Episode 986
Episode 986
Even after cheering for his friend, Lee Han found himself being scolded and thought to himself:
'Those White Tiger Tower bastards must have really gotten on his nerves.'
That said, he could understand Moradi's frustration.
Statistically speaking, the White Tiger Tower caused the most trouble among the four towers.
The Blue Dragon Tower students, being from noble families, at least cared about maintaining appearances when causing trouble (though they still picked up dropped food to eat). The Black Turtle Tower students preferred to handle things quietly and discreetly, so they rarely got caught.
But the White Tiger Tower students were pointlessly bold in the strangest ways.
Just look at Angrago.
He had boldly skipped class to watch a polo match and was now boldly sitting in the Punishment Room.
The Blue Dragon Tower students would never do something like that.
'Now that I think about it, the Blue Dragon Tower really is better.'
Lee Han nodded slightly with a sense of pride. Giselle gave him a suspicious look.
'Why do I feel so irritated...? What's going on?'
"Moradi, don't be too angry just because Angrago got sent to the Punishment Room. Salko's there too, you know."
"...So that's what you were thinking. That's not why."
"It's not? Then... Oh, I see. It's about the exams. Don't worry, the Blue Dragon Tower bastards are just as reluctant to study."
That wasn't particularly comforting.
And even if they slacked off the same amount, the White Tiger Tower students were far more reckless about it. He definitely shouldn't fall for such words.
'You bastard, you're just annoyed because I, who awakened Aura first, cheered for you...'
But saying that out loud would only damage his own dignity.
Giselle gave up and changed the subject.
"...Are your exam preparations going well?"
"I'll have to start seriously once this week is over."
As he spoke, Lee Han glanced subtly at the Crazy Doppelganger in front of him.
The Crazy Doppelganger preferred Lee Han to recklessly throw himself at high-level magic that could kill him rather than obsess over the Einrogard exams.
To be specific, it considered exam prep a waste of time on worthless things.
"...Are you alright?"
"What do you mean?"
"Uh, about the exam prep. It might not meet your standards..."
"It doesn't matter. I'll teach you."
"?"
Lee Han doubted his ears.
Not only was he being allowed to focus on exam prep, but the Doppelganger would even teach him?
He hadn't even considered asking the Crazy Doppelganger for help—it was too absurd a request.
Not only was permission granted, but the Doppelganger was offering help he hadn't even asked for.
"You'll help me prepare for the exams??"
"Are you refusing the words of royalty?"
"N-No, it's not that. I'm just too overwhelmed..."
As Lee Han hesitated, Giselle asked curiously:
"Isn't this good for you?"
Sure, that Doppelganger was a crazy archmage, but no one could deny his magical prowess.
Having such an archmage personally help with exam prep would be far more efficient than any other aid.
Of course, it could be dangerous.
At the start of the semester, the Crazy Doppelganger had kidnapped Wardanaz, causing immense worry among the other students.
But...
'Knowing Wardanaz's personality, he probably won't care about the danger.'
The Wardanaz Giselle knew was always a magic-obsessed madman who pursued high risk and high return.
Someone like that wouldn't hesitate just because the Crazy Doppelganger was dangerous. Besides, their relationship seemed quite amicable now.
'Why do I feel so irritated? Is he bad-mouthing me in his head?'
Lee Han grew suspicious as he felt Giselle's intense stare and an odd sense of unease.
"It's... good, but it's just surprising coming from someone who wouldn't normally do this. Imagine if the Headmaster suddenly became kind."
"...That's creepy."
"Right? Not much difference."
But no matter how creeped out Lee Han and Giselle were, there wasn't much they could do about it now.
After all, the Crazy Doppelganger wasn't the type to listen even if Lee Han refused.
"Ah. Then it'll be difficult to help our other friends."
Lee Han belatedly realized.
If the Crazy Doppelganger was helping with exam preparations right beside him, teaching his friends wouldn't be easy...
"It doesn't matter. Bring them along. The royal family shall bestow its teachings."
"!?!"
At this even more unexpected remark, this time even Giselle was shocked.
"Wh-what? Why are you acting like this?"
"I... I don't know either. Honestly, even telling you all to follow earlier was beyond expectations."
Even if his friends asked, Lee Han had nothing to answer with.
Because Lee Han himself had no clue either! 'This won't do. I have to ask.' Though Giselle had warned against provoking him earlier, he was far too curious to let it go.
After confirming his defensive magic, Lee Han asked:
"Master. But why did you tell me to bring my other friends along?"
"One cannot deny the necessity of comrades for a mage yet incomplete. If they're your comrades, disciple, I can polish them further to serve as decent support."
"...!"
"!!!"
At this unexpectedly reasonable and thoughtful reason, not only Lee Han but even Giselle standing beside him was astonished.
To think he'd acknowledge Lee Han's friends as comrades and graciously offer to nurture them.
Catten sent a look of admiration. 'As expected of the Headmaster's doppelganger! His hidden affection and care for students cannot be concealed!'
However, the two rational students weren't fooled. 'This is strange. Could this be a manifestation of madness in another form? Did Hamster pull some trick? Should I interrogate him?' 'I knew Wardanaz had a knack for gathering insane archmages like insectivorous plants, but to this extent? He's truly a madman.'...
To be precise, only one rational student wasn't fooled.
Though tilting his head in confusion, Lee Han decided to accept it for now.
If the Crazy Doppelganger could show such consideration, even if it was madness, it might be madness in a good direction.
He wasn't sure if positive madness existed, but regardless...
"Then was the reason you told those White Tiger Tower friends to follow earlier also because they're my comrades?"
The Crazy Doppelganger stopped walking.
Then he whirled around and scrutinized the White Tiger Tower students.
"They were comrades?"
"Huh? Yes... They're friends from the same year as me."
"I thought they were servants. Apparently not."
"......"
"......"
The White Tiger Tower students' faces soured. Noticing his friends' expressions, Lee Han hastily defended them.
"What kind of nonsense is that! How could they possibly be servants?!"
"They acted like servants, so I assumed they were."
"......"
This time, the White Tiger Tower students' faces turned red.
Admittedly, they had been in shabby states due to the mining work.
"T-they're usually more dignified...!"
"That was just last time, Wardanaz! Explain it properly!" 'Explain what properly, you idiots.' Lee Han was dumbfounded internally, but they were still his friends.
"They just enjoy physical labor, but they're all excellent mages. No, Master, you even called them mages earlier."
"A mage can also be a servant. Servants must handle menial tasks and even serve as guards when needed. Disciple, what nonsense are you spouting?" 'The ancient era sure was annoying.' It seemed even servants were all-rounders in ancient times.
Not only did they learn magic, but they also had to step up as guards when necessary.
"Anyway, they're not."
"Understood. I summoned them as your guards, but it seems the royal family was mistaken. They may return."
"?"
The White Tiger Tower students froze.
Then they looked back.
They had walked quite a distance from the safe area marked on the map.
If they had to return to the portal alone from here...
"Hmm. Rather than pointlessly enduring the Master's scolding, it's better to go back."
Lee Han tried to send his friends back.
No matter how he thought about it, bringing them along would only result in the Crazy Doppelganger scraping their nerves raw.
Even so, the White Tiger Tower had its pride—was there really a reason to go along as potential guard-servants...
"We'll protect Wardanaz!"
"Just leave it to us!"
"......"
Lee Han was left speechless by his friends' swift response and could only stare at them blankly.
Giselle, seemingly embarrassed, completely averted her gaze and turned away.
"Seniors, do you know about the Frost Giants?"
Upon arriving at the Frost Giant territory marked on the map, Catten led Lee Han and Giselle forward.
The purpose was to make contact and negotiate with the Frost Giants.
The Crazy Doppelganger did not follow.
After all, it wasn't customary for an Archmage to accompany every preliminary negotiation. Such trivial matters were always left to the students.
"I've heard that, unlike regular giants, they possess a thriving civilization and wisdom."
"Correct. While the giants of old perished, this otherworldly race managed to avoid such a downfall."
The Frost Giants had evaded the fate of ruin that befell the ancient giants of the continent by borrowing the paths of other dimensions.
Thanks to that, formidable and powerful beings like the Frost Giant King occasionally appeared in Einrogard, even engaging in duels with Lee Han.
'Ugh. Why didn't the Frost Giants just settle on the mainland...'
Lee Han sighed inwardly, recalling the absurdity of his past encounters.
Even for an Einrogard student, facing the Frost Giant King directly was no common experience.
And that confrontation hadn't ended there.
Afterward, every time he met Frost Giants, he had to endure remarks like,
"Oh? You're the challenger who faced the King? Then I'll defeat you and claim that glory for myself!"
From Lee Han's perspective, it was an utterly ridiculous streak of misfortune.
'But there's a way.'
Lee Han discreetly checked the blue stone embedded in his staff—disguised with magic—a relic from the Frost Giant King.
As long as this was concealed, the Frost Giants would have no way of recognizing his identity.
To them, he would simply appear as an ordinary human mage.
"They're a strong and arrogant race. We'll likely need to earn their recognition before any negotiations can begin."
"How do we earn it?"
"Most likely by passing a trial, Junior. They respect strength above all."
Lee Han and Giselle nodded solemnly.
Catten waved his hand as if to reassure them.
"I'll take the trial, so you two don't need to worry. If they try to force you into it as well, I'll persuade them."
"...?"
Giselle tilted her head in confusion.
Did Catten—not even a Wardanaz—possess the silver tongue needed to persuade Frost Giants?
"You have a way to do that?"
"My apologies, Juniors. I misspoke. If they try to force you into the trial, I'll cut them down instead."
Catten corrected himself awkwardly.
In his attempt to sound impressive in front of his juniors, he'd accidentally lied. He had no confidence in persuading Frost Giants.
"......"
"......"
Of course, the alternative he proposed left an even stronger impression. Lee Han and Giselle straightened their postures immediately.
"Senior, if there's any part of my magic explanations that displeases you, please feel free to speak your mind."
"And if any Tower juniors act disrespectfully, do let us know."
"???"
Catten was baffled by their sudden deference.
Why the sudden change?
"This should be far enough... Noble Frost Giants, hear me! Here stands Catten of the Jahan family, seeking an audience with you!"
—!
The sheer volume of his voice shook the cliffs, and the Frost Giants reacted instantly.
THUD!
A Frost Giant scout leaped up from beneath the glacier. After swiftly scanning the trio, it spoke.
-One warrior and two mages. Since you announced yourselves first, I assume you're not intruders.
"Three mages. And we've come to negotiate."
-Negotiate? We don't engage in negotiations with outsiders lightly. Especially not with beings from another dimension.
"Judging by your words, there must be a way."
At Catten's remark, the Frost Giant grinned.
Its imposing aura alone suggested this warrior knew what he was dealing with.
-Indeed. There's something we seek.
"Your lost relic?"
-Ha! As if we'd entrust such a thing to weak mages from another dimension.
The Frost Giant scoffed dismissively.
Their relics were theirs to reclaim—they would never rely on the aid of weaker races.
"Then what are you looking for?"
-We seek a challenger acknowledged by our King! Surprisingly, they say he's a mage from your very dimension. If you can locate him, we'll recognize you as honored guests.
"......"
Lee Han's face paled slightly.