◈ Episode 94. Everything According to Procedure (2)
Garnet Hall.
In Garnet Hall, where the Magic Tower’s magic tools were managed, there existed a separate chamber overseen by the School of Enchantment.
The work carried out in that chamber was, naturally, the enchanting of magic tools.
Enchantment was a field of magic whose results never matched the effort put into it.
Because if even the slightest thing went wrong, a precious magic tool would be damaged.
Sighs never ceased in Garnet Hall’s separate chamber.
However.
“Ugh. Why must I be subjected to such a trial……!!”
A scream rarely heard even in that chamber rang out.
It was the resentment-filled cry of Kiko Armin, senior mage of Enchantment.
Thud—Kiko lay spread-eagled atop the enchantment table.
The skilled mages exchanged glances as they looked at her. ‘She really is all right, isn’t she?’ Kiko showed no sign of getting up anytime soon.
In the end, one of the skilled mages had no choice but to take the bullet.
“Senior Mage Kiko. As expected, perhaps we should take responsibility……”
“If you were planning to do that, you shouldn’t have told me in the first place.”
“Ah, I’m sorry. We didn’t think it through……”
“But what if you’d stayed silent and let it pass, and something went wrong? I absolutely wouldn’t have let that slide either. I would have interrogated you, asking why you hadn’t told me.”
“T-that too, I apolog……”
“What exactly are you apologizing for? Anyone can see I’m the one being fickle here.”
Kiko, still sprawled flat in a large X,
shot back words that stung like Chain Lightning.
The skilled mages exchanged glances once more.
Oh no.
It had manifested!
Senior Mage Kiko’s persecution complex!
Her persecution complex was an illness born from a lack of self-esteem.
While the other schools of the Magic Tower diligently earned money,
Enchantment was the school that depleted all the wealth they had accumulated.
“You should all change your career paths while you still can. What’s so good about clinging to Enchantment? Damn it, this field of study! If only I were as young as you……”
Seeing as she was even bringing up her age, something she normally never mentioned,
this bout of persecution complex would not fade easily.
The skilled mages shook their heads. ‘It’s understandable.’ But they could understand how she felt.
Because the culprit who had caused this situation was clear.
Kiko, who had been spewing hysterical remarks, finally brought up that name.
“What on earth is Chief Lee Hoyeol lacking that he has to go and meddle with Enchantment? No matter how I look at it, he’s clearly dropping hints! You parasites who only run deficits, get out of the Magic Tower at once! Instead of saying it outright, he’s hinting at it like this. Isn’t that right?”
The obvious culprit, Chief Lee Hoyeol!
That was right.
The reason Garnet Hall’s separate chamber had gone into emergency mode was none other than Hoyeol’s order form.
“I should have known from the moment he started dropping hints at the dining table……”
Peek—Kiko, who had been muttering resentfully, finally lifted her head.
“……Could you read that request to me one more time?”
Her dry, dark-violet hair.
The shadows beneath her eyes were even darker.
If you’re going to use your face like that, you might as well give it to me……
“Um, are you listening?”
Shake, shake—At the urging, the skilled mage shook off his stray thoughts and replied.
“Ah, yes! According to the order form Chief Lee Hoyeol sent us…… First, extract the effect imbued in the submitted magic tool and likewise grant it to the submitted garment. Second, amplify the effect extracted from the material and grant it to the magic tool……”
Kiko looked at the skilled mage as he read through the parchment.
His chattering mouth showed no sign of stopping.
Kiko mulled it over inwardly. ‘……No matter how many times I hear it, I don’t understand it.’
As expected, Hoyeol was the root of all this!
Enchantment, a field she both loved and hated.
The knowledge one had to acquire was absurdly vast, but the losses one had to accept in order to properly demonstrate that knowledge were far too great.
As stated, it was an inefficient field of magic.
It meant it was a field with little value for research.
Even Chief Marcelo himself possessed only a basic level of knowledge regarding Enchantment.
And yet. ‘How does he know this much in such detail?’
The order form sent by the newly arrived Chief was excessively detailed.
While understanding the limits of Enchantment,
it demanded results that approached those limits.
In short, it was an extremely exacting order form! ‘Without knowledge of Enchantment, and of the advanced curriculum at that.’
There was no way he could have requested such an order.
Thinking about it that way, it had been the same at the regular conference too. ‘He asked sharp questions about Enchantment research.’
The skilled mage who had suffered thanks to that was right in front of her.
After chattering for quite some time, the skilled mage finished speaking.
Kiko jerked her chin.
“It seems there’s still something left at the end. What does it say?”
“Ah, there is a note he added as a postscript.”
“A postscript?”
“It says to make use of it if it helps…… But what on earth it means, we have no idea. It’s knowledge that we, as skilled mages, simply cannot understand.”
He had the sort of personality one would absolutely never want as a superior.
However, personality and ability were separate matters.
Kiko clearly remembered the things Hoyeol had shown.
More than anything, what had influenced that impression the most was,
naturally, the incident involving Senior Mage Bangrit Tom. ‘He truly was no ordinary person.’
Bangrit Tom.
The elder mages.
And the demon worshippers.
The contradiction within the Magic Tower that no one had imagined.
Because Hoyeol had made the greatest contribution to resolving it. ‘Make use of it if it helps?’
So she became curious.
Just what had he written
that even skilled mages found difficult to understand and threw up their hands over?
“I’ll have to read it.”
Rustle—Kiko finally raised herself from the enchantment table.
Then she gestured.
The skilled mage scurried over and handed Kiko the parchment.
“You’re impressive. Truly.”
Our newly arrived Chief
really doesn’t know how to do anything half-heartedly.
For something called a postscript, its volume was considerable.
It was even longer than the already detailed order form, wasn’t it?
She had stepped forward for nothing, saying she would read it.
However, before long, Kiko’s expression began to change. ‘Wait. This is?’
The moment she read the first paragraph,
she realized it.
“It’s only natural that you couldn’t understand this.”
Because this was not knowledge related to Enchantment.
“Strictly speaking, it’s knowledge from other schools.”
And not just one that could be defined.
Knowledge from all sorts of schools was mixed together and written down.
However, as a senior of Enchantment, she could guess.
“So it wasn’t for nothing that he made such a difficult request?”
With the postscript Hoyeol had added,
it might be possible to supplement the limits of Enchantment.
She realized that fact the instant she read it.
Nor was it a difficult solution.
All it required was a change in perspective. ‘How did he view it from this angle?’
The answer did not exist only within Enchantment.
The reason Kiko had been unable to shift her perspective was simple.
It was a thought any senior mage would have.
“Enchantment is the best……”
Yes, it was because of the stubbornness of believing one’s own magic was the best.
And then she understood.
How Hoyeol had been able to come up with such an idea.
Kiko let out a hollow laugh.
“Rather, he could do it because he was a stone that rolled in?”
After all, a rolling stone gathers no moss.
Soon, Kiko lifted the hem of her long robe.
“Fine. Good. It’s about time I stripped it away too.”
It was time to strip away the moss that had gathered on her body without her even realizing it.
That was what she meant by it.
But the skilled mages, who could not even interpret the postscript, had no way of grasping her deeper meaning. ‘What is she suddenly saying she’s going to strip off?’
The skilled mages exchanged strange glances. ‘Just how stressed must she be to start talking nonsense?’
‘Our poor Senior Kiko.’
‘……Should I seriously change my career path even now?’
*
What is the ultimate goal of the Magic Tower?
The pursuit of truth.
Of course, the current Magic Tower doesn’t even know what truth is. ‘In any case, it means the final goal is all the same.’
In that sense, I wondered if there was really any need for the schools to be on bad terms with one another.
Why? Because thanks to Granfell, who possessed an innate talent for magic, I had learned it.
“It is always darkest beneath the lamp.”
Was it because I had dug several wells?
Unexpectedly, the answer was easy to see.
It had been the same at the regular conference.
And the same applied to this enchantment order form. ‘Even if only because I’d be resentful over all that studying, I wrote it properly.’
I would pull up the Magic Tower by its roots.
Just as I had resolved,
I filled out the enchantment order form with extremely detailed demands added on.
Considering that with the Magic Tower’s enchantment service,
the number of digits changed every time a single detail was added,
this was an estimate an ordinary player wouldn’t even dare attempt. ‘They should take only a reasonable amount. In anything.’
Of course, if you eat too much for free, you’re bound to get an upset stomach.
So I added it as a postscript.
Advanced Theory of Enchantment.
The knowledge I had gained while reading in Mugan.
Naturally, the probability of the enchantment succeeding would rise as well.
From my perspective, there was nothing to lose.
No matter how troublesome it might be, one had to fasten the first button properly.
Only then could it be put to good use next time as well.
“However, what matters more than the result is the procedure.”
Here, procedure referred to adhering to the deadline.
After all, I had no idea when an incident might break out.
It meant there might come a time when I urgently needed an item.
That was right.
The reason I had requested enchantment on my items,
“Not bad.”
[Noble Promise Necklace]
[Grade: Rare]
[Requirement: Lv.300]
[Effect: When hit, has a low chance to activate the skill ‘Intermediate Protection.’]
[Description: A necklace for a lover heading onto the battlefield. The wish for the other person’s safety caused mana to dwell within it, granting it an outstanding effect.]
and the reason I equipped the item I had left aging in my inventory,
was all to make thorough preparations.
Because the threats had to be eliminated.
─Dispose of the escaped demon worshipper. (In Progress)
●Stop the resurrection of the high-ranking Demon King. (In Progress)
All I had done was turn the pages of a book and enjoy teatime,
yet the demon worshipper had confessed the plan he knew.
I recited calmly.
“Whether high-ranking or low-ranking, whether Demon King or not, the fact remains that they are insignificant.”
Driven by my pride, I spoke that way,
but I was fully aware
that this was no ordinary grave matter.
The knowledge of a demon hunter told me as much.
-“Not all Demon Kings are the same Demon King. Depending on their rank, there can be a gap as large as the one between a low-ranking demon and a Demon King. Therefore, it would not be wrong to say that a high-ranking Demon King possesses power no different from a great evil.”
To put it simply,
I wasn’t the only one trying to use tricks to take a shortcut!
Demons.
And demon worshippers.
Those bastards were the same.
-“……Our plan was to resurrect a high-ranking Demon King more quickly. Yes, Bangrit Tom was nothing more than one of the sacrifices. Damnably, it ended in failure.”
When I first heard that, I was genuinely dizzy.
I had indeed defeated the Demon King, Decarabia,
but Decarabia’s rank among the 72 Demon Kings was only 69th.
That meant between Decarabia and a high-ranking Demon King,
there was a gap greater than that
between a low-ranking demon and a Demon King……!
The same was true of the great evil, the Seven Deadly Sins’ Greed.
That bastard was even ignorant
of the [Exorcism Ritual] that Decarabia had known about.
I didn’t know the reason,
but that he was not an opponent who could be called a great evil
was something I, who had defeated him, knew better than anyone.
Yes, even those loose-screwed bastards
had been enemies I could only defeat in the most miserable manner possible.
If, according to the demon worshippers’ plan,
a high-ranking Demon King had been resurrected at this point…… ‘I don’t even want to imagine it. Truly.’
In that sense, I had no choice but to praise myself once again. ‘I picked a good time to show off.’
Well done, Lee Hoyeol.
Thank goodness I didn’t shrink back in front of the elder mages.
Thanks to that, I had gained the opportunity to counterattack like this.
However.
“The thought of breathing the same air is unpleasant.”
The one demon worshipper who had fled from the Magic Tower.
As long as he remained alive and breathing,
the demon worshippers’ plan to resurrect a high-ranking Demon King was still valid.
The reason the worshippers imprisoned in Mugan had kept their mouths shut until the end was because they knew that fact.
-“I believed that and endured until now. But I can’t take it anymore……! I don’t have the confidence to endure any longer. My mind can’t withstand it!”
Of course, even if he had told the truth, I couldn’t release him.
Above all, weren’t they the Magic Tower’s great traitors?
If they were great traitors, then they should act like great traitors.
According to the procedures of the Magic Tower, it was only right that they bear that punishment. ‘Of course, the remaining one as well.’ The one demon worshipper still left.
As for his whereabouts, even the demon worshippers seemed not to know. ‘This is going to be rough.’ After all, even a demon possessing a human could not be detected unless it was through [Natural Enemy Relationship]. Finding a demon worshipper—one who had even occupied the position of elder mage, no less—would not be easy.
But one thing was certain.
“The day you act rashly will be the day you are dealt with.”
You intend to put your plan into motion.
The instant you move.
I.
No, to be precise, the Magic Tower.
Will move to punish a traitor guilty of the gravest crime.
Yes.
Marcelo, of course, and even the twenty senior mages.
Once again.
I would be able to wield influence beyond merely borrowing another’s authority……!
‘In that sense, I’m almost looking forward to it.’
But even if I was the only one who knew of these pitch-black intentions.
They were not something I could reveal.
I merely recited coldly.
“Struggle with all your might until the very end.”
Why? Because even struggling desperately isn’t easy.
I’m not just saying that.
Your legs might cramp up any moment, you know?
*
The top floor of the hotel.
Clothes strewn everywhere.
Thick smoke hanging over the place.
A foul energy surging.
“Indeed, it deserves to be called a den of demons.”
White hair slicked back with pomade.
A neatly groomed beard.
Even a modern outfit worn with precision.
An elder mage.
Karimjeba, now nothing more than a demon worshipper, continued.
“This world is no different from the Arcana Continent. Yes.”
He appeared to have adapted perfectly to society.
Aside from the vast mana flickering around his body, that is.
“No different? If anything, it’s even more fucked up.”
On the bed.
Among the drunken women, a man raised himself up.
What need was there to hide anything before a demon worshipper?
He revealed the proof of possession.
With pitch-black pupils, he looked around the hotel.
“I’m a demon too, but depending on how you look at it, humans are more vicious than demons, you know? For the sake of the Demon King, or committing evil deeds to grow stronger—there isn’t even that kind of excuse. They just kick their fellow humans into the gutter for their own pleasure.”
“Mind your tongue.”
“Understood. How is it that you, of all people, care for the Demon King more terribly than even a demon like me—!”
Vwoooom—
Karimjeba’s murderous aura swelled.
The demon hurriedly raised both hands and took back his words.
“Aw, come on. I’m kidding. Can’t a guy joke?”
“It seems our plan sounded like a joke to you.”
“No, that’s not what I meant. What I’m saying is……!”
“Enough. There’s no need for a long discussion.”
He had fled the Magic Tower.
A long time had passed since he had hidden himself within society.
But the flow of events was ominous.
‘『Telepathy』 isn’t coming.’
The elder mages remaining in the Magic Tower.
No word had come from the demon worshippers.
Because he could not approach the Magic Tower.
He could not know the exact reason.
But one thing was certain: something had gone wrong with the plan.
‘It makes no sense.’
Like himself, they were elder mages.
Who could possibly cast doubt on their words and actions?
Even if someone did harbor suspicions.
Surely they would not have fallen into such danger.
That they could not even send him Telepathy.
‘……Don’t tell me.’
Had they betrayed him?
Just as they had once betrayed the Magic Tower.
Had they now betrayed the demons?
‘No. They know what the true truth is.’
He knew that.
But the longer he waited, the more his distrust could only grow.
In the end, Karimjeba had no choice but to make contact.
With the demon wearing a human’s skin.
Karimjeba said,
“I need news of the Magic Tower. With your position in this world, it should not be difficult for you to acquire information on it. That must be why you took that body.”
At his words, the demon grinned.
“Exactly. You know that so well, and yet.”
“……?”
“I’m the only one who can satisfy your curiosity. Should you really be treating me so roughly? I get that you’re some great man, but there’s a relationship of mutual interest between us, isn’t there?”
……
Damn it, you demon bastard.
He did not even need interference.
With mana alone.
He could make a demon like this burst apart.
But.
‘Then I won’t be able to learn anything about the Magic Tower. And the plan will also…….’
Karimjeba desperately suppressed his murderous intent.
And answered.
“You are right. I was rash.”
Karimjeba, who had once been called the Fire Dragon (火龍).
To think he would bow to the likes of a demon.
He had only just taken the first step.
Yet it already felt as though he had twisted his ankle.