Chapter 77 – Forest of Black Trees (3)

Magic.

A technique that uses natural mana to materialize fiction.

To the extent of being called beings who turned dreams into reality, mages were existences who unfolded unrealistic phenomena from their fingertips.

However, not all mages were the same.

Each had a sect they belonged to and followed, and depending on which sect they belonged to, there was a difference as vast as heaven and earth in the way they used magic.

And here.

There was also a mage in the forest near the Levi Earldom.

The sect he belonged to was Quellei.

Unlike the sects that shot flames and summoned spirits, the technique that Quellei valued was none other than magic circles.

To draw an outstanding magic circle, not only was an understanding of symbols and arrangements necessary, but an outstanding skill in the operation of mana was also required.

They also had to possess materials at all times that could serve as a medium, such as magic crystals.

In the end, although it was the mages of the Quellei Sect who had to satisfy trickier conditions compared to other sects, as much as that, if only sufficient conditions were met, those who could exert tremendous power were precisely those of Quellei.

“Do not worry. Just because a few spell formulas are twisted does not mean the magic circle will break.”

Fane, a mage of the Quellei Sect.

He spoke to his worried-looking companions with an arrogant expression.

“Quellei’s magic is composed of a complementary structure. Mages of other sects would lose the spells they were chanting with a single magical interference, but we are different.”

“Ah, well…”

“We are also glad to receive Quellei’s help, but it is just that out of worry…”

“Stay still. I will take care of it myself.”

Right now, there were two people next to the mage Fane.

Both were knights.

Their level was 3-star.

Among knights, it would be a level praised as outstanding in its own right, but to the mage Fane, they were truly nothing but fools.

“The following is a process that requires concentration. Could you step aside?”

“…Yes.”

With sour expressions, the two knights left the hut.

As soon as they went out, Fane also took on a similar expression.

‘Foolish bastards!’

In the two people who had just left, respect for a mage was nowhere to be found, no matter how hard one looked.

Of course, their behavior was polite.

However, anyone who truly respected a mage should not dare to adopt an attitude of doubting magic in front of him.

Because acting worried was the worst way to insult a mage.

‘Idiots who do not even understand the flow of mana!’

Fane gnashed his teeth.

What was the biggest difference between a mage and a knight?

The fact that both professions used mana was the same.

The difference stemmed from the method of usage.

A knight absorbed mana and unfolded sword techniques using only the mana within their body.

But what about a mage?

Although they accumulated mana around their heart, that mana was merely a medium for the spell formula.

Ultimately, the main power to unfold magic was not the mana inside the body, but the mana in the air.

It meant that using a portion of the mana gathered in the heart as a raw material, they warped the entirety of the natural mana filling the surroundings.

‘By the way.’

Fane began to concentrate his mind.

Right now, this forest was as good as the magic circle he had laid out.

He subtly twisted the structure of the forest and planted seeds of mana here and there to create a kind of maze.

‘It is too much for a coincidence. For two places to be twisted already.’

Fane’s mana extended across the forest.

It was to restore the twisted magic circle.

The soldiers who visited until not long ago had been busy wandering frantically through the magic circle every time, only to flee.

‘There is a fellow traveling alone. The other guys are no different from before. Hm, there is no way it was intended, so… it is correct to view it as him being excessively lucky.’

Beads of sweat formed on Fane’s forehead.

It was due to extreme concentration, and also the mana draining away like an ebbing tide.

But soon,

Fane succeeded in restoring the twisted magic circle.

‘No, it would be correct to say his luck has run out. Because he won’t be able to escape easily now.’

Fane laughed gloomily.

The entrance to the forest.

That is, on the outskirts of the magic circle, it was designed so that one could exit the forest just by wandering moderately.

For Quellei’s magic circle was structured to exert a stronger effect the closer one got to the center.

‘Wander endlessly and die, you trash-like bastard.’

*Rustle.*

Fane stepped out of the hut.

There were still knights who looked worried.

“It is finished. The magic circle has been restored, and now the intruder cannot escape.”

“That is a relief!”

The knight’s expression brightened. Fane had to feel unpleasant emotions again. Because this was a reaction showing they did not trust the mage.

“I carry the name of Quellei.”

“Of course. If it were not for you, Mage, it would have been a very difficult plan. Thanks to you…”

“I am tired. Conversation later.”

“…”

The Quellei mage turned around and went back into the hut.

The knights’ expressions turned sour again.

But that was only for a moment.

The two moved to a spot slightly away from the hut.

“What a nasty temper. Damn bastard.”

“Indeed. If I swing my sword just once, he would close his eyes without even knowing he died.”

“They say Quellei is exceptionally prideful, and there was a reason for it. Since his skills are lacking… he must be trying to make up for the contempt he receives from other mages here of all places. Idiot.”

Just as the mage Fane did, the knights also began to talk trash about Fane behind his back.

In the first place, they were in a relationship where they could not even be called companions.

“If it were not for the matters instructed by the Count, long ago…”

“You went too far.”

“…Sorry.”

The senior knight gave a warning, and the other shut his mouth.

The complaints had to end with talking trash about the mage.

There were no eavesdropping ears, but still, wasn’t there a saying ‘just in case’?

“We are almost there now. Let’s endure a little longer.”

The senior knight spoke.

In his gaze sweeping around, busy-moving people were visible.

These were the bandits, the headache of the Levi Earldom.

At that moment,

“The, the magic circle has been twisted again!”

Fane, the mage, popped out of the hut. The expressions of the knights distorted simultaneously.

“…Yes?”

“It is exactly as I said. The magic circle is twisted. Since three twistings cannot be dismissed as luck…”

“Are you saying we must send more decoys?”

Fane nodded.

“Send a smart fellow. Make sure he clearly understands what his assigned task is. Moving toward the medium like a fool!”

“…So the decoy is the problem?”

“Are you saying right now that my magic is incomplete?”

“How could that be?”

The senior knight exhaled a sigh imperceptibly and spoke.

“We will send more decoys. Mage, please focus only on the restoration of the magic circle.”

“I will take care of it!”

“…Yes, then.”

The knight stared blankly at the back of the turned-around mage.

Thinking that once this work was done, he would definitely give him at least one punch.

***

Henry was putting on a show right now.

It was a show to allow the bandit, who had prepared for death, to change his mind and flee.

[No, isn’t this too much lol]

[The acting is so terrible lol]

[Their reaction is even funnier lol]

“Now is the time, Mac! Run!”

“What an idiot… Thanks to him, I lived.”

“It is not the time to mock him! Let’s go!”

The bandits began to grow distant again. Henry deliberately waited a bit. Only when it became a distance difficult to check with the naked eye did he load mana in his feet again.

“I will give chase again.”

*Tap!*

Simultaneously with kicking off the ground, the bandits came into Henry’s field of vision again.

“Stop right there!”

“Damn, as expected, it won’t work…”

“Argh! Why is it getting further away again!”

“…”

Staring at Henry as if it were absurd, the bandits ran again.

However, besides the emotion of absurdity, the emotion hanging on the bandits’ faces was definitely relief.

“Those fellows put on an expression of relief just now. They know this forest is strange. It has become certain. There is a clear relationship between the bandits and this forest.”

[No, wasn’t that obvious? lol]

[This reasoning power is amazing!]

[Ah, just fall for it lol]

“…There is a spell formula here too. I will destroy it.”

Henry swung his sword.

It was already the third time.

As he destroyed the twigs tangled up like twists, he felt his vision expand greatly, just like before.

“It is truly unique. The level itself is not great, but the method is truly unique.”

Henry narrowed the distance to the bandits again.

Just a single foot stomp was enough.

“Stop right there!”

Shouting repeatedly, Henry closely examined the reaction of the bandits.

“Son of a bitch!”

“Run! Do not look back!”

Terrified by the fact that Henry appeared again, they increased their speed and fled.

Henry obtained another certainty.

“The bandits know that this forest is strange, but they are not the ones who crafted this environment. Otherwise, there would be no reason for them to be so surprised. Someone intervened, and that someone is capable of handling mana… probably a mage.”

Count Levi had spoken clearly.

That this forest was originally ordinary.

He advised that although the external appearance felt somewhat gloomy, it was at any rate not in a maze-like shape like now.

“The request form that arrived at the Academy was wrong. A mana user exists among the enemies. I need to be a bit tense.”

[This assumption was a bit plausible lol]

[Hyung! Cool!]

[See, I told you it’s a build-up lol]

[???: But it is not a great level]

“Yes, as you said, it is not a great level. But even if it is a clumsy magic, getting hit means death all the same. It is a bit scary, but as a knight, it is something I must not back down from. Stop right there!”

“When did he again…!”

“Go first! It’s no use!”

“…Sorry!”

One of the bandits stopped his running feet.

Then, he began to glare at Henry with a fierce look.

“Do you plan to stand against me without even a weapon!”

Henry shouted with mana infused.

The bandit staggered. But that was only for a moment. As if prepared for death, he lunged at Henry.

[Are you going to kill him?]

“Of course not.”

Henry was relaxed. Reading the chat, he sheathed his sword. He did not even conjure mana.

Merely with the strength of his physical body.

*Step.*

“Ugh!”

Charging at the bandit, he tripped him. Grabbing the arms of the bandit, who staggered forward heavily, he pinned them behind his back.

*Thud!*

The bandit suddenly found himself in a state of kneeling and looking back at Henry.

Covering his mouth, Henry quickly whispered in his ear.

“I will not kill you. I have no intention of hurting you either. If you understand, nod your head.”

*Nod. Nod.*

In contrast to his readiness for death just a moment ago, the bandit hurriedly nodded his head.

Henry released his grip.

“Phew!”

“Do not shout. I am Henry Camilton, a knight trainee of the Vallaran Royal Academy. You are?”

“Jace… Jace.”

“Alright, Jace. I could have subdued both of you at any time, but I did not. My purpose is simple. To find your base… Do not shout.”

“…What do you plan to do after finding it?”

“I will not kill anyone. No one will get hurt. I am not interested in you. I am only interested in whoever made this forest in this state. Am I correct?”

“…Correct.”

“I will not ask you to guide me. Stay here. If you pursue me, I will have no choice but to hurt you. Do you understand?”

“Are you sincere when you say you won’t kill us?”

“I swear on my honor. Although I have not fully become a knight yet, I know what honor is. Even if I find the base, none of you will die or get hurt.”

The bandit Jace’s eyes trembled.

In fact, he had no choice. However, judging whether he could trust Henry was a separate matter.

“Stay here and return a bit later. I trust you understand.”

“…Understood.”

“Good, then… Ah.”

Henry, who was about to turn around, paused.

“Please exchange clothes with me.”

What on earth did this mean? The bandit Jace followed Henry’s words with a blank face. And then he realized.

Henry actually exchanged clothes with Jace, and then flew off with mana loaded.

“Stop right there!”

With bewildered eyes,

the bandit Jace was merely staring at his receding back.

BJ Swordmaster