TL/Editor: Raei
Proofreader: Pickhead7
Schedule: 5/week
Illustrations: None.
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Ian's hunch was right.
Inglan had not cared about anything except for Belenka charging at him.
"Why should I care about what's happening around me when a heavily armed knight is charging at me?"
Thus, Inglan couldn't even recall Ian casting dark magic, nor did he remember his own spell of photon magic that countered it.
"Did something like that happen?"
"..."
Watching Inglan be surprisingly oblivious, Ian clicked his tongue.
He wasn't senile already, was he?
But in reality, it was just a matter of his attention being elsewhere.
"Huh. Your skills are truly remarkable."
Ian thought Inglan was just spouting niceties, but Inglan was sincere.
Wizards who could quickly and accurately assess the situation and use the most appropriate magic were exceedingly rare.
Most wizards used their magic safely from behind knights.
In the heat of battle, with their focus on the arcane, they couldn't afford to pay attention to their surroundings.
Even the most exceptional archwizard could become flustered and fail to perform to their full capabilities when directly threatened.
But Ian was different.
Even in the rapidly changing battlefield, he maintained his composure, using the necessary magic at the right moment to turn the situation in his favor.
'Is it because he's young?'
Youth is synonymous with speed. It's common knowledge.
Whether it was innate talent or simply the fortune of youth, it wasn't clear.
What was clear, however, was that Ian was a fine wizard, recognized even by a university professor.
"You said you learned magic from Eredith?"
"What's your relationship with master?"
"Nothing big. Just crossed paths a few times at the university."
Inglan downplayed it to "crossing paths a few times," but Ian suspected it wasn't just an acquaintance.
Both Inglan and Eredith were not young wizards.
Even if they only met a few times a year, over a decade, that would amount to numerous encounters.
They might have debated or even worked together.
"I guess you haven't joined a faction yet..."
"Yes. I haven't joined any factions yet."
A faction, simply put, was a research group.
For example, Eredith was active in the fire magic faction.
The rationale behind forming magic factions was the belief that collective research was more beneficial than individual pursuit.
Joining a faction came with various benefits.
Things like grants, exclusive arcane languages specific to that faction, or magical spells developed by its members.
After reaching a certain level, joining a faction was almost considered mandatory.
However, for a wizard with as little experience as Ian, roaming the world and exploring various mysteries was deemed more important.
Once he felt he had hit a wall in his exploration, that would be the time to join a faction.
Joining now would only mean struggling to catch up with the achievements of other wizards.
"If you ever wish to join a faction, feel free to come to Dranheim."
Magic factions are spread across the continent, like clubs, easily formed and just as easily disbanded.
However, the factions at Dranheim's Magic University are different because they have substantial funding.
Money truly is king.
The catch, though, is the obligations that come with being part of the university...
For a wandering wizard like Ian, the magic university was merely one option among many.
"With your current skills, joining a faction wouldnt pose any problem at all."
"Are you referring to air magic or earth magic?"
"Yes, and Dark magic as well. In fact, if it's Dark magic, joining would be a piece of cake."
Dark magic, magic Ian frequently dabbled in, practitioners were few and far between.
For most, it was so elusive that even beginning was often impossible...
For a wizard like Ian, who had earned the trust of the darkness, joining a Dark magic faction would be extremely easy.
"Well, I'll think about it."
Unlike Inglan, who was actively encouraging him to go to the university, Ian was indifferent.
Magic is a practice-oriented discipline.
It means that studying books and engaging in discussions doesn't guarantee improvement in skills.
Directly experiencing and understanding the mysteries, becoming familiar with them, is the shortcut to becoming an outstanding wizard.
While the idea of funding is tempting, with his current abilities, isn't he capable of earning enough money already?
Inglan also advised Ian not to rush to the university but to wander and experience the mysteries.
He would consider going to the university if the opportunity arises, but it wasn't a high priority at the moment.
"Alright. I look forward to the day we can meet and discuss in the university."
Inglan smiled fondly at the young wizard.
Indeed, to the youth, the comfort and tranquility of the magic university might feel suffocating.
For now, traveling would be more fun.
He sincerely hoped Ian would achieve greater heights, looking forward to deep discussions with him at the university someday.
---
---
"Now we need to deal with the Baron..."
Inglan's arm was shattered, courtesy of Belenka.
With a simple splint on his arm, Inglan surprisingly wasn't in much pain.
He mentioned it wasn't too painful as long as he didn't move it violently.
"Are you alright?"
"Of course. I too explored the mysteries of the world in my youth. I've been through my share of injuries to limbs."
Indeed, Ian nodded.
While wizards might have a frail image, in reality, they're quite robust from all the traveling.
If nothing else, they were certainly accustomed to walking.
"It's good to hear it's not too uncomfortable."
Lucy said, with an elegant smile.
Every time Lucy put on such an expression, Ian couldn't help but be taken aback.
She looked so convincingly noble when she played the part, thanks to her inherently noble demeanor.
The problem arose when she opened her mouth, revealing her true colors...
"Ah, Baron."
Inglan bowed his head to Lucy.
"Thank you for treating me as a prisoner of war."
"Thankful? I merely fulfilled a noble's duty."
"I pledge on the honor of the Imperial Magic University that I will repay my ransom."
Inglan's mention of the Magic University meant that if he couldn't pay up, the university was expected to cover the cost.
Lucy had forgiven all of Inglan's grave-robbing actions, provided she received the ransom, including compensation for damages.
This was only possible because Inglan hadn't been the instigator of the crimes.
Regardless of one's status as a wizard, getting caught grave-robbing without thinking of the consequences could lead to on-the-spot execution without any room for complaint.
But for Lucy, executing Inglan would bring no benefits.
She didn't want to face the repercussions of harming a professor from the Magic University.
Plus, the ransom Inglan could offer was of great value to her, especially as an opportunity to replenish funds spent during the estate war.
"Ian, if Professor Inglan tries to use magic, stop him."
Lucy whispered, causing Ian to look puzzled.
"Would he really resort to magic?"
Ian thought Lucy was worried about Inglan attempting to escape.
"If he manages to claim any merit, we'd have to reduce his ransom!"
But that wasn't the case.
Just like with Belenka, Lucy was concerned that if Inglan managed to capture the grave-robbers, she'd have to lower his ransom...
Lucy was being meticulously practical in a completely unnecessary aspect.
Knowing Lucy's financial troubles, Ian decided to follow her wishes.
"Inglan, when we fight the Baron, maybe hold off on the magic..."
"Ah, a fight?"
However, Inglan's response was off-topic.
"The Baron has probably run away by now?"
"Run away?"
Ian was dumbfounded, but Inglan's words turned out to be true.
Despite Belenka leading the charge into the tomb, the Baron and his henchmen had vanished as if by magic.
"Gone. Where could they have gone?"
Inglan shrugged.
"Such underground structures always have more than one exit. If the only path collapses, it's all over."
"But isn't this a tomb?"
"Did you think he was called the 'Baron Mud' for nothing? As soon as he came underground, he dug an escape route. After the construction was finished, he reopened the sealed path."
Ian was impressed.
How could someone be so cunningly competent?
True to his moniker, "Baron Mud," he had cunningly dug out a hidden path previously sealed by the tomb workers.
A level of adeptness that screamed seasoned grave-robber.
"Ian, I found this."
Belanka handed over a piece of leather, presumably left behind by the Baron.
On it was written in an ancient language, "I will surely repay this disgrace!"
"..."
"What? Ian? What does it say?"
Lacking the courage to translate, Ian passed the note to the priest.
Baron Mud's note would definitely infuriate Lucy, but that was about it.
"Here we are."
Inglan led Ian and his group to the office of Baron Talian.
It was amusing that an intruder was acting as a guide, but in reality, Inglan was the only one who had actually been here before.
Records might exist, but knowing about a place from text and visiting in person are entirely different experiences.
The door bore inscriptions unknown to Ian.
"Do you know what this says?"
"No, Inglan?"
"I'm not sure either. It must detail how to open the door..."
Inglan furrowed his brows.
It had been a stumbling block for days, with no breakthrough in sight.
Bringing a group of university professors might unveil a method, but Inglan alone couldn't figure it out.
Ian had no better idea.
Draw a magic circle and invoke an earthquake through earth magic?
That might open the door, but it was the perfect recipe for getting buried alive.
The mysteries knew no subtlety.
"Don't worry. The Baron will open the path."
At the priest's words, Ian stepped aside.
Right. If Lucy took charge...
Lucy confidently approached the door.
Then she shouted at Ian.
"Ian! What do I do now?"
"..."
Lucy, why are you asking me?
Surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly), Lucy didn't know how to open the door.
It was just like her.
The problem was, the priest she brought along didn't know either.
"Why won't the door open?"
"Well..."
The priest, sweating profusely, flipped through his documents.
"Surely, bringing Talian's bloodline before the door would prompt a fairy's greeting to open it, according to this..."
"What's a fairy's greeting?"
"That, that's not specified..."
"..."
What a mess.
The priest was flustered, Lucy was clueless, and Inglan was fired up with determination.
"Don't worry! I'll figure out the riddle!"
"Inglan, please just stay put."
Despite saying that, Ian inevitably teamed up with Inglan.
They couldn't just return empty-handed after coming all this way.
"I tried invoking the earth's mysteries, but it seems the Fairy Queen had already made her move."
"Did you try to talk?"
"Yes. She wouldn't even listen to my request. So, I looked into other mysteries..."
And so on.
As Ian and Inglan began to chat, Lucy quickly grew bored.
With everyone busy, standing there awkwardly alone was embarrassing.
When Lucy's gaze met Belenka's, she quickly looked away.
Their relationship was still awkward.
Bored, Lucy soon noticed some kind of pattern inscribed on the door.
"Huh?"
The inscription was one Lucy was familiar with.
"Ian! Could this be a hint?"
"What kind of..."
Ian realized the characters Lucy pointed out were part of the riddle he had discussed with Inglan earlier.
We already talked about this...
Lucy, you weren't paying attention again...
"It seems like a hint, but I don't understand it."
"I know it."
"???"
Ian was shocked.
Lucy knows something?!
It wasn't a lie.
Lucy, with a serene expression, gently traced the letters on the door and recited them as if singing.
"[I will forever remember our friendship.]"
Rumble...
The moment Lucy read the inscription on the door, it opened with a loud noise.
"Lucy, you... were actually a Talian?"
"What does that mean?!"
The priest's record was accurate.
To open the door, the bloodline of Talian was needed.
Only a Talian could read the ancient fairy inscription passed down through generations.
"This is Fairy language. I don't know its meaning well. My father taught me, so I just learned it."
"What does it mean?"
"Who knows? Maybe something like 'Door, open!'?"
Ian and his group cautiously stepped into the room, worried about possible traps, but there were none.
However, there was an unnatural pile of stones on top of the Baron's sarcophagus.
As Lucy approached it,
Ian quickly grabbed her arm.
Inglan shouted,
"Don't touch it!"
"Why? But..."
"That's... the grave of the Fairy Queen."
"What?"
The pile of stones, resting lightly atop the Baron's sarcophagus, was the burial site of the Fairy Queen.
Ian and Inglan, both wizards, sensed an unidentified power guarding the queen's grave.
Touching it would surely lead to misfortune.
Lucy, confused, asked,
"But why is the Fairy Queen's grave on top of the Baron's sarcophagus?"
Belenka, who had been quietly observing, commented,
"Doing so ensures no one can desecrate the Baron's body."
"..."
"That's why she built her grave on top of the sarcophagus."