Chapter 350

At Merlin's insistence, everyone unanimously agreed to temporarily set aside the concerns regarding Oliver and, instead, focus on discussing the betrayal of the Life School faction and the Department of Life Alchemy. This was the most urgent matter at hand.

Once the decision was reached, Merlin instructed Oliver and Kevin to leave the tent. Given the gravity of the situation, it was deemed best for these two contentious figures to be absent.

Although Merlin had been the initial source of controversy, Kevin, as a disciple, respectfully complied with Merlin's directive without hesitation.Fôllôw new stories at novelhall.com

Oliver mirrored this gesture and followed Kevin out of the tent.

"I'm sorry," Oliver immediately expressed his apology as he followed Kevin out of the tent.

His apology pertained to the revelation of his true identity. Although he had previously apologized for this, he felt compelled to do so once more.

While it may not have been a major issue, he felt remorseful for putting Kevin in an uncomfortable situation.

Kevin casually replied, "It's okay. It's all in the past, and the fact that your identity was revealed actually made things easier to handle."

"Even so, I'm sorry... It feels like I've put your efforts to waste," Oliver admitted.

Upon hearing these seemingly significant words, Kevin hesitated briefly, gazing at Oliver with contemplation.

He then quietly led Oliver to a secluded spot, distancing themselves from others.

Once they had created some distance and privacy, Kevin concentrated mana at his fingertips and cast a soundproofing spell by snapping his fingers.

"Are you pitying me?" Kevin inquired.

"Pity?"

"Yes, after hearing about my past from Theodore."

Kevin's expression displayed a hint of fatigue and mild irritation.

"I don’t really know. I don't understand what pity is," Oliver replied.

If it had been an ordinary person, such a response might have sounded sarcastic, but Kevin didn't react with anger. He recognized Oliver's sincerity.

"I think you're impressive,"Oliver added.

"Uh?"

"Yes, despite your personal feelings, you still tried to save your students."

Recollecting Kevin's emotions at that moment, Oliver continued.

Kevin hadn't forgotten his past or his grudges; instead, he had buried them deep within himself, transforming them into something even more powerful.

Nevertheless, he had genuinely attempted to rescue Derick and Felix when they were in trouble.

It was a logical contradiction in emotions, yet these conflicting feelings emitted a beautiful radiance.

Elaborating on this, Kevin stated, "I’m not a fool who can't manage my affairs due to emotions."

"I know. That's why I think you're impressive."

"I don’t intend to take revenge through someone else’s hands. You know that, right?"

"Yes."

Oliver recalled the conversation between Kevin and Theodore.

Kevin had become Merlin's disciple not just to exact revenge on Merlin, his Master and arch-enemy, but also on all the wizards and their families involved in human experiments at the time.

To become the greatest wizard.

It wasn't an empty declaration; Kevin's burning anger and hatred were testament to that.

"So, I just did what I had to do for that day. Don't arbitrarily judge me as impressive or pitiable. I’m just acting according to my own plans. Got it?"

"Yes... I understand. And I'm sorry," Oliver conveyed his apology.

Perhaps Oliver had been too quick to judge. After all, Kevin was simply executing his own plan.

‘Still, I think he's impressive...' Oliver thought to himself.

However, he decided not to delve further into the matter. Kevin, being directly involved, seemed reluctant to discuss it any further.

"‘Well... just in case?"

Oliver tilted his head at the unknown words. What was more questionable was that it wasn’t entirely a lie.

"‘Anyway, if she's the younger sister of Human-meat Chef with such an organization, she probably can't be that bad. She has enough money and connections... She might even have provided what wizards want with the power of black magic."

"‘What would that be?"

"‘What would a wizard want? Knowledge, power, youth, things like that. The Black Hand has been living for hundreds of years, so it wouldn’t be strange if they possess what wizards so desire."

It didn't seem to be a wrong statement.

There would also be those interested in the knowledge of dark magic like Theodore.

"‘Anyway, this is quite a big deal. The Black Hand, which usually operates under the radar, acted officially... No matter how secretive the Magic Tower is, they can’t hide this fact for long. They have to announce it publicly, and discuss it by joining forces with other powers. The Galos government, Landa City, the central government of the kingdom, the Pater Church, and so on."

As Kevin listed each organization, the seriousness of the matter sunk in even more.

"‘Because we have to have organic discussions with organizations of different characters, Master will probably take charge."

"‘Elder?"

"‘Archiver has a wide network and high authority, making it just right to handle such sensitive matters. Especially when the Magic Tower has its own faults. If he refuses, I don't know, but if Master volunteers, they'll actively cooperate."

"‘Ah..."

"Master will take on the task, so they won’t easily touch your problem... You’re lucky."

"Ah... That’s ironic. It seems like something bad happened, but I’m benefiting from it."

"Everything in the world operates by such principles. When war breaks out, the owners of weapon factories make money. When a new epidemic arises, pharmaceutical companies profit. Even during a depression, those who short stocks make money."

Upon hearing Kevin's seemingly experienced remark, Oliver fell into a momentary contemplation.

The world, he realized, was indeed intricate; any given occurrence could be either unfortunate or fortunate for someone. That's what made it so fascinating and captivating.

Oliver inquired, "So, what do you think will happen next, Professor?"

"To what?"

"The Life School betrayed Magic Tower, and the Department of Life Alchemy got exploited by Mr. Human-meat Chef. What do you think will happen?"

Kevin adopted a uniquely serious expression, deeply pondering the situation, as if he too found it difficult to reach a swift judgment.

"Um... Well, I haven't experienced anything like this before, but I can predict what might happen to the Life School."

"What will happen?"

Just as Kevin was about to respond, a tapping sound against the tent's exterior reached their ears.

Right in front of the soundproof barrier, Yareli gathered mana in her hand and tapped it against the barrier.

Though it wasn't a physical wall, she held Oliver and Kevin in high enough regard to summon them in this manner.

Kevin dispelled the soundproofing magic. "What's going on?"

"I have a message to deliver, Professor. First, Sir. Archiver will use the portal to take all the wizards here to his privately-owned hospital. Both of you should get ready."

"Good choice. It's easier to treat people when they're all gathered at the hospital, and it will also be easier to enforce the entry... Did you hear anything else?"

"I'm sorry. Myself, along with Mr. Terrence and others, were soon driven out of the tent. They said there were important matters to discuss."

"Ah, I see. Let's prepare immediately then."

Just as Kevin was about to take action, Oliver halted him.

"Professor, may I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"I have a place I'd like to visit briefly; may I go there?"

Though it was uncharacteristic of Oliver, Kevin's brow furrowed upon hearing Oliver's question. He wasn't likely to frivolously suggest going sightseeing... It made him curious.

"Where would you like to go?"

"An orphanage."