Chapter 480: The Unyielding
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 480: The Unyielding
What the hell is this "money power"...?
Watching his prized defensive magic devices shatter one after another, Seniel felt his heart grow cold. Only the warm, bone flute in his hand offered a shred of comfort.
This guy was the same.
And those other people, too.
Every single one of them acted so high and mighty.
So what if you’re rich?
Is being rich that great?
Does having money give you the right to treat everyone else like a clown?
His father’s business had gone bankrupt before he abandoned the family; his mother had run off with another man, leaving her child behind. Seniel had struggled alone to survive, putting himself through magic school on loans and joining the Royal Mage Corps with top marks to earn the status he held today...
Was that because of money?
No!
"There are things in this world that money can't buy!" Seniel roared.
Boundless glimmering light erupted from the flute in his hand. The light danced like sprites.
The flute’s melody echoed once more, but this time, there was no gentle sweep. Seniel poured a massive amount of mana into the instrument. The pitch rose sharply, like a furious wave suddenly transforming into a world-swallowing tsunami!
The flowing melody finally filled the entire alleyway, locking onto the man’s position. Even if the man’s speed remained beyond his dynamic vision, this—his strongest magic—now saturated every possible spot where his opponent could land.
When a spell reached this level of accumulation, it was bound to be terrifying.
Especially since this was his ultimate technique.
—Prelude to the Destruction of Borosili!
Vrrr—!
As Seniel wove the final note into the spell, a horrific wall of sound rippled outward with him at the center.
In that moment, neither the audience nor the performer could hear a thing. The frequency of the sound had completely surpassed the range of human hearing.
Everyone could only watch this silent pantomime as the street, the walls, the ground... every physical object was shattered inch by inch, turning into incredibly fine dust that filled the air above the alley.
It was a massive magical event akin to an explosion, yet far more elegant and terrifying than a simple blast.
No matter how strong a body was, it couldn't survive this spell, for the horrific vibrations could grind even steel into powder!
Blood trickled from Seniel’s nose as he stared excitedly at the center of the swirling dust...
See? So what if you’re rich...
In the face of absolute strength...
"Huh?"
Seniel’s expression froze.
His excitement stalled like a crashed program, hardening into a mask of confusion.
As the dust was swept away by a light breeze, a golden barrier—so bright it was practically blinding—slowly appeared in his field of vision.
"Impossible... This is impossible..." Seniel muttered in disbelief.
He knew better than anyone how terrifying his magic was. The power that had just leveled two streets was merely a "prelude."
Though he only knew this one prelude and could only cast this one prelude, this spell—derived from a certain Truth-Tier Grand Magister—was specifically designed to bypass defensive moves. The omnipresent sound waves could penetrate almost any protection.
Except...
As the dust settled completely, Seniel saw a sphere of golden light thoroughly enveloping the man.
It was so pure, so holy, that one couldn't help but think of the first light of dawn hitting the Grand Cathedral.
"You're right. Money can't buy everything. For example, sincere love..."
From within the Holy Light barrier—a [Saintess Special]—Muen affectionately stroked the Goddess statue in his hand. "But unfortunately... I have love, too."
Seniel: "..."
"Someone from the Church?"
Seniel’s cheeks twitched, feeling humiliated for the second time in one night.
That golden glow was undoubtedly the Holy Light of the Church. However, since all Holy Light originated from the exalted Goddess and shared the same aura, it was impossible for Seniel to tell which high-ranking Church figure had bestowed this blessing.
Or was it...
"The Church is getting involved in Belland’s affairs?" Seniel whispered to himself. He rubbed the now-scalding bone flute, his heart already set on retreat.
Damn that Robin for lying to him! This was the "Lower District thug" he’d talked about?
Could a Lower District thug casually pull out one-time-use magic devices worth millions?
Could a Lower District thug just whip out a holy artifact blessed by the Goddess of Life’s Holy Light?
To hell with "thug"!
You’re the one who tricked me first, so don't blame me for breaking our deal!
A long, lingering note trilled, but this time the flute sounded ethereal.
As a thin mist drifted silently, Seniel’s figure began to turn translucent and dim, gradually fading from the spot...
"Do you really think... after I've shown you that kind of speed, you can just walk away? You underestimate me."
Cold killing intent followed him like a shadow. Seniel’s body shuddered, and his blurred form snapped back into focus.
That familiar, leisurely voice rang out.
But this time, it wasn't a block away. It was... right in his ear.
The man was directly behind him. Something sharp and cold was pressed against the small of his back, ready to pierce through him at any moment.
Cold sweat beaded on Seniel’s forehead. He didn't bother with any further futile resistance. Before Muen could even throw out a threatening follow-up, Seniel threw his hands up.
"Don't kill me! I surrender!"
"..."
*
"Phew... As expected of that person. The quality of this magic scroll is incredible."
At the base of an alley wall, the Rat King savored the last drop of fine wine and stretched contentedly.
Under the effects of the powerful healing magic, his injuries had mostly recovered. Though there might be some internal lingering issues to adjust later, they no longer hindered his movement.
He stood up, straightened his clothes, and his small eyes darted around.
"Since I'm recovered, I should go show my face and help out. Otherwise, how will I show my loyalty..."
"I've already seen your loyalty, Sam."
Before he could take his first step, that familiar, authoritative voice drifted from nearby.
The Rat King’s expression turned solemn, and he quickly lowered his head.
"Congratulations on your victory, esteemed Mr. Bruce. You were much faster than I imagined."
"There's a reason a guy like you can thrive in the Lower District," Muen chuckled, casually tossing a figure bound like a mummy next to the Rat King.
Being thrown like a rag doll made Seniel groan in pain, his face contorted with fury.
But remembering his current situation, he forced his resentment down.
This wasn't cowardice.
This was endurance.
As an elite Royal Mage, as long as he stayed alive, there was always a chance for revenge!
"Is this the guy who ambushed me?" The Rat King’s eyes widened as he examined Seniel on the ground with shock. "To take down such a powerful mage in such a short time... Mr. Bruce, you really are..."
"Time is short. Save the flattery for later."
Muen sat down on a chair Sam had dragged from who-knows-where, looking down at Seniel.
"Speak, Mr. Mage. Your name, your identity, and who do you serve?"
"...My name is Seniel," Seniel hesitated for a long time before grunting the words out. "My identity is from the Tower of Origins..."
Zing—!
Before he could finish, a sharp arrow grazed Seniel’s cheek and thudded into the wall beside him.
"I don't have time for your bullshit, Mr. Mage. If you aren't willing to tell the truth, I'll have to find another way to make you open your mouth."
Muen’s deep-featured face still wore a seemingly harmless smile, but his eyes flowed with a terrifying darkness that made the soul tremble.
Seniel shuddered. His last shred of defiance vanished into fear. He gritted his teeth and said, "Seniel. Seniel Gonze. I'm a new recruit of the Royal Mage Corps."
"The Royal Mage Corps?" Muen’s gaze sharpened. "As mages of the Royal Corps, the Emperor's sharpest sword, you should only answer to His Majesty. Don't tell me the Emperor sent you in the middle of the night to kill Sam, a man he has nothing to do with."
"Tell me. Who sent you?"
"I... I don't know."
Muen aimed the crossbow at Seniel’s forehead.
"No... wait, wait, wait! When I said I don't know, I meant I don't know their real identity!" Seniel curled into a ball and spoke rapidly. "The person controls a puppet bird and calls himself Robin. I only did this as a personal favor because I owed him money and he gave me some benefits! I don't know who he really is, but I have a feeling he’s connected to a certain... no, to several Great Nobles in Belland!"
"Robin?"
Muen lowered the crossbow and tapped his knee.
The guy probably didn't have the courage to lie right now. In that case...
Muen closed his eyes, sinking his consciousness deep within.
The Black Book floated in the pitch-black space of his mind. At its top, a Black Sun with a pure white crown slowly rotated.
"I want to read the records of that insect guy from before. I consumed his soul with the Black Flame, so it should be possible, right?" Muen asked.
The Black Book didn't answer.
Instead, the pages began to flip.
Dense text appeared on the previously blank pages, and a flood of information rushed into Muen’s mind.
Chaotic images, countless shifting figures... the sheer volume of data caused a sharp, tearing sensation in Muen’s consciousness.
"Wait, wait, wait! Too fast, I can't take it... Keyword search: Robin!" Muen shouted.
The pages flipped rapidly again.
Soon, the Insect Controller’s meaningless and disgusting life vanished, and the information settled on a single image.
It was a robin with a white crown and a red breast, perched high on a tree branch.
It bowed politely and spoke:
"Mr. Insect Controller, you who are being hunted by the Silence Bureau and have nowhere left to run... would you like to make a deal with the Inner Council?"
...
Muen snapped his eyes open, returning to reality.
"It seems everything is connected."
The person who lured away the Silence Bureau.
The person who wanted to use the Old Ghost to retake control of the Lower District.
And...
The person who was brewing something while the Emperor was gravely ill.
A massive web was being woven, seemingly ready to envelop all of Belland.
"The Inner Council, huh? Sounds like just another unpleasant thing, like a noble's ball."
After a moment’s thought, Muen looked back at Seniel.
"I... I've told you everything I know!" Seniel shrank back, but kept his neck stiff. "Even if you want to torture me, you won't get anything else out of me. Besides, forced confessions are illegal!"
"Pfft..." Beside them, the Rat King almost burst out laughing.
"Forget it."
Knowing he couldn't squeeze any more useful intel out of Seniel, Muen waved his hand, undoing the mage's restraints. "You're still somewhat useful, so I won't do anything to you. However, you are to return to the Royal Mage Corps and go undercover. Monitor their movements and quietly investigate how deeply the Corps has been infiltrated by factions other than the Emperor."
"Undercover?" Seniel’s eyes went wide. "You want me to be your dog?"
"What else?" Muen glanced at him with a half-smile. "As a Royal Mage, acting without the Emperor's orders is a capital crime. Don't give me that 'personal capacity' nonsense; this is no different from betraying His Majesty. My dear Mr. Seniel, with such a massive leverage in my hands, why wouldn't you be my dog?"
"...Still, no!" Seniel’s face turned beet red as he shouted, "I, Seniel, didn't learn magic just to be a dog for some guy of unknown origin! Even if you have leverage—"
"There's a salary. One million a year."
"...Shut up! You think a mere million—"
"Five insurances and a housing fund, reasonable hours, occasional overtime pay, and a year-end bonus."
"...That's still—"
"I'll also cover all the materials you need for your future advancements and give you a high-value magic device for free." Muen snapped his fingers. "Something several times more precious than that crappy flute of yours."
"Master!"
Seniel placed a hand over his heart and bowed with a face full of sincerity. "From this day forward, Seniel Gonze is your most loyal dog. Please, do not hesitate to command me as you wish."
Muen: "..."
Rat King: "..."
In the chilly night wind, as he watched Seniel practically wagging an invisible tail like a faithful hound, the Rat King’s expression grew grave.
This guy is a talent. There's a high chance he'll be a threat to my position in the future. I need to keep an eye on him.
...
"But how should I explain things to Robin?" Seniel, having fully embraced his role as Mr. Bruce’s dog, asked with a frown. "He also has leverage on me. If he tells the Corps what I've done, I'll be arrested and put on trial immediately."
At this, Seniel couldn't help but shudder. He seemed to have only just realized how foolish he had been to let his greed get the better of him.
"Don't worry. Robin won't easily give up a pawn as useful as you. Just tell him the truth—that I rescued Sam. He won't find any flaws in the truth," Muen said. "He’ll surely order you to do other things later. That will be your chance to shine."
"Understood," Seniel nodded.
"Then get moving. If you take too long, it'll arouse suspicion."
"What about me?" the Rat King asked, even more respectful and cautious than before. "Mr. Bruce, the Rat Society is likely being eyed by the Old Ghost right now. I desperately need your help."
"Don't worry, I won't sit idly by."
Muen stood up and looked out over Belland under the night sky once more.
"But for now, I have something very important to take care of first."