Chapter 144
Chapter 144
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 144
Chapter Title: Forbidden Magic
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The mages couldn't say a word. No, it was more accurate to say they refrained from reacting at all, fearing they'd get swept up in this chaotic situation.
No matter how much it was an order from the Second Prince, wasn't Wesley their direct superior? And as the head of the Magic Department, he could be seen as representing all the current mages. So how could they possibly kill such a person, and how?
"Y-Your Highness. That would be difficult."
"Why?"
Someone mustered the courage to step forward. He looked a bit older, and it seemed he intended to speak on behalf of the others. It might displease Gail, but still.
"We need to first figure out why Lord Wesley has ended up like this. It seems like some kind of magical side effect. Figuring that out would be the way to save him—and in the long run, to save the mages. If you summon the captains inside, we'll find a solution."
"State your name."
"I'm Shailot from the Mana Stone Management Division."
"Shailot, once this incident is resolved, you'll face trial for disobeying orders."
It was a warning that he wouldn't tolerate any more chatter. With that attitude, the other mages who had been about to add their voices snapped their mouths shut. If only the captains had been there to sort things out from the middle, it wouldn't have come to this. They glanced toward Wesley standing in front of the barrier.
Thud! Thump!
Both his ears had been torn off. Was that why he couldn't hear their pleas? Wesley kept slamming his fists against the golden wall as if trying to shatter the barrier.
"What are you lot doing? I said kill him!"
"Do you all want to get dragged off for disobeying orders?!"
"......"
Gail's subordinates shouted, but the mages didn't budge. At that point, Gail realized that the reason he could command the Magic Department was truly thanks to Wesley.
'It's about time to drain the water, in more ways than one.'
This was actually a good thing. He could use this chance to completely reshuffle the board and imprint who their true master was. Gail slowly turned his head to look for Ian. He figured that man might have a way to move things forward.
"Ian!"
Why was the Second Prince calling for Ian? He was a newbie who had just joined, and on top of that, wasn't he one of the First Prince's people? Everyone turned puzzled gazes toward Ian standing at the back.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Ian clicked his tongue inwardly but bowed his head with a bright smile. It wasn't bad. Later, when building influence in the Magic Department, it would help to create the impression that he had support from both princes.
"What are your thoughts?"
His eyes didn't match the question at all. Gail was urging Ian to take the first strike, as if saying to attack. But Ian thought calmly.
First and foremost, justification was key.
"Your Highness, if I may be so bold, could you please tell me what resolution was passed regarding Lord Wesley's agenda in the meeting inside?"
By stripping away the title of Magic Department Minister from before Wesley's name, it would be easier to handle the mages. Since Gail had left his seat and rushed here, it was surely a dismissal.
"...Wesley has been relieved of his position as Minister effective immediately. The next Magic Department Minister will be selected through nominations soon."
Gail didn't show it, but he seemed a bit flustered. He had finally caught on to Ian's intent and given an appropriate answer, filled only with content that set the direction for future actions.
"Lord Wesley has been dismissed from his ministerial position?"
"Dismissed? That means he's not even a civil servant anymore. Does that mean he's been demoted to a commoner?"
"More than that, they're taking nominations!"
"So that's why the captains aren't coming out."
"If they're electing a new Magic Department Minister..."
"Wait, there's no rule saying only captains can be candidates."
Wesley was no longer their leader. Continuing to serve her would go against the imperial palace's will, which was tantamount to treason. And nominations for the next minister? That meant anyone could become the second Wesley.
"I've heard there are many capable people in the Magic Department. I'm curious."
Gail added slowly with a smile. Kill Wesley and prove your loyalty and ability. Go ahead and make a proper impression on him.
Ziiing! Ziiing!
Boom!
"Elc!"
One mage activated an attack spell first. Blue light burst from his palm toward Wesley's body, but it evaporated before getting close—like ice dropped into lava.
"Damn it! Sorry, Lord Wesley!"
"Those maintaining the barrier, keep your mana up!"
"...Wait, hey!"
"Open your mana to maximum! The opponent's Lord Wesley!"
"Have you all gone mad? Snap out of it!"
"Anyone getting in the way, step back!"
Tap-tap-tap!
The mages grouped by divisions and quickly formed ranks. Only those who still couldn't accept it—specifically, the mages from the Magic Support Division—stood there dazed. The others shoved their shoulders roughly, issuing harsh warnings.
"His Majesty the Emperor is inside. If we can't stop Lord Wesley here, we're all done for. If you're trying to destroy the Magic Department, I'll kill you first."
"No, wait, calm down!"
The Magic Support Division couldn't comprehend the sudden change in attitude from the other divisions. It was the difference in perspective born from the perks of power.
Ziiing! Ziiing!
Rumble! Thump!
"Don't give her an opening! Keep going! Keep going!"
"Damn it, put some real power into it!"
Once a domino falls, it doesn't stop. The mages unleashed their mana in all directions, pouring attacks relentlessly at Wesley. However, since they were mostly administrative staff with few skilled in attack magic, the effect was minimal.
"Magic Operations Division! Why are you just standing there?!"
"Yeah, do it like you usually do!"
One mage shouted while wiping cold sweat. They were all exhausted from casting unfamiliar spells, yet Tommy and Nakina just stood there watching blankly. Their attitude perfectly fit the phrase "watching a fire across the river."
"No attack without Captain Hail's orders."
"What? Bullshit."
"Yeah, get lost. You think we got screwed just once or twice by charging in blindly? Just maintain the barrier. You'll be better off waiting for the captains and jumping in then."
"What don't you get? It's Lord Wesley!"
"Her body's burning up—does that look normal to you?"
"That's insubordination. Everyone, take a good look! See how the Magic Operations Division is handling this!"
The mage seemed to be yelling at his comrades, but he was actually glancing at Gail. Tommy and Nakina let out hollow laughs and scratched their ears.
"Idiots. Anyway."
Whatever the reason, Ian thought it was a wise move on their part. The smoke emanating from Wesley was growing more toxic by the minute.
"Second Prince Gail, I've brought the bow and arrows."
Gail took the bow from his subordinate and immediately assumed position. The bowstring bent powerfully, and the arrow was tipped with black cloth. Its point aimed unhesitatingly at Wesley's head.
"...Mages, all of you are so useless."
"Everyone, make way! It's a Mana Sealing Stone arrow!"
"Mana Sealing Stone incoming! Fall back!"
Kwaaaak.
Phewing!
The Mana Sealing Stone was called the mage's Achilles' heel for its power to neutralize everything. It was the highest of the highest rare grades, possessed nominally only by a select few royals. The mages hurriedly cleared a path, and the arrow shot through the gap.
Boom!
It pierced the magic barrier in one go. Just as it flew toward Wesley.
Ssssk.
Like the other magic attacks, the arrow vanished, leaving only smoke behind. The mages who saw it froze solid and staggered back.
"Wait, wasn't that a Mana Sealing Stone arrow just now?"
"If even that doesn't work..."
"Lord Wesley! No way, did you mix blood into your magic?"
"Damn it! Captain Jairut! No! Don't get close!"
As the mages fell into panic, the outsiders grew even more flustered and huddled tighter. Romandro, who had been clinging like a shell, trembled and tugged at Ian's collar.
"W-Why is she like that? Ian?"
"It looks like Wesley used Forbidden Magic."
"What's that?"
Nakina answered instead. Contrary to her words about not joining, mana was still condensing in her palm—just in case something sudden happened, so she could protect people right away.
"We've never actually seen it ourselves. It's Forbidden Magic, after all. They call it 'mixing blood into magic,' but we're not even sure if that's the real activation method."
It disrupted the balance of power by its mere existence. Ian had stood at the center of magic as emperor, but he'd only seen it once—right before his death, thanks to Naum's sacrifice.
"In any case, Forbidden Magic allows transcending time and space or reversing life and death. It defies the natural order. That's why even a Mana Sealing Stone has no effect."
That's how Ian had been able to transcend time and space effortlessly while imprisoned in the underground dungeon. Ian rubbed his nape, troubled by this unexpected development.
'Gail, you're not handling this well either.'
If you're going to deal with it, do it properly. How did you let Wesley show up wrapped in Forbidden Magic? Ian looked back at Gail. He too wore a visibly flustered expression.
"Did you bring the right arrows?"
"O-Of course, Your Highness Gail."
"Then why isn't it working?"
It was then, as Gail was berating his subordinates, that Wesley—who had been standing silently—finally spoke.
"Gail."
It wasn't the voice of the living. It dripped with chilling venom, the resonance so intense it made heads spin just hearing it. Everyone prostrated and covered their ears, while Gail grimaced standing in place.
"We've spent so much time together, so it felt a shame to end it like this. That's why I came to find you."
"Fuck, why's she suddenly like that after staying quiet?"
"Is it because of the Mana Sealing Stone?"
A sensation no mage could forget. Gail's arrow had awakened Wesley's eroded mind. Gail let out a hollow laugh and drew the bowstring again.
"I didn't know you were such a nagging woman."
Kwaaaak!
Swoosh! Ping!
Arrows kept flying, but they couldn't neutralize Wesley. She slowly approached Gail. The mages who had snapped out of it charged as one, but they couldn't halt her even a single step.
"Protect Second Prince Gail!"
"Wesley! Have you lost your mind? Stop approaching!"
"Captain Jairut! Give the order!"
"Everyone, unleash your mana!"
"Your Highness, retreat inside!"
"Back, fall back!"
The guards and subordinates escorted Gail while continuously retreating. Ian merely patted the trembling Romandro and observed. Was she trying to kill Gail? Or did she have another goal?
'No need to help him.'
If Gail died here, the Magic Department's prestige would hit rock bottom, but that was it. With Marib's line secured, it wouldn't greatly affect Ian.
'Ah, the annex construction will definitely get harder.'
Even in the Magic Department's favor, they couldn't push through the annex build. Hmm. Maybe help for the sake of checks and balances?
Romandro muttered as if on the verge of fainting.
"I-Ian. If it's Forbidden Magic, is there no way at all?"
"No. Not at all. A power stronger than the caster's mana could suppress it without issue."
"Call the captains! We need to pool our strength!"
And one more thing.
Ziiing. Ziiing.
Not sure if it would work, but Ian unleashed his mana. Forbidden Magic was best countered by Forbidden Magic, wasn't it? As its byproduct, maybe he...
Boom!
The mana orb Ian casually shot upward struck Wesley's body. Unlike the other mages, it wasn't neutralized—it succeeded as a physical attack for the first time.
"...Huh?"
"Huh?"
"Just now..."
Ian, surprised himself, looked down at his own palm. The other mages did the same.
For the first time since the chaos began, a heavy silence descended.