately, she didn’t press the issue further.

Not like she needs me to investigate whether a heretic is hiding here.

A guard? If she really needed protection, she wouldn’t have been allowed to casually go out drinking. If a Saint were kidnapped, it’d be a

national crisis.

I gave a chuckle and waved as she disappeared inside the restricted section. As soon as the door shut, I raced toward Amiter’s dorm faster

than anything else.

‘She should be there right now.’

The forbidden section isn’t that big. You could search it thoroughly in half an hour or so.

Books aren’t banned just for being lewd or controversial.

How do I know? Because I’ve snuck in before. It was the only way to get info about Ascension, the Blue Spear, or the hero Edwin.

A small sacrifice for the greater good, right?

I need to keep Haila fooled about the grimoire Thanatos’s energy for as long as possible.

That book, which whispers endlessly to the gifted to possess it, never said a word to me. Arrogant thing.

Though, that’s not really important right now.

“Ami! You in there? Come out!”

It wasn’t exactly close from the library to her dorm, but with some effort, I got there in no time.

The startled apprentice maids looked up in alarm, but I didn’t have time for them. I ignored everyone and started searching for her room.

‘Damn it, not here.’

As usual, Amiter was nowhere to be found, likely off somewhere on her own. Her room was empty. It had a lived-in messiness that was oddly

charming.

Now that I think about it, this is my first time in her room, but I couldn’t afford to waste time taking it in.

“Detect, detect… Damn it, of course that won’t work.”

The necklace and ring she took from me are magic items that disguise themselves as ordinary jewelry until activated.

Even with my dragon senses, I couldn’t detect them.

It’s doubtful even Haila could find them, but there’s no way she came equipped with only one method.

There are too many mysteries in this world.

‘Guess I’ll have to find them manually.’

I stopped using detection spells and began rifling through all her drawers and shelves. It’s technically a crime, but let’s call it a small courtesy

between us.

Mostly casual clothes, new textbooks that were never opened, and old bandages she’d used once… I think I’ve seen these somewhere before?

Anyway.

The necklace and ring weren’t here. She hid them well—or maybe she kept them on her. Either way, if they get discovered, it won’t end well.

“I can sense magi, faintly… huh?”

That’s when I froze and focused my full attention on my senses.

Yes—there it was.

The ominous aura I now felt was distinctly different from the magi I once possessed.

—“It seems a heretic has infiltrated the academy.”

That’s what Haila had said about the report. Which meant they didn’t come here because of me, since ordinary students can’t even sense

magi.

There’s another person in this dorm using magi.

‘A real heretic is hiding here?’

Casually, right inside the dorm. Like stumbling backwards into a dragon hatchling.

I stepped out of Amiter’s room and walked slowly toward the source of the magi.

It was a normal dorm room, located on the very top floor.

Though the aura had been concealed, it was strong enough that anyone approaching the room would feel uneasy.

But I couldn’t knock. Couldn’t even raise a weapon.

Only a half-formed groan escaped my lips.

The nameplate on the door said Jenny.