Chapter 59
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 59
Chapter Title: Reply
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< Reply >
‘Damn it.’
As the old man’s breathing stopped, the egg dropped from his staff.
The large object rolled toward Galahad.
Galahad stared at it intently.
‘Dangerous.’
It was just a hunch, but Galahad trusted his instincts.
Thump! Thump!
The Egg of Pain urged him to devour it at once.
Galahad calmly examined the egg.
He tried sprinkling a bit of mana on it, but it vanished completely.
He couldn't help but be impressed. Though the egg had lost its host, it still seemed to be of a higher grade than his Egg of Pain.
The Egg of Pain was no match for it, so simply consuming it would be risky.
Thump, thump. The Egg of Pain shook violently.
It seemed to insist that this time was different, that it could handle it.
Galahad didn't trust the words of a cheap knockoff.
He calmly calculated the situation.
The old man had been drained of a lot of blood, but that wasn't the cause of his death.
‘So it has a rudimentary host consciousness.’
Eating it might be dangerous, but it probably wouldn't kill him.
However, since his own was a cheap knockoff, he needed to trim it down a bit.
Galahad moved his knife.
The egg wasn't hard. It cut as easily as jelly. The severed portion turned to ash and scattered.
He didn't feel it was a waste to discard it.
Too much of a good thing was always worse than not enough.
He had cut off quite a bit, but the core felt dense, as if it were the true substance.
Galahad speared it with his fork.
Thump! Thump! The Egg of Pain throbbed incessantly.
He slowly brought it to his mouth.
‘Hmph.’
Galahad let out a low groan.
Something indescribable slid down his throat.
It was neither mana nor life force. An intense sensation washed over him, powerful enough to shake his mind.
The Egg of Pain, delighted, lunged at it.
When the two collided, his insides became a chaotic mess. It felt like an explosion within him.
Galahad clenched his lips shut.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
CRASH! CRASH!
Galahad was accustomed to pain, but this was a new kind of agony.
The Egg of Pain furiously lunged and tore at the other. The Egg of Pain and its foe tumbled together.
When the other opened its maw wide, the Egg of Pain dodged. A sharp, excruciating pain struck him.
‘Can't you do it right?’
At Galahad’s rebuke, the Egg of Pain hastily grabbed its opponent.
To struggle against something that had lost its will…
It was clearly of the lowest grade.
‘Damn, to think my life is in the hands of a lowest-grade egg.’
As Galahad clicked his tongue, the egg vibrated intensely.
The Egg of Pain was being pushed back. He'd fed it to be eaten, but instead, it had been bitten.
Bzzzz! The Egg of Pain shuddered violently, as if screaming.
It had charged in so confidently, only to be on the verge of losing.
It couldn't even eat what was spoon-fed to it.
‘How absurd.’
The Egg of Pain vibrated urgently. It seemed to be screaming, Help! Help!
Galahad clicked his tongue and opened his flask.
As he brought the flask to his lips, a cold, nauseating sensation traveled down his esophagus.
The retreating Egg of Pain brightened. Its opponent showed no interest in the demon's blood. The Egg of Pain absorbed the demon's blood.
Emboldened, the Egg of Pain launched a counterattack.
The Egg of Pain cornered its foe and tore into it. The essence that flowed out spread through his body.
"Hnngh."
Galahad winced. The scattered pieces spread throughout Galahad's insides. His heart pounded wildly.
The struggle continued for a long time.
Only when Galahad's consciousness began to fade did the Egg of Pain start to consume its foe.
With each ravenous bite, a weight settled in his chest.
Just then, the Egg of Pain began to tremble violently.
Unlike before, the trembling was abnormal.
As if it couldn't control itself.
‘Hey, get a grip.’
Sensing the unusual atmosphere, Galahad urgently called out to the Egg of Pain.
‘I was joking. You're not a cheap egg. You're a decent egg.’
The Egg of Pain didn't answer.
Galahad narrowed his eyes.
Then, the Egg of Pain stopped dead.
In an instant, his vision was consumed by static.
A dreadful silence swallowed Galahad.
He tried to snap his fingers, but he had no fingers.
So, as he tried to chant a spell…
He felt the gaze of a colossal being.
The colossal being asked.
Who are you.
He answered.
I am Galahad.
*
*Press.*
A heavy sensation brought Galahad back to his senses.
The Egg of Pain was diligently pressing on his heart.
‘Damn it all.’
Galahad coughed lightly and shook his head.
He had lost consciousness the moment the Egg of Pain put on airs.
‘To think I lost consciousness.’
Galahad narrowed his eyes.
It felt strangely unsettling.
Just then, he could feel the Egg of Pain's presence. The feeling was stronger than before.
He could feel the Egg of Pain swaggering.
‘You couldn't even eat that one thing without causing all this trouble?’
At Galahad’s rebuke, the Egg of Pain squeezed his heart.
Its strength was greater than before. It felt as if his heart was truly being seized.
Of course, it wasn't a genuine squeeze.
If Galahad died, it would be the end for the egg too.
Still, it needed to be taught a lesson.
‘I'll have to ask Adrianna to touch my chest.’
The startled Egg of Pain vibrated. As if it had intended to give him a massage all along, the Egg of Pain kneaded his heart.
Its technique was quite good. Plus, thanks to its increased strength, it felt remarkably refreshing.
He felt more vigorous. It seemed the life force accumulated in the Egg of Pain was at work.
*Knead, knead.*
The Egg of Pain nodded hastily.
‘I'll live a long life.’
Galahad muttered the joke and put a cigarette to his lips.
Just then, the Egg of Pain shook eagerly. It felt as if it were dancing.
‘Did you get some kind of upgrade?’
The Egg of Pain shook twice, as if telling him to watch closely.
Mana flowed from the Egg of Pain, and the amount was greater than before.
Roughly…
‘It's about twice as good.’
For instance, if he drank one flask, it would now produce two flasks' worth of mana.
It was a significant increase in efficiency.
Even so, it was still sorely lacking compared to what the old man possessed.
Ugh. He clicked his tongue at the dull ache in his heart.
‘Stop biting me.’
He snapped his fingers, lighting the cigarette.
The sweet scent of lemon spread, clearing his heavy mind.
Galahad felt a subtle sensation.
‘This is the Miasmic Realm, but magic feels easier than before.’
Though not a true Miasmic Realm, the mana concentration here was dense enough to be called one.
Casting spells had been tricky before, but now they came out effortlessly.
The difference in concentration was a factor, but that wasn't all.
‘It seems my constitution has changed.’
He had become a little closer to mana.
Galahad snapped his fingers again.
The surrounding ash was pushed back in a wide arc.
‘It's definitely easier.’
There was only one possible explanation. It was from absorbing the scattered pieces when the Egg of Pain dismantled its foe. That was the most likely cause.
The Egg of Pain bobbed arrogantly.
For the first time, he felt the urge to pat the Egg of Pain.
‘Moving mana has become easier in the Miasmic Realm.’
Galahad looked at the cleared ash and smiled.
He had been wondering how to respond to the high-ranking demon's invitation, and it seemed he had found a way.
‘I'll have to find more eggs.’
The Egg of Pain nodded vigorously. It felt as though communicating with the egg had become a bit easier.
“Are you finished?”
A deep voice came from his side. It was First.
Galahad gave a slight nod.
“Are you planning to run the Black Magic Society?”
First asked, gesturing to the black mages lined up behind him. Pumpkin bowed her head deeply.
Galahad nodded obediently. First was only asking as a formality anyway.
“Do you know of a group called Dawn?”
This time, it was Galahad who asked.
First showed no change in his expression. His breathing didn't quicken, nor did he even blink.
“That's classified.”
“I'm still an agent, you know.”
Instead of answering, First simply smirked. There was no point in pressing further.
However, he could at least tell that the Intelligence Bureau was aware of Dawn.
“So, when are you two getting married?”
“Wha-?! What are you talking about?!”
Pumpkin had a fit. Galahad chuckled.
“Pumpkin's a bit shy. She'll probably get married before you.”
“Ah, for fuck's sake... I'll be leaving first!”
Soon, Pumpkin and First were gone.
Galahad watched them for a moment before flicking the ash from his cigarette.
“Palho.”
“Yes.”
Palho prostrated himself before Galahad.
Galahad stared at Palho for a moment before speaking.
“You've worked hard. From now on, you are the Society's Director.”
Palho's body trembled.
“I won't say much. Just do a good job.”
As Galahad said this while rummaging through the former Director's corpse, Palho bowed his head deeply.
He was sincere.
****
Helkarton awoke to a splitting headache.
His memory was hazy.
He had definitely entered the sanctuary, and then—
‘A monstrous knight!’
A monster who wielded magic had attacked. That was Helkarton's last memory.
Helkarton frantically looked around. It was a space filled with sacred ash. It seemed he was still in the sanctuary.
Overwhelmed by the sanctuary's atmosphere, Helkarton let out a small sigh.
Is this what a fish who has spent its whole life out of water feels like upon returning?
Helkarton could only gape blankly. There was no need to even move his mana.
Sighs echoed around him. The other black mages seemed to be waking up one by one.
“Everyone, on your feet.”
Just then, a relaxed voice called out. When he turned his head, he saw that man from before.
The man from Dawn.
The man's appearance was disheveled. There were long cuts on his waist and shoulder, and his hair was a mess.
Despite that, his characteristic composure remained.
“Now, I'm sure you all know who this is.”
The man shook something, as if presenting an object.
In the man's hand was the shriveled body of the Director. Devoid of any sign of life.
A hush fell over the crowd.
Who was the Director? He was the master of the Black Magic Society, a figure who had reigned over them like an absolute ruler.
To do that to the Director…
“Now, as you can see, the Director is dead. We'll need to elect a new one.”
The man’s words snapped Helkarton to attention.
‘Finally, I can become the Director…’
Helkarton quickly composed his expression.
“I believe the Black Magic Society ended up this way because the water has grown stagnant. The Director never changed, and eventually, the stagnation led to rot.”
He was right.
The Black Magic Society had never once had a change of director.
“I intend to prevent that. The position of Director shouldn't go to whoever is strongest, but to the one who can further develop the Black Magic Society, don't you agree?”
A fierce cheer erupted.
It was an excessive response, but they didn't notice.
“Show your loyalty to the Black Magic Society! Prove it with your sweat! If you do, anyone can rise to the position of Director!”
The man spoke quickly. His voice held a powerful force.
Those mesmerized by him responded wildly.
They couldn't help it.
To think that anyone could become the Director.
It meant everyone would have a chance.
“Ah, but we can't leave the Director's seat empty, so I've appointed a temporary Director. Come forward.”
The man pointed at Helkarton.
Helkarton immediately rushed forward. The envious gazes of the other black mages were fixed on him. Their stares were scorching.
“I've also chosen someone to assist you. Let's call him the Vice Director, more or less.”
A man in a crow mask stepped forward.
The position of Vice Director had never existed before, but this was no time to worry about such trivialities.
To become the Director of the Black Magic Society, which had just secured a sanctuary…
A smile spread across his face.
“I hold you all in very high regard. Though you were driven out from the central continent by a certain organization, your passion never wavered! How many hardships have you faced? You who have overcome such difficulties to finally open this sanctuary are true pioneers!”
A few of them choked up, covering their mouths.
The memory of their past struggles seemed to flash before their eyes.
“As I said before, the directorship will now be performance-based. Each quarter, the society member with the best performance will become the Director.”
Everyone gasped in unison.
The door of opportunity was wide open. Everyone's eyes sparkled.
All except one.
Helkarton spoke up urgently.
“What are you talking about! Changing the Director every quarter… The position of Director is not so trivial.”
“You there, didn't you nod just now when I was talking about stagnant water? Ah, has your mind changed now that you're the Director?”
The man’s blatant accusation made Helkarton's face turn red.
However, he couldn't back down.
Just as he was about to argue…
*KRRREEEEEEEK!*
A bizarre sound echoed. Helkarton turned his head, his face twitching.
A hideously large monster was charging toward them.
It was a mid-tier monster, a Sobang.
A mid-tier monster in the sanctuary.
Though better than a demon, monsters were also the natural enemies of mages.
Just as everyone screamed and tried to flee…
“Damn it, I told them to tie it up properly. It must be Gwen.”
The man clicked his tongue and snapped his fingers.
A small spark danced between the man's fingers.
Helkarton was stunned as the spark grew more intricate and expanded with each flicker.
It was an unbelievable display of mana control.
The lightning, which had quickly taken the shape of a flower, shot toward the monster.
It all happened in an instant.
However, as the lightning flew toward the monster, Helkarton grimaced.
‘Using magic on a monster. How foolish.’
Magic doesn't work on monsters. That was common knowledge among common knowledge.
No matter if he had taken down the Director…
Just then.
…!
The monster, engulfed in lightning, let out a horrific scream.
It was a heart-wrenching shriek that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it.
The charred monster collapsed on the spot.
*Thud.*
Due to its large size, the sound was heavy.
A heavy silence descended.
Then, the man’s gaze turned to Helkarton.
There was no emotion in his eyes. Only a hint of fatigue.
“Hmm, what were you saying?”
At the dry question, Helkarton quickly replied.
“I was wondering about the details of the performance metrics!”
“Ah, spoken like a true temporary Director. Your enthusiasm is impressive.”
Helkarton nodded vigorously.
“Ah, performance will be graded on various aspects, but the largest portion will be the amount of magic stones acquired. As you all know, the primary fuel for the sanctuary is magic stones, is it not?”
As the man continued his explanation, the black mages cheered.
Even the lowest-ranking mages could mine for magic stones.
And yet, mining a lot of magic stones could make one the Director—what an unconventional promise.
“The sanctuary will be opened to those who work diligently. However, we need magic stones to maintain the sanctuary, do we not? We must expand the sanctuary! We need more magic stones!”
As the man’s calm explanation continued, the cheers grew louder.
In contrast, Helkarton's brow furrowed.
If the one who mines the most becomes the Director, doesn't that mean even the Director will have to do nothing but mine magic stones?
“The temporary Director doesn't look pleased.”
“Not at all!”
At the man's question, Helkarton forced a desperate smile.
Just then, one man began to run with all his might.
“The next Director is me!”
It was Korton.
Following his lead, the others also started running.
Helkarton had no choice but to run as well.
****
Theodore observed the Grand Duke.
The Grand Duke sat motionless, as always.
The reports began, starting with the one seated furthest inside.
“A report has come in that the 6th Battalion was attacked by a horde of monsters and has lost three watchtowers.”
“A report has come in that a demon appeared in the 3rd Battalion's territory, and a village has vanished.”
It was the usual string of frustrating reports.
Just then…
“The 5th Battalion has raised taxes further. Captain Mark of the 5th Battalion reports that this is thanks to Special Task Force Captain Galahad.”
They didn't reduce the funds, they increased them.
At the name ‘Galahad,’ Theodore was inwardly impressed.
It was a name that had been coming up frequently lately.
Whenever Galahad was mentioned, the results were always good.
Though they never said it outright, it was the name the staff officers liked to hear most.
“A report has come in that a mid-tier demon hiding in the 1st Battalion's border region has been located and eliminated. Captain Adrianna reported that this was thanks to the mana detection method taught to her by Captain Galahad.”
Galahad again.
The Grand Duke's brow furrowed slightly.
The next report continued.
“The report states that the Black Magic Society attacked the 7th Battalion, but they were repelled.”
The 7th Battalion was where a Miasmic Realm had opened. If that place had been captured, the entire 7th Battalion could have become an enemy stronghold.
Repelling them was a major accomplishment.
However…
“The report states that Captain Galahad repelled them.”
Galahad again.
The 5th Battalion, then the 1st, and now the 7th. At the string of consecutive reports, Theodore narrowed his eyes.
Even for the North, there wasn't usually this much activity.
‘It's not like he's manufacturing achievements…’
Could that be? Theodore shook his head.
In the silence, everyone watched the Grand Duke.
“A useful fellow.”
the Grand Duke said quietly.
Just then, a booming voice came from outside.
“A messenger!”
‘Another one.’
The Grand Duke’s face remained impassive.
As the messenger approached the Grand Duke, Theodore stepped forward.
“From the Princess?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Leave it over there.”
“This is a message from the Imperial Family…”
The place Theodore pointed to had a bundle of letters bearing the imperial crest. Seeing it, the messenger’s face twitched.
‘Just what in the world are these about?’
“…But this is a message from the Imperial Family!”
the messenger cried out, his voice rising in desperation.
To raise one's voice before His Grace the Grand Duke.
‘He's completely lost his mind.’
Just then, the Grand Duke stood up.
Theodore quickly bowed his head.
The messenger was already prostrate on the floor.
A heavy silence, thick enough to make breathing difficult, followed.
Soon, the Grand Duke's lips parted.
“Send a reply.”
Theodore hurriedly unfurled a sheet of paper.
He dipped the pen deep into the ink and bowed his head.
After a moment of silence…
The Grand Duke's lips curled into a fierce smile.
“Tell her I accept the duel.”
< Reply > End