Envers Redburn, after being brainwashed by a false mad mage, lost the trust of the Redburn Duke. The Duke feared that Envers might still be under the influence or, worse, might turn against the family at the mad mage's command. However, it would be a waste to discard such a talented individual based solely on suspicion.
Furthermore, after hearing from Roderus about the survival of the "Blue Rose," Envers had been in a slumped state, wandering around aimlessly, seemingly despondent. To the Duke, this appeared as remorse and reflection for his failures, further delaying any harsh judgment.
Thus, the verdict was not execution but rather exile.
"Brother, what's going on?" Envers asked, his tone tense.
"It's an order from the Duke. You are to return to the Academy."
"What?"
"Go to the Academy, identify people who can be swayed with the family’s wealth and power, and if an opportunity arises to assassinate the mad mage, do it without hesitation. That is your mission."
The decree hit Envers like a thunderbolt. He had left the Academy with grand ambitions to change his family with his brother by his side, and now he was being sent back? Worse still, he had already said his goodbyes, making it seem like he was leaving for a decade, only to return within half a year. How was he supposed to face his friends?
But Roderus was unyielding.
"Go. It seems they've only kept you under suspicion for now. Stay low at the Academy until I call for you when the time is right."
"Understood. But, brother, I worry for you. Do not get too close to the 'Blue Rose.' She may claim to be righteous, but she is merely using your sincerity for her own ends!"
"......"
"As a man, you must be wary of—ack!"
Roderus silenced Envers’ heartfelt advice with a swift kick, sending him off. Thus, Envers Redburn returned to the Academy.
The atmosphere at the Academy as the year-end approached was electric. The students had grown under the tutelage of capable professors, and it was now time for them to showcase their growth. What better way to prove themselves than through a trial by fire?
Last year, the Academy had held a one-on-one challenge against professors, inviting external visitors to watch the students spar against their instructors. For many, it was a chance to decide their future paths.
Any student who managed to impress a professor, even if only briefly, would receive offers from lords to serve as knights or invitations to join mercenary groups as officers.
Many students assumed this year’s event would be the same and were busy strategizing.
"If I want to show off my magic power, I should challenge Professor Alejandro. He specializes in defense, so my offensive abilities would really stand out."
"But if I try to outdo Professor Alekson in swordsmanship, I’ll probably lose... Maybe I should just challenge the mad mage instead."
"Are you insane?"
However, their plans were abruptly shattered.
The mad mage, who had returned to the Academy, would not miss out on such a fun event. He suggested adding a bit of flair to the proceedings.
And so, a new event was born.
"Form teams of no more than ten."
"The professors, including the 'Mad Mage,' have prepared various trials for you to showcase your talents. These trials will cover all areas of the Academy’s curriculum."
"Your team’s cumulative score across all trials will determine your ranking. While many of the stages will be combat-focused, there are also trials that will test your wisdom and practical skills. We recommend forming balanced teams."
Thus, the Academy Team Competition was created.
Naturally, students scrambled to form the best possible teams. The three members of the Holy Church who had returned for their diplomas were hotly sought after, and Bai Xue, who had reached enlightenment, received countless offers as well.
At the registration desk, Bai Xue made a declaration.
"Alone."
"Excuse me?"
"I will compete alone."
Solo play declared.
Watching this, Selvia, who had been conversing with Envers nearby, was lit aflame. If Bai Xue could go solo, so could she. Having already reached enlightenment herself, she had nothing left to fear. It was time to settle their rivalry once and for all!
She ran to the registration desk and shouted.
"I will compete alone too!"
"But Selvia, weren’t you going to team up with me...?"
"Not anymore! Find someone else!"
Selvia, burning with determination, glared at Bai Xue, but Bai Xue seemed uninterested, gazing off into the distance.
Their rivalry, which had been built through many trials, had taken a new turn. Envers, having lost his teammate, was left with no other choice but to turn to Luna.
He had intended to find Luna first before speaking to Selvia, but after scouring the Academy, he couldn’t even find a trace of her. After exhausting every avenue, he had to ask the mad mage, who confirmed that Luna was still enrolled.
Finally, after much searching, Envers gathered some information.
"Luna Sterira? I heard she’s with Lady Baekryeom."
"Thank you!"
With hope in his heart, Envers went to find Luna, certain that she would agree to team up with him. However, when he finally located her, he was struck by a scene that left him speechless. Standing next to Luna was none other than Lady Baekryeom, a key figure among the Academy’s noble faction.
"Peace."
"Luna, why are you on Lady Baekryeom’s team...?"
"How dare you question Lady Baekryeom’s team choice?! Of course, everyone seeks the comfort of her grace and wisdom!"
"Exactly! It’s only natural for her leadership and poise to attract loyal followers! How dare you doubt her!"
The voices of Lady Baekryeom’s loyal guards rang out, but Envers was too focused on Luna to pay them any mind.
Luna calmly responded.
"If we are not on different teams, we cannot fight."
"Must we fight...?"
"If we do not fight, we will never understand."
For a martial artist, communication often occurred through fists. It was only after exchanging blows that one could truly bond. That was Luna’s message.
Envers was bewildered. He understood that combat could foster understanding, but he had reached enlightenment while she had not. Wouldn’t the result of the fight be obvious?
"But... isn’t there a gap between us now...?"
"That’s a mistake."
Luna shook her finger firmly in denial.
And then, faintly, a figure appeared behind her, arms crossed.
It was a figure Envers would never forget—the Heavenly Demon. His face paled.
"How... How is this possible...?!"
"He came one day. Then he left. But he taught me much."
When the mad mage had been torn apart, the Heavenly Demon’s module had briefly embedded itself within Luna Sterira. Though it had been retrieved by Yuna, the martial skills remained.
The mad mage had once overwhelmed Roderus with his frail body. If Luna had inherited the Heavenly Demon’s martial arts, the gap between them might very well have vanished.
Luna clenched her fist and held it out.
"Challenge."
"Hmm, very well! I too have learned much from my brother and my master. I shall show you how I have grown!"
"Wager your wish."
"Gladly!"
Thud.
Their fists met, sealing the challenge. Their reunion would be long and eventful.
Meanwhile, Lady Baekryeom fidgeted slightly, though outwardly she maintained her cool demeanor. It seemed like a wholesome moment, but internally, she felt differently. Luna had said that without a fight, there would be no understanding.
Envers had interpreted this as a need to prove his growth through combat, but Lady Baekryeom saw it as Luna’s desire to punish him.
Luna had made it clear—she wanted to beat him up.
What Envers should have done was kneel and apologize for leaving so abruptly after kissing her, only to rush back to handle his family matters. But with his lack of awareness, the golden opportunity slipped away.
A crack.
Only the faint bulging veins on Luna’s hand hinted at the future conflict that awaited.
With Luna allied with Lady Baekryeom, Envers pondered where he should go and whom he should team up with. His decision was clear. If Lady Baekryeom led the noble faction, then opposite her stood Gordius, the leader of the 'Golden' faction from the Gold Tower.
Envers found Gordius in the Academy’s male dormitories. Unlike other dorms, Gordius’ living space was extravagantly decorated. Statues stood in grand poses, and the entrance was enchanted with various protection spells.
Even Gordius himself was adorned in expensive attire.
"Welcome to my faction, Envers Redburn! I was just gathering my team. It's a good omen that such a promising individual like you came to me today."
"..."
"Come inside, feel free to admire the art, but don't touch anything."
Inside, the opulence continued. Paintings lined the walls, exuding an aura of wealth and grandeur. But something felt... off.
As Envers walked through the halls, the realization struck him—there were no carpets. The lighting was sparse, and what lamps there were seemed dimly lit. The walls and floors, though decorated, were made of cheap material.
It was as though Gordius had spent a fortune on display pieces but skimped on the basics. Everything felt strangely out of place.
"You’ve noticed, haven’t you? Yes, it’s true. I’ve invested only in things that will hold value—everything else is practical and cheap. The statues at the entrance? I made them myself—zero cost."
"And the paintings and jewels...?"
"Investments! Everything here is either created by me or can be sold if needed."
"...You really are as frugal as they say, aren't you?"
"I’m not cheap. I’m efficient. Now, Envers, I’ve heard you’ve returned to the Academy. Here for family business, perhaps? Recruiting talent for the Redburns?"
"...!!"
Envers’ surprised expression gave him away, and Gordius’ eyes gleamed with interest. So, Envers had been sent to scout talent. That made him a potential investor, not just another student.
If Gordius could sway Envers and secure funding from the Redburns...
The scent of money was in the air.
Placing an arm around Envers, Gordius guided him deeper into the dorm, trying to contain his excitement at the thought of securing funding for his grand ideas.
"Let me show you some of my inventions. They’re revolutionary and cost-efficient."
"I came to form a team for the tournament—"
"Yes, yes, I’ll join you, but first, take a look at these innovations! They’re incredibly economical!"
Gordius led Envers into his lab.
The laboratory was stark in its simplicity—only the essentials were present, maximizing efficiency. Gordius proudly displayed his creations.
"This is a pet golem. You can customize it however you like, and it grows if you feed it dirt. You can even combine it with other models."
"Will that make any money?"
"Here’s a prototype for a new mode of transportation. Three wheels, and it runs on stored magic until it runs out."
"Why not just teleport?"
"...Then there’s this wireless shower device."
"That sounds like a basic enchantment."
Envers’ gaze grew colder. If he were truly loyal to the Redburns, he would never consider investing in such pointless inventions.
Frustrated, he pressed Gordius.
"Gordius. You’re known for your expertise in golem crafting. Show me something that’s actually worthwhile."
"I’ve been waiting for you to say that. Let me show you the blueprints for my 50-meter tall golem—"
"What?"
"Yes! Fifty meters! The ultimate golem!"
"Wait, wait. What could you possibly use a golem that size for? The cost would be astronomical, and its utility would be minimal. Who would invest in that? I’m no expert in golems, but isn’t a more human-sized golem...?"
"Blasphemy! I don’t need investors who want to shrink my golems. This conversation is over. Get out!"
"...?"
In an instant, Gordius went from eager to enraged. Envers was baffled by the sudden shift.
"...Why are you so determined to keep the size?"
Gordius answered with finality.
"Golems must be massive ."
Ah.
Envers finally understood.
This was why Gordius, despite his talent and prestige as the Gold Tower’s apprentice, constantly struggled with funding. It wasn’t that he lacked ability, but rather, his eccentric obsession with colossal golems kept him in poverty. If he hadn’t been so skilled, he would’ve starved long ago.
Envers silently offered his condolences. Gordius’ dream of building a giant golem would never come true. It was an impossible fantasy unless the entire Empire mobilized or he somehow ascended beyond mortal limitations.
Envers understood now why Gordius had always been a man of great potential but never secured the funding he needed. The world simply wasn’t ready for his grand, impractical ambitions.