207
Swallows
In front of the white pagoda, there was a long line of wizards wearing white robes.
They were all waiting for someone with stern faces.
Gulp-.
One of them, Don Hoffman, swallowed and looked around.
Even though it was a solemn day for the succession ceremony of the Matapju, the atmosphere was so heavy for one reason.
Shocking news that shook the White Tower this morning-.
“···Are you saying everything is really gone?”
Donhoffman, the wizard of the white tower, asked the man next to him in the quietest voice possible.
His colleague, Belong, who had been fiddling with his sideburns, nodded his head quickly.
Since he was such a talkative guy, it seemed like he was just waiting to be asked a question.
“···I heard clearly from my superiors. They say that nearly eight people have disappeared!”
Belong whispered in his characteristically Busan voice.
‘Eight people… What a waste of time…’
Don Hoffman muttered like that, but he straightened his posture for no reason.
‘Were Swallows that kind of person?’
It was Don Hoffman who had attended Swallows’ lectures before.
The Swallows that Don Hoffman remembers were just crazy people who were crazy about magic.
Although he was a sinister figure, to the point that strange rumors circulated about him, he was not the kind of person who would clear away all my positions and sit on the throne of the devil.
Everyone was staring at the entrance with fearful yet longing eyes.
There were various factions in the White Tower. Before entering, it seemed to be the most academic tower among the towers, but once you entered, it was just a slightly less academic tower.
There was a dirty water fight going on underneath.
It was public knowledge that Babat, the next Lord of the Tower, had killed the previous Lord of the Tower, Gromwellbeth.
There was even a story that Babat himself had spoken about it.
In such a place, Swallows, who was perverted but purely devoted to magic, suddenly appeared and took over, so the young magicians couldn’t help but be amazed.
“There’s also a research paper on those who are loved by Mana, and they even succeeded in transplanting a magic circle. That alone is a sufficient achievement.”
I nodded to Belung’s excited muttering.
Then suddenly, a question occurred to me.
“But you were transplanting a magic circle, right? How did you handle it?”
At a time when many wizards were disappearing, Swallows was carrying out a magic circle transplant.
That was an obvious fact. How could such Swallows deal with wizards?
“You, this is really a secret······.”
Belung, who had been looking around exaggeratedly, approached quietly. His face was wrinkled by the thick smell of sweat, but his curiosity was even greater.
“What is it?”
“There’s a story that the Eastern ruler Baron Pulpouts, who came with the Swallows, took care of everything. You knew he was hanging out with the heads before, right? He went out with Baron Pulpouts before he disappeared!”
Belung whispered, repeatedly placing his index finger to his lips as if it were a real secret.
Donhoffman could swear that the bastard had spoken to more than ten people.
‘······The Baron is the ruler of the East?’
Don Hoffman’s eyebrows furrowed even more. No matter how ordinary the East may be, how could the Baron be the ruler?
“You, have you ever wondered how the Baron is the ruler?”
As if reading my mind, Belung asked in a ticklish voice.
“That’s why it’s even more frightening. In a place where there are counts and marquises, a baron who is no different from a lowly person is the ruler. Can you guess what kind of person he is?”
Belon’s voice grew deeper. Donhoffman, who had been imagining things along with him, swallowed hard.
“I heard that there are thirty women who raise dragons in the back mountain and can’t control their overflowing energy! On top of that, they have the power to defeat four knights on their own, so they consider it humiliating to be escorted by them-! They say that anyone who approaches them will have their head torn off along with their body! Pfft!”
Belong explained in a bloody manner, even spitting.
Don Hoffman shook his head at the mention of the dragon.
“A dragon…! When was the last time the empire caught all the dragons! You have to start talking sense.”
“I’m telling you, you’ve seen that fierce face! That big, troll-like body!”
Belong said, pounding my chest.
“That’s right. I heard that too. The parents are trolls. Just look at their appearance! It’s obvious!”
The guy who had been quietly standing next to me suddenly chimed in and added a word.
“No, the parents are dragons. The dragon on the mountain behind is its mother-.”
Then the guy on the other side intervened, and the conversation got louder and louder.
Whenever one guy starts talking, the other guy, as if he can’t lose, starts talking even more shockingly.
In the end, in the end···.
“So, Baron Fullfoot is actually a dragon-troll born from the forbidden love of a dragon and a troll, and he has a concubine in the famous Kirton Mountains behind him? No. They are definitely his parents······.”
Don Hoffman, who was cleaning him up, furrowed his brow.
“Anyway, you’re quite a man. The King of the East. Is it okay for you to have such a crazy nickname?”
‘Wasn’t he a ruler, not a king?’
Donhoffman scratched his head at someone’s muttering.
At that moment, the door opened.
Through the open door came out a crowd of heavy-hipped elders.
A look of urgency appeared on the elders’ wrinkled faces.
Well, that can’t be helped.
Until now, no one has ever cleared the net above me in one night and sat on the top of the tower.
It was terrifying to imagine what would happen the moment I fell out of favor with such a devilish person.
A man slowly walked out along the path created by the elders scattering about.
That face with all of its hair swept back-.
‘···There really is no devil!’
Red pupils, sunken eyelids, and deep shadows. It was an appearance more suited to a warlock than a wizard.
Even though he was not satisfied with his current position as the top of the tower, his wrinkled face clearly showed his unquenchable greed.
Even those who had been awkwardly seated in that murderous atmosphere straightened their posture and bowed their heads deeply.
“Congratulations on your rise to the top!”
In the midst of trembling, frightened praise-.
‘What is this······.’
Swallows desperately strained his eyes to fight off the drowsiness that was creeping in.
***
‘···What on earth is going on?’
Swallows had a hard time coming to their senses.
Transplanting the magic circle was a task that required a high level of concentration. Swallows had been working on it for over a day without any sleep.
I’m so tired that I’d collapse if I closed my eyes right now, and now I have to go to the succession ceremony all of a sudden.
He even claims to be the owner of the magic tower.
I couldn’t refuse him.
Because the opponent was the emperor.
Additionally, by climbing the tower, you will be able to gather the resources needed for the upcoming second transplant.
For his sake, I had to climb up to the top of the tower.
Although he had buried it deep in his heart, Swallows also once dreamed of becoming a magician.
‘But all the guys on Babat’s side disappeared… Clearly, Aaron did something.’
The image of Aaron leading the wizards away came to mind.
If they were missing, Aaron must have done something.
I should have noticed it when I saw that strange smile, but it seemed like he was too absorbed in the magic circle transplant.
‘I said I would take care of the rest···.’
Now I understand why his incomprehensible monologue felt so cold.
Aaron, who actually did the work, was nowhere to be seen.
I was frustrated because the situation was unfolding so quickly and I had no idea what was going on.
As I was walking, muttering, I soon found myself in front of the palace.
I staggered for a moment under the pressure of the long line of imperial knights, but when I came to my senses, they were already waiting for me.
When I came to my senses again-.
““Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-!!””
He was climbing up onto the stage amidst cheers from the crowd.
The spacious palace was packed with people.
Swallows had never seen so many people before.
The heat and cheers they gave off were so heavy that it was almost suffocating.
Only then did the Swallows realize clearly.
‘I’m really becoming a magician.’
Huh-. Swallows’ breath came out in a long gasp as if someone had grabbed his throat.
If you’ve never dreamed of a rooftop terrace, you’re lying.
We are human because we have greed.
I’ve imagined it many times when I was young.
The one who climbed to the top of the magic tower, the magic tower pillar.
However, the Magic Tower, which was considered the epitome of learning, was different from what Swallows had thought.
The amount of alcohol was more important than the depth of the magic.
That line was more important than the research results.
Of course, not all of them were like that.
There were some who shared the same ideals as the Swallows, but eventually they grew tired of it and left or were influenced by them.
Although they were disheartened by such a dirty reality, Swallows had come to the Magic Tower because they loved magic. It was clear that the Magic Tower was a better environment for studying magic than the outside.
Still, I had dreams sometimes.
Imagine yourself becoming a magic tower master and really turning the magic tower into a magic tower…
I did, though.
“Swallows forward.”
Swallows turned their heads at the calm voice.
An old man, adorned with all sorts of decorations, nodded his head.
A slender man stood quietly next to him.
It was clear who the man wearing the magnificent robe that seemed to be adorned with gold was.
‘······Crown Prince!’
The heavy Swallows’ spirits flashed.
Swallows ran out in a hurry, fell to the ground, and hit his head.
Then the emperor started talking and talking and talking.
In this way, Swallows became the lord of the White Tower.
Swallows cried for the first time in a long time since he killed his parents.
However, tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to the Crown Prince’s next words.
“Now, let me show everyone a cool magic trick.”
The crown prince pointed to the crowd and gave an order.
The crowd cheered loudly for him.
The heat of the crowd pouring down made the Swallows flutter violently.
“···My order is very unusual, Your Majesty.”
Swallows spoke as cautiously as possible.
The crown prince nodded to him.
Swallows took a deep breath and looked back.
The excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd completely burned away the heavy fatigue of the Swallows.
I don’t know why, but it suddenly became a white marble top.
Swallows slowly opened and closed his hands.
Then, I took a deep breath and maintained my composure.
This might be a dream.
No, it was most likely a dream.
All such thoughts were put on the back burner.
As the guy said, I just focused on what was in front of me.
Magic to be shown to those gathered.
Swallows slowly recalled the magic he was thinking of.
Magic was pain to him.
When I first entered the Magic Tower, the magic I had been exposed to was caused by the brutal violence I had endured while claiming to be creating magic.
That is why magic was pain and abuse to him.
Then, when he faced his parents dying in poverty, magic was the medicine that eased their suffering.
The nobleman I encountered on my way back from burying my parents.
At that time, magic was a weapon that could punish nobles who hoarded food and threw it away.
Regardless of status, he couldn’t help but be completely absorbed in the magic that was expressed solely through earnest desire.
So I’ve walked that path until now.
Although he had a brilliant mind and his efforts were unparalleled, he was not worthy of being called a genius.
Although he didn’t have much mana, he loved magic.
I could guarantee that.
He loved magic.
That’s why I had the foolish and reckless idea of giving Vivian’s heart to Kanna, and I almost put it into action.
There was only one reason why he did such a dangerous thing.
‘Equality-. I want equality.’
I knew that perfect equality was impossible.
However, I wanted a world where the horrible thing of hoarding food for the sake of dignity next to someone starving to death and then throwing it away because you couldn’t eat it didn’t happen.
Swallows moved his hands slowly.
Mana began to move according to his clear will.
A terrible pain came over him.
However, it was less painful than strangling my parents.
Aaron, it was just physical pain, just like the bastard said.
Swallows now endured the pain they had become accustomed to and poured all their desires into Mana.
Mana moved actively in response.
Blood gushed from his lips, which he had chewed in agony, but Swallows did not stop.
Because the image of the guy advancing through the flames was still vivid.
Magic slowly began to take shape along his hands.
There was no burning heat, no freezing cold, no piercing lightning, no knife-sharp wind.
If Aaron had seen it, he would have said it was useless, but-.
There was something in it that made the viewer’s mouth drop open.
Everyone just looked up blankly, unable to even express their admiration.
‘Just one more step.’
Swallows felt a little regret.
I think it would be perfect if I just added one more thing…
However, the Swallows’ limit was three at a time.
If you have one more available here…
Swallows, who had been pondering for a moment, twirled his fingers as if he were swallowing a sword.
After a while, a small mana moved-.
A deep pain that was incomparable to anything before came over me.
However, it was impossible to break the concentration of the Swallows, who had already reached their limit.
Eventually, the will of the Swallows took perfect shape.
A huge blue magic circle rose above the Swallows.
The background was a large, round blue circle, and inside that were layers of blue circles. Between each circle, instead of words, there were pictures drawn.
It was in the form of a magic circle, but it wasn’t a magic circle.
Unlike the general magic circles that were made up of difficult letters that only wizards could read, this one was made up of pictures of the essence of each letter.
It was just a magic circle with an explanation of magic in it.
It was a magic circle drawn so simply that even an ignorant person who couldn’t read could understand it.
It was the result of struggling with the stupid and idiotic Young-ae for nearly half a year.
It was a door that, as Swallows wished, anyone who desperately wanted to could use magic to enter, regardless of their status or ability to read or write.
Of course, seeing this wouldn’t make someone who doesn’t know magic aware, but if an ignorant person were to become aware of magic through earnest desire-.
It was about planting a path that could be followed.
The people gathered there were shocked for different reasons.
The magicians who had reached the realm of magic were astonished by the magic circle of the Swallows.
Because I knew very well the power that words had in the magic circle.
I knew very well how difficult it would be to transform such a magic circle into an easy drawing that the ignorant could understand.
No, there was no reason to do that in the first place.
And those who did not know about magic were dumbfounded by the concept of magic.
Moreover, the moment I saw it, I felt so emotional that I almost cried.
All those who had been so noisy became quiet.
A heavy silence fell-.
In the meantime, Swallows, who had made up his own entirely, smiled brightly.
When everyone was amazed by the appearance that exuded the aura of a great wizard-.
“Squeak···.”
Swallows fell down with a small groan.
***
“What a great wizard.”
The five elders gave a dry exclamation.
‘That’s amazing. It’s just a fancy magic.’
I clicked my tongue as I watched Kuabarou being dragged away by the imperial knights.
“Take a good look at the structure. I heard you haven’t gotten a map of the newly built palace yet.”
“······I’ll get it soon.”
The five elders answered sharply.
‘The palace has become more solid.’
Not long after it had collapsed in an unexpected accident, a grander and more splendid palace was built.
“It seems like the number of imperial knights has increased somewhat?”
The five elders nodded to my question.
Clearly, the border has been strengthened compared to before.
‘It’s faster than I thought.’
Isn’t it proper manners to do something three times?
I scratched my cheek irritably.
“What do you plan to do?”
The five elders asked quietly.
His face was stiff, as if he was nervous.
I clicked my tongue at the bastard’s question and tapped the handle of the knife.
“Brothers? No, the first one?”
The most important thing was first.
If he wasn’t there, we would have to breach the palace by force, which would be tantamount to suicide.
The best thing to do was to sneak inside while holding hands with the eldest, just like last time.
‘Did I bother you for nothing last time?’
Although I had some regrets, the Demon King’s resignation was absolutely necessary.
I couldn’t work with guys who showed an inadequate attitude, so I had to hit them in the butt one by one.
‘It’s a great undertaking···.’
I smiled bitterly as I looked at the five eldest sons with strangely burdensome eyes.
They knew my goal was to either destroy the empire or decapitate the emperor like they did-.
The reason I came to the capital and caused this trouble was to find Avery, who was hiding in the basement of the palace.
Of course, I planned to cause some chaos in the palace and the capital to clear up the mess, but that was a secondary matter to me.
There was also the matter of meeting the master of the sword, but meeting him right away was not a good option.
I had to take some of his power out before that.
That was the job of the bones.
“There is a meeting scheduled for this evening at the same place we met that time.”
The fifth eldest son answered with a somewhat uncomfortable voice.
“Are you sending a carriage like that time?”
The five elders nodded. They turned their gaze to him.
Among the imperial knights lined up behind the podium, there were three who wore particularly splendid armor.
I looked at the first one in the middle and wiggled my fingers.
Just then, a rather splendid and shocking succession ceremony ended.
I left the palace, mingling with the crowd that moved like an angry wave.
‘There’s only one week left.’
He snapped his fingers, looking at the distant palace.
I’ve roughly memorized the structure.
It was more solid than before, but as it was a human affair, there were still some gaps.
‘It’s worth doing.’
I looked up at the sky while muttering like that.
It was clear without a single cloud, let alone rain.
***
thud.
As we returned to the annex of Kuabarou, Kanna immediately did a body-slam.
Kanna’s eyes were half-closed, as if she had woken up from a nap, and her cheeks were swollen. It seemed like staying up all night had been difficult.
“Thank you for your hard work.”
As I pressed its round head, the child nodded repeatedly.
“You’re here?!”
After that, Park Daegari suddenly appeared.
‘Your complexion has improved.’
Of course, it had been bright and unfiltered before, but now the smile was more natural and lively. It was a live fish.
“Everyone said it would be hard and difficult, but it was successful! Transplanting the magic circle requires reading the flow accurately and calculating the changes that will occur later.”
Kanna quickly began to brag. Her voice was somewhat muffled, perhaps due to sleep, but her pronunciation was clear.
“That’s right! The genius was totally awesome!”
Park Daegari smiled brightly and praised Kanna like that.
Kanna, with a smug expression on her face, lifted her chin and grinned like a gladiator who had won a duel.
I smiled slightly at him and looked at Park’s head. It certainly seemed like his condition had improved compared to before, but-.
‘···He’s become a gangster.’
The magic circle revealed on Park Daegari’s wrist was quite ominous.
However, the appearance of the giant’s head, which made it look like luxurious silk, gave it a mysterious rather than sinister feel.
Moreover, the magic circle was so elaborate that it was difficult to understand, and it seemed that there was a story behind the tattoos that filled it all.
“Isn’t it pretty?! Kanna drew it!”
Park Dae-gari, who felt my gaze, lowered his neck.
It was an exhibitionism that I had become quite accustomed to, but I blinked at the magic circle drawn near the heart.
“Especially! Here! This is where Kanna put the most effort!”
The voice of the strangely pointy head of a park-.
Where that pale finger was pointing -.
I was holding up my thumb.
The unimaginable sight gave me a headache.
Even though he was plotting to overturn the empire and destroy the palace, his once sane head screamed in an instant.
I blankly looked at Kanna.
Kanna, with an extremely proud expression, looked up at me with sparkling eyes as if she was asking for praise.
Only then did I realize.
‘······The crop failed.’
I covered my face with my hands.
“Especially here! Aaron’s eyes are in the perfect spot-!”
Park Daegari’s sharp voice kept stabbing me.
“Everyone says I’m a total genius! If it weren’t for me, I wouldn’t have been able to do it! It’s so good that it’s been recorded in a magic book and delivered to the palace library.”
Kanna, who was very excited, kept poking my thigh with her finger.
Of course, Kanna must have had her reasons.
The symbol or something that Kuobarou had mentioned flashed through his mind, but the ominous image easily erased it from his mind.
“My distribution has completely increased since Swallows became the top lord! They even said that I would become the youngest top lord later on!”
“Yeah! Aaron, look at this! There’s Aaron here! Aaron! On my chest! Here!!! He’s there!”
In the midst of all that noise-.
‘This is really fucked up.’
I just covered my face.
***
Phew-.
Brighton took a deep breath and readjusted his Bible.
There was a large white door in front of him.
Brighton came here at the Pope’s call.
To calm myself down, I said a short prayer and grabbed the doorknob.
As I opened the door, a small chapel appeared.
The shabby chapel, with its wood-smelling odor, looked like something you would find in a small castle.
It was completely unbecoming of the high office of Pope.
“It’s been a while.”
It suited the easygoing old man very well.
Brighton bowed his head deeply as he looked at the Pope, who looked older than before.
“I called you because I wanted to worship you. The worship services these days are just so chaotic.”
Brighton laughed bitterly at the Pope’s words.
The Bible in his hand was heavy, but how could a priest refuse a request for worship?
Brighton headed to the stage without hesitation.
The Pope’s low chuckle filled the chapel.
Then, without hesitation, he opened the Bible and began to read slowly.
He didn’t know why the Pope had requested a service and why he would read the Bible he had personally revised in front of him, but he didn’t worry about it.
Brighton’s strong voice continued to shake the chapel.
Even though it must have been quite boring, the Pope listened intently without even closing his eyes.
Soon the short service ended.
Brighton closed the Bible, controlling his slightly excited breathing.
“I figured it out.”
The Pope’s meaningful mutterings reminded Brighton that he was in the presence of the Pope.
“What are you talking about?”
Brighton looked straight at the Pope and asked.
The Pope put his fist to my forehead.
After a moment of silence, the Pope opened his wrinkled mouth.
“God is dead.”
Brighton held fast to his Bible as the Pope spoke.
The Pope was already bringing up the topic he wanted to ask.
“You look like you have a lot to ask.”
Kkeuk kkeuk-. Brighton nodded at the Pope’s soft laugh.
Then the Pope began to cough violently. He coughed so hard that blood was spraying from his mouth.
Brighton was horrified at the sight of blood spewing from the Pope’s mouth.
Because the color was very black.
“Surprised?”
The Pope asked, wiping the blood from his hands, but Brighton had no answer.
“You shouldn’t be so surprised already. There are still so many things left to be surprised about.”
Brighton simply held on to the Bible more firmly, resisting the temptation to wander from his habitual search for God.
“For example, the identity of the god that the religious order believes in is-.”
Beep-.
Suddenly my tinnitus got worse.
My mind wandered and my body shook precariously for a moment.
Brighton held the Bible and prayed.
“Wearing the shell of a god-.”
Before the Pope could finish his speech, Brighton fell forward.
“···That he’s a baby tiger.”
The Pope clicked his tongue as he looked at the fallen Brighton.
“This isn’t going to work out this way.”
Perhaps he was unconsciously becoming impatient, thinking that the end was near.
The Pope, who had laughed bitterly, raised his heavy body.
The Pope’s body was so old that by the time he sat Brighton down on the chair, his whole body was covered in sweat.
“Anyway, these days… Back in my day, we got by on a single piece of bread. Tsk.”
The Pope grumbled and looked at Brighton’s stunned face.
Thick eyebrows that seem completely uncompromising, and a long, beaked nose with a deep, sunken nose bridge.
There was no particular reason why I chose Brighton.
[Your Holiness! I heard you were late for the dawn service again. As the highest ranking clergyman, you must set an example······.]
It was because he was a terrible person who even nagged the Pope.
The Pope smiled as he recalled that day.
How dumbfounded I was when I was pointed at by a young, greenhorn who was nothing more than an archbishop.
The Pope took out the holy relics that he had kept for a long time and put them in Brighton’s pocket.
It was something he had kept before he knelt before the Emperor and received the Devil’s Handprint, when he had straight, unwavering eyes like that wicked man.
“You must not compromise.”
The Pope gave advice to a wicked man who resembled himself in his younger days.
And then he turned his gaze to the paper placed on one side.
It had the words ‘Dismissal Request List’ written in bold letters there.
The Pope chuckled at the thickness.
I already knew that the church was rotten to the core.
No, it was a religious sect that was wrong from the beginning.
‘Even so, they are going to excommunicate a third of the people.’
The Pope, who had been laughing in vain at that, shook his head.
If you’re on the list to be excommunicated from this rotten place, you’re probably the right person.
‘At least a third remains.’
The Pope, who was laughing, stamped his symbol at the very bottom.
Old wine had to be thrown away, and new wine had to be put into new bottles.
“It’s a coronation. Eating my own child again···.”
It was a perfect place to throw away rotten liquor.
