Chapter 414: The Second (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 414: The Second (3)
There are five major Magic Towers in the United Kingdoms.
The Blue Magic Tower, led by Tower Master Selaim Mikardo.
The Red Magic Tower, led by Parkline.
The Purple Magic Tower of Norton Mirage, the Green Magic Tower of Sharan Poranu, and finally, the Brown Magic Tower led by Manram.
These five institutions are the pillars that lead the magical world. Consequently, their Tower Masters hold a Grand Assembly every five years.
The Grand Assembly.
In truth, the Grand Assembly is not much different from a standard Magic Society. It remains a venue where Tower Masters provide guidance to lower-tier mages and announce new spells or theories developed through inter-tower cooperation.
Nevertheless, there is only one reason this event is called the Grand Assembly.
It is because every single Tower Master gathers in one place.
Normally, attendance at a Magic Society is not mandatory. If one does not wish to participate, they simply do not come. However, for the Grand Assembly, while other mages might be excused, the Tower Masters must never be absent. Countless mages flock to the event just to catch a glimpse of the fragments of knowledge these masters possess.
And now.
With some time remaining before the start of the Grand Assembly, all five Tower Masters had gathered at the Central Tower.
"I can't remember the last time we all sat down like this," Selaim said with a hearty chuckle.
"Indeed. We haven't met since the last cycle," Sharan Poranu, the Green Tower Master, replied with a nod.
"Right?" Parkline, the Red Tower Master, chimed in.
However...
"..."
"..."
The Brown and Purple Tower Masters were watching the three of them with sullen expressions.
"Why are you looking at us like that?" Selaim asked.
At his words, the Brown and Purple Tower Masters frowned simultaneously, as if they had coordinated it.
"Tsk, you certainly have a lot to say," one muttered.
"Exactly."
Manram, the Brown Tower Master, possessed a physique that didn't look like a mage's despite his advanced age. Beside him was Norton Mirage, who sported the signature purple hair of the Purple Magic Tower.
Despite the sharp reactions from the two, the Blue Tower Master merely shrugged.
Then, Norton Mirage couldn't hold back and barked out, "Don't play dumb, Blue Tower Master! How many times did we ask you to introduce us to Marquis Palatio—no, the King of Palantia—only for you to ignore us?"
Selaim feigned ignorance again.
"Look, I'm sorry, but that's not my department."
"But couldn't you have at least mentioned it to him!?"
"Hmm—is that so?"
"Grrr...!"
As Selaim continued to play coy, Norton gritted her teeth and tried to argue further, but Selaim beat her to the punch.
"Weren't you the ones who mocked us, saying we looked ridiculous doing mere calculations?"
"..."
Stung by the truth, Norton faltered for a moment before scrambling for an excuse.
"Well, that was... I mean, it's just that it's a bit undignified for Tower Masters to gather at the Central Tower just to crunch numbers—"
"So you said you hated the idea back then, but why the sudden change of heart now?"
"Ugh—"
Norton groaned at the pointed remark. It was exactly as he said.
Back when the Blue, Red, and Green Tower Masters were working feverishly as human calculators for the Specter of the Past, Norton had ridiculed them. She found it pathetic that Tower Masters, who should be struggling to reach the next Tier, were wasting time on basic calculations.
Even though the new calculation methods and formulas born from that work had benefited the magic industry, her opinion that it was beneath them hadn't changed.
Furthermore, Alon hadn't sat well with Norton either. She disliked the situation where mages, who should be contributing to the advancement of magic, were relegated to assisting with simple arithmetic.
That was only a few months ago.
The reason Norton—who had been clicking her tongue at the Tower Masters helping Alon Palatio—was acting like this now was none other than the Divine Blood.
The Divine Blood.
A disaster that had fallen upon the world after the fall of Ashtalon, something a single powerhouse could never hope to stop. From the moment that entity appeared in the United Kingdoms...
And now that she knew Alon Palatio was actually a Divine Blood himself—and one who could control that power—
I must...!
Norton absolutely had to establish a connection with Alon.
It was only natural. At this point, the Marquis was the only one capable of fending off the Divine Blood, and Norton was the master of the Purple Magic Tower. If she didn't build a relationship now, she couldn't hope for his help if the Divine Blood ever attacked her.
Norton had belatedly tried to use Selaim to build a bridge to Alon. By now, the depth of one's connection with Alon had become a form of political power in itself.
"Well, that... how should I put it... I suppose I was mistaken back then..."
"Hmm—and here I thought we were 'pathetic.'"
"Indeed. You even sent me a letter saying as much," Parkline added.
"Me too," Sharan joined in.
As the Red and Green Tower Masters piled on, Norton squeezed her eyes shut.
I didn't know it would turn out like this! I didn't know he would become such an important person!! If I'd known, do you think I would have acted like that?!!!
...She wanted to scream, but unfortunately, she was the one in the position of need.
As she stood there with her eyes tightly shut, another voice spoke up.
"Ahem—well... what about me?"
Manram, the Brown Tower Master, made a cautious request.
"Didn't you say something similar?"
"What was it again? You called us 'hacks,' didn't you?"
"Wasn't it 'the pathetic trio who lost to a hack noble'...?"
As the three of them continued to dig up the past, the Brown Tower Master also let out a pained groan and shut his eyes. He had indeed used those exact words while siding with the Purple Tower Master.
"..."
"..."
The Purple and Brown Tower Masters felt a deep sorrow for their past selves who lacked foresight. The two glanced at each other.
If only you hadn't tempted me to join in on the insults!
If only you hadn't been talking trash right next to me!
They glared at each other for a moment, but then Selaim, who had been observing them, rubbed his chin with a mysterious smile.
"Actually, it's not like there's no way."
"..."
"There's... a way?" the two Tower Masters asked simultaneously, turning their heads.
Selaim was very satisfied with their reaction.
"To be precise, if you perform the task correctly, you can build a very solid bond with him. It would be far more effective than gifting him any artifact."
He gave a relaxed, wide grin and threw out the bait they couldn't refuse.
"So, do you want to hear it?"
* * *
Several weeks passed.
Alon, who had been traveling while conducting his usual magic research, arrived in Teria, the capital of Asteria.
"...Are you sure the Divine Blood actually invaded?"
"The information guild wouldn't lie about something like that, so it must be true, but..."
Penia asked in surprise as soon as she saw Teria's exterior, and Evan nodded in agreement.
The reason for their reaction was simple.
"...For a city that was supposed to be invaded by the Divine Blood, it's remarkably clean and undamaged."
Teria looked far too intact for a place that had suffered an attack. They stared blankly at the city, which showed no signs of repair, as if the invasion had never happened.
"...Let's head in for now."
"Right."
The group entered the capital. After passing through the gates with ease, Alon looked around the interior and thought, Did the Divine Blood fail to even breach the inner walls?
Just like the exterior, the inside of Teria was pristine. It was as if it had never been touched by disaster.
However, Alon knew through the information guild that the Divine Blood had indeed attacked Teria... and that Siyan had stopped them.
"..."
Alon suddenly recalled the Divine Blood he had encountered in the Colony. They were so powerful that facing them alone was overwhelming. Despite Alon's best efforts, he had only been able to stop them after the Colony had been completely devastated.
How... did she do it?
Siyan appeared to have stopped them without a single casualty or bit of property damage. As questions filled Alon's mind, they arrived at the inner castle.
Upon entering the royal palace, Alon was met by a familiar face.
"Greetings."
"..."
"Her Majesty has been expecting you since we heard news of your arrival."
After a brief exchange with her secretary, who bowed politely as always, Alon headed toward where she was.
"Then," the secretary said, bowing and stepping aside.
A door was revealed. Unlike usual, Alon stood before the office rather than the audience chamber. He reached for the handle.
In that moment, a strange, ominous sensation washed over him. He suddenly remembered the 'Wanderer' he had seen in Rosario, the one who claimed to be the true body of the Goddess Sironia.
"..."
Could it be... could Siyan be in a similar situation?
The thought crossed his mind for a moment, but he quickly shook it off. He knew that worrying now was meaningless.
Taking a deep breath, he quietly turned the knob.
And there, he found her.
"It has been a long time, my friend."
Cretenia Siyan.
She looked exactly as he remembered her.
"...It has been a long time."
Alon felt himself relax involuntarily. At his greeting, Siyan gave her usual gentle smile.
"Sit."
She gestured toward a chair that seemed to have been prepared in advance. Alon moved naturally and took his seat.
As if they had an unspoken agreement, she pulled out a sweet potato and placed it in front of him.
"...This is."
"Eat. You like them, don't you?"
Alon started to say something but closed his mouth and began to eat the sweet potato.
"..."
Siyan rested her chin on her hand and watched Alon eat, just as she always did. A leisurely smile played on her lips.
Finally, when Alon had finished the entire sweet potato...
"To be honest, I wasn't sure what I should say first once you arrived," Siyan began slowly. "I have so many things to tell you now."
"Is that... so?"
"Yes. In fact, I was thinking about it the whole time you were eating. Which story should I start with?"
"...And have you decided?" Alon asked.
Siyan smiled faintly and nodded. She gave a small wave of her hand.
A soft thud echoed. Alon looked at her with a puzzled expression.
"Ah, don't mind that. This is a conversation between the two of us, and I wanted to ensure no one could eavesdrop."
Siyan waved it off as if it were nothing. Then, looking at the faded red brooch and the green badge on Alon's chest, she spoke.
"My friend, what would you think if the world you live in had already reached its 'end' once before?"
Alon blinked, momentarily stunned. "...Pardon? What do you—"
"Oh, was that explanation a bit too difficult?" Siyan interrupted.
She paused for a moment. "...Right, then I suppose I should put it this way."
Siyan spoke with utter composure.
"What would you think if your life was not your first, but your 'second'?"
The calm lake of Alon's mind began to ripple.