Chapter 76: The Return of the ArchMage (2)

Chapter 76: The Return of the ArchMage (2)

Clank, clank.

While mulling over these thoughts, the sound of chains echoed from a cell at the end of the corridor. A man resembling a wolf appeared, catching the interest of the archmage.

He was different from those who rushed out of their cells without a thought. Moreover, the man was restrained not only with shackles but also handcuffs, which the archmage found appealing.

Still one more left, eh? Did you hide your presence? Your Schema is quite impressive.

The man, after glancing at the fallen prisoners, let out a resigned laugh.

Heh, unbelievable. Do you know where you are? This is Inferno, the western prison. Planning a rebellion, are you?

Rebellion? Sounds like fun. Will you join?

The man nonchalantly shrugged.

If it gets me out, why not?

You must have heard, even if you didn't see. There's no freedom unless you can defeat me.

The man sighed, lifting his arms constrained by handcuffs to scratch his head. His eyes, peeking through his forearms, shone sharply as he suddenly leaped forward.

His jump, overcoming the weight of the iron balls due to his impressive Schema, resulted in a direct hit to the archmages face with the iron ball.

"Master!"

Boom!

Landing with a surprised expression, the man bent his knees. Making such a sound from hitting a person was unexpected.

"Annoying magic."

The archmage remained unfazed. The side of his face hit by the iron ball was covered in a dark shadow, thanks to his Dark Skin magic that maximized the absorption of impact with dark magic.

"Not bad. You pass."

The archmage cast the Might of Darkness. Shadows rising from the ground gripped the man's shackles and handcuffs.

"Don't move. You might lose limbs."

Before the man could reply, the shadows formed into blades and spun rapidly, cutting off the chains without harming his skin. This was the essence of dark magic limitless shape-shifting and delicate manipulation.

"Freedom suits you. Follow me. There's work to be done."

"Whats this about? I never said Id join."

The man's smiling lips twitched slightly.

He knew the extent of his opponent's strength. But being dragged along like a cow would defeat the purpose of his escape.

"Money moves you, doesn't it? Help me, and you'll earn a fortune."

Mages being wealthy was common knowledge.

Moreover, the man was someone who would do anything for money, so there was no reason to decline.

"Heh, big money, huh? If the amount is mediocre, Ill quit halfway."

With that, the man followed the archmage out of the prison. And thus, Inferno had one escapee.

Shirone's group rented an inn after gathering and organizing materials from the library. Two days of intense discussion helped them grasp the concept of the Photon Cannon.

"Why does mass exist?"

Without mass, nothing changes. A world where today is the same as yesterday isn't necessarily bad, is it?

Yet, mass existed from the beginning. As if the world was meant to be filled with new events.

"Mass isnt weight. Weight is the force acting in the direction of gravity. Theres no direction in space. So, what is mass? Cohesion? But that doesnt seem to fully explain it."

Nade asked,

"Then what do you think it is?"

The feeling was clear, but not distinct.

"Existence."

"Eh?"

"The proof that it exists in this space. Maybe thats what mass is?"

"If only Siena could be half as approachable as her."

While sipping wine with these thoughts, Reina, having finished her conversation, approached Thadd.

"Hello, Mr. Thadd."

"Oh, yes! Wait, do you know me?"

"Of course. You're a teacher at the Alpheas Magic Academy. The Ogent family's main house is in Creas."

"Oh, right. I forgot about that. Nice to meet you."

Their shared hometown brought a familiar warmth to their conversation, and they talked for a long time. As Thadd had guessed, Reina was lively and fun.

"How is Shirone doing?"

"Shirone? How do you know... Oh, right."

Recalling Shirones test, where he had written the Ogent family as his guardian, Thadd remembered.

"Shirone was a guest of the Ogent family. Indeed, a noble family with a keen eye for talent. He's doing well, although he recently got into a bit of trouble."

"Trouble? What kind of trouble?"

Reinas wide-eyed reaction made Thadd regret his words. Learning that a student sponsored by the Ogent family was under suspension could bruise her pride.

"Ahaha! Nothing serious. Hes just such an outstanding student that even minor things get blown out of proportion."

"Oh, I see."

Reina sighed in relief. From Thadd's description, she could imagine Shirone's life.

"It's good to hear he's doing well. Does he have many friends?"

"Absolutely. Popular with both boys and girls. Sometimes I even get jealous. Hahaha!"

"Really? Then, maybe..."

Reina paused, about to ask if he had a girlfriend, but shook her head. It was a legitimate question for a patron, but the inquirer in her heart wasn't just using the patron's name.

"Something on your mind?"

"No, its just good to know he's well."

"Haha! Dont worry. I may be biased, but Alpheas is a prestigious school. You can trust us with his care."

"Huhu, right. I was overstepping, sorry."

"No, not at all. In fact, I've been presumptuous. How about joining me on a trip to Creas? I'm leaving in the morning. I'd love to treat you to lunch."

Reina politely declined with a hint of regret.

"Sorry, I have a concert schedule and need to return to Bashuka."

"Oh, thats unfortunate..."

Thadd couldn't hide his disappointment. Usually, he'd let go easily, but she was a rare find.

"Cant help it. But I'd love to see your concert. Could you let me know the schedule? I'll come to Bashuka."

"My, I'm flattered. Actually, I was worried. With the recent unrest in the capital, I feared many seats might be empty."

"Unrest in Bashuka?"

"An attack by a dark mage at Inferno, freeing a B-class fugitive. The capital is almost under martial law now."

"A dark... mage?"

Thadd's brow furrowed. It could be just another news story, but upon reflection, it was a rare occurrence.

Dark mages were scarce in modern times. And why attack Inferno, just for a B-class fugitive?

Dark mage, Inferno, B-class fugitive.

A scene from history flashed through Thadd's mind.

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