Chapter 97 – An Eye for an Eye, a Tooth for a Tooth (2)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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Float

Fluctuating magic power.

Jang Hyun-do’s body floats in the air like a feather.

“Keuk keuk.”

A space where even oxygen has become scarce due to the thick magic power concentration.

Jang Hyun-do gasped but Karimzeva didn’t even budge.

He just searched Jang Hyun-do’s body.

‘Traces of magic power cannot be felt.’

Marcelo’s thorough handling of work.

Not leaving even a little bit of magic power traces that could become a clue is basic.

No matter how much it was Karimzeva, he didn’t have the talent to track magic power traces that didn’t remain.

Crack

Karimzeva’s glabella crumpled mercilessly.

“Did you dare to deceive me, Acampatam.”

Acampatam ran away.

As Karimzeva, he had no choice but to think so.

Crash!

“Trivial human bastard.”

Jang Hyun-do falling from the empty air.

“Uuugh…….”

The fainted Jang Hyun-do was thrown to the floor.

Seeing as he dared to babble informally to him.

It must mean he doesn’t remember a single thing properly.

“Were you planning this from the start?”

Why.

Did Acampatam suddenly hide his appearance?

Karimzeva calmed down his anger boiling like lava.

In the end, there was only one thing he could guess.

‘Is it saying a demon is merely a demon?’

Demons are existences that deceive everything.

Even if it’s their king.

Even if it’s the Demon King, they probably can’t throw away that true nature.

Although he didn’t want to pay attention to a mere True Name Demon.

Acampatam knew far too many things.

‘Was it because of this that he brought up specific plans?’

As if that wasn’t enough.

Regarding the handling of work.

It was Acampatam who requested him to take his hands off it.

Karimzeva had just been waiting.

“To trust a demon, I was foolish.”

And only now did he come to know.

The fact that Acampatam does not exist in Jang Hyun-do’s body.

“It is an undeniable mistake.”

Trusting a demon was my mistake.

Karimzeva admitted it.

However, self-reproach did not last long.

‘During the time I spent in vain, I clearly realized it.’

That comrades no longer exist for him.

Now that Acampatam has disappeared.

There was no way to obtain information about the Mage Tower but.

“I am deeply regretful.”

Telepathy was still without any news.

Thanks to that, he could be certain.

Whether it was by their own will, or by the will of others.

The two Elder Mages.

The fact that he would no longer be able to be together with them.

Ssssh

Karimzeva wiped his face with his hand once.

And then quietly opened his mouth.

“With this, the possibility of success must have lowered significantly.”

To the point where he would want to give up if it were ordinarily.

Flash

However, Karimzeva’s pupils were still burning vividly.

Like a scorching flame.

Right, that was unmistakably the gaze of a mage.

“However, if it was deciphered easily, that in itself would be a strange thing.”

It was the gaze of a mage thirsting for the truth.

“Where would observing the true truth be an easy task?”

The path leading to the ‘true truth’.

Even if a setback occurred in that plan.

Even if Acampatam knows all the plans.

Even if this action is something that advances his own end.

“Good. There could be no funeral more splendid than this.”

The mage, Karimzeva, had not the slightest intention of backing down.

If it is for the true truth.

“Since I can burn a trivial flesh like this any number of times.”

Because that was the irrevocably rotten race called mages.

So Karimzeva warned.

“A fire once caught is something that cannot be easily brought under control.”

The Mage Tower?

Demons?

The adventurer?

It didn’t matter who it was.

The path leading to the true truth.

Because he just had to completely burn away everything that got in the way.

*

Fire Dragon, Karimzeva.

Matching that grandiose modifier, he was an incredible mage.

Well, there probably is no need to flip through magic books.

Senior Mage of Fire Magic Studies, Benshe William.

Because I could tell just by looking at his fuss.

“If I were to speak my honest feelings, I want to be left out.”

Crystal Hall.

Me and Marcelo.

In a space where all the Senior Mages gathered.

Benshe abruptly declared.

“Karimzeva-nim. No, since he is a grave criminal of the Mage Tower now. Karimzeva, that bastard wasn’t called the Fire Dragon for nothing! Really, the achievements he left behind in Fire Magic Studies are at a level that transcends imagination. That strength is something even I, Benshe William, can absolutely never catch up to……!”

I also know that.

I was someone who devoured all sorts of magic books to dig many wells.

Naturally, since I also ended up accumulating knowledge regarding Fire Magic Studies to some extent.

‘The name Karimzeva did appear quite a lot.’

Without lying.

To the point where his name would pop out once every paragraph.

As if he was also frustrated himself, Benshe said while beating his chest.

Thump thump.

“Of course, it would be an impossible thing for only me to be left out. But I spoke in a place like this asking you to please consider the characteristic of fire magic.”

The characteristic of fire magic.

As expected, reading is my strength.

I know that too without hearing it.

‘It’s magic where the hierarchical order is clear.’

Since fire is swallowed by a bigger fire.

Fire magic was the same.

Shall we assume Karimzeva’s and Benshe’s fire magic clashed?

‘It’s obvious it will become an even bigger fire and engulf our side.’

A cooperative magic attack between an Elder Mage and a Senior Mage.

Just imagining it makes the inside of my mouth dry up already.

In that sense, Benshe’s words were sufficiently reasonable.

“We were considering that point in your formation anyway.”

Scribble scribble

Marcelo was currently moving his quill pen busily.

Like the word formation, how should he group the Senior Mages.

He seemed to be agonizing over it.

Even if they are the best mages in each field.

Because strengths and weaknesses inevitably exist in every field.

‘Thinking like a Player.’

Prior to entering a rift.

A similar feeling to forming a party according to class.

Of course, it wasn’t that important of a formation.

The Mage Tower’s goal from start to finish is stopping the grave criminal Karimzeva, not clearing rifts.

‘The moment Karimzeva’s location is confirmed.’

Because all the Senior Mages will assemble there.

The distance between rifts?

Magic around the level of a portal.

Wouldn’t even be a cause for concern to Senior Mages who spend magic power like water.

‘Of course, it’s a bit burdensome with my insignificant magic power though…….’

Anyway, let’s supplement it as much as possible with elixir herbs.

The moment I was resolving, Marcelo continued his words.

“As expected, the only one who can respond to that dangerous variable is Senior Mathis Din Karl.”

Senior Mage of Black Magic Studies, Mathis Din Karl.

In the past, Mathis was a mage who competed with Marcelo for the position of Chief.

Mathis nodded his head as if respecting Marcelo’s decision.

“……Pardon? Senior Mathis with me?”

Of course, Benshe’s burdened complexion looked obvious but.

“No, actually it’s not that serious, you know? It’s not to the point of necessarily causing trouble for Chief Mathis…… And wouldn’t Chief Mathis also feel a bit burdened because of me?”

Mathis’s influence among the Senior Mages was considerable.

‘Why, even during the ability proof quest.’

To the point where as soon as Mathis cast a vote in favor, the rest of the Senior Mages followed him and cast votes in favor too.

Benshe must mean he feels uncomfortable acting alone with such Mathis.

Of course, there is no way I can just calmly watch that state.

‘Uncomfortaaaable?!’

You sure have it easy, Benshe William.

It’s a heavy duty with the Mage Tower’s pride on the line called executing a grave criminal.

It means trivial emotions like discomfort cannot be prioritized.

I immediately opened my mouth.

I looked at Mathis.

“Is this decision burdensome, Mathis?”

“No.”

“He says so. Senior Benshe William.”

I seriously thought about it.

……How would it feel to deal with a superior like me?

One thing was certain.

‘I would be an even more tiring style than our department head.’

Unlike the department head who at least had flattery work on him.

Neither flattery nor even bribes worked on me.

Benshe’s reaction needed no further explanation.

“Even so, to the point of asking him like that……!!”

I will accept the formation…….

With his voice fading out at the end, Benshe shut his mouth.

Of course, Senior Mages making unusual expressions not inferior to Benshe were also seen.

Perhaps because of my title for Mathis. It’s understandable to misunderstand.

‘That incredible Mathis Din Karl.’

Because I was naturally calling him by his name.

Of course, there’s a complicated story behind that too.

“He’s unpredictable. Really.”

Someone muttered.

Right, they must be crazily curious about that story but.

Let alone me.

They wouldn’t even dare to consider asking Mathis either.

‘Because I also have absolutely no intention of telling them.’

Well, in order to explain the whole story, it means I have to trace back to my first meeting with Mathis.

Naturally, my aptitude for black magic will also end up being mentioned.

The source of black magic.

My past which becomes the suitable root of magic power.

Because I would rather die than speak of my dark history.

Ssssh

Even during the small commotion.

Marcelo did not stop his pen.

As a result, it seemed the formation was finished.

“I plan to observe the situation inside the rifts and move toward the side that needs backup. So……. Now all that’s left is Chief Lee Ho-yeol’s decision.”

Naturally.

Amidst the gazes directed at me.

I thought honestly.

‘……If I had it my way.’

I wanted to tour all the rifts, one by one.

I had a strong desire to pick up all the crumbs the Senior Mages drop.

However, I wouldn’t have the spare time to do so. Since it was unknown what demon, and also if Karimzeva might be lurking in which rift.

So I declared as I resolved.

“I shall accompany Senios.”

Silence from everyone

As if cold water had been poured over them at my words.

“……?”

The Crystal Hall fell into silence.

In the midst of that, someone barely let out a voice.

“……Senios you say? Could it be?”

Right, perhaps that ‘could it be’ is right.

Because the Senios I mentioned was the Elder Mage of the Mage Tower, Senios.

Marcelo, who had lost his words like the rest, collected his mind and asked.

“Sir, by any chance, when you say Senios-nim……?”

“That is right. Elder Mage, Senios.”

“Does accompanying mean Senios-nim is also exiting the tower. So you are saying he is heading to a rift?”

The leadership of the Mage Tower.

As he was at least the one who interacted frequently with the Elder Mages.

Marcelo seemed to have a hard time understanding that decision.

I also thought so.

If you were going to step forward like this.

Couldn’t you have done well in advance.

-“You might not know but. The race called mages is a selfish and arrogant race. That is an innate nature that does not change even when one grows old, even when one reaches these heights.”

However, Senios’s reaction was unexpected.

He just refreshingly admitted it was his fault for being rotten.

Although a specific story followed that as well.

‘Talking about someone else’s personal affairs in a public place like this.’

Is going against formality.

So I had no choice but to speak only the facts.

Calmly continuing my words was everything.

“Senios also requested permission from me to exit the tower. The purpose of that exit is to execute the grave criminal, Karimzeva, with his own hands. I did not consider Senios’s position and judged that purpose, and granted him permission to exit the tower.”

At my words, a commotion arose in the Crystal Hall once.

“Senios-nim received permission from Chief Lee Ho-yeol?”

“Even though Chief Lee Ho-yeol holds full authority over exiting the tower…….”

“No matter how much he doesn’t consider position. This is…….”

To think he would emphasize procedure this much.

They must all be astonished.

Of course, I also felt like clicking my tongue at my own rudeness.

Where I would have nothing to say even if I got fired.

This level of murmuring from the Senior Mages.

I could generously understand.

“It is surprising, but it’s good news.”

Indeed, it seems Marcelo finished his judgment quickly.

And he continued his words to me.

“However, if it were not for Sir, it would have been an impossible matter.”

That probably isn’t it though?

‘That gentleman Senios, is different from how he looks.’

But whatever my thoughts were.

Marcelo seemed to genuinely think so.

No matter how I look at it, it’s certain Marcelo overestimates me.

However, I don’t specifically deny it.

『To Granfel, the emotion called modesty did not exist. Underestimation was met with proof. Since he unfailingly turned overestimation into reality.』

I too.

Is what I’m saying, a human made like this.

Of course, that alone couldn’t replace an explanation.

The moment the astonishment slowly tried to subside.

Because someone ended up recalling a fundamental question.

“Yes. It’s a procedure so we can understand. But Chief Lee Ho-yeol definitely called Elder Mage, Senios-nim……. Just Senios, didn’t you?”

Pride cannot acknowledge Senios.

In order to explain that complicated story.

Just like with Mathis.

It means I have no choice but to trace back to the past.

In the end, I had no choice but to bring up an innocent fact again this time.

I rose from my seat.

Spoke shamelessly.

“In the exits from the tower that I supervise, position is not considered.”

I realize it once again.

If I’m going to be a crazy bastard.

So that no one can touch me.

It’s better to be properly crazy.

“If you have complaints, raise an objection according to the procedure.”

Click

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.

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A new post came up on the Arcana official homepage.

-Wednesday.

Today was not Thursday.

It means it’s an emergency update, not a scheduled new update.

What those words meant.

I knew better than anyone else.

So there was no hesitation.

The angle of the aligned brooch.

The trimmed attire.

Up to the teacup put down calmly.

I scribbled on the parchment with a quill pen.

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From this time forward, the execution of the grave criminal, Karimzeva, shall commence.

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Elder, Senios. Chief, Marcelo. All Senior Mages.

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Assemble.

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