Chapter 227
Chapter 227
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 227
>Chapter Title: Between Parasite and Loyalty
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Unlike the chaotic situation, the first week's auction concluded with resounding success.
Considering the main event was in four weeks, it was an outstanding result, but as the organizers, we had no time to bask in the joy.
"Well then... see you next week."
"Yes, Boss Timur. May you remain safe until we meet again."
Evelyn and I parted ways with Timur later than usual, chatting into the late evening.
It was possible only because curfew had been extended during finals period.
By the time we raced across the dark fields and arrived in Hazen, I suddenly looked up at the sky.
'Autumn's already here.'
The air wasn't quite crisp yet, but the sky was high and clear. The stars twinkled sharply.
That was when Evelyn's voice reached me.
"But... are you serious?"
"About what?"
"About opposing the Decullans."
"Ah, that."
For the record, I'd made up my mind.
I couldn't keep dodging the Decullans forever.
If I kept avoiding them every time they gave me an opening, when would I build my forces? When would I erect my tower?
But that was my situation.
"If you want out, you're free to go. Actually, you should. You can wash your hands of this once it's over."
I replied casually, but Evelyn's speed gradually slowed.
I had no choice but to match her pace, and once we came to a full stop, she spoke again.
"What about you, Aster?"
"Me? I'll handle my own business, of course."
Her voice sank right then.
"You think... that makes sense?"
"......?"
"I know you're strong, Aster. Honestly... you've been hiding your power, haven't you? Taking down the second son of the Doranpega Family wasn't everything you had."
Evelyn probably couldn't help but notice.
She might have accepted the Black-White Slums cartel takedown at first as 'well, it's the slums...', but as time passed, it must have seemed suspicious.
Especially after realizing through interactions with Timur that the Black-White Slums weren't some pushover.
And then.
'The Hormei and Decullan mages were the clincher.'
For the record, we interrogated the captured Azure Ice mage after the auction.
Evelyn naturally learned his identity and spotted the oddity there.
I wasn't particularly troubled.
'I wasn't planning to hide it anyway.'
Since we'd agreed to work together, I had to show some of my strength.
"You seem to be hiding more, but I won't pry. Even so, this is too dangerous."
Evelyn continued in a grave tone.
She seemed worried now that I'd decided not to back out.
"Think it over again, Aster. We don't have to do the second Black-White Slums. We have... plenty of time."
I quietly took in the sight of her as she spoke.
Her face had hardened seriously, and just then, tears welled in her eyes.
"That pissed you off so much? The slum kids. It hurt that bad?"
I couldn't say no.
But those feelings hadn't influenced my decision.
Was I out to avenge some slum kids I barely knew? It just felt like the right timing.
Yeah, that's all it was. Really.
On the other hand, I also thought:
'She's got some empathy, huh?'
No, judging by how she ran the black market at the academy, her empathy seemed pretty low.
Someone with strong empathy couldn't devise such a ruthless plan.
'Sacrificing 310 gold and ruining countless academy students' lives—that's not something just anyone cooks up.'
Anyway, setting that aside.
'Anyone listening would think I'm marching off to die.'
Am I crazy? Seeking out a place to get killed?
This was a total misunderstanding.
But why?
"Fine... I get it. I'll assume you're out after the auction. But..."
Evelyn wiped her eyes as if nothing had happened and finished.
"Don't try to shoulder everything alone. What are friends for... if not to help at times like this?"
Her words strangely tugged at my heart.
That's when I realized.
'Evelyn, fully reformed.'
At this point, she was a reformed character we could proudly show off.
Pouring her heart out for a friend like this wasn't easy.
But that was that.
There was one thing Evelyn didn't know.
'I don't know defeat.'
Why?
Because I haven't fought and lost? No.
To be precise:
'...I don't fight battles I can lose. I'm an upright gambler.'
Also, a generous tree that loves to share.
I never carry my burdens alone.
But to do that, first...
'Tch, guess I gotta meet the mad dog.'
My head was already starting to throb.
* * *
Back at the academy, we spent weekdays preparing for finals.
I, however, was running around gathering intel until my soles were sweating, and the results confirmed my predictions.
'Yeah, right now's perfect timing.'
The situation was ideal for striking at the Decullans.
Why? First off.
'The cold war with Lortel.'
It hadn't escalated to armed conflict yet, but the Decullans were preoccupied with political, diplomatic, and economic struggles against Lortel.
One small spark, and it'd ignite into full warfare.
And here's the fun part.
'The Hamern Great Forest... is helping?'
Magical resources were essential for supplies, but the forest was causing shortages.
Lortel was relatively unaffected, being a swordsmanship powerhouse.
'Heard the Decullans are sending a separate expedition into the forest...'
It wouldn't be easy.
According to Rayleigh, even the base camp mercenaries were busy remapping the changed ecosystem.
And that's not all.
Where were we?
'In Hazen city. The second Black-White Slums is right next door.'
The usually arrogant Decullans couldn't act without restraint while locked in a cold war with a giant like Lortel.
Meaning they'd have to mind the imperial gaze they'd normally ignore...
'And move troops into the second Black-White Slums under those eyes?'
Sure, they could.
But would that be enough to take down me, the youngest archmage, Aster of justice? Hmm...
"Heh."
What was this feeling?
I sat leisurely in the first-floor cafeteria of the student dining hall, sipping coffee and savoring its deep flavor.
'Is this the life of a successful mage?'
Nothing holding me back.
I felt like I could do anything, with not a shred of doubt.
Anyway, external conditions were flowing this way.
'Trouble's the Black-White Slums.'
For the record, I hadn't told Timur whether we'd join this venture.
Just advised on handling Troubleshooters and Decullan mages.
So why trouble?
"Too easy to get revenge."
I could vanish in a flash with just my body, but the second Black-White Slums couldn't.
In other words, I had to repel the predatory scum eyeing it without leaving any future threats.
'What to do. Hmm, how should I handle this?'
Interrogating the Azure Ice mage revealed Decullan's support to Goldrin wasn't massive.
Just one mage squad.
'Hmm, my heart swells.'
It was just yesterday I was struggling against Karahen, deputy of Crimson Blaze, yet now calling a mage squad 'just one.'
Anyway, the real issue was after dealing with them...
That's when I was thinking that.
"Um... Aster?"
"......?"
I looked up at the familiar voice.
It was Rayleigh who'd come to find me.
"Ahem, time's up, I think...?"
Ah, already?
Mindful of the academy students' stares, I followed Rayleigh and his odd speech.
Lunchtime, relaxed.
Why had Rayleigh come? At my request.
- Hey, help me out.
- With what, sir?
- What else? The mad dog.
To mend my soured relationship with Shine, I'd asked him to mediate.
"But... are you really okay with this, sir?"
Once we entered a secluded path, Rayleigh cautiously asked. I tilted my head.
"Why? What's up?"
"Shine... he's not just mad, he's furious. These days, his eyes are murderous."
"Why's he like that? Still not over it?"
What a tenacious guy.
"You really... don't know why, sir?"
"Something happen?"
Honestly, I had no clue anymore.
No wonder—I hadn't done anything wrong to him in Lortel.
'I even helped him enter the Sword God's tomb.'
He kept picking fights for some reason. Was he sulking because I didn't take the bait?
Well, I'd avoided him for months after, so fair enough. But murderous eyes?
'No idea.'
Anyway, questioning as I went, we arrived at the former principal's hideout.
But why?
Sss...
Even before entering the building, a chilling aura swirled around.
The phenomenon when a master unleashes their presence deliberately.
"Ugh, Sir Aster? Can I just go?"
I nodded at the weakening Rayleigh.
"Nope. We're here to reconcile, right? What happens without the mediator? You gonna be that irresponsible?"
"No, but does that look like someone who'll listen... hah!"
"Don't forget our deal. You're my right hand. Second-in-command after me."
Think about it—hadn't Rayleigh really climbed the ladder?
Back in the forest, I was a nobody from the slums, but now? Lord of Lortel's closest ally mage tower.
And Rayleigh was its number two.
"Fuck, quick to call me a rotten right arm when it suits you..."
"What, you bastard?"
"Sir? What'd I say?"
He feigned innocence despite me hearing everything.
I stared at Rayleigh for a moment, then shook my head with a faint sigh.
He wasn't the priority now.
"So... you're really gonna reconcile? Apologize first thing you see him, whatever it is. Got it?"
I nodded at Rayleigh's advice.
The mad dog was my reliable comrade.
My partner to share the load.
'Of course I'll apologize.'
But first...
BAM!
I kicked the hideout door with all my might and bellowed.
"Time to tighten discipline, parasite!"
Hey, I don't know what you got from the Sword God's tomb, but guess what? I'm an archmage now too.
"No, fuck! Sir Aster! This isn't what we agreed..."
As Rayleigh panicked.
Shine, seated at the head, smirked at me.
"Yeah, that's more like it. I've been waiting for this day."
"Long time since we chanted together? Come on, repeat after me. 'Loyalty! Loyalty! Loyalty!'"
A cold current swirled through the space.
We both knew.
Today was the day to settle this ambiguous superior-subordinate dynamic.
Meanwhile, Rayleigh was on the verge of losing it.
'No, fuck. Why'd you call me then?'
More than that.
Facing Shine head-on, Rayleigh's lips quivered.
And Aster's voice from behind.
"Come in. I'll win with one finger."
When the hell did this guy get behind me?
...The second clash between Master Knight and Archmage.
My heart tightened.