Chapter 99
Chapter 99
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 99
Chapter Title: 29. Lightning, Ice, and Life
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“None?”
“None, sir. Yes, none at all.”
Despite scouring every possible location in the Albius Kingdom where Zect might be hiding, they hadn’t found a single trace of him.
“There has to be at least something here…”
This was Zect’s hideout—a mansion tucked away in a corner of the kingdom’s capital.
They had even used Stealth Art to sneak in undetected, but the interior was completely empty, not a single servant in sight.
Of course, he had anticipated as much when he activated Life Detection Magic from outside.
“Zect… where the hell are you…?”
Zect, the Arch Wizard of Lightning.
One of the empire’s four great Arch Wizards, he should have fled to the Albius Kingdom after losing a duel to another Arch Wizard, Baya, about two years ago.
Yet for some reason, his hideout mansion was vacant. There wasn’t even a sign of anyone having lived there for the past few days.
Beyond that, they had checked every other spot in the capital, Blerheim, where he might be.
“If he’s not in Blerheim but somewhere else in the kingdom…”
Then searching would be practically impossible. The Albius Kingdom wasn’t some tiny speck of a country.
Should he have interrogated Baya first, knowing this might happen?
The elderly man in his seventies—another of the great Arch Wizards, ‘Ice Baya.’
But he hadn’t been confirmed as a traitor to humanity yet.
Unlike Tolari or Zect, who would reveal their monstrous nature around the fifth regression year if left alone, Baya holed up in his magic tower and never budged until the world’s end.
However, if forced to enter his tower or relentlessly pressured to join the war against the otherworld?
He would snap, launching a counterattack in a frenzy, communication impossible, as if seized by madness.
That was why he had considered Baya a potential traitor, though not certain…
But that old man wasn’t the issue right now!
From the empire’s perspective, the Dark Mountains lay beyond the northeastern border, while the Albius Kingdom was past the Jairut Mountains to the west, a natural border.
Flying here meant crossing half the continent. Even by date, it had taken six full days.
Of course, he had stopped by the Marr Ogre village en route and searched for traces of Trombone’s final whereabouts…
Still, he had burned six precious days of blood-sweat time, only to fail in eliminating his target, Zect.
Sigh.
Not everything in the world goes smoothly.
When he’d gone to the Dark Mountains, it had felt like the pumpkins had rolled right into his lap.
No use dwelling on regrets. Since he was already in the Albius Kingdom, he might as well pursue the next route here before leaving.
* * *
The completed knight order headquarters was twice the size of the Lunenburg Mansion.
Its exterior resembled a massive warehouse or auditorium. It was the result of focusing solely on building a sturdy structure quickly.
“Before we begin the meeting, allow me to introduce the newest member of the knight order.”
Davi, who had just returned from the Dark Mountains, first presented the sharp-eared elven boy standing beside him to everyone.
“This is Ranir. An elf from the Eternal Forest who recently pledged his loyalty to His Highness the Prince and joined our knight order.”
“Greetings. I am Ranir, honored to serve Prince Claude from this day forward.”
As Ranir bowed his head in greeting, Tolari alone—who couldn’t care less about reading the room—cheered loudly and clapped like a seal.
“Wooow! Clap clap clap! Welcome! Let’s do great together!”
“Wooow…”
Rune, sitting beside him, mimicked softly. The other members simply stared at Ranir without reacting for a while.
“An elf… Aren’t elves enemies of the empire? Right? Miss Meredes?”
Rinen finally spoke up, turning to Meredes beside him. Meredes looked down at the scruffy boy with an expressionless face.
“That’s what I’ve heard. But I have no objections to what His Highness decides.”
“Of course, me neither, but…”
“Captain.”
Kyle raised his hand to ask on everyone’s behalf.
“Elves were the empire’s primary enemies just days ago. Even with the eclipse gate changing everything, can we legally accept an elf into the knight order under imperial law?”
“Of course, I expected some resistance.”
“I have no personal objections. Nor would anyone here dare defy His Highness’s will.”
“Then?”
Davi asked. Kyle replied with a perfectly businesslike expression.
“I’m simply stating the general perception of elves. If word spreads that an elf is here, it could harm His Highness’s reputation. So until perceptions improve, I believe we should keep Ranir’s presence hidden.”
“Can’t be helped for now.”
Davi sighed and nodded.
“Unless His Highness summons him personally, Ranir will remain at the knight order headquarters or the mansion, training under me. And under the Arch Wizard as well.”
“Me?”
Tolari’s eyes widened as he pointed to himself.
“Why me all of a sudden?”
“His Highness requested that you train Ranir in magic. He said Ranir doesn’t have Arch Wizard-level potential, but he has the qualities to become a stronger mage than he is now.”
“Really?”
Tolari blinked and peered at Ranir’s face.
“Fine by me. Cute face. Nice skin too. How old are you, Ranir?”
“93 years old.”
“Huh.”
“Please don’t mind my age.”
Ranir addressed everyone with an enthusiastic expression.
“Humans and elves are different, after all. What matters is that I’m the youngest in this knight order. Please use me to your heart’s content without hesitation. I look forward to serving alongside you all.”
“An elf who’s so eager? I like it. Hey, I’m thirsty—go to the mansion and fetch me some water right now…”
“Jokes end here.”
Davi cleared his throat and cut him off. Tolari pouted and muttered under his breath.
“Not a joke…”
“Anyway, according to His Highness, Ranir possesses both knightly and magical talents. That concludes the newcomer introduction. Rinen?”
“Yes, Captain.”
Rinen bowed as if he’d been waiting. Davi stepped forward and placed a transparent orb he’d been holding in front of Rinen.
“This is the Ancient Bear core that His Highness secured after great hardship.”
“Uwaa, finally me too…”
“What was that?”
“Nothing at all!”
Rinen straightened up and shook his head. Davi placed a firm hand on Rinen’s shoulder and gripped hard.
“His Highness said he’d give you the new core as promised. Be grateful for his grace and consume it. You know how, right?”
“Of course. I’ve practiced a ton.”
“Practiced?”
“Yes. Practiced.”
Rinen mimed popping a transparent candy into his mouth and puffing his cheeks. Davi let out a dry chuckle and ordered.
“Good. Then consume it now. Right in front of me.”
“Yes, sir.”
Rinen snatched the core and popped it into his mouth. Davi nodded and returned to his seat.
“The known effects of the Ancient Bear core are enhanced strength, durability, and powerful resistance to cold.”
“Ooh, oooh…”
“There might be hidden effects as well. Report any new ones immediately.”
“Y-yes, got it.”
Rinen nodded, mumbling around it. Then Tolari, seated far away, shot his hand up.
“Hey. You only got one core?”
“No. I hear there’s one extra. But His Highness hasn’t decided its owner yet.”
“For real? Then I’ve got a shot. I’ll ask for it when he returns.”
Tolari grinned slyly. Davi frowned slightly and asked.
“Why is a mage after a core? You said you weren’t interested before.”
“While you were gone.”
“Huh?”
“While our captain was away, I watched the others train.”
Tolari smiled as he scanned the members around the round table.
“They were amazing. I could see their skills improving. Especially those who ate cores. Makes me want one.”
“That improvement is ultimately knightly prowess. Doesn’t concern a mage, does it?”
“This one boosts cold resistance, right? Perfect for mages too. No need to block cold magic separately.”
“Can’t you defend with your own magic? Knights are defenseless against magic without magic armor. The core’s other effects directly aid combat too. So please drop your interest.”
“Tch. Already getting the cold shoulder.”
Tolari rolled his eyes and grumbled.
“I’m loyal to His Highness too. Opportunities should be fair. Right, Rune? We deserve cores too.”
“N-no, Lady Tolari. But…”
Caught in the middle, Rune glanced around nervously, sweating bullets. Tolari chuckled and patted Rune’s head.
“It’s fine. No need to tense up. But hey, why not just call me sis?”
“Y-yes. Sis Tolari.”
“Hm, speaking of Rune…”
Davi picked up a large hunk he’d brought and placed on the floor earlier.
“This is the Essence of Ice. A trophy His Highness obtained by venturing deep into a burrow with the Ancient Bear and slaying a monster.”
“Essence of Ice…”
“I don’t know the details, but it’s useful for mages whose primary attribute is cold. His Highness said to give it to you.”
The Essence of Ice was wrapped tightly in thick deer hide. Rune blinked in surprise, then stood and bowed deeply.
“Thank you, Captain. I’ll treasure it.”
“Save your thanks for His Highness directly later. Now…”
As Davi moved to stand again, Kyle beside him quickly rose and took the Essence instead.
“Captain, I’ll deliver it to Rune.”
“Mm. Fine.”
“Alright… Hm? Heavier than it looks. Wait.”
Kyle’s face turned the same blue as the essence.
“Gasp…”
He rushed to Rune and unceremoniously dropped it on the table.
Thud!
“Kyle! What are you doing!”
“S-sorry… Captain. It’s just so cold…”
Kyle shivered and backed away from the essence.
“I ate an Ancient Seal core, so my magic resistance is high… Goodness. It’s aptly named Essence of Ice. I’ve made a fool of myself.”
Kyle bowed to everyone and barely made it back to his seat. Davi frowned, picked up the leftover deer hide from the table.
“I’ve always said it. Knights must not overestimate their strength. They must act with caution in all things. Otherwise…”
At that moment, Rune scooped up the Essence of Ice with a bright smile.
“Wow, I love this.”
“…Miss Rune? That thing is freezing cold.”
“Not cold—just refreshingly cool. And super cozy. I could sleep hugging it.”
“Sleep hugging it? No way. Won’t you freeze to death?”
Kyle asked in shock. Rune clutched it tightly, shaking her head emphatically.
“No way. Not something this nice.”
“Whoa. This is fun.”
Tolari brushed the essence lightly and stuck out her tongue.
“It reacts to attributes on touch. Not for me, but a cold-attribute mage’s mana might rise just from holding it.”
“His Highness said something similar. Best to observe it over time. That ends the trophy distribution…”
Davi narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice gravely.
“I trust you all remember the task I assigned before departing. You’ve carried it out without rest for the past 20 days, yes?”