Selvier, the Red Tower Wizard, spent her time fairly efficiently in the Academy. She was worried about not being able to catch up with the class, but her natural-born talent allowed her to absorb all the Professor's teachings like a sponge.
In 『Introduction to Basic Elements』, she was able to deepen her understanding of each elements, and in 『All About Close Combat, she learned how to handle close combat as a wizard.
Although she received bruises here and there from being abused with a quarterstaff, it was a type of wound that she was proud of. The harder she worked in the Academy, the less likely it was for her to lose her life outside.
She even received feedback from Professor Alexon, along the lines of ‘You’re fine and all, but you sometimes miss crucial aspects. If possible, fight and win against enemies using your advantage in firepower and try to avoid battlefields with many unexpected variables.’
Although she was in tears when she heard that she missed a crucial part, she still kept the Professor's feedback in mind. She believed that there must be a reason why the Professor even warned her in the first place.
Surprisingly, the most difficult class was 『Countermeasures to Illusion Magic』 by an unnamed, Crazy Wizard. It was unimaginably difficult to even just get out of that Illusion Labyrinth called ‘Step into a Door, Ascend into a World’ or whatever.
Some students who came to class that day still trembled in fear of opening doors; they worried about being ambushed by a giant frog if they opened the bathroom door.
But it certainly made them better. They were able to try and learn a variety of methods on what to do if they had to pass through an area where there was a high probability of a trap being there.
Her roommate, Niolle, showed her talent in all classes.
She had eyes that could read even the smallest details that others couldn't see. That natural talent shined in many ways, whether it was close combat or escaping the labyrinth. The only drawback was that her hardware could not match her eyes.In essence, she had a lack of rudimentary stats and decisive attack power.
Even if she was able read the trajectory of an attack, she had no power to avoid or block it. Even if she saw a way out of the labyrinth, she didn’t have any strength to break through the trap and make it out.
As such, Selvier teamed up with Niolle. Selvier lacked insight and Niolle lacked power, so they were a perfect team that could compensate for each other's shortcomings.
Thanks to that, she was able to get close with Niolle very fast.
She had a pure heart. She wanted to help others and didn't hesitate to throw herself into danger in the process. She worried about others a lot and liked to hear compliments.
She trained everyday and was consistent enough to not be lazy. Her consideration for others was ingrained in her. She was a kind person who everybody liked.
And above all, her eyes were beautiful.
Her gaze was always sparkling with pure kindness. Within those virtuous eyes, anyone could feel her drive, her belief in her own way of life. Clearly, she was one who could move forward without hesitation.
So…
“Welcome, how was the cl⋯⋯Did something happen to you?
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
Selvier was able to notice Niolle's change.
Her eyes that used to sparkle like stars in the night sky, had turned pitch-black akin to those of a dead fish.
===============================================================
It had only been three hours at most.
She had completely changed within those three hours. Her confidence was extinguished and she was faltering like a candle in the wind. Her lips were dry and hands were shaking as if she was being chased by something.
Maybe there was a big accident?
“What happe⋯⋯No, not that. For now, come sit over here.”
Selvier took a deep breath and calmed herself down. She couldn't panic in this situation. First, she held onto Niolle's paper doll-like hands and brought her to sit on her bed.
Then she brought back her old memories. There was practically a manual that she could refer to in those memories.
Back when she was living in her rural village, every time she cried alone somewhere after arguing with her parents… Her childhood friend brought her some warm tea from somewhere and made her drink it. He said that the body and mind were closely connected together, so it felt better when something warm went inside the body.
And after gently asking what happened and listening to Selvier's story to the end. He led the conversation so that she could find her own direction.
She probably can't do it as well as that boy did, but⋯⋯.
Selvier knew how comforting it was to have someone listen to their story, so she decided to invest some time in helping Niolle. Today's mana training could be postponed a little.
Selvier went down to the dormitory kitchen and came up with a cup of warm cocoa. And after she handed Niolle a mug, she asked cautiously.
“⋯⋯If you have any concerns, can you tell me it? I want to help you, Niolle.”
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
With that, Selvier sat down next to her and waited calmly.
Niolle felt the warmth of the mug. It was just the right temperature to drink right away, just enough to not burn her tongue. It was a minor detail, but such small aspects showed a much deeper consideration.
Sippp.
Niolle didn't feel like eating anything, but because she wished to be considerate of Selvier's efforts, she took a sip of cocoa. It felt better than she thought. It was as if the warmth was spreading throughout her entire body.
Niolle carefully started writing.
[I wanted to help a person]
“Niolle, you’ve always been like that⋯⋯.”
[I believe that it’s the right thing to do. That if there is someone in need, I should lend a hand. Even though some people might say that it's stupid, helping others is my joy and I thought it would make the world a better place. However⋯⋯.]
Abraham died because she was trying to save others. If she just didn’t offer a helping hand at that time, she would've stayed in the car and gone back to the mansion with Abraham. The old man who counted the stars would have lived.
Or at least, instead of forcing Bennett and Tara to save people with her, she could have gone alone. Even with just that, the old man would’ve lived. And putting all that in the backburner⋯⋯ if she was just was stronger. If only she had the power, then perhaps…
So, her sin was…
[Because I was trying to save one person, I couldn't save another. I still believe that saving people is the right thing to do. But, I⋯⋯ regret my choice. I hate myself for begging Bennett and Tara to help me even though I had no ability to hold my own ground. I hate myself for being so foolish as to think I could save everyone.]
Even though she had such miniscule strength, she still remained greedy, even going as far as dragging others into her beliefs. She hated that part of herself.
[I shouldn’t have saved her. I wish I had just ignored it. I recall it over and over again. The more I think about it that way, the more I hate myself. And to make things worse, I even start to hate the one that I saved. Why did she have to get kidnapped on that day and at that time? Why did it catch my eye? It’s ridiculous because it was definitely something I chose, though...]
Arrogance.
[Rather than myself, I only feel sorry for Tara and Bennett. If only I didn't ask them to help me. Then, there would be no need for the both of them to share my regrets. If only I had the wisdom to judge what is important, like Bennett. If that were the case⋯⋯.]
Niolle was still reeling in regret. The girl who experienced the Trolley Dilemma firsthand blamed herself for not having the power to stop the trolley.
The reason she indulged in the grimoire even while tearing at her own heart was a punishment to herself. Moreover, it was also the desperation of never wanting to experience something like this again.
Selvier spoke after carefully reading Niolle's words and organizing her thoughts.
“Even now, people are dying on the Eastern Front.”
[⋯⋯⋯⋯?]
“Whether it is the slums of Crownhall, some nameless mountain valley, or some dark dungeon… People are always dying. Everywhere. So, should you feel guilty about these cases?”
[That’s⋯⋯ not the case.]
“Why?”
[⋯⋯⋯⋯.]
Selvier stretched her arms forward.
“The reason is simple. It’s impossible to directly help soldiers on the Eastern Front from here. Because these arms of ours, the influence we hold, cannot reach all the way there. In the end, a person can only solve problems within their range.”
[⋯⋯But Abraham was within my arm's reach. Tara and Bennett’s too. But the one who interfered was me.]
"I don't know anything in detail⋯⋯ but judging from your story… It seems like you didn't know that would happen, right? If two people were in danger and there was an ally next to her⋯⋯ the Niolle I know would have asked to split the party. To save both of them at once. "
[There was already a sign that danger would come to Abraham. If I had paid just a little bit more attention, I would have known.]
"The Niolle I know is a child who is passionate and hard-working for every little thing. I can guarantee you at that moment, you definitely did your best. I understand that you have regrets. I'm not saying you shouldn't feel regrets, but⋯⋯."
Selvier grabbed Niolle's cheeks and stretched them.
“Stop thinking like every tragedy in the world is your fault, Niolle.”
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
“And… Let’s use our common sense here. The person you should be blaming is the one who did such bad things. Not the one who was trying to save people from such evil. Anyone will think that way. Well⋯⋯ Though your mind won’t suddenly change just because I say something like this...”
Selvier hugged Niolle tightly. For the sake of transferring energy to a friend who was drowning in guilt. Because people could encourage each other just by sharing their feelings.
“At the very least, Idon’t think it’s your fault. You must have gone through so much⋯⋯. You worked hard, Niolle. And it will be okay. You can get through it. Come here.”
“⋯⋯⋯⋯Oo, euh.”
Selvier pretended she didn’t realize her shoulders were getting wet.
She hoped for Niolle to overcome and use this experience as a sort of momentum instead of drowning in regret. Of course, she still couldn’t even begin to imagine what happened in just 3 hours⋯⋯.
Just like that, they hugged each other for a long time.
===============================================================
Time passed quickly. No matter what kind of events the students had experienced, the schedule for the Academy awaited for no one, so the Dungeon Exploration schedule proceeded smoothly.
They put the students on the list in a carriage, passed through the main street at the south gate of the Academy, and headed towards the Dungeon. And on the way, in the carriage...
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
Bennett breathed out a sigh of relief in his mind. Tara was still in a hysterical state, but Niolle seemed to be feeling much better. It was fortunate that at least one of them managed to restabilize their mind.
After traveling for half a day on a shaky carriage, they were able to arrive at the Dungeon Entrance. The Professors had students voluntarily form groups and enter the dungeon. They said they placed a token in the dungeon's core and that if they brought it, they would pass.
There were cases where ten mediocre students entered together as a group, while there were also students who entered alone. Bennett, Tara, and Niolle naturally formed a group among themselves. After all, they had practically lived together for 6 days.
“⋯⋯Do you think this group will be okay this time too? Everyone.”
[If you’re okay even with me then⋯⋯.]
“Then? Why? Were you trying to kick me out of the party or something…?!”
“No one said that, Tara. No one.”
They got into position naturally. In the back line was Niolle, whose spells were remarkably powerful. In the middle was Tara, who could assist the party with Divine Magic. And the forefront was Bennett⋯⋯.
“⋯⋯You can’t use the Outer God’s spells outside, right?”
[Ah.]
Niolle moved into the frontline. Was it because there was no Outer God in this world to lend her their strength? The spells she had learned had no effect when casted outside the otherworld.
[There’s a trap here.]
“Confirmed. Tara, don’t get ahead of yourself.”
“I didn’t, okay?!”
The three progressed through the Dungeon skillfully. They felt at ease because they didn't have to worry about the ominous magic of fanatics. Even if a simple arrow trap was activated, it was blocked by Bennet. No, it didn’t even need to reach that far; it could be avoided thanks to Niolle in the first place.
[What are we going to do next?]
“First…… we have to seize the safe no matter what. After that…”
We need to destroy the magic circle that summons the Outer God. I know this because I happen to be a Black Wizard. The Academy also has a magic circle with a similar structure. Moreover, it uses a method where a huge magic circle is built by hiding small magic circles in every corner of the Academy.
The report also mentioned the strange stigma hidden throughout the city. I think that if you connect the stigmas, the shape of a huge magic circle will be revealed. So, the only way to delay their plans is to erase or transform the stigmas hidden in every direction.
There is a reason why we desperately need to stop their summons. It is because it seems like the Black Wizards are trying to summon the Outer God to this world. I know this well because I am a Black Wizard myself.
"⋯⋯⋯⋯."
…was something he could not say.
“After that, shouldn’t we just kill those Order of the Silver Twilight members as soon as we see them?”
[But, that’s too dangerous.]
“We even have safety devices. After all, if we didn’t, we wouldn’t be alive and perfectly fine as we are now.”
[Still, what if we get hit by magic related to the mind⋯⋯.]
How should he convey this? If he told this information to them, they would definitely ask where he got this information. If so, did that mean he had to reveal that he was a Black Wizard? But that was way too risky.
Even if he intended to betray the Black Wizards and help these two out, that was also a problem of itself. Would they really believe him? When he himself was already at a loss for what to do?
There was too much to lose. All relationships at the Academy would be completely lost and even his life would be in danger. But⋯⋯.
But, by some miracle, what if there was, perhaps, a possibility that they would understand? What if they accepted him even though they knew he was a Black Wizard? If that truly happened, there would be no better result than that. After all, if such a strong bond of trust came to being, it would be so easy to betray them as well.
Bennett's mind floundered, turning into utter chaos. At some point, he had to make a decision and, to be frank, now was the right time.
It did seem like Niolle would accept him. As for Tara, he wasn’t sure. But maybe⋯⋯.
Wait.
Just now, did I⋯⋯ want to get accepted as a Black Wizard? By them?
“⋯⋯⋯⋯Ha.”
Bennett banged his head against the wall.
“W-What the? What’s wrong with you all of a sudden?”
[Were you mistaken? Maybe you felt like there were ants crawling on your eardrums⋯⋯?]
“⋯⋯No, it’s nothing. Hey, I have something important to tell you.”
Let's tell them. Let’s just tell them and if the worst case scenario happens── I'll kill them here and say that they disappeared in the dungeon without a trace . When Bennett was about to open his mouth, repeating a resolve that he didn’t even mean in the first place.
[⋯⋯⋯⋯.]
Niolle dropped her whiteboard. She stared at the walls of the dungeon, as if she had seen something impossible.
“Niolle, even you? Why? What’s wrong? Did you perhaps get caught by some mag…”
“Ah, oo⋯⋯.”
Niolle pointed at the wall. Someone kindly drew an arrow saying 'Trap' next to an all too classic trap, where the floor gave way when pressed. Even going out of their way to scratch the wall.
It could simply be the kindness of someone who came to the dungeon before, but…
That wasn't the important thing. Niolle urgently picked up the whiteboard and started writing.
[That handwriting.]
“⋯⋯Handwriting?”
[It's the same as Abraham’s.]
“⋯⋯⋯⋯What are you saying, Niolle? What… in the world...”
Bennett and Tara also looked at the scratches on the wall as if bewitched. They didn't have enough insight to determine someone’s handwriting. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't be sure.
However, Niolle's reaction made a five letter word, ── stick in their heads.
Niolle started running, following the traces. There were indications that said ‘Trap’ scattered across the lower part of the wall. Moreover, there were broken springs and pieces of metal scattered nearby. She was certain. It was Abraham's handwriting.
At the end of their sprint, the party arrived at the storage area for the cleaning golems that maintained the dungeon. When they burst through the door, inside that place was...
One cleaning golem that was half-broken, its internal boards clearly exposed. It was writing with an elegant font on the wall by scraping it with a piece of metal.
This was not the sight the party was anticipating.
They anticipated seeing a familiar old man. A scene where he smiled with his wrinkled face. Where he said that it had been a while since he had seen them. Where he exclaimed ‘I guess one never knows what the world holds for us’, in confusion. That was the miracle they hoped for.
They didn’t wish to see this. An outcome where the soul of a poor old man, devoured by an Evil God, became trapped inside a broken cleaning golem.
Tara muttered in a trembling voice.
“⋯⋯Abraham?”
Then, the cleaning golem moved its arm. Little by little, it scratched the wall, letters carving into the stone. Only then was the sentence finally revealed, shattering any remaining hopes.
[Who are you?]
It meant one thing.
This couldn’t even amount to a reunion.
***
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