Chapter 32
Chapter 32
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: The Growth Condition
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The trait obtained from the [Essence of Light] could grow up to one rank higher.
Common to Rare, Rare to Heroic, Heroic to Legendary.
Therefore, obtaining a Legendary trait from the [Essence of Light] meant it could evolve into a 'Mythic' trait.
I hadn't held out much hope.
From what I knew, it would take an incredibly long time for a trait gained from an essence to evolve.
But.
'It's really evolved...?'
Based on the Second Elder's words, it seemed my trait had indeed grown.
From Legendary to Mythic.
...Hard to believe, but the situation pointed to it.
There was no other way to explain why my light magic had reached perfection.
'What was the condition?'
It wouldn't have evolved without reason.
I carefully retraced the tangled events.
The 'revelation' presumed to be from the Demon of Desire, Asmodeus.
Dershion's reckless plan to summon the Magic Tower personnel to defeat Baal in pursuit of 'true light.'
And yet, despite that plan's failure, my trait had evolved.
There had to be something I overlooked...
'...No way?'
A sudden thought struck me.
The general ways to evolve a trait from the [Essence of Light] were two.
Hunt large numbers of demons, or defeat a Demon Legion Commander.
But what if that wasn't all?
What if there was another growth condition I didn't know about...
It all fit perfectly.
'...Facing Baal was the condition for the trait's evolution.'
There was actually a rumor like that.
'The light of Aldeon evolves just by facing Baal.'
Since my light magic had evolved, it was reasonable to assume the rumor was true—.
"Time's up."
Before my thoughts could finish, the supervisor announced the end of the visit.
"...I'm coming."
Still, most of my doubts had been resolved.
Satisfied with that, I rose from my seat.
"...Farewell."
I didn't hint to the Second Elder that my magic had evolved.
There was no benefit to letting them know.
Above all, they had no right to know that the 'true light' they desired had been born.
Step, step.
Without looking back, I left the detention center and headed to my next destination.
Perhaps because I now realized I possessed two Mythic traits.
My shoulders somehow felt heavier.
***
After leaving the detention center, I headed to the [Information Office].
To check if there had been any further changes to the 'Prophecy of the Red Moon' I'd heard about two months ago.
"Long time no see, mad wizard."
Just like last time, a man dressed head to toe in black greeted me.
I nodded once and took my familiar seat.
"So, what brings you here today?"
"I came to check for changes in that prophecy you mentioned."
"The Prophecy of the Red Moon, right?"
"Yeah."
The man rummaged through a drawer and pulled out a document.
"No major changes. The prophecy will come true as scheduled in one month."
"Any info on the invasion?"
"If it's that... here."
Tap, tap.
The man tapped a section of the document.
It featured a miniaturized map of Asteron. He pointed to the outskirts of District 6, where the Fourth Wall stood.
The same spot I'd used to cross from District 7 to District 6.
"Lately, there's been reports of demonic energy frequently observed around here. Still faint, but it looks like there's a high chance they'll breach from this side."
"So it won't be a war breaking out inside the districts. What's the royal family's response?"
"Nothing official yet, but our agents say an announcement's coming soon. They'll mobilize frontline troops, mercenary bands, hunters, and the Royal Knights. Oh, and they're recruiting volunteers too."
"...I see."
Hearing the Royal Knights would be deployed eased my worries a bit.
It meant the royals were taking this war seriously.
In that case, I just needed to focus on my own growth and war preparations.
For that, I needed...
"I have one piece of information I'd like to request."
"A request? Sure, spit it out. I can handle most things."
"I want a list of people in Asteron researching 'light' magic."
First, I needed to learn about my Mythic trait.
I had no info on the Mythic trait from the [Essence of Light].
To evolve it further, I had to grasp its exact effects, which meant consulting researchers.
'And those researchers need to be trustworthy, of course.'
A mage could do the research, but researchers were generally more reliable than greedy mages.
If there was no suitable candidate, I'd handle it myself.
"Light magic, huh... Alright. It'll take about a week."
"Cost?"
"Add it to the previous info—20 gold coins."
...Everything here's great except the prices.
20 coins was what you'd earn from two request runs.
The gold I'd hustled before entering the tower would vanish in no time.
'...Maybe I should start my own info office.'
Shaking off the idle thought, I handed over the gold.
"...Here."
"Heh, see you in a week."
Leaving the creep with his sleazy grin, I exited the info office.
Next stop: the [Request Office].
Creak—.
Entering through the back door I'd used before, Lena looked up from wiping glasses at the bartender station.
The moment she saw me, her eyes went wide.
"Uh... you're back?"
Half surprise, half worry in her gaze.
Her mouth twitched like a puppy eyeing a snack.
But Lena didn't speak right away.
She was probably hesitant after hearing the Aldeon rumors.
Without beating around the bush, I cleared up her curiosity.
"The request was a success."
"...Really?"
Lena's eyes widened again.
A face that hadn't seen it coming at all.
"They say it was total chaos there... You really gathered all the info?"
"Yeah, all four items."
"Hoo..."
Impressed, Lena gestured for me to come inside.
An urgent beckon.
We entered the cramped room where I'd taken the request before and sat facing each other amid the stacks of request forms.
She brushed her hair back and put on a serious face.
"Then spill it. What the hell happened at the Magic Tower? I was dying of curiosity."
Her expression shifted to shock as soon as I started talking.
"So... Aldeon was raising demons in captivity, then sacrificed the mages who volunteered for the trials as offerings...? To open a path to the demon world."
"Right. Aldeon's goal was to summon Baal and defeat him. The demons, the trials, opening the tower after 100 years—all stepping stones for that."
"Ha..."
Lena let out a disbelieving laugh and voiced her doubt.
"Then why release the rest in the first place?"
"They needed someone to spread the word outside. If things went south, Asteron's forces could become reinforcements. And that's exactly what happened."
"What kind of life twists your mind that way?"
"...Who knows."
The explanation continued, and Lena's anger escalated to pounding the table.
Bang!
"...So it was all for one spell? What kind of basis did they have...!"
"Not certain, but... they probably fell for Asmodeus's scheme."
"...Asmodeus? You mean that dream demon?"
"Yeah. He stimulated Dershion's desires in his dreams."
"Ha..."
Lena rubbed her forehead, looking troubled.
Even she seemed lost in thought over this absurd situation.
After a moment, she began sorting it out.
"...Alright, got it. I'll compile your info neatly and pass it to the client."
"When do I get the promised Pendant of Holy Oil and gold?"
"Should be soon. With info like this, the client's bound to be satisfied."
"Good."
Thud. Lena set down her pen and stared at me.
"You're something else. Never thought you'd pull off this impossible request."
"I don't take requests I can't complete."
"Still no luck with that mouth of yours."
"..."
As I sat there blankly, Lena chuckled.
"What're your plans now?"
"For what?"
"If you don't have anything special lined up, want some requests? We've got some lucrative ones lately."
"Ah."
The word 'lucrative' tempted me briefly, but I dismissed it.
I had more important things than earning from requests right now.
"Can't for a while. Still got stuff to handle."
"Fair enough. Requests come in often, so drop by when you need."
"Got it."
With that, I said goodbye to Lena and left the request office.
The sun had set, and the sky was pitch black.
'Guess it's time to find lodging.'
As I moved to step away.
A man approached me out of nowhere.
"Are you Master Yoo Hanes?"
A neatly dressed man with side-parted hair. First time seeing him.
I nodded, and he introduced himself.
"I'm Jeff Breydan from the Asteron Academy. Currently serving Master Roan Bilgeff on the academy's orders."
"Roan Bilgeff? He sent you?"
"Yes, Master Roan instructed me to bring you to him."
Only then did I slightly lower my guard.
Seemed Roan had something to say to me.
"How'd you know I was here?"
"...Tracking magic's my specialty. Sorry if it upset you. Your whereabouts were just so unclear..."
"...It's fine. As long as there was no ill intent."
"Of course not."
"Good to hear."
Jeff smiled brightly and pointed to the carriage behind him.
"If it's alright, would you ride with us?"
"Where to?"
"Hof Bar in central District 6. It's owned by the Bilgeff family."
I'd have refused if it meant leaving District 6, but it didn't.
'Central area—where I'd be looking for lodging anyway.'
Decision made swiftly.
"Sure. Let's go."
I boarded the carriage under Jeff's guidance.
Noble family or academy carriage, it didn't matter— the ride was plush.
I sank into the soft cushions and sorted my jumbled thoughts.
Soon, a knock came.
"Master Yoo Hanes, we've arrived."
"Got it."
Inside the Hof Bar, familiar faces greeted me.
"Oh! The top scorer's here! Feeling better?"
Thompson, the uncle I'd synced with while hunting the basilisk.
"You've arrived."
Who knows what he was thinking inside, but a magic genius with proven skill: Roan Bilgeff.
"Top ranker, eh."
"...We were waiting."
Even the other mages who'd survived alongside me.
Gathered around a round table, they beamed at me like old pals.
...Had they grown fond of me in the meantime?
Seeing them eased the tension I'd carried all day.
I too smiled faintly and walked over lightly.