Mage Tower (1)
Mage Tower. When it came to raw power, no group on the Arcana Continent could touch them. Not even the emperor who commanded the continent feared their influence and sought friendly relations. But perhaps because of that lofty position, the Mage Tower showed no particular activity in any of Arcana's events. Of course, back when Arcana was just a game.
It was something you could brush off as a system limitation. Why would the Mage Tower interfere in events where players were supposed to shine? They'd clean it up in an instant, leaving players sucking their thumbs. But Arcana was no longer a game—it was reality.
'And yet the Mage Tower still showed no movement.'
Even after being summoned into reality. So it was natural not to expect much. Mage Tower wizards stepping up? Unimaginable for a player.
But then.
I have heard the news. You concerned yourself with slaying the demon king Decarabia who descended upon Frost.
As the chief mage of the Mage Tower, I have no face to show. I can only offer my thanks...
...What nuance is this?
No matter how many times I read it. And from no less than the Mage Tower's real power broker. Chief mage Marcelo's letter was genuine...
Considering his personality, he wouldn't say empty words. No matter how I looked at it...?
'It feels like they want to step up but can't.'
Clink.
I set down my teacup and parted my lips.
"Everyone has circumstances they can't speak of."
Yes, even I had my unspeakable dark history...
'No, that's not the point!'
This definitely looked like they had circumstances. I wasn't oblivious. Plus, having formally entered the Mage Tower, I knew its structure—how it operated to some extent. And I had a quest underway there.
Chief mage of the Mage Tower, Marcelo.
He seeks to reach a new dimension of magic.
And wishes to do so with you.
─Accepted Marcelo's proposal. (Success)
─Proved your ability. (Success)
─Weight of the Chief (Repeat) ▼
Yes. As a co-researcher with chief-level qualifications, this was the weight I had to bear. In simple terms, it was work.
'...This is intensely burdensome.'
I knew how incredible the Mage Tower's mages were. Even setting aside chiefs and seniors, their strength was incomparable to players'.
'Even the world's Jessie is treated like a rookie there.'
During teatime in my lab, she'd clutched her cup with both hands and said politely,
─As an apprentice mage, a private audience with the chief mage! This is the greatest honor! I've prepared questions after much deliberation!
The mages' mage, Jessie Haynes, was an apprentice—one step below skilled mage in the tower. That was why I'd mentioned my level.
'Verify a skilled healing mage... as a non-apprentice?'
...Me? When I'm not even level 300?
It was naturally maddeningly burdensome. But that was just my private gripe as Lee Hoyeol. In the Topaz Hall, seated at the head, no trace of burden or tension showed on me.
The decorum befitting a chief. Posture without a single flaw. I calmly reviewed the parchment...
'...This too is my struggle.'
Yes, if you can't avoid it, enjoy it. I'd realized that long ago, so I stopped lamenting my fate.
On the hour. Time up, I shamelessly opened my mouth.
"Let us begin the verification."
Thump thump.
Cley Odia, skilled healing mage, calmed her pounding heart.
'I've prepared diligently...!'
The Mage Tower's regular conference. Standing in Crystal Hall as a presenter was the ultimate honor for any mage. Cley recalled senior healing mage Bellie Yusia's words.
─No need to be nervous, Cley. Your skills are sufficient. If you're still shaking, recall your efforts.
─And if the results are poor...?
─Blame jealous seniors' envy and move on. What you need is confidence.
Recalling Bellie's calm voice, her near-bursting heart quieted. Yes, for Bellie if nothing else...! She'd endure the verification without trembling.
'And for the healing school's honor too!'
How many studies were presented at conferences? It determined if schools and seniors gained or lost face. Just look at pure mana senior Banggrit Tom, who hadn't presented lately and suffered for it.
'I won't let Bellie endure such humiliation!'
I can do it. I can do it... As Cley muttered, the Topaz Hall door suddenly opened.
"...?"
What was this? The skilled mage who'd entered proudly now fled out teary-eyed.
"...!"
Her swollen eyelids confirmed she'd sobbed. Thump thump thump—Cley's barely suppressed heart raced wildly. She couldn't hide her shock.
'...W-what happened in there?'
Who could be waiting that...?
Her worry was brief. A voice called.
But.
"Next. Cley Odia."
...W-wait a minute.
'That voice is definitely?!'
Cley clutched her head and screamed inwardly. Why of all people that adventurer... no, that lord...?