Chapter 144: Winter. (1)
Training in the gravity field was simple. With gravity amplified several times over, I manipulated the wood steel with Psychokinesis.
“Ugh!”
Reylie used the advanced magic [Earth’s Revolution] to grab at the wood steel, but I broke her magic by rotating the steel. The resonance caused a shock wave, and Reylie was thrown back.
“Wah! I surrender!”
Reylie, after hitting the ground, raised her hands. Her face was red, and she was sweating bullets.
“Why are you so strong? Wow~, you’ve changed a lot.”
“Next.”
Next was Epherene. She nodded and stepped forward.
“Let’s begin.”
“Yes.”
I immediately moved the wood steel. Epherene grabbed the wooden steel using her magic [Own Domain], but it shattered like glass when I strengthened Psychokinesis.
“Humph!”
But, she was talented. Epherene demonstrated her wits and controlled the air. At that moment, the air surged, and she moved the wood steel despite gravity weighing it down.
“How is this?”
“Good reaction. But.”
I put a wave in the wood steel’s Psychokinesis. The wave advanced using the heavy air as a medium and radiated through Epherene.
“Agh! Oh, it hurts! It hurts so much!”
Epherene rolled on the ground, clutching her sides, but I wasted no time.
“Next is Maho.”
“Yes, yes~. Yes, yes, yes, yes~.”
Maho approached with an energetic smile.
“Gaaaaaaaaaah!”
She ran away crying, leaving the last one, Prince Kreto, to position himself nervously against me. He swung his fist, using [Long Shot]. It manifested as a long-distance strike, an unusual type of spell where you sent mana surging through your fist.
Whoosh— whoosh—
Kreto swung his fists to defend against the wood steel, then bam—!
“…”
He was hit in the shoulder. At that moment, his arm began to dangle. It had snapped cleanly.
“Kreto, are you okay?”
“…”
Kreto regarded me with eyes full of resentment. Then, he sat down silently in surrender.
…Anyway. That was how my training went. I wasn’t sure if it would help them, but for now, it helped me.
*****
“No. I heard everything. What kind of training is that?”
In the mansion at Lake Island. Yeriel caught me when I returned. Next to her, Primienne was nodding in agreement.
“Yeah. Injuring Prince Kreto was a bad idea.”
Yeriel and Primienne were both sitting on the sofa and eating ice cream. I don’t know how these two were stuck together, but…
“It’s fine. This textbook will take care of the rest anyway.”
I set it on the desk. It was the book that I gave to Yeriel before, the result of writing only about the essence of the manipulation series. It was priceless as I didn’t plan on selling it.
“Also, I plan on guiding the four wizards that I will choose after this training with the 3rd and 4th volume, and maybe even an in-depth review process.”
“Oh?”
Yeriel’s eyes opened a bit wider. I nodded. Writing was a hobby of mine equivalent to reading, anyway. I would continue to write, but considering the progress of future quests, it would be right to support those who would use the magic properly. I had no plans of letting the masses read it.
“That’s charming.”
Primienne naturally chipped in, despite not even being a wizard.
“Well, that’s that for the training. What are you going to do?”
Yeriel took the book, Blue Eyes, and shook it.
“That’s right, Professor. Just as Miss Yeriel said, there is another problem.”
Primienne appeared to have told Yeriel everything.
“You said this will come true. You said that this person who will be stabbed is you.”
“There’s still time, and it may not be me.”
“No?”
This book illustrated Sylvia’s growth, her cruel trials, and hardships. This novel, with its crazy development genre, showed her climbing a mountain, killing enemies, and standing tall. It was after she met Damian (Deculein) again.
“There’s time left, but the ending is certain. The wizard who dies at the end is the Professor.”
“That’s what I’m saying.”
Yeriel nodded. I was speechless.
“Primienne, Yeriel, have you two known each other for a long time?”
“No. We met for the first time today. But for some reason, we’re close already. Right?”
“I know.”
“…”
Anyway, it was bothersome. I stood and moved to look out the window. The snow had already stopped falling, and the sky was clear, a common Hadekain climate.
“Deculein.”
Before I knew it, Yeriel moved beside me and muttered my name. She stood next to me and just looked up at the sky.
“…”
To see Yeriel like that, suddenly, very suddenly, caused simple memories to flood my mind. Memories that I… also had a younger sister. That there was a family more precious to me.
“Hmm.”
I put my hand on top of Yeriel’s head.
“…”
She stared up at me blankly, stunned.
“Why did you call me, Yeriel?”
“…Huh?”
She blinked, flustered.
Blink, blink- blink, blink-
She blinked a dozen times in a second.
“Ah, no. I didn’t call you… I didn’t…”
Suddenly.
“See that! I checked how much money you spent on this training! Huh?!”
Bwaaaaa—!
She made a startling noise.
“30 million Elnes! 30 million?! The cost of recruiting a mentor is 30 million, Elnes!”
“…”
“And also, the one I gave you, the diamond holystone. Why does Gindalf, that old man, have
It?!”
As suddenly as it started, her yelling stopped. She sighed loudly before turning around.
“I’m going.”
It was too cute to see her kick her seat as she left. I had no other thoughts aside from that. She was just so cute.
Primienne broke the silence.
“You’re a dimwit.”
“Shut up.”
I stared at Primienne. I didn’t like how she had been aiding Yeriel’s words since earlier.
“Ehem.”
Primienne feigned a cough and shrugged.
“…I’m curious.”
“About what?”
“When did you become so close to your sister?”
“It’s none of your business. You get out, too.”
“Yes.”
Primienne stood, leaving the mansion with Yeriel’s ice cream.
…And. The very next day.
“…Nice to see you. Did you rest well?”
I met the four tired wizards at the lake island’s garden. They looked afraid of the rest of the training schedule, but instead of sparring, I showed them a book.
“Take this.”
I distributed the book using Psychokinesis.
“This is the theory that I wrote.”
Kreto’s eyes widened, and he started to flip through the book. As he read through the first page, a sparkle formed in his expression.
“The rest of the training is through theory. We’ll read the book together, discuss it, and I will guide you if there’s a spell you wish to learn for the next four days.”
They knew the value of the book, which prompted them to stare at me with surprise plain on their faces.
“…Everyone, let’s start reading carefully.”
”Yes!”
“Yeah~.”
Everyone answered enthusiastically, aside from Reylie. I took her book away with Psychokinesis.
“Ah! I’m sorry! I’ll do my best!”
I returned it.
*****
…After four days of training.
Returning to the University, Epherene and Allen followed someone closely. Flawless suit. Long legs. Wide back. It was Professor Deculein, the man who stood out more than anyone else as they walked beside the road.
“…”
Epherene had something to say to him as always, but there were many things she couldn’t say. What she truly wanted to say lingered in her mouth and died upon her lips.
“That’s right, Professor. Where will you provide military support this time?”
Assistant Professor Allen spoke first. Epherene listened attentively for his answer.
“The northern part.”
The North, the area that wizards avoided the most. The farther away from the archipelago, the fewer wizards there were, but the North was also more difficult than down south. A cold climate swarming with monsters. Sometimes, dark energy even filled the air, making it the worst environment for a wizard without physical training. The ratio between knights and wizards there was less than 10 to 1.
“Are you afraid?”
“What? No, the Professor is here, you know!”
“I’m not afraid.”
At that moment, they arrived at the tower’s parking lot. Deculein spoke as he climbed into his car.
“Allen, organize the class materials.”
“Yes!”
“Epherene.”
“Yes. Yes?”
“I’m not satisfied with your paper.”
“Ah…”
His words dug at her like an ice pick. Epherene bowed.
“I’m sorry.”
“I’ll reject it, so write a better version and start fresh.”
“…Yes.”
Jiiiiiiiig—
Deculein closed the window. The luxury car started and left without a further word. Epherene mumbled, pouting as she watched him speed away.
“Where is he going?”
“Isn’t it obvious? He’s so dressed up, so it’s probably the Imperial Palace, right?”
“Aha…”
Epherene nodded casually, then looked sideways in surprise. The voice of the person who answered sounded unusual.
“Hehe. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
She could see the outline of his jaw under his hood, his shaggy beard and green eyes smiling.
“Rohaka—“
Rohakan covered Epherene’s mouth.
“Oh, why are you spreading rumors every time we meet? Be quiet.”
Rohakan smiled brightly at her.
“Hihi. It’s been a long time, huh?”
“…”
“Ms. Epherene. I’ll get going first…? Huh? Who’s that beside you?”
Allen tilted his head from his place beside her.
“Haha. I’m Epherene’s grandfather’s brother. Nice to meet you.”
“Oh~ I see. But, how did you suddenly appear there?”
“Hahaha. This grandpa’s feet are quite fast.”
Rohakan introduced himself to Allen, then he whispered to Epherene.
—Pretend that we’re close. You know, we haven’t even seen each other in a while.
“Ha. Haha, yes… that’s right. Grandfather.”
“Ah! Then I’m in your way! I’ll get going first~. Have a good time~!”
Allen hurried inside the tower, and Epherene waved goodbye with a bitter smile.
Tap-
Rohakan put his hand on Epherene’s shoulder.
“Ah, that was surprising. Why are you here this time?”
Then, Rohakan’s expression grew serious.
“…I came to talk about a demon named ‘Voice.’”
*****
The atmosphere of the Imperial Palace wasn’t growing poorer these days due to the conflict between Sophien and her subjects. As the Emperor’s trainer, I only visited every other week, but even I could feel the atmosphere.
“I know it, too.”
Sophien answered my concerns as we sat together in her room. She was dressed in her royal robes today.
“I can hear your thoughts churning from here. They’re so bothersome.”
Maybe it was because she was too lazy to choose her clothes, or perhaps this was also a display of political stance. Regardless, it was commendable how her clothes changed every time I saw her.
“Hm? Are you mesmerized by this beauty?”
Sophien wore a confident smile.
“That robe is wonderful. It suits you well.”
“Hmph. You’re honest. Anyway, don’t talk about my subjects in front of me. My blood pressure is already rising.”
“Yes, I understand.”
Sophien snapped her fingers like she remembered something.
“Ah. I heard rumors that you have a disciple.”
“You mean Epherene?”
“I don’t know her name, but I’m curious. A Professor as picky as you found a disciple?”
“I’ll introduce her to you some time.”
“…”
Sophien faltered like a video that was cut off briefly, no more than 0.1 seconds. A second later, a sly smile crept over her face.
“Deculein, I just went somewhere just now.”
“Somewhere?”
“Yeah. Your voice led me to that place.”
“…Towards the Voice.”
I knew immediately. The Voice, the demon that marked the middle of the main quest. If the Demon’s Mirror wished to become a world, this Voice was the world itself.
“How long have you been there?”
“Hahaha. Deculein, we think alike.”
Sophien laughed. Then, her tone switched, and she began to analyze what she had seen.
“This guy must be a high-grade demon. But I saw him at a glance and could tell he’s not yet complete. I stayed there for about five minutes.”
“Five minutes in the Voice’s world… are you sure about the time?”
“More than sure, I have a perfect biological clock.”
I nodded. The Voice had its world, entered by hearing someone speaking. When you enter the Voice’s world, your connection with the existing world will be cut off. Fortunately, five minutes was still in the safe zone.
“I didn’t even have an identity there. No, I pretended that I didn’t. They probably know my face.”
“Is that so? I’ll make preparations. Don’t worry, Your Majesty.”
“…Hmm. You’re worried, aren’t you?”
Sophien narrowed her eyes, but I answered lightly.
“It’s just my duty as your subject.”
“No matter how much I think about it, it seems that it’s more than that….”
The Emperor waved her royal robe. Then, she took something out from under her desk: a sparkling box.
“Take this, Deculein.”
“…”
It was a sudden gift. I looked at Sophien without saying a word. She smirked.
“What are you looking at? You’re not opening it?”
“Then.”
I opened it to reveal a luxurious glass bottle inside. The liquid inside the bottle shone brilliantly.
──「 The Dragon’s Soul 」──
◆Information
: A miracle drug-infused with the soul of a dragon
◆Category
: Treasure ⊃ Consumable
◆Special Effect
: Mana increases by 300 when consumed.
: Helps the body circulate mana smoothly.
────────
After checking the information through [Vision], I was speechless for a moment. It was a treasure that increased mana by 300 and even improved mana circulation, thus recovery speed.
[Side Quest: Emperor’s Staff Sergeant.]
◆Complete: Receive more than one gift from the Emperor.
◆Store Currency +1
As a bonus, he also earned store currency.
“…”
I felt good. It had been a while since I felt this way, so I was confused but touched. I slowly glanced up at Sophien.
“It’s one of the items offered by the family and kingdom. It’s from the principality of Yuren.”
“Is that so?”
“That’s right. These treasures have been taken by those fucking bastards. Perhaps, this was the key to curing my illness before.”
I spent a moment thinking, intending to choose the best words. It was a treasure that was too perfect to create worldly desires even within this otherwise fastidious personality. It was also necessary for me that there be no side effects.
“Your royal-“
“It’s immeasurable, so don’t say such things. I hate empty words the most. Just take it with you.”
“…Yes.”
I put it away. Then, I looked to the Snow Globe on the desk.
“By the way, has Keiron still not returned yet?”
“He’ll be back soon. Don’t worry.”
“…”
I nodded as I picked up my pen again. It was time to resume class.
“Of course, the next rune.”
However, Sophien changed the subject, arching a brow with dissatisfaction.
“You’re going to the Northern region this winter, right?”
“Yes.”
“You could meet Julie there.”
“…”
I did not answer. Sophien flapped her royal robe again, causing it to cascade down around her.
“You don’t want to talk about it, huh. Then, what about this? I discovered a more interesting game than chess in the eastern archipelago.”
“How about playing with the runes?”
“Shut up. As you know, it’s mostly a draw when we play chess.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“But this one is different.”
Sophien took out a woodblock from under the drawer. There was a grid pattern on the surface and a small drawer on the side containing black and white stones.
“It’s the game of go. There are usually no draws. But, there’s not a lot of people who know about it yet.”
“I see.”
“I find this interesting these days. I’m thinking of making this the national sport.”
“Sure, whatever Your Majesty desires. In the first place, a national sport is Your Majesty’s favorite game, isn’t it?”
I already knew of go. Of course, my knowledge wasn’t deep, but the difference between ‘know’ and ‘does not know’ was the difference between heaven and earth, especially for my mind. What I saw at least once remained in my consciousness, and if it remained there, it was possible to pull it out using [Understanding].
I remember watching the match between AlphaGo and Lee Se Dol.
“This is how you do it…”
Sophien, excited, explained this and that. The concept of home, the question of
existence. I didn’t think she was familiar with the rune language yet, and she was now fully immersed in the game of go, but…
“…So bothersome. You should get going now, too.”
In the end, this was the outcome. I feigned a smile.
“Yes, I’ll come back after I investigate and try this game of go.”
“Hmph. What are you going to do? You don’t know anything because you didn’t listen. Playing is fun, but it’s boring because there’s no one to play with.”
“I’m here, Your Majesty. It’ll be different after two weeks.”
“You can’t master it in two weeks, Deculein. Your arrogance is the only thing reaching the sky.”
Sophien waved her royal robe for the last time and laid down in her seat.
“Go away. You’re bothersome.”
“Yes.”
I stood. While I was moving backward in a display of courtesy, Sophien spoke again.
“By the way, there are many treasures offered outside. Take whatever you want.”
“…?”
I didn’t understand what Sophien meant. Was this also part of her suspiciousness? Or was she just trying to take care of her subject? Either way, it wasn’t polite to refuse Her Majesty’s gift.
“Yes, thank you.”
“…”
Sophien fiddled with the stones silently. Her brusque image, for some reason, looked lonely today.