206
lightning rod
‘Ahem···.’
Red-haired Cooper Highman looked around and let out a sigh.
‘Half of them are new faces.’
Among the five towers, there were two new characters.
It is not uncommon for the top of the tower to change, but it has happened recently in succession. This was a clear trend.
‘Is a new wind blowing?’
Cooperhayman clicked his tongue at the fact that he had become an old tree.
Also, what I dislike the most is-.
“Thank you for responding to my urgent call.”
The thing was that that young guy with blue hair always acted like he was the center.
Cooper Heimann glanced away.
The green tower was grumbling.
As the Green Tower Elf was an elf who survived among human wizards, he was particularly sensitive to age.
Seeing the green tower, which should have been turned over long ago, stop at the grumbling line, it seemed like the green tower was caught by the gray tower.
‘···Did you say Hans?’
Cooperheyman glared at the man, fiddling with his cane.
“Hello, everyone. I am Babat, the Lord of the White Tower.”
Then another young man spoke up.
Although his voice was powerful and booming, it couldn’t hide the slight trembling.
‘What is the devil talking about…. He hasn’t even received the succession ceremony yet.’
It was ridiculous. There has been a saying among magicians since ancient times.
Since ancient times, the Magic Tower could not be sure who would become the Magic Tower Lord until the succession ceremony. Only after the succession ceremony was held could the Magic Tower Lord become the Magic Tower Lord.
The Magic Tower was a place where only the most select wizards who were honest about their desires gathered.
It wasn’t at all strange no matter what happened or where.
Just like those two green-eyed young guys now-.
‘···Natural death? Even a passing dog would laugh.’
Both of the former magicians were old, but still in good health.
What are the chances that two of those magicians will die of natural causes at around the same time?
However, they were not close enough to interfere with the affairs of other magic towers. They were on good terms as magicians.
I just made a resolution to be more vigilant about my subordinates.
“Hello? Where on earth did this bald idiot come from to speak informally to me-.”
“Hehe, hold on to the green magic wand. It’s your first time here, so you probably made a mistake.”
At the green-topped stare, Cooperheyman pretended to stop him.
Then the face of the man who introduced himself as the White Tower Master became pale.
‘This white tower is really not that great.’
Cooper Highman exchanged glances with the green top.
Perhaps sensing the returning atmosphere, the white-topped man bit his lip.
“Just stop there.”
Then Hans spoke softly.
The tense atmosphere suddenly eased.
‘···I’ve completely taken control.’
Cooper Heimann muttered softly.
The Red Tower also received help from Hans several times. When he came to his senses, it was already too late.
Seeing that the other magic towers had also become quiet, it seemed like the situation was similar.
“We are thinking of transplanting a magic circle!”
The white-topped guy who had been grumbling alone suddenly shouted.
Cooper Heimann clicked his tongue at the contents.
“Magic circle transplant? Wasn’t that forbidden a long time ago?”
The green tower tower asked a question mixed with doubt.
As the Green Tower says, magic circle transplantation was banned a long time ago.
No, rather than a ban, it would be more correct to view it as a taboo among wizards.
They say human greed is endless, but the desires of magicians are even deeper.
The wizard’s biggest weakness was his spells and their speed. The magic circle was the wizard’s struggle to offset that.
However, there was an obvious drawback in that the magic circle was fixed.
If one could engrave such a magic circle onto one’s body, its uses would certainly be limitless.
For that reason, there was once a trend of tattooing magic circles on one’s body.
However, the trend did not last long.
The timing was different, but all the guys who had carved the magic circle were blown up.
“After all, aren’t you all scared? Since ancient times, development starts with courage.”
As if reading the changed atmosphere, the white-haired man began to chatter.
I didn’t like the cocky look, but the story about tattooing a magic circle on one’s body certainly intrigued me.
“You will know about those who are loved by Mana.”
Cooperheymann nodded, glancing sideways at Hans.
The reason why that guy Hans was revealed right away was because of the research results from the one who was loved by Mana.
“There is a big drawback to those who are loved by mana. They collapse from the overflowing mana. But what if you could carve a magic circle and spread the overflowing mana to the surroundings-?”
The haughty man snapped his fingers.
“···It must be a walking magic tower.”
Cooperheyman answered without knowing it.
If the amount of mana is so overwhelming that it causes the body to collapse, then the amount would be enormous.
If you spread that kind of mana around, you could think of it as a walking magic tower.
“Ahem.”
Cooper Highman coughed slightly at the sight of the green tower.
“But isn’t the magic circle dangerous?”
The blue top hat asked tremblingly.
“We are the white tower.”
His answer was full of pride.
‘You’re talking about that here-.’
Cooperheyman shook his head at the blue guy’s shallowness.
It seemed like he still didn’t know much about the ecology of the magic towers.
“I’m interested, too.”
Hans, who had been expressionless until now, smiled for the first time.
The other magicians quickly exchanged glances at him.
***
“You look tired.”
Kuobarou looked at me with uneasy eyes and asked.
“Because the bed is uncomfortable.”
I answered with a long yawn.
“That bed is the one I used in my room. It’s very expensive, starting from relieving fatigue and circulating blood, to automatically returning mana······.”
He waved his hand at Kuobarou, who was giving a long explanation in a fit of anger. He seemed upset that Kuobarou had stolen his bed.
“Okay, what about Youngae?”
At my question, Kuabarou took a deep breath.
“···They said that Babat must show results before the succession ceremony.”
I nodded at the bastard’s answer. Babat’s stubbornness was beyond imagination.
Or was there a reason why the white tower had to show performance?
Even though I gave him quite a lot of gold coins, he never changed his mind.
Rather, they went so far as to threaten to immediately stop the research if results were not shown by then.
Still, thanks to the smooth speech of Baron Fullfoot, who had become friendly with him, a compromise was reached.
“That’s why we decided to split it into two parts.”
“It’s not a bad idea. Vivian doesn’t have enough patience to do it all at once… But even so, time is of the essence.”
I clicked my tongue at the dark shadows in Kuabarou’s eyes.
Anyway, this was the best we could do. Killing them right away could have been worse.
Besides, there is no such thing as a perfect situation in the world.
“At least give them enough support…. Those who don’t even do anything can be so lively….”
Kuabarou cursed softly and grabbed the magic book again.
‘Lack of support-.’
There were a lot of wizards around, but it seemed like they wouldn’t give out the expensive materials.
“I can get through the first round, but at this rate, the second round… Ugh… I can’t understand why they’re sparing money on such valuable research.”
After coming to the magic tower, Kuabarou had become much more talkative. The tips of his fingers as he turned the pages of the magic book trembled slightly.
I furrowed my eyebrows without realizing it at the careful touch.
“Focus on what’s in front of you. The second stage can only happen if the first stage is successful.”
As I said that, the guy looked at me with subtle eyes.
It was a reaction you might expect to see if you received advice from a passing dog.
“And you could be the master of the tower. Then you could use the resources as you wish.”
The guy’s eyes widened at my muttering.
The guy who had been licking his lips for a moment shook his head.
According to him, the magic circle transplant was divided into two parts, and the second part was the hardest, but the first part seemed easy.
Judging from the reactions of the other wizards, it seemed like it would be easy for Kkwobarou and Kanna, but it seemed okay since he was confident enough.
I tapped my fingers to collect my thoughts.
Things were complicated and my head was spinning, but it was an extension of what was to come.
‘If we make this into a magic tower, we can reach that magic tower union.’
The noble alliance or the rebels could move through their brothers, but there was no ties to the Magic Tower Alliance.
If Kkwobarou becomes the leader of the magic tower, he will be able to connect with them as well.
“The first transplant will be easy. It’s just about setting the background and frame, so there’s no chance of it exploding… The problem is the second transplant. In order to meet the deadline by then, we need to invest more….”
Despite his clear answer, Kuo Baorou tried to move on to worrying about the future.
I clicked my tongue and hit the bastard on the head.
Then the bastard grabbed my head and glared at me. His crumpled eyes became clear.
“Just get through today safely. I’ll take care of the rest.”
“······treatment?”
I wiggled my fingers in response to the bastard’s question.
“If you tell me in advance, it won’t be a surprise.”
The bastard opened his mouth for a moment and then shook his head.
“It’s time.”
The guy said, closing the magic book.
Then I also got up from my seat.
The luxurious tunic covering her body was quite thick.
“If you fail.”
I didn’t bother to talk behind his back.
“I am a Swallows. There is no way I can fail.”
Kuobarou, with his usual confident expression, carefully stroked the magic book.
I frowned at the guy who couldn’t tell the time and place.
***
“This way, Baron Fullfoot.”
Bababa saw me and smiled brightly and waved.
I approached him with a gait as if I were a nobleman.
The place we arrived at after following the guy was a room overlooking the transplant site.
Below, wizards were moving around busily. This was where the first magic circle transplant was taking place.
As I said, the room was neatly organized with only the necessities left.
“I will do my best, so don’t worry.”
Those who hadn’t shown up for a while were bragging with greasy faces.
I released the strength in my fist and laughed heartily, patting the guys on the shoulder.
I glanced around.
Everyone was looking at me with expectant eyes.
‘It’s well cooked.’
How many gold coins have you scattered among them? In addition, the White Tower’s attention was completely focused on the magic circle transplant.
It was a perfect time to harvest the gold coins that had been sown.
I took a deep breath and inflated my body.
“If I succeed today, I’ll shoot big, so everyone can look forward to it.”
As I spoke like a nobleman who was proud and patted his chest, the look in their eyes changed. It was as if there was meat right in front of them.
“Haha, I’m quite excited when the Eastern loser, Baron Fullputs, makes such a promise!”
Bababa’s eyes were quite dazzling.
‘You asked.’
I looked at the bastard and smiled.
This time it wasn’t a fake laugh.
The power of the gold was so great that the baron of the eastern frontier, Pulpouts, had become the ruler of the eastern part of the country. Of course, my bluff played a part in that.
There are stories that Baron Fullfoot would catch and ride a dragon on the mountain behind his house while exercising, and that he was called the King of Mating because of his overflowing stamina.
Baron Fullfoot was popular because he was good at telling provocative stories that appealed to men’s desires and also spent a lot of money.
At that moment, it became noisy down there.
Park Dae-gari was coming in.
“You are truly beautiful.”
“Oh my god, how could you······ with a face like this.”
Heartfelt exclamations of admiration erupted from all sides.
It was a pure admiration, like looking at a work of art, not some vulgar, contemptuous thing.
Park Daegari smiled brightly and waved his hand. I nodded like a blunt father.
Park tilted his head and shook his hand again more vigorously. It seemed as if he thought I hadn’t seen him.
He sat that big head down on a huge chair with Kanna in the center.
As Park Daegari’s face hardened, Kanna grabbed Park Daegari’s hand and nodded repeatedly.
Park Daegari laughed out loud again-.
The door opened and Kua Bao Rou appeared.
He was wrapped in green cloth and was wearing gloves.
“I really can’t understand Swallows. What kind of costume is that….”
The people around him secretly made fun of Kkwobarou.
How could uncivilized people understand surgical gowns?
Kanna held out a stick to Kuabarou. It was a pointed object that looked like a tattoo tool, and as always, it looked like me.
“I was bored with just the top, so I made some magic tools too!”
I laughed heartily again at the gaze directed towards me.
“I will now begin transplanting the magic circle.”
At that moment, Kuo Bao Rou announced the start in a firm voice.
That Kuabarou’s face was more stiff than usual.
In the center was a huge chair with Park’s head on it, and next to him were Kua Ba Rou and Kanna.
The rest of the wizards stood behind him, looking down at him with tense faces.
The head of the park in the center felt like it was ascending the altar. The rest of the guys were also wearing white robes over their heads.
Kkwobarou moved a stick that looked like a pen. Kanna stayed next to him and guided him with her finger.
The atmosphere of concentration to the point of not being able to breathe continued.
The wizards watching from behind were staggering, but Kanna and Kuabarou did not move at all.
At that moment, one of the wizards next to him coughed loudly.
Then Swallows’ hand twisted slightly. Kanna looked up with sharp eyes. Kanna’s small hand was clenched into a fist.
“Everyone get out!!”
Guo Baorou, who looked back nervously, shouted. Guo Baorou’s eyes were red, like a vampire’s, with burst blood vessels.
“Ahem. That guy is known for being sensitive···.”
Bababa clicked his tongue with a displeased expression.
“If I lose focus, I might explode. This is a task that requires extreme concentration.”
After speaking briefly, Kuo Bao Rou turned his head towards Park Dae-gari again.
He looked around and saw pale men squirming about.
“Didn’t they say that if someone loved by Mana goes berserk, a castle would be blown away?”
As the commotion grew louder, Bababa’s expression also changed.
Bababa, whose face looked thoughtful for a moment, nodded and opened his mouth.
“I think it’s stable enough now, so I think it would be a good idea to go out and celebrate today’s achievements.”
Bababa looked at me and spoke slyly. There was a hint of fear on his face.
At his words, the others stood up one by one. They looked like they wanted to run out right away.
Still, there were a few who were sitting there.
I can’t believe I watched it even though I knew it might explode.
I clicked my tongue and looked down again.
Kwabarou, who was moving his hands busily while sweating profusely, Kanna assisting him, and even Park Daegari, who was biting his lips as if enduring pain.
Everyone was working hard.
Now it was my turn to work.
“Okay, let’s leave the sensitive teacher behind and go and comfort each other! I’ve prepared a really, really good place for you, so you can look forward to it!”
I swung my fists roughly and made exaggerated assertions.
Then, the guys who had done nothing quickly followed behind with tired expressions.
And yet there were those who sat down-.
“Oh my, if one of them is missing, it’s over. How could a man leave his comrade behind?”
As I shouted, the other guys forcibly dragged the rest out.
As I stepped outside, the cold air tickled my cheeks.
“Are you really saying you made a reservation at dusk? That’s a difficult place for me too······.”
Bababa asked with heated eyes.
It was worth it. Twilight was one of the most famous bars in the capital.
Twilight was a high-class bar that was recognized just by going there because it thoroughly selected its customers.
No, it was more like a social gathering place rather than a bar.
In fact, it was the rebels’ largest stronghold.
I asked the five eldest sons for a bar where people could be treated quietly, and this was the place they told me about.
I put my arms around the guys on both sides with the most sly expression I could muster. The flabby flesh of the wizards was quite dirty, but I tried to hold it in.
“Who am I? Am I the master of the East, Pulphuts?”
Their eyes grew wide.
I looked up and stared into the extremely fancy bar.
A building made of splendid marble, as if it had been taken from an art gallery. Its exterior was covered in shining magical tools.
It looked like a very bright and luxurious light bulb.
As I approached him, a well-dressed employee approached me.
“It is an honor to have you visit. Your Majesty the Fullfoot, I will show you around.”
There were five elders with deeply sunken eyes.
***
The plan, as always, was simple and leisurely.
It was like taking them to a fancy bar, making them drink a lot of expensive alcohol, and then cleaning up after them.
There were quite a few gaps in between, but the original plan was to be flexible so that it would be easier to deal with unexpected situations.
The five eldest sons obediently joined my plan. The bastard simply nodded, saying, ‘Cleaning up blood is a common occurrence.’
After I declared my candidacy for the Demon King, I became a bit more docile. Thanks to that, I think I understand why people want to be king.
‘There are quite a few troops stationed here.’
I looked around the bar and stuck out my tongue.
The security was tighter than that of most high-ranking nobles’ mansions.
There were several layers of people who looked like knights guarding the area around the door, and between them, there were people who looked like employees walking around without any problem.
Judging by their stride and size, they were clearly knights.
‘At least twelve? More than that, I guess.’
Considering that a baron could have up to four knights, you could see how many knights there were.
Plus, the level of training wasn’t bad.
I followed the five elders, memorizing their positions and gaits by eye.
‘I guess I’ll have to break some money.’
As soon as I entered, I clicked my tongue at the huge chandelier that I saw.
The chandelier was filled with sparkling jewels, all sharp at the tips. It looked like it would sting a lot if you got caught under it.
‘The rebels opened a bar like this in the capital.’
There must have been a Frederick Guild behind it, but there was no trace of it anywhere.
I was just guessing.
There was a woman sitting on a long red carpet, and her face looked quite familiar. It was Lotteria.
“Baron Fullfoot, it is an honor to meet you.”
The voice of Lotteria that clung to me was full of sincerity.
The eyes of the magicians looking at me grew wide at her amazing acting.
“They are important people, so they should be treated with the utmost respect.”
I laughed heartily and turned Lotteria aside.
Lotteria smiled coquettishly.
The faces of the wizards who saw him turned pale.
It seemed like there wasn’t anyone here who was fumbling around with magic books.
“The entire building is enchanted. It’s not a high-level magic circle, but it’s not a low-level magic circle. I don’t think it’ll break even if a troll hits it.”
“Well, looking at it closely, it seems to have something to do with fire resistance. It’s probably to prepare for unexpected situations.”
Since the appearance of Lotteria, magicians have been competing with each other to tell each other about it.
I climbed the stairs, remembering their conversation. The stairs were also covered with cloth, so it seemed like no one would make a sound if they fell.
It’s red so even if it gets blood on it, it won’t show.
‘That’s practical.’
“There are stairs in such a fancy bar. Elevator prices have gotten a lot cheaper these days.”
The wizards’ opinions seemed to differ from mine.
The room we arrived at after following Lotteria was as splendid as the palace.
Food and drinks filled to the brim. And then there are the beauties greeting each other warmly.
‘You’re a swordsman.’
The women’s slightly exposed legs were excessively firm, and their slanted postures clearly indicated that they were carrying weapons hidden inside.
The wizards went back to their seats, grinning happily. There were even some who fought among themselves.
“Don’t drink too much, it’s the succession ceremony tomorrow.”
Bababa, who was surprisingly calm, spoke quietly.
The expression on the face of the person who said that also slightly relaxed.
‘It’s going smoothly.’
I nodded at the five elders standing on one side.
For once, the plan was going smoothly.
Soon there will be a magical drink that is fragrant and sweet as honey, but actually makes even trolls drunk.
You can just drink it and deal with the guys who pass out easily.
However, as is always the case with anything I do, a problem arose.
The very first problem that occurred was-.
“Excuse me… I wish that person would come….”
The wizard, who looked quite dapper, pointed out the five eldest sons with a shy expression.
In that moment, all the women stopped moving, and Lotteria hurriedly got up from her seat. Even the music that was playing stopped.
“He is a man destined for great things. Can’t we welcome him immediately?”
I looked at the five eldest sons with shit-eating faces and giggled.
The guy who glared at me for a moment bit his lips and moved very slowly.
The music started flowing again.
It went by more leisurely than I thought.
The next problem that occurred was-.
The point was that Baba Baba didn’t eat or drink.
“Why aren’t you eating? Is it not good? My bastards!!”
I jumped up and slammed my fist on the table.
The food and drinks on top shook violently, and the women caught him without a care.
“I have to be careful because I have a succession ceremony tomorrow.”
Bababa, who had become quite friendly with them, answered lightly.
It was a place where mixing alcohol with water was a daily routine. But then suddenly they banned drinking-.
‘···This kid is so unnecessarily sincere.’
I squinted at the unexpected variable.
The man who said that sipped from my fancy water bottle.
‘I can’t believe me?
I clicked my tongue at that truly rude guy.
“This is too bad! I came here thinking of my Bababa! You should have a drink! This is not alcohol, but my sincerity and love! Love!”
I raised my voice as if I was drunk and pushed the glass towards me. The brown liquor in the transparent glass sloshed.
The bastard’s face hardened at the obvious annoyance.
The atmosphere became tense in an instant. The other wizards also lowered their hands.
Except for the one sitting next to the five eldest sons.
“This is a congratulatory drink! It’s a congratulatory drink for our daughter’s successful recovery. How can you not accept it? If you keep rejecting my sincerity! You’re saying I’m a gangster!”
I shook the glass again.
The overflowing brown liquor soaked my hands.
Drumroll. The music was getting louder and louder.
The others stopped what they were doing and turned their attention this way.
“Let’s have a drink.”
He pushed the glass towards me with a serious face.
At this point, it’s worth drinking.
“I don’t like it.”
The bastard’s eyes actually narrowed.
‘What’s wrong with this kid? Does he have any bad memories?’
While the other guys were getting perms, he was being overly cautious.
It was a great habit to have in the Middle Ages, but it didn’t appeal to me very much.
I clicked my tongue in the tense atmosphere and sat back down.
I don’t think he has obsessive compulsive disorder or anything, he just doesn’t seem like he’ll get over it.
‘I guess I’ll have to change my plans.’
It was okay because I always made plans with plenty of time.
Plus, I have quick reflexes, so I was able to correct it right away.
And Plan B was a bit rough.
“You disregard my sincerity!!”
He shouted and overturned the table, making it look like a drunken aristocrat’s riot.
Pieces of meat and bread crumbs floating in the air-.
The glasses were slowly tipping over and the brown wine was slowly spilling.
And the wizards who still can’t figure out what’s going on are laughing.
Women with sunken eyes and five rich men.
I hid behind the table and drew my sword. Kkangg-. The cheap sword revealed itself with a rather unpleasant sound.
I pushed the table with my left hand and held the sword in reverse with my right hand. Then, when I pressed the table, I saw the guy with a bewildered face.
‘How clumsy.’
The guy just opened his eyes wide and didn’t recite any spells.
By then, I was already aiming at the guy.
He stabbed the sword in with its weight intact.
Boom!
‘Madogukun. You deadly bastard.’
He muttered a curse at the resistance he felt in his hand and struck the back of the sword handle with his left hand.
Kyaang-!
The transparent barrier broke with a loud noise.
“This fucking·········.”
He waved his hand hurriedly. A dazzling bracelet was revealed beneath his loose robe.
Then, a hot heat spread out from him-.
He bit his lip to brace himself for the impact and thrust his sword in.
A fireball from the guy’s bracelet struck my sword.
The stinging sensation momentarily disturbed me.
The sword was lodged next to the guy’s neck.
My face, reflected in the guy’s eyes that were wide as if they were going to burst, was expressionless like an executioner.
The man who had let out a small gasp shook his bracelet again.
‘How many magic tools···.’
Fireballs shot out from the guy one after another.
He was a rich guy, more than I expected.
Or maybe you didn’t put the gold you received from me into the magic tower, but used it for your own safety.
‘개새끼, 그새 현물화를 해?’
My hands became more careful, trying to avoid the precious magic tool.
Through that gap, the guy took out his cane.
“My shield is the strength of my heart.”
The boy quickly recited the spell in a trembling voice.
It was quite hot, but bearable.
I twisted my wrist as I looked at him.
Woodduck-.
The sofa split with a dull thud as the sword moved towards the guy.
Feathers burst from the sofa and scattered like snow.
Kwaang-.
Finally, the sword struck the transparent membrane.
“Eww!”
A sour smell filled the air along with a sharp scream.
‘This is really tricky.’
It was somewhat difficult to control the force without causing erosion.
It’s so powerful that it’s actually difficult.
It took some time for a funny reason.
“Hit. Shout. I will punish you. I will punish you!”
The guy shouted in a trembling voice.
A series of piercing lights poured out from the guy as if he had become a ball of lightning.
He was a better fighter than I expected.
A shock greater than when I plugged chopsticks into an outlet shook my whole body.
However, he did not put down the sword.
That was enough.
“I knew you had an ulterior motive! Baron Fullfoot! I’ve bragged about you to so many people around me-.”
The eyes of the guy looking at me sparkled.
“Thank you very much.”
I answered curtly and twisted my wrist.
Uduk-.
The shiny guy split in two.
“How-.”
The head of the falling guy was throbbing.
“This is a lightning rod. You idiot.”
I answered, straightening my messy hair.
‘As expected, it’s easy for a wizard to come out.’
He nodded, smashing the head of the fallen guy and making it burst.
When I turned my head, the situation was over.
The women were no longer laughing as before, and the magicians were still laughing, though lifeless.
The walls on both sides were completely open thanks to the lightning that had spread out.
The view below was spectacular, and it was quite a sight.
The cold wind blowing cooled the heat of my body.
“Well, the results are good.”
I laughed, brushing the flesh off my feet.
The five eldest sons, who had not been stained with a drop of blood, wrinkled their noses.
After that, the women were cleaning up, and they were more skilled at pouring the drinks than at doing so.
I crouched down and carefully removed the magic tool from the bastard’s corpse.
It was so stiff that I had to cut a few pieces.
***
‘It was a success.’
Swallows let out a deep breath of relief.
In front of him, Vivian was sleeping soundly, covered in a magic circle.
‘Mana is flowing smoothly.’
The typhoon-like flow of mana seemed to flow in one direction, unlike before.
The first hurdle was successfully overcome by forming Tae.
Of course, there are still huge hurdles ahead, but as Aaron said, we’ve gotten over the close ones.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
Kanna nodded with sleepy eyes.
The Swallows smiled softly at him.
If it weren’t for Kanna’s help, I wouldn’t have even gotten past the first round. No, I wouldn’t have even thought of carving the magic circle in the first place.
Kanna was already a genius, but when Vivian’s life was at stake, her genius became even more extraordinary.
‘The magic circle looks a bit odd, but···.’
Swallows glanced at the magic circle engraved on Vivian and turned his head. When life is at stake, what does shape matter?
Kanna looked around, checking Vivian’s condition.
It seemed like he was looking for Aaron.
Just then, the door opened and other guys came in.
‘In this state, I have to please that bastard… This is…’
“That sucks.” Swallows muttered, just like Aaron, and shook his head in surprise.
Still, since the succession ceremony will be held soon, I can just give a brief report.
Thinking so, Swallows took off his green cloth. Then, a terrible smell of sweat filled the air.
“Those… Swallows?”
The one who actually approached was the elder who had been looking at the Swallows with suspicion. Babat was nowhere to be seen.
‘You went first. You obviously thought you’d succeed.’
Swallows quickly figured out the situation. If that’s the case, then they can take a break and then report back.
Swallows frowned at the elder who was awkwardly smiling and handing him his robe, unlike usual.
It was a very ornate white robe. One side was engraved with the white coat of arms of the Matap, so it was clear that the robe belonged to the Matap Lord.
Swallows couldn’t understand why he was offering the robe to him.
“First, you go to the succession ceremony. It’s urgent.”
The elder, with sweat dripping from his forehead, spoke urgently.
[Surprise-.]
It seemed as if Aaron’s sly voice could be heard.
