[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
Chapter 93 - The Tower of Illusions (3)
After learning that I was from another world, Kaiden, with the curiosity typical of a mage, often asked me to tell him stories about Earth.
This world follows the classic setting of medieval fantasy.
There’s mysterious magic, and non-human intelligent species roam freely, but compared to Earth's civilization, it’s utterly primitive.
Highly developed science becomes indistinguishable from magic, and Earth's technology far surpasses the magic level of this world—aside from dimensional gates.
A single missile is more powerful than most offensive spells, and no matter how noble an emperor may be, the average citizen of South Korea enjoys a more comfortable and prosperous life.
Frankly, if a single division of the South Korean military were to come over, they could conquer the continent in no time.
For a mage like Kaiden, the idea of Earth's civilization must have been utterly shocking.
I had become so accustomed to Earth’s stories that I recounted them without much thought, but Kaiden listened to them intently, especially taking a great interest in virtual reality—what we know as VR.
"You’re saying it’s possible to create a world that doesn’t exist and make it seem real? By tricking all five senses?"
Since the night Kaiden left the capital over the drawbridge ten years ago, I hadn’t heard anything about what he’d been up to.
I had assumed Kaiden would have joined the Empire’s Magic Department.
In addition to his quick thinking, Kaiden is a combat-specialized mage who can wield extremely destructive offensive magic.
Considering that, I thought it was natural that he would end up in the Magic Department supporting the Imperial Army, not somewhere like the Tower of Illusions, of all places.
Of course, it’s not that illusion magic is without value, but compared to other useful schools of magic, its practicality is somewhat limited.
But when you think about it, it’s strange—why wouldn’t magic that can deceive the five senses be considered useful?
The problem is that research on this field of magic is woefully underdeveloped.
To begin with, very few mages even enter the Tower of Illusions, and compared to other straightforward forms of magic, it’s an incredibly complex field. At most, they’ve only managed to create something akin to a hologram.
Even the people of this medieval fantasy world wouldn’t believe the poor quality of it.
But Kaiden, the magic prodigy, had joined the Tower of Illusions, and now, here before me, was a living, breathing replica of Earth.
It’s so vivid and clear that I could almost believe I had returned to Earth itself.
Geniuses are geniuses, no matter where they go or what they do.
"Everyone, this way."
As Kaiden raised his hand, the traffic light turned red, and all the cars came to a sudden halt.
Watching this, I became curious. I had never explained traffic signals or road laws to Kaiden.
"That? I deduced it."
"Deduced?"
"It’s a world where cars are in use. Given that they’re iron carriages, they must be dangerous. It stands to reason that there would be some sort of system to manage them."
Is this guy crazy or what?!Rêađ latest cha/p/ters on no/v/e/l(b)in(.)c/o/m
Kaiden leisurely crossed the street and took a seat at an outdoor cafe table by the roadside.
The table was small, so the kids sat at one, while I sat with Orendi and Kaiden at another.
After placing our orders, the drinks arrived, and I took a cautious sip.
It was delicious. This really tasted like coffee. Wait, hold on.
"Is this real?"
"Ha, as expected, you’ve already figured it out. Anyway, I was pondering the problem when I heard that you were at the Tower of Illusions."
"You want me to create an evaluation field that mimics real combat using illusion magic?"
"Can you do it?"
"Of course."
Kaiden answered without hesitation.
"I can control the environment, the structures, even the placement and reactions of the enemy forces, all to your specifications."
"Great. Could you perhaps show me a sample...."
Before I could finish my sentence, the scenery around us shifted like a kaleidoscope in an instant.
"What the—?!"
As the tables and chairs disappeared, the kids screamed and jumped up in surprise, and Orendi almost fainted, gasping for breath.
"This is a miracle! It’s the power of a god!"
We were no longer on the bustling street but standing in a dimly lit corridor.
Judging by its appearance, we seemed to be simulating an infiltration of the Imperial Palace’s interior.
Ahead, a single palace guard stood with his back to us.
"Go ahead."
I looked down to find a heavy dagger in my hand.
"Step lightly. His senses are just like a real person’s."
Following Kaiden’s advice, I moved quietly, creeping up behind the guard.
The guard was breathing softly, humming a low tune as if he were a living person.
I clamped my hand over the guard’s mouth and stabbed the dagger repeatedly into his side. Blood gushed out like a waterfall.
The warmth of the blood was so real it was eerie.
"KYAAAAAAHHHH!!!"
Merilda let out a piercing scream.
"A-a person was just killed!"
"Get a grip, Merilda. It’s all an illusion."
Knightley, trying to calm Merilda down, looked pale. It was probably the first time either of them had witnessed someone being killed right before their eyes.
"A true professional, a real expert."
Hindrasta, however, watched with interest as I subdued the guard, a fascinated expression on her face.
As the guard took his last breath, Kaiden approached and asked,
"So, what do you think, Dian? Will I be of use to you?"
Looking down at the collapsing guard, I replied,
"It’s so realistic that it makes you feel guilty. I’ll talk to the Palace and have you set up the evaluation field for the competition."
"If it’s to help you, Dian, I’ll do anything."
Kaiden smiled and bowed his head.
[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]