Chapter 180

Chapter 180

The Crown of Order.

Seol couldnt hide his excitement after hearing that name.

That was here?

Even Seol knew about it as it was quite a famous item.

In the distant past, a massive ruin was discovered near the central region of Pandea.

Countless factions fought to acquire the treasures from within the ruin, and the Crown of Order was one such treasure that symbolized the events.

Though its powers are still unknown to many, most were still able to discern that it was far from ordinary.

However, as it was an item from the distant past, even Seol had only heard of it through rumors.

If this goes well

Though Seol had been dragged into Alcatron because of his promise to Frannan, luck had found its way after all his effort.

But how did the Libra Magic Tower acquire the Crown of Order?

Ridwen and Cartesin began to vehemently reject Bornuil's proposal, to the point that they were even unintentionally spitting.

The Crown of Order is not only the symbol of Libra, but it is also a treasure we acquired by using everything we had! How could we just hand this over to some

"Since when was the Crown of Order the symbol of Libra? Not only is it essentially stolen goods, but we only acquired it by chance, no? Ohohoho..."

- They stole it?

- So a stolen item was the symbol of Libra

- Judging by their reaction, Bornuils telling the truth

Ridwen sat back down before continuing.

"Even so, that doesn't change anything. The Crown of Order is now in the Libra Tower, and it will remain with us."

After hearing that, Frannan butted in.

"But it's just an item," said Frannan. "If no one's going to use it, it's just shiny junk that takes up space."

"Frannan! An expensive item plays its role even if it's just in its spot!"

I disagree.

Hmph!

Bornuil interjected to warm up the cold mood.

"If this old man can say a couple of words..." started Bornuil. "Whether we wanted to or not, this expedition has drawn a lot of attention from a variety of people. And though we can prevent the spread of information about the events in Alcatron, we can't prevent them from praising the person who saved them."

"Just as you can't hold onto the wind with your hand, we can't prevent people from praising or gossiping about others, agreed Frannan.

Bornuil nodded before continuing.

"He saved everyone. When we consider how multiple factions are showing interest in us and who we'd announce as the next Libra if we reward the person who achieved so much during the expedition poorly, how would that reflect on us?"

Ahem

Please, consider it.

Ridwen and Cartesin scowled and thought to themselves.

Then, let me ask you this, Frannan, said one of the Aspect Magicians. Is he truly worth that much?

Worth that much?

"I am asking you if entrusting someone unaffiliated with any faction, whose identity we don't know, with the treasure of Libra is that valuable."

If youre asking that, then

Grab

Frannan handed over a scroll as if he had been expecting this.

What is this?

Seol glanced at its contents for a second and was shocked.

Did you do a background check on me? asked Seol.

It wasnt just you. It was everyone in the expedition party, answered Frannan. Its something I had to do as the person in charge of the party.

Cartesin was astonished after reading the scroll.

I-Is this all true?

"You're shocked, huh? Do you think there has ever been an individual... no, a faction who has achieved so much in such a short time?"

Seol's achievements were remarkable for something accomplished by only one individual.

He defeated the Rock Molar Tribe in the Pointy Mountains, stopped Yognatuns Sulfur Skull Tribe from invading, cleared the Labyrinth of Penance, and even killed the Black Knight who attacked Illia.

Even if you excluded all of the other unknown achievements Seol had done, Seol's accomplishments were quite notable.

......

"He's lived his life like that. And no one can deny that he used his strength to help us. The Crown of Order? He already has multiple items as valuable as that."

Hm

"He probably isn't even interested in the Crown of Order. But the reason we're trying to give it to him is to foster a friendly relationship for the future. After all, he accomplished something no one else in the expedition party could do all on his own. And considering the pace of his growth, we have yet to fathom how valuable he could be to us in the future."

There was only one thing wrong in Frannans statements.

His assumption that Seol wasnt interested in the Crown of Order.

- His eyes seem desperate, though LOOOOL

- Youre wrong Frannan your disciple wants the item

"There's still one really important thing left, isn't there?" laughed Bornuil.

There is. This child here

Frannan glanced at Seol before finishing his words.

is my one and only disciple.

* * *

The expedition party had to stay at the Libra Tower for quite a while. While the rewards were indeed a part of it, there was another reason entirely.

Neal, the Steel Lion, tapped Maels shoulders.

"Do you not have to return to the Artifact Association, Mael?"

"I can always make my report after I see how the rest of the expedition is handled."

Excuses Be honest, you just want to stay here a bit longer, dont you?

"Hahaha... I don't know if you should be the one saying that, Neal. Did you not already receive your rewards? I doubt you have any reason to stay now, especially since you need new members to maintain the Steel Lion Mercenaries' name."

Ive already sent a few of my men back to take care of that. I, the leader, can take my merry time..

Chameli quietly poked their sides.

Poke

Urgh

Ch-Chameli

She then gave a big smile.

"Are we really going to waste a good day with such pointless chatter? We're all here to witness something truly rare, aren't we?"

U-urgh I was just

"Chameli, when you put it like that, it makes us sound like a bunch of slackers without anything to do, doesn't it?"

Were you two not? And whats so bad about not having anything to do?

......

"We've lost a lot of people. If we want to ease their sorrow, we need just as much joy. Since today is the day they announce the new Libra, I want all of you to be happy too!"

"Then I won't hesitate to enjoy it as well."

"It truly is a rare sight, though, to think we'd be able to witness the announcement of a new Tower Master."

Are the other tower masters here too?

"Due to the distance... I've heard they're most likely sending magicians bearing their emblems instead. Oh, I see one over there!"

Magicians with epaulets of various designs entered the tower in rows.

Oh! Scorpio Scorpio came.

Really? Is that them?

A short, stubborn-looking magician gathered the attention of many around them.

Hmph Bornuil always acted as if he had all the luxury in the world but he ended up being the first to go. I was right, wasnt I? said Scorpio to the magician behind them.

There might be people on the same level as me in Zodiac, but no ones above me, right?

...Wh-what?

"Ah, the only exception might be if the Grand Duke of Frost comes back from the grave."

While most of the magicians grimaced at Frannans attitude, there were also many who enjoyed it, especially among a few Tower Masters, including Scorpio.

Bwahahahaha! How fun! You and I will get along well!

"Bornuil was on the more boring side, but this new Libra is quite eccentric."

As Ridwen was at a loss for what to do, the other tower masters waved their hands.

"It looks like he has more to say. Go ahead."

"There's no one who can stop you anymore. I was just getting bored, so this came at the perfect time."

Frannan's single eye bore a serious expression.

"Then... the first thing that I want to say is..." began Frannan. "I hate you magicians, you fucking bastards."

Frannan looked directly at an old woman relying on a device to help her move, as well as the female magician assisting her.

While the old magician didnt show much of a reaction, the young magician held a dark mood around her.

What do you mean by that?

"It's exactly as I said. Magicians all do this because they enjoy feeling superior to others, don't they? I was the same. I... was exactly the same."

Frannan's eye grew distant, as if he was recalling a dark past.

"I thought I could do anything. That's why I didn't so much as give a glance to the people who were behind me. Because I... was better than all of them."

Haha everyone goes through that.

There were a lot of stuffy, old-fashioned magicians who tried to correct me.

Veil, the magician who took him in.

- Because you are a magician. People think magicians are incredible, but... in truth, were all just conceited idiots.

Yurin, whose mind had reverted to that of a child's.

- I guarantee you, no one, except for the first ever magician, learned magic on their own from the start. Humans may be weak, but we are a race that accumulates knowledge. That is how weve continued to advance magic further.

"They all did whatever they pleased... They even tried to correct one of the fundamental things about me."

Magicians dont know when to keep their nose out, after all.

Hahaha! Thats right, Libra! So, are you still like that?

Frannan answered coldly.

No.

......

In the end, I lost.

He sighed deeply.

"I realized my limits through this expedition. A foul magician is always left on their own, after all."

......

"However, the heavens blessed even a person like me with people whom I could trust."

Frannan first looked at Seol before looking at the other expedition party members.

"The reason the expedition was a success wasn't because of my pitiful magic. It pains me to admit this, but it was because of my comrades."

How obvious, Frannan.

And?

Frannan then continued.

"So, because I am an adult who took so long to learn and say something so obvious... I plan to finally convey my feelings, sincerely."

Frannan addressed Yurin, who had mentally reverted to a child, and Ebony, her disciple, standing beside her.

Ebony.

...Yes.

Before Yurin saved you, she gave me a request.

What kind of

Ebony had stayed by Yurins side since that day, considering herself a sinner and seeing it as a way to atone for her sins. But... Yurin had left words for her before the accident?

Frannan closed his eyes.

- Frannan, if something happens, and I fail

- No! Im not going to do that!

- Stop making such a fuss. Well I leave it to you.

Yurins final request to Frannan.

- Could you tell her that its fine? Tell my cute little disciple that Im okay.

Its fine, Ebony.

...What?

Yurin said that it was okay.

......

"She told me to tell you that if something went wrong."

Urg

"I'm sorry it took so long for me to tell you this. It took far too long for me to say it with a sincere heart."

Urg-Ahhhhh

Finally, after all this time, Ebony felt a weight lift from her heart.

She hadn't laughed in years, fearing that Yurin might have despised her for the accident.

With a teary-eyed smile, she looked at Frannan, the new Libra.

Sensing that Frannan was done, Ridwen and Cartesin moved on to the next matter.

"Lastly... we will be awarding the individual who has contributed the most to the expedition. Please step forward!"

Step Step

Seol and Frannan, the new Libra, locked eyes.

[A Charming Individual activates. You receive additional favorability.]

[You have acquired Frannan, the Crooked Libra as a helper.]

[Frannan, the Crooked Libra is a Transcendent rank.]

[Helpers have a chance of appearing in all Adventures.]

[They will help you differently based on their favorability toward you.]

[Your influence in Faction: Libra Magic Tower increases.]

[Your influence in Faction: Zodiac increases.]

[You now have a friendly relationship with Faction: Libra Magic Tower.]

[You are now able to both give and receive assistance from Faction: Libra Magic Tower.]

[Faction: Libra Magic Tower is deeply interested in your actions.]

Frannan, the Libra, spoke to the other Aspect Magician.

Bring it.

Frannan held a chest and offered it to Seol, who opened it.

Creaaak

A radiant light shone forth as the crown revealed itself.

[You have acquired Peerless: Crown of Order.]

[You have acquired an item that didnt exist in the world previously.]

And with this new item, Seols next step was readied.

[You have obtained 5 Peerless-quality items.]

[You have received information on Hidden Adventure 'Glory to be Gained'.]

[Once the conditions have been met, a Sudden Adventure will activate.]