Chapter 54

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Translator: MadScientist

Chapter: 54

Chapter Title: Eve of the Storm

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Istan El Deorg.

Upon hearing that one of the Empire's Five Swords was visiting Arsen Academy, Dean Berze urgently summoned those connected to the incident.

Ethan Arnop.

Stella Natalia.

Deplin Chernio.

They knew the military's plans.

And they were also the ones who had directly witnessed the trouble Ullan had caused during the selection matches.

"...An hour ago, Count Deorg expressed his intent to visit the academy through the military."

The dean of the Military Studies Department, Berze Erkazan, stared at the three with a rigidly tense face.

"You all know the reason without me explaining, right?"

The three affirmed with silence.

There was only one possible reason.

"Is he coming from the count's territory?"

"No. The contact came through the southern border command, so he'll likely be departing from the desert."

"That's a relief, at least."

Ethan quietly sighed in relief.

It took three days on horseback from Count Deorg's territory to here. But from the southern border, it would take at least a fortnight even at best speed.

So...

"We have a fortnight to prepare countermeasures."

Berze's eyes flashed sharply.

Ethan responded immediately.

"The first thing we must absolutely ensure is that the count doesn't meet Ullan."

"Agreed. No matter how rational he is, it's his only child who got hurt."

Stella nodded in agreement.

As she said, Count Deorg was famous for his extreme rationality and cold demeanor.

Back when he served as commander on the southern front, the desert heretics called him the 'Ice Golem'.

'Because he was notorious for taking no prisoners.'

He had wandered the Empire's borders as a field commander and never once accepted an enemy's surrender or capitulation.

Scattering ice-cold gazes, showing no emotion like a golem, he executed every foe.

This was Count Deorg.

'And...'

Stella had seen Count Deorg herself while serving on the eastern front.

Her impression at the time?

'A dangerous man.'

She sensed obsession and madness from him.

Though she didn't know the details, it was clear he was fixated on something.

Intensely so. That's why she personally didn't like him much.

"I see. I've heard your opinions."

As Stella recalled the past,

Berze posed a question.

"But how do we keep them from meeting? Now that he's coming to the academy, he'll try to track down Ullan one way or another."

"What if we lock him in solitary confinement?"

"Solitary?"

"Even parents can't visit beyond a week."

This was an academy rule.

Outsiders, excluding students, faculty, and staff, could stay on campus for a maximum of one week.

"So you're suggesting we keep Ullan locked up during that time?"

"Yes, that way they won't cross paths..."

"No, they'll definitely meet."

But at that moment,

Ethan shook his head. Cutting off Stella, he continued right away.

"Even if we put him in solitary, if the count insists on meeting Ullan, we have no grounds to refuse."

Moreover, the count was a master.

If he forced his way to the solitary cell, few could stop him.

"So if we're hiding him, we need to hide him thoroughly. Somewhere the count can't find, or even if he does, won't dare approach recklessly."

Ethan's eyes gleamed intensely.

Berze, on the other hand, looked troubled.

"Hmm, your point is valid, but I can't think of such a place offhand..."

"Mana Spring, Arsen."

At that moment,

The one who had been silent spoke up.

Dean of the Magic Department, Deplin Chernio.

Twirling her apricot-colored hair around her finger, she continued.

"We set up a temporary command post there for the recent missing persons investigation. Can't we hide him there?"

Right after Deplin's response,

Ethan and Stella's eyes widened.

"The Mana Spring would certainly work..."

"No one can approach carelessly. You need Dean Chernio's permission to enter the spring!"

It was a brilliant idea.

The Mana Spring was jointly managed not just by the academy, but by the Empire and the Kingdom Alliance.

Unauthorized entry wasn't merely breaking academy rules—it would provoke the wrath of nations worldwide.

"Not bad. Do we have a pretext?"

As Berze nodded and asked, Deplin replied as if she'd been waiting.

"We can say he's involved in the ongoing missing persons investigation. Or I can explain it to Count Deorg myself."

"You'll handle it personally?"

"Yes, I have some acquaintance with the count."

"Hmm, if you're willing to do that, it's practically a solution... but..."

Berze trailed off.

All wizards he knew never acted out of goodwill—they demanded compensation for everything.

Deplin was no exception.

So he asked with his eyes: If you want something, say it now. Noticing, Deplin grinned broadly.

"Hehe, of course there's a condition."

"What is it?"

"I want to borrow Ullan."

A somewhat out-of-left-field demand.

Berze tilted his head.

"Hm? Ullan?"

"About three days should do."

"Why?"

"I have personal research, and with Ullan's help, I can finish it faster than planned."

As soon as the detailed reason emerged,

Ethan and Stella raised doubts.

"If that's all, you wouldn't need to ask the dean, would you?"

"Right. You could just ask Ullan directly later..."

Given Ullan's personality, he'd likely agree readily.

Stella was confident of that. Berze sensed something off too, asking with suspicion.

"Is it dangerous research, by any chance?"

"Not at all. I swear."

Shaking her head firmly,

Deplin let out a short sigh.

"Sigh, the truth is, Ullan hates me."

"Hates you? Why?"

"Probably because of the accident during the aptitude test."

They'd already heard about that incident.

The mana golem had gone berserk, nearly injuring a student.

Of course, it was self-inflicted.

Deplin had caused the golem to rampage. But Berze, Ethan, and Stella had no way of knowing that.

"He's been avoiding me since then, so I can't even ask for his help."

Deplin deliberately feigned a sullen expression.

And it worked perfectly.

"I see the circumstances. Understood. We'll shorten his suspension a bit and have him do community service in your lab instead."

"Ah, really?"

"Yes. But you'll handle dealing with Count Deorg. That's fine, right?"

"Of course!"

Her face lit up with delight.

The day had finally come to bring Ullan to her lab. Legally, no less! As her eyes sparkled with anticipation,

"...Dean."

Ethan interjected.

His expression somewhat stiff.

"One more thing to report."

"Hm? What is it?"

"Regarding the selection matches."

Ethan let out a brief sigh. He succinctly explained what had happened before coming here.

Moments later, Berze furrowed his brow.

"What? Forfeits?"

"Yes. Dilia Arpen, Ivela Elead, Noa Darshen—the three students I mentioned earlier have withdrawn."

"Reasons?"

"Sigh, well..."

As Ethan sighed again and continued his report, Deplin drifted into other thoughts.

One of the three forfeitees:

Noa Darshen.

The barbarian shaman who enrolled with Ullan.

And the girl who faced Deplin's disciple Dilia in yesterday's mock battle finals.

'Ah, she was truly amazing.'

Deplin's eyes sparkled.

She'd never seen a shaman complete spells at such speed.

From yesterday's battle, Noa seemed to possess talent comparable to Dilia's.

'One loved by mana.'

A genius that appears once every century, if that.

Deplin's eyes filled with desire.

'This is heaven-sent opportunity.'

Unlike Dilia, Noa had no noble bloodline or backing. Meaning, plenty of experiments without backlash.

So Deplin resolved:

Soon, approach Noa, build rapport, then use her in various tests.

'But for now...'

Ullan first. Mana affinity was intriguing, but a body with two mana vessels piqued her curiosity more.

'Plenty of time anyway.'

No need to rush.

As she calmed her mind,

*Twitch!*

Her pointed ears flicked once.

'Huh?'

Her pupils dilated slightly.

Moments later, Deplin's gaze turned to the vast forest visible outside the window.

'That was just now...'

For a split second,

Deplin sensed the mana flow twisting explosively. The location: the massive forest she was now viewing—the Eastern Forest.

Where the mock battles would take place in a month.

'Who did that?'

Mana flow doesn't twist unless in special places like the Mana Spring, or someone interferes deliberately.

'They caused this on purpose... for what end?'

Tilting her head curiously,

Suddenly, she sniffed the air.

A faintly familiar scent wafting from the Eastern Forest.

'This smell is definitely...'

A scent only those seasoned wizards who roamed battlefields could detect: the lingering aroma of a magic beast.

'Quite a potent presence.'

But was there a magic beast in the academy with such a strong presence? Deplin tilted her head. As fresh doubt enveloped her,

Suddenly, Berze's voice rang out.

"Dean Chernio?"

"Ah, yes?"

"Something outside?"

"Hmm, no. Nothing serious."

Not serious—it was major.

Regardless of the beast's ferocity, a magic beast inside the academy was a huge risk.

Left alone, it could harm students. Or intrude during mock battles.

But Deplin smiled sweetly.

"Just feels like rain might come."

And she decided.

Pretend not to know.

Reporting it would likely dump the investigation on her—pure risk, no gain.

'I hate headaches.'

Soon after,

The mana flow settled. The beast's aroma vanished. No immediate threat.

'So...'

Focus on Ullan for now.

With that selfish judgment,

Deplin smiled once more.

Then pretended to listen intently to the discussion on the forfeiting students.

Meanwhile, around that time.

The two-hour testimony investigation concluded. The inspector, whose notebook was filled with statements, nodded in understanding.

"I see. So that's how it happened."

Ullan and Himmel. Every conversation and circumstance between them recorded in the notebook. They'd even secured an audio recording device.

"I heard it all. If your statements hold true, the punishment will be much lighter."

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

"That's fortunate."

"However, we'll need to reconvene the committee referencing the testimony, so until then, please strictly follow the restrictions I explained."

"Understood. I'll keep it in mind."

Ullan's straightforward reply.

The inspector smiled satisfiedly.

"I'll be back soon. Rest up."

Now it was the military's turn.

Using the secured testimony, fabricate a plausible reason—ultimately, why Ullan had no choice but to act that way.

With that goal etched in his chest,

The inspector left the room.

*Creak! Thud!*

The door shut promptly.

Lying on the floor, Ullan ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠stared at the ceiling. He recalled the 'restrictions' the inspector had mentioned.

'Measures for suspension.'

At Arsen, suspension wasn't just halting studies. Second only to expulsion, it came with various restrictions.

First: No attending any lectures, including auditing, during the suspension period.

A harsh blow for a fresh enrollee. Though Ullan didn't particularly care.

'Second: Restricted access zones.'

For 30 days, Ullan couldn't approach anywhere except the dormitory area.

Library, cafeteria—no exceptions.

Thus, the assigned inspector delivered meals three times a day personally.

'Finally, the third...'

Contact with others restricted.

This included classmates, students, and faculty from other departments. Only the assigned inspector could meet Ullan.

As he pondered the restrictions,

"---!"

Suddenly, a familiar voice from outside the window.

Standing and peering out, a familiar face matched the voice.

"No, why can't I go in?!"

It was Ivela.

Arguing with the inspector, thick book in hand.

"As I said earlier, Ullan Bator is suspended. No contact with other students until the period ends."

"I just want to say hi and pass on a few words. Not doing anything special."

"Can't. Rules are rules."

But the inspector was firm.

His face showed no emotion. Yet not entirely heartless.

"If you have words to relay, tell me. I can allow that much."

"..."

Ivela pouted sullenly.

Then drooped her shoulders. Realizing meeting Ullan was impossible.

With a sigh, she said,

"Haa, fine. Then at least give this book to Ullan. That's okay, right?"

"Of course. I'll deliver it right away."

The inspector took the thick book.

Afterward, Ivela glanced wistfully at the dormitory before turning away.

Sometime later.

*Knock knock!*

Someone knocked. The same inspector who blocked Ivela.

"Lunch. And this—a certain girl student asked me to pass it to you."

Along with the tray of food, he handed over the thick book. Ullan devoured the meal swiftly, then eyed the book.

"This book..."

A strangely familiar cover.

It read:

The revised edition of the book Ullan had borrowed from the library once. Ivela had recommended it with commentary back then.

'Weapons sorted by type, with storage locations listed.'

Recalling that, Ullan opened the book.

As Ivela said, the table of contents divided weapons by category.

Swords, spears, blunt weapons, bows, grimoires, etc.

His frequent axe was there too.

"Won't be bored for a while."

Ullan grinned, thanking Ivela inwardly, then flipped to the axe section.

Opening the first chapter, a familiar weapon caught his eye. An axe that looked massive and heavy even in illustration.

'Axe of Giant Strength, Aksid.'

The axe Ullan wielded in his past life.

One of the works by the legendary master smith 'Kkunta'.

True to its name, it was so heavy that wielding it required extraordinary strength.

Before Ullan claimed it, it stood as a symbol and statue at the paladin training grounds in the Holy Kingdom's capital.

'Indeed a fine weapon.'

Worthily forged by a legendary smith, even the blessing on the axe was exceptional.

The Blessing of Invariance.

No rust without maintenance, no dulling blade. Perfect for Ullan, who roamed battlefields like meals.

'But not indestructible.'

Proven in the fight with Giant King Largtan—it broke mid-battle.

Thus, in this life, he sought something sturdier than the Axe of Giant Strength. With that modest wish, he ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠kept turning pages.

How much time passed?

Ullan suddenly felt dizzy. Staggering briefly, he soon realized why.

"Too much reading."

He'd gone through nine chapters already.

Even if 80% were illustrations, by his standards, it exceeded average info intake.

Overload incoming.

"One more, then rest."

Still manageable.

Massaging his temple, Ullan turned to the tenth page.

And at that instant,

His crimson eyes lit up.

"This one..."

A bit unusual.

Two hand axes.

Previous pages featured one weapon each, but here, two at once.

Soon, Ullan understood why.

The name said it: Twin Axes.

Meaning, the pair was a set.

Meanwhile, Ullan's gaze lingered more on the maker than elsewhere. Master smith Kkunta—the forger of the Axe of Giant Strength.

Intrigued by that fact?

He read the descriptions carefully, starting with the white-bladed axe.

'Pama Stone.'

A mineral from Ullan's memory.

Produced only in the Holy Kingdom, said to hold a fragment of divine power. As described, it repels mana.

Rare production made it the world's hardest-to-obtain mineral.

'Even holy swords used Pama Stone.'

One of the Seven Heroes.

Holy Knight Ian's 'Holy Sword Kadaron' was forged with it. Intrigued, Ullan eyed the demon-slaying axe.

Sometime later,

His gaze shifted to the next axe.

Unlike the demon-slayer, pitch-black from end to end.

The description read:

Pama Stone and Craving Demonstone were polar opposites. Like magnet poles, they repelled each other fiercely.

Thus, wielding both required strength to overcome the repulsion. And that was why they were deemed a freakish failure.

Ullan's eyes gleamed.

For one reason: 'Blessing of Restoration' at the bottom.

'Restores to original with just mana?'

Meaning, even broken, usable anytime. Not the sturdiest, but fit his goal decently.

If it could be restored, durability mattered less. Ullan eyed the final description seriously.

The reason the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠twins were shunned? Irrelevant to Ullan. He had monstrous strength.

Then,

*Drip drip!*

Sudden nosebleed.

Head throbbing, Ullan staggered. Far stronger dizziness than before. Overload onset.

But he couldn't stop reading.

Most crucial part.

Storage location unread.

Gritting through, he turned his head laboriously. Upon confirming the twins' location,

"...!"

His crimson eyes widened.

Warrantable. The place was very familiar to Ullan.

Coincidence?

Or fate? Either way, irrelevant. Upon confirming abilities, maker, and location, he'd already decided.

'I'll obtain them no matter what.'

No clues yet.

But following the trail step by step, he'd find the Twin Axes eventually.

Goal sharpened.

With a satisfied smile on bloodied lips,

Ullan passed out.