Chapter 55
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: The Competent Korton
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"You should count yourself lucky. If it weren't for me, you never would have gotten in. Do you have any idea how tight security is these days?"
Korton puffed out his chest as he looked at Galahad.
What Korton said was true.
The security they had encountered on the way was stricter than before. The visa security gate was also more difficult.
It wasn't that it was impossible to break through, but it was better not to escalate things unnecessarily.
One wrong move could have unraveled the entire plan.
Most importantly, there was no reason to refuse when someone was willing to open the door for him.
"I see. I certainly chose my classmate well."
"Hmph. By the way, how is that business coming along?"
Korton asked, tilting his chin up.
"You mean Adrianna? Ah, it's in progress."
"Yes, well, you'd best move as quickly as possible."
Korton nodded, looking at Galahad with a meaningful gaze. His eyes were fixed on Galahad's chest.
The Egg of Pain throbbed violently.
'Does it have influence over the one I swore the oath to?'
Galahad muttered quietly to the rampaging Egg of Pain.
Facing Korton, Galahad knew instinctively.
He couldn't nullify this oath by using mental interference on this man.
It wasn't a major problem, as he hadn't planned on resolving it with mental interference in the first place.
"I heard some new personnel arrived?"
Galahad casually changed the subject.
Korton shot a glare at Palho.
"I told you it was confidential. Did you snitch already? It's because of people like you that we always have security problems."
"That useless bastard—"
Palho muttered, so quietly that only Galahad could hear.
"Well, the Society's president sent them. They're supposed to take me to the main assembly."
"The main assembly?"
"It's a meeting presided over by the president himself. A very important meeting that even executives can't just attend."
Korton boasted, putting on airs.
"Does that mean I can see this president as well?"
"I'm not sure. They said we'd go after the work here is finished… but this work shows no sign of ending. Which brings me to my point—"
Korton let his words trail off. Galahad simply nodded.
"Weren't you first in magic circle analysis back at the Academy?"
"Not just in magic circles. I was first in everything."
As Galahad corrected him, Korton's eyebrows twitched before smoothing out.
"I've acquired a Monster Tamer's magic circle, you see. But the fools here can't seem to decipher it. A bunch of know-it-alls, they are."
The crow swore quietly at Korton's claim of having acquired it himself.
This wasn't a bad situation for Galahad.
In fact, it was quite good.
Korton was incompetent to an excessive degree. No matter how careful one was, it was impossible to be wary of such a liability.
"Indeed."
"You think you can decipher the magic circle if you see it? The thing is, it's a magic circle from the time of the Demon War—"
From Korton's pompous tone, Galahad understood why the man had welcomed him.
'He plans to take the credit for deciphering the Monster Tamer's magic circle.'
It wasn't just that he was greedy.
It was fair to say he was consumed by greed.
For Galahad, this was a good option.
This was Korton, after all.
"Hm, there is no magic circle I cannot decipher. If one exists, it's because the one who drew it drew it incorrectly."
At Galahad's assertion, Korton's expression soured slightly.
"Could you tell me what you find out first? The people here are all a bunch of thieves. They'll probably try to steal your credit. You just trust me. We're classmates, aren't we? Classmates—"
At Korton's question, Galahad's lips curled into a smile.
"By all means."
Korton then smiled in satisfaction.
What a transparent fool.
Galahad smiled and loosened his hands.
Korton's expectations were shattered before long.
*Shrieeeeek!*
A black mage who spotted Galahad had immediately blown a whistle.
He must have known Korton's face, yet he showed no hesitation. It was clear how Korton was regarded here.
Just as Galahad was about to deal with it, Korton stepped forward, saying he would handle it.
The surroundings quickly grew noisy. Black mages poured out from all directions, their aura sharp.
There were quite a few of them.
'Hmm. Good.'
The corner of Galahad's mouth lifted.
So this is why the magic stone quarry wasn't running. They were all playing around here.
His objective was different this time. Each and every one of them was a precious resource. A peaceful method was needed.
Just then, an inner door opened, and a lanky man emerged.
A few strands of hair, a gaunt body, pale skin, and even 검버섯 all over—he truly looked like a walking corpse.
"Bringing an outsider in. You must be mad."
The corpse-like man said in a low voice upon spotting Galahad.
The man's eyes darted around. His sharp gaze swept over Galahad.
He was a veteran of many battles.
Furthermore, the mages around him were no ordinary folk.
They were clearly on a higher level than the ones he had met so far.
'This should be interesting.'
Galahad's lips curled upward.
Korton trembled slightly, his neck drenched in sweat.
He hadn't seemed to expect such a harsh reaction.
Korton's fleshy eyes rolled back and forth. Galahad flexed his fingers.
Capturing was harder than killing. To make them work, their limbs even had to be intact. It was quite tricky.
He wanted to employ them as peacefully as possible, but—
'It might be difficult.'
He might have to give up on a few of them.
But being too greedy could ruin the whole operation.
'Take out the leader, then clean up the major players—'
Galahad calculated the path of least damage.
Just then—
"Kill him."
The corpse-like man gave a quiet command.
Palho discreetly hid behind Galahad.
Galahad calmly snapped his fingers.
Even if they were armed with high-grade staves, their magic posed no threat to him.
The density of mana in magic was absolute. Even Galahad had to contort his body to catch a low-level demon.
Likewise, their magic would not work on Galahad.
It would just make the cleanup annoying.
"Wait!"
At that moment, Korton shrieked as if having a seizure.
Everyone stopped and focused on him.
Galahad was impressed by the words that came out of Korton's mouth next.
It was a brilliant move he hadn't anticipated.
"This man is from Dawn!"
Korton shouted, gesturing respectfully toward Galahad with both hands.
A heavy silence fell at the shocking declaration.
The spells that had been on the verge of erupting vanished in an instant.
Dawn, here—
'Plausible enough.'
Galahad nodded.
****
'…From Dawn?'
Helkarton's eyes narrowed.
Korton was so incompetent it was a wonder how he'd become deputy director.
Being an Academy graduate, he was superior to others in theory, but that was all.
Korton had a terrible lack of practical sense.
And yet, he was incredibly greedy.
He was the type to be consumed by his own ambition.
So, Helkarton had been suspicious when such a man presented a magic circle for monster taming that was an improvement on what the Black Magic Society had received from Dawn.
Korton insisted he had improved it himself, but that was impossible.
But if he had received it from Dawn—
'That makes sense.'
It was a hundred times more believable than Korton figuring it out himself.
That was the nature of the organization known as Dawn.
They always appeared at the most unexpected moments. There was no way to contact them first.
As if wary of something, Dawn was extremely cautious.
It was entirely possible.
And the man introduced as being from Dawn—
'He's no ordinary man.'
His dignified appearance and upright posture were clearly those of a formidable figure.
Just then, his eyes met the man's.
Despite being completely surrounded, there wasn't a hint of tension in the man's eyes.
Rather—
'...Interest?'
It was a look of anticipation.
Only one of two kinds of people could wear such an expression in this situation.
Someone supremely confident, or someone truly insane.
'I haven't heard anything from the president.'
He had his doubts, but there was no reason to escalate the problem.
After all, it was just one man.
Having finished his calculations, Helkarton bowed his head.
"We greet the esteemed member of Dawn."
The other black mages hastily bowed their heads as well.
Helkarton kept his head bowed, moving only his eyes to observe the man.
With everyone prostrated before him, the man was—
Licking his lips as he looked at Helkarton.
"Ahem! All of you, bow lower!"
Korton barked.
****
Helkarton didn't fully believe the man was from Dawn.
He was merely being cautious because of the possibility.
If he messed with someone sent by Dawn, the entire Black Magic Society could be wiped out.
Moreover, for Helkarton, who aimed for the president's seat, a connection with Dawn was crucial.
That was why he was playing along for now.
"Why is this so difficult?"
The man asked, gesturing at the Monster Tamer's magic circle as if he couldn't comprehend it.
At that question, Helkarton wanted to ask one back.
The Monster Tamer's magic circle was a relic from the Demon War.
How on earth could it not be difficult?
"Can't you just trace what's drawn?"
"My thoughts exactly, sir."
Korton nodded at the man's rebuke.
Helkarton's eyes narrowed at the triumphant Korton.
The man clicked his tongue and waved his hand.
"Listen carefully. I'll only explain this once."
"Yes, sir."
At his confident demeanor, Helkarton's eyes narrowed further.
It was an unavoidable instinct for a mage.
These were men who had become black mages by being more faithful to that instinct than anyone else.
They couldn't hide their curiosity.
"I trust you all know that a magic circle is composed of three main parts. It would be truly dreadful to go around calling yourself a mage without even knowing that."
Everyone nodded at the man's sharp words.
The three elements of a magic circle were such a basic concept that it was strange to even mention them.
"First is the input, which draws in mana. It's like fuel. Mana stones are commonly used. Second is the formulaic calculation. It usually guides the flow of mana. Third is the output. I trust you know at least this much."
The man spoke without a single pause. Still, it was basic knowledge, so everyone nodded along.
The problem was—
"Now, to tame a monster, it would obviously be mind-based. To draw the magic circle using the blood of a monster, which has a high mana concentration, you must…"
They couldn't understand a single word he was saying.
They wanted to ask, but they didn't even know what they didn't know.
Still, the sharpest of Helkarton's subordinates boldly asked a question.
"You don't understand? Didn't I just explain it? Are you even a mage? If you don't even know this much, I suggest you trade your staff for a sword. You'd make a fine knight. My, it seems Sir Gilberton has found a rival."
The bizarre response suggesting a career change to a knight silenced them again.
The man's seamless explanation continued.
"Thus, the Monster Tamer drew a magic circle capable of taming monsters by applying a twelve-layered formula. It's quite a remarkable method. Ah, but time is short, so I'll skip the explanation on that."
Why skip it…
'Isn't he just spouting nonsense?'
Helkarton's eyes narrowed.
Unless the man was a Monster Tamer himself, how could he possibly interpret that magic circle?
'No, it must be a magic circle he already knows.'
The scale tipped further toward the man being from Dawn.
Just then, the man beckoned to a rather portly fellow.
"You there, come here for a moment."
The subordinate who was singled out jumped in surprise and looked at Helkarton. When Helkarton nodded, the subordinate cautiously stepped forward.
"Show me your stomach."
"…My stomach, sir?"
"Are your ears not working?"
At the subordinate's look, Helkarton nodded. The subordinate lifted his robe with a reluctant expression.
"My, what a belly. You'd be treated very well if you went to the capital."
The man made a strange joke as he slathered his hands with demon blood.
As the red blood dripped, the subordinate grimaced.
"Don't worry. I'm just inscribing the Monster Tamer's magic circle."
"…S-Sir? Why are you inscribing it on me?"
"Tsk, tsk. How can you be a black mage with so little courage?"
At his subordinate's pleading gaze, Helkarton stepped forward.
"We have test subjects prepared."
"It's more efficient to do it on a mage. Aren't they the most similar to monsters, after all?"
…Efficient?
It was an excessively detached word.
"You're quite fond of human experiments, aren't you? Surely you're not afraid to do it to your own body?"
"If it's so efficient, why not do it on your own body?"
Theoretically, performing it on the caster's body was most effective.
The man shook his head lightly and slightly lifted his shirt.
"Apologies, but the canvas here is not in good condition."
Seeing the man's bare skin revealed beneath the shirt, Helkarton had no choice but to agree.
The skin was covered, without a single gap, by hideous scars.
They were the marks of such brutal torture that even Helkarton had to grimace.
It was impossible to inscribe a magic circle on such an uneven surface.
In the heavy silence, the man patted the subordinate's shoulder.
"Don't worry. There's no risk of my magic circle being wrong. Well, even if it is, what's the worst that could happen? An explosion? Your belly is thick enough, you should be fine."
"You… you madman…"
Helkarton nodded. At that, the subordinate clamped his mouth shut.
The man moved his hands without hesitation. A red magic circle was quickly inscribed on the subordinate's stomach.
Though it looked like it was drawn carelessly, its form was intricate.
"Now, go punch the person you dislike the most in the face."
The man patted the subordinate's back.
'What is this…'
Helkarton frowned at the man's bizarre actions.
Just then.
The subordinate suddenly charged at Helkarton. He swung his fist with all his might.
Of course, he was restrained by those around him before he could land the blow.
The captured subordinate howled like a beast as he looked at Helkarton.
Red blood burst from his eyes, nose, and mouth. The howling and the dripping blood created a rather chilling scene.
'What in the world…'
Helkarton stared at the man with narrowed eyes.
"It seems you haven't been managing your subordinates properly."
The man said leisurely, the corners of his mouth lifting into a smile.
He then put a cigarette to his lips—
"Ah, have you heard that Dawn has been short on magic stones lately?"
He asked, looking Helkarton up and down.
His eyes were strangely cold.
****
The Grand Duke was there, as if he had never disappeared.
'He has received the Grand Duke's acknowledgment—'
Theodore bowed his head deeply.
The Grand Duke had publicly announced that Galahad had earned his acknowledgment.
The Grand Duke's acknowledgment was an unparalleled honor, but—
'It is also a great danger.'
Because of it, Adrianna's marriage, which had been treated as a rumor, would now be seriously discussed, and the captains who had paid it no mind would no longer be able to ignore it.
The Grand Duke, as always, had provided an opportunity.
An opportunity so arduous it seemed like a trial, but one that would yield a fitting reward if overcome.
'If he overcomes this as well…'
Theodore shuddered slightly.
Just then, a commotion arose from behind. He turned his head to see a man in ornate attire.
'…An imperial messenger?'
The messenger stood there, his face pale. He looked as if he was desperately trying to resist the urge to bow his head immediately.
He must have heard the rumors about the Grand Duke.
'An imperial messenger— A pact?'
Theodore's mind raced.
The Grand Duke had made a move, but it was within the North's borders.
He had predicted that such a thing wouldn't immediately trigger the pact.
But an imperial messenger—
'It wouldn't be the Emperor. Then the Crown Prince?'
A quiet tension filled the air.
As everyone's eyes darted about—
The Grand Duke gestured lightly.
As if it were of no concern.
The messenger hesitantly approached the Grand Duke.
With a trembling hand, the messenger presented a thick letter to the Grand Duke.
The Grand Duke tore open the letter without hesitation. He then read it silently.
A heavy silence settled. There were over ten people present, but not even the sound of breathing could be heard.
Theodore watched the Grand Duke's expression with great tension.
The course of events would change depending on the contents of the letter.
But the Grand Duke's reaction was different from what Theodore had expected.
The Grand Duke looked at the letter and.
"Hoho."
He let out a low laugh.
'His Grace, the Grand Duke, laughed?'
It was similar to when he had received Galahad's mad letter, but this was colder.
He couldn't even guess the contents.
The Grand Duke, who would normally have passed the letter down, crumpled it in his hand instead.
In that moment, he saw what was written at the very bottom of the letter.
It was—
'…Lucienne?'
The princess's name.
"A restless fool, I see."
The Grand Duke muttered, his words cryptic.