Chapter 64: Real Deal (1)

Chapter 64: Real Deal (1)

Recently, captivating news spread across the Floating Island, offering a refreshing change to the otherwise dull atmosphere.

“... Deculein? So, the sixth problem is nearly solved?” Grand Prince Kreto, the Empress's brother, said with a smile of astonishment upon receiving the report.

"Indeed, Your Highness. The Place of Verification has been prepared."

The Place of Verification for the Symposium would only begin if the proposed solution was highly convincing, almost accurate. Therefore, its preparation indicated that the resolution of the sixth problem was imminent.

"Impressive," Kreto remarked with genuine admiration. Although the solution was not yet assured, Kreto, a devoted admirer of Deculein, held unwavering faith in him. "Indeed, it is time for him to ascend."

Kreto still couldn’t forget Deculein’s midterm exam. The memory lingered in his heart, reigniting a passion he had nearly lost. Upon hearing that Sophien would be studying under Deculein, he felt a twinge of envy and almost considered asking to join the lessons himself.

"However, there are also concerning rumors, Your Highness," the knight continued.

"Concerning rumors?"

"Yes, Your Highness, they are monitoring him closely."

They were known as the Ashes, a group from the volcanic region, so detested that even Kreto's escort knight, Fassbender, and most ordinary mages avoided mentioning them. The name Ashes was such a crude epithet that any respectable mage found it repulsive to utter.

"They habitually cause trouble for successful mages, but it is of no consequence. Deculein’s strength is renowned in the Mortal Realm today."

As a formidable practical mage, Deculein was the real deal. His tales of matching Rohakan in strength were well-known to Kreto, even though the Imperial Knights Order kept them classified.

"Anyway, ensure I have a seat when the Place of Verification is ready. This is an order. Make certain I get a spot," Grand Prince Kreto commanded.

The competition for tickets would undoubtedly be fierce, attracting high-ranked mages from everywhere.

"Yes, Your Highness, there will be no issues," Fassbender responded confidently to Kreto’s request.

Meanwhile, on another Floating Island, in the upper floors of Megiseon.

"How amazing! He really submitted it!" Chairwoman Adrienne exclaimed as she read a letter from the Wizard Academic in her private mansion.

The letter stated that Deculein's paper was remarkably rational and highly likely to provide the solution, requesting verification.

"I heard it's the sixth problem," someone remarked.

"Yes, it truly is the sixth problem!" Adrienne responded, engaged in conversation with someone.

The person was a mage with long black hair tied in a ponytail. Unlike the petite and youthful Chairwoman, this secret guest had a cold, mature demeanor.

"But are you aware that Deculein is in danger because of your actions?"

"Why? What’s happened to Deculein?" Adrienne asked.

Adrienne was a progressive person who didn't judge others by their background or current affiliations. Her sole criterion was whether someone posed a threat to her.

“Many are targeting Deculein. Gareck, that madman, Gleifer, Helgen... even within the Ashes, his name is often mentioned.”

Gareck, the Multi-Persona. Gleifer, the Slayer. Helgen, the Walking Dead. Each was a notorious figure within the Ashes.

"It’s all because you’ve been extolling Deculein's strength," the unknown mage said.

"Huh?! How is that my fault? Thia, you also lost to Deculein!" Adrienne exclaimed.

Her real name was Cynthia, now known as Arlos. About ten years ago, at just fourteen, she caught Adrienne’s eye and became her unofficially taught protégé. She also set up the barrier in the third dormitory building of the Mage Tower a month ago.

"Back then, I was merely a puppet. Had I not been, victory would have been mine."

"You're funny. Had you not been a puppet, you would have died there!"

"I had no intention of harming any mage at that time."

Ten years ago, Cynthia lacked the potential to become an archmage but had the talent to excel in a specific category. Recognizing this, Adrienne personally took the orphaned girl under her wing and educated her.

"Why bring it up, then?" Adrienne asked.

"... This is to inform you that the Ashes have placed a bounty on Deculein’s head."

"Got it! Now, tell me, where is my doll?!"

Arlos pulled a small dog from her bag. It was an adorable puppy.

"Wow! How adorable...! It must have a long lifespan, right?"

"Indeed. I made its body small for that very reason. As long as it has mana, it will live for well over a hundred years, long after you have passed. But may I ask, why are you so concerned with longevity?"

"Who knows~?" Adrienne said, smiling faintly. "Living a long life is wonderful!"

Adrienne was well aware of her bloodline and her own lifespan. Loving someone was difficult when a fairy’s life was so long. Fairies live two or even three times longer than the longest-living humans and never age. Only a doll that lives and moves for a long time could share her time.

Adrienne's discovery of Arlos and her remarkable talent, along with her decision to personally tutor the girl, were no coincidence. Unaware of this, Arlos often did not understand Adrienne's actions but respected her as a mentor despite her playful, mischievous, and sometimes annoying demeanor.

"May I examine that thesis—"

"No! It uses iris recognition!"

Arlos slyly extended her hand, but Adrienne widened her eyes and tucked the paper into her bosom. Arlos withdrew her hand, grumbling.

"Hmm. He actually solved the sixth problem..." Arlos murmured to herself.

Suddenly, she recalled her first meeting with Deculein. His words echoed in her mind, "Wretches unworthy of society, despised by all. Lacking the structure of a human, devoid of the charm of a beast, mere filth like maggots. Your only talent is writhing in the dirt, your base nature utterly irredeemable."

The harsh voice that uttered those words, the curses and maledictions born of anger, still echoed in her mind. She understood well why they despised the Ashes.

"... The more I think about it, the angrier I get," Arlos muttered.

The more she dwelled on it, the hotter her face became. If she ever encountered him again, she would surely seek her revenge.

"Oh! It's moving! Look, it's moving!" Adrienne exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement.

Arlos glanced over. The small dog, now animated by Adrienne’s pure mana as its life force, was whimpering and following her around. Arlos chuckled softly and left the mansion.

***

On Monday, I installed a blackboard in the annex of the Yukline mansion, identical to the one in the Mage Tower’s lecture room.

───────

[Twin Blackboard]

◆ Information:

A blackboard crafted from mana stones. It functions as a pair. Enhanced resonance due to the Midas Touch

◆ Category:

Device ? Communication

◆ Special Effects:

"There’s no need to know now. You’ll find out in time."

At that moment, Ren announced our arrival. Outside, the imposing walls of the Imperial Palace loomed.

Stepping out of the car, I instructed Ren, "Take Louina to the Mage Tower."

"Yes, sir."

"... Thanks for the courtesy, Boss," Louina said, waving from the car.

As the car drove away, I headed toward the Imperial Palace.

***

Ashes emerged from the depths of darkness. A parasite that fed on emotions burrowed into emotional voids and scars. It led the host's thoughts down a malignant path, and as the self was gnawed away by negativity and shriveled in agony, it began to take over the body, starting from the most vulnerable parts and eventually consuming it entirely.

Louina staggered back to the Mage Tower. Today, more than ever, the whole world seemed to sway. She pressed the button for the 23rd floor, her office. Sitting blankly in the worn-out chair, she thought about Deculein's words. Five years. Just five years. She could endure that, yet she still had to suffer through it.

Her eyes fell on a letter on her desk, as though someone had broken in to deliver it. It was a note from the Mage Council.

Notice of Expulsion: Monarch-Rank Louina, Mage Council

Louina stared at the words, dumbfounded. It was a clear severance. Those who had incited her were now abandoning her to align with Deculein once more.

Thump—

Her heart pounded.

Thump—

Her entire body heated up as unbearable dark emotions hammered against her skull, like a hot spike driving into her temple.

"You cocksucking motherfuckers. You shit-for-brains assholes."

Louina closed her eyes. Ashes slowly rose from her shoulders, and the dark particles spread like cobwebs, engulfing the entire office on the 23rd floor.

***

Sylvia's team was busy reviewing their assignments in the study room on the 20th floor of the Mage Tower.

"I’ve checked everything. No issues here. What about you?" Epherene asked.

"None," Sylvia replied as she and Epherene carefully examined each part of their project.

At that moment, the door opened, and Eurozan entered with his hands full of snacks, signaling it was time for a break.

"Perfect timing. Thanks," Epherene said, immediately reaching for some dried squid for her snack.

Eurozan commented, "With exams coming up, the study room, library, and magic training rooms are all packed. It seems like all the Debutants are here."

Anticipating this, Epherene had reserved a spot in the Mage Tower library as early as four in the morning.

"Ah, I hope the finals will be easier this time, considering all the chaos we've been through."

"Who knows. What are your plans for the break?" asked one of the male team members.

"I have to return to our territory. We need more mages there, so I can’t stay in the Mage Tower for long," he replied.

The three men continued chatting while Epherene chewed on a piece of dried squid, trying to cool her overheated mind.

Boom—! boom—!

Suddenly, a dull thud echoed through the room, seeming to come from the wall.

"What was that? Is someone fighting outside?"

Boom—! boom—!

Aaaaaaaah—!

The thudding quickly turned into screams. Alarmed, Epherene and the team members rushed out of the study room.

"Wha-what’s happening?"

In the hallway, a mage stood with his back to them. Epherene recognized him by the back of his head—it was their fellow colleague Debutant, Roton.

She approached him cautiously and asked, "Roton? Is that you? Are you okay? Who were you fighting with—"

Before she could finish, Roton spun around. His eyes were hollow, and black ash poured from his gaping mouth and ears like vomit.

"Ahh!" Epherene screamed, instinctively casting a spell to push him away before bolting back into the study room.

As soon as the door slammed shut, Epherene asked frantically, "D-did you all s-see that?! Did you see it too?!"

The other four stood in shock, needing a moment to process what they had just witnessed.

"What was that...? Oh, I get it," Epherene said, suddenly smiling as if she had an epiphany. "I must be dreaming. I must have fallen asleep from exhaustion while studying. That’s it, right?"

"... A dream?"

"Yeah, it must be a dream. I haven’t slept at all in the past two days because of training."

Sylvia moved without hesitation. She then stretched out her hand and slapped Epherene hard across the face.

Slap—!

A sharp crack echoed through the room. With a snap of her wrist, Sylvia’s swing sent Epherene reeling, her head whipping to the side.

"Ow..." Epherene groaned, turning her eyes toward Sylvia, tears welling up.

The pain was so intense that she couldn’t even scream. Her lips moved silently, her eyebrows twitching with pain and resentment.

"You... you...."

"Does it hurt?"

"Of course, it hurts! You slapped me so hard!" Epherene shouted, her voice shaking with anger.

Sylvia nodded and said, "Sorry, but if it hurts, it can't be a dream. I just wanted to make sure you knew."

Epherene was too stunned to respond. Sylvia then turned to the three men.

"And you three?" Sylvia asked.

Afraid of being slapped, they quickly responded, "No, no, it's definitely not a dream. There's no way this is a dream, Epherene. Let's be realistic!"

Following Deculein’s advice, Sylvia had been working out for five days. She could feel her physical abilities improving as she gazed out the study room window. However, the sight of Roton’s grotesque transformation left her uneasy.

“This is so unfair... It hurts so much... Is it such a big deal to say something wrong just once? Is it?” Epherene muttered, her eyes filled with tears and frustration.

Sylvia ignored her and concentrated on the task at hand.