Chapter 56
Chapter 56
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 56
Chapter Title: Magic Tower (2)
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Shortly after the notification window appeared, Kim Hyunwoo was able to meet the middle-aged mage who had come to his office.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Onel, the researcher of light."
Kim Hyunwoo nodded at the man's slightly bowed head and the outfit that practically screamed, I am a renowned mage.
"Pleased to meet you as well, Onel. I am Kim Hyunwoo, lord of Lartania."
Their brief conversation began with mutual introductions.
Though it lasted only about five minutes, Kim Hyunwoo quickly grasped Onel's temperament.
Arrogant. And his pride in magic is immense.
Onel embodied the stereotypical mage image Kim Hyunwoo had in mind perfectly.
He brimmed with pride in his magic, subtly looking down on those who couldn't wield it—even while discussing important matters from the Magic Tower's perspective.
"Ahem. Anyway, the reason I traveled all this way today is due to a peculiar rumor circulating about Lartania territory."
As Onel shifted to the main topic, Kim Hyunwoo responded as if he'd been waiting.
"The peculiar rumor must be about the labyrinth, of course."
"Indeed. I've heard that the labyrinth in Lartania produces magic stones infinitely... Is that true?"
"Yes."
"...Really?"
"Yes. It might seem unbelievable since it's unprecedented, but unlike other territories, monsters continuously spawn in our Lartania labyrinth."
Onel glanced at Kim Hyunwoo cautiously and ventured,
"Might I investigate it myself?"
"Investigation is possible, but given our current relationship, that's a request we can't easily accommodate."
Onel cleared his throat at Kim Hyunwoo's veiled refusal, pondered for a moment, and then spoke.
"That's actually what I came to discuss today. If your words hold true, the Magic Tower could become fine partners with Lartania. What do you say?"
"I agree. However, I'd prefer a closer relationship."
"...A closer one?"
"Yes."
Kim Hyunwoo let out a subtle sigh at the mage's response.
Up to here, it's all as expected.
Kim Hyunwoo had anticipated the Magic Tower's swift visit after opening the labyrinth city.
Though absent in the game, Adria's words confirmed it was the classic fantasy Magic Tower—one perpetually hungry for vast quantities of magic stones.
The real negotiation starts now.
Kim Hyunwoo cleared his throat and got to the point.
"I'd appreciate some support in the form of magic scrolls."
Magic scrolls were exactly as the name implied: items crafted by mages, infusing parchment with spells usable once at any moment.
They had two key features: supreme convenience and murderously high prices.
For context, Kim Hyunwoo's research showed that even a simple yet potent 1-circle spell like Fireball Scroll cost over 10 gold coins.
10 gold coins.
Equivalent to about ten low-grade magic stones at current rates—an absurd price for a one-use item.
"...You want us to provide magic scrolls?"
"Yes. More precisely, I'd like Fireball and Binding Scrolls at around 3 gold each. About 500 of each per month."
"...What?"
Onel's face twisted in disbelief at Kim Hyunwoo's demand, slashing 70% off standard prices.
But Kim Hyunwoo pressed on.
"In return, we'll supply the Magic Tower with 1,000 low-grade magic stones monthly."
"...Heh."
Onel stared at him incredulously and said,
"Are you serious? No matter how I look at it, this sounds like a losing deal for us."
He continued,
"The scrolls you're asking for alone would cost over 10,000 gold at market value. And you want them for 3,000? In exchange for 1,000 low-grade stones?"
"Yes."
"Even generously, 1,000 low-grade stones are worth 1,000 to 1,200 gold. No more, no less."
"Correct. Since it takes about one low-grade stone to craft a Fireball or Binding Scroll, that's basically cost price."
"Knowing that, you still—"
As irritation crept onto Onel's face, Kim Hyunwoo stated firmly,
"But naturally, that's not my only offer."
"...Not the only one?"
"Yes. Didn't I say I want a close relationship with the Magic Tower? I know that what I've proposed so far wouldn't even qualify as good partners, let alone close allies."
Kim Hyunwoo smiled faintly and added,
"So, let's sweeten the deal: we'll provide land as well."
"...Land, you say?"
Kim Hyunwoo turned his gaze from Onel toward the area outside the lord's castle—where construction on the second wall was just beginning.
"As you know, Lartania will develop rapidly. Where money flows, people follow."
"In other words, invest in future value?"
"Precisely, and not far off. Besides, Lartania's growth will exceed your expectations."
"Rumors haven't fully spread yet, and low-grade stones are the current max from the labyrinth. But what happens when we break through layers and mine mid-grade stones en masse?"
"...!"
"You handle magic stones, so you know: mid-grade ones are on another level. When that time comes, countless parties will scramble for ties to our territory. And then—"
Kim Hyunwoo met Onel's eyes.
"—land in our territory, offering the fastest and cheapest magic stone access, will fetch unimaginable prices. I'll even grant minor tax breaks on stones for settlers."
Onel pondered deeply after hearing this.
"Could you give me some time first? This isn't a decision I can make alone."
"Of course."
With Kim Hyunwoo's agreement, Onel left the office.
About two hours later.
"...We'll accept the proposal."
"Wise choice. Shall we discuss the details?"
Kim Hyunwoo smiled.
While Kim Hyunwoo was deep in talks with the Magic Tower representatives,
in a spot somewhat removed from Lartania—but still within Kalan Kingdom territory—a wolfkin and half-demon faced each other.
"..."
Merrillda gazed at Rin, who wore an emotionless expression, with a faint mocking smile.
This meeting had occurred solely because Merrillda sought out Rin.
Rin was simply returning to Kalan Kingdom, with Merrillda pursuing her.
Of course, Merrillda had a specific reason for the chase.
To confirm whether the Absolute Ruler of Darkness had been accepted by their master—or rejected.
More precisely, to grasp what had transpired.
All Merrillda had witnessed was Rin entering Lartania and appearing before the master.
Everything else was shrouded in darkness—whether by Rin's design or awareness of Merrillda—leaving her blind to the outcome.
She'd instinctively sensed rejection when Rin promptly exited afterward, but desired certainty.
...Even if she'd suspected as much. The anxiety and inferiority festering in her heart demanded proof.
Thus, at this moment, Merrillda smiled with genuine relief.
Despite their mutual dislike, Rin and Merrillda had spent years together.
Her expression and demeanor alone revealed the truth plainly.
"As expected—"
Rin had not been accepted by the master.
Realizing this, Merrillda's tense tail began to swish.
A smile curled her lips.
"Ha."
The Absolute Ruler of Darkness scoffed derisively at her.
"Deriving joy from others' misfortune—does that beastkin instinct of yours never change?"
"Don't lecture me. You did the same, chasing after my execution sword last time. Forgot already? Half-demon through and through, always resorting to plunder."
They scratched at each other as naturally as breathing.
"That's why he rejected you!"
"Pot calling the kettle black. You even smashed all the gifts he gave you in a rage!"
Their barbs grew sharper.
"You still went crawling back for that sword despite being discarded—"
"!"
"What, thought I wouldn't know? Even shrouded in darkness, I saw you leave it behind. How devastating."
Merrillda provoked with a forced grin.
"Urgh—!"
Fury boiling, Rin reached into the shadows,
but Merrillda laughed.
"Heh, heh heh. Think what you want. Your words hold no power over me."
Rin forced a composed smile, though it clearly stung.
"I heard directly from him the way to earn his forgiveness!"
"What...?"
Merrillda froze, tail halting, shock plain on her face. Rin smirked triumphantly.
"Didn't hear? I said I heard directly how this one can earn his forgiveness."
"...Ridiculous...!"
"Truly think it's impossible?"
Now fully at ease, Rin watched Merrillda's stunned realization.
"So prattle on as you will. I have matters to attend."
As Rin turned away, basking in victory,
"W-Wait! Tell me too!"
Merrillda's shout rang out. Rin turned back with incredulous amusement.
"Beastkin shamelessness knows no bounds. Think I'd tell you? Hmm..."
She pondered briefly.
"...Fine. If you flip in the air three times right here and grovel before me for me to step on your head, I'll consider it."
She smiled knowingly.
She knew Merrillda—death before pride, always prioritizing dignity over survival.
Yet.
Snap! Snap! Snap!
"?"
Defying expectations, Merrillda executed three perfect aerial flips on the spot, landing flawlessly prostrated before Rin.
"Step on me. As you desire, freely."
"...??"
Rin stared, dumbfounded.