Chapter 81 – It Was a Simple Problem.

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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Recommended level 900.

No, later on it’s a whopping one thousand.

It’s not an ordinary rift.

It had to be seen as a bug.

“How can a rift like that suddenly pop out like that!”

“Isn’t it really because of that senior mage they said went missing?”

“Even if we enter, it’s obvious we’ll die a dog’s death.”

So the moment Ho-yeol entered such a rift.

It was natural for the world to turn upside down.

“Even while watching, I cannot believe it…….”

What is the role of a program host?

It is a rule to fill the audio no matter what situation.

However, words couldn’t come out of the host at all.

Silence continuing from seconds to minutes

Although it was clearly a broadcasting accident.

Not only the viewers.

Even PD Hyun Yong-seok sympathized with the host’s feelings.

“……What are we looking at, us?”

“Sunbae, this isn’t a dream, right?”

“No. No matter how much it’s Lee Ho-yeol-nim, that is.”

The activities Ho-yeol has shown so far?

They were surprising enough.

No, they were a continuation of surprises.

From Count Ascura to the Demon King Decarabia.

Even compared to top-tier ranker Players.

Because it was Ho-yeol who had only defeated enemies with an overwhelming advantage.

But this was a problem on a different level.

Because that rift looked sudden and dangerous to anyone.

However, Ho-yeol had no hesitation.

As always, he entered the rift without hesitation.

Such an appearance of Ho-yeol had ridden the radio waves.

The host’s voice flowing from the TV.

It’s a step for the peace of humanity.

That truly is a noble attitude.

He is a hero of humanity beyond a Player.

Rox, who had been listening quietly, shrugged his shoulders.

‘He is amazing, Lee Ho-yeol.’

The experience in the [Quernberg Mechanical Tower] rift.

Through that, Lee Ho-yeol is at least level 900.

Rox had estimated Ho-yeol’s level.

“But, this might also be an insignificant matter to Lee Ho-yeol.”

So even when he heard the news that Lee Ho-yeol had entered a recommended level 900 rift, Rox wasn’t surprised.

Just ‘Lee Ho-yeol did a Ho-yeol.’ That level of impression, should I say?

Still, there was one thing to be surprised about.

“Jesica? Are you crazy?”

Because Jesica said she would follow Ho-yeol and enter the rift.

Kamila was startled and asked.

“You said it yourself with your own mouth just now. That there’s nothing good about stepping forward since the Mage Tower’s senior mage is involved. But why exactly are you going to such a place……?”

And then she trailed off her words.

She had noticed from Jesica’s cold expression.

That no matter what she says, she won’t be able to break that stubbornness.

‘If it had been an ordinary situation.’

She wouldn’t have gone out of her way to stop Jesica.

Business relationship rather than comrades.

Strictly speaking, Jesica was an existence who could leave the Shining Guild at any time.

However, Jesica clearly seemed to be under some misunderstanding.

It was a time when advice as a business partner was needed.

“Even if you go, you’ll only be a hindrance.”

“……What?”

“What do you think Lee Ho-yeol is? Jesica.”

You should worry about the person to worry about.

Moreover.

“Lee Ho-yeol isn’t alone, you know.”

“!”

“I think you would know better than me, Jesica? What kind of existence the Chief Mage of the Mage Tower is. You said he’s the Chief Mage, the best among those successful senior mages, right?”

The Chief Mage, Marcelo.

As Rox said.

Jesica knew his abilities better than any Player.

The pointed hat on her head also reminded her of that fact again.

-Right, isn’t it reassuring if Marcelo is together?

It wasn’t something like words said to relieve his disciple’s worries.

Marcelo, if it’s that guy.

Even if the senior mage comes out hostile.

He would be able to lightly suppress him.

But that’s why there was a question.

-I do not know how they came to accompany each other though.

The pointed hat knows well the useless rules of the Mage Tower.

Also that Marcelo, that skinny little kid, doesn’t violate the rules even while knowing their contradictions. But for such Marcelo to break the rules and step outside the Mage Tower…….

-The Mage Tower will be in an uproar for a while.

Is a change coming to the unchangeable Mage Tower too?

The only thing that has changed is just one person.

No one but Ho-yeol.

Indeed, he must be at least this much to be called a man who stimulated my interest.

‘I know that too.’

Only then did Jesica release the strength in the fist she was clenching. Just how hard she had been clenching her fist. Blood didn’t flow to her already white fingers, making them pale.

‘I know but…….’

Because she knew she couldn’t be of any help like Rox said?

Because she realized her own weakness like that?

Because she was afraid she might never be able to see Ho-yeol’s magic again?

Right now, even if she pondered, it didn’t seem she could answer.

This moment.

Because the only thing visible to Jesica was the rift on the screen.

Of course, the wait wasn’t that long.

A consistent stride.

A consistent attire.

Up to a consistent interview.

-“I will not take questions. It is an internal matter.”

Literally safe return.

As if nothing happened.

Because Ho-yeol revealed his appearance.

*

Right, this damn internal matter is not over yet.

Portal manifestation.

Return to the Mage Tower.

Marcelo, I, and Bangrit climbed the stairs of the Mage Tower.

“I apologize. Because of me…….”

“It is not your fault. Bangrit.”

“Seek forgiveness from the audience who waited for your presentation.”

Oh my!

How can replying to the same words be so different!

Like Marcelo’s comfort, there was no fault with Bangrit.

But this damn mouth of mine never spat out a single nice word.

But.

“Of course. I have no intention of missing the opportunity I grasped again.”

It was to the point I wondered, is this really the Bangrit who tried to hand me a bribe.

It’s like he’s a completely changed person.

I might not know the reason but it probably isn’t because of me.

‘So stop putting useless force in your neck…….’

Like I said, all I did was spout venomous remarks at Bangrit.

And bringing up the conference in that serious situation at that.

“Bangrit. What is more important than anything else is your personal safety.”

At Marcelo’s words, I checked the quest.

─Secure Senior Mage Bangrit Tom, who is entangled with the higher-ups of the Mage Tower. (Ongoing)

Right, the quest was still ongoing.

It means it wasn’t over yet.

Marcelo was thorough in that aspect.

Koong

Reacting to Marcelo’s mana.

As the giant door opened, the full view of the Crystal Hall was seen.

In the Crystal Hall, including Bangrit.

All the senior mages were gathered.

The senior mages who were each waiting opened their mouths.

“Bangrit, you were safe!”

“I apologize. I caused trouble.”

“I do not know the reason, but it is a relief for now.”

“Chief Marcelo! What happened?”

Looking at that situation.

Marcelo invoked the Chief’s authority.

And seemed to have summoned all the senior mages.

Well, I could guess the reason for that but.

It’s natural that explanations are needed for the seniors.

“It is to protect Bangrit’s personal safety, and to avoid unnecessary suspicion. Please wait for a moment. I will return with a definite answer, or send a signal.”

Indeed, Marcelo.

It was a space where no less than twenty senior mages had gathered.

Even if someone tries to threaten Bangrit’s personal safety.

It would be impossible to harm Bangrit avoiding their eyes, wouldn’t it.

I also understood that it was to avoid unnecessary suspicion.

‘Because the place where the suspicious gazes will be directed is the top.’

The top, the Mage Tower’s higher-ups.

As if inflicting an abnormal status on Bangrit wasn’t enough. The one who made him head to a rift, and a rift where a demon pops out at that, was none other than the Elder Mage.

Me, who knows that fact.

And Marcelo did not delay.

We climbed the stairs again.

“I expected the Elders were hiding something but. I did not imagine it would be related to a demon. I have no face to show you for showing such a sight to you.”

I also couldn’t imagine it at all.

To think a demon had extended its demonic hands even to the Mage Tower.

But it is still merely a speculation.

‘Until we see it in person.’

Until we check it in person.

It’s just merely a speculation.

Although the possibility is very high.

I said to Marcelo, who had a grave expression.

“The one who should bow their head is not you. Chief Marcelo.”

“……?”

“The ones who should have no face to show are not you, but them.”

The top floor of the Mage Tower we had reached without realizing.

The ones I meant by ‘them’ were naturally the Elder Mages.

Noblesse oblige.

The higher the position, the heavier the responsibility.

Even if they didn’t know, that is merely an excuse.

It means Granfel’s pride cannot tolerate the Elders’ incompetence.

……By the way, why is it so bright here.

The light shining down from the ceiling of the Mage Tower.

Because of the backlight, their faces couldn’t be seen properly but.

I could grasp the number of Elders by the number of shadows.

Is it four.

Right, among them there is someone related to the demon.

Not only related to it, but perhaps there might be someone possessed by the demon.

Depending on the flow of the conversation, there was plenty of possibility a battle would break out.

‘It’s my fate, but my fate is harsh for once…….’

Did they say it’s a comedy from afar, and a tragedy up close?

I entered the Mage Tower.

And with a position equal to the Chief Mage at that.

I’d like to show this situation to those who envied me.

The Mage Tower.

Looking into it, there’s no bean powder group(dysfunctional group) like this bean powder group.

At least the Shadow Mercenaries who put their lives on the line for money weren’t this rotten, really.

It wasn’t for nothing they say the upper waters must be clear for the lower waters to be clear, right?

It means it wasn’t for nothing that the relationship among the senior mages was bad.

‘Are you trying to give me the experience points I couldn’t get because I missed the demon.’

If that’s what it meant, I wanted to decline with all my might.

Because the opponents were no less than Elder Mages.

Even though we just faced each other.

The intimidating feeling it gives off is no joke.

But since my pride moved.

There is no fear, nor trembling.

Even if I sink in pride and drown.

I have no choice but to confront them.

Besides, I had thought of the worst-case possibility from the start.

So we also prepared in our own way.

The senior mages gathered in the Crystal Hall were that preparation.

Bangrit is probably explaining the current situation right about now.

-I will return with a definite answer, or send a signal.

Right, Marcelo’s signal is precisely the start of a full-scale war.

However, the development did not head toward a catastrophe.

“!”

Because Marcelo opened his mouth.

Bbadeuk

Along with the sound of grinding teeth.

“Why are there only four of you here?”

……What, there weren’t 4 from the start?

.

.

.

The Round Table Conference was postponed.

Bangrit Tom went missing.

The moment he even learned that a demon was involved in this incident.

Marcelo kept all possibilities in mind.

Even up to a full-scale war with the Elder Mages.

However, he did not expect this kind of situation.

“If it is a story regarding Senior Mage Bangrit Tom, we know it.”

“It is deeply regrettable, Marcelo.”

“To think there was a demon worshiper among us Elders. By the time we captured the evidence, it was already too late. Because it is a matter that stakes the honor of the Mage Tower. We tried to chase him even belatedly but as you can see.”

A demon worshiper……!

To think the Elders would bring up that story first.

Marcelo swallowed dry saliva.

It was a totally unexpected reaction and development.

His mind was confused.

‘From where to where should I believe those words?’

Actually, he knew it in his head.

‘Not a single word of theirs can be trusted!’

Because the contradictions of the Elder Mages were not just one or two.

Even if they weren’t related to the demon.

Their words couldn’t be fully trusted.

That alone was overwhelming enough but.

At this moment when even a demon had intervened.

Marcelo’s mind felt like it would explode from being so complicated.

‘……Can we really be certain that the worshiper is only one?’

But if he cannot trust them, what should he do?

Since the Elders came out with that attitude.

Do I have the justification to move the senior mages?

‘Damn it.’

Marcelo clenched his teeth.

He looked at the Tower Master floating inside the sphere.

‘Do you not know, Tower Master!’

Although he knows an answer cannot return.

In his frustrated mind, he felt like shouting.

“Indeed, those words are true.”

……But an answer was heard.

From Ho-yeol, not the Tower Master.

Ho-yeol, who had been staying quiet, opened his mouth.

“Because the stench of a demon worshiper is wafting from this place. But it is a strange matter. According to your words, the demon worshiper should have already left the Mage Tower.”

“……!”

On such Ho-yeol’s face.

No complicated or perturbed signs could be felt.

What surfaced was only certainty.

“Is it simply because the demon worshiper stayed here for a long time that the scent seeped in. If not, is it because another demon worshiper dares to still remain here.”

“!”

“What do you think?”

At that question, Marcelo looked at the Elders.

He couldn’t observe their reactions.

Because of the backlight, their expressions couldn’t be seen, and no one answered.

But as if Ho-yeol expected even that.

He continued his words.

“If it was a difficult question to answer, I will ask differently.”

That was the core that even Marcelo hadn’t thought of.

“Who constitutes the majority that approved Bangrit’s exit from the Tower?”

……That’s right!

The senior mage Bangrit’s exit from the Tower.

For a decision like that, the approval of the majority of the higher-ups was needed.

Did the Elder Mages also realize the meaning of Ho-yeol’s words.

“!!!!”

The four shadows were immediately split into two.

An unusual air current flowed among them.

“Even with the one who absconded, it is three. Finally, the majority is clearly seen.”

Ho-yeol continued his words while looking at Marcelo.

“Is that not so, Chief Mage Marcelo?”

.

.

.

[Quest : Truth of the Mage Tower]

A contradiction exists within the Tower of Magic.

Uncover the contradiction.

Set the Mage Tower and the truth right.

─Secure Senior Mage Bangrit Tom, who is entangled with the higher-ups of the Mage Tower. (Success)

─Ferre out the demon worshiper among the Elder Mages. (Ongoing)

The reason I ran my mouth is simple.

If not now.

This quest will absolutely not be able to succeed.

More than anything, the difficulty didn’t make sense.

The Mage Tower’s mages.

And Elder Mages at that.

If it weren’t an ordinary situation.

They are existences whose faces I couldn’t even get a glimpse of.

Even if we become close enough to face each other, the problem remains the same.

Leaving aside their positions, just looking at the intimidating feeling they give off.

If they are stronger than Marcelo, they are stronger.

It didn’t seem like they would be absolutely weak.

But as if that wasn’t enough, what?

A demon worshipeeeeeer?

Even the level of the demon entangled with them was not a joke. It’s a guy who escaped leaving only one arm behind even after taking an attack where I practically poured my mana into.

So to summarize those words.

This wasn’t a quest that popped up telling me to succeed!

To begin with, the scale is too big, way too big.

What about trying to carry out the quest after growing enough to be able to confront the Elder Mages?

Could I say that even after seeing the state of things today.

Since the plan regarding Bangrit failed.

It’s obvious they will make a more thorough plan and execute it next time.

Blocking all those plans.

While leveling up and even growing?

I could guarantee that it’s impossible.

However.

If it is now, it is possible.

If it is now, when I have prepared in my own way.

There was no need to deliberately spit out that reason.

Because Marcelo, who realized my meaning, went into action.

Right, that was the signal.

The top floor of the Mage Tower.

A manifested portal.

The connection coordinates are the Crystal Hall.

Soon, what revealed themselves from within the cluster of light were.

Twenty senior mages.

So what if the opponent is an Elder Mage and a demon worshiper?

On this side, there are two Elder Mages.

One Chief Mage.

Twenty senior mages.

And me, Lee Ho-yeol.

Right, this is something beyond the level of using another’s authority.

Because I know that fact.

I said incomparably shamelessly.

“It is time to pay the price for your deception. Foolish worshiper.”