Chapter 128: Prism Board
"Prism Board, huh...[Spectrum's highest institution, a position of immense weight.]"
As I pondered for a moment, Shasha snapped at me like I'd lost my mind.
"Mayor! Those bastards are the ones who tried to treat us like slaves! Some of our people are still trapped there!"
"Our kin as well."
As Shasha and Nikola assumed combat stances, K shrugged its shoulders.
We desire it. Your enrollment. More than Arc.
"So you're saying you'll free our people...?"
Shasha's eyes wavered at the feminine K's words.
"In exchange for betraying my homeland?"
As Shasha's face grew heavy, K nodded.
Anyway, the country binding you. Full of needless constraints and burdens.
I stroked my chin.
"I've already smashed all that to pieces..."
A year ago, maybe not. But after toppling the Mage Association and the Miracle Generation's massive vested interests, the president's sharp blade was normalizing the country.
No need to abandon a properly functioning nation. I couldn't do much alone anyway.
Sensing the Abyssal entity's presence lurking behind K, I called out to Jang-gil.
"......"
I spread my ether, searching for Jang-gil's ether trace, but he wasn't nearby. Someone had bound or imprisoned him.
So this is how they approach for recruitment...
I clicked my tongue bitterly.
"Your intentions are utterly impure, K. Did you think binding my hands would let you win?"
I desire it. Negotiation. Pure negotiation.
"Negotiation like this? I thought you'd be more rational."
Mutual disarmament. No issue.
"Then what's lurking behind you? Gifts?"
I stared at the Abyssal entities rising from the seawater. They resembled Shasha more than typical Abyssals.
"Your kin, Shasha?"
"......"
Shasha's gritted teeth and glare at K said it all.
"I see..."
Refusal breeds regret. All Arc will end like this.
Gazing at the hundreds of Abyssal entities, I gathered my ether.
2nd Level Control Magic
Abyssorium
The intensified deep-sea pressure, stronger than before, crushed the Abyssal entities without mercy. Those who had crossed the river of no return vanished into the ocean's embrace.
I couldn't bear to look at Shasha's face as I shot an irritated warning at K.
"Your actions reveal Spectrum's true caliber."
[......]
Even provoked, K just smiled brightly.
Sacrifices for the greater good, swift action. Prism Board's ideal talent. You deserve to join us.
It hit too close to home, so I fell silent.
Have I grown too accustomed to killing...?
Lost in self-reflection for a moment, a castless, shadowless spell flew at me.
"......!"
Thwack—Even with ether cloaking my body, I flew several meters, tumbling across the ground.
A searing pain exploded in my abdomen, stealing my breath.
"Hng...?"
As if some organs had ruptured, my refined ether began rampaging like Lee Sera's.
Noise. Actions right and swift, but full of openings.
"......"
Worth the test. With more training, fit for Prism Board. Possesses potential.
A second wave of Abyssal entities rose from the sea, their pupils and sclera inverted like Nikola's. They had to be descendants of King Peter.
My gut burned as fiercely as the tangled ether.
Most of the captured Arc are probably dead.
"Haa..."
As I sighed and stood, Shasha and Nikola stepped forward.
"...What are you doing?"
Shasha growled lowly.
"Thank you, Mayor."
"Leave the rest to us. I'll show you King Peter's power."
"Heh... Aren't they your kin?"
Shasha shook her head, and Nikola snorted.
"I'm a Star Sea resident, Mayor."
"Hmph, same here."
3rd Level Projection Magic
Ion Pulse
Blue shockwaves ripped through the air, scattering the enemies, followed by Nikola's greatsword slamming down.
"Mayor! You're hurt? These fuckers!"
Yupri, having gathered people, assessed the situation and charged forward without hesitation.
"Protect Star Sea! For our final sanctuary!"
"For Star Sea!"
"Woooah!"
Seeing the residents pouring in behind me, I let out a hollow chuckle, reminded once more that this place wasn't just mine anymore. It held not only my memories, but for some, a field of life; for others, a beach symbolizing hope.
Dizzy, I rose to my feet. K flung the charging Star Sea residents aside and rushed me.
You. Not yet qualified to stand.
Smiling faintly at K's words, I extended my hand.
Staff can't return. My magic is...
The black-haired boy charging from afar rematerialized in my grasp.
Sorry, took a bit late undoing the curse on me.
"It's fine. You're not too late."
As expected. The unpredictable one escalates things.
As K gathered ether mid-charge for a protective spell, I was a beat faster.
Ether Dynamics - Light
Reaching Light
The black beam shattered the transparent barrier and struck K's body.
Vmmm—With a intense vibration, K collapsed silently.
As I sorted my Ether Dynamics, a hole gaped in its abdomen.
Staggering over, I stomped its head.
"You... seem to hop between bodies."
K nodded at my words.
Spare bodies plentiful. I'll return next time.
"Right. This isn't even your real body. Or maybe you don't have one."
As I aimed my staff at K's head, it spoke.
Final ultimatum. Prism Board seat still open.
"After showing that spectacle?"
That was the test. You must suppress emotions. We guard something greater.
"Failing to protect the small means claiming the large is like an empty fortress."
Nonsense. The two are different conditions.
As I gathered ether, K spoke as if for the last time.
Know info on exorcist. Explosive. National outrage incoming.
"So, if I don't join, you'll spread that I'm the exorcist's daughter?"
Interested, I prompted more, and K continued.
Masses are easy to manipulate. Leak info, high isolation chance. You'll have no choice but to come to Prism Board.
Smiling coldly at K's words, I unleashed my spell.
"As if."
1st Level Projection Magic
Ether Shot
The ether orb obliterated K's head.
From the shattered remnants came the static of an old radio.
Join. You are Spectrum's end.
I crushed the broken head and caught my breath. Unsettled ether still rampaged through me.
"More irritating opponent than expected..."
Grumbling, I struggled to calm the storm inside.
"Jang-gil, can't you help?"
Don't talk. Focus on ether control.
Biting my lip at Jang-gil's words, I steadied my breathing. A robot using castless magic. I might've grown complacent without facing such foes lately.
Well, I've only been dealing with small fry under 5th level...
Leaning on my staff, I swayed.
Time to sharpen my teeth again...
As my body buckled forward, a soft warmth buoyed me.
Monica...
The warm ether flowing through me resembled hers, stinging my eyes.
I miss you, Monica...
"Ah."
I'd woken in Star Sea's mayoral office. An unfamiliar ceiling.
At my side sat a familiar face after so long: Lea.
Right, Lea's ether is similar to Monica's.
Disappointed, I sat up.
"Didn't know the mayor's office had a place like this..."
Lea, eyes closed, chuckled at my words.
"Newly built mayoral quarters. Pretty flashy, right?"
I frowned at the palatial room.
"...Yeah, overly so."
"Copied Chao Ling's office outright."
"Hmph, from a colony where people starved."
Feeling the plush carpet, I rose from the bed.
"How many days passed?"
"Three."
Turning at the familiar voice, a teary-eyed Shasha tackled me in a hug.
"Idiot! At least learn basic defense magic!"
Stroking her head, I smiled bitterly.
"That spell was over 5th level. I'd have been hurt even if I blocked."
"Better than now!"
Shasha gnashed her teeth in fury.
"That bastard! Crossed the line big time! Using our kin like that?!"
"...Sorry."
Shasha froze at my apology.
"...Whatever. Not like you. Can't undo what's done anyway."
"...Yeah."
As she pouted, Lea took my hand.
"Thank you. For having that heart."
"......"
"Mayor, with an anchor in your heart, you won't drift too far. Don't worry."
"Heart's anchor, huh..."
Feeling the soft carpet barefoot, I stood with resolve.
"Right. Thinking of Orbis, no reason to join those guys."
Recalling that horrific group, I prepared to leave.
"Let's head back to Korea. Everyone must be looking for me."
"Uh, about that..."
Shasha hesitated.
"Mayor. Trouble outside right now."
"Trouble?"
"Your identity's out, sorta. Weird rumors flying..."
I recalled K's words.
The masses are easy to manipulate. Leak info, high isolation chance. You'll have no choice but to come to Prism Board.
"So it happened..."
I vividly remembered how poorly I was viewed as an exorcist. No matter justice or punishment, it boiled down to private vengeance and murder. People wouldn't cheer a killer's daughter rampaging as a mage.
"Fine alone. Or rather, better. Always preferred solitude."
Caressing my staff, I closed my eyes.
"Tough times ahead."
Even briefly, I'd planted seeds in the prospects. Informed SEED and the president. Even if all scattered, no big issue.
"...Let's go home."
Dragging my battered body, I left the Foundation. The overcast sky promised imminent rain.