episode_0043

Memory loss.

Regression achieved not at the cost of the being named ‘Acell’ but the memories and soul of the being named ‘Sihyuk’ who lived a past life, or a miracle of a corresponding level.

Who could have achieved that miracle? What was certain was that it wasn’t a simple miracle that a swordsman who couldn’t use magic could accomplish. Even if hundreds or thousands of magic tools were used. Reversing time was impossible unless it was a Transcendent with authority.

‘Then who on earth?’

Acell thought quietly, looking at the rapidly changing scenery outside the window.

There is no mage currently capable of handling spells that manipulate time. From the start, the very concept of time was a power not permitted to humans. Even High Magic, when manifested, only resulted in acceleration or deceleration.

Power strong enough to interfere with the world was limited to Extreme High Magic, which existed only in theory. Furthermore, some of its records have even been lost.

Even if the spells existed completely, it was impossible for mortals to use that magic. This is not a realm of talent or ability.

It is a realm of ‘permission’. Perhaps momentary time manipulation, but magic at a level that affects the world line itself was not permitted to mortals.

Then, can Transcendent beings who have surpassed the limits of their species, like demons or gods, manipulate time freely?

“……”

Acell assumed that for a moment before shaking his head.

If so, the time line would already have become a mess long ago. It’s unlikely that either gods or demons wouldn’t try to manipulate time to their advantage. They, too, must have paid some price to handle the concept of time.

And someone took one person’s memories, their soul, as that price.

…Is that really the case?

“…cell.”

It is a miracle that reverses the entire world. It makes no sense that the price for that is merely one person’s soul. The scales do not balance.

There is definitely something more. Either an additional price was paid, or it wasn’t a miracle manipulating time in the first place.

Either way, he couldn’t grasp it immediately. Acell let out a deep sigh and closed his eyes.

“Acell!”

Just then, someone opposite him called out his name. Acell slightly opened his eyes and glanced sideways at the owner of the voice.

Warren, who had a spirit perched on his knee, was gazing at Acell with a furrowed brow.

“Are you listening? It seems your mind has been elsewhere for a while now.”

“…I had something to think about for a moment. Sorry.”

“Is it serious?”

“It’s a personal matter. I’ll concentrate now.”

“Alright. Then I’ll continue explaining.”

Warren said that and took out a sheet of paper, unfolding it onto the small table set up in the center.

Inside the carriage heading to the village where the incident occurred for the first task. Among the carriages used by the merchant group run by Saya, it was a top-quality item.

As if to prove its status, the paper unfolded on the table didn’t shake even slightly. Even while running on a rough stone road, not only the seats but the interior of the carriage itself was extremely calm.

But Acell’s vision swayed slightly with fatigue. Given they had departed at dawn and he had talked with Grace all night, it was natural he would be tired.

Although he had drunk a stimulant and was suppressing his fatigue with magic, the accumulated tiredness of several days burst forth as well, so there was nothing he could do about feeling weary. He rubbed his constantly drooping eyelids with his hand and glared at the paper with the black shape drawn on it.

“Did you draw this?”

Quill asked. Warren nodded with an expressionless face.

“This is the appearance of a doppelganger when it hasn’t mimicked the form of another creature.”

Acell let out a low groan as he listened to his words.

The drawing on the paper was entirely black. Only the eyes shone red, and there was no nose or ears.

Instead, its mouth was attached to its belly. Red paint, seemingly depicting blood, was thickly applied around the mouth, and the tip of its long, protruding tongue was slightly curved, making it look like a hook.

“Ugh, you drew it creepily.”

He didn’t know if it was drawn like this intentionally, but honestly, it wasn’t a pleasant picture to look at. He could somewhat understand why Quill flinched in disgust.

Warren said without paying any mind to Quill’s reaction.

“I assume you’ve all already looked up information about doppelgangers individually, but to explain once more while we are all gathered here. Doppelgangers fundamentally lack the five senses except for sight and taste. The sense of touch is also the same. However, they do have the sense of pain.”

“……”

“However, the level of pain felt is minor, so they don’t show such extreme reactions. Their teeth are sharp, and their hook-like curved tongue is used for catching or breaking their prey. Their main food source is living beings like animals or humans.”

For Acell, who hadn’t looked into doppelgangers in much detail due to personal circumstances, Warren’s explanation was quite beneficial.

He narrowed his eyes unnecessarily and listened intently to his voice.

“But all of this is about the original form. When it transforms its body, it uses the characteristics of that creature as they are. What’s interesting is that a doppelganger that has survived for over a hundred years can even use magic if it takes the form of a mage, I’ve heard.”

“…What?”

“There is already a case that has been discovered. A hydro mage who ate people. After defeating her, records remained at the Raymond Magic Tower stating that she was, in fact, a doppelganger.”

“…That’s not very welcome news.”

Saya said, slightly furrowing her brow. Her gaze subtly shifted towards Acell.

Acell, realizing what she was worried about, wore a wry smile.

Even a doppelganger likely couldn’t mimic a Spirit User. Since they couldn’t use Spirit Arts themselves without a contracted spirit. Thanks to this, there wasn’t much need to worry even if a doppelganger transformed into Warren’s appearance.

However, Acell was different. If a doppelganger transformed into Acell’s appearance and used magic, the situation would become slightly serious. While it wouldn’t be to the extent that the four of them couldn’t defeat it, it would certainly be somewhat bothersome. Saya was concerned that such a thing might happen.

Still, there was no need to worry excessively. Even a doppelganger would likely be unable to use Acell’s primary magic, Lightning Spell.

Furthermore, Acell knew all the ways to counter the magic he used himself. He would never be pushed back against a mage using the same magic.

“More importantly, where are we now?”

Acell asked, receiving the gazes of the three people. Saya glanced out the window and replied.

“We still have two more days of travel. It’s a rather distant area.”

“Is it outside the Empire?”

“It’s not, but it’s on the outskirts. It’s a nameless village, I heard.”

A nameless village. Acell unnecessarily recalled his hometown and closed his eyes.

If arrival was still far off, there was no reason to force himself to stay awake while suppressing fatigue. Acell told his companions he would catch some sleep for a bit, then cast sleep magic on himself.

Not long after, his breathing became steady.

***

On the fourth day of traveling by carriage.

The group arrived at the entrance of the mountain written on the request form. They got off the carriage, packed their belongings, and Acell lifted all the food and water into the air using telekinesis magic.

The coachman was planning to stay with the carriage in the town closest to the village and return when the time came. After giving a short greeting to the group, he drove the carriage and slowly disappeared. Saya watched his receding figure before turning her head.

Looking at the mountain which felt somehow dark despite it being daytime, she wagged her tail left and right.

The village was located somewhere on that mountain. Something representing the village was drawn on the request form, but it was unidentifiable, so they ultimately had to find the village’s location themselves.

Fortunately, there were two mages in the group, so they didn’t have difficulty searching.

Acell would manifest a search spell to find the exact location of the village, and Warren would pioneer a path using Spirit Arts.

Warren took the lead. He led with a spirit, creating or carving the ground to make the shortest route towards the village. Acell walked right behind him, observing the Spirit Arts Warren used.

‘Its power is greater than I thought.’

Spirit Arts were known as magic that consumed a small amount of mana. However, unlike the mana cost, their power was immense. Considering that the spirit Warren handled was a low-level spirit, it was quite an impressive result.

Mimicking it… seemed possible. However, since it would be Spirit Arts used without a spirit, the mage themselves would have to bear all the mana that the mage and the spirit’s portion would require, resulting in at least double the mana consumption.

If so, there’s no reason to specifically use Spirit Arts. It would be better to use Earth elemental magic instead.

It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in Spirit Arts themselves, but Acell didn’t have plans to contract with a spirit immediately. He would if the opportunity arose, but he didn’t intend to go searching for spirits himself. Researching other magic in that time would be more beneficial for his achievements.

“Wait.”

While he was thinking, Warren suddenly stopped the group. Quill, who was walking at the very back, poked his head out and asked.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“There are bandits gathered ahead.”

“Bandits? Are you sure?”

“A presence mixed with the smell of blood is spreading from the ground where they are standing. And my spirit almost hates them. Considering that spirits fundamentally like good people and hate wicked people, it’s obvious. It’s certain.”

“Then why don’t we just push through?”

Quill said, resting his spear on his shoulder. Warren turned back to him, frowning.

“I know that too. But I stopped because I have to follow the leader’s opinion anyway.”

“Oh, thank you. You thought of that?”

Saya hadn’t particularly intended to assert her authority as leader, but there was no reason to miss an opportunity like this if it came. She briefly stepped out of the formation and stared intently at the bandits huddled together.

Their numbers weren’t small. But they wouldn’t lose if they fought. They were a low-level group of bandits that Saya alone could handle completely.

If they clashed, they could be wiped out instantly. Furthermore, the other side hadn’t even noticed them yet. If they launched a surprise attack, it wouldn’t take long either.

‘It’s ridiculous to detour because of them, so should we just push through?’

While Saya was thinking that, Acell, who had been observing the bandits by focusing mana in his eyes, said with a slight frown.

“They’ve captured people inside.”

“What? …Hmm, I don’t see anyone?”

“They’ve captured them inside a cave. Three women, two men. No external injuries, but they seem weak from having starved for several days. And it seems they practice cannibalism, there are arms and legs in the cooking pot.”

“Is that so?”

Captivity not visible to Saya’s eyes. But since it was Acell speaking, there was no possibility he was lying. She thought for a moment, then looked up at Acell and spoke.

“It would be best to rescue them, right?”

“If we hadn’t discovered them, maybe, but we can’t pretend not to see them after seeing them. Besides, to pass through quickly anyway, we have to break through head-on.”

“Alright. That’s decided. Then Quill will take the vanguard and—”

“No, I’ll do it alone.”

Acell said with a grin. The gazes of the group turned towards Acell simultaneously.

Acell knew very well what they were thinking.

It wasn’t something that necessarily needed to be handled by a mage alone. It wouldn’t matter if he did, but he was currently using magic by himself to move the food and water. For a typical mage, to chant and manifest another magic here, they would have to release the spell they were maintaining and construct a new magic.

Rather than that, it would end faster if they charged as a group with Quill in the lead. There was no particular reason to accept Acell’s opinion.

Saya and Quill thought so.

But Warren did not.

He watched Acell, who was drawing up mana, with interested eyes and stepped back.

Being a fellow mage, Warren understood Acell’s feelings.

“Is your body itching? I think I saw a paper saying mages who have mastered combat magic sometimes experience withdrawal symptoms if they can’t use magic.”

“Withdrawal symptoms… seems about right.”

Acell chuckled softly and drew the spell in his mind.

It was certainly a frustrating situation from not being able to use proper magic for several days. But the reason he stepped forward uncharacteristically lay elsewhere.

Fire magic, which he had been researching simultaneously in order to handle ice magic. He wanted to test the new magic he had created through the inspiration that came to him while analyzing its properties and characteristics.

Since the opportunity had come, there was no need to hesitate. Acell ignored Saya and Quill, who were opening their mouths to stop him, and manifested the new magic while maintaining the telekinesis magic.

Flames began to blaze in his grasp.

[Red Cloud Fire Rain (赤雲火雨)]

Hwarrereuk!!

The flames that bloomed as Acell motioned gathered together like a cloud.

The large cloud thus created surged towards the bandits, and simultaneously as they were taken aback by the sudden magic, a rain of fire began to pour down from the cloud.

Chijijijik!!!

The falling rain melted and burned the bandits’ skin, muscles, and even bones. The instantly spreading flames advanced, precisely burning only the area where the bandits were.

“Kuwaaaaaaak!!”

“S-Save me, you bastard!!!”

“Aaaaargh!! My leg, my leeeeeeeeg!!”

Screams filled the mountain.

If the opponents were the type of bandits who kidnapped and ate people, there was no need to hold back. Acell poured down the rain of fire even more intensely and explosively injected mana.

A scene so horrific that even Quill, who had witnessed quite a lot of death while living as a mercenary, furrowed his brow. He clicked his tongue, gazing at Acell as if seeing a monster.

Not long after, the screams abruptly stopped.

Acell shook off the lingering scent of mana remaining in his hand and turned back to his companions, saying.

“Let’s go.”