Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Orca's Counsel
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The childhood friend who had stuck by her side, even enduring the mocking nickname of "kept man."
No one knew exactly what had happened two years ago that led to their breakup, but the losers of the Derusia Magic Tower, who mingled with Arist, often gossiped that Elena's change was due to trouble with her childhood friend—like it was some joke.
Maybe she confessed and got rejected? Such jokes. Of course, no one thought that was the full reason for Elena's transformation. She wouldn't change over something so trivial.
The Tower Lord rejoiced that Elena had finally gone mad for magic, and all the sixth-tier seniors welcomed her change.
Naturally, that man's existence from two years ago was forgotten by everyone. After all, Elena had been alone for ten years, and the time she had brought him into the mansion was only half a year.
So Arist never imagined Elena would react so intensely.
He had pictured her shedding tears in big drops. Of course he did.
Her childhood friend, parted two years ago.
The Killing Guard Sect assassin who had quit as her bodyguard a few months back and vanished.
And now, those two were together. He didn't know the details, but they were together.
Elena was left alone.
That fact alone was enough to fuel wild imaginations.
Wouldn't she feel betrayed? Sad or angry, maybe cry? Arist hoped Elena would cry. He wanted that haughty, insolent orphan who openly ignored him to break down in tears from betrayal.
But Elena didn't cry. He couldn't tell if what she felt was betrayal or something else—but her face, amid the crackling electricity, looked corpse-pale and terrifying.
"Hic, h-heek."
Her golden, flickering gaze turned toward Arist. He flinched and stumbled back.
The only fault Arist could claim was that he had stepped forward to show Elena the article himself. Even if he hadn't today, news of Yuri and Ha-ryeong would have reached her eventually.
But today was an especially sweltering summer day, and Elena was in a foul mood from last night's hangover.
What had the lounge mages been chatting about before she arrived? Sneering, no doubt. That's why they shut their mouths the moment they saw her.
Why had he shown her the article?
—Man?
The word he spat before she threw the paper. With a sneering face.
“...”
It pissed her off. Arist's terrified face, the other mages shrinking back as they watched. All of them pissed her off. Weren't they all mocking and gossiping about Elena?
Pathetic mages of the tower. Talentless and lazy. And the most revolting, unpleasant one of all was Arist Benharman right in front of her.
Once promising, now worthless. Her only value to that woman was the "Benharman" family name, but even that house was slowly declining. In the end, Arist and the Benharman family were in the same boat.
'And yet.'
You dare mock me? You all?
The intensifying currents began spreading out from Elena.
"Stop!"
A sharp cry shook the lounge. In a flash of blue light, Reisi Yuzha in her pristine white robe blocked Elena's path.
"Using attack magic against humans inside the tower is forbidden. Have you forgotten that basic rule, Elena?"
No immediate answer came to the stern question. Elena glared at Reisi for a moment, then clicked her tongue softly and closed her eyes.
"I'm sorry."
The flickering golden gaze faded. Elena opened her dull blue eyes and bowed her head.
"I'm still immature. My emotions... got the better of me."
Got the better of you? Reisi was dumbfounded but didn't scoff. Sure, emotions might have triggered the activation—but midway, Elena had clearly targeted Arist and the other mages with intent.
"Elena, are you... really okay?"
"I... I'm fine."
Her head throbbed like it might split. But headaches were routine for Elena, and she didn't want to complain to Reisi.
'Ah, my head hurts.'
'You okay? Want me to make tea? Or medicine—where'd I put it?'
'Don't fuss. For a mage like me who focuses every day, headaches are normal. A mage without one is the weird one.'
'If your head hurts, take medicine. Making it a badge of honor? Yuri, you're lucky you chose a warrior over a mage.'
'Ha-ryeong said something similar when I had muscle pain.'
'I don't remember.'
'Don't think about it.'
Elena forced a smile, her stiff lips twitching.
"I'm sorry, Senior. You told me not to come today and to rest."
She had much to say but swallowed it with a sigh.
"It's not something to apologize for. Anyway, Elena, you seem calm now, so head back home for tod—"
"That's too harsh, telling her to leave."
A voice cut in.
Orca had appeared beside her unnoticed. In a crisp white shirt and tie, Orca grinned and draped an arm over Elena's shoulder.
"You came here because you didn't want to stay at the mansion, right?"
"...Yes."
"Then stay here."
Chuckling as she patted Elena's shoulder, Orca's smile vanished when she noticed the meal replacement in Elena's hand. Rarely frowning, she snatched the dry, crumbly stick snack.
"Your mouth's there to eat tasty things. Eating crap like this will drive you insane."
"Too lazy to pack pro—"
"If eating's a hassle, move somewhere they prepare meals for you. Alphreon Ascard offers everything for you—why refuse?"
"The mansion right now is..."
Fine, she tried to say.
But the word wouldn't come out. Elena's lips quivered before she barely squeezed out a voice.
"...Fine."
Anyone could tell it was forced.
"If you hate Alphreon's mansion, live with me?"
"No thanks."
"That answer was quick. Fine, if that's your will—but no more eating this non-food. It dulls your brain."
Orca clicked her tongue and reduced the snack to ash.
After that, Elena was half-dragged to Orca's room on the tower's top floor.
"Why'd Senior Reisi tell me not to come?"
She followed obediently, but questions lingered. Elena was Orca's disciple at Derusia Magic Tower, but Reisi wasn't cast out. She still acted as Orca's secretary and occasionally joined lessons.
Elena had never felt uncomfortable with Reisi's position. If anything, she was grateful. Without Reisi, Elena would have to tend to her eccentric master's whims.
"Because we need to talk about your childhood friend."
Rumors swirled that Reisi Yuzha might be a possessor, but Orca had never confirmed it.
No need to. Even Elena didn't know Reisi was one.
"Today's outburst—was it because of the Orsia family's statement?"
Elena froze mid-sit on the opposite sofa. Calming her quickened breath, she sat. Cold sweat dampened her nape and forehead, sticking hair to her skin. She could cut it clean to avoid the hassle, but Elena refused to cut her hair.
"I saw the statement too. A Chaos Cult bishop, a sixth-tier mage who fled Ludelra Tower? Impressive that several fifth-tiers killed a sixth."
“...”
"I knew Dark Flame, your bodyguard, was fifth-tier. But Yuri reaching fifth in this short time? Surprising. I'd heard possessors have amazing talent, but Yuri's seems beyond just being one."
"...Yuri isn't a possessor."
Elena barely spoke. Since returning from Logos two years ago, she'd never admitted Yuri was one. Her master Orca's words were just conclusions from guesses.
"Still clinging to that pointless lie?"
Orca tsked and loosened her tie.
"No matter how much you deny it, I think Yuri's a possessor."
"I said he's not...!"
"So? I think he's one and say so. If you don't want to hear your master, leave."
At Orca's threat, Elena shot up. Glaring fiercely, she spun toward the elevator.
"Really leaving?"
Orca chuckled at her young disciple's cute reaction. Rising, she didn't grab her but continued.
"He might become dangerous soon."
Elena's hand halted at the elevator button. Orca laughed again at the predictable response.
"Of course. A nobody till now, starting to make a name. Plus, the Orsia family backing him. They might not sponsor him, but the statement shows the Sword Emperor and Sword Dragon like him plenty."
“...”
"The world's full of losers with snake hearts, jealous over nothing. Who knows what fangs they'll find to bite Yuri with."
"What are you getting at?"
Elena turned, unable to press the button.
"Someone might spread baseless rumors he's a possessor. Then the War Cult could move."
"For something like that...!"
"They're hounds sniffing suspicions."
Half right, half wrong. The War Cult did hunt on suspicions, but they prioritized the unaffiliated.
Most possessors changed identities entirely. Someone unknown suddenly rising to fame? High chance a possessor.
Yuri wasn't such a target. There was the open possessor Manwol Yuhee, and his achievements were backed by learning martial arts from the Mad Wolf. Plus two years building skill in the Black Dao.
But this incident put Yuri in the spotlight, creating a possibility.
'They won't move.'
Orca knew the War Cult. Possessors feared their hunts, but they didn't hunt blindly. Few used possessors better.
Even if they concluded Yuri was one, they wouldn't move against him—already an enemy of the heretics.
Orca had no intention of telling Elena that.
"Eventually, someone will dig into your childhood friend Yuri's identity. Easy enough. Start from that rural Oldor village, or Lutran where he first shone."
“...”
"A War Cult Battle Saint could meet me alone to talk. Or another faction. If they ask about Yuri, I'm torn on what to say."
Orca smirked mischievously at Elena. Lips chewed, glaring from the elevator, she was adorable. Orca beckoned.
"Gonna stand there forever?"
"...Master, really...!"
"I know I said harsh things, but you were pretty rude too, disciple."
Elena shuddered at the giggle. She trudged back and flopped onto the sofa.
"So, Yuri is a possessor, right?"
"No."
"Fine, not. If someone asks me, I'll say no too."
Elena swallowed a relieved sigh. Not just anyone—the renowned Derusia Tower Lord, Heavenly Thunder Orca vouching for Yuri.
"I know your mental state's unstable."
Sudden words. Before startled Elena could reply,
"You resent him?"
"I..."
"Probably not. You're confused."
Her golden eyes curved kindly, sharp as ever. The usual playful smile pierced Elena's core.
"Whatever you feel for him, it's complex. Not just resentment, hate, anger."
“...”
"So you can't be honest. Right?"
Elena had no answer. Orca was right. Two years of endless thought, no right answer. Any could be.
The 'real' Yuri: ten years from orphanage, exchanging letters.
The 'possessor' Yuri: reunited in Oldor, brought to Lutran, half-year in the mansion.
"Someday your childhood friend might get dragged into danger."
Orca tilted her head.
"Possessors can't avoid it. Even if I vouch he's not, he might get exposed someday."
“...”
"And killing a Chaos bishop made him a heretic target. Lucky he didn't join them, but he's in danger now. Orsia's Sword Dragon, Demonic Cult young lord—hah, easier to target Oldor's orphan Yuri."
"I've... killed heretics too."
"But yours were small fry. Best was a priest. Bishop's a different level."
Elena bowed her head silently.
"Why make heretics enemies? No idea. I'm not him."
“...”
"Wants to go home? Killing the Evil God restores the Goddess of Order, sending possessors back—famous tale."
Go home?
To his homeland?
Elena's eyes trembled.
'No.'
The thought pierced her dizzy, aching head.
"Possessors killing the Evil God can wish to the Goddess—famous too. Apparently anyone can, though. Maybe Yuri's after a wish."
—Wish.
Famous story. Never dwelled on it. The God of Chaos, Evil God, too distant.
But now, Orca's 'wish' sank heavily into Elena's heart.
'Wish...'
Not just possessors. Anyone killing the Evil God and awakening the Goddess could wish. No knowing limits, but a god's wish mocks human limits.
"Whatever the reason, Yuri's in danger ahead. Talented, sure—but can he keep growing? Most possessors max at fifth-tier on talent alone. Beyond needs more."
Mana affinity and comprehension have limits. Effort mandatory, life on the line. Fear failure, risk, death? Stuck safe, never break walls.
Fear-paralyzed advance half-steps at best. Believe, overcome, advance to break through.
"Killing Guard Sect assassin. Skilled, yes—but can't protect Yuri as 'bodyguard.'"
"What... do you want to say?"
"What do you think?"
Orca smiled.
"Yuri in danger. Elena, could you save him?"
"I..."
"You're a genius—I know best. Your talent's bottomless. Fifth-tier's mere stepping stone—what others lifetime for."
Her heart pounded wildly, drowning the headache.
"If you're going mad, go mad for magic. Not booze—magic. All troubles tormenting you? Reach magic's peak, solve them all."
Orca's voice sank like heavy stones into Elena's heart.
"Get strong enough only you can save him. Then he can't leave you. Become untouchable by his side. Do what that assassin never could, Elena."
"H-How... strong?"
Elena's voice shook.
"How strong... to make it so?"
"Like me."
Orca smiled.
"No—Elena, you can surpass me."
Her master rose.
"I'll help."
This child is unstable.
Orca Derusia wasn't foolish. She'd known Elena's instability since taking her from the orphanage twelve years ago.
Magic talent surpassing possessors, but environment to bloom it came too late.
Oldor orphanage: worst for an immature genius.
Elena tormented by monkeys—no, bugs—compared to her.
As she realized her talent, young Elena must've agonized.
What gives these trash the right to bully me?
From first meeting, Elena handled mana adeptly. Orphanage feat: floating a ball high. That mana could've crushed her like an ant.
But she didn't. Bullied repeatedly, saved by childhood friend 'Yuri' each time.
Elena has an unfillable void.
Orca knew, let it be. Derusia Tower Lord wanted not common genius—but one obsessed madly with magic.
Gave Haiderga name, adopted. No parental care. Instead, tower-lord love: new learns, successes, tier-ups, theses.
Innate void, tower's cutthroat rivalry drove Elena harder. 'Elena Haiderga's' personality steeped in love starvation, recognition craving.
See.
With current 'Yuri,' mere half-year. How heavy that bond? Yet she's chained to then-filled love and craving. Now madness fuel.
To Orca, current Elena—adorable as adopted daughter, disciple. Possession from childhood friend unintended, but Orca's twelve-year seed bloomed gorgeously.
So Orca extended a hand, golden eyes gleaming.
“...”
Elena looked up blankly, took it.
She found her answer.
Headache gone.
*
"Kuh-huuk..."
The man in white short-sleeved garb, with "7" etched on his back, clutched his chest and dropped to his knees.
Clang. The iron orb slipped from limp fingers, rolling across the floor.
"A-Are you okay?"
The nearby woman, tense in attendance, rushed over in alarm.
"I-I'm fine."
"Your face says otherwise...! Manwol Yuhee, why suddenly? Did you get hurt on the battlefield earlier...?"
"N-No, not that. I'm unscratched..."
"But on the field, the Battle Saint and Apex..."
"Those old coots are strong, sure... but I'm no pushover. No wounds. Juno?"
"Yes?"
"Let's try some noise beat."
Ox God Head spouted nonsense and sprang up. Boom, kwaboom! Back at safe-zone tent for rest, but distant battlefield blasts shook the ground.
"Ah..."
Ox God Head rechecked the paper, shoulders quivering.
"Hey. Selfione."
"Yes."
"Got someone I really wanna see, but can't. What to do?"
"Go see them...?"
Selfione tilted her head, puzzled. Spot on. But Ox God Head shook his head.
"Can't."
"Why?"
"He's doing fine alone."
Ox God Head incinerated the crumpled paper, composing himself. Whoosh! The magic skateboard lifted from the floor to his feet.
"Can't ruin it by showing up."
"What're you...?"
"Self-indulge."
Tired for rest, but the article fired him up.
"M-Manol Yuhee! I boiled bean soup like you said—eat a spoonful at least..."
"I want doenjang jjigae, not bean soup."
That unique smell was faint.
"Brew it again, feeling like my mom would."
Selfione grimaced, but Ox God Head ignored, solo-dribbling the board back to battle.
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