Chapter 70
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: Inquisitors
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Early in the morning, Pernyan reviewed the reports over coffee.
“I thought I knew everything about you, Young Master, but lately, I can’t understand you at all.”
Among them was a report on the progress of the Vile Breed search at the Academy.
‘So many of them were hiding.’
Three bases, and a dozen Vile Breed captured or killed.
“A demon, Young Master. A demon! Of all things, a demon! Did you never once consider the possibility that a demon could actually be summoned while fighting the Vile Breed?”
He couldn’t imagine how long they had been nesting in the Academy, but there were far more than he’d anticipated.
‘If this is what they’ve found, I can’t imagine how many more there are.’
Pernyan was certain this wasn't all of them.
“If it weren't for Aint Armian and the others, you would have died. No, you *were* dead.”
Judging by his experiences so far, the Vile Breed’s power and secrecy were beyond imagination.
“You’re a man who couldn’t be further from having a sense of justice. Why are you doing this? Please, come to your senses!”
They had shown too much to be wiped out in a single blow.
‘The Moonlit Bookstore? This is the place we checked when Bella Hohen was infected with demonic energy…’
He clearly remembered finding nothing out of the ordinary back then.
A chill ran down his spine at the Vile Breed’s ability to conceal themselves so perfectly.
“From now on, do not ever give me another task. I won't do it even if you ask.”
And even more so at the Academy for uncovering it.
‘I suppose an Archmage is an Archmage.’
To find in an instant what he had struggled so desperately to locate.
Of course, it wasn't solely the headmaster's ability. There was a clear difference between a public, Academy-wide mobilization and a covert search.
“I am, strictly speaking, your escort. Do you have any idea how my heart sank when I heard you fought a demon while I was away?”
Still, it was reassuring.
“How long are you going to keep this up?”
Pernyan, who had been ignoring him, finally responded.
“Even a few months wouldn’t be enough. You have no sense of crisis, Young Master.”
“I know I was in danger. But that was just bad luck. Who could have possibly predicted a demon would be summoned at the Academy?”
“That’s why I’m asking why you left me behind.”
“From now on, I won't go anywhere without you. Is that clear?”
“…It’s not enough, but I understand for now.”
Hyde nodded, his expression still disapproving.
Honestly, Pernyan felt a bit wronged.
He wasn’t some justice-driven hero like Aint. Above all, he was a petty man who knew to value his money and his life.
This incident was just a stroke of ridiculously bad luck. If he had known a demon would be summoned at that moment, he would have definitely brought Hyde along.
Just as he had when transporting the Branch of the World Tree.
“A letter has arrived from the master.”
“Give it to me.”
Pernyan unfolded the letter.
[I have received the recording sphere you sent.
It was a real demon. Andromalius, the 72nd demon.
Its majesty was so thrilling I could feel it even through the recording.
And seeing Aint Armian and Ruina Bercefe stand against it, I am beginning to understand your choices, one by one.]
When Pernyan had presented evidence of the Vile Breed, the Duke had been willing to stand with him against evil, but he hadn't fully understood everything.
Ruina Bercefe.
He had overlooked Pernyan’s overreach concerning her in exchange for the sweet fruit of a mana stone mine, but the Duke had still believed his son had made the wrong choice.
But not after seeing the recording sphere.
The words Pernyan had said to get out of the situation at the time—‘a talent or individual worth it’—now resonated more deeply than ever.
[Sir Amode commented that they seem more skilled than he was at their age. In some ways, your eye for people is better than mine.]
Following the acknowledgment of Pernyan’s choices were the matters he had so desperately hoped for.
[As you wished, you may act first and report later on any matter concerning demons.
With just cause, no action will be considered an overreach of your authority.]
But it wasn't all good news.
[However, the recording seems to be cut off in places. According to Lord Duleau, there are no signs of tampering.
This means you recorded it that way from the beginning.
I have a good idea of what you’ve hidden, so I won’t press the matter.]
[But another question lingers, so I will ask. Upon returning home for the break, you immediately put all your efforts into creating golems. As if you were being chased by something.]
The Duke inferred the past and approached the truth.
[Pernyan Fallenberg, you knew the demon would descend. Did you not?]
“……”
[You used my retainers, my artisans, and my facilities without paying the price. How shameless.]
[I look forward to the next break. We have much to discuss.]
Pernyan swallowed dryly.
…What excuse can I make?
An unwarranted chill ran down his spine.
* * *
The Academy's second semester was much busier than the first.
This was because the Founding Day, the Empire’s largest national holiday, fell in early October.
During the ten-day festival period, most areas of the Academy were opened to the public, drawing countless visitors.
The corresponding events were numerous, and the hosts were, of course, the Academy’s students.
With no classes during the festival, students could open and run stalls or participate in competitions and events.
Among these competitions, two were by far the most famous.
The ‘Jousting Tournament,’ open to any student from the Knight Department.
And the ‘Magic Tournament,’ open to any student from the Magic Department.
It was no exaggeration to say that most visitors came to the Academy to see these tournaments.
Since there were no grade restrictions, they offered a more direct way to gauge the skill level of the Academy’s students.
Indeed, many had made a name for themselves through these events.
Some for fame.
Some for their family’s prestige.
Some for career advancement.
It was known as a stage for success, unrestricted by social status, where one could advance by showcasing the most direct form of power.
Perhaps that was why. Victory in the Jousting Tournament and Magic Tournament was a glorious honor every student dreamed of.
For Ruina Bercefe, a student and a knight, it was no different.
*Swoosh—*
Her sword danced. It parried every strike that flew at her, intent on tearing into its master, as she advanced.
*Clang!*
Her opponent’s grip was torn open. His sword flew through the air.
“I yield, I yield…!”
Her blade stopped just before her opponent’s neck. Bella Hohen raised both hands.
“Wow, Ruina, what in the world happened to you over the break? Now the two of us together are no match for you.”
“And I’m ranked 17th in the Knight Department!”
Aina, who had been subdued even before Bella, cried out in frustration.
“Nothing much happened, really.”
Something had.
“Though I did break a wall.”
“That *is* a big deal!”
“No wonder…! No wonder the two of us couldn’t handle you.”
Aina agreed with Bella’s words.
“At this rate, you might even be able to beat that monster, Rob-sunbaenim.”
“Ruina would know about that. I just hope I can make it to the round of 32 this time.”
“You won’t make it.”
“Bella, you remember I’m ranked higher than you, right?”
Seeing Aina’s distorted face, Bella quickly changed the subject.
“Oh, Ruina. Did you fill out your application?”
“Yeah. I already submitted it.”
Ruina nodded.
Her mind drifted back to when she had been filling out the form.
* * *
“Are you planning to enter the Jousting Tournament?”
“Yes.”
Pernyan, holding two cups of coffee, sat down in front of her as she filled out the application. She felt the gazes of those around them, but they soon faded, as if she had grown used to it.
“So, are you confident you’ll win this time?”
“I’m confident I won’t lose to anyone.”
“Not even Rob Kaelin?”
“Yes.”
Ruina nodded grimly.
Rob Kaelin was currently the top student of the 4th-year Knight Department.
Unfortunately, talent didn't emerge evenly every year.
Naturally, the skill levels of the Academy's grade levels were not all equal, and the current 4th years were particularly lacking compared to the others.
Rob Kaelin was the sole exception who saved the face of the otherwise underwhelming 4th year.
“You made it to the round of 16 last year, didn’t you.”
“I faced Rob-sunbaenim in the round of 16.”
“And Almon was eliminated in the round of 32.”
“He also ran into Rob-sunbaenim.”
That had been their misfortune. Two monsters who had surpassed the level of first-years met an even greater monster, and though they were more than qualified to advance, they couldn't.
“Are you confident this time?”
“Of course.”
The Ruina of then and the Ruina of now were different.
On a smaller scale, there was time, enlightenment, and the elixir she had received from Pernyan. On a larger scale, there were the battles against the Vile Breed and the demon.
Her experiences over the past year had sharply elevated her skills.
“But are you not participating in the Magic Tournament again this time?”
“There’s no need for me to.”
“I really can’t understand…”
Ruina’s face twisted slightly.
“…This coffee is incredibly bitter.”
“I ordered an extra bitter one on purpose. I brought something that pairs well with it.”
It was chocolate. Incredibly, elegantly sweet and refreshing, smooth yet tangy.
“…What is this?”
“It’s World Tree bark chocolate I got from Aria. Those elves have quite the sweet tooth.”
It was true. The excessive sweetness was almost sharp on the tongue, yet it went down smoothly, which was strange.
Just as Pernyan had said, it paired well with the bitter coffee.
“This is so rare… Thank you. But why aren’t you participating?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because it’s a waste. Now that you’ve already taken the top spot, isn’t it meaningless to hide your skills?”
“You have a point, of course.”
It would be one thing if he had never revealed his abilities, but Pernyan was already the center of attention for becoming the top student.
As long as he was paired with Ruina, his grades weren't likely to drop significantly, so whether he participated in the Magic Tournament or not didn't change much.
However.
“Ruina Bercefe. You’re overlooking one fact.”
“What is that?”
“Artifacts and scrolls are forbidden in the Magic Tournament.”
“……”
Of course, Pernyan wasn't weak even without them. But it was undeniable that the equipment his money bought played a major role.
“So don’t worry about me and just focus on yourself. I believe in you.”
“…In me?”
“Yes. I believe you will win.”
Ruina paused for a moment at his words. But she quickly regained her composure and asked.
“…Are you going to bet on me?”
“If I make money thanks to you, I’ll give you a share.”
*Of course.*
Ruina let out a hollow laugh.
“If that happens, I'd like you to deduct some from my family's debt.”
She didn't know how much it would be, but any little bit would help.
“By all means.”
Pernyan’s confident smile. With that, Ruina’s recollection ended.
After that, they had just chatted a bit before parting, so nothing special happened.
However.
“Aina, Bella. Let’s go again.”
Was it because she had received his support and expectation, even knowing it was for money?
“Again?”
“I think I’m going to die…!”
A strange motivation surged within her.
She wanted to repay him. Whatever his reasons, Ruina had received much from Pernyan.
“Here I come.”
“Wa-wait!”
“You’re way too fired up!”
Ruina’s grip on her sword tightened.
* * *
The central region of the Empire.
Once called the Kingdom of Armian, long under the rule of the Armian family but now a fief of the Schwabens, was home to a rather famous organization.
“…Vile Breed?”
The man rubbed his eyes and checked the report again. The words on the paper remained unchanged.
“Are you saying the Vile Breed have really appeared?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
Those who sold their souls to demons in exchange for demonic power.
Vile Breed, demon followers, dogs of demons, traitors to humanity—there were many names for them, but they had come to be known simply as the Vile Breed.
“Don’t tell me this is another fabrication. If we get caught this time, we’re done for…”
“It was a submission. Please, just read the report properly.”
“A submission? Is the source reliable?”
They had been rampant a thousand years ago, but after the demons were all but annihilated, they had long since vanished due to the Empire’s prolonged persecution.
“Yes. The contributor is Micale Montella.”
“Micale Montella?”
The man’s eyes widened.
“Isn’t that the Headmaster of the Academy?”
“And an Archmage.”
“For real?”
“For real.”
“A man like that wouldn’t submit a false report out of boredom, would he?”
“Absolutely not. Vile Breed were discovered within the Academy.”
“Ha…!”
Finally grasping the situation, the man, who had only skimmed the report, began to examine it closely.
“Vile Breed attacked students inside the Academy…”
“Not only that, they say Vile Breed were hiding all over the Academy grounds.”
“Those crazy bastards…! They’ve lost their minds. Who do they think they are, doing this at the Academy.”
The man erupted in anger. But his eyes and mouth were smiling.
“With Vile Breed targeting the future of the Empire, we can't just stand by, can we?”
“That goes without saying.”
“Imagine how scared the students must be. With those bugs who sold their souls to demons running around.”
“They must all be exterminated.”
“That’s right. This kind of work requires professionals.”
Like us.
The man’s smile grew wider.
“Arrange for a ship at once. We're going to the Academy. We must protect our poor, terrified students.”
A tribe that thrives only when demons exist.
Those who would rather see demons run rampant.
The Empire called them Inquisitors.