The Magician Who Was Constantly Called Incompetent Is Actually the Strongest in the World, but Was Imprisoned and Didn’t Realize It Volume 1 Chapter 4

Someone’s voice—perhaps everyone’s—slipped out in unison. Confusion rippled through the crowd, soon swirling into a vortex of awe.

Cheers erupted, filling the air with thunderous celebration.

Shouts of disbelief rang out, and wide-eyed onlookers stood frozen in shock.

Gradually, the clamor settled, though the feverish excitement lingered undimmed.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore… How… Huh?”

“No way… Everyone’s wounds are gone…”

“What kind of magic was that…?”

Not only the healed but also the onlookers on the street stared in wide-eyed astonishment.

The one most stunned by this was the female healer who had previously attempted to use healing magic on Ars.

“No way… Those were fatal wounds… To heal injuries like that—it’s nothing short of a miracle.”

Everyone gazed at Ars with eyes brimming with admiration and reverence, but he merely shrugged.

“Lord Ars, you’re incredible!” 

Banz clapped Ars on the shoulder, his face a whirlwind of emotions.

He didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or bow in gratitude.

Overwhelmed with a torrent of feelings, Banz’s shoulders trembled as he broke into sobs.

The others reacted much the same.

No—those who understood the mysteries of magic displayed even stronger responses.

Julia, Karen—who had been weeping moments ago—and Elsa stood frozen, mouths agape.

They looked as though their souls had left their bodies, standing utterly still.

“Gretia! Gretia!”

Michida scooped Gretia into her arms.

Her body was fully restored, not a single scar remaining. Even more astonishingly, the melted clothes that had fused to her skin were inexplicably returned to their original state.

“Gretia, please open your eyes!”

As if responding to Michida’s desperate plea, Gretia’s eyes fluttered open slightly.

Though her gaze was unfocused, she seemed to recognize the voice.

“…Michi-nee, are you okay?”

Gretia managed a faint smile, and Michida clutched her tightly.

“You idiot… You’re the one who protected me.”

“I’m just glad you’re okay, Michi-nee…”

With that, Gretia let out a relieved breath and was about to close her eyes again when she suddenly jolted upright.

“The baby!”

Gretia’s eyes widened as she stared at Michida, frantically patting her broad shoulders.

“Michi-nee! Where’s Kizu?!”

“Right—if you’re here, where’s the kid? You didn’t bring her with you, did you?”

Banz, the father, sniffled as he looked around anxiously.

At their questions, Michida hung her head.

“I’m sorry. I’m a failure as a mother. The "Shtede Guild" took Kizu.”

That reminded Ars of something.

Michida’s wounds had been healed by his magic, but before that, he’d noticed the marks on her—one arm bore a deep gash from a blade, her head was bloodied, and her face was covered in countless cuts. 

Though Gretia had shielded her from the magical blast, Michida’s injuries stood out as different—strange and distinct. They were likely the result of her struggling to protect her stolen infant, fighting back against her attackers.

“…What? Why would they take Kizu?!”

“I-I don’t know! Even if you ask me…”

“No, you’re right… Sorry.”

Michida began to cry, and Banz, his face etched with pain, wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

Ars turned his gaze away from them, then realized something felt off.

“…Hey, Karen, where’s Julia?”

She’d been nearby just a moment ago, but now she was nowhere to be seen.

“Huh?”

Karen wiped her tears, stood up, and scanned the surroundings.

“This is bad. She might’ve gone to "The Shtede Guild".”

Turning at the sound of a voice, they saw Elsa waving a hand, two pieces of paper pinched between her fingertips.

“It seems the "Shtede Guild" deliberately left a letter for us. I think Lady Julia read it… Yeah, this is clearly a trap.”

“If that weren’t the case, they wouldn’t have attacked so brazenly… So, where is this "Shtede Guild"?”

“It was the third largest city on the northern continent a thousand years ago. It was destroyed in a war between the gods and the Demon Emperor. Now, the Earth Empire claims sovereignty over it.”

“In other words, it’s a trap—but since Julia’s already gone, we can’t just ignore it.”

“Exactly.”

“We could file a complaint with the Magic Association, but…”

Karen crossed her arms, her expression troubled as she let out a low hum.

The Magic Association did, in principle, assert that nations weren’t allowed to interfere.

However, Elsa shook her head in disagreement.

“The Magic Association probably won’t intervene. The enemy is the "Shtede Guild". This is a conflict between guilds, so it’s unlikely they’ll recognize it as national interference.”

“Then we’ll have to face them head-on. What does the letter say?”

Karen glanced at the paper in Elsa’s hand.

“It says that if Princess Julia doesn’t come to the specified location, the baby will die.”

Elsa spoke in a hushed tone to keep Banz and the others from overhearing.

“Ugh… With something like that written, of course Big Sis would rush off alone.”

“Because she’s a kind person… There’s also a letter addressed to Lord Ars.”

The second letter appeared to be meant for Ars.

Ars stared at the paper Elsa handed him.

“…If you don’t mind, would you like me to read it for you?”

Elsa offered with an apologetic look.

“No, it’s fine.”

She might have assumed Ars was illiterate, but even during his confinement, his mother had done her best to teach him.

After her death, he could only review what he’d already learned, but…

Since escaping, he hadn’t encountered any trouble with reading that affected his daily life.

“I see… Please forgive my rude assumption.”

“Don’t worry about it. If there’s a word I don’t understand, I’ll ask you to explain it.”

“Of course, I’ll gladly help anytime. Feel free to ask me anything.”

Ars began reading the letter Elsa had given him.

In summary, it accused him of the crime of stealing Princess Julia and demanded that he come alone to the border. It also mentioned that when Julia fled the royal capital, the soldiers of the Virte Kingdom tasked with guarding her seemed to have been taken hostage as well.

After learning the contents, Karen groaned, her face etched with difficulty.

“Two places at once, huh…”

“With our current numbers, it’s going to be tough to handle.”

They couldn’t abandon the baby, but they also wanted to rescue the Virte Kingdom soldiers.

However, a single misstep could mean losing both.

It was a agonizing choice, but they were laboring under a misunderstanding.

“I’ll head to the border,” Ars declared.

At his words, all eyes turned to him.

Everyone looked shocked, though Ars couldn’t fathom why they wore such expressions.

“They specifically called me out, after all.”

They might have misunderstood due to the Virte soldiers being held hostage, but the letter named Ars, not Julia.

Moreover, the handwriting was familiar. Waiting at the border was undoubtedly his father, Orpheus.

“This feels like my problem dragged Julia and the others into it.”

“That’s not true—”

Ars raised a hand to cut her off.

“Besides, there’s something bothering me. Leave the border to me.”

There had to be someone behind Orpheus—someone who’d instructed him to write that letter.

If he abandoned the Virte soldiers, it could strain his relationship with Julia and the others.

But if he didn’t, he might just catch that person.

Orpheus wasn’t clever enough to devise such a cunning plan where every outcome worked in his favor.

Ars could sense someone else’s intent woven into the letter.

“I’ll send a few Schüler with you. Don’t push yourself—if it gets dangerous, retreat.”

“No need, Karen. I can handle it alone.”

“Ars-san, are you sure you’ll be alright?”

Elsa gazed at him with calm eyes that seemed to pierce through to his soul.

If this had nothing to do with his father, Ars might have ignored it. But considering what lay ahead, he wanted to settle things here and now.

“If it gets too rough, I’ll come running back.”

“Ars-san, if there’s anything you’d like—anything at all—just say it…”

“Since Elsa’s offering, how about we all take a bath together once this is resolved peacefully?”

“That’s not what I meant… I was talking about supplies or anything you might need—no… fine. Let’s bathe together when you return.”

“As an apology for everything so far, I’ll scrub every inch of you myself.”

“…Do as you please.”

Elsa let out a sigh of resignation, while Karen offered no objection, only a wry smile.

“More than worrying about me, you should be cautious of the "Shtede Guild".”

“Got it. But we’ll deal with them quickly and come to back you up. Look forward to it.”

“With that confidence, I feel reassured. I’ll be counting on it. I’m off, then.”

Ars waved over his shoulder as he disappeared into the town.

Karen watched him until he melted into the crowd, then suddenly recalled something.

(I remember Sis saying she made a promise with Ars…)

According to Julia, it was a significant promise made under a sky full of stars.

She’d said with delight that it was the first time in her life she’d exchanged such a vow with someone.

Though Karen thought the promise carried too much weight, it felt very much like Julia’s style.

(That’s why Sis went alone, isn’t it?)

Since Julia had read the letter, she might have hoped Karen and the others would assist Ars. Or perhaps she intended to take down the "Shtede Guild" single-handedly before joining him.

Karen didn’t think her sister had made a foolish choice. She didn’t see it as reckless.

—Julia was simply that strong.

(That said, Sis and Ars are so alike. They didn’t have to say things like that.)

Karen reflected on her earlier conversation with Ars.

He’d claimed he’d dragged everyone into his mess, but no one took it seriously.

By helping the captive Julia escape, Ars had been branded a criminal and called out.

It was the result of his resolve, his decision, his determination.

Some might hear that and think it truly was his responsibility.

Ars might have meant it that way too, but Karen wanted to challenge that notion.

Of course, if her sister Julia were here, she’d surely feel the same.

Even if this was the outcome, the process leading to it couldn’t be overlooked.

Along the path to this result, so many had been saved by him.

(How can we ever repay him… If only I could be as straightforward as Sis.)

Julia had said she wanted to fulfill all of Ars’s wishes.

Did she have that same resolve? How did she truly see him?

Yet when he’d suggested they bathe together, she hadn’t refused.

What was this feeling? With so much happening, she hadn’t had time to sort through her emotions.

One thing she could say for certain: amid her tangled feelings, there was no trace of aversion.

(There’s really no helping it. This debt of gratitude is already too vast to repay.)

Traveling with Ars had taught her that he wasn’t the type to seek rewards.

As for the bath, there was no ulterior motive—he likely just wanted to share a soak with close friends.

Money might be another way to repay him, but Ars didn’t seem driven by material desires; she doubted it would make him particularly happy.

(Hmm, though… maybe treating him to some roadside grilled chicken skewers would satisfy him…)

While Karen didn’t intend to brush him off lightly, she decided to set the matter aside for now. Given the current situation, she felt no amount of pondering would yield an answer.

Snapping herself out of her thoughts, Karen gave her cheeks a light slap to refocus, then spoke with a sharpened expression.

“Elsa, are you ready?”

“Yes, we can depart anytime.”

“Good—then let’s move out.”

With her resolve declared, all twenty-four Schüler stood in unison.

“I’ve already used the "Transmission" spell to instruct the members who aren’t here to gather at Shurea’s north gate,” Elsa reported.

“That’s enough. If they can’t make it in time, we’ll go with who we have now.”

“What about the injured—those healed by Lord Ars’s magic…?”

Elsa’s words came out hesitantly, a rare occurrence for her.

Normally decisive, she’d make judgments without needing to ask. 

Though Karen wasn’t sure what caused Elsa’s uncertainty, she replied clearly.

“Is that even a question? Of course they stay behind. Their stamina hasn’t recovered yet, right?”

“No, um… I’m not entirely sure what’s going on, but it seems there’s no issue.”

“Huh?”

Karen let out a dumbfounded noise and turned her gaze toward the formerly injured group.

They appeared intent on joining, each clutching their weapons.

“Let’s crush the "Shtede Guild" and then go help Lord Ars!”

“If they dare harm a single hair on Lord Ars’s head, I’ll annihilate the Earth Empire!”

“For Lord Ars, I’d fight to my last breath!”

Their fervor and determination were unmistakable—they were brimming with energy.

“Everyone, once we rescue little Kizu, let’s rush to Lord Ars’s side!” 

Even Gretia, who had nearly crossed into death’s domain, radiated a fierce killing intent, her face set with resolve.

More than that, an almost unapproachable zeal emanated from them.

It was as if stepping into that fervor would mean no turning back—a dangerous atmosphere hung in the air.

“…If we tell them they can’t come, it’s going to be a hassle.”

“Rather than wasting time convincing them, it’d be better to just bring them along.”

“By the way, what’s with calling him ‘Lord’? Are those girls really addressing Ars like that?”

“I don’t think Lord Ars’s magic has any brainwashing effects… but they’re probably enchanted. While we couldn’t see it directly, those who received the healing seem to have felt it deeply.”

“Ah… Well, I guess that’s unavoidable…”

It was understandable that witnessing such magic could turn people into devotees.

Especially for those directly involved—man or woman—they’d likely become infatuated with Ars.

Like a miracle, he had pulled the dying back from the brink of death.

Any mage, without exception, would naturally look up to him with admiration.

“I’ve never seen magic like that before. At any rate… it’s clearly beyond the realm of [Hearing], right?”

“You’re absolutely right. He’s very likely reached the stage of "Celestial Dominion".”

"Celestial Dominion"—a realm of "Awakening" that only a handful of mages could ever hope to achieve.

It was the pinnacle every mage aspired to reach.

“Those who perfect their gifts—thus named Transcendents, all etched into the annals of history…”

“If that’s the case, his extraordinary magic makes sense.”

“I thought he was just a quirky boy, but it turns out he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the greats.”

Even tracing back to the age of myths, those who attained "Celestial Dominion" were exceedingly rare.

In modern times, it’s said only three have reached that level.

And those who awaken their gifts to that degree are forever immortalized in history.

Yet Karen believed there was one more who could reach that realm.

“Someday, Sis’s name will be carved alongside those legends too.”

War had broken out between the Virte Kingdom and the Earth Empire.

The disparity in their forces was so vast it was called a one-sided massacre.

But amidst that war, a rumor emerged.

It was said that Julia had annihilated the Earth Empire’s Second Legion.

Karen felt a chill run through her. Not because she couldn’t believe it.

The moment she heard the report, she knew it was Julia’s bad habit at work.

“I almost feel sorry for the "Shtede Guild". No one can stop Sis when she’s angry.”

As a child, Julia had been even wilder than Karen, who was prone to relentless pranks.

Her sensitivity to magic was so acute that she couldn’t fully control her [Light] gift.

Sometimes, it was as if something possessed her—Julia would suddenly vanish, only to return covered in splattered blood. Those days repeated endlessly until one day, Elsa began serving the royal family.

Where had the two met, and what circumstances led them to become master and servant?

Karen didn’t know the details.

Since Julia’s troublesome habits faded after that, there was no need to dwell on it.

(In that sense, Elsa’s quite a mysterious woman too.)

In truth, Karen had a faint suspicion about Elsa’s real identity.

Though she skillfully masked it with magic, the effects became noticeable when her mana ran low.

Perfectionism, a touch of obsession with cleanliness, an air of purity, and a divinely granted beauty.

Putting all these clues together—

“Lady Karen, is something wrong?”

Ars had likely noticed her true identity as well.

After all, he’d seen every inch of her in the bath.

Since Elsa didn’t wish to reveal it, Karen had no intention of prying.

Whatever her reasons, they were part of the same guild—always together, like family.

“No, it’s nothing.”

“Then please give the order.”

Karen gave Elsa a slight nod before turning to the Schüler.

Each one gazed at her with solemn determination in their eyes.

The ruined stronghold fell silent as Karen surveyed what was left of their once-proud base.

“We’re going to take Kizu back and make those fools from the "Shtede Guild" regret ever crossing us. Let them realize who they dared to attack, who they provoked—and let them pay with their lives!”

The enraged members roared with an indescribable fury.

Like wild beasts straining against chains, they were eager for the command to slaughter their enemies.

Unswayed by their fervor, Karen issued her orders calmly.

“No mercy. Crush them utterly.”

Finally, she ran her tongue across her delicate lips, a predatory yet bewitching smirk curling across her face.

“Let’s start this war.”

＊

The sky stretched endlessly blue, unmarred by a single cloud, with only the blazing sun overhead.

Though the weather was fine, an inexplicable unease hung in the air, sending shivers down the spine.

A breeze swept across the plains, rustling the flowers and grass while chilling the skin and sapping warmth from the body.

“Doesn’t it feel unusually cold?”

“It’s not even the season for it to get this chilly… The sun feels brighter than usual too.”

“Could it be the Demon King’s doing? That’s why I hate coming to places like this.”

Though sunset was mere hours away, time seemed frozen—no, there was change, as the sun continued its slow descent westward.

The only constant was the sky itself.

Thus, the soldiers swarming the ground like ants sensed the strange atmosphere, their nerves on edge.

In that moment, the first to notice a shift was Virg.

“What is that…?”

He suddenly felt an odd presence and looked up, spotting a black dot in the sky.

The dot hovered motionless, as if observing them from above.

Virg stared intently at it, and Orpheus approached him.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing… I’m just wondering what that thing up there is.”

“…Isn’t it a bird?”

“It seems too big to be a bird… Well, probably just a magical beast.”

Though Virg suppressed the growing sense of unease within him, as a mage, the restless stirring in his heart refused to fade.

By the time he found his answer, it was already too late.

“Could it be…!?”

A chilling dread crept up Virg’s spine, his body trembling violently.

The unmistakable pressure of magic gripped his insides, fear surging from the depths of his being.

He stared in shock at the torrent of mana unfurling across the sky.

The space warped unnaturally, the sky rippling like waves.

“Prepare attack magic!”

He waved his arms frantically, all traces of his earlier composure gone.

His face was now etched with nothing but panic.

“Deploy defensive magic! The enemy’s coming from above!”

Virg shouted, but the mages of the Earth Empire reacted sluggishly.

Perhaps the assault was so far beyond their reality that they couldn’t yet process it.

No—even now, they couldn’t believe it. Countless eyes stared at Virg in bewilderment.

“Tch, these idiots.”

The mages of the frontier had never witnessed magic of this magnitude.

They’d confined themselves to this backwater, ignorant of the wider world—and this was the limit of those who ceased to grow.

Even knowing this, Virg couldn’t hide his frustration.

A colossal magic circle took shape in the sky, exuding a solemn and majestic aura.

Wild animals, sensing the distant surge of mana, began to flee in droves.

The beasts, ironically, were wiser. The pointless thought crossed Virg’s mind as he realized why the sun hadn’t set and the sky remained so vividly blue. The immense mana clashed with the air, creating an eerie illusion as if time itself had halted.

“What is that… a magic circle?”

Orpheus muttered, dumbfounded.

Unlike the others, he seemed to retain some sense of danger, though he was more captivated by the sudden appearance of the magic circle. It radiated an overwhelming presence, dominating the sky above. Majestic and grand, it was a miracle—no amount of praise could overstate its splendor.

So Orpheus’s reaction wasn’t entirely unreasonable, but this was no time for idle admiration. Virg clicked his tongue, spurred his horse closer to Orpheus, and began his incantation.

“Western Earth Temple, Eastern Sea Temple, Southern Sky Temple, Northern Mountain Temple—the Law of the Four Directions—”

A white magic circle materialized above Virg’s head.

“Encircling the stars—"Astral Barrier".”

The spell activated instantly. Tiny sparks danced around Orpheus and Virg.

A transparent curtain descended, enveloping them from all sides.

In that instant—the world shuddered.

A fierce gust of wind swept through the Earth Empire’s army, but beyond that, nothing seemed to change.

The soldiers stood baffled, their faces blank with confusion.

All eyes, wide with astonishment, turned to the magic circle dominating the sky.

Yet change had occurred. Death was creeping closer, moment by moment.

“Hey, your nose… why’s it bleeding?”

“Huh, what the—!?”

A soldier’s head suddenly exploded into fragments.

The comrade beside him, splattered with brain matter, choked in horror.

Before he could scream, a far more piercing shriek rained down from above.

It was a sound both like a woman’s cry and the agonized howl of a beast.

Everyone clutched their ears, reeling from the sensation of their eardrums being torn apart.

“Hey, hey, hey, this is bad! Hurry up and cast defensive magic! Move it!”

“Y-Yeah, got it! I’m on it!”

Finally grasping the gravity of the situation, the mages of the Earth Empire began deploying defensive magic.

But their judgment came too late—fatally so.

One by one, the soldiers of the Earth Empire bled from every orifice, collapsing lifelessly.

Arms snapped and flew off, legs twisted and shattered. Heads burst open, entrails splattered in all directions.

“Damn it, damn it, what the hell is this!?”

“Hurry up and cast defensive magic! Mages, group together!”

“I know! Stop rushing me!”

“Cast defensive magic for us too!”

“I don’t have mana to waste on incompetents!”

“W-What—!?”

Chaos spread like wildfire, and the once-orderly Earth Empire army crumbled completely.

The battle hadn’t even begun, yet some in the rear were already fleeing.

The empire’s mages lacked focus—perhaps shaken—and many succumbed to their own spells misfiring. From within his defensive barrier, Virg watched the carnage unfold, a hand pressed to his mouth.

“What… what kind of magic is this?”

It was clearly beyond the norm. His mind raced through possibilities—[Space], [Necromancy], [Curse], or [Storm]—but each felt similar yet distinct. Virg had never encountered anything like it.

“So… this must be some secret magic I’ve never known.”

Virg gazed at the sky, narrowing his silver eyes.

“Did I guess right? The "Essence of Magic’s God" has appeared.”

As Virg pondered, death consumed the world before him.

Riders were flung from their horses, their heads or chests crushed under hooves, snuffed out in an instant.

The scene was like overripe fruit being squashed—brain matter sprayed everywhere. Soldiers splattered with gore swung wildly at their allies, while others, vomiting blood, flailed in madness.

“H-Help—!”

“This can’t be real… Defensive mag—!”

“No, no! I don’t want to die, I don’t want to die!?”

Screams rattled Virg’s eardrums, a tragic chorus of the fallen ringing without end.

It resembled a natural disaster, yet against this annihilation magic, there was no countermeasure—only powerlessness. The sole path to survival was to endure silently, resisting nothing until it passed.

It was a veritable storm of death.

The melody of demise played on relentlessly, as if all life on the ground might soon be extinguished.

But all things must end eventually.

The sounds faded, the screams ceased, and only sobs and groans remained.

“…It seems to be over.”

Even as a gentle spring breeze swept across the plain, the hellish tableau before them didn’t fade.

The few Earth Empire soldiers who’d barely survived were likely useless now.

“Ugh… This is horrific.”

Orpheus groaned, clutching his mouth.

Then, from behind them, came the sound of gravel crunching underfoot.

“Hey, you guys were looking for me, right?”

Amid this hellscape, a strikingly clear voice cut through the air.

Drawn by the mysteriously memorable tone, Virg turned around.

“I’m in a hurry. Let’s settle this quickly.”

Eyes of red and black—each distinct—burned with resolute will.

Those gem-like eyes, as clear as his voice, shone like beacons in the darkness.

Though his face still carried traces of youth, in a few years, he’d surely grow into a striking man capable of turning heads on the street. His refined features rivaled even those of an elf.

His demeanor was bold and spirited, his calm confidence radiating the fearless aura of a king.

“Impossible… What is this…? No way…”

His entirely black-clad form was something that, for both mages and elves, should have been an object of dread.

Yet even so… all that escaped Virg’s lips was a sigh of awe.

Too beautiful—for a mage, his existence was sheer perfection.

“So beautiful… Oh, how utterly magnificent.”

Virg pressed his hands to his face, trembling with ecstasy, as if he might gouge out his own eyes in reverence.

He resembled a saint enduring the agony of scorched eyes and face.

He fought desperately to suppress the emotions threatening to erupt.

But he couldn’t quell the blazing passion within, his lips curling into an involuntary smile.

That loathsome pitch-black—a color the world would never accept.

Yet the mana enveloping the boy shimmered as if blessed, radiating a brilliant glow.

“To think… I’d meet him in a place like this!”

Virg’s breaths came in ragged gasps as he clutched his chest, staring intently at the boy.

The refined elven grace he once carried was gone.

His eyes now gleamed with madness, clouded by fervor.

“Ah… Ahh… Yes! Just like the legends! I’ve finally found him!”

When was the last time he’d confirmed it?

“Ahahaha! Found him, found him! Our long-cherished wish has come true at last!”

In this world, there were rare individuals born beloved by mana.

The way he wove the vast mana within him around his body was nothing short of flawless.

“Ah, ahh, ahhh! Oh… Rejoice, "First Apostle"!”

How many years had passed since they’d lost that one?

Despite the Holy Law Church’s exhaustive search, they’d never found him.

There were simply too many incompetents (blacks), and he’d remained elusive.

As time wore on, everyone gave up, and the matter faded into distant memory.

Now, only a handful within the Holy Law Church even knew of it.

That was precisely why Virg couldn’t contain his exhilaration.

“Yes! Yes! He is the Child of Mana—the "Obsidian Star"!”

A rapturous expression bloomed on Virg’s beautiful face, his silver eyes sparkling as if he’d encountered a long-lost lover.

＊

He’d come here specifically to answer their summons, yet no one responded to his words.

Though an elf fixed him with an unnervingly intense gaze, that was all.

Ars surveyed his surroundings again.

Some groaned in pain, others were overwhelmed by the sound, and a few laughed and wept in madness.

Among them were those who, caught in friendly fire, fled desperately over the bodies of their comrades, pursued by flames.

A whirlwind of emotions churned across the battlefield—wails unending, the air thick with a hellish heat.

“I’ll make the first move. Don’t call me underhanded—I’m up against your numbers, after all.”

Ars felt no remorse for creating this carnage.

They were the ones who’d provoked him first, luring him here with malicious tactics.

They’d have to stomach this level of loss.

“I’ll say it again—I’m in a hurry. Let’s wrap this up.”

Some on the Earth Empire’s side were still assessing the situation, but few retained any will to fight.

A single spell had brought their army of ten thousand to the brink of ruin—it was only natural their spirits would break.

“Anyone will do. Let me vent this unquenchable rage.”

The fury and killing intent radiating from Ars surpassed even hatred, the surrounding mana stretched taut to its limit. Yet that momentum was abruptly doused, as if cold water had been thrown over it.

“Could you wait a moment, please?”

“And who are you?”

The elf stepped forward, intercepting Ars.

Ars had been gearing up to unleash his fury, and this interruption sent his mood plummeting further.

Perhaps sensing the shift in atmosphere, the elf spoke hurriedly.

“Forgive my rudeness. I am Virg von Akenfield.”

The man approaching Ars bowed courteously before flashing a bright smile.

“Von…? I’ve heard only members of the Holy Law Church can bear that title.”

“Indeed. I am one of the Ten Holy Celestials under the Holy Law Church—the "Ninth Apostle".”

Ars was mildly surprised to encounter a Holy Celestial in a place like this.

While the Holy Law Church and the Magic Association weren’t outright enemies, they stood in opposition.

There had been a few clashes in the past, but no decisive victor had emerged.

That was because the Holy Law Church boasted the Holy Celestials, whose power rivaled that of a Demon King.

With such formidable strength, the Holy Law Church shared deep ties with the founding of the Earth Empire, fostering a close relationship—one often cited as the reason for the empire’s expansion.

However, the Earth Empire, once cradled like a fledgling under the church’s wing, had recently grown weary of its interference, and relations between the two had chilled considerably.

Even so, for the Holy Law Church to dispatch a Holy Celestial suggested they took this matter very seriously.

“My name is Ars.”

“I know, Lord Ars.”

Elves were typically a proud race, known for their haughty demeanor toward outsiders, yet his attitude was unexpectedly humble and polite.

Orpheus, standing nearby, looked visibly taken aback.

This was likely a rare sight. Ars suspected he might be trying to lower his guard to find an opening, but though Virg appeared to be striving for calm, his heavy breathing betrayed something else—an urgency that almost seemed to urge caution.

“So, what do you want with me?”

“I have a question I’d like to ask—”

“So you’re Ars! You’ve finally shown yourself!”

A burly, muscular man cut Virg off mid-sentence.

For a fleeting moment, Virg’s eyes flashed with murderous intent, though it seemed only Ars noticed.

“And who are you…?”

“I am Albert, the "Fifth Seat" of the Empire’s Five Swords.”

“Oh, the Empire’s Five Swords.”

They were the Earth Empire’s mightiest warriors—five mage-knights who reigned at the pinnacle of its forces.

Following the appearance of a Holy Celestial, now one of the Empire’s Five Swords had emerged as well, underscoring just how seriously they were taking this.

“Sir Albert, can’t you see I’m speaking with Lord Ars?”

Though Virg voiced his displeasure, Albert brushed it off with a snort.

“Hmph, so what? This is imperial territory—you’ll hand that guy over to me.”

While their exact relationship wasn’t clear, their attitudes suggested no fondness between them.

“We’re still within the Magic Association’s domain, aren’t we? Is that wise?”

“They’ll probably grumble a bit. But when it’s the Earth Empire and the Holy Law Church involved, even the Magic Association won’t care what happens to a lone mage.”

“I see. So you’ve thought this through.”

Indeed, the Magic Association wouldn’t risk an all-out conflict with the Holy Law Church over Ars.

“Got it now? Surrender quietly, and you won’t get hurt.”

“It’s a tempting offer, but I’ll have to decline.”

“What can you do alone? I don’t see any allies with you.”

“This should be more than enough. Half of the Earth Empire’s soldiers have already lost their will to fight.”

“They’re just a bunch of incompetents. But I’m different.”

Even after witnessing that earlier magic, Albert hadn’t lost his confidence. His attitude was brash and domineering, but it might just mean he possessed considerable strength.

Behind Albert, Virg whispered something to Orpheus.

“Well then, Sir Albert, if it were Princess Julia of the Virte Kingdom, that’d be one thing. But for our glorious Earth Empire army to go all out against a mere keen-eared commoner? That’d be beneath us.”

Orpheus spoke calmly, finishing with a sigh and a shake of his head.

“It’d be too shameful, so I’ve decided to leave it to Sir Albert.”

Orpheus recited the words as if reading from a script someone had handed him.

Beside him, Virg smiled and nodded in agreement, as if they’d planned it together.

“Lord Orpheus speaks wisely. He’s just a child—going all out would be childish of us.”

Albert glanced around at the devastation, then glared at Virg.

“A child? You’re calling the one who did this a child?”

“Precisely because of that. Any more damage, and it’ll affect the defenses of Count Magenburg’s borderlands. This should’ve been a chance to talk properly with Lord Ars. But it seems Sir Albert alone can’t accept that, so we’ll leave it to you.”

Virg’s smile was syrupy and provocative as he raised his voice.

“Oh, and if you’re feeling uneasy, just say so now. All you need to say is, ‘I’m too scared to face him alone, so please help me.’”

“You filthy elf… Fine, I’ll handle it myself.”

Albert cursed, but Virg brushed it off with an air of indifference.

The hulking Albert hefted his greatsword onto his shoulder and stomped toward Ars with heavy steps.

“Rejoice, kid. I’ll take you on single-handedly.”

“I don’t really get what’s going on with you lot… but I’ll just say thanks for now.”

To Ars’s surprise, Virg—hailed as a Holy Celestial—stepped back from the fight with unexpected ease.

Logically, he must have had some purpose for coming here, yet… even the surviving soldiers seemed visibly confused.

They were just as clueless. This was undoubtedly a sudden shift in strategy.

But it suited Ars perfectly. He didn’t have time to waste tangling with them.

He needed to get to Julia and the others.

“What’s with you, kid? Suddenly acting all polite?”

“Honestly, I’m not confident I could take on this many.”

Ars shrugged, and Albert let out a hearty laugh.

“Haha! Scared, are you, kid?”

“Yeah, maybe I am.”

Ars nodded a few times in agreement.

“If I don’t have time, it’s tough to kill everyone and leave survivors.”

With a mocking snort, a cocky grin spread across Ars’s face.

It was an outrageously arrogant statement, yet no one refuted or ridiculed it.

Even Albert fell silent, while Virg alone squinted with delight.

“The Empire’s Five Swords, huh… Thanks for finally giving me a worthy opponent.”

Ars extended an arm, beckoning with a provocative curl of his fingers.

“This is a perfect chance to test the experience I’ve gained so far. Please, do show me where I stand.”

Ars flashed a fearless, daring smile.

“You little brat—I’ll slaughter you!”

Albert charged, his body radiating fury.

＊

"The Shattered Utopia"—once a thriving metropolis of ancient times.

Now, that scenery was long gone, its former glory buried beneath rubble and ruins.

A lone girl stepped into this weathered relic of history.

“I am Julia, First Princess of the Virte Kingdom.”

Julia’s silver hair fluttered in the wind as she glared at the man perched atop the rubble ahead.

“You’re Kagis, the Lehrer of the "Shtede Guild", aren’t you?”

“That’s right… Wait, don’t tell me you came alone?”

Kagis looked around in surprise, and upon confirming no one else was present, he burst into laughter.

“I see, I see… The princess of the Virte Kingdom’s got some fire in her, huh?”

“So, is little Kizu safe?”

“Oh, she’s perfectly fine.”

Kagis snapped his fingers.

A moment later, an Earth Empire soldier stepped into view, cradling a basket with the infant inside.

“As you can see. But honestly, I’m shocked. I was just wondering how to capture you, and here you are, walking right into the trap like a fool…”

“Happy to save you the trouble. Now, can you hand Kizu back to me?”

At Julia’s words, Kagis rose from the rubble, spreading his arms wide.

“We have just one demand, Princess Julia: come with us.”

As he spoke, figures emerged from the surrounding shadows—not only Schüler of the "Shtede Guild" but also soldiers clad in Earth Empire armor.

“What’s your answer?”

“Why, of course—”

Julia’s lips curled into a bewitching smile.

“—I’ll kill every last one of you.”

“What? What are you saying…? Do you even understand the situation?”

Kagis’s brows furrowed in astonishment as Julia’s demeanor shifted dramatically.

“Oh, didn’t you hear me? Then I’ll say it again.”

Julia drew her longsword from its scabbard.

“I said—go to hell.”

She caressed the blade, glinting in the sunlight.

The motion was so provocative it could stir desire in anyone, regardless of gender.

“Let my sword lavish your neck with affection.”

“Violet-silver eyes, silver hair… They say you’re as beautiful as an angel yet utterly ruthless. Now I see it.”

Kagis seemed to grasp Julia’s true nature in an instant—her essence.

“Looking at your refined appearance, I had my doubts about the rumors of you destroying the Empire’s Second Legion, but…”

The gentle calm once present in Julia’s delicate beauty was gone, replaced by the sharp edge of a cold-blooded enchantress shedding her softness.

“Hmph. No wonder they call you the "White Yaksha".”

“Since you get it, die.”

A faint blue hue began to shimmer across Julia’s alabaster skin.

“Decaying cathedral, turbid comet, unmatched by any, this body unyielding, gazing ahead—”

Her violet-silver eyes brimmed with murderous intent, the killing aura wrapping around her so chilling it sent shivers down the spine.

“Dance—"Lightspeed".”

The moment her incantation concluded, Julia vanished from Kagis’s sight.

In that split second—the Schüler of the "Shtede Guild" erupted into a chorus of screams.

“What!?”

“Watch out—it’s that woman’s magic!”

“What? Where’s she attacking from? Did she skip the chant!?”

“My leg—my leg—!”

With "Lightspeed", Julia massacred her enemies at a speed that looked like she wasn't moving.

Her attacks “light speed” was impossible to track.

Kagis could only desperately chase the sources of the screams.

“Hey, hey… Is this what [Light] magic is like? How am I supposed to deal with this?”

Some lost arms and legs, others died without even realizing it.

Was it a blessing to pass without knowing pain? Or a curse to survive aware of the agony?

Kagis’s comrades were being dragged into the liminal space between life and death.

“Damn it, she can’t keep this up for long! Don’t let her take the baby—fall back!”

Kagis roared, and the soldier guarding the infant retreated.

Around ten soldiers formed a perimeter, but their heads were lopped off one by one.

Even so, those resolute soldiers, prepared to die, formed a human wall with their bodies, narrowly preventing the worst outcome of the baby being reclaimed.

“This won’t do… We need to regroup and devise a counter—”

“Do you think I’d give you that kind of time?”

A disarmingly gentle voice came from behind.

Kagis felt a hand rest softly on his back.

“—I will kill every last one of you—”

That bone-chilling voice sent a shiver of dread through him, his throat tightening with fear.

But in that fleeting moment, he sensed the killing intent radiating from her and leapt away.

“Damn it—ugh!?”

Even so, she severed Kagis’s left arm with unimaginable speed.

“M-My arm… Damn it, what the hell!?”

Kagis clutched his gushing shoulder and whirled to retaliate, but struck only air. Losing his balance, he fell to his knees.

A shadow loomed over him.

“You’re bleeding quite a bit. Here, I’ll give this back.”

With a dull thud, his severed arm—still attached to his shoulder moments ago—landed before him.

“If you’ve got someone who can use recovery magic, they might still reattach it.”

Instinctively, Kagis reached out with his right arm, but he didn’t grasp his left.

—Because a serpent of flame came hurtling toward him.

“What!?”

Kagis leapt back just in time as a wall of fire erupted in front of him.

At the same moment, an explosion rang out nearby. What leapt into his vision was the sight of Earth Empire reinforcements and "Shtede Guild" members collapsing.

And standing before them was—

“So the Virte crew’s here…”

“Ugh, gross. I think I stepped on something weird.”

A strangely cheerful voice caught Kagis’s attention. Following the sound, he saw the wall of flames dissipate, revealing a red-haired girl standing beside Julia.

“What’s this nasty thing… trash?”

The red-haired girl kicked away what was left of Kagis’s arm, now reduced to charred remains.

At that level of damage, even recovery magic wouldn’t be able to reattach it.

Perhaps only the mystical magic of the ancient gods could salvage that limb now.

“Oh, that half-dead guy over there… Sorry, who are you again?”

“…I’m Kagis, Lehrer of the "Shtede Guild".”

“Oh, got it. I’m Karen, Lehrer of the "Virte Guild".”

Karen introduced herself boldly, only for Julia to grab her shoulder.

“Wait a sec. If you’re here, Karen, does that mean Ars is alone?”

“That’s why we can’t waste time. We need to rescue Kizu quick and go help him.”

“Y-You’re right. I might’ve lost my cool a bit too much.”

“That’s your bad habit, Sis. Anyway, we can reflect later—let’s focus on saving Kizu now.”

“Right. I’ll only kill the ones in our way.”

Julia placed a hand on her chest, taking deep breaths to steady herself. Kagis clicked his tongue at the sight.

“Tch, what a bunch of lunatics… You’ll pay for taking my arm.”

“Shut up. You dared to harm my ‘family’—you deserve death.”

Karen glared at him fiercely.

“That’s my line, little girl. Fine then—let’s make this an all-out war!”

Kagis roared defiantly.

“Listen up! Brave soldiers of the empire, elite members of the "Shtede Guild"!”

He drew the sword from his waist and pointed its tip at Julia.

“Don’t falter—charge forward! Show these girls what we’re made of!”

As Kagis issued his command, the Schüler of the "Virte Guild" began gathering around Karen. She looked at them with pride and flashed a grin.

“Ha, perfect! I’ll make you regret this. Everyone, listen up—crush them!”

At Karen’s order, the Schüler in the rear began their chants.

Colorful magic circles sprang up everywhere, their beauty striking even in this grim setting.

No—perhaps it was precisely because of the desolation that the circles shone so vividly and brilliantly.

Karen surveyed the scene and nodded with satisfaction.

“That’s right—channel your anger into your mana. Mages, chant with precision.”

Sensing enemies charging toward her, Karen raised her spear.

“Nine ropes, shattered cage turned iron, between the gaps, fireflies dance—"Pillar of Flame".”

She thrust her spear into the ground, and a crimson pillar of fire erupted with ferocious force.

The "Shtede Guild" members caught in its blaze turned into fireballs, writhing in agony.

That spell served as the signal for the assault—explosions erupted around them, drowning out the screams.

“Looks like we’ve taken care of the ambushers.”

Elsa appeared from somewhere, stepping up beside Karen.

“Well done, Elsa. Good work—you’ve earned it. Now we just need to deal with the Earth Empire bunch.”

Faced with overwhelming firepower, the "Shtede Guild" lost all momentum; no one dared rush forward anymore. But perhaps realizing the dire situation, the Earth Empire mages waiting in the rear began their chants.

“No need to stand there and take it. Elsa, can I leave it to you?”

“They look like C-rank mages. No problem—I’ll wipe them all out.”

Elsa kicked off the ground, her body lifting into the air.

Gripping her bowstring with both hands, she drew three arrows taut to their limit.

With speed too fast to follow, Elsa loosed her shots, the arrows piercing the ground near the feet of the Earth Empire mages.

“Ugh—gah!?”

Several Earth Empire mages flinched, interrupting their chants as their mana spiraled out of control, blasting them away.

Though some maintained focus and kept chanting—

“Isolate the world, surging sand blossoms, flowing clouds and drifting snow, silence the sound, fade the colors, struggle and dissipate—"Great Tundra".”

A frigid air spilled from the arrows embedded in the ground, engulfing the Earth Empire mages.

They froze solid before they could even scream.

“My future husband is waiting. I can’t afford to hold back.”

Landing gracefully, Elsa tapped the ground with her heel, and the frozen mages shattered into pieces. Around her, the Schüler of the "Virte Guild" fought fiercely to rescue the infant. Though the "Shtede Guild" outnumbered them, their skill was far inferior.

“What are…you..doing!? You’re embarrassing yourselves!”

Kagis barked in frustration.

“We outnumber them! Surround them! Surround and kill them!”

＊

“Magnificent… Ah, how beautiful!”

Virg gazed at Ars with an enraptured expression.

Before his eyes unfolded a one-sided thrashing.

Albert of the Empire’s Five Swords faced off against the black-clad Ars in single combat.

For some reason, Ars seemed to be holding back from using magic, yet his mastery of physical combat overwhelmed Albert with finesse.

No—it wasn’t quite martial arts.

His movements lacked the polish of years of disciplined training.

Yet Albert, a veteran forged through countless battles, was being toyed with effortlessly.

Ars exuded a dignity far beyond his years, his natural, unpretentious demeanor utterly captivating.

“Provoking Sir Albert into a duel was the right call. But why was such a prodigy ever confined? Sigh…”

Virg let out a lament tinged with reproach toward Orpheus.

As if crushing Albert’s pride, Ars caught the greatsword with a single hand.

It was a breathtaking display of mana manipulation.

He seemed to anticipate the sword’s trajectory perfectly, focusing his mana and positioning his hand to block the strike.

This wasn’t something just anyone could pull off. Even Virg, a Holy Celestial, would hesitate.

One misstep, and he’d be cleaved in two.

But if successful, there was no greater blow to an opponent’s spirit.

Virg admired the profound technique, clapping in solitary appreciation.

“What a shame. Truly a pity. To witness such exquisite mana control and have no one cheer—humans really are foolish.”

Glancing around, Virg sighed with disdain.

The Earth Empire army was deathly silent.

Their mightiest warrior, the renowned Empire’s Five Swords, was no match at all.

Even Ars’s father, Orpheus, stared at his former son in stunned disbelief.

“On that note, Lord Orpheus, I have a question for you.”

“…What is it?”

Perhaps still unable to accept that this was his son, his eyes were vacant, as if lost in a daydream. Seeing his comical state, Virg felt a flicker of murderous intent but masked it perfectly. Orpheus still had his uses.

“Is his gift really just [Hearing]? Could there be something else?”

“It’s definitely only [Hearing]. Though I can’t explain what’s happening now…”

“I’ve considered the possibility he’s reached "Celestial Dominion", but his ability to wield other magic systems is still baffling. Could his gift not actually be [Hearing]?”

Virg murmured, but Orpheus shook his head in denial.

“Ars is absolutely [Hearing]. And the midwife who diagnosed him was a priestess dispatched by the Holy Law Church.”

“Hm, now that you mention it… that’s true.”

Virg gave a wry smile.

In truth, after learning of Ars’s existence, he had requested the records from that time from the Holy Law Church.

The documentation was meticulous, almost flawless.

From the time of birth to the names of mother and child, and even the gift, it appeared to be an impeccable diagnosis at first glance.

Yet one detail stood out as peculiar.

The identity of the midwife dispatched by the Holy Law Church at the time wasn’t recorded.

Of course, he had asked the church to investigate the name of this “priestess,” but the response he received was…

—Identity Unknown.

When Virg heard this, he couldn’t help but laugh.

It was absurd.

The Holy Law Church, with its meticulous records, should have every detail accounted for.

That meant, without a doubt, the church was deliberately concealing something.

In other words, this was a decision made by those higher up, beyond the reach of even the Ten Holy Celestials.

“Lord Virg, why’d you suddenly go quiet?”

“It’s nothing. I was just lost in thought. Regarding his gift, there’s one more possibility—he might have multiple gifts.”

“That doesn’t add up. Everyone receives just one gift from the gods, no exceptions. There’s no way someone could have multiple.”

“It’s not surprising you wouldn’t know, but it’s not entirely impossible.”

The gods bestowed a single innate gift upon each person, one they carried for life.

But within the Holy Law Church, there was a staggering record.

Known only to a select few.

“There was once a single individual believed to possess multiple gifts.”

“Someone like that existed?”

Orpheus’s eyes widened. Virg nodded, his expression enigmatic as he replied,

“The one with multiple gifts appeared long ago, back at the very founding of the Holy Law Church.”

In the distant past, there had been the greatest mage of all.

He created countless spells, laying the foundation for magic itself.

His achievements earned him recognition, and blessed by the gods, he ascended to a divine state, gaining multiple gifts.

Moreover, for his role in establishing the Holy Law Church, he was revered as the Holy Emperor and eventually rose to the papal throne.

Yet despite his accolades and fame, he defied the gods who set the church’s course, rallying a third of the mages in rebellion.

In the end, he founded the Magic Association and became known as the Demon Emperor. His power posed such a threat that the gods and the Holy Law Church joined forces to end his life.

Even now, one could grasp the scale and ferocity of that war.

A visit to the Lost Lands would suffice.

The northern continent’s terrain had been drastically altered, powerful magical beasts sprang up like weeds, and only those meeting specific conditions could inhabit it. Even a millennium later, that war’s impact lingered, a testament to its brutality.

“Are you saying Ars could become a Demon Emperor…?”

“I’m saying it’s a possibility. And as I mentioned earlier, you’d best watch your words. In front of someone from the Holy Law Church, call him the Holy Emperor, not the Demon Emperor. If our devotees heard you, you’d be dead.”

“That’s true… So what do you plan to do?”

“The situation has certainly taken a turn for the worse.”

If Ars had stepped into the divine realm like that figure from ages past, he must have encountered a god somewhere along the way.

That would explain his ability to wield other magic systems.

The "Obsidian Star" aside, a talent as exceptional as his should have been welcomed into the Holy Law Church and given a fitting position. Virg desperately wanted to bring him back, but the circumstances were far from ideal.

Ars’s impression of the Holy Law Church and the Earth Empire was abysmal.

Had they known from the start that he possessed multiple gifts, their approach would’ve been different.

“What a mess he’s caused me. No, I bear some fault too…”

Virg had intended to first confirm Ars’s true nature—whether he was the "Essence of Magic’s God"—before capturing him. He’d assumed Ars couldn’t be a white-aligned mage and opted for a hardline strategy.

“I might’ve unconsciously looked down on him because of [Hearing]. Really… for someone like me to make such a blunder. But it’s not fatal yet—there’s still room to recover.”

Virg concluded that further antagonizing Ars would be unwise.

“I think you’ve already figured it out, but let me make it clear: the Holy Law Church will completely withdraw from pursuing Princess Julia and Lord Ars.”

“You’ve made this mess and now you’re abandoning me?”

“No, I’ll assist the Magenburg family. The responsibility will fall to someone else.”

As Ars’s father, Orpheus still had his uses.

What path Ars would take remained uncertain, but if he ever veered astray, Orpheus would be a necessary bargaining chip. If he proved useless, disposing of him later wouldn’t be an issue.

“Couldn’t we capture Ars first, re-evaluate his gift, and then decide?”

“That’s an option, but I don’t want to offend Lord Ars any further—no, to be precise, I don’t want to recklessly provoke the god captivated by him. We need him to join us willingly.”

“But… if we anger His Majesty the Emperor—”

Orpheus tried to argue, but his words caught in his throat.

Virg had leaned in close, his refined features inches away, silver eyes brimming with murderous intent.

“Lowly creature, don’t get too full of yourself. Understand this: even comparing him to the emperor is an insolence.”

His silver gaze carried the disdain of one looking at livestock.

Yet that smile remained on his face, making it all the more chilling.

“If you can’t accept that, we’ll just have to destroy the Earth Empire.”

The fervor in his words left Orpheus pale and speechless.

Seeing his reaction, Virg casually reined in his killing intent.

“My apologies for the rudeness. But I’m sure the Holy Law Church would agree.”

The church would prioritize protecting a divine being over placating an emperor.

The only confirmed divine being was the Holy Emperor who became the Demon Emperor a thousand years ago.

He was the first and last of his kind, and since then, the papal throne had remained vacant.

Given his worth, the emperor’s words were beneath consideration.

Moreover, once the Magic Association learned of Ars, they wouldn’t back down either.

The Magic Association’s Demon Emperor throne had also sat empty for a millennium.

The zeroth rank, vacant for a thousand years—"Jupiter, the Divine Seat".

If a new leader emerged to unite all Demon Kings, the association would surely welcome them with open arms.

The Holy Law Church and the Magic Association. If someone appeared who could succeed both, a struggle would be inevitable.

No—it would escalate into war.

It could very well spark a massive conflict engulfing the entire world.

“This stays between us. Keep it from the Magic Association for now.”

After speaking, Virg turned back to the duel. The fight between Ars and Albert had concluded.

“The "Fifth Seat" wasn’t up to the task after all? He only got that position through family ties, not skill.”

It was a pity, but Albert’s level clearly couldn’t draw out Ars’s full potential.

(Since we’ll dispose of him anyway, might as well have Sir Albert play along a bit longer. It’ll help explain things to the "First Apostle".)

As Virg schemed anew, he sensed Orpheus nodding beside him.

“…I understand.”

With this, Orpheus was on his side, though a little more pressure might be needed.

The Magenburg family moving forward—its heir, his son, and his wife—could be leveraged too.

Using them as shields for threats would make them convenient pawns.

The Magenburg family seemed to possess a bloodline gift, but it paled in comparison to a rare talent like Ars’s. And with Ars around, wiping out the Magenburg lineage wouldn’t draw complaints. Though the Magenburg bloodline gift hadn’t manifested in Ars, it undeniably flowed in his veins.

Plotting such sinister plans, Virg approached Ars and knelt before him on one knee in reverence.

“Please forgive me. I apologize for my rudeness up until now.”

Ars looked visibly surprised at Virg’s sudden shift in demeanor.

It was no wonder. Even Virg himself felt his current behavior was clownish.

But he couldn’t let this chance slip away.

For the sake of the Holy Law Church, he had to bring Ars back, no matter what.

Given his value, being ridiculed or making a fool of himself was a trivial price to pay.

“What’s with the sudden change…?”

“You’ll understand the reason in due time.”

There was no need for him to know yet. Virg hoped Ars would delve deeper into magic, unravel its mysteries, and aim for loftier heights.

He wished for the day when Ars could wield that power for the Holy Law Church, grasping the ultimate truth of magic.

“In truth, I’ve been on your side from the start. I couldn’t stop Sir Albert’s recklessness, and it pained me deeply. But seeing Lord Ars triumph has put my heart at ease.”

It was such a blatant lie that even Orpheus, listening nearby, looked taken aback.

Moreover, the smile on Virg’s face wasn’t the polite one reserved for strangers—it was genuine, brimming with joy, as if he were facing kin or family.

“Hm… Is that so? What do you plan to do now?”

“While it’s hardly atonement, I’ll release the Virte Kingdom soldiers.”

Virg shot Orpheus a glance, and as promised, the Virte soldiers were freed.

The Virte soldiers appeared bewildered, but they seemed to recognize Ars as their savior and approached him to speak.

Afterward, they ran off toward the magic city.

“Then I’ll take my leave for today. Lord Ars, I sincerely look forward to meeting you again.”

Mounting his horse, Virg ordered the soldiers to retrieve the unconscious Albert.

Only Orpheus and Ars remained.

After a long silence, Orpheus spoke first.

“With power like that, why did you stay locked up obediently?”

“I was gathering information about the world, preparing to live ‘outside.’”

“If you’d shown even a fraction of that power in front of me—”

“For the sake of your vanity and pride? I couldn’t do that. The thought makes me sick.”

Faced with a rejection as sharp and decisive as a blade, Orpheus managed a bitter smile.

Ars was right. Even if he’d revealed his magic, Orpheus would’ve likely exploited it for his own ego and pride.

Even if freed from confinement, his treatment would’ve remained that of a tool.

Unlike now, it wouldn’t have been true freedom.

“You must hate me.”

“No. Thanks to being locked in that tower, I could quietly listen to the ‘voices.’ It was a good environment.”

Orpheus nearly blurted out, “Are you mocking me?” but Ars’s expression was earnest, suggesting no hidden meaning. Astonishingly, he seemed to genuinely mean it.

“Why don’t you hate me? Why aren’t you angry? Why don’t you want revenge? With your power now, you could kill me and likely face no consequences.”

Orpheus didn’t know why he said it.

Perhaps it was regret. Maybe a desire for atonement.

Even he couldn’t grasp the emotions swirling within him.

“Why would I bother with something so pointless?”

In contrast to Orpheus’s turmoil, Ars’s words carried no hesitation.

For the first time, Orpheus realized how bluntly and unapologetically his son could speak.

His voice was bold, radiating an inner confidence.

Standing before him was both his son and not his son.

There stood a child he’d never even tried to understand.

As Orpheus fell silent, at a loss for words, Ars produced a necklace.

“…What’s that?”

“A memento from Mother. She entrusted it to me before she died, asking me to give it to you.”

“Why now?”

“Because we can finally talk properly.”

“…That’s true.”

Orpheus bowed his head, ashamed that he hadn’t considered such an obvious answer.

What had his late wife been thinking when she entrusted this necklace to their son?

Memories of her flooded his mind.

She must have wanted to bridge the gap between Ars and him.

Since that hadn’t come to pass, she’d placed her wish into this necklace.

Yet he, fixated on bloodline gifts, had made the wrong choice.

He’d never tried to understand Ars, throwing himself into “magic development” and ultimately abandoning him.

Through a series of misguided decisions, this was the end he’d reached.

“I’m in a hurry, so I’ll be going. We won’t meet again.”

Like sand slipping through his fingers, never to return, the son he’d let go wouldn’t come back.

“…I understand.”

When Orpheus looked up from the necklace, Ars was already gone.

He recalled the day Ars had escaped.

“That’s right… It was just like this.”

That day, too, he’d had options but made the wrong call.

“Once something’s broken… once it’s lost, it doesn’t come back.”

Everything was crumbling—Orpheus felt caught in that strange illusion, but the necklace in his hand pulled him back. Though cold to the touch, it felt warm somehow.

Sensing that odd sensation, Orpheus looked to the sky with a self-mocking smile.

“…Philia, you were right.”

＊

“My brother is the strongest mage-knight in the world.”

His beautiful younger sister always said that when seeing Albert off.

As the eldest son of the Schwara family—one of the Earth Empire’s four great noble houses—Albert was born with the bloodline gift [Thunder].

Blessed with a privileged life and a predestined path to success, his journey had been smooth, free of setbacks.

Even so, he hadn’t rested on his talents, training harder than anyone.

To remain the idol his beloved sister admired, he’d fought tirelessly until now.

But suddenly, everything went black. He was trapped in a vast darkness.

Because of that damned incompetent—

“Where am I?”

Albert sat up, clutching his head.

A particularly loud noise rattled his eardrums, worsening his headache.

He surveyed his surroundings to assess his situation.

He was on a flatbed cart.

As the wheels rolled over gravel, his body jolted, and the sound of crushed stones echoed sharply in his mind.

Realizing why, Albert turned as Rek, riding alongside on horseback, peered at his face.

“Good, you’re awake…”

“What happened after that?”

“You don’t remember?”

Rek’s surprise was evident. That reaction alone told Albert he’d lost miserably.

“…I lost to that kid?”

“Yes. And Lord Virg decided to withdraw, releasing the Virte Kingdom soldiers.”

“That damned elf. What’s he thinking… So where’d those two go?”

Neither Virg nor the Magenburg border count was anywhere in sight.

In fact, there wasn’t a single soldier from the border count’s forces—just Albert’s own subordinates surrounded him.

“They left ahead of us,” Rek explained.

“They dare look down on me!?”

Albert slammed his fist into the cart’s floor in a fit of rage.

The wood splintered, his fist punching through, and the noise and jolt startled the horses into halting.

“A-And, Lord Virg instructed me to give this to you, Sir Albert,” Rek stammered, trembling under Albert’s blazing fury as he produced a small pouch.

“What’s that?”

“He only said you’d know once you saw it.”

Albert took the pouch and opened it.

“…Medicine?”

He poured the contents into his hand—four pill-like objects and a piece of white paper.

Unfolding the paper revealed Virg’s words written in elegant script.

“Oh… So that’s what this is… Hmph, that elf can be useful sometimes.”

He’d lost without even realizing it. It was obvious, yet he still hadn’t fully registered his defeat.

That’s why he was so furious. It felt like he’d been framed somewhere out of his sight.

“You’re not planning to fight him again, are you? That guy’s too abnormal! Next time, you might even lose your—”

Rek’s face paled as he shouted desperately, but a thick arm shot out and seized his throat.

“Shut up. Give me the teleportation magic stone. I’m heading to rendezvous with the "Shtede Guild" right now.”

Albert tossed all the pills into his mouth.

——.

ToC

Chapter 5