Chapter 101
Chapter 101
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 101
Chapter Title: The Spreading Virus
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*Knock, knock.*
Kenyon, who was sitting on the sofa drinking tea, spoke at the sound of the knock.
“Come in.”
Allen, who opened the office door and stepped inside, paused for a moment.
He had thought Kenyon was alone, but he was in the company of a rather mismatched guest.
“Tower Master, I’ve arrived. And… it’s been a while, Elder Autoreu.”
Kenyon, who couldn't stand Autoreu, was having tea with him?
Allen wondered what was going on but didn't ask any particular questions.
He knew he would find out soon enough anyway.
“Sit and have some tea.”
As Allen accepted the teacup, he spoke politely to Autoreu.
“Elder. Could you please excuse us for a moment? I have something to discuss with the Tower Master.”
Autoreu nodded at Allen’s request and rose from his seat.
“Well then, Tower Master, I shall take my leave.”
Kenyon, watching Autoreu with a meaningful gaze, nodded his head.
“Mm.”
As soon as Autoreu left the office, Allen posed his question.
“What was that old man doing here?”
“What do you think? It’s because of Lee Si-woo.”
Allen smacked his lips and said.
“Lee Si-woo? Tsk, what a coincidence. I came to see you today because of him as well.”
“You came to see me because of Si-woo? Hmm, what business do you have with him?”
“I just had a meal with him today. The kid asked me to lend him my support. Said it would make it easier for him to adapt in the budget department.”
“The budget department… Right, he did join them.”
“Isn’t he an audacious one? Not satisfied with having Lady Isabelle on his side, now he’s getting greedy for me too.”
“Help him.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m telling you to give Lee Si-woo your full support, whatever he wants.”
At Kenyon’s unexpected words, Allen replied, looking slightly flustered.
“Well, this is… surprising. Did you cherish Si-woo that much? Or has he become more desirable now that he’s a Ranker?”
“No, I made a promise with Autoreu.”
Only then did Allen understand why Autoreu had been in the office.
Some kind of promise had been made between Kenyon and Autoreu.
“With Elder Autoreu, you mean?”
“Yes, I’ve agreed to support Lee Si-woo for the time being. So you, too, will look after him, if only for my sake.”
“But Tower Master. I don’t know if you’ve heard, but that arrogant brat Si-woo has been recklessly abusing the authority of the budget department…”
“Allen. I said to help him. Don’t worry about what he does.”
At Kenyon's firm voice, Allen let out a groan and bowed his head deeply.
“Understood. I will relay your orders to the budget department to support Lee Si-woo. He’ll probably run wild like a reckless fool with this… but if that is your command, what more can I say?”
Even as he uttered the pointed words, Allen’s mind was spinning.
‘What are these old geezers plotting? What is it about that Si-woo kid that warrants such exceptional treatment? Hah, could it be… related to the magic he used to defeat Ixion back then? Tsk, I should have pried when we ate together today. I was too reserved.’
Kenyon, seemingly uninterested in Allen’s inner thoughts, savored the aroma of his tea and closed his eyes gently.
‘A month ago, after the evaluation match ended, Autoreu came to me first and proposed a deal. If I not only left Si-woo untouched for a month and a half, but also fully supported whatever he did, he would tell me about the Forbidden Art.’
Autoreu’s timing had been impeccable.
Kenyon had already been planning to abduct Si-woo to uncover every detail of the Forbidden Art.
But thanks to Autoreu’s proposal, there was no longer a need to lay a hand on Si-woo.
It might take a little time, but if he just waited, the Forbidden Art would fall right into his lap.
Not only would he avoid having to dispose of a talented mage who could become a pillar of the Magic Tower, but he could also prevent a confrontation with his foolish daughter who doted on the boy.
As Kenyon mulled over his thoughts, he tilted his head.
‘But why a month and a half? Hmm… is he plotting something? Well, it doesn’t matter. Now that Autoreu has brought up the Forbidden Art to me first, the pact will become meaningless in another fortnight.’
Kenyon had made a mana pact, enforced by the previous Tower Master, not to torture or harm Autoreu because of the Forbidden Art.
But when Autoreu proposed the deal, the nature of the pact changed.
If Autoreu didn't keep his promise, the responsibility for the oath could be shifted to him.
In other words, Kenyon wouldn't be harming Autoreu because of the Forbidden Art, but punishing him for breaking a promise. In that case, the pact would be rendered meaningless.
And as long as the pact wasn’t triggered, what did it matter what a washed-up Autoreu and Lee Si-woo were up to?
Whatever scheme they cooked up, he could simply crush it with force, open their heads, and find out about the Forbidden Art. That would be the end of it.
***
The rest floor within the Magic Tower.
From a park to an aquarium, in this space created for the relaxation of the tower’s staff, Autoreu sat side-by-side on a promenade bench with a handsome, white-haired young man.
“Why a month and a half? You could have secured more time if you wanted.”
At Autoreu’s question, Jin replied in an indifferent tone.
“Any more time would be meaningless.”
“Why is that?”
Autoreu pressed, but Jin gave no answer, instead watching the news on his smartphone.
—As you all know, the new virus, Scelestus, is spreading rapidly within Granada. Fortunately, this virus only affects humans, so the damage is not as severe as it could have been. Nevertheless, the harm is not insignificant. I am currently in a plains area on the outskirts of Granada, where the bodies of humans who have died from Scelestus are being illegally dum…
Hearing the news report from Jin’s smartphone, Autoreu spoke with a grim expression.
“This is serious. An enormous number of humans are dying because of that virus, and their society, which was already precariously maintained by clinging to the ruling class, is collapsing. A vaccine needs to be developed as soon as possible, but with the humans’ utterly inadequate infrastructure and systems, is that even possible…”
Jin turned off his smartphone and said.
“I’m quite fond of you.”
Autoreu let out a hollow laugh at Jin’s completely unrelated and sudden remark.
“All of a sudden? Heh heh, I knew you wouldn’t be ordinary since you’re Si-woo’s brother, but you are a strange one indeed.”
“A time will soon come when you must make a choice. So choose well this time. So you don’t have regrets again.”
Autoreu stared at Jin, who was spouting cryptic words, with a peculiar look.
When this mysterious white-haired youth had first sought him out, it had been utterly baffling.
Showing up out of nowhere and telling him to demand a month and a half from Kenyon?
It was simply absurd.
However, he couldn’t dismiss Jin’s words.
That was because he had seen a trace of the ‘yellow eyes’ in Jin.
“Regrets… That’s something I’d rather say to you. You, of all people, must not overuse the sixth Forbidden Art if you wish to avoid regret.”
At Autoreu’s warning, Jin asked with a blank face.
“Autoreu. The day you lost what was most precious to you. If you could go back to that time, and if you could undo that regret, even by using the sixth… would you use it, or not?”
“…I would. But I also know such a hypothetical is nothing more than a meaningless delusion. Not even the so-called gods can hold on to time that has passed.”
“You’re right. Even gods are powerless before time. It’s a shame. If only the gods were omnipotent, I would kneel and beg them to turn back time. But that’s not possible. Time passed… never returns.”
“I don’t know what your story is, or why you claim to be his brother and stay by Si-woo’s side, but stop consuming your body and soul. There are things in this world that cannot be achieved, no matter how much you obsess. Even if you use the sixth Forbidden Art to borrow the power of the yellow eyes… it will not grant what you truly desire.”
“What you say is both right and wrong. You’re right, the yellow eyes don't truly grant anyone’s wish. But you know, my brother is different. To the yellow eyes, and to me… my brother is special.”
Jin rose from the bench and continued speaking as he walked away.
“Autoreu. Thank you for this. Thanks to you, I was able to avoid using my second wish. As a token of my gratitude, let me give you some advice. Darkness is coming. So prepare as much as you possibly can. If you don’t want to repeat your regrets.”
With those meaningful words, Jin departed, leaving Autoreu alone on the quiet promenade bench, mulling over Jin’s words about not repeating regrets again and again.
***
The next day, Si-woo and Isabelle met with the Roben siblings.
They were to be introduced to a high-ranking member of the Wilderness Magic Tower through them.
Roben, a white man with brown hair, greeted Si-woo with a face worn down by fatigue, long dark circles under his eyes.
“It’s been a while, Sir Si-woo. Have you been well?”
“Yes. I’ve been doing better than ever.”
Roben said with a faint smile.
“I imagine so. I may not know much else, but I do keep up with news about you, and word that you’ve become a Ranker has reached us here. The Wilderness Magic Tower is in quite an uproar over it, actually. Wondering how a human could become a Ranker.”
“I was lucky. More importantly, we’re short on time. I’d like to get the introduction over with quickly, if you don’t mind.”
At Si-woo’s directness, Roben, who had hoped to chat a bit more and build a rapport, looked slightly embarrassed.
“Ah, forgive my rudeness for holding up someone so busy. This way, please. I’ve arranged a place.”
As Isabelle walked through an alley with Si-woo, guided by Roben, she felt an unpleasant stare pricking her face. She frowned and turned her head.
Seeing Roben’s sister, Laila, sizing her up from the side, Isabelle bared her fangs and growled.
“Hey, eyes down. Before I fucking squeeze them out of your head.”
Startled by Isabelle’s fierce demeanor, Laila repeatedly bowed her head and apologized.
“I-I’m sorry. It’s just, I heard you were Sir Si-woo’s lover and I was so curious…”
“What’s there to be curious about? When a handsome man and a beautiful woman meet, things happen.”
“S-still, it’s not every day that an elf gets together with a human…”
Isabelle snorted in disbelief.
Not only was a mere 1st Circle mage like Laila daring to talk back to her, but she was also fidgeting with her fingers and repeatedly stealing glances at Si-woo’s face.
Feeling inexplicably irritated, Isabelle snapped.
“Hmph, an elf and a human hooking up is probably more likely than some bug who doesn’t know her place trying to hit on a Ranker, don’t you think?”
At Isabelle’s words, Roben chided Laila, who was looking resentful but couldn't say anything and just lowered her head.
“Laila. They are our esteemed guests. Be careful not to make a mistake.”
“…Sorry, brother. And, please forgive my rudeness, Lady Isabelle.”
Isabelle said in a sharp tone.
“Watch yourself from now on. I’m not at all lenient with anyone who touches what’s mine. One wrong move and I’ll snap your neck…”
Si-woo, with a soft sigh, stopped Isabelle, who was losing her temper as usual.
“Lady Isabelle. We have important business ahead of us. Please don’t cause a scene and just leave it.”
At Si-woo’s intervention, Isabelle smacked her lips and lost interest in Laila.
After the minor disturbance passed, Si-woo was soon able to meet Badu, a Dwarf, in a bar located in a shady alley. He was a 4th Circle mage from the Wilderness Magic Tower and the proprietor of a club for those with peculiar appetites.
Si-woo and Isabelle sent the Roben siblings outside and began their real conversation with Badu.
Since Badu believed this meeting was purely for business, they started with some trivial talk about the latest happenings in the Magic Tower to avoid suspicion. Only when the awkwardness had subsided did they begin to broach the topic of the conflict.
Sure enough, as soon as the Niam Mountains were mentioned, Badu’s face turned red as he grew more and more heated in the conversation.
Seeing the excited Badu, Isabelle decided the time was ripe and made her move.
“I’ll give you a valuable piece of information. The Senior Magic Tower is preparing for war against the Wilderness Magic Tower.”
At Isabelle’s bombshell, Badu’s face instantly turned deathly white.
But it was only for a moment. He quickly regained his composure and sneered at Isabelle as if her words were absurd.
“To think the cherished daughter of the Senior Magic Tower could be so frivolous. Did you really think I’d fall for such a preposterous story?”
Even though Isabelle herself had brought up war when the atmosphere with the Senior Magic Tower was already tense, he still didn't believe it?
Taken aback by Badu’s completely unexpected reaction, Isabelle glanced at Si-woo for help.
Sensing that the situation was not going as planned, Si-woo tapped the bar table with his index finger and asked.
“Lady Isabelle, the daughter of the Senior Magic Tower’s master, has personally mentioned war, yet you dismiss it as a preposterous story… I don’t understand.”
At Si-woo’s words, Badu tilted his head and retorted.
“What, were you being serious? That can’t be. The Senior Magic Tower surely doesn’t have the luxury to worry about other things because of that damned Scelestus, do they?”
“Scelestus… you mean the new virus?”
“That’s right. Granada is in chaos right now, unable to properly dispose of the human corpses constantly emerging from the slums and the city center. It’s what happens when a virus with a mortality rate of over 50 percent is also contagiously off the charts.”
Recalling the news he had seen a few days ago, Si-woo frowned.
“As I understand it, it hasn’t spread much within Granada yet.”
Badu clicked his tongue.
“Your information is seriously outdated. That was a few days ago. It’s now spread throughout Granada. Thanks to that, Granada’s security, economy, and all other social systems have taken a considerable hit.”
Quickly grasping the situation from Badu’s words, Si-woo’s expression hardened.
“If the humans are disappearing… this is… like the grass vanishing from a forest.”
“Oh, that’s quite the analogy. You’re right. At first glance, something like grass seems like the most useless thing in a forest, common as it is, but if all the grass disappears overnight, the ecosystem of herbivores is thrown into chaos, and then the carnivores’ survival is threatened as well. That’s what humans are to Granada.”
“Although humans are despised and treated as a useless species, they are undeniably the most populous race in the Main Dimension. With such a species being swept away by a virus, even a metropolis like Granada can’t avoid being impacted. I understand. Lady Isabelle, let’s get up.”
At Si-woo’s words, Isabelle asked, bewildered.
“What? We’re just leaving like this?”
“Yes. Sir Badu won’t believe us if we talk any more right now. But Sir Badu, Lady Isabelle wasn’t lying. The Senior Magic Tower is preparing for war, and the Wilderness Magic Tower is in danger.”
“Hmm… I don’t think the Senior Magic Tower is foolish enough to wage war in a mess like this… but, very well. Out of respect for the one who gave the warning, I’ll give a heads-up to a few people I know.”
Si-woo took a business card from his pocket and handed it to Badu.
“Please take this. You will have a reason to contact me soon. Guaranteed.”
Badu took the card with a reluctant look on his face.
“Uh… well… I suppose I will.”
As Isabelle left the bar behind Badu and hurried to catch up with Si-woo, she asked.
“Hey, are we really leaving just like that? This makes our coming here completely meaningless.”
Si-woo said, his eyes glinting with a cold light.
“Don’t worry. The war will happen. I’ll make sure of it.”
The firm nuance, as if he would start it himself if it didn't happen, made Isabelle flinch.