Chapter 111
Chapter 111
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 111
Chapter Title: The Calm Before the Storm on the Floating Island
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"Huuuuaaaah~"
A woman who looked like a girl, dressed in the highly revealing outfit of a mage—or perhaps a witch—that could easily be mistaken for a prostitute.
Renea, the headmistress of Prynar Academy, stretched languidly on the sofa while yawning.
"Headmistress. That's no way to behave."
"A kid like you telling an adult she's rude? What are you talking about?"
The headmistress grumbled at Blurt's words as if he was being noisy.
Blurt sighed at the sight of her, while Alfred shrugged his shoulders.
They were currently in the control room.
It was the place where they monitored and coordinated the overall situation on the floating island.
It was also the space the headmistress used to manage the spells enchanted on the floating island.
As such an important location, its security was airtight.
Thick iron doors layered several times over, magical defenses, and countless surveillance systems.
Even if someone managed to breach all those obstacles, they'd have to face the monstrous academy instructors, and even if they reached the control room, without the headmistress—who held ultimate authority—they couldn't accomplish much.
The headmistress currently looked like she was just lounging around doing nothing, but her retinas were streaming the situations from every street.
Processing thousands of pieces of information at once was nothing short of magical.
"By the way, Gezia. Why do you look so down in the dumps?"
The headmistress asked in a bored tone, eyeing her unusually quiet subordinate.
"...What do you mean?"
"What else? Your face is full of worry."
"Hahaha. Looks like those sharp eyes of yours, honed over countless ages, are finally dulling."
"...Want me to smack you?"
The headmistress shot Gezia a glare as he joked around.
As she said, Gezia lacked his usual composed and piercing demeanor; he seemed a bit deflated.
"Hmph. Finally realizing your own mistake?"
Gezia gave a weak smile at Blurt's sharp words.
It referred to the incident where he brought something in that messed up the academy's spells.
"Of course. I'm reflecting on it. I've even prepared an event to make up for that mistake."
"If there's an event big enough to cover up that massive blunder, I'd love to see it."
He was being sarcastic, but if Gezia had prepared properly, Blurt—as a magician and scholar—genuinely wanted to witness it.
"Anyway, Glqum and Mullin aside, what is Instructor Emily doing?"
Blurt asked the headmistress.
"She's not a child; she'll handle her own business and wander wherever she pleases~"
The headmistress's trust in the quiet but reliable witch was absolute.
"Hmm... From what I know, she's usually holed up in her house or lab. But she seems to be out and about today, which is rare."
He hadn't asked her location but her purpose.
Witches tended to be homebodies.
Emily was no exception, yet today she had gone out into the streets.
Since her position couldn't be pinpointed, she was likely moving under concealment magic.
What could she be up to, going through that much trouble?
"She said she was looking for someone."
"Pardon? Who...?"
"Go find out yourself."
"Headmistress."
She cringed at his scolding tone.
"Ugh, you're so nitpicky."
The headmistress jumped up from the sofa and floated toward the entrance hatch on the ceiling, as if exasperated.
"Hey, aren't you supposed to be working? Where are you going?"
"Resting up for the Hero Fest tonight~ You guys can do whatever with other stuff, but prepare the Hero Fest meticulously and perfectly, got it?"
"No, but..."
Blurt was dumbfounded by the headmistress's brazen slacking and couldn't continue.
"Oh, right. Vice Principal?"
She used his title, not his name.
Gezia looked up, and she smiled brightly.
"You seemed to have some scheme brewing, but it didn't pan out, huh? So no more funny business—focus on the Hero Fest. Understood?"
"Yes, Headmistress. That was my plan all along."
Renea gaped slightly in surprise.
"What's with the compliance? It's suspicious. Make sure you report everything to me without mistakes. Mess up, and there'll be punishment."
With that, she slipped through the door without opening it and vanished before Blurt could grab her.
Blurt considered chasing her but gave up.
No matter where she went, she'd definitely return for the Hero Fest.
The Hero Fest was the premier main event that the floating island's de facto owner—the headmistress—had stubbornly upheld for ages.
It had long become a famous attraction, so she was right; it needed thorough preparation.
"Sheesh. Tsk tsk. Hating work that much."
"She's a kid."
Blurt's mouth fell open at Alfred's even bolder remark, then closed.
"...Isn't that rude, Alfred?"
"More importantly, any updates on the Outsider Killer?"
Blurt grumbled but answered Alfred's question.
"Hm. I thought Kaiz had Almiraz cornered perfectly, but he slipped away. Luckily, the heroes' group is stacked, so no casualties."
"I see."
So far, no major issues.
Yes.
Blowing up one mansion was hardly an incident for Prynar Academy; they could handle it easily.
No casualties would occur either.
He was confident they could resolve any mishap perfectly.
In truth, on this floating island, the only lunatic crazy enough to cause trouble—aside from the mad Outsider Almiraz among the group of lunatics known as Outsiders—was nonexistent.
"What about the other instructors?"
"Hm? Who?"
"Have you tracked the others besides Emily? Like Yapulno or Glqum."
"How would I know?"
The instructors were all free spirits, making it hard to track their movements.
But their professionalism ensured they'd handle their duties.
"I see."
Alfred replied indifferently and stared at the monitor showing the floating island's panorama.
A chill glint flickered in his eyes.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Hahaha. Look at that, Asita. Isn't it cool?"
The handsome man, reeking of nobility, pointed at fish swimming through the sky.
Those fish were part of the floating island's defense system, rarely seen usually: heavenly fish.
They supposedly swarmed if someone bearing powerful Prynar was nearby, and today there were unusually many.
"Huh? What do you think?"
"Yes. They look cool."
The man's name was Medeus Plain Boy.
His lover beside him was Asita Leisia.
She responded to her boyfriend's words with her usual apathetic attitude.
This was different from her normal self, where she'd play along.
Medeus knew their relationship well.
They were lovers in name, but more like display pieces in a museum—superficial, really just using each other.
Thus, they should appear affectionate on the surface.
The usual Asita would chime in, laugh as if enjoying it.
Not today.
Her deadpan frown and curt replies grated on him.
'Stuck-up bitch.'
It pissed him off.
They'd been dating a while, yet not even basic skinship.
He wanted to force it, but couldn't—her family was insignificant, but her father was Apiz Leisia, one of the kingdom's top 'Five Sword Saints.'
Medeus's Plain Boy family wielded great influence through cunning, so while they outranked Asita's house socially, militarily they couldn't act rashly.
Asita herself wasn't ordinary.
Even with her sullen expression, she was stunningly beautiful, drawing every gaze.
Men and women alike turned, making Medeus puff up his chest and stiffen his neck.
...Not just his neck—other parts stiffened too.
Both Apiz and Asita held immense future value; he couldn't treat them lightly.
'Damn. Even so, there's a limit. She's ignoring me too much.'
When would this damn woman treat him sincerely?
Plain Boy bloodline. Like his ancestors, Medeus had multiple women despite a lover.
It was instinct, but also to stoke Asita's jealousy.
No reaction at all. None.
'Someday, I'll have her under me.'
He smirked, imagining her moans joining the chorus he'd heard from others.
This haughty beauty would be no different once pinned beneath him.
He had to be patient until then.
Asita, standing beside him, knew his filthy desires well but ignored them now.
Normally it'd disgust her, but she was utterly indifferent.
Her focus was entirely on Yedre.
Specifically, the info from Mayal via communicator, after Yedre ran off alone to buy drinks.
They'd been sharing updates and plotting how to confront Yedre.
'Bought stuff for Mayal, won prizes for Clarit?'
Rage boiled.
Just like the bastard who deceived her, he was deceiving other women too.
Maybe that redhead from before was fooled by him too.
Anger erupted like a volcano.
......Huh?
Asita paused.
Why am I angry?
He's a deceiver; I shouldn't care anymore.
'...Right! Friends! I'm worried my friends are being fooled by that guy!'
With her conclusion, Asita smiled contentedly for a moment.
Then thought of the coming evening.
Mayal said Yedre had something to tell her.
Lame, but she'd hear his final excuse.
'...He never gave me gifts. Never. No reconciliation. No forgiveness.'
So she thought, hoping to ditch the trash beside her soon, anticipating meeting Yedre that evening.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "Hero Fest?"
"Yeah!"
Mayal beamed.
The main event of the festival night, apparently.
Simply put, a movie screening using the sky as a screen.
The theme: the journey of the Ten Heroes.
Fitting for the floating island, home to many Ten Great Families and site of their final battle.
Probably split into parts 1 and 2.
"Our headmistress goes all out for the Hero Fest! The footage is super thrilling?"
"Hmm."
"So stick by Asita, listen, empathize, and at the end—bam! Apologize. She'll reluctantly accept."
"Perfect plan."
"Right? Hehe."
The afternoon sky burned red with sunset.
Night couldn't come soon enough.
"Yeah! I'll watch with you too!"
"...Goldie. Hear me? We need to be alone."
Mayal smiled chillingly, but Gold puffed his chest proudly.
"I heard, but why should I step aside?"
"Eh, huh?"
"I've been looking forward to Hero Fest with Brother! I'll tolerate 30 minutes out of generosity, but after that, you're on your own!"
"...You've been the same since you were little."
Mayal shook her head, drawing a wry smile from Yedre.
Gold was plenty mature otherwise, but childish about him.
Maybe on purpose.
But it made him happy. Like... with Dad...
......
......
By the way, he'd successfully held hands with Repelt secretly.
Kuh. Thrilling. This secret romance vibe.
Next, time to touch more intimate spots.
She'd hate it? Who knows...
"......"
Her blushing cheeks as she glanced at him suggested otherwise.
Heh heh heh. Still time till evening; might as well advance...
"Lord Yedre."
"......?"
What?
It was that thief, Kaiz's companion from earlier.
"Lord Kaiz calls for you."
"And?"
"......?"
"......?"
Dude calls, so what?
"Are you serious?"
Yedre snorted at the thief's sharpening glare.
"What if I am?"
"...Oh ho?"
"Oh ho?"
The thief gathered energy, so Yedre did too.
He looked surprised...
Not mana—ki.
From what he'd felt, handling ki was harder than mana, focused on physical enhancement.
Might be stronger than expected.
Still weaker than him, though.
"Revand Baylor."
Gold quietly named the thief.
"Did Hero Kaiz tell you to threaten Brother? Or to politely escort him?"
"......"
"His dignity depends on your answer."
"...Of course, the latter."
"Then act accordingly. I'll come too."
Gold signaled with his eyes: accept, let's go.
Irresistible situation, apparently.
Fine then. He'd follow.
"Let's go."
"Wise choice..."
"First, apologize for your earlier rudeness."
"...?"
"Don't want to? Then bye."
As Yedre turned to leave, the female thief Revand looked stunned.
Realizing he meant it, she spoke in a crawling voice.
"I apologize for my inappropriate behavior. Forgive my rudeness."
"Good enough. Let's go."
Revand stared like 'what kind of guy is this?' but he ignored her.
Who the fuck did Kaiz think he was, ordering him around?
He smiled at worried Mayal.
"I'll be quick. Head to the meeting spot first."
"Okay."
Clarit nodded silently when he looked.
Yes. Just as expected from someone uninterested in him!
She seemed thrilled he'd leave.
See you soon.
Yedre, Repelt, and Gold followed the female thief.
The destination was surprisingly close: an ordinary house.
But inside, it was eerily quiet and dark, like no one lived there.
...Trap?
But opening a first-floor door revealed that annoying Kaiz face—no trap.
The room had mirror-like magic circles projecting scenes from various places.
"Welcome, Lord Yedre."
"Hey, Kaiz. Get to the point."
"No."
Revand looked eager to argue, but Kaiz just grinned.
"I'd like your cooperation in capturing Almiraz."
"I was gonna help with the Demon King's descent, still a week away. Why should I help now?"
Revand was floored.
His attitude too insolent? No.
"Lord Kaiz. Did you tell him everything?"
"He informed me about Almiraz first. He's trustworthy."
"......"
Her eyes changed.
Why hype him up? Annoying.
"Lord Yedre. What was Almiraz like up close?"
He even knew about the brief daytime encounter.
Creepy bastard.
"...Eh. Less impressive than expected."
Yeah.
Strong, but hard to see as the infamous Outsider slayer.
But Kaiz smiled.
"Looks can deceive—he's just holding back. His true power shows after transformation."
"Transformation?"
"Yes. So I'd like to borrow your powerful attack strength."
"......"
Why dodge the question, fucker?
But did he really need his power?
Their attack powers were similar.
As an Outsider, Yedre had overwhelming experience against them, but might be weaker vs. the Outsider Killer Almiraz.
Kaiz knew that.
This guy... trying to vouch for him to his comrades?
Or another motive?
......Too bothersome to think.
Whatever, end it quick.
"Let's wrap this up. I have plans."
"So insolent, Lord Yedre. I won't demand full respect for the hero, but this is too rude, no?"
Marie this time.
He'd seen her against the wall but ignored.
Gold stepped in at Marie's words.
"You're the ones summoning on a whim, ignoring our agreement. Right?"
"Hart Clan heir, commenting on the hero's great cause?"
Gold remained composed amid Marie's irritation.
"Since when do the hero and his party threaten people like this? Ridiculous. Cardinal."
"...!"
Marie tried to retort, but Kaiz stopped her.
No match for Gold in a verbal spat.
Lol, charmed ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
But her genuine apologetic bow made him inwardly awkward.
She's just hot-tempered but really kind...
"My apologies. Lord Yedre, Lord Gold. Just a moment's help, please."
"Hm. For the hero's request, I'm always willing. But mutual respect, yes?"
"Of course."
Such a smooth talker.
"Let's start."
"Ah. Wait a bit."
"How long?"
No need to ask why.
Whatever it was, there'd be a reason.
"Timing for strike is when Hero Fest begins."
"......"
Fuck.
Late for the date.
Asita gonna be pissed?
"Because at that time, we can perfectly nullify Almiraz's unique power."
"Got it."
He sat quietly in a nearby chair.
Marie and Revand eyed him surprised, then looked away.
Meanwhile, Gold and Kaiz talked.
Deployed knights en masse but only wounded Almiraz, no capture.
Almiraz blows up empty houses without hesitation.
Mid-convo, Kaiz glanced at him.
"By the way, Lord Yedre. What plans with your friends?"
"......"
"Lord Yedre?"
"......"
Don't talk to me, fuck.
Gold answered instead.
"Evening with friends and new instructor Brother to get to know each other. At Great Mage's Rest."
"Ah. Nice place."
Great Mage's Rest.
Grand name for a plain tavern.
But frequented by the great mage who established the island's magic system.
Food's amazing, atmospheric—exciting.
Boring time passed.
Soon, black night fell.
And.
Boom boom boom!
Fireworks exploded.
[Hahaha! Welcome to the floating island today, everyone! Hellooo!!] ...This voice sounds familiar.
Eh... Grandpa Blurt?
Really? That strict old man??
Tout mode?
A smile crept on his face unwittingly.
Gonna tease him later.
[The moment you've all been waiting for! The ultimate blockbuster on the Ten Heroes' journey! Titled 'Lives of the Ten Heroes'!! Kyaa!! Pirated copies okay! But nothing beats seeing it live?] "......"
[Grab popcorn! Drinks too! And get ready to drop your jaws at the quality! Yahooh!!] Hm.
Ways to tease Grandpa later.
"It always starts with the symbols of the Ten Great Families and Prynar's appearance."
Kaiz spoke.
......Prynar?
"They say it's made to resemble them as closely as possible, but Prynar alone isn't accurate. Almost pure imagination since records are scarce."
"No records?"
"Yes. Historians claim Prynar was a fictional figure the Ten Heroes created to rally the despairing masses."
"Hmm."
Indifferent reply, but Prynar—as a key term in this world—piqued his curiosity.
Would the movie show his exploits?
Soon, a massive hologram rose, visible even from afar.
Cheers echoed from residents in the distance.
Kaiz added,
"Broadcast across the sky, but scaled per district for viewing comfort."
"Explanation bug."
"...Pardon?"
Kaiz blinked like 'what?'
Bug-eyed; he got it.
Then shut up for movie time, Kaiz fuck.
"Prepare to strike soon."
Handsome fuck doused his thoughts.
Fine. End quick, apologize to the girls for lateness.
But couldn't tear eyes from sky rising.
The hologram loomed gigantic, like a titan.
One figure in adventurer garb, almost like his world's clothes.
Prynar slowly turned, Ten Heroes appearing beside, turning too.
Camera spun, showing their faces...
......?
Huh. Weird.
Ten Heroes' backs matched the cinematic he'd seen.
But faces? Off. Definitely wrong.
Bodies mismatched faces.
Prynar's hood pulled low.
Movie or live theater?
"Hey. Is this a play or something?"
Gold's face beside was grave.
Incredulous.
Kaiz stiffened.
[Hello everybody! Floating island folks!!] ......Broadcaster?
No.
Air, atmosphere shifted.
Cheers long silenced.
[Hellooo! Quick intro. We're the Outsiders you all haaaate! Murderer!!] Murderer.
The ones due in a week appeared now.
Now it clicked.
The hologram's unease: Ten Heroes' bodies with Murderers' faces pasted on.
No wonder.
Especially female-looking heroes with male faces.
They smirked disgustingly.
[Straight to the point! We've planted bomb spells all over the island!! And soon, a tricky 2nd Hell Demon King will descend here!!] Murmurs rose.
His sharp ears caught distant residents' anxious whispers.
[Also took hostages! The beloved biggest tavern, Great Mage's Rest—we've occupied it! Wow, famous spot packed with big shots, huh?] ...What?
That instant, Prynar's—no, the Murderer fucker's—lips curled slyly.
[One simple demand, you fucking bastards.] The Murderer fucker declared casually.
[Hand over the island's authority. Or we'll drop this island to the ground in hours. Before that, every hour, we'll smash five heads from Great Mage's Rest.] Hearing that, his head and chest iced over in shock.
...Ha.
What bullshit. Asking to die.