Episode 1074
Episode 1074
"M-Monster...!"
"No. This wasn't my doing. My master was the one who did it."
Lee Han quickly clarified, sensing the misunderstanding.
Mages naturally possessed various means to communicate beyond the constraints of time and space.
Even if he couldn't reveal the Young Prince's true identity, explaining that he had received his master's assistance from within would make Abalkarn understand immediately.
"Are you referring to a communication artifact?"
"Similar, but slightly different. Just know that my master was the one who made it possible."
Abalkarn assumed that the unnamed master Lee Han spoke of was none other than the Skeleton Principal.
Rumors had already spread that Lee Han was a disciple of the Skeleton Principal, and there were very few mages capable of performing such high-level magic in such a short time.
Though incorrect, it was a reasonable assumption.
There was some truth to it...
'But even if his master provided guidance, wouldn't he still have to handle most of the work if it's a communication artifact?'
Unaware of the spatial labyrinth and the underground chamber, Abalkarn pondered silently.
Even if guidance was given remotely, unless the master physically intervened, the disciple would still have to execute most of the spellwork themselves...
Which meant Lee Han's achievement was still incredibly impressive, right??
Just as Abalkarn was about to express his astonishment again, his master's voice echoed in his ear.
"It's done! Abalkarn, come here!"
Avalkaigen, having finished his work, called for his disciple.
He wanted to show Abalkarn the newly improved artifact, enhanced using the ancient relic.
"Master, about Vible's Sorrow..."
"Abalkarn. You can't mix two potions in the same bottle. Focus on the magic at hand."
Avalkaigen sternly reprimanded his disciple.
No matter how disappointing it was that Professor Verdus had ruined their opportunity, getting distracted during another task was unacceptable.
The magic required to assemble this flying sailboat was no simple feat. Even if it involved combining pre-existing spells, carelessness was not an option.
"But that's not—"
"Tsk!"
"M-My apologies. I'll focus."
The orc mage flinched and bowed his head.
Avalkaigen was a strict master when it came to magic. Seeing his disciple's reaction, he decided it would be better to explain everything once they were finished.
"Shall we take it for a spin? Wait—can you even pilot this?"
Both mages paused mid-question.
Though this flying sailboat was designed by Professor Verdus to be operable even by those untrained in magic, it still wasn't advisable to let a non-mage handle it.
Since it was a prototype, a mage capable of repairing and controlling the magic circles installed inside—in case of mid-flight malfunctions—needed to be at the helm.
"Yes. I piloted it last time too."
"..."
"I see!"
The two mages recalled that spells like Vible's Departure Enchantment and Vible's Flight Enchantment required at least a 4th-circle proficiency, but they nodded without pressing further.
At this point, they were beyond being surprised by every little thing.
"Then let's cut open the roof and take off."
"Wait. This is the imperial capital—don't we need permission?"
Within Einrogard's territory, as long as they didn't escape, they could fly, dig, or even set the headmaster's office on fire without consequence. But outside, imperial law applied.
If they took off without permission in the capital, knights would come rushing from all directions.
-Don't worry. We've already secured permission through prior arrangements.
"..."
"Did you all plan this before even coming here?"
-What are you implying?! Absolutely not!
The knights, offended by the implication, jumped in protest.
Being assigned to escort Professor Verdus was already frustrating enough—how could they be accused of such scheming?
They were only acting out of pure disdain for Professor Verdus, nothing more.
"Understood. Then I'll gratefully take the helm."
Lee Han lightly leaped onto the sailboat. Avalkaigen, Puyo, and Yukveltire boarded as well.
Crack!
"?!"
As mana sparked from the magic circle, Avalkaigen startled and asked—
"Is it supposed to do that?"
"Ah. It's been like this since I first received it. It's because of the hull enhancement magic, wind resistance spell, and anti-corrosion enchantment... I'll turn off the last one."
Lee Han skillfully adjusted the magic circle.
Having experimented with all sorts of things under Professor Verdus, he had no trouble handling the sailboat.
Puyo, observing this, whispered to Yukveltire:
"Seems Verdus has put Wardanaz through quite a lot. Do all Enchantment Magic students suffer like that?"
"I wouldn't know."
"......"
At that brazen reply, the half-elf artificer's gaze toward Yukveltire turned slightly frosty.
"Purple torchlight? Was there a purple torch scheduled today?"
The aerial knights patrolling the western walls of the Imperial Capital's knight order noticed the flickering violet light in the sky and grew puzzled.
Those permitted to fly over the capital were required to display distinctively colored magical torches. Anyone caught without one or with a counterfeit would be arrested immediately.
Purple torches were markers only issued to imperial family members or those connected to the royal household. Given their rarity, the knights' murmurs were understandable.
"The Einrogard knights requested it."
"From His Excellency the Magic Tower?"
"No."
"Well, if that lord wished to fly, he'd do so without permission anyway."
The knights' voices held equal parts respect and irritation. The Magic Tower, who'd occasionally soar over the capital walls in emergencies, always left them feeling humiliated.
No amount of petitions or remonstrations ever made a difference.
Even when high-ranking officials and nobles banded together to directly appeal to the Emperor, His Majesty would shoulder the blame himself while invariably shielding his Magic Tower.
"Good evening."
"Ah! Count Jau!"
The knights bowed to the familiar face.
Among the nobles residing in the imperial capital, Count Jau was renowned for his exceptionally generous disposition.
While few nobles had the audacity to cause disturbances in the Emperor's capital, even by those standards, Count Jau was remarkably tolerant.
So much so that he'd once forgiven a magic academy graduate who'd accidentally incinerated his carriage.
"This fellow kept insisting on flying, so here we are. I hope we're not adding to your duties."
When the white-haired old count apologized, the knights waved dismissively.
"Not at all! We who raise flying creatures understand perfectly. Pegasi truly dislike staying still."
The knights' mounts let out disgruntled whinnies.
"My apologies for troubling you. This old man shall take his leave now. Come! Let's go!"
As the count ascended with his magical torch, the knights watched his retreating figure with deep respect.
If all imperial nobles had such temperament, how peaceful things would be.
"...Wait. That purple light... doesn't it seem odd?"
A knight belatedly noticed something amiss amidst their conversation, pointing skyward.
Following the movement, a violet streak traced across the dark sky—far too swift and dazzling.
What manner of vehicle could move like that?
"Doesn't appear to be a living creature."
"R-right. That would explain it."
Veteran knights nodded at their senior's assessment.
The distant movement seemed too rigid for any living being. Coming from Einrogard knights, a magical vehicle wouldn't be surprising.
"But if it's a magical vehicle from Einrogard... could it be Ver...?"
"Impossible. There's no way Professor Verdus would be flying about so casually. Absolutely not."
In the Empire, the combination of magical vehicles and flight inevitably brought Professor Verdus to mind.
But it couldn't be him. This wasn't Einrogard territory—if he tried that here, he'd genuinely risk being shot down...
"Eh? The Count is heading that way?"
Count Jau's blue torch began moving toward the purple torch.
Not only that, but the other torches that had received permission to patrol different areas suddenly began converging toward the purple torch as well.
At the sight, the knights felt a chill run down their spines.
'So fast!'
Lee Han marveled at the violent movement.
He hadn't expected it to be this intense.
Compared to the cautious maneuvering they had done back in Einrogard's territory, this was on a completely different level.
"To compensate for our lack of speed, we brought out an Ancient Artifact!"
Avalkaigen shouted proudly over the whistling wind.
"We reinforced the resistance by enchanting the mast!"
"Thank you, everyone!"
Lee Han carefully brought the small sailing ship to a halt.
He had unknowingly gotten carried away, performing rapid acceleration and acrobatic flight maneuvers, but now he worried that he might have pushed the experimental sailboat too far.
Upon inspection, the magic circle and hull appeared undamaged.
"Junior."
"Yes?"
"People are coming."
"?!"
At Yukveltire's words, Lee Han looked up and was startled.
Torches were flying toward them from all directions. It was clear that others were gathering.
'What's going on? Did the Death Knights not get proper permission?'
For a moment, headlines from the Imperial Newspaper flashed chaotically through Lee Han's mind.
War Mo Einrogard Student Engages in Unauthorized Frenzied Flight Over Imperial Capital... Einrogard Again?
Mentor Professor Ber Mo Voluntarily Surrenders to Imperial Court to Take Responsibility... Considering Past Offenses, Life Sentence Expected...
"Gasp...!"
"?"
But the two mages were even more shocked than Lee Han. They stared at each other with pale faces.
"What's wrong? Do you know who's coming?"
"I don't know who they are, but I can guess why! They're here for Professor Verdus!"
"Excuse me?"
At first, Lee Han didn't understand what they meant, but then realization struck him with horror.
So they recognized this sailboat and immediately assumed it was Professor Verdus?
"Does it make sense to immediately think of Professor Verdus just because there's a fast-flying aerial magic vehicle?"
"It does."
"...Useless bastard!"
Lee Han seethed with anger at Professor Verdus's unwarranted fame.
Even when he wasn't present, the man still found a way to trip up his students.
-Is that Vible Verdus? Answer me!
-Professor Verdus?
From a distance, voices shouting loudly could be heard as people caught sight of the small sailing ship's silhouette.
At the sound, the two mages steeled themselves.
"To think we'd make such a foolish mistake. I'm sorry, Professor."
"Don't be. I should have anticipated this. I was too absorbed in my magic..."
If it became publicly known that they were connected to Professor Verdus, it would be disastrous.
Countless people would come looking for them, pestering them with demands like, Where's Professor Verdus? or Drag him out here!
With a resolute expression, Lee Han instructed the others.
"Everyone, keep your heads down."
"What?"
"Hurry! Everyone, keep your heads down. Cast an invisibility spell and don't come out."
The other mages, bewildered, complied. Lee Han finished his preparations as quickly as possible.
Before long, the voices grew closer.
"Professor Verdus! If you're there, answer me! I'm not here to be angry. I just want to know what you made with the gold coins you got from investors. Huh? Come on. Just show your face. I'm not holding anything!"
"Hmph. You think I'd fall for such tricks? Vible Verdus, come out! You bastard. I'll rip your tail off and boil it into soup!"
Shouts with different intentions filled the dark sky, turning it chaotic.
But from inside the small sailing ship came a voice that defied all expectations—a rough, growling tone.
"Who the hell is Vible Verdus? I'm Stedal of the Nago Family!"
"Stedal of the Nago Family?! The same Stedal who multiplied his wealth during the Bone-Reviving Flower Speculation Frenzy?!"
"......"
When someone mentioned such an unexpectedly detailed backstory, Lee Han was so flustered he nearly dropped his disguise.