Chapter 56: Magic Tower (2)

Chapter 56: Magic Tower (2)

Not long after the notification appeared, Kim Hyunwoo was able to meet with a middle-aged mage who had come to his office.

Pleased to meet you, I am Onel, the Light Researcher.

Kim Hyunwoo nodded as Onel, whose attire alone seemed to declare him a renowned mage, slightly bowed his head.

Pleased to meet you, Onel. I am Kim Hyunwoo, the Lord of Lartania.

This brief conversation began with their introductions.

Although it lasted only about five minutes, Kim Hyunwoo was able to easily discern Onels personality.

Arrogant, with immense pride in his magic.

Onel possessed exactly the kind of personality Kim Hyunwoo expected of a mage, proud of his magic and somewhat disdainful of those who could not wield it.

He was immensely proud of his magic, and while not overtly, his attitude showed a certain disdain for those unable to use magic.

This was despite the fact that he was in a position to discuss matters of some importance from the perspective of the Mage Tower.

Ahem Anyway, the reason I have come such a long way today is because there is a peculiar rumor circulating about the Lartania territory.

As Onel seemed to conclude the small talk and get to the point, Kim Hyunwoo spoke as if he had been waiting for this.

If its a peculiar rumor, it must naturally be about the Labyrinth.

Correct, Ive heard that in the Labyrinth of Lartania territory, Magic Stones are produced infinitely Is that true?

Thats correct.

Really?

Yes, it might be hard to believe since its unprecedented, but unlike other territories, monsters are continuously generated in our Lartania territory.

At Kim Hyunwoos nod, Onel glanced at him and spoke.

May I, perhaps, conduct an investigation?

Its possible to conduct an investigation, but given our current relationship, its a bit difficult to accommodate that request.

At Kim Hyunwoos subtle refusal, Onel hmmed thoughtfully for a moment before speaking.

Indeed, thats exactly why Ive come today to discuss this matter. If what the Lord says is true, then the Mage Tower thinks it could be a good partner with Lartania. What do you think?

I agree. However, I would like for us to form a closer relationship.

A closer relationship?

Yes.

At the mages words, Kim Hyunwoo sighed imperceptibly.

This is as I expected.

Kim Hyunwoo had anticipated that the Mage Tower would seek him out very quickly after opening the Labyrinth city.

Although it did not exist in the game, based on Adrias words, the Mage Tower was indeed the one from the fantasy world he knew, and he was aware that they always needed a tremendous amount of Magic Stones.

The important part starts now.

Kim Hyunwoo cleared his throat with a cough.

I would appreciate some support with magic scrolls.

He made his proposal.

Magic scrolls are literally items made by mages that allow one to use magic at any given moment, encapsulating spells within parchment for single-use.

There are two main features of these magic scrolls: first is their convenience, and the second is their exorbitant cost.

To give an idea, Kim Hyunwoo found that a simple yet quite powerful 1st-circle Fireball scroll costs over ten Gold Coins.

Ten Gold Coins.

This is an absurdly high price for a disposable item, equivalent to the current market price of ten low-grade Magic Stones.

Youre asking for support with magic scrolls?

Yes, to be more precise, I would like support with Fireball and Binding scrolls, each at about three Gold Coins. Around 500 of each per month would be ideal.

What?

Onel looked incredulous, seemingly upset by Kim Hyunwoos proposal to slash the price of the scrolls by 70%.

However, Kim Hyunwoo continued without pause.

However, if you agree to this deal, we will supply the Mage Tower with 1,000 low-grade Magic Stones every month.

Huh.

Onel, looking at Kim Hyunwoo as if he couldnt believe it, said,

Thus, with her expression and her immediate actions, Merilda could virtually confirm the situation for sure.

As expected-

Rin had not been accepted by the Master.

Realizing that, Merildas tail, which had been still from tension, began to subtly move.

At the same time, a smile formed on her lips.

Ha.

Seeing this, the Absolute Ruler of Darkness, with a scornful expression, looked at Merilda and laughed, saying,

Finding joy in others misfortune, does that beast-like nature of yours ever change?

Dont talk about others. Youre the same. Have you forgotten coming to take my Execution Sword last time? True to your demon hybrid nature, always looking to solve everything through plunder, arent you?

Like breathing, the two naturally started to provoke each other.

Thats why you were rejected by him!

What about you? Besides, unable to contain your anger, you smashed all the gifts given by the Master!

Gradually increasing the intensity of their words, they continued to speak.

Even after going to retrieve the Execution Sword, you were rejected.

!

Why, you thought I wouldnt know? Even if you hide in the darkness, I can see when you leave. How shocked you must have been, leaving the Execution Sword behind?

Merilda smiled provocatively at Rin.

Eek-!

Angered, Rin tried to reach into the darkness, but,

Huh, huhuh Yes, think as you wish, your words have no impact on me.

Rin, trying to maintain a facade of unaffected composure despite her expression suggesting otherwise, forced a casual smile and then declared,

I have personally heard how to be forgiven by him!

She claimed.

What?

At Merildas incredulous question, with her tail even stopping in shock, Rin finally smiled as if she had seized victory and answered,

Did you not hear? I was told directly how to be forgiven by him.

Thats absurd!

Do you truly think its absurd?

Seeing Rin speak with newfound ease, Merilda realized it was true and wore a shocked expression.

So, babble all you want, I have things to do now.

As Rin looked at her with a triumphant expression, about to turn away,

Wait, wait! Tell me too!

At Merildas cry, Rin, looking incredulous yet with a relaxed smile,

Beasts are shameless, arent they? Do you really think Id tell you? Hmm

seemed to ponder for a moment, then-

Well, alright then, if you perform three somersaults right here and now and prostrate yourself before me, allowing me to step on your head, Ill consider telling you.

She said this with a smile.

She knew all along.

She had always said that she would rather die than forsake her pride, prioritizing it even over life itself, making it unlikely she would ever comply with such a demand.

However.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

?

Contrary to her expectations, Merilda performed three somersaults right there and then, perfectly prostrating herself before Rin as if depicted in a painting.

Step on me. As you wish, to your hearts content,

she said.

??

Rin wore a bewildered expression.