Chapter 114

Chapter 114

On the day when the Archmage Gluckt died (2)

Although Archmage Gluckt is a figure from the past, he is frequently mentioned in the scenario of Sylvanian Academys Failed Swordsman. He has left behind many traces of his existence. Recognized for his varied achievements in almost every field at numerous academies, he explored elemental studies, magical creature ecology, herbology, mana manipulation, sensitivity principles, and elementalism. He served directly under the royal family as a mage, exterminated magical creatures, spent years as a mercenary, saved border city-states from crises, and even simultaneously subdued both the highest-ranking fire elemental Theorphys and the highest-ranking water elemental Pride He truly lived the life of a hero.

After his retirement, he devoted himself to nurturing the next generation, following the will of his mentor Archsage Sylvanius, and invested all his lifelong assets into educational and academic research funding. It was said that he hardly spent any money on himself.

The remnants of his presence are clearly left here at Sylvanius Academy. There is the Gluckt Hall among the three buildings of the student union, the Gluckt Scholarship Foundation which I once relied on, and Gluckts magical theories that remain part of the standard curriculum.

If Archsage Sylvanius was the founder of Sylvanius Academy, then Archmage Gluckt could be considered the main contributor who took on its maintenance and developed it into the worlds leading educational institution.

Ive read materials from the setting books, and since coming into this world, Ive memorized the biographies to the point where I could recite them by heart. After all, hes one of the major figures discussed in the subject of magical history.

However, his end remains undisclosed. At least, historically speaking.

But I had a rough idea, as Sylvaniuss Failed Swordsman somewhat covered the past of Lucy.

After liquidating all his assets and feeling that he had done all he could, he retires to a vast mountain range in the northwestern region of Ramellden.

There, in a monastery, he discovers an abandoned Lucy and takes her in, immediately recognizing the girls magical talent and bestowing upon her the Stars Blessing, which swiftly unlocked her potential.

Unexpectedly, Lucys magical talent turned out to be even more tremendous than Gluckt had anticipated.

Even left to her own devices, the girl would have awakened to her magical power and made a name for herself as a sorceress. And to think, she even met a great archmage who would go down in history as her mentor Thus, their combined potentials triggered a chemical reaction, turning her into a gemstone of vast talent.

Nevertheless, Archmage Gluckt thus spent his twilight years in the Ramellden mountain range.

Casually engaging in writing activities, surviving, and refining the human gem named Lucy Mayrill Eventually, he reaches the end of his life.

On a rainy day. In a humble shack.

The past glory of a supreme figure who swayed the world and led human history was nowhere to be seen, as Archmage Gluckt laid completely withered.

His back was bent, his face covered in deep wrinkles. Half of his face was hidden by a bushy beard, and his hair had turned white, devoid of any luster.

There was no family by his side. His wife, whom he met in his youth, had lost her life while subduing Theorphys, and those he could call friends had all passed from this world.

After becoming a notable figure, the people he met either revered him or sought to take advantage of his fame. Such is the lonely nature of those at the pinnacle.

He had a long journey.

If turned into a book, his life would be enough to create a grand adventure epic.

Yet, in the end, there was someone to carry on his will. That alone made him feel he had lived a successful life.

The tapping of the rain against the shacks roof marked the end of one magicians journey.

And so my journey began. Though now, its over.

Over?

Dusk.

After a lively day in Arkensum, this time was the bridge between the busy daylight and the tranquil night.

The sky was painted red, ready to welcome the long night ahead.

As we stepped into the darkening eastern sky, Lucy and I walked together for a while.

Lucy clung to my arm, leading the way with determination, and I simply matched my pace to hers.

Lucy, able to lighten her weight to fly or even teleport long distances using spatial magic with a bold use of her mana, had once zoomed from the Ophelius Hall to the northern forest in a blink.

Yet, Lucy chose to walk slowly. There seemed to be a desire to match our steps, and she probably had things she wanted to say before reaching our destination.

You can let go of my hand. Im not going anywhere.

After leaving the northern forest and passing through the residential area to near the western coast, we had walked quite a distance.

We received many curious glances from people along the way, which made my face uncomfortably itchy.

The sight of Lucy pulling me along seemed curious indeed to onlookers.

Lucys name as Sylvanius Academys valedictorian and a prodigious magician was well-known. Though not everyone recognized her face, those who did sure took note. Especially current Sylvanius students.

Already feeling awkward from the looks we got passing through the residential area, and my arm was starting to tingle from being outstretched for so long.

It looks like Im being dragged around. You dont have to hold on.

With that, Lucy glanced at her own arm and then back at my face.

Her gaze still seemed vacant, but perhaps there was a hint more emotion than before. They say that even a heart will open up over time, and this girl, who once seemed like a talking doll, was beginning to look more human-like, which was quite fascinating to see.

Lucy let go of my arm and absentmindedly twirled the tips of her white hair. She then pulled down her large witch hat and nodded.

So, where are we going? You couldve just told me ahead of time, it wouldnt have hurt anyone.

Were heading to the west coast of Arkensum. Were almost there.

Just the coast? You suddenly felt like seeing the sea? It cant be just that.

Lucy tried to speak but seemed to struggle with the explanation and simply shook her head.

She flapped her spare sleeve and pointed toward the direction we were heading. I was about to ask but simply acknowledged and continued following Lucy.

Do you know where that old mans hometown is?

Archmage Gluckt? According to history class, he was from the lawless region of Cohelton.

Lucy shook her head.

That was just where he spent some of his childhood.

What?

The history books are wrong.

That was a curious assertion. Its not often someone can confidently say the books themselves are flawed, especially someone in front of me.

Since the information came from Lucy, who heard it from Gluckt himself, its likely her words are accurate.

Then?

Its here, this Arkensum.

The wind blew. It was a moist sea breeze.

Lucys hair, normally tied in two pretty braids, danced in the wind, catching the light of the late evening sky and casting a strange, reddish hue.

I calmly approached the tombstone to look at the items placed theremiscellaneous items such as a frayed staff or a worn robe.

But among them, a book caught my eye.

An ordinary person would not have been able to suppress a gasp.

[ Introduction to Sanctity Magic Author Glokt Elderbane ]

I didnt make my emotions obvious. But anyone with even a bit of magic education would understand.

Within the realm of sanctity magic, there can be no such thing as an introduction.

Its a field that even the greatest mages have struggled to refine over a long period without establishing a clear frameworka domain of magic like an unconquered mountain.

Until his dying moment, the grand sorcerer Glokt had been drafting a book to solidify sanctity magic. While he never published it, his existence in book form indicated that a draft had been somewhat completed.

Its magical value is immeasurable, and even converting it to monetary value would yield the same.

Glokts Southern Travels, a record of the magic of the southern lands, was auctioned for about 7,000 Plen gold coins.

Hed said it would be his final work, but could he have been gathering his last strength for this ultimate posthumous work?

The value of this tome, containing his interpretation of sanctity magic, was immeasurable at least to me.

Take it if you want. I dont need it; I already know everything inside.

Lucy, who had been sitting with her knees hugged, gazing at the sea, spoke unhurriedly.

This book was a remnant of Glokt. Understanding its significance to Lucy, I could not respond thoughtlessly.

Yet, Lucy spoke while looking calmly at the sky.

This is where my journey ends.

From the Ramel Mountains to Acken Island.

It was a hellish journey even to imagine, but she was able to finish it, probably because of the unresolved feelings her master left behind.

Still, I havent even lived half the life allotted to me. I might embark on another journey or just live out the rest without much aim. ButIm determined to fulfill the promise I made to that old man.

The promise to protect Silvenia if it ever faces a crisis?

Thats the last duty I have left.

No question followed about how I knew this. I had already heard of the will Glokt left for Lucy.

That last vow was likely why Lucy remained in Silvenia, the final anchor in her life.

Only after fulfilling that promise could she fully release herself from the shadows and constraints of her master.

Im afraid of the emptiness that will come after Ive put all this behind me.

It was unusual for Lucy to be so talkative.

But her voice, heavy and slightly absent, was the same.

Meanwhile, the sky above remained beautifully peaceful.

Lucy, having witnessed Glokts twilight years closely, realized how terrifying it was to be cast alone in this vast world without reason or purpose.

She knew herself. Lucy was absurdly born with immense power.

If she decided to, she could become the continents greatest mage and may even threaten the legacies of the legendary Silvenia and Glokt.

But if what remained at the end was only emptiness, what meaning would life have?

Thus, the girl seeks reasons to live. Just as her master had run from the void all his life, she did the same.

For her master, memories of this coastal cave and Silvenia were enough to cherish at the end of his days.

Where would Lucy be allowed to go? That question oscillated between anticipation and fear, perpetually coiling and resting in her heart.

Therefore, she could only become indifferent.

Losing interest in the world, she could only live life going with the flow.

By coming to Acken Island and burying her master, she concluded the first journey of her life to some extent.

At that point, her world slowly began to fade to monochrome.

Was it the grave that made her feel so invariably melancholic?

The girl halted a sniffle as she hugged her knees. It wasnt a moment for tears, just a touch of sadness. It was all in the past.

With a soft tone, Lucy spoke.

Its not a very pleasant story, nor is it enjoyable to hear. And coming to such a place is just troublesome

Behind her, I sat quietly in front of the tombstone, silently listening.

I just really wanted to show you this place.

Only one trial remained in the girls life.

Once it was over, she could break free from the shadows and anchors of her master and lead her own life fully.

However, a life without direction is like a ship lost in the currents.

Knowing that feeling all too well I just sat with Lucy for a while.

The sun set in the western sky.

The sound of the waves occasionally echoed off the cave walls.

Thanks to the cool breeze of late spring, it wasnt too cold or hot even after sitting for a long time.

It was a fortunate thing.