-chapter 75-
As the Stone Deity emerged, the Bloodline Arena erupted into a cacophony of chaos and excitement.
“Not only does he elegantly control the Limited Summoning Technique, but he adds new power to it?”
“If Rain Ludwig epitomizes the simplicity of using only the absolutely necessary magic in a way that’s perfectly timed, then Krista Warden truly embodies the peak of aristocratic flamboyance!”
“I originally thought that the next generation of magic would be dominated by the late-class disciples of the Eight Great Schools, but I think I need to reconsider where I stand.”
Such praise was not merely voiced by mediocre magicians. Even Madelia Page could not help but express her admiration.
“The weakness of the Stone Deity was that while its attacks were powerful, it had many vulnerabilities in terms of durability…”
But now, it was reconstructed into a brand new magic using the optimal rune ‘Su’ (溲). This would undoubtedly become a new top-tier spell passed down through the Warden family.
“The essence of that arrangement can hardly be understood by anyone who hasn’t faced the original Sandstone directly.”
Professor Kyle also smiled approvingly.
Since the magic array was constructed with dual attributes, even with the inclusion of ‘Su’, the mathematical equations didn’t become excessively complex.
“The interaction between runes and magic circles always has a close influence on magic formation. And that transformation was born from perfectly understanding that interaction.”
It truly gave me chills. The world’s assessment was accurate; this generation was a golden era unlike any before it.
“——And the one who illuminated Krista Warden so she could grow without stagnating in her superiority is none other than…”
Professor Kyle’s gaze turned to the black-haired young man in the audience, casting his eyes downwards on Krista.
“It must be you, Rain Ludwig.”
It seems you’ve begun to recognize how important the transformation of magic arrays through runes is. Rain smiled mischievously.
“It only took Tureina a week to realize it, though.”
How long did it take me? Well, was it right at the point when I was learning the basics of magic?
“Still, at that level… I could give it a score of 90 out of 100.”
However, that warm smile of Rain Ludwig’s suddenly cooled in the next instant.
The scent of blood filled the air.
The odor of death was creeping closer.
From the space where Gertrude had been eagerly hanging over the railing, calling Krista’s name, the owner of that foul stench took a seat in her place.
“…”
I expected him to show up, but seeing his face in person made my heart stop for a brief moment.
‘The one sitting next to me is… me.’
More accurately, it should be called ‘that guy with my face.’
“Make a strange noise, and I’ll kill you immediately.”
He said, revealing a piece of cloth stained with blood. I curiously looked at it and instinctively unfurled it. A hollow laugh escaped my lips.
It was a silver pocket watch, emblazoned with the emblem of the Special Operations Division.
A piece that is only given to the mages of the Special Operations Division, signifying its owner as a renowned Battle Mage in the present age.
“Did you kill all the owners of these?”
“That kind of obvious question weighs heavily.”
“Cheh.”
Did he think I was scared? As Rain snorted, Rivadin also smiled amusingly.
“Yes, you’ll be in the same position soon enough so you can’t help but laugh.”
“No, I’m actually pleased to finally see a real dark magician.”
These kinds of beings were far better than someone like Valencidis, whose depths couldn’t be discerned at all.
“Why are you happy?”
“Because I can kill you freely without any problems, right?”
Rain’s eyes glinted coldly as he spoke in a tone that felt as casual as saying “Good morning” or “Have a good night.”
His voice suggested that encountering and killing dark magicians was no different from an everyday occurrence.
In that moment, Rivadin lifted his brows in bewilderment.
‘If you showed even the slightest sign of trying to escape or back off, I’d draw you out of the city by taking your family hostage.’
Was killing Libeni not a stroke of luck? Of course, just looking at the multiple calculations exhibited on the first day confirmed this.
“Ha, kid… You’ve got spirit.”
“Well, is it just spirit?”
“Choose where you want to die. That considerable life you’ve led, you can make it so that your last scene has some thought put into it.”
It was not an act of kindness. This was a mere remark sprung from the pressure caused by Valencidis’ oppressive threats.
‘Feigning a conversation while luring me outside the city will work too.’
Just then, Rain stood up from his seat. Thinking he might be trying to escape, I reached for his shoulder, but instead, Rain handed back the bloodstained pocket watches.
“It’s better outside the city. An uninhabited forest.”
Those words made Rivadin slightly astonished. Isn’t that supposed to be something the other side confirms?
“I was already marked by you, and due to you guys, the ‘Children of Gold’ and the Special Operations Division have also targeted me.”
“Oh? So?”
“The moment I kill you in a crowded place filled with witnesses, I’ll become completely cornered, right? I hate messy complications.”
* * *
The Forgotten King’s ruins were filled with fragments of ancient Albarism statues, provoking an instinctive fear.
Here, today, it was thrumming with a decadent, primordial melody.
That melody echoed the screams of the five kings of the Abyss, slowly cracking the seals upon the queen who walks through time…
Within that melody, Tureina sat cross-legged.
Typically, she wouldn’t bother to listen to her disciples’ meetings unless she was meditating on a matter of significant importance.
But this time was different.
[What you just said… is that real?]
When Number 5 asked incredulously, the shadow of Number 1 nodded.
[They’ve already infiltrated the school. There wasn’t even a chance to intervene.]
Number 5 sighed deeply and placed a hand on her forehead, while Number 4 nodded playfully.
[Well, considering they’re dying for revenge, what can be done? Those two were practically like siblings—aren’t they? I mean, were they not true siblings?]
Both Rivadin and Libeni were creations born through Tureina’s forbidden human transfigurations mandated by the Divine Dragon Cathedral and the Magic Alliance.
Since they were made from the pieces of the great mage Lin, they all bore an uncanny resemblance to him.
And their abilities, as outstanding as their appearances, hardly needed showcasing. They started from the same position, but Rivadin, who enjoyed fighting stronger opponents, outclassed Libeni threefold.
[Balencidis, this is shaping up interestingly, huh?]
When Number 7 snickered, Number 1 narrowed their eyes.
[Does this seem enjoyable right now?]
[Hah, don’t take it too seriously. Think about it. It’s certainly an unexpected development, but for you, it’s much easier now.]
Since Tureina had painstakingly placed them within the school, she was under a pact to ensure they weren’t discovered until the graduation day.
But Rivadin?
Even if that guy caused a stir, Balencidis could simply play dumb. It was unlikely someone would know about their connection.
[Just let Rivadin freely kill. Real easy, no? After all, he is a wizard hunter. Would any mage be able to beat him?]
[No, pay attention to the forest. The repercussions of Rain Ludwig’s death on the school will be?]
[The school will surely stir. But that’s about the extent of it. How could they possibly cancel a graduation tradition that has continued for such a long time?]
[It’s not going to be that simple—]
Tureina interrupted them, signaling her intention to pass judgment on the matter directly. Immediately, everyone silenced and turned to look at her.
“Let Rivadin run rampant. I’ll take care of his punishment later.”
With that determination, Balencidis’ eyelids drooped limply. If Tureina had made the decision, there was no chance for him to interject.
[As you wish… I will follow your command.]
If Rain Ludwig matched Milrek’s report on being a grave danger, he is indeed the one who downed Libeni.
If that were the case, the only members they could trust for one-on-one assassination would be Number 1, Number 2, and Number 4.
“If it were someone else, I would have given the order to withdraw, but with that child, we have no concerns, do we?”
Soon, the silhouettes assembled inside the shrine began to vanish one by one.
Swoosh.
Swish.
Since there was no chance to reverse Tureina’s decision, which held authority over any dissent, their meeting came to a close.
“…”
Tureina placed the pipe back down, closing her eyes once again while remaining seated in a calm lotus position.
Even a master of the pinnacle of magic like her still dedicated daily effort to organize and practice her magic roots.
The reason she strictly followed Lin’s teachings all her life was simply due to his instructions.
Tureina had never neglected Lin’s teachings. Except for the one instruction that declared to keep away from dark magic.
– Consistency is key in magic. Always work hard and remain diligent.
Memories of events from three centuries ago surged back vividly. The chill and heaviness of the rain that poured ceaselessly on the day they parted griped her spine.
The comrades that once stood at her side still waited idly while subserviently waiting for their demise.
While the other two lacked in magical knowledge, it could be forgiven, but even Master Frieda, who was so capable…
Tureina did not wish to be so unaware and cruel. Instead of remaining passive, she desperately sought out solutions.
For the sake of that singular wish, she had lived for three hundred years, and now the Abyss has finally presented her with an answer.
“I will see you again soon.”
* * *
A putrid stench wafted from the breeze that swept through the forest.
In that wind, the leaves that had been drenched in summer hues rapidly fell and helplessly crashed to the ground.
Between those fallen leaves, the garments of two masters rustled quietly. The first to discard their school uniform cloak into thin air was Rain.
“Let me ask you one thing. What the hell are you?”
Responding to that murderous aura, Rivadin flung his ragged cloak aside.
“What’s the use in knowing when you’re about to die?”
“Your answer matters a lot. It will decide how you will die; whether with ease or in agony like that young idiot Libeni.”
In that instant, the vein on Rivadin’s forehead throbbed. If he didn’t have certainty about Rivadin being a master, he would have charged right at him without hesitation.
“So speak. Who is the one that lent you Lin’s face? And what are you planning?”
At this, Rivadin appeared somewhat startled, opening his mouth in disbelief.
‘Aside from the members, I have never met someone who recognized Lin’s face before…’
Most merely think, “Where have I seen this guy before?”
How could that be?
Of course, that face was merely a passing glance at the statue.
“I’m sorry, but your question is so absurd I can’t even answer!”
The weapon strapped to his waist made a chime as it swiftly assembled into three pieces. Simultaneously, a surge in magical energy erupted around him like an explosion.
The dark magic of the Abyss that flowed through him shimmered with a blue-black hue instead of the typical color.
In addition, unlike standard magic pressures which do not significantly affect natural elements, his magic corrupts anything it touches.
“Nobody has lent me Lin’s face!”
Now, where that magic swept through, trees withered, dew putrefied, and a foul odor exuded.
“I am merely the reincarnation of the great mage Lin!”
The surge of poison made even special operatives momentarily stagger as it erupted without warning. In that instance, a rook caught lost cause in that movement as Rain charged forward, a determined glint glimmering in his eye.
Rain’s left arm moved like a blur, the wind from his rapid movement lifted dust as he advanced.
“Ha!”
He burst into laughter, which sounded akin to mockery. Did he lose his mind because he felt like he was on the verge of death?
“Sorry, but that’s never gonna happen. Facing opponents while you’re not even serious isn’t really my style.”
This dude was different. Unlike me, who merely imitated Lin, this guy truly embraced the path of genuine dark magic.
His nonchalance made him all the more frightening.
“Why are you so glad we’re finally facing off? Did you choose the wrong opponent?”
The wand manifested in Rain’s palm, and radiating explosive flames intertwined with a gale encased in silver-looking magic.
“I’m Rain Ludwig.”
The ripple expelled forth like an oily ink wash painting a burning tapestry of magic around them.
“Compared to you, my soul is a thousand times stronger!”
